When I watch a match it just makes it more interesting to choose a team, and once I’ve done that I find myself becoming more extreme in my support as the game wears on – from neutral to diehard fan in less than 80 minutes!
So why did I support La Rochelle rather than the Irish province? First, unlike some I don’t make any distinction between two teams from different EU states – I’ve never bought in to the argument that just because the Irish speak English we should support their teams. I know the next bit is barely rational, but as a Scot, when it comes to rugby I fall back on the Auld Alliance between my homeland and the French – when you’re a Celt, 1295 isn’t so long ago!
Then there are rugby reasons too, and the biggest of those revolves around money. The French and English have a salary cap, one’s much bigger than the other, but it exists and is enforced, whereas the Irish provinces’ finances are shrouded in mystery.
Denne historien er fra May 09, 2021-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra May 09, 2021-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
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Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
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Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
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Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
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Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
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Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
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It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
