Football Reformed (1905) – Part I

Football Reformed (1905) – Part I

By Allyn Freeman In 1905, a headline in the sports pages of the Chicago Tribune shocked the nation: “FOOTBALL YEAR’S DEATH HARVEST.” The article’s sub headline enumerated the 1904 season’s horrific tally of fatalities: “Nineteen...
Slade McDowall: Otago-Bred, Roommates & Playing Nola

Slade McDowall: Otago-Bred, Roommates & Playing Nola

By Joe Harvey Heading into last weekend’s clash with Rugby ATL, the New England Free Jacks’ visit to Georgia was described as one of the biggest games of the 2022 season so far. By the conclusion of the clash at Silverbacks Park, the Free Jacks had racked up 41 points...
Le Roux Malan: Loving Rugby In New England

Le Roux Malan: Loving Rugby In New England

By Joe Harvey Less than an hour before picking up the phone, Le Roux Malan has found out that he has made the Major League Rugby First XV of the week. His efforts against the Austin Gilgronis in Texas were certainly warranting of this recognition, the inside center...
The Ascendance of Gridiron Football (1883-1905)

The Ascendance of Gridiron Football (1883-1905)

By Allyn Freeman The two decades after the International Football Association’s rugby rules changes, gridiron football witnessed two parallel events that would significantly impact its future. The first was that the new five yards to retain possession produced a...
Mitch Wilson: La, Coming To America & Moving Forward

Mitch Wilson: La, Coming To America & Moving Forward

By Joe Harvey “Everyone in the sun was burning up,” Mitch Wilson laughed. “We were all so pasty compared to LA. Around 60 minutes in, everyone was cramping, it was a tough one.” Following a trip to the west coast in order to play the LA Giltinis, Mitch Wilson is very...