European Rugby Thread

[inactionman]

Ah, I see we're at the stage where fans are angrily demanding I justify an opinion. Fair enough - on the basis that I don't keep a spreadsheet of these things, make it "meltdown [singular] and subsequent dickheadedness in the press, allied to a general sense that he was an occasional twat on the field and an unlikeable member of an unlikeable team".

Oil on troubled waters

[JM2K6]

Ah, I see we're at the stage where fans are angrily demanding I justify an opinion. Fair enough - on the basis that I don't keep a spreadsheet of these things, make it "meltdown [singular] and subsequent dickheadedness in the press, allied to a general sense that he was an occasional twat on the field and an unlikeable member of an unlikeable team".

Oil on troubled waters

Twas a somewhat waspish response by me for sure. I'm certainly more likely to just give Earls a pass (and honestly - can't think of any issues with him in the last 2 years) after reading this. But I think some people might have a somewhat rose-tinted view of how opposing fans view their teams and players!

Like I'm sure people understand the Peter O'Mahoney dislike beyond his sometimes legal breakdown success. Earls is in a similar bracket for me. Kinda like Mike Brown for other people. Or the aforementioned Biggar.

[inactionman]

I find the intense dislike of Owen Farrell (by opposition fans, let me be clear) a bit OTT.

Yes, his tackling can be questionable, but he's a back.

[de_Selby]

Hah I wasn't genuinely looking to troll/be precious. I'm not his mother so I don't care. It's interesting how we form views on a player based on fuck all though.

RE: Owen Farrell I think it's largely cos he looks like a wanker. When you hear his accent it completely neutralises it

[Kawazaki]

Off topic but it's funny how people perceive players on the opposition team. I can see how someone might thing Marler is a cunt but can't see how you would think Earls is at all.

See his reaction to getting a red card for dumping Fraser Brown on his head

Yeah, this. Is that the one where he went tonto on a radio phone or something like that later? I remember him doubling down on it.

He's always struck me as an incredibly angry man on the field with a huge entitlement complex.

What's an entitlement complex? I like the sound of it, I want one.

[Kawazaki]

I find the intense dislike of Owen Farrell (by opposition fans, let me be clear) a bit OTT.

Yes, his tackling can be questionable, but he's a back.

This. The hate for Farrell is way OTT. Youngs's body of work has been twice as bad and he pretty much gets a free pass in comparison.

[JM2K6]

It's another way of saying a sense of entitlement. It's possible I just made that phrase up, but a quick Google suggests some usage in media.

[inactionman]

I find the intense dislike of Owen Farrell (by opposition fans, let me be clear) a bit OTT.

Yes, his tackling can be questionable, but he's a back.

This. The hate for Farrell is way OTT. Youngs's body of work has been twice as bad and he pretty much gets a free pass in comparison.

I was referring to opposition fans. I'm not sure they notice Youngs.

[JM2K6]

Quite. Farrell can come across as an angry whining dickhead on the field - along with the occasional cheap shots - and Youngs doesn't do any of that.

[Lobby]

I find the intense dislike of Owen Farrell (by opposition fans, let me be clear) a bit OTT.

Yes, his tackling can be questionable, but he's a back.

This. The hate for Farrell is way OTT. Youngs's body of work has been twice as bad and he pretty much gets a free pass in comparison.

I was referring to opposition fans. I'm not sure they notice Youngs.

Hatred of Youngs appears to mainly reserved for England fans.

[Kawazaki]

Quite. Farrell can come across as an angry whining dickhead on the field - along with the occasional cheap shots - and Youngs doesn't do any of that.

Youngs doesn't really do anything. After 111 caps, he's not even at break even. Be mad about that, a tin of beige emulsion paint has been the England scrumhalf one hundred and eleven times, and counting.

It's like nationwide Stockholm Syndrome.

[sockwithaticket]

I find the intense dislike of Owen Farrell (by opposition fans, let me be clear) a bit OTT.

Yes, his tackling can be questionable, but he's a back.

This. The hate for Farrell is way OTT. Youngs's body of work has been twice as bad and he pretty much gets a free pass in comparison.

I was referring to opposition fans. I'm not sure they notice Youngs.

They notice alright, it seems a fair few ask if he's really the best scrum half we have. Mostly they're fine with him because he does their defense a lot of favours with his dithering at the ruck and erratic passing

[fishfoodie]

I think the, hate, of opposition players, is a product of Professionalism.

