[arka]

Could you guys help me?

I know almost nothing of Rugby, but since it is such a popular sport out there, I have decided to watch it. Mind it I know almost nothing. I know about five players and fiver team names.

Well, since I have the unique property of being "British" without belonging to anyone of the Home Nations in particular, I think I can support anyone of the Nations. As I shout for England in football & cricket and Scotland when they play in the Aberdeen Cup, I have decided to support Wales in the internationals. I'll obviously support the other Home Nations when they are not playing Wales.

Could you people  help me with these ?


1)Is Wales a good team? I mean that are they one of the world's best, compareable to England and New Zealand?
2)When does the Rugby Season begin? Does Great Britain have an unified league or is it different for every country?
3)Are Welsh rugby clubs good?
4)Who are the really good players of Wales?
5)The Heineken Cup seems to be a Champions League sort of thing, which countries send clubs and with what frequency?
6)After how many years is the Six Nations held? What is meant by Grand Slam in Six Nations?
7)Who are the top rugby nations? I know that England and New Zealand are pretty good, but who else?


Thanks for reading this. You may laugh at my knowledge of rugby  but it was very similar with tennis last year till Queens. Please please please help me.

[davidB]

toss "official" in the title... i'lll be reading this seeing as how i also kno nothing of rugby.

[eira_arian]

1)Is Wales a good team? I mean that are they one of the world's best, compareable to England and New Zealand?
Not this season. Too many injuries and backroom politics. Last season we were on fire - absolutely top class. But no manager and no captain is not a good place to be.

2)When does the Rugby Season begin? Does Great Britain have an unified league or is it different for every country?
It runs autumn to spring (I think)
The Celtic League covers Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Theres a different league for England and for Rugby League teams.

3)Are Welsh rugby clubs good?
They're not bad - not at the top of the table at the moment though. They've merged in the last couple of years to form 'super teams' - better talent base, although it was an unpopular decision at the time. You've got the Blues, the Dragons, the Ospreys and the Scarlets. (All rugby union)

4)Who are the really good players of Wales?
Dwayne Peel (injured), Gareth Thomas (injured), Shane Williams, Stephen Jones (injured). Many more.

5)The Heineken Cup seems to be a Champions League sort of thing, which countries send clubs and with what frequency?
Not sure. Britain, Ireland and France certainly. I would imagine its dependent on league standings.

6)After how many years is the Six Nations held? What is meant by Grand Slam in Six Nations?
Its held every year. A grand slam is when you win every single match. Wales did it in 2004/5.
The triple crown only applies to the British teams - you get it if you beat all the other home nations. I.e. Ireland won it this year having beaten Wales, Scotland and England.
7)Who are the top rugby nations? I know that England and New Zealand are pretty good, but who else?
Australia and South Africa are pretty good too. Then you have Fiji and Samoa etc. France can be great when it works for them. Scotland are probably the comeback story of the season - Ireland are consistently good.
England play somewhat brutish rugby - Ireland, Scotland and Wales (when it works) play a much more flowing style of game.

[eira_arian]

Not a problem! You might want to ask the boys if you want any more technical information though!

[arka]

Okay, I know a bit more about Rugby know. Read loads of stuff on wikipedia.

Here is the break up for Heineken Cup:
6 France (top 6 in Top 14)

6 England (top 5 in Guinness Premiership, plus winner of Anglo-Welsh Cup if English)

3 Ireland (Munster, Leinster and Ulster on a continual basis)

3 Wales (top 3 Welsh sides in Celtic League)

2 Scotland (top 2 Scottish sides in Celtic League)

2 Italy (top 2 in Super 10)

I always knew of the Calcutta Cup. Found out a bit more about it. A rugby tournament named after the city I live in.

Could someone answer these:

1) What is the Lions tour?

2) Please be very honest about this: What is Wales' chance of getting the World Cup next year? I mean since they did a Grand Slam last year they must be pretty good.

3) Who seem to be better, New Zealand or England?

[Riverman]

Could someone answer these:

1) What is the Lions tour?

2) Please be very honest about this: What is Wales' chance of getting the World Cup next year? I mean since they did a Grand Slam last year they must be pretty good.

3) Who seem to be better, New Zealand or England?

1:

Q: Who are the British & Irish Lions?


A: The British and Irish Lions are a touring representative side featuring the best rugby union players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The Lions come together once every four years to tour New Zealand, South Africa and Australia in rotation.

Traditionally the British and Irish Lions do not play any matches on home soil as they are a touring team, however exceptions have been made in the past for special occasions although these matches do not result in Lions caps being awarded.

From here.

2: No idea, but I want to see 'em do well.

3: 

[eira_arian]

2) Please be very honest about this: What is Wales' chance of getting the World Cup next year? I mean since they did a Grand Slam last year they must be pretty good.

3) Who seem to be better, New Zealand or England?

2. Small. Very small.

3. New Zealand based on the way that England played in the 6 Nations.

[arka]

But I guess Wales are better than, say a Greece of football, right?? If Greece could do Euro Wales can definately do the WC.