And no sooner had that thought occurred than a copy of the picture serendipitously arrived from Coventry.
Barton, shoddily treated by England after a more than decent debut season in 1967, was one of those who pitched up in their England kit at Coundon Road at pre-season training and it’s an interesting picture to mull over nearly 50 years on.
Firstly, although we have become used in modern times to professional teams, with the ability to ‘buy-in’ anybody they want, fielding sides packed with internationals, it was extremely unusual – freakish even – for an amateur club to boast such a vast array of talent at the time.
Almost all of it would have been homegrown or garnered by well-established links with local schools, junior clubs, and Loughborough University up the road, while it should also be noted that a good relationship with the local education authorities was always advisable. Rugby-playing teachers was the richest seam of all to be mined by ambitious clubs in the 70s and 80s.
Another quirky observation, and perhaps the angle of the picture has something to do with it, but all eleven seem much of a muchness in terms of size and shape. This is like looking at a Rugby League line-up. No real extremes of width and height.
Esta historia es de la edición January 24, 2021 de The Rugby Paper.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición January 24, 2021 de The Rugby Paper.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Holders Kent are back in business
KENT began their defence of the Bill Beaumont Cup with a thrilling victory over Hampshire.
Lightning Bo bags 'amazing' fab four
RAPID winger Bo Westcombe-Evans stormed her way to an incredible four tries to help Loughborough Lightning secure maximum points over their nearest league rivals, Harlequins.
'Privilege to play in Jonny's 10 jersey'
ACHIEVING his boyhood dream of replicating the highs of Jonny Wilkinson in No.10 Newcastle's shirt has led to Brett Connon extending his stay at the Premiership's struggling side.
Best I've felt for six years - Roux
QUINN Roux is feeling in the best shape of his life but the former Ireland international admits it'll be a stretch for him to be around at Bath for as long as Johann van Graan.
Lake's at double to sink the Dragons
OSPREYS maximum claimed points to keep alive their mathematical hopes of making the playoffs while also clinching the Welsh Shield.
Falcons' misery but hosts restore pride
THE battle of the battered ended with Newcastle becoming the third team to go through a Premiership campaign without a victory and generGloucester ating cheers rather than jeers.
It's away day delight as Sharks bite Sarries
SALE ended their StoneX curse to reach the Premiership play-offs for a second straight season and deny Saracens a home semi-final courtesy of an almighty performance from their beefy back row.
Big win but it's not enough for Bears
BRISTOL Bears ended their season in style with a seven-try victory against Harlequins, but missed out on a spot in the play-offs after Sale's win at Saracens.
Ruthless Bath crush Saints on perfect day
BATH have been in the top four all season and on a tense super afternoon, Saturday with play-off places at stake, they made no mistake against an understrength and underwhelming Saints XV.
Ex-Wasps buzzing for European glory
THIBAUD Flament has risen from Loughborough University's fifth team to become a French international with the intention of next weekend becoming a Champions Cup winner again.