(WBBM NEWSRADIO) --There’s a new push to get more students, locally and nationally, involved in a different sport.
“Youth rugby is new and different from most teacher's and parent’s perspectives," said Guy Hagen, Director of Youth Development for Major League Rugby.
He added that's a big reason many parents fear the sport is too violent and dangerous.
“There’s a lot of safety and rules in place. It’s a much safer and enjoyable game now than it was even 15, 20 years ago.”
MLR has teamed up with USA Rugby and USA Youth and High School Rugby to relaunch the Rookie Rugby Program, which aims to put flag rugby in more schools and youth sporting leagues.
Hagen said the feedback in Illinois has been among the best.
“Chicago has such a strong rugby community already,” he said. “They sold out Soldier Field when New Zealand played Ireland a couple years ago, so that’s 60,000 fans in Soldier Field to watch a rugby game. That’s incredible.”
Hagen said the hope is to build up excitement and participation ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup here in the U.S.
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