Ever thought of football as an extreme sport?

Welcome to the world of Royal Ashbourne Shrovetide Football (Shrovetide)!

I was introduced to Shrovetide when I met my then-to-be husband, a determined Shrovetider, and asked him how he’d broken his nose!

Shrovetide football is played in Ashbourne, Derbyshire, England, on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday every year, as it has done annually from at least the 12th Century (not even the world wars stopped play.)

Both the inventors of Rugby, and Association football, had strong Ashbourne, and Shrovetide connections.

The goal posts are 3 miles apart, there is no pitch, just the streets of the town, the surrounding fields, and of course, the river Henmore, which is perhaps the most important area of play. This is because the goal posts are at the site of the old mill wheels of the two mediaeval water mills, upstream and downstream from the town, respectively.

The ball (brightly painted leather, about the size of a medicine ball) is ritually thrown to the mob (known as “The Hug”) at 2 p.m. each day, and is then fought over by two teams, the “Uppards”, who try to score it at the upstream goal, and “Downards”, who try to score it at the downstream goal, until 10 p.m.

As the ball is made of leather, with a stuffing of sawdust, as it gets wetter, it gets heavier. It also swells. Thus, by the time it has reached one or other of the goals, most of its paint has been rubbed off, and it is a sorry sight as it is victoriously carried aloft back to The Green Man, to mark the end of play.

(If the ball is goaled before 5 p.m., a second ball is turned up, but normally the ball is not goaled until well after 5 p.m., if at all.)

Loyalties are decided by birth, if you’re born upstream, or from an upstream family you’re an Uppard, and vice versa. (This differs from most ball games, in that the aim is to score an “own goal”)

There is no limit to the number of players on each side, and very few rules, so the game is very rough and tumble. It is all played in good humour, so deaths are infrequent, but it is a great spectacle to watch.

As the field of play is the whole town, spectators get caught up in events, but it’s quite safe – there are refuges in enclosed areas to ensure only players have any chance of injury.

It can be quite disconcerting, however, to see 4 to 5 hundred men in rags and hobnail boots rampaging towards you!

The river banks form a fantastic viewing platform for watching river play, and cheers go up from the crowd whenever the ball is seen.

It can be cold, but luckily Ashbourne has many historic pubs, cafes and restaurants to get you warm, and the pubs open each day before the game starts, and do not shut until well after the game finishes.

The locals are very welcoming, and someone in the crowd will always explain the finer points of play, as they’re intensely proud of their unique heritage.

Gregory Bird is an Australian professional rugby league football player. He was born on February 10, 1984 in Newcastle, New South Wales in Australia. He is currently signed on to the Gold Coast Titans of the National Rugby League. Before, he was signed on to the Cronulla – Sutherland of the national Rugby League and the Catalans dragons of the Super League.

Gregory was raised at Lochinvar in the Hunter Valley. He played for the West Mainland and Maitland Pumpkin Pickers. He went to the Rutherford Technology High School and played for them. He was a famous rugby player in his school. He was also then a member of the Newcastle Knights under 18 SG Ball side. Then in 2001, he represented and captained the junior Australian Kangaroos. He also played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 2001.

In 2002, Gregory Bird made his debut match for the Cronulla – Sutherland Sharks at the Toyota Park versus the Bulldogs in Round 7.

In 2004, he had a ten week suspension because in the round four match, he kneed the Souths winger Shane Marteene in the head.

In 2006, he was voted as the Cronulla – Sutherland Sharks’ Player of the Year. He had a serious rib injury in round 21 of the season against the Newcastle Knights which resulted to his missing of seven matches.

He was also known that year for modeling for the Naked Rugby League 2007 – 2008 charity calendar. The said calendar was produced for the benefit of raising money for the National Breast cancer Foundation of Australia. Also, in the same year, he was allegedly rumored to have sent inappropriate text messages to the model Lara Bingle. Gregory Bird denied the incident and the Sharks spokesman Rob Willis backed him up with his statement and said that there was no harassment and nothing inappropriate happened.

