Champions Cup rules 'too harsh' - Monye
22/12/2020
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sport
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rugbyunion
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Heineken Champions Cup rules handing a 28-0 defeat to sides responsible for coronavirus-related cancellations are "far too harsh", says former England wing Ugo Monye.
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Bob
22/12/2020 17:00:44
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bbc
Love how he was quick to put the boot in on Sale. Same with Baxter, saying how he couldnt believe a club can have an outbreak
It will be interesting to see if any Scarlets players listed in the match 23 test positive in this weeks round of testing. If any do I expect the result of the Toulon game to be reversed on appeal.
Why European rugby checked, and past all the protocols concerning the scarlets, Toulon were also offered a delayed kick-off while the whole scarlets squad were re-tested.
28-0 is harsh, especially for clubs who didn't even have an outbreak. For example Glasgow were forced to cancel, not because they had any COVID cases, but because they had recently played a club that subsequently had cases. In this instance, wouldn't a 14-7 result to the higher-ranked team be fairer? No try-scoring bonus point for the 'winner' and a losing bonus point for the 'loser'?
Given how poor Glasgow are, the 28-0 scoreline flatters them.
The format was a joke to start with - a team could win 4 out of 4 and not qualify, the second wave of covid makes it even worse.
The format was a joke to start with - a team could win 4 out of 4 and not qualify, the second wave of covid makes it even worse.
Rob Baxter had no sympathy with Sale and so presumably believes in forfeiting. Right now who cares if it is not the best 8 teams who qualify , we are lucky to be watching rugby and the players are keeping their jobs.
No sympathy at all for Exeter, their "holier than thou" attitude is irritating. Glasgow have suffered because Exeter did not control their players. Add to that, Exeter rugby is just dull.
There has to be a way of allowing teams to progress in the competition, but I agree this is not particularly fair (although there’s a lot right now that’s not fair!).
I especially feel for teams like Glasgow - hit with a loss when all they had done was to self isolate because of playing a team a week earlier with a subsequent outbreak.
I especially feel for teams like Glasgow - hit with a loss when all they had done was to self isolate because of playing a team a week earlier with a subsequent outbreak.
Each time a game is cancelled and a 28 nil result is awarded it devalues the competition. Will the winners be the best team or the team that was luckiest with the virus?
On a different topic will Eddie pick the Saracens players for the 6Ns even though they won't have played a competitive game?
On a different topic will Eddie pick the Saracens players for the 6Ns even though they won't have played a competitive game?
Of course he will, he doesn't have the imagination to play without them.
"Exeter did not control their players." Any evidence for that statement ?
Holier than thou attitude ? Just a humble team from Devon, now the best team in the uk and Europe
Dull and highly successful. Irritating, isn't it? (PS. the world champions do the same).
It goes against all sporting justice that a team forced to self isolate, because an opponent in a previous match tested positive, should be punished.
There’s no easy fix to this unfortunately. Right now, the concerns over the disease are higher than summer. Vaccine or not, we are currently on a downward spiral. 2 young Newcastle footballers are suffering from long covid. They may not be alone and it could ruin, both careers & quality of life. It will be a lost season, people need to enjoy it best they can.
It would be shame if Exeter cannot defend their title going out of competition due to Covid.
This competition will always carry a footnote whichever team wins it. The nature of rugby union as a full contact sport is well understood. The other article about concussion is possibly more alarming for the future. Does anyone really believe that only 20% of players suffer concussion, I suspect that Brian O'Driscoll's uncle would cite a much higher percentage?
That's just Professional too what about the Amateur lads around the country or globally.
Yes like someone has posted if the Funds are distributed fairly then be it.
Do we accept there is Rugby and all happy at these times or just say No.
Seeing as Sky and other satellite channels putting the money forward and need their Air time filling yes it is money orientated.
Yes like someone has posted if the Funds are distributed fairly then be it.
Do we accept there is Rugby and all happy at these times or just say No.
