History of rugby union in the United States goal from mark. The scoring systems have evolved in parallel, with both rugby union and American football offering three points for a kicked goal and seven points for a ball run into the end zone and a successfully kicked conversion. One factor aiding in rugby's growth in the early 1900s was American football's crisis of 1905–06, with President Teddy Roosevelt engaging in a debate about the future of American football in response to the perception that American football was a violent sport. The growth of rugby in the United States and particularly in California was aided by the 1905 New
Ray Nelson (rugby union) Ray Nelson (rugby union) Ray Nelson (born June 11, 1961 in Glasgow, Scotland) is a former rugby union player who played fullback for the United States national rugby union team. Nelson played in 25 test matches for the United States from 1983 to 1991, starting in 23. Nelson represented the U.S. at both the 1987 and 1991 Rugby World Cup. Nelson's 13 points and perfect 4-for-4 goalkicking in a 1987 World Cup match gave the United States its first ever World Cup win in a match against Japan. Nelson scored 28 points for the U.S. at the 1987 and 1991