Gregory Bird made his debut for the Country origin and the New South Wales Blues in game 2. He was given the award Man of the Match for the game 3 of the series.

In 2007, he made his debut for the Australian Test and was called the Player’s Player in a match between Australia and New Zealand.

In 2008, he was chosen for Australia for the May’s Centenary Test, then he was again named in the New South Wales Blues Side, and in the game one of the State of Origin, this rugby star was named Man of the Match. In that year also, he was named in the preliminary 46 – man Kangaroos Squad for the Rugby League World Cup.

In 2009, the Gold Coast Titans officially announced that Gregory Bird is already signed on their team. To this present day, Bird remains signed to the Gold Coast Titans.

On the 22nd May 1987, an English fullback walked out onto the pitch of Eden Park in Auckland for the first match of the inaugural Rugby World Cup. His kit was all black. John Gallagher would go on to win the tournament with New Zealand, etching himself into the list of All Black greats and beginning a journey that would see him crowned ‘International Player of the Year’ in 1990. He never lost a match wearing that jersey.

Now a head teacher in Southeast London, the man once known as Kipper is remembered as one of the finest players of his generation, and will doubtless be watching with fond memories as the Rugby World Cup returns to New Zealand this year for the first time since its inception. We recently caught up with him to talk about the 1987 World Cup, this year’s tournament, and his reflections on New Zealand…

The Rugby World Cup returns to New Zealand this year, twenty-four years after its birth. What are your memories of playing in the 1987 World Cup?

I have many happy memories. My All Black Test debut in the inaugural match of the RWC, a game which we won 70-6, was obviously special, as were the four tries I scored against Fiji a few days later, which set a Test match record. The quarter-final against Scotland was significant for me, as my father had just flown in from London and was there to see me score a try from the stands. Otherwise, beating France in the RWC final and being crowned world champions was, of course, pretty memorable!

Who was the best player you played with, and against?

There are quite a few contenders, but it was always good to be in the same team as John Kirwan and Buck Shelford. In opposition, Serge Blanco of France was always a special challenge, together with David Campese of Australia.

What is your fondest memory from your playing career?

I am fortunate enough to have many fond memories; making my All Black debut on my mother’s birthday in October 1986 against a French Selection in Strasbourg; winning the first RWC in 1987; being undefeated in my All Black career from 1986-89; being awarded NZ player of the Year in 1989 and International Player of the year in 1990.

My favourite try was against Ireland in 1989 in Dublin, it was special because both my parents were watching as well as all my Irish cousins.

Did you have to learn the Haka when you joined the New Zealand squad? Can you still do it now?

Yes – after the team was named for the Strasbourg match, Buck Shelford (Haka leader) took me to one side and asked me if I had performed the Haka before. I confessed that I hadn’t and so he then gave me a crash course in its history and meaning, together with the words and actions.

After about half an hour I wasn’t exactly well prepared, and he then said ‘Just stand behind me and do what I do!’ I still get a number of requests from the pupils in my school; I tend to teach them rather than doing it myself.

What did your New Zealand team do in between the matches of the 1987 World Cup?

Most memorably, a burger eating competition in a well-known fast food chain just outside Napier in the North Island. I was the surprise winner, destroying the reputations of Zinzan Brooke, Andy Earl and Michael Jones in the process.

We were also billeted with families in the Wairarapa; our Coach, Brian Lochore, was from that area and he got all of his farmer mates to put us up for a few days. It was complete escapism for me (completely different to Southeast London), but it also gave all the players a real insight into what the All Blacks meant to the rural communities of NZ.

What five words would you use to sum New Zealand up?

Friendly, beautiful, peaceful, fresh and creative.

What’s your favourite thing about New Zealand; what do you miss most?

The fresh air.

Where is your favourite place in New Zealand?

Wellington – when the wind isn’t blowing!

What should be on visitors’ ‘To Do List’ when they make their trip to this year’s World Cup?

