This Is American Rugby sat down with Eagles and Agen back Kevin Swiryn to answer a few question about life in France and rugby in the U.S.
This Is American Rugby: Now that you have had some time with Agen since the World Cup, and have been able to play a few matches, how do you think the season has gone for you so far?
Kevin Swiryn: When I've played it's been great, but a bit frustrating. Let me lay it out for you. My first game back was supposed to be against Toulon, but it got cancelled due to weather. Then I played in the next two Amlin Cup matches and did well in both of them. However, the next week in training I broke my nose and was out for a couple of weeks. I came back just in time for the next Amlin Cup match against Sale and played well again, but broke my collarbone! Every time I work myself up on the coach's list, something happens. But I'm happy to be here and I'm really enjoying the level of coaching, the rugby, and of course, the lifestyle.
TIAR: Do you think being absent for the World Cup has had an impact on your playing time?
KS: Definitely. Our team here is all about cohesion and consistency. Because I was gone all of pre-season and the first 6 matches, it took 3 or 4 weeks just to work into the 25 man group.
TIAR: You have played most of the Amlin Challenge Cup matches for Agen this year, what is it like playing and scoring against the rest of Europe?
KS: It's not the same as Taku or Chris would say. The teams in the Amlin Cup aren't playing as competitive as the H-Cup. It's fun rugby though because teams aren't trying to play as tactically, therefore it's a lot more running rugby and less of a territory game.
TIAR: What is it like playing in the Top 14 with some of the best players in the world?
KS: That's a tough question, fun I guess?! I mean, if I put a player I'm playing against on a pedestal, then I've already given him the upper hand. However, if I had to describe it in one word, I would say, challenging.
TIAR: How are things in France? For all of us who are curious, have you tied the knot yet?
KS: Life is good. The winter has been really mild so it's been awesome for trainings (hopefully I don't jinx it.) Lauren and I have tried to take full advantage of weekends off and even single days off to travel around to different cities. It's such a different culture here so it's been character building getting stuck in it. No wedding yet, but maybe soon.
TIAR: How can other Americans get a shot to play overseas like yourself? Do you think France is a good option for Americans?
KS: I think France is a great option for American players. In order to get a shot you have to have good connections or do something great. Rugby is nowhere near the professionalism of our major American sports in regards to recruiting and finding players. Most of our new signees this season were players that knew other players on our team. I feel like we have 3 or 4 guys just in our forwards that are domestic and should be playing here right now.
TIAR: For you personally, what was the World Cup like? What was your personal highlight of the experience?
KS: I love New Zealand and it proved to surpass expectations for many of the teams competing. It shows that all you need is passion to provide an incredible product. The World Cup was a huge success for them and I was happy to be a part of it all.
TIAR: U.S.A. Rugby recently announced that the 7's team would be given contracts, given your background in 7's, is that something you might consider in the future?
KS: I never rule anything out, but right now my focus is here.
TIAR: Do you miss playing 7's for the Eagles?
KS: There are things I miss and things I don't. I'll tell you one thing, if I told you I miss all that fitness training you could call me a liar!
TIAR: What do you envision yourself doing once your playing career is over?
KS: That's by far your most difficult question. I've been trying to figure that out since I graduated from Saint Mary's. If you know anyone that wants to hire me, just send them my info:) However, I'm definitely going to coach, whether it's high level, youth, women, or all of them, I'm going to make sure I put back into rugby some of what I got out.
TIAR: If you could change one thing about rugby in the U.S., what would it be and why?
KS: Alright I lied, this is definitely your toughest question. Only one thing? I like that U.S.A. Rugby has tried to make youth rugby be run by their respective states via state based rugby organizations (SBRO). Having a college director has also been smart, whether the flip-flopping back and forth has been productive I won't comment on, but I think they're going in the right direction.
KS: I really think the growth of players in the sport can only be achieved through two avenues, better coaches and better referees. That's not to say we dont' have them already, but it needs to be more widespread.
KS: Lastly, equality, for our passionate women rugby players. I wasn't happy when they announced the full-time athletes for the 7's players, and the Men are to have 15 and the Women only 8. If anything, it should be reversed. Let's be honest, if the USOC and U.S.A. Rugby put the same amount of money in both men's and women's Olympic teams the women are more likely to bring home a gold medal. Let's pretend that men's and women's teams are already receiving equal funds relative to the amount of possible tournaments they can play in. Judging solely on past results, the Women have outperformed Men in all World Cup tournaments (and this is with a drastic difference in funding). This might be getting long, but let me explain further. The IRB tried to apply to the International Olympic Committee to bring 7's in the Olympics before 2009 and obviously got rejected. For one main reason, they didn't included women properly in their proposal. Everyone asks, "well what type of revenue do women bring, if it weren't for men..." etc, etc. When in reality, rugby wouldn't be in the Olympics if it weren't for the trying efforts of the women's rugby; who continue playing rugby whilst having to pay for dues, pay for flights, and/or pay for other travel costs (and I'm not talking about their club team, I'm talking about 7's National Team).
