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.

The Four, Rugby World Cup Pools - RWC 2015

2015 Rugby World Cup:

Pool Stage

The Rugby World Cup, a Rugby Union World Championship competition, that occurs only once every Four years, is set to begin its 8th tournament on September 18th, 2015, and will be hosted by England.

The First Round of competition for The World Cup is most commonly referred to as the "Pool Stage":

The Pool Stage consists of dividing up the 20 International Rugby Teams that will be competing in this magnificent event into 

        4 "Pools" of  5 Teams each.  

Each Pool will then be designated one of the first four letters of the Alphabet for ease of conversation and communication (i.e., Pool A, Pool B, Pool C, and Pool D).

Once divided, each Pool's 5 Teams will proceed in a "Round Robin" type fashion and stand off against each other until every Team in that one Pool has played once against every other Team within the same Pool, hence Ten Games for each Pool, with a total of Forty Games for the whole of the First Round, or Pool Stage.

Within a Pool, Teams are awarded:

          4 (Four) Points for a Win, 
          2 (Two) Points for a Draw, and 
          0 (Zero) Points for a Defeat
                             (AKA None, Zip, Zilch, Nada!).

In addition, 
     - a Team that scores 4 or more Tries within a 
          single Test Match (Game), OR
     - a Team that loses by 7 points or fewer 
will also be awarded:

          1 (One) Bonus Point.

The 3 top-scoring Teams of each Pool will all be rewarded with an Automatic Qualification for the next World Cup, scheduled to take place in Japan, in the year 2019;

   however, only the 2

top-scoring Teams in their Pool, will then advance to Round Two, or the Quarter Finals, of The Rugby World Cup.

Here is the List of the Four Pools for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and the 20 Teams that are divided amongst them:

The Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2015
Pool A
----
This year, Pool A is often referred to as 
"The Pool of Death"
because there are 3, obvious, strong contenders
for the coveted, Top 2 spots; 
whereas, in Pools B, C, and D, 
there are only 2 competitors considered 
stronger in each respectively. 

The Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2015
Pool B

The Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2015
Pool C

The Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2015
Pool D

Of the 20 Teams competing, 12 have qualified for this World Cup by finishing in the top Three positions of their respective Pools during the 2011 Rugby World Cup, while the remaining 8 Teams qualified throughout the Four-year time lapse with Regional Competitions.

The Team "line-up" for this 2015 World Cup matches that of the previous, 2011 World Cup "line-up" with but one exception, Uruguay has replaced Russia.

Richie McCaw to Retire

All Blacks Captain, Richie McCaw,

Said to Retire Following RWC, 2015

New Zealand All Blacks' Captain and Rugby Great, Richard Hugh "Richie" McCaw, is rumored to Retire early next year following The Rugby World Cup 2015.  For any true Rugby fan (and more so to all All Blacks fans) the long-dreaded-though-ultimately-an-inevitable-reality subject of Richie McCaw's retirement is unwelcome at best; though, not too surprising, considering his long-time fellow Club Rugby and International Rugby Teammate (and fellow Legend of the New Zealand Pitch), Daniel "Dan" Carter's Retirement from the New Zealand Club, The Crusaders, in June earlier this year.  Both men have long thrown everything they have into the Game they love -- and in a Nation that loves them for it!

Richie McCaw, All Blacks Captain

Richie McCaw and Dan Carter

Richie McCaw and Dan Carter

When asked concerning these rumors, the 34-year-old renowned Team Captain and Flanker stated, "Honestly, I haven't made any final decisions; but, probably, the likelihood is, I'm not going to be playing next year."

Said to be considering Retirement primarily for Health Reasons, McCaw also remarked, "But I don't want to be getting carried away now, talking about those sorts of things, when I am focusing about playing.  I want to really enjoy this year; but, as I say, that's the likelihood; and I don't want to make any big announcements because I don't think that would be right, going into a Season."

Considered by most to be Rugby's greatest Openside Flanker and International Team Captain in the World, Richie's Retirement would indeed mark a tremendous loss for the All Blacks Team, New Zealand, and the Sport of Rugby.

Concerning Dan Carter's signing of a 3-Year Contract to play for the French Rugby Club, Racing Metro (following his own Retirement from the All Blacks, after the 2015 Rugby World Cup), in a deal that has been described as "the richest contract in Rugby", and that will subsequently make Carter "Rugby's best- paid player", McCaw had this to say, "Everyone is motivated a bit differently; and I've always said that that is not the number one motivation."

Richie McCaw

Dan Carter

As a devoted and loyal New Zealand Player, it would appear that, retired or not, McCaw will "bleed black" for life, as was made obvious by his disinterestedness for  making such a Deal himself, even as a lucrative means to top off his distinguished career in Rugby.