Queenstown – Milford Track; Martinborough Vineyards in the Wairarapa (the Alana Estate Pinot Noir is especially good there); Bluff Oysters (South Island); visit a Marae to experience some traditional Maori culture. There’s also plenty of choice on the east coast of the North Island, as well as Lake Taupo (NI) and Fox Glacier (SI).

How much do you value specialist local knowledge about a destination that you are travelling to?

It can be the difference between a good trip and a great trip.

How do you think this year’s World Cup will differ from that in 1987? What should fans expect?

It will be much more commercial, many more spectators making the journey from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. With the recent earthquake in Christchurch, I feel the international rugby community will embrace the efforts that the host nation have made, and there will be a very strong bond of fellowship.

Rugby has changed drastically over the past twenty-four years; how is it different now?

In 1987, the game was amateur and the All Blacks were definitely an unknown quantity. They had lost their hold on the Bledisloe Cup as well as being well beaten by France in Nantes in ’86. The team had also been split by the rebel tour to South Africa, which also divided public opinion. What’s more, the average age of the team was 24!

Now the game is professional. South Africa and Australia are frequent visitors to NZ and know how to win there. Events such as the Autumn Test schedule in the Northern Hemisphere means there is a wealth of knowledge about all of the leading squads.

The All Blacks have had great opportunities to claim their second World Cup victory, especially in 1995 and 2007. There will be very high expectations on all of the young men who don the All Black jersey, but they wouldn’t want it any other way!

Who’s your pick to win this year’s World Cup? And your outside bet?

Well it’s New Zealand again – although I’ve said that every time since ’87! I have it on good authority that Japan could be worth a bet, but not until 2019. After Ireland’s display against England in March, they demonstrated that they have everything required – except consistency – but if they can get through their group and put three top quality performances together, they could be worth a shout!

When asking the majority of people before a contest, whether it be a rugby match or a spelling bee, what they want, they will inevitably say, “I want to WIN.”

Who doesn’t?

I have yet to meet anyone who competes that says they don’t care if they win as long as they have fun. That was fine when we were six but it isn’t going to cut it now. So, how do we do it, how do we win?

The answer that you are looking for may be found in goal setting. Too many teams overlook this factor, which may be considered the most important training tool available to any team. It doesn’t cost anything but time and may be the difference between an 8-8 record and a 14-2 record. The reason most teams overlook goal setting is because they assume that everyone on the team wants the same thing; to win, and the responsibility to win is placed squarely on the shoulders of the coach and so is goal setting. What most coaches need to understand is that every individual on the team has different goals for themselves as a part of the team. I stress individual because everyone on the team is different and they have different attributes and attitudes, which is very evident in a sport like rugby, and can be seen in every training session and game. It is the coach’s responsibility to bring these individuals together as a team and the easiest way to do that is by setting team goals.

Let’s be clear: winning is not a goal, it is the outcome or result of achieving the goal(s) we set as a team.

In order to get the maximum results from the goals that we have set we must follow a few basic principles; the S.M.A.R.T. principles which stand for: S – specific, M – measurable, A – attainable, R – realistic, T – time.

S – specific. In order to achieve a goal it has to be specific. For example; or goal is to win 50% more of our games then we did last year. Let’s use the example above with last year’s record of 8-8, in order to achieve our goal of 50% more victories; we now have a goal to achieve a 12-4 record. Please keep in mind that this must be a goal that is agreed upon by every team member. Also know that further goal setting is required to reach this record; how are we going to get to that record has to be answered, what do we have to do as a team to get there, what attitude is needed, what training requirements are needed, and so on.

M – measurable. Can our goal be measured? If we are using the goal of winning 50% more games, then the answer is yes it can be measured by the number of wins and losses we achieve. If we said that we want to play better as a team, even though we can feel if we played better, it isn’t something that we can measure. I’m sure we have all been a part of games when we didn’t play well, but still came away with the win and vice versa, we played great, but lost. Playing better isn’t measurable, but winning 50% more of our games is.

