Wednesday, May 01, 2013

Now time for some real rugby news

Above: Darth Vader (originally from lower town) played rugby for Vikings and the 2nds in the 6th form. He says he owes his dark side to Rolf and Rocket when he played for Fishguard youth.

A move away from the Lions and the superstars of world rugby to talk about a game at the other end of the spectrum. When I say other end I mean with regards to money, facilities and opportunities because when it comes down to commitment, pride and passion then there will be no difference between the 15 players who represent the British and Irish Lions in the 1st test in Australia and the 15 players from Fishguard and Goodwick RFC when they run out this Saturday at the Millennium Stadium.


The Seagulls have reached the final of the Swalec Bowl and their game against Wattstown RFC is the curtain raiser to the curtain raiser but to the players, their friends and families and the many people of Fishguard and the surrounding areas who know how important the rugby club is to the towns – this is the main event. Anybody who doubts these words were not there in a grey and be-drizzled Loughor to see F&G RFC win in the semi- final. They didn’t see how much the win meant to players and fans and they didn’t see the tears of pride in the faces of the coaches.

As I have repeated time and time again, rugby is about more than 80 minutes, it’s about bettering yourself, it’s about friendship, shared experience, Mikey rayers, weekends away and sessions of biblical proportions, it’s about pride in yourself, your team mates, your mates and the place where you are from.
This Saturday the Seagulls will take the long walk from the home changing room to the pitch that has seen Grand Slam champions and winners of World and European Cups. 

They shouldn’t feel alone. 

They will have with them  their backroom team on the side lines, the hard working committee members and the hundreds of supporters in the stadium who have travelled up to the nation’s capital by train, bus and car and they have with them many others waiting by text, email and twitter for the result.

They’ve already made history getting there– time to make some more.

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