Recommendations for a US player please

[Brit50]

Apologies if this is inappropriate. I coach a 19yr old kid here in Houston Tx who really wants to take a year off and try to make it playing rugby. I've recommended he go to Brisbane as I had previously sponsored a kid some 17 yrs ago to go and play for Norths. I realise this may be an inappropriate forum for this discussion, so could someone recommend another forum? Where would you recommend someone go if they have aspirations playing rugby?

 

[pennywisealfie]

If you mean Rugby League then you have come to the right place. Brisbane would be a great place to go if he wants to try to make it in league.

 

[Coxy]

As pennywise said, for rugby league, Brisbane is probably a good location. Check out http://www.qrl.com.au for some details of local clubs. Probably late to get much interest for this season though, would've well and truly missed trial opportunities at any of the major clubs I would imagine.

If you mean rugby union, I have no idea, but similarly I would suggest going through the Queensland Rugby Union (http://www.redsrugby.com.au/GrassrootsRugby/FindaClub.aspx)

 

[Aeetee]

Also try the Ispswich Jets QRL team, they have two American guys playing for them this year. My guess is they would know the ins and outs of bringing a player over.

Good luck, and whats his name so we know who to look out for :)

 

[Brit50]

Thanks so much

As pennywise said, for rugby league, Brisbane is probably a good location. Check out http://www.qrl.com.au for some details of local clubs. Probably late to get much interest for this season though, would've well and truly missed trial opportunities at any of the major clubs I would imagine.

If you mean rugby union, I have no idea, but similarly I would suggest going through the Queensland Rugby Union (http://www.redsrugby.com.au/GrassrootsRugby/FindaClub.aspx)

A larger response at end of the discussion

 

[Brit50]

Thanks to all responses

Apologies for taking so long responding. The kids name is Ryland Gimenez. I particularly appreciate the heads up on the Jets. I'll get him talking to those Americans.
These days I'm a bigger fan of union as I can only watch now.
I started with Union at 10 yrs of age but really only truly understood rugby by playing league in mid 80's with Fulham RLFC. I have much to be grateful to league. I loved the mid 90's for Aussie league. It was superb. Today I'm finding it rather pedantic to watch, although I'll gladly sit down and watch any team you might suggest that has a larger passing game.
BTW This kid didn't start playing until aged 17 and hes only 21 now, and it was, and still is, union over here. But I know he'll get a better education from league, and be more suited to it.
I was just thinking. In the modern era I can't think of one player who started at union who has made it to the upper strata of league, yet we constantly see the reverse.
In my day Jonathan Davies tried but didn't really truly shine.
The only great I can remember who started at union was Martin Offiah.

 

[Coxy]

Michael O'Connor would be the most successful union convert in Australia.

 

[Aeetee]

This him?

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/profile.php?id=100002360809244

 

[Jeba]

Redcliffe are the only club worth playing for.

 

[Aeetee]

Dont listen to Jeba, hes a brainwashed fool. Easts are where its at baby.

Silly Jebba.

 

[Brit50]

Yep thats him.

 

[BRC088]

FYI, some info on the US player here in our local comp.

http://www.amnrl.com/news/trio-set-takeoff-jets

 

[Brit50]

Thanks. I'll check Jets website to see if they have any video of the game. It would be interesting to see how they compare with the local talent.

 

[BroncoMatt]

Might be worthwhile getting in contact with Noosa Pirates coach Dane Campbell. They play in the Sunshine Coast & Gympie RL, which is a couple of rungs below the QCup but still a relatively strong comp for that tier of footy. It has a good mix of former NRL & QCUP players as well as promising youngsters. It's a good stepping stone.

Dane himself is a former NRL & QCup player. He has a lot of experience with international Rugby League and is passionate about growing the game. He is the owner of the Jamaican Hurricanes and is coaching Vanuatu in an upcoming World Nines tournament

The Noosa Pirates details are here http://www.sportingpulse.com/club_info.cgi?c=7-2294-27455-0-0&sID=37099

 

[Brit50]

Thanks for the tip BroncoMatt.
Hopefully the kid has started a dialogue via Jets FB page.
I presume Jets has many teams like we have in UK. Not unusual to have 8 mens sides.
The guy in charge of Jets is involved with USA RL so it makes sense that he goes to Jets. Hopefully the Americans who are there already are playing well.
American market and Americans in general are strong players and they will eventually make a difference in Aussie.
I know from Union in Europe that quite a few are playing French and UK top divisions and doing very well.