Opening Ceremony - Rugby World Cup, 2015

Rugby Returns To The

Nation Of Its Birth

For the second time in Rugby's history, the world-wide played Sport formally returned to the land of its birth when the Country of England - in the role of Tournament Host - graciously welcomed Nations from around the world to London's Twickenham Stadium to officially begin the 8th World Cup in a brief but powerful Opening Ceremony that took place on Friday, September the 18th, 2015.

The exciting, twenty minute-long event began very naturally with the succinct film dramatization of how this beloved pastime was created at the now-world-famous Rugby School, in 1823.

William Webb Ellis, portrayed very well in deed by 14-year-old English Actor, Edward Anthony, was, of course, "present" to showcase his "fine disregard for the rules of Football", "as played in his time", when he first elected to run with the game's ball towards the opposite goal, rather than kick it.

The newly named "Rugby" ball was then passed down through the decades and multiple Schools representatively by the capable hands of various Rugby Greats, displaying the Sport's rapidly-growing popularity throughout Great Britain.

At length, the ball is returned to "the Father of Rugby" (Ellis) in London, England, just outside Twickenham Stadium, who then kicks the well-worn leather ball skyward in a mile-high kick toward the reaches of space.  The ball then begins its highly-anticipated descent to Billy's cabbage Patch, landing squarely in the center of Twickenham field, and leaving in its wake a most impressive crater, from which arises the passionately-cheered-on "Rugby Players"

The excitement continues, and quickly grows, as the “Rugby Players” begin to peel back the layers that make up the exterior of the enormous, worn, leather ball of old to reveal an all-new, Gilbert-crafted, rubber-made and equally ginormous 2015 Rugby ball that has been resting quietly underneath the apparent chaos.

A well-versed singing out of "The World In Union" by British star, Laura Wright, and an unnamed but vastly-talented boy, is then witnessed as the "Rugby Players" continue to work together to strip away the final layer of the ceremonial ball, revealing the soon-to-be-much-sought-after William Webb Ellis Cup, subsequently retrieved by none other than William Webb Ellis himself (as played by Anthony) who then places the golden Cup on a ceremonial stand that has been most prestigiously erected center stage.

The well-received Ceremonial production also included more than a few, startle-inducing cameos, including game legends Jonny Wilkinson, Sir Clive Woodward, Will Greenwood, Jason Leonard, Bill Beaumont, and the former Coach of Scotland and the British Lions, Sir Ian McGeechan.

Also making a brief appearance in the Ceremony's pre-film was none other than Prince Harry - playing the role of Gardener - at the Rugby School of 1823, who humorously declares to fellow Gardener, Jonny Wilkinson, upon witnessing Ellis' fateful escapades, "Don't worry, Jonny, that'll never take off!"

A surreal event, to say the least, which gave proper cause for much cheer and excitement.

Prince Harry also made a live appearance in his official role as Honorary President of England Rugby 2015 on center stage in the midst of Twickenham field, for a rousing speech to the capacity-packed Stadium of 82,000 fans, including the smiling faces of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (bedecked very appropriately in matching shades of Royal Blue), competing Nations, Players, and Fellow Countrymen, of this globally-shared event:

"Welcome to Twickenham, to England 2015, and to the 8th Rugby World Cup.  This evening marks the beginning of a celebration of rugby which I hope will inspire current players, those new to the game and future generations.  There will be moments in this World Cup which will live with us for the rest of our lives. Who could forget 1995 and President Mandela handing The Webb Ellis Cup to Francois Pienaar, or that Drop kick in 2003?  

To all the players, we congratulate you and wish you well for the tournament. Your individual skill is to be celebrated; but, I can think of no other sport where the success of the team is shouldered so equally by everyone.  

Rugby has changed dramatically in my lifetime. But it remains a game founded on a code of values. Values which are as important today - both on and off the field of play - as they have ever been. Across the country, regardless of age, background or belief, this nation, which gave rugby to the world in 1823, will join together and celebrate the game like never before.  

In six weeks' time, one team will take its place in history. It's up to every one of us, to raise the roof on each match in this unforgettable journey. The players have earned it, the Nations deserve it and the fans expect it.  We're ready ... Game on!"

Game on indeed.  Following his speech, and a few more ceremonial tie-ups, the long-awaited Rugby World Cup, 2015, officially got under way with the Tournament's Inaugural Test Match:  England vs. Fiji.

