The Dew Drop Inn Virtual Rugby Pub, Oxford

First topic message reminder :

Hello and welcome to the Virtual Rugby Pub, a place where you can come in for a sly beverage and discuss whatever's on your mind, or just eavesdrop on the regulars if you fancy a break from all the rugby chat.

The Pub has made its way to Oxford and the only rule in this pub is one of mutual respect for everyone in it, oh and no tampering with the pictures of Seve Ballesteros, Andy Fenby, Nick Williams,Tim Visser, Adam Ashley Cooper and Paul Lawrie up on the wall.

I don't think that necessarily true, Oz, my experience of my generation is that it is very inclusive with some exceptions whose unpleasantness exaggerates the extent of the problem so it seems more prominent than it actually is

CJ, you could be right, and perhaps my view is slanted by my job as I tend to have to pick up the pieces of the unpleasantness when it happens. I just feel with stuff like sports people 'coming out', that nobody should really care either way. It shouldn't be news, but it is is, and that saddens me.

Ozzy3213 wrote:Hound, it surprises me not one bit my friend that you can sup with anyone and peace reigns true. Having drunk and chatted with you, the world would be a far better place if more people had your outlook on life.

Cheers Oz. It's not a difficult thing to comprehend though - right and wrong. You know when you are doing wrong, so don't do it. That was all my dad said to me.

And a big to the Ulster contingent. Tonight's game must have been hard emotionally.

Fair enough, I agree, don't see how a person's sexuality or beliefs is anybody else's business unless they are forcing them onto somebody

Ozzy3213 wrote:It is great that he is coming out and hopefully it will inspire others, but part of me can't help thinking that it is sad that we still live in a world where he feels the need to and that this is such a big thing. People are just people, whether they are black, white, brown or purple with pink spots, and whether they are hetero or homosexual.

I genuinely hate the fact that we still don't live in an inclusive society. Was it Ghandi who when asked what he thought of western civilisation answered that he thought it would be a good thing?

However many years on, and the stark reality is that very little has changed.

Yep. Have to agree with all of that.

I think the first step is pride, a sportsman like that who isn't ashamed of who he is can be an important example... what it is, is I feel people shouldn't have to live being ashamed of who they are in sport or any other life. And sadly there are far too many people who would make others feel that way. So a top sportsman, or a prominent figure in any highly visible and respected profession can really make that case- Good As You.

It should be a given, but thats not how people are. Fortunately there are some truly tolerant people in this world, and hopefully they are on the rise too

CJ - there is some great stuff being done by today's young people that doesn't get reported in the national media. Your local newspaper will carry those stories, I tend to find.

If you have read any of the 'Apprenticeship Campaign' in the ES you will read loads of good stuff.

Keep the faith in humanity people.

Hound_of_Harrow wrote:And a big to the Ulster contingent. Tonight's game must have been hard emotionally.

It was very strange. The minutes silence was as immaculately observed as you would expect. But the photographers keep taking their shots. Those little shutter sounds seemed so hugely magnified. Echoing around the stadium.

Had to feel for the players in that situation, it's hardest on them. They've done their grieving for a friend- for some a truly close friend- in private. These public displays of grief are hard to manage given the circumstances and the loss they've suffered. People taking your picture during a minutes silence? 10000 people looking at you?

And then, somehow, you've got to put all that aside and go out and play rugby. And focus 100% on it.

The fact our players have managed two comfortable wins in two weeks stands to their ability as rugby players. But the way they've handled this period of raw emotion and grief and still found a way to come into work and honour Nevin by respecting the shirt he was so very proud to wear in his life stands to their quality as men.

Notch.

Notch wrote:

Hound_of_Harrow wrote:And a big to the Ulster contingent. Tonight's game must have been hard emotionally.

It was very strange. The minutes silence was as immaculately observed as you would expect. But the photographers keep taking their shots. Those little shutter sounds seemed so hugely magnified. Echoing around the stadium.

Had to feel for the players in that situation, it's hardest on them. They've done their grieving for a friend- for some a truly close friend- in private. These public displays of grief are hard to manage given the circumstances and the loss they've suffered. People taking your picture during a minutes silence? 10000 people looking at you?

And then, somehow, you've got to put all that aside and go out and play rugby. And focus 100% on it.

