Sad rugby

There have been certain events in rugby that made me really sad. The retirement and death of Bill Mclaren still makes me feel a sense of loss even now. Shane Williams retirement next weekend will be another one of these moments. Just wanted to share.

+1 for this thread.

I would have to add the tragic story of young Daniel James to that list and if there is anyone who doesn't know it I'd recommend reading Brian Moore's news article on it in the Telegraph from 2008.

I honestly had a tear in my eye after reading it and a new found respect for Brian too.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/3242030/It-took-courage-for-the-parents-of-Daniel-James-to-say-goodbye-Rugby-Union.html

No smileys for this post.

that's a really, really great article by Brian Moore.

Max Brito's accident back in 1995.

You know, I think Shane Williams going out on top is something to celebrate, not really sad at all. I think its great he is able to pick the time and place to hang 'em up on is own terms. Be happy for him.

Bill McClaren, on the other hand was really a sad thing.

And that article by Brian Moore, incredible...............

Mooreo is an extraordinary man, great player, great lawyer, great pundit, great writer and speaks from the heart. Ballsy in this game.

Gatts wrote:Mooreo is an extraordinary man, great player, great lawyer, great pundit, great writer and speaks from the heart. Ballsy in this game.

if by 'pundit' you mean 'commentator' then just no.

Great pundit, great commentator!! love his passion and complete inability to remain either impartial or composed. Barnes on the other hand is a complete asre.

I was very sad to see Nathan Hines go after the world cup. He was one of my favourite Scotland players, I hope he does well at Clermont Auvergne. He always gave every game 110% and you could see how much playing for Scotland meant to him when he burst into tears after we lost to England at the world cup.

Yes any sport do have its sad moments.

I agree regarding Bill Mclaren, I will never forget how this man could describe a rugby player in full flight. My lasting memory of him will be our match against Scotland in 1998 when we thumped them by 50 odd - 10. He described Pieter Rossouw as running like a Gazelle. Very descriptive.

For me the Springbok squad of 1995 has quite a sad story surrounding it.

Coach Kitch Christie passed away from Cancer after the world cup.
Ruben Kruger suffered brain cancer before his death in 2010.
Joost van der Westhuizen has his illness to contend with.

Not part of the 1995 world cup squad but played in the 1999 world cup has a similar illness to Joost and is wheel chair ridden.

It is strange how in such a small group of people tragedy can strike so early and regular.

Sad moments?

That Martyn Williams will never play for Wales again

I would have very little time for Brian Moore as an analyst, however that piece on the passing of Daniel James is a excellent article which was inredibly well written.

In regard to Shane Williams, I agree with Doctor Grey here. He had a great career and is going out at the top on his own terms - nothing to be sad about.

Actually I really enjoy listening to Moore. His knowledge of the game is exceptional and he is never afraid to tell the truth. I also enjoy his passion for the game and England.

With regards to Shane I think it's sad only because one of the true greats is retiring and won't be seen in a Wales shirt again.

Well some sort of perspective please. It´s one thing to mourn the loss of someone who is no longer with us. But it´s a different kind of sadness when a player retires. The player´s exploits live on and we can all celebrate his finest on youtube.

I would equate sadness at the passing away of Bill McLaren with the degenerative disease Joost van der Westhuizen has or Jonah Lomu´s kidney condition (thankfully he´s recovered and out of hospital) or the tragic deaths at amateur level.

Shane Williams is getting on and it´s time to hang up his boots. But he´s still very much alive and in good health so why not celebrate his career by remembering some of the fondest memories during his career rather than likening him to someone who has died?

I know what you mean. He was a great wee player for Wales (literally) and it´s a shame he won´t play again to add to his collection of fine tries. But sad?! I don´t mean to sound bitter and twisted buT having lost people very close to me I just find the comparison a little tasteless.