A touch late on the "end of year" publication, but ... oh well. The deliberations were fiery, no stone was left unturned, and the final pieces to this year's awards have come into place. What a year 2021 was .., and where to begin?
In the face of a pandemic, the MLR went 99-0 (Commish's favorite stat), Gilly hoisted some hardware, the Pioneers got to compete in Tokyo after a year delay, PR 7's was launched, & the college game returned (even though the political infighting continues) ...
How does one cap a big year? The 2nd annual RPA's. No serious analysis involved, just some lighthearted shout outs to the general rugby community. Sit back, enjoy, and dive into the utter absurdity of handing out awards to the Rugby Media Industrial Complex (TM). Tommy NoPiks sits in on a night that captured the true journey that was 2021 ... saddle up!
P.S. If you're bored, be sure to click on all the hyperlinks ... what could go wrong?
It's an Awards Show 🤵 |
2021 RPA Awards
Step of the Year
Tadhg Furlong
Saucy |
Putting 2/15th of the Scottish team on the floor with a nice double is quite the feat. The potato enthusiast shifts the big rig like a Transformer!
Nate Augsperger
Blonde on Blonde Action |
One of the sole highlights for the Eagles that fateful day, but a soul highlight for any scrummy who takes a dart every now and then. Something was on in the set piece, and the result was Damo Mackenzie's jock littered just inside the 20 year line (that's the red zone for you hard core footy heads that don't know gridiron)
Stuart Hogg
Hoggy knows how to dot down |
Hoggy has oily hips, and he knows how to use 'em near the try line. Rugby PickEm has always backed Start Hogg since the day he personally tore out the hearts of the Eagles fans in Leeds, during 2015 RWC pool play. His (4x) step was just another in his long highlight reel.
And winner is ........
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Tadhg Furlong
General Life Lesson, Don't Rile Up Props |
MLR Mascot of the Year
"Ma'am can I show you to your seat? ..." |
Koa ... Not Afraid to Mix it Up |
Got Rings? |
And winner is ........
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Koa the Panther Warrior
Love it, hate it ... Gotta respect the sack on Koa the Warrior Panther |
Can Koa lead this team to winning the West? Time will tell. Congrats to Koa for winning the MLR Mascot of the Year.
MLR Fan of the Year
Broccoli Man (Seattle)
Broccoli Man showed his versatility this year ... well versed in all the produce (you can't escape those eyes) |
The Big Guy (RUNY)
Remember when they played out on Coney Island? The Big Guy does. |
The Cohort (SD Legion)
Just some casual fans .... headed into battle. |
And winner is ........
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The Big Guy
MLR Podcast of the Year
W Nation
Road To Glory
Bri is the rock and Roly is the wildcard, but collectively you get top notch week to week insight into everything OGDC. If you play rugby in the Beltway, this is a must listen.
Cat Chronicles
And winner is ........
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The Road to Glory Podcast.
Who Is Winning The Rugby Streaming Wars?
FLO Rugby
"And how does this image make you feel?" |
Flo has a paywall, and is extremely unpopular in the US rugby fandom landscape. Yet, they continue to double down and purchase additional rights to more rugby content. If you can source a login/password from a fellow rugger, then your obviously going to tune into the Eagles test matches ... but people shouldn't have to pay to watch rugby in the US. Not now, .. while were trying to land multiple RWCs.
Peacock
All the Rugby One Could Want ... If you like Northern Hemisphere Slop |
If you're a Premiership junkie, Peacock is a must. NBC has always covered the Olympics, so Peacock will always give you the best coverage for when 7's rolls around (every 4 years). However, another paywall and monthly charge. Not as pricey as Flo, but still a cost.
The Rugby Network (TRN)
Hooray, finally a site where you don't have to hand over your CC for access! The Rugby Network is a perfect blend of live game broadcasts, mid week content (analysis, talk shows, highlight reels), game reports and more. They have now taken on the professional league in Japan (Japan Rugby League One ... formerly Japan Top League). This OTT network seems to have it all.
And winner is ........
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The Rugby Network!
Congrats again to the MLR, the Commish and the OTT network for building a vehicle to facilitate growth and awareness in the early years of a budding league (... plus it's free).
You don't get put on the Sports Pro OTT shortlist for "Platform OTY" AND "Best NEW Platform OTY" for no reason ...
One's a World Class Podcaster ... One's a USA 7s Eagle ... tough to spot the difference tho |
Steve Lewis coaches different age groups (grassroots to elite test rugby) and is always looking to #GrowTheGame |
Pictured Left to Right: Stacey Paetz, Commish, Gilly |
No Shortage of teams to pull for .. |
And winner is ........
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Steve Lewis
Independent Podcast of the Year
Stories Unleashed Podcast - Chez Waihi
Kiwis love fresh kicks |
Chez is a young podcaster from Aotearoa who seems to have the knack for drawing out the best stories from his guests. The podcast feed launched only a few months ago, leading off with insightful interviews with the multifaceted David Still and the lightning fast Malik Bryant. Excited for what's to come from this young content creator. While he's plugging away thousands of miles across the globe, we'll be watching his growth as a podcaster!
Rugby on the Rise - Max Dacey
Max repping Fort Hunt Rugby back in the day ... |
Max Dacey, aka "Fear the Ears" got one thing right .... The ears are meant to be feared.
But it's not just astute listening skills that drive the Rugby on The Rise podcast. Max has walked the walk as he advances his professional rugby career. His conversations with young players seem to come at ease to someone who has already walked the path. A rising tide lifts all boats ... and in this tide, Max Dacey is a full moon.
Rugby Hive - Dallen Stanford & Robin McDowell
And winner is ........
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Rugby on The Rise - Max Dacey
Subscribe to 'Rugby on the Rise' |
A special thanks to Max who came in studio for an in-person interview. His podcast is a great platform for young rugby players to listen and learn about their craft. If you aren't listening, you are now. Congrats to Rugby on The Rise for the Independent Podcast of the Year
Thanks to all the Rugby PickEm faithful who are still riding with us since 2018. Many exciting things to come in 2022 and beyond.
PICKEM!
A touch late on the "end of year" publication, but oh well.The deliberations were fiery, no stone was left unturned, and the final pieces to this year's awards have come into place.
ReplyDeleteWhat a year 2021 was .., and where to begin?
In the face of a pandemic, the MLR went 99-0 Commish's favorite stat, Gilly hoisted some hardware, the Pioneers got to compete in Tokyo after a year delay, PR 7's was launched, & the college game returned even though the political infighting continues.
How does one cap a big year? The 2nd annual RPA's. No serious analysis involved, just some lighthearted shout outs to the general rugby community. Sit back, enjoy, and dive into the utter absurdity of handing out awards to the Rugby Media Industrial Complex TM.
Tommy NoPiks sits in on a night that captured the true journey that was 2021.
Steinco Industrial Solutions, Inc.