Because at Christmas, you tell the truth...

[Paddington Bear]

Your spicy/controversial rugby opinions.

I'll start:

The influence of League players and coaches (including Sean Edwards) has been malign and left us with a worse and less attractive game than it otherwise would have been.

[Kawazaki]

The RFU shouldn't be in charge of professional rugby, they should just look after levels 3 and below.

[laurent]

I don't like pro rugby

[Hal Jordan]

We all enjoy watching a sport that cripples people, causes brain damage and has even killed people, and we can't get enough of it.

[Jim Lahey]

Rugby is a bit shit to watch atm, and I prefer watching footy these days.

[vball]

England under Borthwick have achieved nothing. Bring back Jones.

[SaintK]

The RFU are fully supportive of the community/grassroots game with their funding

[Torquemada 1420]

We all enjoy watching a sport that cripples people, causes brain damage and has even killed people, and we can't get enough of it.

So much for boxing. What's your thoughts on rugby?

[Sandstorm]

Rugby is a bit shit to watch atm, and I prefer watching footy these days.

Burn her

[Torquemada 1420]

I watch maybe 5% of the T14 game that I watched in the past.

[Niegs]

The RFU are fully supportive of the community/grassroots game with their funding

It does appear they do a good job, but didn't they axe a lot of jobs before Covid?

I chatted with a development guy at Wuss a number of years ago and it did, tbf, sound like they were doubling up, with both RFU and pro sides having community development initiatives in their 'regions'.

Either way, I'm envious, as we have one for the province who does zero outreach.

[Niegs]

I believe the game opens up and a lot of issues solved if:

1. No boosting at lineouts
2. Attackers not allowed to anchor to tackled player at breakdown

... less milking for pens, more defenders into breakdown, more passing and offloads (likely kicking, but I like the chaos of old timey games; lineout lotto is more fun - watched a clip yesterday where a team huddled at the lineout, did four dummy jumps, caught at the tail and the opposition didn't even bother jumping)

[SaintK]

The RFU are fully supportive of the community/grassroots game with their funding

It does appear they do a good job, but didn't they axe a lot of jobs before Covid?

I chatted with a development guy at Wuss a number of years ago and it did, tbf, sound like they were doubling up, with both RFU and pro sides having community development initiatives in their 'regions'.

Either way, I'm envious, as we have one for the province who does zero outreach.

Funding to the community game has been cut year on year since well before Covid. Over 90 regional and county development officers were made redundant in a cost cutting exercise as were staff in the Community Rugby department at Twickenham.
There are community dvelopment officers but they are spread far and wide now and each one covers an awful lot of clubs and usually several counties. My club probably receive more support from the Saracens Community team than the RFU

[Margin__Walker]

I'd love a switch to summer rugby

[Raggs]

I'd love a switch to summer rugby

I wouldn't. Young guy smashed his hip on too hard a pitch early this season against our local rivals. Not taking a stud and ground like concrete doesn't sound fun at all. Bad on the knees and ankles too.

[Margin__Walker]

I'd love a switch to summer rugby

I wouldn't. Young guy smashed his hip on too hard a pitch early this season against our local rivals. Not taking a stud and ground like concrete doesn't sound fun at all. Bad on the knees and ankles too.

Sure, was talking about the pro game, where you're unlikely to be playing on concrete. Although I think they do play amateur RL in summer from memory.

[Paddington Bear]

I'd love a switch to summer rugby

I wouldn't. Young guy smashed his hip on too hard a pitch early this season against our local rivals. Not taking a stud and ground like concrete doesn't sound fun at all. Bad on the knees and ankles too.

Sure, was talking about the pro game, where you're unlikely to be playing on concrete. Although I think they do play amateur RL in summer from memory.

Clashing with a major football tournament every other season seems a poor commercial decision…

[laurent]

I wouldn't. Young guy smashed his hip on too hard a pitch early this season against our local rivals. Not taking a stud and ground like concrete doesn't sound fun at all. Bad on the knees and ankles too.

Sure, was talking about the pro game, where you're unlikely to be playing on concrete. Although I think they do play amateur RL in summer from memory.

Clashing with a major football tournament every other season seems a poor commercial decision…

With 40°C more and more common in french summers I don't even fancy a walk

[Margin__Walker]

I wouldn't. Young guy smashed his hip on too hard a pitch early this season against our local rivals. Not taking a stud and ground like concrete doesn't sound fun at all. Bad on the knees and ankles too.

Sure, was talking about the pro game, where you're unlikely to be playing on concrete. Although I think they do play amateur RL in summer from memory.

Clashing with a major football tournament every other season seems a poor commercial decision…

Not sure that's a huge deal really. Clashed this year without too much fuss. Games can be shifted so they don't clash with England pool games.

Logistically any switch would be a nightmare, but I could see going to a game being more attractive proposition. Evening games on rainy winter days can be pretty miserable. Doubt it will ever happen mind.

[Margin__Walker]

Sure, was talking about the pro game, where you're unlikely to be playing on concrete. Although I think they do play amateur RL in summer from memory.

