How good is rugby across the world? The European competitions are heading towards their finals. Super Rugby is intriguing on many levels and community rugby is up and running across the country.
The British & Irish Lions will be announced tomorrow and that will be interesting.
Back in Business: Ellia Green shocks rugby world with powerful comeback in men’s league
In 2022 I wrote the following for G&GR here. I’ve copied and pasted it for ease of reading.
Much has been made of the exclusion of transgender women in sport over the past few months, so I’ve done a little research. Firstly, I’d like to acknowledge my personal bias: I always fall on the side of inclusion but I’ll try my best to show both points of view.
LGBTQI,what does it mean? Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or questioning) and intersex. As a straight white male I asked a good friend of mine who works in this space. He replied, “I accept gay sexuality but why do they need all of the letters of the alphabet, why can’t they just be gay?”. His response gave me pause for thought. He said if you’ve struggled with identity your entire life the fact that you now can put a label on yourself means you have a place where you belong, feel safe and not be “other”.
The fairness argument against
Women’s sport is conducted to create a place where women can participate. Be it tennis, swimming or contact sports such as rugby men have certain physical advantages that are not negated by gender reassignment. Generally, men are 10 to 15% stronger and larger and even after gender reassignment some advantages are retained such as skeletal attributes.
Lia Thomas is a lighting rod for the argument on all sides, these links to articles from the New Yorker, The Guardian the ABC and si.com will give a clearer understanding of her journey. Also listen to the following podcast the science of sport. The argument around fairness particularly for Lia is that her performance after her transition did not drop sufficiently and that she retained certain residual physical advantages of being male which represented an unfair advantage. Basically, she went from being a mid-level elite male athlete to a world class female athlete.
This argument is valid as other elite female athletes don’t have the same advantage of going through male puberty. Although my question is would we be having this discussion if all transgender athletes weren’t very good, and we don’t have this conversation around trans male athletes.
The inclusion argument for
Sport can provide a safe space where people from all walks of life, social, economic, racial, or sexual orientation, can exist and compete together on equal footing. These provide benefits both mental and physical giving people a place where they belong.
I’d recommend listening to this pod for the alternative view. Here. The numbers are quite small, a quick search said that there were approx. 8,000 registered players in England and of those approx. 7 identified as trans women. So that leaves the numbers who play as 1 in 1,100 approximately.
In a normal game of rugby there are different sizes and skills. Most teams, male or female, have players who are in a weight range of 50kg. For those who use the argument that people will transition to succeed in sport you ask yourself if you’d do it. I’d also point out that rugby, as in many sports, promotes inclusivity in its marketing and if the stance changes it has a stench of gross hypocrisy. So, in my view let the girls play.
Please feel free to discuss.
Ellia Green also had this to say in 2022. Here. For me it was fantastic to read that he’s made a comeback to rugby at 32, welcome back and enjoy the game for what it is.
Green’s return to rugby has been met with enthusiasm and support. In a recent Instagram post, he shared, “First trial games against Manly and Mosman before the season kicks off playing 15s with the boys. Had so much fun out there even though I was so unbelievably nervous with the fear of failure, expectations, and pressure on myself. Then I was quickly reminded of how much I love this game, the rugby community, and hitting bodies haha. As well as being so lucky to have my crew there to support me doing what I love best.”
His comeback has inspired many, with friends and family expressing their pride and support. Green continues to advocate for understanding and acceptance, emphasising the challenges faced by transgender individuals and the importance of respecting their journeys. He remarked, saying he wished people would realise it’s really stressful and hard when people ask you so many questions instead of just saying, ‘That’s awesome, that’s great, I respect that’.
In response I say to you that’s awesome, that’s great, I respect that more than I can say. Also, as a broken old man my advice is to play until you can’t.
Speed of game
By this time next week, the British & Irish Lions squad will be named. To Andy Farrell I offer the following coaching tip and instructional video for your team to keep the game moving.
Ollie Hoskins retires
Everyone’s favourite one test Wallaby has hung up the boots. Who could forget him finding out he was going to play for the Wallabies? Someone was cutting onions near me when I saw the video.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJORdFaND-Y/?img_index=5&igsh=MTZ0MmM4c2l0emtqcQ==
Super Rugby teams round 13
Friday 5:05 pm AEST – Fijian Drua v Blues at HFC Bank Stadium, Suva
Fiji to win this one by 10.
