Mixed reviews on opening nights...
The Rugby Paper|September 03, 2023
NOT long now but first comes the ubiquitous opening ceremony that most major sports events feel compelled to foist upon us.
Mixed reviews on opening nights...

Don't N ask me why although I suspect deep down it's something to do with mimicking the Olympics and possibly also trying to justify the big hike in ticket prices.

Anyway, the Rugby World Cup, as you suspect, has a wildly erratic record in this respect, not knowing whether to take the convention seriously or to take the mickey. A bit like rugby's attitude to law changes, in fact.

Back in 1987 it all started on one quiet Friday afternoon when less than 20,000 folk decided to attend the first ever World Cup match, between New Zealand and Italy. The All Blacks were in disgrace after the Cavaliers tour to South Africa in 1986, Italy were considered a non-entity and nobody knew what to make of the tournament.

The strapped for cash organisers didn't exactly push the boat out, just 16 local scouts and their troops parading the flags of the competing nations. And, er, that was about it save one military band or was it the local Auckland Police Band? No fireworks although in fairness New Zealand provided those on the field with a 70-6 win including John Kirwan's wonder try.

England upped the ante a little in 1991 with a colourful re-enactment of the tale of William Webb Ellis picking up the ball and running at Rugby School and a couple of marching bands but the image I recall is a parade of notable former players with Colin Meads entrusted with returning the World Cup, holding it like a whiskey shot glass in his giant paw like hands. The Royals sent the İad Prince Edward along to open this fledgling competition - a month later and, with England in the final, HM Queen Elizabeth herself was in attendence.

This story is from the September 03, 2023 edition of The Rugby Paper.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 03, 2023 edition of The Rugby Paper.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE RUGBY PAPERView All
England can find a little bit of cheer
The Rugby Paper

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.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
The Rugby Paper

Stop messing with Marcus - Campese

DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
The Rugby Paper

Being a Lion was the highlight of my career

I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
The Rugby Paper

Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half

THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
The Rugby Paper

Forwards pack a punch for the Reds

OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
The Rugby Paper

Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley

SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
The Rugby Paper

Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon

FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 24, 2024
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
The Rugby Paper

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.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
The Rugby Paper

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.

time-read
1 min  |
November 24, 2024
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
The Rugby Paper

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.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 24, 2024