Cracking the Code

1888. An Irishman, Englishman, Welshman and a Scotsman walk into a bar. They have a chug and a chinwag, before you know it they agree to create a touring rugby team that will combine the best players from each nation. Delighted with their creation, they move on to discuss who would be selected for said team. They cannot agree. Rather, they agree to disagree in perpetuity. As much as on field unity is paramount to the ability of the British & Irish Lions to be successful on field. The disharmony when it comes to selection discussion is a key indicator that the brand is alive and well in the eye of the rugby public. We value the jersey. It matters who is picked. When it doesn't, it ends. So, with that backdrop, welcome to my inaugural Lions selection meeting/monologue. Conflicts of Interest Admit it. We all have them. Whether it be affinity to players from a certain nation or being a coach who has a son vying for selection. Ok, the latter scenario is unlikely to be appl...

Confused, divided and handy on the keyboard. No I'm not talking about a post Brexit state. This is Welsh Rugby. This is Gatland's law. Word from the politics bunch is that It will take decades for the masses to comprehend the impact and implications of the democratically determined Brexit decision. We are some eight years into Gatland's law, autocratic in origin, and a mess in practice.  The policy designed to keep Wales' premier rugby talent within the regional game, follows an old Churchillian notion - that success on the international battle field is underpinned by a vibrant home front, which is shaped to facilitate global successes. Thus far, it has has proved far more simple in concept than in context. The current understanding is that formalisation of the ruling under the guise of The WRU Senior Player's Selection Policy, will lead to a stricter enforcement. The only caveat, being the number of caveats, provided for within the written agreement. ...

'There's plenty of Rugby still to be played' and 'I'm only focusing on the next game'. Expect to hear these soundbites being reeled of by any number of possible British & Irish Lions over the next year, when quizzed on their candidacy for TBC's squad of X players to tour NZ.  Sure, there is plenty of Rugby still to be played before the Lions lineup against the creatively named, 'Provincial Union Team', in Whangarei, some 360 days from now. However, player efforts to avert selection discussion will not be mirrored by fans. In fact, I know at some point this weekend, I will encounter the President of the Bolton Welsh Rugby Supporters Club, and he will demand I provide him my Lions XV, complete with selection justifications. I should then be prepared to defend my choices, including the ridiculous bolter (normally Cipriani), against his considered interrogation.   Perhaps a more pertinent discussion leading into this Weekend's test match...