It’s about dreaming, integrity, loyalty, hard work, self esteem, reliability, sacrifice, dependability, application, self-belief, teamwork, honesty, dignity and character.

OK; for some uniquely talented and lucky individuals it is, however briefly, a way of life and their primary source of income but, even for these chosen few; it’s still only a game. At any level below “elite” it is, and should be recognised as, a hobby.

We all like to imagine we’re just a text message away from an International cap but, in reality, there are; in English rugby alone; over 120,000 senior male players (plus around 700.000 teenage male players) who are all thinking the same thing. We should understand that, come match day, only fifteen players are considered good enough to wear the national shirt; and personally I would argue that even some of those are sometimes only keeping the creases out of one until a proper player turns up. The point is; if you’re not employed by a Premiership club; you’re a hobbyist – get over yourself and enjoy your rugby instead.

Primarily it’s about fun; it’s just a game; it’s not a bloody job, and ultimately;

‘It’s better than shopping’

Mr.R

Ryde RUFC President 2004 -2016