While club supporters might get to see them in the clubhouse after games, & when they're coaching the minis, or around with their own families; & generally see them off the pitch; the rest of us just get the 80mins when their being wankers, to the best of their ability.

I know the difference between my, On Pitch persona; & Off; were very much Jekyll, & Hyde. Mates of mine couldn't believe what a bastard I was, when I happened to be on the opposite side; & it was probably just as well we were mates, before I met them on the pitch

Keets Biography was a hot topic before Christmas in Ireland; because they published it to get it in those Christmas stockings. It caused the same response in Ireland, at the time; & it was nice to see such support for him; & gratitude, for him opening up about such a difficult topic, & show young men, in particular; that it's okay to talk about their mental health; & there is help available.

[PornDog]

Ah, I see we're at the stage where fans are angrily demanding I justify an opinion. Fair enough - on the basis that I don't keep a spreadsheet of these things, make it "meltdown [singular] and subsequent dickheadedness in the press, allied to a general sense that he was an occasional twat on the field and an unlikeable member of an unlikeable team".

Oil on troubled waters

Twas a somewhat waspish response by me for sure. I'm certainly more likely to just give Earls a pass (and honestly - can't think of any issues with him in the last 2 years) after reading this. But I think some people might have a somewhat rose-tinted view of how opposing fans view their teams and players!

Like I'm sure people understand the Peter O'Mahoney dislike beyond his sometimes legal breakdown success. Earls is in a similar bracket for me. Kinda like Mike Brown for other people. Or the aforementioned Biggar.

I get the POM and Brown (who apparently is a lovely fella off the field), but don't get the Biggar hate at all, or Lawes who somehow gets people's ire.

Aside from the Glasgow game, which of course he deserves plenty of criticism for, I'm genuinely surprised that Earls got on people's nerves. He's always come across as the quite shy type to me. Which in a way, while not condoning his behaviour in any way, I was kind of glad to see him be a bit obstreperous. Plus it really helped to drive the Munster/Glasgow rivalry which has been great to see.

High shots going unpunished is a big bug bear for me, so Farrell getting away scot free for multiple infractions is a good part of the dislike of him, but to be honest, and its probably the same for Sexton, in the background I know its that he's a huge driver of standards for teams I hate* to see doing well that's really predominantly behind it.

* in a sporting sense

[Torquemada 1420]

Ah, I see we're at the stage where fans are angrily demanding I justify an opinion. Fair enough - on the basis that I don't keep a spreadsheet of these things, make it "meltdown [singular] and subsequent dickheadedness in the press, allied to a general sense that he was an occasional twat on the field and an unlikeable member of an unlikeable team".

Say what you mean sir.

[Slick]

Must say I’ve always liked Earls a lot, just seemed a quiet guy who got on with it- must have missed all the Brown stuff.

Of the others mentioned, I also like POM (probably the only person in Scotland) Farrell and Lawes (what the hell is there to dislike about him?)

Brown is also a dick off the field in my experience and Marler I’m undecided about. Sexton seems a prick and I haven’t heard any stories to change my mind. I loath Biggar on the pitch but have heard loads of stories about him being a top lad off it.

Like fishfoodie, I was a bit of a cock on the pitch for some reason, just couldn’t help myself, but always the first shaking hands and going for a beer with the opposition after.

[Torquemada 1420]

but always the first shaking hands and going for a beer with the opposition after.

... if they were paying.

[Uncle fester]

Ah, I see we're at the stage where fans are angrily demanding I justify an opinion. Fair enough - on the basis that I don't keep a spreadsheet of these things, make it "meltdown [singular] and subsequent dickheadedness in the press, allied to a general sense that he was an occasional twat on the field and an unlikeable member of an unlikeable team".

[TheFrog]

I think the, hate, of opposition players, is a product of Professionalism.

While club supporters might get to see them in the clubhouse after games, & when they're coaching the minis, or around with their own families; & generally see them off the pitch; the rest of us just get the 80mins when their being wankers, to the best of their ability.

I know the difference between my, On Pitch persona; & Off; were very much Jekyll, & Hyde. Mates of mine couldn't believe what a bastard I was, when I happened to be on the opposite side; & it was probably just as well we were mates, before I met them on the pitch

Keets Biography was a hot topic before Christmas in Ireland; because they published it to get it in those Christmas stockings. It caused the same response in Ireland, at the time; & it was nice to see such support for him; & gratitude, for him opening up about such a difficult topic, & show young men, in particular; that it's okay to talk about their mental health; & there is help available.

