HOUSTON – The world’s highest level of rugby will be in Houston on Saturday, as 15th-ranked Team USA will be taking on a Tier 1 country in 6th-ranked Scotland.
Though Team USA is not a top-tier country when it comes to rugby, the sport is growing.
Rugby is the fastest growing sport in America. A big part of that growth has been Major League Rugby, which began in April, and Houston’s team, the Sabercats, is part of that beginning.
Sabercats player Paul Mullen is also on the national team. Mullen is originally from Ireland and was attending Texas A&M working on his thesis when he got the opportunity to play professional rugby for the Sabercats. Now, he has a chance to play for the national team.
Gary Gold, who is well known and respected in the sport, is the head coach for Team USA. He said fans can expect to see world-class competition in this summer series matchup, and he encourages people to come and support Team USA.
“This is a test match that means a huge amount to both countries," Gold said. "The more people that can come down and support us -- we need all the voices we can get. The crowd normally in the USA can really be the 16th man.”
The match is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. at BBVA Compass Stadium.