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
Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
The Rugby Paper

Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash

LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 10, 2024
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
The Rugby Paper

Dramatic late win boosts leaders

A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 10, 2024
England need to be more consistent
The Rugby Paper

England need to be more consistent

I WAS at last week's game against the All Blacks and as much as I enjoyed my first visit to the stadium since the Six Nations, I couldn't help noticing a different attitude of those in control of the stadium's notification system which puts out messages to the crowd.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 10, 2024
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
The Rugby Paper

Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver

ALEX Cuthbert says the pressure on Wales is huge ahead of their opening Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji today.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 10, 2024
Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
The Rugby Paper

Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions

TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 10, 2024
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
The Rugby Paper

Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot

LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.

time-read
1 min  |
November 10, 2024
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
The Rugby Paper

Four-try David calls the shots for Bears

MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 10, 2024
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
The Rugby Paper

Scott-Young keen to follow his father

TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 10, 2024
When value for money is not part of the deal
The Rugby Paper

When value for money is not part of the deal

ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 10, 2024
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
The Rugby Paper

'I want to prove my worth to Bath'

OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 10, 2024