"Obviously, it is nice to play and get well looked after because of that," observed McCaw, "but I've always said that if I was enjoying it, and wanted to carry on playing, then I would continue playing here.  If I'm not enjoying it and decide I've got to go off just to earn some cash, I think that would be pretty tough."

Beloved by his Coach, Fellow Teammates, and Rugby Fans alike, McCaw has also earned the respect of International Rugby Players the World-round, and has been awarded the IRB (International Rugby Board) Player of the Year Award a record 3 times, an event which prompted former Australian Lock and Award Chairperson, John Eales, to publicly describe McCaw as "an outstanding captain, a world class player, and a role model for our sport".

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 the Sport of Rugby

William Webb Ellis,

The Inventor of Rugby:

William Webb Ellis, an English Clergyman who lived from 1806-1872, is a man widely and gratefully recognized around the world as the inventor of the game of Rugby.

William Webb Ellis

Legend has it, this now-famous Sport first began to take shape in the year 1823, during a routine game of Football ...

Following the untimely death of William's Father, James Ellis, who served as an Officer in England's Dragoon Guards, William's Mother, Ann Ellis, elected to move with her two sons, William and his older brother, Thomas, to Rugby, Warwickshire, England to afford her two children a proper and Free education, as any pupil living within a 10-mile radius of the Rugby Clock Tower was allowed to attend Rugby School completely free of charge.

Whilst attending School from 1816-1825, William was noted as being a fine Scholar and Cricketer, though it was noted that he was "rather inclined to take unfair advantage at Cricket".

One fateful day while taking part in game of Football with some fellow Classmates, William, rather unconsciously, made worldwide history when, upon catching the ball in his arms, cheated by rushing forward with the ball still cradled in his arms towards the opposite goal line, instead of retiring backwards, as he ought, for a Punt or setup Kick.

Upon reflection of this intriguing turn of events, students of the Rugby School met together excitedly to set certain rules and standards to characterize this unique and thrilling new Sport that would eventually be named for the School where it was invented ... and so the game of Rugby was born.

These fateful events were then commemorated in stone, some 172 years later, on a Rugby School plaque (erected in 1995) that bears the following inscription:

"THIS STONE COMMEMORATES THE 

EXPLOIT OF WILLIAM WEBB ELLIS 

WHO WITH FINE DISREGARD FOR THE 

RULES OF FOOTBALL AS PLAYED IN HIS 

TIME FIRST TOOK THE BALL AND RAN 

WITH IT THUS ORIGINATING THE 

DISTINCTIVE FEATURE OF 

THE RUGBY GAME A.D. 1823".

Picture of the plaque at Rugby school

To honor the Inventor of this beloved pastime, The Rugby World Cup trophy was dutifully named The William Webb Ellis Cup, which stands to this day as the highest achievement that can be attained by a Nation's International Rugby Team.

2011 Rugby World Cup Champions,
The All Backs!

A Brief History of The All Blacks

The New Zealand All Blacks:  

Rugby, Perfected, Wears Black

Since first beginning over a century ago, The New Zealand All Blacks have set the standard worldwide, as to what the game of Rugby looks like when perfected ...

In the year 1870, Rugby Union was first introduced to the Country of New Zealand by a man named Charles John Monro, the son of Sir David Monro, a New Zealand politician.

Charles had first discovered the game whilst attending College in England.

Ecstatic with his newly-found love of the sport, Charles returned home to his native New Zealand, determined to popularize it there, along with the 1868 Rules of Rugby, and a recently new-and-improved, rubber-made, oval-shaped ball, manufactured by William Gilbert ... and so a Nation-wide love affair began.

The Canterbury Rugby Football Union, New Zealand's first, official Provincial Union, was quickly formed by 1879; and, by 1882, New Zealand's first Internationals were played when New South Wales (NSW) toured the Nation, playing against 7 Provincial, New Zealand Sides (Teams).  NSW won 4 of these games, New Zealand winning 3.

Two years later, in 1884, New Zealand made its very first, overseas exposition, touring NSW in turn ... Of the 8 games played, New Zealand won all.

The team that toured New South Wales (NSW),
 Australia, in 1884.

In 1892, the New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU) was founded; and by 1903, New Zealand played what many consider to be its first, true Test Match:  New Zealand vs Australia, at the Sydney Cricket Ground, on August 15th, 1903.  The anticipated Match took place in front of over 30,000 spectators, and New Zealand won the game in a glorious 22-3 victory.

In the year 1905, an International Rugby Team, formed especially with the representation of its native New Zealand in mind, and Captained by Dave Gallagher,

Dave Gallagher, Captain of the
original All Blacks Team.

first embarked on a highly-anticipated 35-Match tour of the British Isles (including England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland), France, and North America.