England To Host the 2015 RWC

England Will Host

the Rugby World Cup - 2015

Widely-spread grins and Rosey cheeks (Get it?) are sure to abound, as England excitedly makes their last-minute preparations for what will soon be the 8th installment of The Rugby World Cup!

For their second time of Hosting The World Cup (having  first co-Hosted it with Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and France in 1991), England has carefully selected and lovingly made ready 13, different Venues to house this highly-anticipated, grand affair:

01.  Twickenham Stadium, London - Capacity of 82,000

02.  Wembley Stadium, London - Capacity of 90,000

03.  Millennium Stadium, Cardiff - Capacity of 74,500

04.  Manchester Stadium, Manchester - Capacity of 56,000

05.  Olympic Stadium, London - Capacity of 54,000

06.  St. James' Park, Newcastle - Capacity of 52,387

07.  Villa Park, Birmingham - Capacity of 42,788

08.  Elland Road, Leeds - Capacity of 37,900

09.  Leicester City Stadium, Leicester - Capacity of 32,262

10.  Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester - Capacity of 16,500

11.  Sandy Park, Exeter - Capacity of 12,500

12.  Stadium MK, Milton Keynes - Capacity of 30,500

13.  Brighton Community Stadium, Brighton - Capacity of 30,750

Of the Thirteen Venues selected, 2 are actual, dedicated Rugby Union Grounds:  

Sandy Park in Exeter and Kingsholm Stadium in Gloucester; 

2 are National Rugby Stadiums:

Twickenham Stadium (London, England)

An aerial view of Twickenham Stadium

and Millennium Stadium (Cardiff, Wales);

A panoramic view of Millennium Stadium

and 2 are multi-purpose Stadiums:

Wembley Stadium in London, and Olympic Stadium, also in London.

The remaining 7 Venues are Association Football Grounds.

Manchester City Stadium is currently being upgraded for the coming event, and construction is expected to be complete by August, 2015.

A Brief History of Twickenham Stadium

Twickenham Stadium, England

Twickenham Stadium, located on Whitton Road, Twickenham, in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, South West London, is the National Stadium of England; and is soon to premier as one of the 13, pre-selected Venues to help co-host The 2015 Rugby World Cup, which is all set to kick off (Ahem, if you'll pardon the pun!) on September 18th, 2015.

All Blacks at Twickenham

Twickenham, AKA "The Tarquin Dome", or "Twickers", as it is sometimes referred to, stands as the largest Rugby Union Stadium in the World, and also holds the proud distinctions of being the 2nd largest Stadium in The United Kingdom, London (Next to Wembley Stadium, also London), and the 4th largest Stadium in all of Europe, with a crowd capacity of 82,000.

An aerial view of Twickenham Stadium

In the year 1907, RFU (Rugby Football Union) Committee Member, William "Billy" Williams, along with RFU Treasurer, William Cail, set out, upon the urging of some anxious Employers, on what would eventually be noted as a history-making endeavour: To seek out and purchase England's first Rugby Union dedicated grounds.

Recognizing some great, albeit hidden, potential, Billy Williams settled upon a humble Cabbage Patch, resting comfortably in Twickenham, London.

For £5,500 12s and 6d, the 10¼ acres were swiftly purchased, and construction began the following year for what would later be referred to as, "The Home of Rugby Union".  As a result of these "game changing" events, Twickenham Stadium would also come to be affectionately referred to as "Billy Williams' Cabbage Patch, "The Cabbage Patch", or just simply "Headquarters".

On October 2nd, 1909, Twickenham Stadium hosted its inaugural Match between English Rugby Union club Teams, Harlequins and Richmond (14-10, Harlequins).   A first International Test Match would soon follow, making its Twickenham debut on January 15th, 1910, between International Rugby Teams, England and Wales (11-6, England).  At that time, Twickenham's maximum capacity only allowed for a mere 20,000 spectators.

During the First World War (WWI), England's most beloved Stadium was once again humbled and brought down to the lowly status of "Cow Pasture", when it was temporarily converted for the necessary grazing of some of the country's sheep, horse, and cattle populations.  In public remembrance and gratitude of this noble sacrifice, King George V would later unveil a War Memorial, in 1921.

In the year 1959, old adversaries, England and Wales, joined forces to battle worthy opponents, Ireland and Scotland, in a unique Test Match to celebrate Twickenham's 50th Anniversary.  England and Wales won the Match, 26-17.

In celebration of Twickenham's 100th Anniversary, England's International Rugby Players wore commemorative shirts in an International Test Match against Wales that was played on February 6th, 2010, in Twickenham Stadium.  England, rather appropriately, thrashed the opposing Team, winning the historical game with a final score of 30-17.