A – attainable. Can we win 50% more of our games this year compared to last? Can this be achieved? If your team has a record of 16-0 then it is impossible and can’t be attained, but our 8-8 record turning into 12-4 record can be achieved. We have to remember that everyone on the team has to believe that it is attainable, not just the coach or a select few. Without the collective agreement of the team the goal may not be achieved.

R – realistic. The biggest problem most coaches are faced with is the reality of the goals they are striving to achieve. For examples; our record last year was 2-14, to come out and say that our goal is to have a record this year of 12-4 isn’t very realistic. The team must believe that the goal can be achieved or they will not buy into it. We have to make sure that we set a goal that everyone thinks we can reach. If we set a goal that is too high, the majority of our players will recognize this and not put the effort needed because it’s too unrealistic. The mentality will possibly be, “why kill myself for something that isn’t going to happen?” On the other hand if we set our goal too low we will get the same effect, “I don’t need to put in much effort to achieve that goal.” As a coach, we hope we never see this mindset in our rugby players, because it is a direct reflection on us and our ability to help the team set realistic goals. When we set a goal that everyone on the team thinks we can achieve, they will all put in the effort necessary to achieve that goal.

T – time. A big problem that arises when goal setting is that we don’t set a specific date to achieve the goals we have set out. Using the example of winning 50% more games and having a 12-4 record seems like the time is already set out for us; by the end of the season. However, to ensure that we achieve our goals we must break them down into smaller goals. For example; after our first four (4) games we need our record to be at the minimum 3-1 in order to have a realistic shot at attaining 12-4. After eight (8) games we need to be 6-2 and so on.

We only used one example to show team goal setting, but we can’t stop here. In order for us to achieve this goal we must devise the proper strategy and action plan. It isn’t enough to say we want to win 50% more of our games, anyone can say that. As a coach, it is our responsibility to set goals with all of our players in order for them to achieve their individual goals and to attain the desired team goals.

These principles apply both on and off the rugby field. We must set a goal and mini goals for everything we wish to accomplish; nothing will be accomplished just because we set a goal, we have to continuously work towards reaching that goal.

There is a celebrated saying that there is science behind the making of everything and training balls are no exception to that. This is a sport that’s been played for several decades across several countries. Filled with thrill, passion, and intensity, it gives colossal delight while watching 15 players on every side tussle with each other over the ball to score a goal. The alone is enough to give Goosebumps.

AFL – One of the most trending leagues around

Most people have an affinity towards some sport or the other. Be it tennis, cricket, football, rugby or racing; every person is passionate about something or the other. Needless to say, if you are an Australian, you are already aware of what AFL is. Since its inception, Australian Football League has been the reference point of rugby for the Australians.

Nathan Fyfe – Most Prestigious Individual 2015

Born on 18th September 1991, he started his AFL career by making his Fremantle debut against Richmond Tigers and emerged as a rising star by getting nominated for the AFL Rising Star award in 2010. Since then, he has taken giant leaps forward by helping Fremantle make its first AFL Grand Final appearance in 2013. For many who aspire to be a professional player, Nathan Fyfe is an inspiration.

But inspiration alone is not enough because, for any sports person, practice and expertise are the main things. If you just aspire to be a footballer and don’t train, you are only fooling yourself. Rugby is a physical sport and for that you need to have the right physique in addition to having the necessary skills like ball control, attacking and defending.

Why is training imperative before setting out on the field?

If you follow the interviews of eminent players like Nat Fyle, Patrick Dangerfield, and Todd Goldstein, you will come to know that none of them started playing this sport directly on the field. They practiced and practiced at their home with a dummy ball until they were confident of stepping into the field. Without that confidence, it can be disastrous for anyone to play the sport professionally.

Needless to say, we all know that this game is purely physical and what happens if you start playing it without much training? Well, it’ll be a couple of broken bones, fractured ribs, days in a hospital and a huge medical bill.

