That's a can of worms mate. I was only 10 at the time but I wouldn't change my Italia 90 experience for anything in the world even if it meant keeping some Irish players out of the team. Different circumstances I know but hope you get my point.
I don't think that's the same at all. The players in the world cup 1990 had some Irish connection. Albeit tenuous. But in the rugby, you don't need irish family or ancestory connection. Just to play with an Irish team for a period of time
It's different circumstances like I said but my point is a lot of that team were born in another country and took a position in the team that kept a home grown Irish man out. So it's how pure do you want your national teams representation to be? I think people that have an issue with it have a very fair point but it's not something i'd give too much thought to. As mentioned we're not too heavy loaded with non home grown players compared to other rugby union nations. I found this an interesting analysis of the game from a Kiwi perspective. They touch on the 3 non Irish players mentioned at the end. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azXJwJEA4B8
It sort of dilutes the whole nation vs nation aspect. Like Ireland v NZ was actually Irish/Kiwis v Tongans/Fijians/Kiwis or whatever the mix was. Doesn't bother me as I don't watch the game anymore but I guess I'm just surprised that the rule was introduced.
What should define what a nation is made up of? Is it more appropriate that someone who's grandmother was born in Ireland and they may or may not have ever set foot on the ground in Ireland is representing the national team or would it be more appropriate for someone who has moved to Ireland and is currently living their life, having their families in Ireland etc.? The IRFU for their part police the foreign imports in the league quite well, you need to have a good reason for going outside of the country to fill a specific role and this in itself does help to continue the development of Irish players (this rule does seem to omit South African players coming to Munster for some reason). Having these top quality players in your panel could also be argued to be fantastic in helping to develop your younger academy players in getting them the experience of seeing these guys playing with them regularly. I think the rules moving from 3 to 5 years is a good one but the obvious concern with any of these rules is that it creates a situation whereby it is going to get easier for the countries with big clubs who can pay big salaries to stockpile players in the national teams if the players are interested because the 5 year rule isn't going to ever work out for a country that has a weak league or national team so it definitely is a one way street for the bigger countries. In the soccer for instance you're never going to get Ireland benefitting in any meaningful way because the LOI isn't an attractive prospect for top players but the Premier League is and would attract players to come and live in the UK which opens up a route to the national team for them if they haven't represented anyone else.
That's the can of worms. Everyone has a different opinion. Personally I think the granny rule is a bit silly too and would restrict it to mother/fathers country of birth. Being a citizen isn't enough either because some countries give citizenship quicker than others. Maybe the 5 year rule is fair.
Rugby is also unusual in that some countries won't pick players unless they are playing in their home country. Each to their own but it does dilute the magnitude of the achievement when so many of the players are just here on business.
Has there been tickets released yet for six nations? How do I go about getting some? Thinking of it for a Christmas gift
I don't think they go on general sale, a lot of them are done through the clubs and the supporters club. Its three home games this year though and the only game this month to sell out was New Zealand so the uptake might change.
It's actually for an adult. And they would be aware of possibile crowd restrictions. But thanks for all info
I got presale access for the 3 games just gone, if I get them again and before Christmas I'll pass them on to you.
Lookin for 2 tickets to any six nation game in Aviva. For my daughter an her boyfriend. First time to go. They have no contacts to help them get tickets. So said I'd try on here for them. Any help or assistance , much appreciated
Such an easy process buying rugby ticket today in and out in 2 mins, no queuing either, would love if Liverpool could implement the same system.
Daughter was so looking forward to first game at Aviva. She's a nurse. Been re deployed coz of covid. She's on nights now. Doesnt suit. Bummer
Just been invited by a customer of ours to Wales game in the corporate section with all the trimmings so better brush up on the d4 lingo
Couldn't live with Frances intensity today unfortunately. Played well in parts but discipline cost them in end. Mad not to go to the corner with that penalty at 70+