Rugby in Hawaii? Book me in please Danno!

ONE of the major disappointments with American Rugby over the decades is that Hawaii hasn’t made more of an impact, although that could all be about to change after the formation of a Kanaloa Hawaii team to hopefully compete in the MLR from next season onwards.

- BRENDAN GALLAGHER

Indeed there is even rather wild talk of running a second team and seeing if they can’t muscle in on Super Rugby when that competition is reconstituted post Covid. I would suggest they concentrate on the MLR first. Don’t run before you can walk.

Hawaii does feel like it should be prime rugby territory. It looked to Britain, not the USA, for much of the 19th century and was briefly a protectorate and still incorporates the Union Jack on its state flag which reportedly annoys president Trump, which gladdens the heart.

It was a regular port of call for naval detachments out in the Pacific and the game was being played on the islands in the late 19th century.

Then there is the way in which the relative wealth and resources of Hawaii have always acted as a magnet to ambitious individuals from all across the Pacific Islands. Surely some of their love of rugby would seep into the system and find expression.

On top of that a procession of rugby-friendly surfers and travellers from South Africa and Australia have made the island their home over many decades. That’s another seam of rugby interest that could possibly have been quarried.

You look at the itinerant rugby professionals who roam the globe– not the elite internationals but those in it for the adventure and to make a living for a few years – and you would think Hawaii might appeal.