I beg to differ. I hated Brian Moore.

[Torquemada 1420]

I think the, hate, of opposition players, is a product of Professionalism.

While club supporters might get to see them in the clubhouse after games, & when they're coaching the minis, or around with their own families; & generally see them off the pitch; the rest of us just get the 80mins when their being wankers, to the best of their ability.

I know the difference between my, On Pitch persona; & Off; were very much Jekyll, & Hyde. Mates of mine couldn't believe what a bastard I was, when I happened to be on the opposite side; & it was probably just as well we were mates, before I met them on the pitch

Keets Biography was a hot topic before Christmas in Ireland; because they published it to get it in those Christmas stockings. It caused the same response in Ireland, at the time; & it was nice to see such support for him; & gratitude, for him opening up about such a difficult topic, & show young men, in particular; that it's okay to talk about their mental health; & there is help available.

I beg to differ. I hated Brian Moore.

Which is why he was so successful. He was able, time and again, to get under the skin of French irrationality and emotion.

[Jim Lahey]

Can someone verify that Delon Armitage and Rory Kockett are both cocks off the pitch as well as on it?

[Torquemada 1420]

Can someone verify that Delon Armitage and Rory Kockett are both cocks off the pitch as well as on it?

Dunno. Kockott seems quite popular in Castres and also when he was in the French team. Unlike another overseas SH: Byron Kelleher had a reputation for being a tw*t. IIRC,
even his team mate (Marshall) disliked him and Gregan aimed the infamous "4 more years" sledge specifically at him.

He was arrested when at Toulouse when he crashed his car whilst drink driving and then tried to pick a fight with the victim driver..... who turned out to be one of France's cage fighters who
proceeded to beat the sh*t out of the AB.

[JM2K6]

Can someone verify that Delon Armitage and Rory Kockett are both cocks off the pitch as well as on it?

Dunno. Kockott seems quite popular in Castres and also when he was in the French team. Unlike another overseas SH: Byron Kelleher had a reputation for being a tw*t. IIRC,
even his team mate (Marshall) disliked him and Gregan aimed the infamous "4 more years" sledge specifically at him.

He was arrested when at Toulouse when he crashed his car whilst drink driving and then tried to pick a fight with the victim driver..... who turned out to be one of France's cage fighters who
proceeded to beat the sh*t out of the AB.

Always enjoyed that story. I think it was one of the passers-by that stopped to help, not the driver, that did for him. Kelleher was having a pop at everyone

[Uncle fester]

Did he do the dirty on one of Guy Noves' daughters as well?
Might be mixing him up with somebody else though.

[Slick]

Did he do the dirty on one of Guy Noves' daughters as well?
Might be mixing him up with somebody else though.

It’s France. Could be anyone

[Happyhooker]

Wasn't kelleher the lad who was fucking a porn star for quite a while

[JM2K6]

Yup, she was the brains of the relationship

[TheFrog]

Can someone verify that Delon Armitage and Rory Kockett are both cocks off the pitch as well as on it?

Dunno. Kockott seems quite popular in Castres and also when he was in the French team. Unlike another overseas SH: Byron Kelleher had a reputation for being a tw*t. IIRC,
even his team mate (Marshall) disliked him and Gregan aimed the infamous "4 more years" sledge specifically at him.

He was arrested when at Toulouse when he crashed his car whilst drink driving and then tried to pick a fight with the victim driver..... who turned out to be one of France's cage fighters who
proceeded to beat the sh*t out of the AB.

Do you guys know the French Rugby Podcast with Kayser and Beattie? Beattie in one of the podcast talks about Kockott. Apparently he is the type of guys who would pick up fights even in training.

[ASMO]

I am growing to really like Kayser, great pundit, enjoyed his appearance on The Good, the Bad and the Rugby, had some good stories to tell.

[Torquemada 1420]

Can someone verify that Delon Armitage and Rory Kockett are both cocks off the pitch as well as on it?

Dunno. Kockott seems quite popular in Castres and also when he was in the French team. Unlike another overseas SH: Byron Kelleher had a reputation for being a tw*t. IIRC,
even his team mate (Marshall) disliked him and Gregan aimed the infamous "4 more years" sledge specifically at him.