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge (c), Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Tuwai, Kitione Salawa, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Taniela Rakuro, Inia Tabuavou, Vuate Karawalevu, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ponipate Loganimasi
Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Samuela Tawake, Sailosi Vukalokalo, Elia Canakiavata, Philip Baselala, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Isikeli Rabitu
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Laghlan McWhannell, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Beauden Barrett, AJ Lam, Xavi Taele, Rieko Ioane, Cole Forbes, Corey Evans
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Mason Tupaea, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Zarn Sullivan
Referee: Nic Berry Assistant Referees: Jeremy Markey, Matt Kellahan TMO: Damon Murphy
Friday 7:35 pm AEST – NSW Waratahs v Queensland Reds at Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Reds by anything will do me although the injuries to outside backs are a concern with news that Issac Henry broke down in his second game back from a bad knee injury.
Also why does Super Rugby inflict Doleman on this marquee game.
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Daniel Botha, Fergus Lee-Warner, Miles Amatosero, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Henry O’Donnell, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Taniela Tupou, Ben Grant, Felix Kalapu, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Darby Lancaster
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, John Bryant, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Dre Pakeho, Filipo Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell
Replacements: Josh Nasser, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Massimo De Lutiis, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Joe Brial, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
Referee: James Doleman Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon TMO: Richard Kelly
Saturday 5:05 pm AEST – Crusaders v Chiefs at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
Saders to do Sader things, they’ll be hurting after being embarrassed by the Chiefs last start.
CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Sevu Reece, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Jamie Hannah, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod
CHIEFS (1-15): Ollie Norris, Brodie McAlister, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson (c), Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross, Reuben O’Neill, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Gideon Wrampling
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe Assistant Referees: Jackson Henshaw, Warwick Lahmert TMO: Glenn Newman
Saturday 7:35 pm AEST – Western Force v ACT Brumbies at HBF Park, Perth
Good news for the Force is this game is in Perth. The bad news is it’s the Brumbies. The Force are down three props and BPA, they’ll struggle to overcome this at set piece time. Brumbies by 12 and a spot in the top two.
FORCE (1-15): Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny; Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson, Mac Grealy, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Harry Potter, Kurtley Beale
Replacements: Tom Horton, Atu Moli, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Reed Prinsep, Nic White, Max Burey, Sio Tomkinson
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tom Hooper, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Liam Bowron, Lington Ieli, Rhys van Nek, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford
Referee: Paul Williams Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Jordan Kaminski TMO: Graham Cooper
Rugby injury list and broken toys
Blues
- Caleb Clarke (thigh)
- Stephen Perofeta (leg)
- Reon Paul (shoulder)
- Ofa Tu’ungafasi (neck, season)
- Sam Darry (shoulder, season)
Brumbies
- Jack Debreczeni (groin/3 weeks)
- Ben O’Donnell (hamstring/1-2 weeks)
- Charlie Cale (lower back/3 weeks)
- Tevita Alatini (ACL/TBC)
- Blake Schoupp (Achilles/8+ months)
Chiefs
- Liam Coombes-Fabling (knee/soon)
- Etene Nanai-Seturo (hamstring/soon)
- Kaleb Trask (ankle/mid-term)
- Anton Lienert Brown (Collarbone/mid-term)
- Malachi Wrampling, Hamstring, Mid-term
- Fiti Sa (shoulder/long-term)
- Rameka Poihipi (knee/season)
Crusaders
- Ethan Blackadder (hamstring/TBC)
- Dom Gardiner (foot/TBC)
- Johnny Lee (calf/2 weeks)
- Lewis Ponini (calf/2 weeks)
- Xavier Saifoloi (medial ligament/3-5 weeks)
- George Bell (foot/2-4 weeks)
- Finlay Brewis (shoulder/season)
- Taha Kemara (knee/TBC)
Fijian Drua
- Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (knee/short-term)
- Vilive Miramira (knee/short-term)
- Ilaisa Droasese (wrist/short-term)
- Epeli Momo (knee/long-term)
- Frank Lomani (shoulder/long-term)
- Caleb Muntz (shoulder/short-term)
- Meli Derenalagi (knee/long-term)
- Etonia Waqa (sternum/ TBC)
Queensland Reds
- George Blake
- Matt Faessler
- Josh Flook
- Matt Gibbon
- Frankie Goldsbrough
- Mason Gordon
- Isaac Henry
- Alex Hodgman
- Will McCulloch
- Hunter Paisami
- Harry Wilson
- Liam Wright
NSW Waratahs
- Max Jorgensen (syndesmosis)
- James Hendren (wrist)
Western Force
- Vaiolini Ekuasi (shoulder)
- Harry Johnson-Holmes (knee)
- Harry Hoopert (knee)
- Brandon Paenga-Amosa (ankle)
- Divad Palu (shoulder)
- Marley Pearce (shoulder)
- Dylan Pietsch (quad)
- Matt Proctor (shoulder)
Hossman back tomorrow off the long run
