Rugby!

Rugby is Ian’s game — a tough, very physical team sport with a 165-year-old pedigree. It was NOT invented by William Webb Ellis, whatever they tell you. Like all great sports, rugby is a bit of religion to its fans, and like all grew religions, it came to be as a result of a schism. Another schism resulted in a heretical variation known as rugby league. (The REAL rugby is Rugby Union.)

 

Yes, rugby is an ancestor of American Rules football. As with all illegitimate offspring, the moment of conception is clouded in mystery.

 

Ian was drawn to rugby union as a boy because it took more courage to play than futbol. Until the events of TERRA LUNA, he sublimated his warrior nature on the rugby pitch. He still plays, by the way, and is Co-Captain of the Harriers with Jamison. But after the terrible events that day in Ireland, and the equal tragedy on the Georgia Faerie Circle Lands that came later, rugby no longer stirs his heart and soul as it formerly did. He approaches the game now in a more intellectual manner.

 

YouTube is loaded with rugby union. Start with MonkThatGotFunk’s Rugby Rules for Beginners (Americans). RugbyHive’s Channel has many great moments.  R80Rugby has several dozen excellent educational videos on the the nuts and bolts of the game. The Top 20 International Tries Ever is the ultimate rugby union highlights reel – thanks, zachattack5632.

 

We’ve got A Quick Guide For The New Rugby Fan and you also learn a bit about American Rugby.