To avoid it, you have to ensure that you or your kids are properly trained and are equipped enough to play professionally.

What can be said of this man and his career that hasn’t been already? His commitment and passion towards both rugby union and rugby league is something that can be admired and respected by all, and should serve as a benchmark, albeit a very high one, that any professional sporting player should strive to achieve. You have to admit that if you reached for Brad Thorn and only just missed, you’ve still done pretty well.

His first stint at the Brisbane Broncos is immediately note-worthy, not just for his own personal achievements but the speed in which they were achieved. The 94 season, in which he debuted in week twelve, saw him take out the rookie of the year award with representative honors for Queensland and Australia to follow within the next three years. The 97 grand final would be Thorn’s first taste of premiership glory, one he would experience the following year and then again in 2000.

After achieving success at every level in rugby league, Thorn turned his attention to the ruthless and unforgiving world of New Zealand rugby. Someone of lesser talent and determination may have stumbled in this new, harsh environment but he barely missed a beat. The Canterbury Crusaders took out the NPC with Thorn slipping, almost effortlessly, into the position of lock forward. A chance to become the first man since Bill Hardcastle to represent Australia in rugby league and New Zealand in rugby union was offered to him at seasons end, but he turned it down citing his uncertainty of his commitment to the fifteen man game. But, come 2003, he could resist the temptation no longer and made his official debut for the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup and continued to represent them in the Tri-Nations which New Zealand would go on to win.

A final NPC with Canterbury would see Thorn return once again to the Broncos in 2005. While many expected to see the champion forward in the twilight of his career, nothing would seem further from the truth. He would go on to not only represent Queensland but also take out another premiership in 2006. After being named one of the 20 greatest Broncos to ever play for the club, he made the decision to, once again, switch back to rugby union.

Thorn was again in unstoppable form, achieving Crusader and All Black selection in only his second year back in the game. After more super 14 titles and Tri-Nations success he finally reached the holy grail of rugby by taking out the World Cup after a hard fought 8-7 win over France in 2011. As if this wasn’t enough, a short stint with European champions Leinster would see him add the Heineken Cup to his long list of achievements.

When you want to describe a man like Brad Thorn any number of superlatives will do. But to fully understand just how remarkable this career is, you must first realize that it hasn’t even finished yet. That is correct, at age 37 Thorn has signed on with Super Rugby franchise the Highlanders for the 2013 season. For myself, it seems almost certain that this will be his swan song but for some reason a lingering doubt remains. I guess with someone like Brad Thorn, can you ever be sure of anything?

Twickenham Stadium – The Home Of English Rugby – The Cabbage Patch

Twickenham Stadium is not only the home of England rugby, it is the largest venue solely dedicated to rugby union events. Bought for £5,500 in 1907, it was converted from a cabbage patch (hence it’s affectionate nickname) into the UK’s second largest stadium after Wembley. At a capacity of 82,000 it is the fifth largest stadium in Europe. The first rugby game played was in 1909 between Harlequins and Richmond and the matches haven’t stopped since! The 2009/2010 season was the 100th anniversary of the first international within Twickenham. To mark the historic achievement, the England team played Wales on February 6th wearing special commemorative shirts designed for the match.

Things To Do And See At Twickenham Rugby Stadium

The Cabbage Patch offers more than just a seat to watch the rugby from. Get first hand experience of the excitement of a match day, delve into the history via a stadium tour and the Museum of World Rugby and buy a souvenir in the rugby store. Not only a sporting venue nowadays, Twickenham Stadium also opens its doors for a wide array of events. Since the 1950s it has hosted London’s annual Jehovah’s Witnesses conventions, with around 25,000 attending every year. It is also well renowned as a music venue. Over the years it’s visitors have included Lady Gaga, Avenged Sevenfold, Iron Maiden U2, Genesis, The Police, R.E.M, Bon Jovi, Eagles, Richard Benson and The Rolling Stones.

