Babbling 'brook

The contingency for England v France was 14 miles away. Couldn't make it up .

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/ ... are_btn_tw

Can anyone explain to me why the rule about not changing the day exists? I have a feeling that Pro14 and Champions Cup games have been played a day later than planned but maybe I've invented that. I can't say I ever thought about it but I'd have assumed that there was a rule saying that a game coul...

The problem is the rules are very clear and unambiguous. It's an organisational, logistal and security nightmare to have to change venues. It would also be the most ridiculously Scottish thing in the world to be knocked out of the World Cup by a typhoon :roll: ! For the integrity of the tournament i...

While Joe talked about the 6 day turnaround he underestimated it's affect. The Japanese are used to those conditions, we aren't. Not only are they used to the conditions but as hosts they have effectively ‘gamed the system’ when it comes to fixtures They had 8 days rest before playing us - we had 6...

The most worrying thing is there seems to be an assumption that this is 'fixable'. Obviously, the most egregious aspects of yesterday's performance probably are fixable (e.g. misfiring set-pieces, the worst missed tackles, handling errors, poor defensive reads, etc.). But what isn't fixable is the ...

That was a joke. I thought the first one was just a natural response to a loopy pass but the next two were so blatant. I have to say it really bugs me that WR are trying these fairly radical changes without getting the basics right first. I hate the idea of this tackle rule but safety is paramount ...

neiliog93 wrote: Sixth is a realistic albeit 'best-case scenario' for Ireland next season.

No, it isn't.
Next season should be about maintaining core status and a top ten finish would be outstanding.

It's a long season- injuries and squad depth can have a devestating effect.

leinsterforever wrote:How realistic is it that Dublin replaces Paris as a leg on the World Series?

Not very.

Just in my way back from Colomiers.
Well done Ireland. A full year on the World Series and that last Olympic qualifing place is potentially theirs for the taking. Biggest competition probably France and whichever Pacific islands team(s) are there.

Ruckedtobits wrote:This is the weekend which has been on the radar for 9 months. Perform or fade away.

Bit harsh. It's also been on the radar and targeted for the other teams as well.

So the groups are out for the European Qualifier where Ireland's men could qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in July. Easy enough- they only have to win the tournament which includes France, England and Spain in Colomiers on 13/14 July. If they don't the teams that finish 2nd and 3rd go into the final...

So the groups are out for the European Qualifier where Ireland's men could qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in July. Easy enough- they only have to win the tournament which includes France, England and Spain in Colomiers on 13/14 July. If they don't the teams that finish 2nd and 3rd go into the final ...

I think the next thing that needs to be done is that Pro 14 teams from the same country need to be able to draw each other in the group stage. It makes zero sense to me that we can't, why can French and English teams but Pro 14 teams can't. If you want meritocracy then draws should be that way each...

Lost to Canada in the Challenge Cup final but beat Australia, Scotland and England to get there. Similar to last year they're struggling with consistency but are doing exceptionally well for an invitational team. 12 teams will qualify for the Olympics in Tokyo. Japan (as hosts), Fiji, USA, NZ and S...

Lost to Canada in the Challenge Cup final but beat Australia, Scotland and England to get there. Similar to last year they're struggling with consistency but are doing exceptionally well for an invitational team. 12 teams will qualify for the Olympics in Tokyo. Japan (as hosts), Fiji, USA, NZ and SA...

At this rate Ireland will fancy their chances in the Olympic qualifier for Tokyo.

Yep biggest crowd ever for a Pro14 final. Congrats to all involved. To the Pro14 and the rugby fans in Scotland, well done. Hear is the BBC Radio Scotland commentary on the Kearney non red. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfvRabqeYJU The only thing I'd disagree with on that commentary is it wasn't ...

cormac wrote:

kermischocolate wrote:Why is the final so late this year? Finished end of May last year?

no Summer tour

Aah. Did they start later this year, or just have more in season breaks?

Why is the final so late this year? Finished end of May last year?

Congrats to Leinster- well deserving of the win (despite a lot of nonsense being spouted by Glasgow "fans" on social media). I thought you did to us what Sarries did to you in the Heineken Cup Final- absolutely smothered the life out of us and we were never going to win. Thought RK was a r...