He was arrested when at Toulouse when he crashed his car whilst drink driving and then tried to pick a fight with the victim driver..... who turned out to be one of France's cage fighters who
proceeded to beat the sh*t out of the AB.

Always enjoyed that story. I think it was one of the passers-by that stopped to help, not the driver, that did for him. Kelleher was having a pop at everyone

Even better. Thanks for the clarification. Just realised that was 12 years ago!!!!

[Torquemada 1420]

Did he do the dirty on one of Guy Noves' daughters as well?
Might be mixing him up with somebody else though.

Yes. That was Kelleher too. It was rumoured that was why he left the club.

As an aside, IIRC, both of Noves daughters were lookers. One married Clerc. Presumably not the same one Kelleher had been entertaining.

[Torquemada 1420]

I am growing to really like Kayser, great pundit, enjoyed his appearance on The Good, the Bad and the Rugby, had some good stories to tell.

He is very knowledgeable on Fre rugby and has a nice balance with his humour. I also like his frankness when players do something dim.

[earl the beaver]

Can someone verify that Delon Armitage and Rory Kockett are both cocks off the pitch as well as on it?

Dunno. Kockott seems quite popular in Castres and also when he was in the French team. Unlike another overseas SH: Byron Kelleher had a reputation for being a tw*t. IIRC,
even his team mate (Marshall) disliked him and Gregan aimed the infamous "4 more years" sledge specifically at him.

He was arrested when at Toulouse when he crashed his car whilst drink driving and then tried to pick a fight with the victim driver..... who turned out to be one of France's cage fighters who
proceeded to beat the sh*t out of the AB.

Do you guys know the French Rugby Podcast with Kayser and Beattie? Beattie in one of the podcast talks about Kockott. Apparently he is the type of guys who would pick up fights even in training.

Fights in training aren't necessarily a bad thing.

[sockwithaticket]

I am growing to really like Kayser, great pundit, enjoyed his appearance on The Good, the Bad and the Rugby, had some good stories to tell.

Was watching the most recent one this morning, he's great value as always. Meanwhile Haskell seems to be offering ever less that's worth listening to and developing a bit of a persecution complex while acting the prick. I really debate whether to bother with the ones he's involved in these days.

More Ben, less Haskell please.

[Torquemada 1420]

I am growing to really like Kayser, great pundit, enjoyed his appearance on The Good, the Bad and the Rugby, had some good stories to tell.

Was watching the most recent one this morning, he's great value as always. Meanwhile Haskell seems to be offering ever less that's worth listening to and developing a bit of a persecution complex while acting the prick. I really debate whether to bother with the ones he's involved in these days.

More Ben, less Brand Haskell please.

FIXED

[ASMO]

I am growing to really like Kayser, great pundit, enjoyed his appearance on The Good, the Bad and the Rugby, had some good stories to tell.

Was watching the most recent one this morning, he's great value as always. Meanwhile Haskell seems to be offering ever less that's worth listening to and developing a bit of a persecution complex while acting the prick. I really debate whether to bother with the ones he's involved in these days.

More Ben, less Brand Haskell please.

FIXED

Haskell has just become a parody of himself, he is what, 3 years retired now? what has he done since then, a bit of DJ work, the whole MMA thing never materialised so basically he is desperately trying to remain relevant.

[sockwithaticket]

Was watching the most recent one this morning, he's great value as always. Meanwhile Haskell seems to be offering ever less that's worth listening to and developing a bit of a persecution complex while acting the prick. I really debate whether to bother with the ones he's involved in these days.

More Ben, less Brand Haskell please.

FIXED

Haskell has just become a parody of himself, he is what, 3 years retired now? what has he done since then, a bit of DJ work, the whole MMA thing never materialised so basically he is desperately trying to remain relevant.

He has another podcast and his bargain bin books too, but, yeah, not much. Payne, Tindall and Kayser is the best version of GBR.

[TheFrog]

GBR, is this a TV show or a podcast?

[Dinsdale Piranha]

GBR, is this a TV show or a podcast?

Podcast.

https://goodbadrugby.com/

https://youtube.com/c/TheGoodTheBadTheRugby

[TheFrog]

GBR, is this a TV show or a podcast?

Podcast.

https://goodbadrugby.com/

https://youtube.com/c/TheGoodTheBadTheRugby

Thanks