Don't N ask me why although I suspect deep down it's something to do with mimicking the Olympics and possibly also trying to justify the big hike in ticket prices.
Anyway, the Rugby World Cup, as you suspect, has a wildly erratic record in this respect, not knowing whether to take the convention seriously or to take the mickey. A bit like rugby's attitude to law changes, in fact.
Back in 1987 it all started on one quiet Friday afternoon when less than 20,000 folk decided to attend the first ever World Cup match, between New Zealand and Italy. The All Blacks were in disgrace after the Cavaliers tour to South Africa in 1986, Italy were considered a non-entity and nobody knew what to make of the tournament.
The strapped for cash organisers didn't exactly push the boat out, just 16 local scouts and their troops parading the flags of the competing nations. And, er, that was about it save one military band or was it the local Auckland Police Band? No fireworks although in fairness New Zealand provided those on the field with a 70-6 win including John Kirwan's wonder try.
England upped the ante a little in 1991 with a colourful re-enactment of the tale of William Webb Ellis picking up the ball and running at Rugby School and a couple of marching bands but the image I recall is a parade of notable former players with Colin Meads entrusted with returning the World Cup, holding it like a whiskey shot glass in his giant paw like hands. The Royals sent the İad Prince Edward along to open this fledgling competition - a month later and, with England in the final, HM Queen Elizabeth herself was in attendence.
This story is from the September 03, 2023 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 03, 2023 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Smith: I'm better at handling mistakes
FIN SMITH credits his superb form this season to a mental mind-shift that enables him to now take the rough with the smooth.
I'd love to coach at top level, says Biljon
IT IS one of rugby’s cruel ironies that Harvey Biljon, who has transformed the careers of so many players, is still waiting for his own shot at the big-time.
Quins have to climb very steep mountain
WHEN Harlequins face Toulouse this afternoon in their first European Cup semi-final in south-west France, it will be one of the biggest games in their history, and the overriding emotion the English club and its supporters will be one of excitement.
Saints so close to stunning Leinster
NORTHAMPTON boss Phil Dowson was left to rue the one that got away after Saints went down 20-17 to Leinster in the Champions Cup semi-final.
Blame RFU for lack of confidence Halliday
THE Cornish Pirates statement that the future of professional rugby in Cornwall is in jeopardy – citing RFU prevarication over promotion as the root cause in new investors delaying their commitment to the club – has prompted a sustained attack on the RFU by Championship clubs chairman Simon Halliday.
YOUNG GUNS
SEANKERR HARLEQUINS & ENGLAND U20 CENTRE
PGP deal is nothing but a waste of time
I CAN’T help thinking that the new Professional Game Partnership (PGP) is nothing but a waste of time as I can’t see how it is going to make any difference to how the game operates or how it will actually help clubs keep players and reduce the financial strain they are under.
Tries galore as Jake leads the Crusaders title party
WITH Dings stalwarts Charlie Taylor and Jake Holcombe reaching the milestones of 250 and 200 appearances respectively, the massive win over Camborne was a fitting end to the season.
It's title delight for the Titans!
ROTHERHAM Titans are the champions!
Lions survive as Patrick heroics seal late glory
THE final throws of the 2023-24 season saw Sale take on Leicester Lions at Heywood Road, with the visitors looking for a victory to ensure their survival.