The Walk Of Legends and The Centenary Wall

The Walk Of Legends is a unique feature to Twickenham Stadium and a must-see for any Rugby fan. It celebrates the greatest in English rugby and displays 46 of the best England players in history, including Jonny Wilkinson, Martin Johnson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Jason Robinson, David Duckham and Mickey Skinner. You can see the stunning feature if you visit the Lion Gate, next to the newly built South Stand. The walkway is made up of squares, the center pieces devoted to each of the famous players. The surrounding squares have been bought by England fans who want to leave their mark on the stadium. To celebrate the Twickenham Stadium centenary, a wall was erected in the same style as the Walk Of Legends. The Centenary Wall can be visited opposite the North East stand.

World Rugby Museum + Store

One of the most popular attractions, the World Rugby Museum sees over 25,000 visitors through its doors every year. Situated in the East Stand, it opened in 1996. Housing more than 25,000 rugby-related items, it has a number of permanent galleries and regularly hosts special exhibitions. The Rugby Store is situated in the South Stand (they also have a shop in Twickenham city center). During popular events, there is also a small store opened under the East Stand. Rugby Store sells a huge selection of England replica kit, England team branded clothing, souvenirs and gifts. Not an England fan? They stock an assortment of international replica shirts, training wear and equipment.

Corporate Hospitality Facilities at Twickenham

Twickenham hospitality packages are second to none. When booking Twickenham Rugby Packages always make sure the company use the official hospitality facilities within Twickenham’s grounds:

• Kneller Hall – luxury marquee, England players visit after each match
• Orchard Enclosure – marquee site, near the East stand
• Green Room – private suite in the North Stand, hosted by Lawrence Dallaglio, Austin Healey and Will Greenwood
• Player’s Lounge – Held in the Live Room, a Q&A session with up to 4 players
• Chase Bridge Hospitality Village – a group of marquees in the West Car Park
• Merits – a complex at Richmond College
• Rugby House – a number of suites and restaurants in the South Stand
• St George’s Suite – a restaurant in the East Stand
• Obolensky’s – pitch-side restaurant
• Wakefield’s – pitch-side restaurant

By its nature, rugby is a very demanding sport where injuries are common to many parts of the body. Taping, bracing and padding are therefore frequently worn by those who have suffered from a previous injury, or who are looking to prevent a future one occurring!

Knee supports and braces are no exception and can regularly be seen on both amateur and professional players. However, when choosing a knee brace for rugby the player must consider the rules of the sport and whether the support they choose will be permitted for play. Due to the contact element of the game, supports and braces with any exposed, solid parts are not permitted. According to the IRB rules:

• A player may wear supports made of elasticated or compressible materials which must be washable.
• A player must not wear any items containing buckles, clips, rings, hinges, zippers, screws, bolts or rigid material or projection not otherwise permitted under this Law.

These international rules essentially mean that any solid parts on a support are not permitted due to the potential of injuring an opponent on contact. This obviously rules out any hinged braces, however if this much support is required, the question of the players suitability to play should be addressed.

Bearing this in mind, those requiring a good level of support may be permitted to wear certain stabilised supports which have lightweight and flexible metal springs embedded into the sides of the support. However it should be considered that external buckles which many have to facilitate tightening the straps are also illegal. A good example of a stabilised knee brace for rugby which would be permitted is the LP709a. The lightweight and flexible metal springs are embedded in the sides and there are no other solid parts. The LP X-Tremus is also permitted. This kind of support would be suitable for those with a previous injury to any of the knee ligaments or cartilage.

For those with a less substantial injury, or just looking for some mild protection, a simple neoprene or elasticated knee support would be suitable. These tend to have an open part at the front for the knee cap to make them more comfortable at the extremes of motion. Those with an open knee may also have padding which surrounds the opening. This is suitable for most injuries and is particularly beneficial for those who have patella problems. Some supports are available which completely cover the knee cap – ideal for those looking for padding or protection of this area.