Seeing as Sky and other satellite channels putting the money forward and need their Air time filling yes it is money orientated.
The BBC should stop promoting the regularly debunked, known to be exaggerated for financial gain 'science' of Dr Bennet Omalu as coming from 'one of the world's leading experts on brain injuries', when over 50 actual experts have written to leading USA papers criticising his work as being fiction written to to support ambulance chaser lawyers.
I played senior rugby for nearly 20 years and as an 11stone scrum half used to get knocked out a couple of times a season, over that time ive seen pretty much all my team mates get sparked at least once, the figure will be way higher, but we accepted it was the nature of the game, be interested to see what the future brings
Like the Autumn International competition it has descended into a lottery. I hope they give all the teams an equal share of the money available if they play this out to the end.
Agreed. Not that Glasgow are playing well this year, but to be handed a 28-0 loss because "they played a team a week before that contracted COVID" is absolutely no fault of their own.
This competition will always carry a footnote whichever team wins it. The nature of rugby union as a full contact sport is well understood. The other article about concussion is possibly more alarming for the future. Does anyone really believe that only 20% of players suffer concussion, I suspect that Brian O'Driscoll's uncle would cite a much higher percentage?
That's just Professional too what about the Amateur lads around the country or globally.
Yes like someone has posted if the Funds are distributed fairly then be it.
Do we accept there is Rugby and all happy at these times or just say No.
Seeing as Sky and other satellite channels putting the money forward and need their Air time filling yes it is money orientated.
Yes like someone has posted if the Funds are distributed fairly then be it.
Do we accept there is Rugby and all happy at these times or just say No.
Seeing as Sky and other satellite channels putting the money forward and need their Air time filling yes it is money orientated.
All the teams agreed to this before they started. I have yet to see anyone come up with a better idea, given there aren't any free weekends in the rugby calender.
As for Exeter, it will be fixed again for them. I expect Nigel Owens or Andrew Brace to get the Toulouse match. Maximum points and maximum penalties.
As for Exeter, it will be fixed again for them. I expect Nigel Owens or Andrew Brace to get the Toulouse match. Maximum points and maximum penalties.
So your calling those two refs and the organisers cheats!! Grow up .
I wonder who you support
I wonder who you support
Totally agree Bomber, with Exeter it’s “one rule for us, another for the rest of them”
Better idea...yes got one, stop all sport as things stand does it really matter...all this chasing up and down the country, or popping over to France for a game...bubbles,total crap to be honest contracts being met yes...meanwhile the NHS carry on as normal to sort out the mess left behind.
It does seem a little harsh however all the clubs signed up to it. l wonder how many protests there were when ruling was revealed to them? Or did they think ( like Baxter) it won't happen to us.
Did they have any real choice? I suspect that the choice was to agree the rules or stay out of the competition. There was the same nonsense at the last WC regarding games that could not be played because of hurricanes.
This competition will always carry a footnote whichever team wins it. The nature of rugby union as a full contact sport is well understood. The other article about concussion is possibly more alarming for the future. Does anyone really believe that only 20% of players suffer concussion, I suspect that Brian O'Driscoll's uncle would cite a much higher percentage?
The BBC should stop promoting the regularly debunked, known to be exaggerated for financial gain 'science' of Dr Bennet Omalu as coming from 'one of the world's leading experts on brain injuries', when over 50 actual experts have written to leading USA papers criticising his work as being fiction written to to support ambulance chaser lawyers.
This competition will always carry a footnote whichever team wins it. The nature of rugby union as a full contact sport is well understood. The other article about concussion is possibly more alarming for the future. Does anyone really believe that only 20% of players suffer concussion, I suspect that Brian O'Driscoll's uncle would cite a much higher percentage?
I was referring to Dr Barry O'Driscoll who is his or his father's second cousin but referred to as an uncle, very Irish. Personally my father insisted I stopped playing as a schoolboy because I was twice knocked slightly unconscious. It was just as well I was next to useless at the sport.
