[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 137 (Thursday, September 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1650-E1651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO USA NATIONAL TEAM AT THE 2011 RUGBY WORLD CUP

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                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2011

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the United States 
national rugby team, the Eagles, on their victory over Russia in the 
wee hours of this morning during the 2011 Rugby World Cup competition 
in New Zealand. Although rugby may not be as popular in the United 
States as many of our other sports, the Rugby World Cup is now 
established as the third biggest sporting event in the world behind the 
Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup for soccer.
  The Eagles played their first match against Ireland on September 11 
and lost to the much higher ranked team 22-10, after starting the day 
with a church service to commemorate the victims of the 9/11 attacks on 
the United States. I know this event held particular meaning for the 
members of the team from the Mid-Atlantic (MARFU) and Northeastern 
Rugby Union (NRU). Today's 13-6 win over Russia marks an important 
victory for the Eagles in their pool play at the tournament. I wish 
them the best of luck in their upcoming matches against Australia on 
September 23 and Italy just four days later.
  My best wishes go to the host nation of New Zealand as they organize 
this event on the world stage for the second time in its 24 year 
history. At the inaugural Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in 1987 it is 
estimated 600,000 fans attended matches with 300 million people tuning 
in on television from 17 countries. The last World Cup in 2007, held in 
France, Scotland and Wales, saw 2.25 million fans filling the parks and 
4 billion watching televised coverage from 200 nations. This year the 
numbers are expected to be even higher as the sport is growing in many 
countries, like ours, where it is the largest growing team sport on 
college and high school campuses across the nation. I wish New Zealand 
the best of luck and commend them for welcoming the millions of 
visitors to their shores for this spirited competition despite the 
devastating earthquakes suffered in Christchurch earlier this year.

[[Page E1651]]

  I applaud the Eagle's victory today and commend each of these young 
men from across the country for the hard work and dedication they have 
committed representing our country at their sport's highest level.
  Mr. Speaker I ask that you and my colleagues join me in 
congratulating the members of the U.S. national rugby team and wishing 
them continued success at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
  2011 Rugby World Cup USA Squad: Inaki Basauri; Chris Biller; Todd 
Clever; Patrick Danahy; Paul Emerick; Tai Enosa; Eric Fry; JJ Gagiano; 
Colin Hawley; Nic Johnson; Scott LaValla; Mike MacDonald; Nese Malifa; 
Matekitonga Moeakiola; Brian McClenahan; Takudzwa Ngwenya; James 
Paterson; Mike Petri; Shawn Pittman; Blaine Scully; Junior Sifa; Hayden 
Smith; Louis Stanfill; Andrew Suniula; Roland Suniula; Kevin Swiryn; 
Phillip Thiel; Tim Usasz; John van der Giessen; Chris Wyles.

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