What is the best place to play professional rugby?

Vlad: What is the best place to play professional rugby?
Hello everyone. I am a high school age rugby player who is from the U.S.A. I’m really good and I think I have a shot at playing professionally. I’m a junior now and when I graduate I want to try out for some pro teams. What country or league is the best when it comes to playing rugby union as a professional? I’ve heard the super 14 is competitive.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Joedude125
Go to Australia

Answer by Rassling Fundamentals
Go play Aussie Rules Football….

Answer by blm
Well, unless you are willing to relocated to New Zealand (or something like that), the first thing is to work your way up the US amateur/college ranks until you are (hopefully) good enough to be considered for the Eagles squad. That probably means earning a spot on one of the stronger American college squads. I’m afraid that is the only way an American is going to get noticed by a professional club.

The Super-14 (actually the Super-15 now) is very unlikely no matter how skilled you might become. Those teams are extensions of the SANZAR unions, with almost all spots reserved for their players who could qualify for one of their three national squads. Some islanders and Argentinians are admitted as well, but unless you had a parent or grandparent born in South Africa, New Zealand or Australia, few if any Americans will get a first look, much less a second. Not impossible — Todd Cleaver was with the Bulls for a while — but incredibly unlikely.

If you can qualify for citizenship in an EU country it would help, because then you wouldn’t be considered an “import” for the European clubs and would also avoid work visa issues. And that is where almost all American professionals end up, mostly with French clubs in the Top-14. The nice thing about that is that French clubs also pay the best salaries.

But you need to work you way up the American ranks first. That is your first concern.

Answer by Drizzy
New Zealand and Australia

Answer by Horsegirl
The Super 14’s is competitive, but if you’re looking for money, go to Europe.

Dan Carter went to play for Perpignan. He got loads of money.

New Zealand breeds the best rugby players for sure, but if you’re really good, I’d go for Europe.

Better to live in, still competitive, and you get more money.

Good luck!