Much as I love rugby, and will support my teams to the max and watch them play on TV whenever possible, maybe this makes me hypocritical but I do believe that rugby has started up again too early! It is too close contact to be safe in my opinion! And before I get shot down with the testing etc my wife is a frontline nurse that works with covid and I know all about the time scales of infection rate
Respectively disagree! Lots of people have to go to work and expose themselves and they give no enjoyment to the public by doing it, and are probably a lot more likely to be hospitalised than a professional rugby player. We can't live like hermits, if we do the country falls over.
All the teams agreed to this before they started. I have yet to see anyone come up with a better idea, given there aren't any free weekends in the rugby calender.
As for Exeter, it will be fixed again for them. I expect Nigel Owens or Andrew Brace to get the Toulouse match. Maximum points and maximum penalties.
As for Exeter, it will be fixed again for them. I expect Nigel Owens or Andrew Brace to get the Toulouse match. Maximum points and maximum penalties.
The rules are not fair but I guess the view is that some rugby is better than no rugby even if the comp is flawed. The important point for the clubs is that some revenue is generated and that the clubs can stay connected to their fan base. Quite rightly the health of the players and staff has to be paramount. lets be thankful for what we can watch and take each game as it comes as a blessing.
Oh shush for pity’s sake Monye. Other teams, British and European, have managed to exist in their Covid bubbles, everyone signed up to this short format competition and knew the penalties if they had to forfeit. Can’t stand Glasgow but why should they have to now potentially lose matches 28-0 because Exeter rugby club and Chiefs’ players can’t abide by the rules?
Who said "Exeter rugby club and Chiefs’ players can’t abide by the rules" ? You just made that up. Since when has falling ill through catching a virus been against the rules ?
And why should Bath have to forfeit their game because they played against a team with a player who subsequently tested positive for covid-19?
All the teams agreed to this before they started. I have yet to see anyone come up with a better idea, given there aren't any free weekends in the rugby calender.
As for Exeter, it will be fixed again for them. I expect Nigel Owens or Andrew Brace to get the Toulouse match. Maximum points and maximum penalties.
As for Exeter, it will be fixed again for them. I expect Nigel Owens or Andrew Brace to get the Toulouse match. Maximum points and maximum penalties.
The Uk is in a big mess does rugby really matter as it stands...be sensible and stop all games...unbelievable really.
Seriously????
There's already far too many people suffering serious mental health issues as it is from lockdown, but hey, why not cancel yet another little thing which might lift the darkness just a little bit, eh?
There's already far too many people suffering serious mental health issues as it is from lockdown, but hey, why not cancel yet another little thing which might lift the darkness just a little bit, eh?
Rugby does matter, if you feel it doesn't then you belong on a soccer HYS.
Rugby is the heart and soul of most close knit working class villages and towns in Wales your local club is the glue that keeps communities together.
Rugby is the heart and soul of most close knit working class villages and towns in Wales your local club is the glue that keeps communities together.
Can you please show your "harsh" comments when the Leicester vs Castres was cancelled. I cannot remember seeing comments saying that ruling was incorrect
Will we ever get any welsh, Irish or Scottish ex pro’s on the line up or is it an England old boys club? Chris Jones (ALWAYS on the fence) plus 3 ex England players...
Should be renamed English premiership rugby weekly!
Should be renamed English premiership rugby weekly!
Scrum V BBC Podcast, The Welsh Rugby Podcast, Blood & Mud.
Will we ever get any welsh, Irish or Scottish ex pro’s on the line up or is it an England old boys club? Chris Jones (ALWAYS on the fence) plus 3 ex England players...
Should be renamed English premiership rugby weekly!
Should be renamed English premiership rugby weekly!
Lucky you. Nothing similar for Scots or Northern Irish funded by NATIONAL license fees...??
All the teams agreed to this before they started. I have yet to see anyone come up with a better idea, given there aren't any free weekends in the rugby calender.
