There Will Be Beer
With the Rugby World Cup kicking off later this week in England, Riddle takes a look at rugby viewing etiquette
Article by Andy Barnham
For the uneducated, rugby can look like a godawful mess with burly men chasing skinnier, faster ones and then collapsing onto each other on the floor. A more romantic view is that it is muscular ballet played out with mud and blood to help fuel the machismo. Either way, if you find yourself watching 30 men crash into each other over the next few weeks, here are a few top tips on how to blend in.
Rule No1
You must drink beer.
Rule No2
You must drink beer.
Rule No3
All national anthems are sung badly, unless you’re Welsh, in which case choir standard is expected.
Rule No4
The ref is always right, even when he’s wrong.
Rule No5
Big hits are applauded, even when they occur to your team.
Rule No6
Likewise any scoring is to be congratulated, even if against your team.
Rule No7
Don’t put the kicker off when he’s taking a kick; keep mum.
Rule No8
Opposing team fans are not the enemy. They too know the anguish of the game, especially if they’re French fans. However if they’re All Black fans, it’s open season.
Rule No9
Illegal behaviour is just that, illegal, but no boo-ing. Have faith the ref and the system will get the judgement correct. If not, karma is a bitch.
Rule No10
When the final whistle goes, accept the score and revisit Rules 1 & 2. 