REPLAY: PRO Rugby makes its debut in the United States
PRO Rugby -- the first team-sport professional league to launch in the United States since Major League Soccer in 1993 and Major League Lacrosse in 2001 -- officially kicked off on Sunday night, as Sacramento edged San Francisco 37-25 in a thrilling rivalry match on AOL.com.
In case you missed the action, watch the video above for a full replay!
SAN FRANCISCO ROSTER
1 Maka Tameilau
2 Tom Coolican
3 Patrick Latu
4 Nick Grass
5 Siaosi Latu
6 Sam Finau
7 Alec Gletzer
8 Siupeli Sakalia
9 Michael Reid
10 Volney Rouse
11 Jack O'Hara
12 Martini Talapusi
13 Nick Blevins
14 Michael Haley
15 Jake Anderson
16 Jay Finau
17 Niko Lolohea
18 Fancy Namaluulu
19 Issac Helu
20 Junior Helu
21 Devereux Ferris
22 Orene Ai'i
23 Charles Mateo
SACRAMENTO ROSTER
1 Val Lee-Lo
2 Ray Barkwill
3 Olive Kilifi
4 Robert Meeson
5 Siona Sina
6 Kyle Sumsion
7 John Quill (C)
8 Sione Latu
9 Jope Motokana
10 Harry Bennett
11 Joeli Tikoisuva
12 Alipate Takiveikata
13 Mirco Bergamasco
14 Rashad Harbor
15 Garrett Brewer
16 Josh Inong
17 Toki Kefu
18 Kali Tavaki
19 Rich Knight
20 Langilangi Haupeakui
21 Chris Saint
22Nemia Qoro
23 Ryan Thompson
RUGBY'S POPULARITY IS RAPIDLY GROWING
Rugby is a game of big athletes, no helmets, continuous action and hitting -- a lot of hitting. It requires tenacity and versatility, immense athleticism and endurance, proving to be the ultimate team sport which also meets specialization.
It has a rabid fan base in the United States, and has transformed into the fastest growing youth sport in the nation. With American fans having access to international competition on TV, the desire for more is always there.
In 2007, an estimated 4.2 billion people watched the Rugby World Cup. It is the fifth largest global team sport behind soccer, cricket, basketball and baseball.
Yet in spite of all its popularity around the world, it has no professional league in the U.S. or North America. Well, that is about to end.
This weekend PRO Rugby officially launched in America. Five teams, five cities, over 100 of the best athletes in the world -- all converging on fields across the country.
PRO Rugby is the first team sport professional league to launch in the U.S. since Major League Soccer in 1993 and Major League Lacrosse in 2001.
Visit PRO Rugby's site and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.