International Rugby News
Refereeing remains under the microscope for international 7s as officials continues to be inconsistent in their management of games.
This was brought home to the USA team, which saw clear infractions against them not called, and even stuff like not even attempting to retreat 10 meters on a penalty and throwing the ball away not receiving a yellow card.
February brings World Rugby’s adjustments to the Rugby Laws in the Northern Hemisphere.
Most of the changes this year as minor and won’t affect players all very much.
Front Row
The replacement laws for front row players have been changed only slightly and one part (uncontested scrums) separated out into its own section.
In the recent Saracens 19-13 win over Bath in the Aviva Premiership in England, USA players had a big influence - Hayden Smith came on to solidify the lineout, and Chris Wyles made several big players throughout the game, but the man who really stood out was Titi Lamositele.
We don’t know if Kingsley McGowan will get a cap this weekend in the opening round of the Americas Rugby Championship, but it would be nice if he did.
McGowan, who starred for the High School All Americans, USA U20s, St. Mary’s, and now Trinity in Ireland, is from Houston and began his rugby journey at St. Thomas in Space City.
The Americas Rugby Championship will be broadcast live online on ESPN3 with USA games replayed on ESPN on actual TVs.
To see ESPN3 content go to: http://espn.go.com/watchespn/
The schedule is as follows:
Feb 6 8pm EST - USA v Argentina LIVE ESPN3
Feb 7 8:30pm EST - USA v Argentina replay ESPN2