The fact our players have managed two comfortable wins in two weeks stands to their ability as rugby players. But the way they've handled this period of raw emotion and grief and still found a way to come into work and honour Nevin by respecting the shirt he was so very proud to wear in his life stands to their quality as men.

+1

What's with the sudden breakout of sexuality focus?

Personally I couldn't give a flying colonel if it's one, t'other or all four...

I look at our kids generation, and they really don't give a feck about anything other than the who and what.

Borderline sorted...

The Australian Schoolboys have retained the Trans Tasman Cup beating the NZ Schoolboys at Auckland Grammar 16-14.

Some major talent was on show and there could have been more points from both sides. A late try in the corner from a clever cross kick, (a la Noddy Lynagh) sealed it for the Australians.

Morning slackers

On the way back from Hampton Court at the minute after another stupidly early start, but its ok on a Saturday when there is no one in the train and I can wander through it naked

Too early in the morning to have that picture in my head Hoog!!!

Were you carrying two large cups of coffee and 6 ring doughnuts there hoog?



Morning peeps.

Hound man, c'mon I'm eating me breakfast here!!!


You off to Ealing vs. Flyde this afternoon?

Two medium cups hound, and a dozen doughnuts

Ozzy3213 wrote:Hound man, c'mon I'm eating me breakfast here!!!


You off to Ealing vs. Flyde this afternoon?

Oz.

And yes I am.

Hoog, they'll be those mini doughnuts from Sainsburys then. The £1 a box jobs.

Well played hound well played

What a conversation to be stumble upon in on!

Bore da folks, hope everyone's well?

Think I'm on puppy watch for most of today but can't believe how well behaved she is (I doubt it will last!).

for those interested, here's a write up of my interview with Llandovery RFC head coach Lyndon Lewis: http://cornelsiobhan.wordpress.com/2012/10/06/foundations-development-and-results-the-drovers-way/

Now on to do a match report....

Do try to keep it unbiased now dreamer.......

Morning all, buzzing for the match today.......and P.J don't SHED too many tears later

Why in the name of all things holy is Jeremy Hunt allowed to be the Health Minister for the UK???

Morning pub

Great night out with the girls last night but why did I decide to drink spirits? I really should know better, acid reflux is deeply unpleasant

Brilliant Dreamer. One thing - "Handle Davies". It's spelt Handel as in the composer.

You'll never get planning!

God damn it, there's no milk, no bread and no coffee left. No breakfast for me. Barsteward.

There's left over pizza in the corner Rodders

Glas a du wrote:Brilliant Dreamer. One thing - "Handle Davies". It's spelt Handel as in the composer.

You'll never get planning!

Diolch! will edit now, Mr Lewis didn't spot that typo either mind...

haven't done my Glasgow match preview yet either, am slacking this week for sure, also not done my match report. Got a bit distracted by watching Strictly on the i-player....

And all the while, Amber's been licking her empty food bowl and whining...

Bore da pawb / good morning all. It's a fine day here in Newport and I'm drinking tea, listening to Fleetwood Mac's 'Tusk' and feeling rather content with things.

What qualifications to you need to be a TMO? Glas? Dreamer?

I dunno, I think you need to be an actual referee although judging by the howlers of tmo decisions at Parc y Scarlets this season I'm not so sure!

Can't believe we got the try instead of the penalty kick. I didn't even see Darth go to touch the ball down (although credit to him for chasing it), was clear as day the ball went through the uprights, I was too annoyed with the assistant refs for not raising their flags to notice!

prop_lyd wrote:There's left over pizza in the corner Rodders

..just back from a run, felt like an elephant even though I haven't eaten... go figure...

Hey where's Billser these days?

I think he's on holiday rodders, am sure I read something on the book of face about him being in Singapore? Not sure mind, will have a look later

I am soooo hungry. Mam's gone to pick up my grandparents so I'm in charge of cooking lunch, but I was over eager and started cooking too soon! Curry is almost ready and they won't be here until half past. But oh it smells sooooo goood.....

Right then all have a good 'un.........time to get another win under the Sarries belt for 1sts and 2nds!! And c'mon Glaws!!!!!!!!

Billser just got back from Singapore Rodders. We were supposed to meet up for the game this eve and rip de pish out of each other, but the man is knackerred after a non-stop and no sleep.