As for Exeter, it will be fixed again for them. I expect Nigel Owens or Andrew Brace to get the Toulouse match. Maximum points and maximum penalties.
As for Exeter, it will be fixed again for them. I expect Nigel Owens or Andrew Brace to get the Toulouse match. Maximum points and maximum penalties.
Much as I love rugby, and will support my teams to the max and watch them play on TV whenever possible, maybe this makes me hypocritical but I do believe that rugby has started up again too early! It is too close contact to be safe in my opinion! And before I get shot down with the testing etc my wife is a frontline nurse that works with covid and I know all about the time scales of infection rate
Oh shush for pity’s sake Monye. Other teams, British and European, have managed to exist in their Covid bubbles, everyone signed up to this short format competition and knew the penalties if they had to forfeit. Can’t stand Glasgow but why should they have to now potentially lose matches 28-0 because Exeter rugby club and Chiefs’ players can’t abide by the rules?
Is this the same Exeter Chiefs coached by Rob Baxter, who back in September was saying that testing for pro rugby players should be dropped because of how few infections were transferred between players?
Yes, they may well have been abiding by the rules, but no smoke without fire and all that...
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/sep/28/exeter-rob-baxter-end-coronavirus-tests-rugby-players
Yes, they may well have been abiding by the rules, but no smoke without fire and all that...
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/sep/28/exeter-rob-baxter-end-coronavirus-tests-rugby-players
As noted elsewhere, Glasgow have said that and they should know having witnessed some of Exeter's failed protocols.
Oh shush for pity’s sake Monye. Other teams, British and European, have managed to exist in their Covid bubbles, everyone signed up to this short format competition and knew the penalties if they had to forfeit. Can’t stand Glasgow but why should they have to now potentially lose matches 28-0 because Exeter rugby club and Chiefs’ players can’t abide by the rules?
No sympathy at all for Exeter, their "holier than thou" attitude is irritating. Glasgow have suffered because Exeter did not control their players. Add to that, Exeter rugby is just dull.
Yeah, there are reports all over that the Exeter players were hanging around without masks, socialising with people not part of the club.
Glasgow are apparently preparing a complaint about Exeter's lack of controls that they witnessed.
surely the covid outbreak among the carrot crunchers is enough evidence
When did Exeter actually know they had covid players?
Respectively disagree! Lots of people have to go to work and expose themselves and they give no enjoyment to the public by doing it, and are probably a lot more likely to be hospitalised than a professional rugby player. We can't live like hermits, if we do the country falls over.
Also add to that most people that go to work dont expose themselves to it as they are protected by ppe or social distancing, so any infection they get would be from outside work, whereas rugby players have no ppe or social distancing
who?
Yeah so you can't make your fixture so award the other side the win. Bonus point what the F is that about?
The Uk is in a big mess does rugby really matter as it stands...be sensible and stop all games...unbelievable really.
And why should Bath have to forfeit their game because they played against a team with a player who subsequently tested positive for covid-19?
Absolutely, Ugo. 14 - 0 seems about right.
Ashton didn't exactly help his team - his petulance in the final minutes cost his team a try and probable conversion, when he petulantly grabbed an opponent long after the ball had gone. He'd do better to keep his mouth shut.
Who said "Exeter rugby club and Chiefs’ players can’t abide by the rules" ? You just made that up. Since when has falling ill through catching a virus been against the rules ?
Is this the same Exeter Chiefs coached by Rob Baxter, who back in September was saying that testing for pro rugby players should be dropped because of how few infections were transferred between players?
Yes, they may well have been abiding by the rules, but no smoke without fire and all that...
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/sep/28/exeter-rob-baxter-end-coronavirus-tests-rugby-players
Yes, they may well have been abiding by the rules, but no smoke without fire and all that...
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2020/sep/28/exeter-rob-baxter-end-coronavirus-tests-rugby-players
The Uk is in a big mess does rugby really matter as it stands...be sensible and stop all games...unbelievable really.