In a love affair that has lasted for over a century, Billy's Cabbage Patch also retains the unique, additional distinction of being the only National Stadium in the entire World to have its native Team,  England, play nearly all their Home Games there (as opposed to any other National Team of the World, who prefer to "switch up" their playing Venues on a regular basis), and is considered to be by its Patrons, one of England's most-precious treasures and crowning achievements (if you'll pardon the 2nd pun!).

A Brief History of a Terrace Song

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot -

The Making of a Terrace Song

"Swing low, sweet Chariot, ... " are words you've no doubt heard many times before, as they are the words to the popular "Negro spiritual" of the same name. Since first being written sometime prior to 1862 by Wallace Willis, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" has certainly seen its fair share of use over the years, including the use, in relatively recent years, as a popular "Terrace Song"; or, a song that is commonly sung amongst the cheering crowds of a Rugby Stadium ... in this particular case, an English Rugby Stadium. What first began as the spontaneous cheering on of an exciting Hat Trick during the Second Half of a Championship game, quickly developed into an England Rugby tradition that has spanned nearly 3 decades.  

In the year 1988, in Twickenham Stadium, a fateful game was being played between England and Ireland. It was the last, Championship-winning Match of The Five Nations Championship, and a disheartened England had entered the bleak-looking event feeling very low indeed, having just lost 15 of the 23 Matches that were previously held within the same tournament.

To add insult to injury, the still-loyal Fans of England had only seen a single, solitary Try exhibited from their National Team, at Twickenham, over the past 2 years.

The First Half of this dreaded game took none of England's critics by surprise; and the agonizing forty minutes expired with England down 3-0.

Then, all of a sudden, an incredible thing happened: A now fired-up England Team came out onto the field for the Second Half and proceeded to mow over its bewildered challengers in a gripping, edge-of-your-seat, epic battle that included no less than 6 Tries from England!

It was during this triumphant come-back, that English Rugby history was about to be made:

Christopher C. "Chris" Oti, a Left Wing player for England, was fast earning a famous reputation for being quite the "Speedster" on the Rugby Pitch.

Scoring a remarkable 3 of the 6 Tries scored during the Second Half of the game, Chris had Twickenham's crowds practically barmy with jubilation at this exciting turn of events!

Among the cheering crowds was an excited group of boys from the Benedictine school, Douai.

Following in the tradition laid out by their School games, the Douai boys would sing out a chorus of "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" whenever a Try was scored.

When Oti managed to score his second Try, another well-versed chorus rung out from the enthusiastic School chaps; and a few of the amused spectators that witnessed the frivolity, decided to join in on the fun.

Soon after, Otis scored his Hat Trick (his 3rd Try) and the now-famous Terrace Song filled the air, as the entire Stadium joined together in the singing of another chorus ...

In the end, England won the enthralling game, 35-3; and the rest, as they say, is history.

2014-2015 European Rugby Champions Cup

2014-2015 ERCC Final

(05-05-15)

"Rugby" ... one of the greatest words in the English language.

Simply because Rugby is THE greatest Sport in the history of Sports-dom; and it is, of course, the Sport that I love best ... Well, that and DWTS ... and occasionally Football (the American kind, not that European dribble called Soccer) when Wisconsin's Green Bay Packers or Texas' Cowboys are playing.

I do not consider myself a "Sports Fanatic" by any means; but, I can and will say that I am a total  "Rugby Nut".

And more so, a complete New Zealand All Blacks Fan!

The All Blacks

Why shouldn't I be?  They are the elite, a Team to aspire to; and inarguably the BEST International Rugby Team to have ever graced the Sport ... just ask any Nation of the World.

In my opinion, it is impossible to be at all "into Sports" and not be a complete nutter-of-a-Fan of one Team or another; or else, why are you even bothering?

That said, aside from my Avid Admiration of the All Blacks, I do possess a general, overall love for that "civilized" War of the Nations known as Rugby; and, this Blogger will strive to offer you a complete, objective commentary of the Sport ... except ... maybe ... for certain times when the topic of the All Blacks is being biased-ly conversed upon.

The Heineken Cup:  Sponsored by Heineken, This cup began in the year 1995 and is known as "The H Cup" in France (According to Wikipedia) due to the Nation's "restrictions on alcohol sponsorship" (in France!? ... Is that funny to anyone else but me?), "The Heineken Cup" consists of an annual series of International Test matches (International Games) organized by the European Rugby Cup, and played by 6 different Nations:

     England,   Wales, 
     Scotland,   Ireland, 
     France,      Italy. 

