Eagles hustle ahead

Press, 15 September 1976, Page 25

Eagles hustle ahead

By

JOHN BROOKS

If enterprise and enthusiasm count for anything, the United States will soon be among the super powers of world rugby. The United States Rugby Union certainly does not muck about. Formed only nine months ago, it has pressed ahead with vision and fervour in establishing firm ties with major rugby-playing countries. The national team, which is known as the Eagles, has already played tests against Australia and France this year, and plans are afoot for a match against Ireland in Chicago in November. Next year a match against Canada in Vancouver is mooted for May, to be followed immediately by a tour of the United States by Scotland In September and October the Eagles hope to make their first overseas tour—to England and France. The Eagles lost to Australia, 12-24, in Los Angeles, and to France, 14-33, in Chicago. But the side gave such a good account of itself that some observers believe the United States might well be winning against such

opponents within the next five years. American players who particularly impressed the French were the forwards Gary Brackett, Tom Selfridge and Dennis Murphy, and the full-back, Robbie Bordley, who is normally a fly-half. Murphy, a stalwart prop, toured Australia with the 1970 Californian Golden Bears pifter reaching top class as an offensive guard in gridiron. The French called Selfridge “Le Masse” — the sledgehammer — because of his dynamic tacklihg. Like most of the American players, Selfridge believes it is just a matter of time before the Eagles make the transition from being a competitive side to one that wins big games. The French-American international presented a challenge of organisation which was met vigorously by one of the leading American rugby administrators, Mr Dick Smith. With two colleagues — one of whom was the advertising manager of “Penthouse” magazine — Mr Smith hustled round business houses, raising money from individuals and groups. Each contributor’s offering was ear-

marked for a particular player in the Eagles, and the result was that the American footballers had their transport costs to and from Chicago and a week’s living expenses met from the fund.

The organisers spent $30,000 on the match. They decked the Eagles in smart uniforms — red jer- j seys, white shorts and blue socks — they held a banquet for the players | the night before the match as well as the forma! dinner after the game, and they launched a huge outdoor party for spectators after the match. The Chicago’s independent television station, WGN, received $lO,OOO from the organisers to ; televise the match, but viewer response was so good that it is expected ■ that the station will pay j for the rights next time. Mr Smith expects that the organisers will break even on the financial side of the match. The television outlay was recouped when French national television paid $17,000 for a satellite | hook-up and WGN has edited the film into a showcase presentation for the United States union to rent for private screenings.