Known as the New Zealand Footballers, or more simply, the New Zealanders, and even at certain times as "the Colonials", expectations for New Zealand's International performance levels were decidedly low, despite the fact that it had already experienced several times of complete, inarguable, and even noteworthy International success, not the least of which was its 22-3 win against Australia in 1903.

In fact, in 1904, David Bedell-Sivright, a respected Captain of the British Isles Team at that time, openly voiced his doubts concerning the success of some of New Zealand's bigger Test Matches during their Northern Hemisphere tour, before adding the consoling remark, "I think you will probably win most of the county Test Matches.".

For their debut game against Devon, England, on September 16th, 1905, New Zealand won the match with an impressive and crushing lead of 55-4.

So great was the shock at this unpredictable turn of events, that some of Britain's Newspapers actually reported that Devon had scored the 55 points and New Zealand's representing team had lost with a mere 4 points.  The misinformation was later corrected, allowing New Zealand to finally be greeted by cheering fans and a brass band.

An international reputation soon followed, as this "rookie" Team from  New Zealand quickly became known as a force to be reckoned with, when it went on to win every Test Match of the Tour with the singular exception of a 3-0 loss to Wales.  In addition, the loss was a highly controversial one, with New Zealand actually having scored a Try against Wales that was subsequently Disallowed.  The player that scored, what might of been, a game changing Try, Robert "Bob" Deans, a Wing for New Zealand, claimed that the Try in question was indeed successful; but, that he had regrettably withdrawn back over the Try line before the game's Referee could catch up.

Following a 34-0 win in Middlesex, The Daily Chronicle stated concerning the All Blacks, 

"These New Zealanders turn defense into attack with such bewildering rapidity as to prove that scrimmaging is a mere detail.  There is nothing in the game at which they do not excel.".

Legend has it, it was during this first Tour when a London Newspaper observed that New Zealand's Team played as though they were "all backs".  Through a typographical error, the quote was later thought to have been "All Blacks", and so Rugby's newest and most intimidating force was given a name.

The Original All Blacks Team
 that toured during 1905–06

This story has been presented as truth by William "Billy" Wallace, the longest living Player (1878-1972 ) from the original, 1905 All Blacks Team, although there are still many who believe the name "All Blacks" first hailed from a News Article that was printed after the All Blacks' win against Devon. ... The Express and Echo, a News outlet in Devon, has been quoted as saying, "The All Blacks, as they are styled by reason of sable and unrelieved costume."  And then, there are more still who believe that the nickname, "The Blacks", was, in fact, given to the Team before it ever left New Zealand.  

Whichever the case, The Original All Blacks, most often and affectionately referred to today as "The Originals", continued to make Rugby History, scoring a legendary total of 976 points in their 1905-1906 Tour  and conceding only 59, thereby securing their home Country of New Zealand a "World Class Rugby Nation" international status.

In the years following their tour, the All Blacks legacy has passed from generation to generation, continuing to make or break records and set ever-increasing standards for the Sport of Rugby, including:

1) Winning over 76% of their Test Matches played against other Countries.

2) Scoring more Test Match points than any other Rugby Team.

3) Being the only International Team in the World to hold a winning record against every Country they have played.

4) Being named the World Rugby Team of the Year 7 times since 2005.

5) Having 4 separate players be named the World Rugby Player of the Year:  

Richie McCaw,

Richie McCaw, All Blacks Captain

Dan Carter,

Dan Carter, All Blacks Number 10

Kieran Read,

Kieran Read, All Blacks Number 8

 and Brodie Retallick.

Brodie Retallick, All Blacks Lock

6) Having 15 Former Team members inducted into the International Rugby Hall Of Fame; and of those, 4 have been inducted into the World Rugby Hall Of Fame.

7) Achieving a "Grand Slam" - Against England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales - 4 separate times:  1978, 2005, 2008, and 2010.

8) Winning the Rugby World Cup, twice (along with South Africa and Australia) since its inauguration in 1987.

9) Having ever only been beaten by 5 other Nations:  South Africa, England, Wales, France, and Australia.

10) Being the first Team to win 400 Test Matches.

11) Being the only Team to have won the Tri Nations - renamed The Rugby Championship in 2012 - Trophy 13 times since its tournament inauguration 19 years ago.

12) And maintaining the "Number One" World Ranking longer than all other Rugby Teams ...  combined.

Today, in good keeping with New Zealand's long-standing tradition of excellence, the modern All Black squad, coached by Steve Hansen (who was named 2014's Coach of the Year),

Steve Hansen, All Blacks Coach

and Captained by Richie McCaw,

Richie McCaw, Captain of the All Blacks

reigns as the current Rugby World Cup Champions, since 2011,  and was named the 2014 World Rugby Team Of the Year.