Clashing with a major football tournament every other season seems a poor commercial decision…

With 40°C more and more common in french summers I don't even fancy a walk

Certainly a challenge, but you're already playing to the end of June at the moment, with pre season games in mid August.

Clearly more of an issue in France/Italy than UK/Ireland though.

[TB63]

Gyppo should be given a second chance..

[Tichtheid]

Sure, was talking about the pro game, where you're unlikely to be playing on concrete. Although I think they do play amateur RL in summer from memory.

Clashing with a major football tournament every other season seems a poor commercial decision…

With 40°C more and more common in french summers I don't even fancy a walk

When I played in the Pyrenees in the early 90s we'd get huge thunderstorms disrupting early season games. The lightning and near golf ball-sized hailstones were pretty dangerous.

I can imagine the higher temperatures making these even worse.

[Chrysoprase]

I've given up watching professional rugby, it's tedious shite and these law changes aren't going to fix anything.

[laurent]

Clashing with a major football tournament every other season seems a poor commercial decision…

With 40°C more and more common in french summers I don't even fancy a walk

Certainly a challenge, but you're already playing to the end of June at the moment, with pre season games in mid August.

Clearly more of an issue in France/Italy than UK/Ireland though.

Most pre-season are not tied to TV schedule so can be played late (league ends mid june ).

this year july and august were unbearably hot all over France (and this is the beginning).

[Tichtheid]

Maybe Union should shed two players per team, in particular the flankers.

It reduces the pressure on the front rows, so less danger, it's possible that proper scrummaging could take place. Who knows maybe even a straight feed and competition from the hookers on the strike?
The younger board members won't ever have seen a strike against the head.

It also means more room on the pitch.

[Hugo]

Your spicy/controversial rugby opinions.

I'll start:

The influence of League players and coaches (including Sean Edwards) has been malign and left us with a worse and less attractive game than it otherwise would have been.

One thing that definitely grates is that even after two decades of professionalism coaches with a League background are still afforded more respect than they have earned.

[Ymx]

Scrum penalties (and back slapping) have ruined scrums. It is a contest for a ball, not a contest for a penalty.

Reducing the tackle height would lead to more concussions. Too many hips, knees and multiple heads at the same height.

Attacking team should be allowed to go off feet beyond the ruck, and enter from the side.

Goal line drop out for held up over line is the most stupid stupid new law.

[Tichtheid]

Your spicy/controversial rugby opinions.

I'll start:

The influence of League players and coaches (including Sean Edwards) has been malign and left us with a worse and less attractive game than it otherwise would have been.

One thing that definitely grates is that even after two decades of professionalism coaches with a League background are still afforded more respect than they have earned.

I'm not sure that's true.

They have changed everything about Union defence, the modern Union defence entirely comes from League.

The dummy runners and pull backs come from League, as do the spectacular acrobatic leaps into the corner that every professional Union winger practices on what looks like a high jump landing mat.
I don't watch enough League to see if the lines of running against the grain come from there but it wouldn't surprise me.

[Niegs]

I've given up watching professional rugby, it's tedious shite and these law changes aren't going to fix anything.

Same. Women's rugby has even headed that way with the pre-planned pods and punts to the corner (Ferns and France not so much, but facing coaching changes). Even my own Canada got on my nerves in the RWC as they'd scream and come sprinting in for back pats like Saracens when they won the penalty lotto at the breakdown/scrum time. Loud and enthusiastic clapping in the face of opponents who give away a penalty...

I just finished an internship as a club's youth coordinator and did enjoy watching their Premier League lads, though. I saw a vision of my future self as I stood by two gents in their mid-70s - 80s politely cheering on their old club, saying things like "Hey now!" when things got a bit heated.

[Tichtheid]

I've given up watching professional rugby, it's tedious shite and these law changes aren't going to fix anything.

Same. Women's rugby has even headed that way with the pre-planned pods and punts to the corner (Ferns and France not so much, but facing coaching changes). Even my own Canada got on my nerves in the RWC as they'd scream and come sprinting in for back pats like Saracens when they won the penalty lotto at the breakdown/scrum time. Loud and enthusiastic clapping in the face of opponents who give away a penalty...

I could really do without all of that, it really drags the game into the sewer.

[Slick]

Rugby, generally, is in last chance salon for me. Still get excited by the 6N but nothing else. I am finding more and more things to do with my time that I enjoy a lot more than rugby.

I think a lot of it has to do with behaviour, both on and off the pitch. It used to set our game apart but pro rugby has spoilt all that. I used to be desperate that any kids I had should be involved in rugby for the upbringing the game gave me but I don’t think it’s the same any longer.

It looks to me like the game is on a decline it won’t recover from.

[LoveOfTheGame]

Ffs, I feel jumping of a bridge reading all this negative crap. I must be living on a different planet , because I watched some cracking games this year. The URC, RC, AI and even some of the recent HC games have been top quality. What the actual fuck is wrong with you people, grow a fucking spine man. Bunch of whiney soft cocks.