As we don't know yet how many other clubs will have to cancel, because they haven't YET found a positive test. Surely it would be wiser to wait until the end of this round and then determine the sanctions. You can have Covid without any obvious symptoms, so all these couch potatoes come medical boffins haven't a clue whats going to happen.No mutant virus cases have been found in France, just wait.
Well, Ugo, they'll just have to make sure the protocols are followed promptly and properly, ensuring the utmost safety for all players and staff. Not harsh considering the devastating consequences of this horrific virus on society worldwide. A lesser penalty could lead to complacency and more cases and if that happens more likelihood of governments stopping elite sports.
Nope - the problem with such a harsh penalty is it actually provides some clubs with a strong incentive to not report cases knowing that they’re out of the competition if they do. Great credit therefore to the clubs so far who have had issues, reported them and taken the 28-0 forfeit results on the chin.
What as surprise: Ashton's comment is Me ... Me ...Me.
"Exeter did not control their players." Any evidence for that statement ?
Hearsay - but why let truth stand in the way of a good story. Got to find some way to stop Exeter winning eh? Can’t have those Westcountry upstarts upsetting the apple art....
Each time a game is cancelled and a 28 nil result is awarded it devalues the competition. Will the winners be the best team or the team that was luckiest with the virus?
On a different topic will Eddie pick the Saracens players for the 6Ns even though they won't have played a competitive game?
On a different topic will Eddie pick the Saracens players for the 6Ns even though they won't have played a competitive game?
And because he keeps winning with them! If it ain't broke...
The rules are da rules.
Scotland got pillored at the World Cup for complaining about similar... now it affects the favourites and it’s an issue?
Scotland got pillored at the World Cup for complaining about similar... now it affects the favourites and it’s an issue?
Scotland was going to be a 0:0 draw. This is a bonus point loss. Vastly different
Big difference. In Japan it was Scottish team officials doing the complaining. As far as I’m aware Exeter self-declared their situation in full knowledge that would likely lead to them having to forfeit the match and have accepted their ‘punishment’ accordingly. Do you disagree?
What as surprise: Ashton's comment is Me ... Me ...Me.
The European Cup is a farce, irrespective of the rules there is no competition where rules make it unplayable.
If there are games that have to be postponed the simply the result should be a draw. The nature of the numerous fixtures now called off...and subsequent results granted mean some teams have barely played 1 game and that’s it!
It pointless and there is now no credible champion this year
If there are games that have to be postponed the simply the result should be a draw. The nature of the numerous fixtures now called off...and subsequent results granted mean some teams have barely played 1 game and that’s it!
It pointless and there is now no credible champion this year
Will we ever get any welsh, Irish or Scottish ex pro’s on the line up or is it an England old boys club? Chris Jones (ALWAYS on the fence) plus 3 ex England players...
Should be renamed English premiership rugby weekly!
Should be renamed English premiership rugby weekly!
Welcome to our world...??
As this is a medical article on rugby I think my comments are relevant.
In the last 10 days there’s been 25 articles about concussion on rugby pages , but only 2 on football pages. At a time when 6 of the England 66 squad have recently died or been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Brain damage to sportsmen is a serious issue , but are rugby writers being over zealous or football ones negligent?
In the last 10 days there’s been 25 articles about concussion on rugby pages , but only 2 on football pages. At a time when 6 of the England 66 squad have recently died or been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Brain damage to sportsmen is a serious issue , but are rugby writers being over zealous or football ones negligent?
I suggest the latter.
Just got to make the best of it and so what if the best 8 don't all make the quarters. We are in the middle of a pandemic killing millions worldwide and people are worried about the fairness of 28-0. Well there's not much thats fair right now and I think its just great to have some top class rugby. I just hope the players are all being rigorous with the covid rules - I'm not always sure.
The Uk is in a big mess does rugby really matter as it stands...be sensible and stop all games...unbelievable really.
