Everyone who has ever played rugby has felt the same familiar overwhelming brimming of anticipation and eagerness. A massive fixture lies tantalising in reach on the Saturday afternoon, but a full week of work is required first. A glance at the clock re-affirms that gameday is still some time away so all you can doContinue reading “For the Love of the Game”
Author Archives: Ben Nurse
Are Rugby Players Getting Bigger?
By Ben Nurse Death, taxes, Saracens being good. Just as the sky is blue and the grass is green, some things in this life are for certain and none more so than amateur-era rugby players constantly reminding you how much better the game was in their day. Among other complaints such as, there is tooContinue reading “Are Rugby Players Getting Bigger?”
From Tbilisi to Paris; The Weird and Wonderful Life of Nika Amashukeli
How the Georgian went from an under-20s international to the youngest referee at Rugby World Cup 2023. Those familiar with the ‘Butterfly Effect’ will be aware of how one tiny decision in someone’s past can change their life forever. On the 15th September 2007, a star-studded Ireland team, containing the likes of Brian O’Driscoll andContinue reading “From Tbilisi to Paris; The Weird and Wonderful Life of Nika Amashukeli”
The Incredible Rise of Georgia Under-20s
Silence falls around the Avchala Stadium as England under-20s flanker Tristan Woodman carries into contact. A single bellowing scream of encouragement echoes through the ground as Woodman is collected by Georgia’s Ghaniasvili and Lomidze and held gratefully in their grasp. Everyone holds their breathe as referee Nika Amashukeli holds out his arm towards the GeorgiansContinue reading “The Incredible Rise of Georgia Under-20s”
“We want to write our names alongside theirs in history” Sam James: The chance to re-create history
17 years ago a wide-eyed Sam James was a ball-boy at Edgeley Park, Sale Sharks former home in Stockport. As with any boy or girl who has picked up or kicked an oval or round ball, Sam dreamed of re-creating the success of the heroes whom he watched every week. Unlike most kids, however, SamContinue reading ““We want to write our names alongside theirs in history” Sam James: The chance to re-create history”
Why English Rugby is Unsustainable
The problems with England’s elite game and what needs to be done. The Ancient Greek myth of Icarus highlights the dangers of extreme hubris and arrogance. It features a young and foolish boy who begins the story as a proud and virtuous man but is corrupted when handed excessive power. Icarus is overcome and giddyContinue reading “Why English Rugby is Unsustainable”
Orrell RUFC- The club forgotten by professionalism
And the lessons modern clubs can learn from their demise. For the last two decades, elite rugby in the North West has been dominated by Sale Sharks, with the Manchester-based outfit holding sole proprietorship and first pick over the talent emanating from the Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire catchments. However, Sale have not alwaysContinue reading “Orrell RUFC- The club forgotten by professionalism”
The Death of West Midlands rugby?
The effects of Worcester’s demise on the West Midlands, and how the region can recover. The West Midlands is famous for many things, they were the inventors of Range Rovers, Cadbury’s, and the birthplace of the Balti curry. It is also the birthplace of rugby, named after the town in Warwickshire where, as the oldContinue reading “The Death of West Midlands rugby?”
World Cup 2023 Preview
The countdown has begun for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which promises to be an exciting and closely fought contest. South Africa will be hoping to defend their title, while perennial contenders New Zealand will be looking to add to their impressive trophy cabinet. However, there are several other teams that will be fancying theirContinue reading “World Cup 2023 Preview”
A Day in the Life of a Travelling Reserve- As told by Will Cliff
In Greek mythology Sisyphus was a former King of Corinth who dreamed of being immortal, he would frequently attempt to trick the Greek Gods and coerce them into awarding him his wish of never dying. As punishment for his crimes, Sisyphus was sentenced with rolling a boulder up a hill in Tartarus, over and overContinue reading “A Day in the Life of a Travelling Reserve- As told by Will Cliff”
The Match Report 