Broadcast Rugby on ESPN and ESPN2

This petition will also be sent to the Fox Sports Programming Department, in case there is a question of which party holds the rights to broadcast international rugby in the United States.

To:  ESPN Programming Proposal Department

We, the undersigned, are requesting that ESPN broadcast international rugby matches on its ESPN and/or ESPN2 basic cable channels. As fans of the game of rugby, we find it inconceivable that a sport as popular as rugby does not get the attention it deserves on your sports network, while hobbies like paintball get coverage. The game of rugby is most exciting and the competition on the international level is fierce. From fans watching the Tri Nations Tournament to college students engaging in grueling matches against league opponents, the love of the sport runs through our veins. Not only is the sport popular worldwide, but it's also gaining popularity in leaps and bounds here in the United States.

According to USA Rugby, the governing body of the sport in the United States, "Rugby is the fastest growing team sport in America. In the last five years participation in youth and high school rugby has more than doubled, a groundswell fueled by athletes and parents who are seeking alternatives to a pervasive "win-at-all-costs" athletic culture." Many US high schools, colleges, and universities have active rugby teams that participate in divisional and regional competitions. USA Rugby hosts a national playoff every spring to determine a high school, collegiate, men's, and women's league champion. With the information presented and fans of the rugby in support, we request that the sport of rugby gets the attention it so deserves.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Broadcast Rugby on ESPN and ESPN2 Petition to ESPN Programming Proposal Department was created by and written by Daniel Kaplan (csurugbyhooker@yahoo.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.