The Calcutta Cup has to be the most famous trophy in the rugby world. The masterpiece of workmanship has a truly wonderful, colourful history.

Created in the 1870s on the sub-continent of India, the Calcutta Cup is decorated with intricate cobras and an elephant. It’s origins are through the disbandment of the Calcutta Football Club in 1878 – once the club was discontinued, members decided they wanted to perpetuate the name of their beloved institution. As a result, they gathered the remains of the club’s funds (£60) in silver Rupees (270 in total) and had them melted down. With this, they commissioned the Calcutta Cup.

Intricate Indian workmanship created the 18 inch high piece. The main decoration features include three king cobras (which form the handles) and a domed lid topped by a beautiful, ornate elephant. The silver cup sits on a wooden base, inscribed with ‘THE CALCUTTA CUP’. The original cup (now in an incredibly fragile state due to mistreatment) was presented to the Rugby Football Union in 1878, by the now-defunct Calcutta Football Club. Initially, it was meant to be competed for annually, as the club’s last input to the cause of Rugby Football.

At the time of its introduction to international competition, there were only three national sides – England, Scotland and Ireland. The Irish team was considered a poor team as they lacked a single point from any of their international games in the 1870s – eight matches in total! Due to this, it became common practice for the ornate trophy to be awarded to the winners of the annual England V Scotland match. The cup was first competed for in 1879.

By the 1890s, Irish and Welsh rugby had become well established and respected – as a result there was a significant movement to make the Calcutta Cup available to any team that won the Home Nations series. By this time, however, the Calcutta Cup was well-loved and respected in the public forum and it was decided to reserve the cup for the annual Scotland v England match.

Since it’s introduction in 1879, Scotland has won about a third of the matches (39) and England just over half (66). There have been 119 matches altogether. Since 2009 it has been in England’s possession – the last battle for the cup was at the Murrayfield Stadium. On the base of the cup is a recording of every winner since 1871 (a few years before its creation!). The names of both captains of the competing teams are also recorded. Matches are recorded every year with the exceptions of 1915-1919 and 1940-1946 due to the two World Wars. The venue for the annual match alternates between Murrayfield Stadium, Scotland (occurring on all even years) and Twickenham Stadium, England (on all odd years).

As previously mentioned, the cup is in a significantly fragile state, due to many years of neglect and bad treatment. Due to this, it is unable to travel or attend functions. Both competing nations have full size replicas of the beloved trophy, made by modern technology. When it was won by England many years ago, it was put on display in the Museum of Rugby in Twickenham.

The next competition takes place in Twickenham, England. Nicknamed ‘The Home Of English Rugby’, it is truly a magnificent place to visit.

It’s the last minute of this week’s game between the Blue Bulls and the Brumbies in Pretoria. The Brumbies trailing by a point are moving the ball left and right trying to find some space. Stephen Larkham throws a long pass that bounces well in front of any Brumbies player. Joel Wilson however, continues his line, collects the ball after one bounce and goes clean through the defensive line. Two passes later and Mortlock is celebrating the winning score.

Whether Wilson would have made this break if the pass had been put perfectly in his hands is debatable. You see, no matter how much coaching goes in, when an opposition pass doesn’t go to hand, defences subconsciously relax a little. Wynand Olivier – I love the way the Boks pronounce his name by the way – visibly eased off.

So, with this in mind, and defences so strong, maybe a case could be put forward for deliberately throwing a pass with the intention of it landing in front of the intended recipient? Maybe distributors will learn how to pass the ball so that its bounce can be easily read?

Players down the years have spent time trying to predict the bounce of a loose ball. Watching it closely just as it hits the ground is the key. Christian Cullen was a master. It was no mistake that every ball he chased seemed to magically bounce into his waiting hands. And recently Will Greenwood has been talking about the ball popping up on its 3rd bounce.

Granted, the tactic would probably be a bit hazardous, but on a greasy surface when the bounce of the ball is slightly more predictable, who’s to say it wouldn’t win you a game.