[weegie01]

I've given up watching professional rugby, it's tedious shite and these law changes aren't going to fix anything.

Same. Women's rugby has even headed that way with the pre-planned pods and punts to the corner (Ferns and France not so much, but facing coaching changes). Even my own Canada got on my nerves in the RWC as they'd scream and come sprinting in for back pats like Saracens when they won the penalty lotto at the breakdown/scrum time. Loud and enthusiastic clapping in the face of opponents who give away a penalty...

I could really do without all of that, it really drags the game into the sewer.

I know a guy who joined Melrose and is a famously niggly player prone to verbals. Some time ago, after one of his early matches, he was taken aside by the coach and told to stop it or he'll be dropped. Melrose had made decision that they they will enforce values of respect on the pitch, and whilst they may batter the opposition physically, all the little niggly stuff will stop. I have no idea if they sustained this. I am shooting with my sons this PM and will find out.

[Slick]

Same. Women's rugby has even headed that way with the pre-planned pods and punts to the corner (Ferns and France not so much, but facing coaching changes). Even my own Canada got on my nerves in the RWC as they'd scream and come sprinting in for back pats like Saracens when they won the penalty lotto at the breakdown/scrum time. Loud and enthusiastic clapping in the face of opponents who give away a penalty...

I could really do without all of that, it really drags the game into the sewer.

I know a guy who joined Melrose and is a famously niggly player prone to verbals. Some time ago, after one of his early matches, he was taken aside by the coach and told to stop it or he'll be dropped. Melrose had made decision that they they will enforce values of respect on the pitch, and whilst they may batter the opposition physically, all the little niggly stuff will stop. I have no idea if they sustained this. I am shooting with my sons this PM and will find out.

Jed are absolutely horrendous for that kind of crap. Also heard the committee had enough and have told them to clean up the verbals

[I like neeps]

The new laws will create a huge amount of excitement around the game as not letting the forwards have two minutes rest for 30 seconds of action will mean they tire out so we'll see them reduce in mass long term and the game will be more exciting. Injured players should have to miss the next phase of play like in the NFL so that they can't waste time when not injured which is happening all the time I note.

TMO should be done away with and pundits should be banned from spending more than 30 seconds discussing refereeing and instead do their job and analyse the rugby not have a referee analysis instead.

Anyone grabbing their head to get tmo intervention has a mandatory HIA.

[inactionman]

I prefer Friday night games, and haven't been to a Saturday afternoon club game in over 5 years.

Much like they're introducing shotclocks etc to stop timewasting, I would like rugby to introduce a rule to more stringently penalise flopping.

[Line6 HXFX]

The lions tours are destroying Welsh Rugby.
Wales haven't won a six nations after the Lions Tour in the pro era. Most of the time they cone 4th or 5th.
Oh the arguments I have had over this fact.


Wheeling out Dodie Weir and Joost Vanderweisstheisen and Rob Burrow, and a hundred more and calling them inspirations is utterrly disgusting and beyond contempt.
It is like a cigarette company wheeling out and applauding its cancer victims and then patting themselves on the back, for doing so.

Rugby caused their MND.

International rugby is a sop for nationalism and independence in NH countries, who's populations are only proud of their nations for 23 days a year, and it is designed to get it out of their system,

Rugby is corrupt as fuck.



And finally..nothing really matters to rugby supporters.

[Paddington Bear]

The new laws will create a huge amount of excitement around the game as not letting the forwards have two minutes rest for 30 seconds of action will mean they tire out so we'll see them reduce in mass long term and the game will be more exciting. Injured players should have to miss the next phase of play like in the NFL so that they can't waste time when not injured which is happening all the time I note.

TMO should be done away with and pundits should be banned from spending more than 30 seconds discussing refereeing and instead do their job and analyse the rugby not have a referee analysis instead.

Anyone grabbing their head to get tmo intervention has a mandatory HIA.

Agree with this. Forwards are much fitter than they were but part of it is they’re becoming like linebackers, only being asked to produce dynamic set plays every so often

[sockwithaticket]

I like that being held up over the line results in a goal line drop out to the defence rather than an attacking scrum. It punishes unimaginative, repetitive pick and go attack. If teams aren't smart or skilful enough to get it wider and exploit space then they get what they deserve.

Specific water breaks called by the ref are a good thing that don't go far enough in keeping coaches off the pitch.

It was better when head contact was pretty much always a red. At the very least, we all knew where we stood. The current mitigation system they put in to try and appease some of the whinging about too many reds and lack of empathy for the players is an inconsistent mess that does very little either for the reputation of officials or for player safety.

[Sandstorm]

I like that being held up over the line results in a goal line drop out to the defence rather than an attacking scrum. It punishes unimaginative, repetitive pick and go attack. If teams aren't smart or skilful enough to get it wider and exploit space then they get what they deserve.

I still prefer unimaginative, repetitive pick and go attacks to the "crosskick pass to the winger"