Would an NFL running back dominate in rugby?

[ThaSaltCracka]

to become physically acclimated to play, one month. To learn how to play both sides, obviously more time, and I have no idea how long because I know nothing about the team work and strategy/technique of rugby.

[Case Closed]

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IMO someone like Reggie Bush would have a shot. Someone like Jerome Bettis, not so much.

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The first part is correct, but the last part isn't. If you watch Rugby it isn't all about speed. Power is a major factor. I think Bettis would be a very good rugby player.

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Yeah, Bettis has tons of power which would be nice and he would probably be able to do it if he trained for that. But as he was in the NFL he probably did not have the stamina to play. I have not seen a ton of rugby so I could be wrong.

Also JoA's comment was very funny.

[Thremp]

I think there is a big difference between a top level athlete switching to a similar sport and being very good, as opposed to the best ever.

Jim Brown is one of the best ever running backs. I don't think he'd be the best ever in rugby.

I have this argument with my friends all the time "Dude, Manu Ginobili would be a sick goalie." Yeah, not. Since he wanted to play a 2nd tier sport for less fame, money, and prestige.

[LionelHutz00]

Also, Jim Brown played lacrosse in college (and was supposedly one of the top players in the country). Lacrosse, like rugby, is a continuous movement game, making it easier for him to adjust.

[highlife]

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Lets also remember the injury factor. Most NFL backs would be out of the game after the first bump or bruise.

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what the hell are you talking about? NFL running backs take an incredible amount of punishment. Also, AFAIK, there aren't many 320lb rugby players.

[mattsey9]

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I think there is a big difference between a top level athlete switching to a similar sport and being very good, as opposed to the best ever.

Jim Brown is one of the best ever running backs. I don't think he'd be the best ever in rugby.



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I don't know about rugby, but most who saw him play swear that he was a better lacrosse player than a football player.

[WLVRYN]

Some people in this thread are acting like rugby players are the best athletes in the world. I can honestly say I've never heard that statement ever be made. If rugby players are such good athletes for long periods of time, at least some of them should be much greater athletes for short periods of time, and thus be dominating NFL football (yet the only ex-rugby player I can recall in the NFL is a punter).

Also, for those that argue that because you have to play both ways it would be soooo hard, I offer Arena Football as an example that football players can play both ways. And consider that many of the best NFL players most likely played both ways in HS too.

[jstnrgrs]

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I offer Arena Football as an example that football players can play both ways.

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Since defence is illegal in arena ball, this isn't a very good example.

[MyTurn2Raise]

amazing...I've thought the same thing for years
I even posted it once here

I'm embarrassed by the USA's performance in world rugby

I think they could gather a bunch of x-D1A running backs and linebackers, pay them somewhat nicely, and train them to dominate the world

[jstnrgrs]

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I think they could gather a bunch of x-D1A running backs and linebackers, pay them somewhat nicely, and train them to dominate the world

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Someone should do this. I'm sure it could be made profitable.