Q: Midway through this season, tell me about this team’s chances to finish strong and make a postseason run.
Ryan Fitzgerald: I think they’re really high. Obviously, we dropped three in a row, not ideal, but we’re going to be OK. It’s sort of like an overseas deployment — we may lose a couple battles along the way, but it’s about staying committed and focused for the long haul. We get a few important players back…Ed Fidow, Jordan Jackson-Hope, Sean Paranihi. We’re about to run the eight-week crucible.
Q: During that three-game slide, were there any teams that really surprised you?
Fitzgerald: That showed us that any team can compete in this league. It wasn’t surprising that Miami could play a strong game. They’ve got World Cup players all over their team. There are no slouches; everyone’s professional and talented. The parity of the competition is only gonna get stronger.
Q: Tell me about the Eastern Conference. It seems like everyone is in the mix this year. Would you agree?
Fitzgerald: Absolutely. New England has dropped three at home, which shows that they can be beaten. Old Glory is right in there. We’re in the mix. Miami is on the outside looking in, but they showed us that they can play. Anthem may not be a playoff team this year, but they’ll definitely shock some people with an upset.
Q: What do you make of this team’s depth?
Fitzgerald: I love our depth. We’ve got about 44 guys, and almost everyone has rostered at some point this season. It’s our job to believe in our guys and give them opportunities to succeed.
Q: What positions do you think require the most depth?
Fitzgerald: I would usually say — especially in the United States — the front row. In every starting roster, you need to put six on the field, so it’s numerically intensive. It’s also a special breed of human. It’s much harder to find a 265-pound unit that can scrum effectively and protect himself. It’s a tough day when your scrum is on skates and getting pushed back.
Q: Our scrum has looked pretty strong this season. What can you credit this success to?
Fitzgerald: This is the first year we’ve had a full-time scrum coach. You’ve also got to give credit to the players. They’ve been really strong.
Q: What impact will Cam Dolan make as he gets back up to full speed?
Fitzgerald: Oh, a huge impact, especially in the lineout process. His leadership in that set piece is massive.
Q: Tell me a little more about that.
Fitzgerald: His preparation runs deep — during the week, he and the guys will have up to fifteen lineout calls ready to roll for a game. When he gets to the line, he’ll signal to the team which call to run. We usually have one specialty play and about six bread-and-butter plays.
Q: Do you think the quality of the MLR draft has increased each year?
Fitzgerald: Undoubtedly. Every single Rookie of the Year has become a USA Eagle (men’s national team). I sort of wrote the thesis for the draft about five years ago, so it’s amazing to see it become an important part of our league.
Q: How do you scout these players?
Fitzgerald: We have a direct portal that players can submit highlights to, but we’ll also have a sort of pro day for top players to showcase their talents starting this year called MLR Rising. Utah helped do this for the last couple of days on their own dime, but now it’ll be a league official opportunity.
Q: How do we get more people playing rugby in the United States?
Fitzgerald: Definitely getting it into schools. If we can get a ball in the kids’ hands early, then we’ll be in a good spot. It’s important that they see the game for the first time before high school. I also think we need to emphasize the value of academies. If college ball isn’t the best option for a player, the academies can give them an incredible opportunity to become pro-ready.
Q: Give me inspiration for the rest of the season.
Fitzgerald: We have an unbelievable group of guys and club culture. It’s not about getting knocked down, it’s about getting back up. Like I said, we’re about to start a crucible run that will prove what we’re made of. We just need to get to the dance. Once you’re in the dance, anything can happen.
Q: Last one: who wins in a one-mile race, Sean Paranihi or you in rainboots?
Fitzgerald: Me. Every single time. No question. I’m winning that race.