We have planned to meet up numerous times over the last 4 years. ONE day, we may even get to a game together.

Leinster by 15, btw. Time for our yearly shift into 2nd gear.

Believe.

prop_lyd wrote:Right then all have a good 'un.........time to get another win under the Sarries belt for 1sts and 2nds!! And c'mon Glaws!!!!!!!!

Gowan Prop ya boy ya! Have a great game pal. Mon de Kairdiff Sarries!

Gibbo, you still at the bar? Help a desperate woman - need the secret access to TG4 for this eve. Cannot get p2p to work anymore. Ayudame! por favor!

Puma girl,
I'll send you Thomonds' List presently. TG4 can be a feicer to get, but, there is always a link in there that works.

Top man - and Thomond as well! Enjoy the match, give my love to G and M, Mickado etc and yes, even Hoog. Believe!

Gibbo we need a plan for scarlets game, I asked the Welsh on Facebook but didn't get an answer yet. Need something set in stone like

Afternoon lads and lassies

Just off in a wee while to see Ballymoney against Coleraine in our local derby. A few months bragging rights are at stake.

Good wins for Us, Scarlets and O's last night but the has to go to Treviso following another great win on the road for them.

True Hoog, I was going to ring you on it last night bud. Put it this way - at this stage, Bristol is 300 euras for me. London is 200. So it looks like London for me. Im gettin very Clog in me auld age. Won't waste a penny if I can avoid it.

But we will have to be up at de crack of Dawn(lovely girl) to make LLanelli on Sat morn ja? I'll leave you - in yer professional capacity like, to organise the train times/tickets etc.

I will head for Asbos' place on Friday night - if that is cool with the man.

So, that's 3 HC Pool games sorted for us then.

Leinster v Chiefs
Scarlets v Leinster
ASM v Leinster - G & M are waiting for tickets to come on sale and I asked for 4. May need backup here. Not everyone gets them. So could you keep Mickado, Micky T, Eoin & Dingus in the Loop for spare tickets too yeah?

Need to sort out Leinster v ASM on Dec 15th and our Christmas Bash soon. I love this time of year.

January's 2 games can be handled in due course.

Right Gibbo, im off from Wednesday afternoon until Monday morning so if its easier for you to fly in earlier then I'm around.

Looks like chef isn't arriving in devon until Saturday so we could do Friday in Wales and Saturday in devon, devon Friday and Saturday or Wales Friday Saturday. Thats the options we have now.


I'll look into the trains, if we were to go to devon on the Friday ill get us there for free on my trains

Hoog.
My Tour Secretary just booked Amsterdam <-> Gatwick for 149 eura. Cashback!
In on the Fri night at 21:30 -> train/tube to As. Should be there in time for a few nightcaps.

Flying out on the Monday morn at 09:30. Work is only 20 mins from Schiphol. Grand. Tis done.
As we have the whole Sunday with As & Chef, I'd like to spend decent time with Dreamer and Glas, post-match on Sat. Sure we will be standing with them too at the game. Proper.

Asked the Welsh eh? ha and there was me still waiting for a thank you/acknowledgement on the tickets

You guys decide exactly what it is you want to do, when we know, it'll be easier to plan

(Also, Glas put a plan up in there for you days ago )

We can still spend the Sat night in Wales and head down to Laahndaan on Sunday mornin... which is when I'm easy like...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4Y-xMROGHw

Dreamer girl,
Gur a mile mhaith agat for an ticeaide.

Gibbo - mae'n iawn

Gibbo I'm confused, how are you going to get to devon Friday might from gatwick at 2130??

Cant wait to milk Sheeps Down on Glas' Farm.

I'm a City Boy see?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RviCDsuCtQ8

Oh man I cant wait for it all to kick off!

Hoog wrote:Gibbo I'm confused, how are you going to get to devon Friday might from gatwick at 2130??

Phhhok it! I was thinkin Amstead Eeef! Man. Why doesn't As just live in ONE place?

No sweat pal, I'll stay in Ealing and see you early on Sat morn Jimmy. What train station & time, do we leave from for Llannelli?

Gibbo ill stall it in.London then Friday night and get an early one to swansea with you Saturday morning. We will be looking at an 0800/0830 departure from paddington to arrive in a decent time for pre game pints