On the American rugby frontier

Australians, like Americans, know something about settling continental nations, and rugby men there also understand what it means to be a niche sport.

So Scott Johnson was unsurprisingly but splendidly accurate when he described American rugby as a 'frontier.'

Good frontiersmen do not go about their business as they would have at home. They are energetic, of course, but mainly they are adaptable and sensible in making use of resources as they go about fashioning a new way of life.

Thus Johnson: 'I’m going to immerse myself in the culture and coach to the strengths and weaknesses of the American athlete.'

Mindful that one ought not read too much into a press release, how refreshing that Johnson also avoided that most tiresome cliche: the US as a 'sleeping giant.' Such imagery is offensive to anyone who has so much as volunteered to serve a club officer.

America's shortcoming is not that people are not working diligently. It is that they are working to questionable ends, according to plans designed for other environments and requiring resources we do not have.

Perhaps Johnson will help us all understand that point. We wish him well.

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Comments

[gw]

Well said...

As discussed here and many other places before, the biggest issue facing a new American coach is convincing "elite" athletes to play for free! Or at least not have to pay for expenses. I've seen so many former college football players (some DI) show up for training, enjoy the sport but never come back when dues is brought up!

[question]

Kurt, how long before the Union's big brass knock this good stuff out of him and have him patting us on the top of the head, like Thorburn?

[M. Bradley]

Preach on, brother...

[Excited]

I for one am excited. Johnson seems like not only a great coach, but an understanding one. One who will understand that the non-contracted players have huge sacrifices to make.

Hopefully he'll have a little better eye for talent and not allow the people who are gifted with "the look" or the "reputation" too many chances, and awards those chances to a true "gamer" who deserves it.

[Old Boy]

This article puts things in a nutshell very well. Kudos for finding the right words just like Johnson.