I might have mentioned (a few million times) my recent infatuation with rugby. Fast, packed with action and even a bit brutal, it's played without the armor you see on our pro football players, played without helmets so you can see what the players look like, and played hard by big guys with great bodies who play both offense and defense (think tops and bottoms if it makes you more comfortable), sweat, play in the rain and the cold ...
So, are you in yet? Huh?
How about this? The only male professional athlete in the world who is out of the closet is a rugby player, Gareth Thomas (image right). No, he's not playing, but I'm sure he'll be rooting for the team from his native Wales. And if he's in the San Diego area he's welcome to stop by and watch with me.
(Man, I love a broken nose and a thick neck. Damn! Not the only reason I watch, but it's a strong contender for lead position.)
Starting Sunday, BBC America brings you RBS Six Nations Rugby from locations all over Europe. The national teams of England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, France and Italy square off in a a total of 15 matches between Feb. 4 and March 19. BBC America brings us five of those, starting with last year's champion France vs. Scotland.
You can see the full BBC America schedule here and the full Six Nations schedule from the official site at this link.
I know what you're thinking. "Joe, I'm a guy who doesn't usually watch sports. What's in it for me?"
To that I usually answer, "Have you ever seen what happens inside the scrum?" No? It's like a Saturday night crowd at your favorite club except everyone is REALLY HANDSY!!
Okay, it's not quite like this (click here for details on this above, which was an ad the French tourism board created, those cheeky Frogs), but it's still good. More than that, though, it's a fast moving game that's very physical played by guys with almost no protection, without helmets so you can see the pain and joy on their faces, same guys play offense and defense so it's grueling ... have I sold it yet?
How about this? Hot rugby playing bears that you might have seen totally shaved in a charity calendar naked will sweat and grunt and you'll love it. Like Sean Lamont from Wales (this link NSFW).
After the jump, some instructional video, and maybe one other, because your know those charity calendars also do DVDs. And this first clip after the jump? Also very NSFW and not for you kids.
Click here to access BBC America's Rugby 101 page, which will give you newbies some idea of how the game's played. And click this link for the network's stash of interview clips with players and coaches.
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Posted by: Donate money | February 01, 2011 at 09:59 PM
Your right about Gareth Thomas not being on the squad this year, but he's been captain for the Welsh team in the past (2007, etc.)!
Posted by: Ioann | February 06, 2011 at 12:42 AM