These nations are broken down into 24 Teams, all vying for Europe's most prestigious, International, Annual Rugby trophy, The Heineken Cup.  

Near the end of the year 2014, The Heineken Cup took on a different name:  

The "European Rugby Champions Cup" or the "ERCC", 

and is now organized by European Professional Club Rugby.

NOTE:  The ERCC (also called The European Rugby Champions Cup, and ... previously called The Heineken Cup) is not the "Six Nations Championship" (also called "The RBS 6 Nations" due to the sponsor, The Royal Bank of Scotland) which involves only 6 teams - the 6 national teams from the same 6 nations.  

Confusing? ... a little ... but if you re-read the few paragraphs above about 6 (LOL) times ... slowly ... it will become more clear ... eh?

The ERCC
(European Rugby Champions Cup)

Besides the change of name, the ERCC competition remains largely the same as its inaugural predecessor, except that the 6 competing Nations are now broken down into 20 Teams instead of the original 24; and, the 20 Teams are now all vying for a different trophy, The European Rugby Champions Cup.

The ERCC (or The Heineken Cup, by which it was still known at the time) was the very first Rugby match I ever saw.

It was the final match of the 2010-2011 Season:  Leinster vs. Northampton Saints (Leinster won, 33-22) and so began the rest-of-my-life love affair with the game of Rugby.

Given our "history", it should come as no great surprise that the ERCC is one of the annual International Test Matches to which I most look forward.

Which brings me to the sum-up of the final Test Match of its most recent Season (2014-2015 Season):  

Toulon vs. Clermont Auvergne ...

On the 5th of May, in the year 2015, two, French, Club Rugby Teams officially made Rugby History, when they met in London ... at England's beloved Twickenham Stadium

An aerial view of Twickenham Stadium

to compete for Rugby's very first European Rugby Champions Cup (ERCC), formally known as The Heineken Cup.

This exciting Finals game was hashed out between Clermont Auvergne, looking for their first Championship Win, and back-to-back Winners and defending Champions, Toulon, going for their third win of the Top Tier, European Professional Club Rugby Tournaments (which before had only been achieved by the Irish Team, Leinster, who have won it Three times, and the French Team, Toulouse, who have won it a record Four times).

This historic event would mark the third time in a row that Toulon had made it to the ERCC Final, and the second Final for Clermont Auvergne (the 2012/13 season, and the 2014/15 season).

In Addition, this particular, highly-anticipated Rugby Match would also mark the second time that these two teams have met on the Rugby field of battle for the Final game of the ERCC tournament (though it was, at the time, called The Heineken Cup tournament).  The first time was the conclusion of the 2012/13 Season -- And yes, that means that both times that Clermont Auvergne have been to the Final, they have met that same, seemingly unbeatable foe, Toulon.

For the First Half of this enthralling game, Clermont Auvergne overwhelmed its opposing Team, and Toulon seemed to be in a real strait!  Following a well-timed charge-down by Morgan Parra of Clermont Auvergne which led to a Try, it looked as though these "underdog" Challengers had the game well in hand!

But the spot-on kicking from (Stephen) Leigh Halfpenny of Toulon,

Leigh Halfpenny

who scored 11 points out of 16 for his Team during the First Half (the other 5 points coming from a powerful Try made by Number 13, Mathieu Bastareaud), 

Mathieu Bastareaud

would give Toulon the lead just before Halftime!

During the Second Half of the game, each Team would achieve only one more Try, including one made by Rugby's first ever EPCR (European Professional Club Rugby) Player of the Year Honoree, Clermont Auvergne's very own Nick Abendanon.

Nick Abendanon

With only one Conversion made by Camille Lopez of Clermont Auvergne, 

Camille Lopez

and one Penalty Kick by Halfpenny, this thrilling game was down to the wire!

In the end, Clermont Auvergne would need a converted try to win the trophy; but, Toulon strongly held its ground for the eventual WIN (24-18), allowing this record-breaking Team to once again make Rugby History as the first Club Rugby Team to win the European Rugby Champions Cup AND the only Club Rugby Team to have won a Top Tier Rugby Championship Three times in a row!  (That is, they are the first winners of the newly-named ERCC and they won the last 2 Heineken Cups ... 3 wins in-a-row with a name change thrown in for free!)

Toulon:  The Winners of the
 European Rugby Champions Cup
(ERCC), 2015!