Ask KB - The Rugby Connection

Today's question is from the lovely, Missy.

Missy - I would like to know what turned you on to Rugby? I know women are getting more into sports, but why Rugby?

KB - Excellent question Missy.

My Dad is a huge football fan. I remember when I was a wee lass he would spend hours watching and playing football. He didn't have much time for watching other sports but would make an exception when the All Blacks  (NZ's international rugby team) were playing. Back in those days the All Blacks were a force to be reckoned with and would leave the opposition quaking in their boots.

I moved to NZ with my family when I was 15. Coming from England, which has a huge football following to NZ, which has a passion for rugby, was quite a change for me. I remember I would often ask my boyfriend if he would like to go out on the weekend and he would stare at me like I was mad and reply, "But the ruggers is on." Or I would phone him and he would say, "I'll have to call you back, the rugby is on." As you can imagine, rugby wasn't very popular with me.

Some considerable time later, a group of friends went to watch Auckland play a rugby match. I kept the telly on just in case I saw them in the crowd. Before the game started, there was an interview with one of the players - Carlos Spencer. So began my obsession with Carlos, or should I say, rugby, hehe. I began watching all the Auckland games and was surprised how much I enjoyed, not just the perving but the actual game, once I learned more about the rules.

I've been to several matches over the years and cheer on the Auckland teams and the All Blacks religiously. I have met (stalked)many of the players. I've been known to get out of bed after four hours sleep and watch a rugby test before heading off to work. When NZ were knocked out of the last World Cup, I actually wept (sad but true).

Here's a little vid for you to enjoy.




I think many women in NZ start watching Rugby because of the way the boys are promoted as eye candy or because many of their men folk watch the game but after a while they realise they actually enjoy watching the games too.  Hope this answers your question Missy.

Have a great day all.
Love KB
xxx

Coming up...Microfiction Monday

THE MIGHTY ALL BLACKS?

My Dad is a huge football fan. I remember when I was a wee lass he would spend hours watching and playing football. He didn't have much time for watching other sports but would make an exception when the All Blacks (NZ's international rugby team) were playing. Back in those days the All Blacks were a force to be reckoned with and would leave the opposition quaking in their boots. How things change.



I moved to NZ with my family when I was 15. Coming from England, which has a huge football following to NZ, which has a passion for rugby, was quite a change for me. I remember I would often ask my boyfriend if he would like to go out on the weekend and he would stare at me like I was mad and reply, "But the ruggers is on." Or I would phone him and he would say, "I'll have to call you back, the rugby is on." As you can imagine, rugby wasn't very popular with me.

Some considerable time later, hubby, G and a friend went to watch Auckland play a rugby match. I kept the telly on just in case I saw them in the crowd. Before the game started, there was an interview with one of the players - Carlos Spencer. So began my obsession with Carlos, or should I say, rugby, hehe. I began watching all the Auckland games and was surprised to realise how much I enjoyed the actual match (not just the perving), once I learned more about the rules.







I've been to several matches over the years and cheer on the Auckland teams and the All Blacks religiously. I have met (stalked - see pics above) many of the players. I've been known to get out of bed after four hours sleep and watch a rugby test before heading off to work. When NZ were knocked out of the last World Cup, I actually wept (sad but true).

I've been noticing a change over the past few years. It seems that since the game has turned professional (which means the top players are paid), our once formidable All Blacks have become an average team. New Zealand produces outstanding talent (in my opinion) only to head off overseas where the big bucks are. You can't blame them as they have to earn a living and New Zealand cannot possibly compete financially with the likes of many other countries.

Gone are the days when I could name the team, the position they were playing in and the province they represented. I watched a game on Saturday night and didn't recognise half the players and couldn't understand why some players were put in positions they weren't suited to.

I remember many years ago, Buck Shelford (former All Black legend), being asked what he thought of rugby turning professional. He replied that it would be the end of NZ rugby as we knew it. At the time I just thought it was sour grapes because he'd never been paid to play but now I agree with him.

I must say, I really enjoyed Saturday's game and I will continue to cheer on my boys with the usual gusto. I'll also be keeping an eye on our Women's rugby team. If memory serves, they've only lost one game in the last decade. Better watch your backs boys.

P.S. Dear Missy, well you did ask how the boys were doing. LOL!

Missy made me do it...honest

King Carlos...... *bib please Missy*

NZ rugby isn't the same without Carlos. Come back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Photos no longer available





I met the man one day. I asked him to sign the back of my shirt and hubby said, "She'd much rather you signed her front." quite true but very embarassing.

The first pic is me and Carlos, next my step-daughter (Grace) with him and last but not least, Grace and Jonah Lomu.

Love KB
xxx