Well, Ugo, they'll just have to make sure the protocols are followed promptly and properly, ensuring the utmost safety for all players and staff. Not harsh considering the devastating consequences of this horrific virus on society worldwide. A lesser penalty could lead to complacency and more cases and if that happens more likelihood of governments stopping elite sports.
Nope - the problem with such a harsh penalty is it actually provides some clubs with a strong incentive to not report cases knowing that they’re out of the competition if they do. Great credit therefore to the clubs so far who have had issues, reported them and taken the 28-0 forfeit results on the chin.
Oh shush for pity’s sake Monye. Other teams, British and European, have managed to exist in their Covid bubbles, everyone signed up to this short format competition and knew the penalties if they had to forfeit. Can’t stand Glasgow but why should they have to now potentially lose matches 28-0 because Exeter rugby club and Chiefs’ players can’t abide by the rules?
The cancellations and the awarding of BP wins has diminished the European championships Cup. The qualifying 8 teams for the Quarters will not be the best teams. It has made a farce of the competition.
The most disappointing thing is that the rugby in some of the games has been a very good watch The competition needs to be cancelled. Any more call offs and a team could qualify without playing
The most disappointing thing is that the rugby in some of the games has been a very good watch The competition needs to be cancelled. Any more call offs and a team could qualify without playing
As l said in the summer....can’t see how any meaningful rugby will played this year....surely it is not a surprise that with huge areas in lockdown everything will struggle. Hats off to gloucester and Munster last weekend, both were excellent in their games. Anyway, merry Xmas to all and well done bill bailey.
All clubs did sign up to this at outset, so harsh or not, they know the rules and can act accordingly.
I would also argue that a lot of it is within the players / club's own control: if the players aren't doing their utmost to avoid covid through, e.g. self isolation, and it impacts the club, then a 28-0 walkover doesn't necessarily feel wrong.
Not the case for all, I know, but principle holds.
I would also argue that a lot of it is within the players / club's own control: if the players aren't doing their utmost to avoid covid through, e.g. self isolation, and it impacts the club, then a 28-0 walkover doesn't necessarily feel wrong.
Not the case for all, I know, but principle holds.
Nope - the problem with such a harsh penalty is it actually provides some clubs with a strong incentive to not report cases knowing that they’re out of the competition if they do. Great credit therefore to the clubs so far who have had issues, reported them and taken the 28-0 forfeit results on the chin.
All clubs did sign up to this at outset, so harsh or not, they know the rules and can act accordingly.
I would also argue that a lot of it is within the players / club's own control: if the players aren't doing their utmost to avoid covid through, e.g. self isolation, and it impacts the club, then a 28-0 walkover doesn't necessarily feel wrong.
Not the case for all, I know, but principle holds.
I would also argue that a lot of it is within the players / club's own control: if the players aren't doing their utmost to avoid covid through, e.g. self isolation, and it impacts the club, then a 28-0 walkover doesn't necessarily feel wrong.
Not the case for all, I know, but principle holds.
All clubs did sign up to this at outset, so harsh or not, they know the rules and can act accordingly.
I would also argue that a lot of it is within the players / club's own control: if the players aren't doing their utmost to avoid covid through, e.g. self isolation, and it impacts the club, then a 28-0 walkover doesn't necessarily feel wrong.
Not the case for all, I know, but principle holds.
I would also argue that a lot of it is within the players / club's own control: if the players aren't doing their utmost to avoid covid through, e.g. self isolation, and it impacts the club, then a 28-0 walkover doesn't necessarily feel wrong.
Not the case for all, I know, but principle holds.
The rules are da rules.
Scotland got pillored at the World Cup for complaining about similar... now it affects the favourites and it’s an issue?
Scotland got pillored at the World Cup for complaining about similar... now it affects the favourites and it’s an issue?
The rules are da rules.
Scotland got pillored at the World Cup for complaining about similar... now it affects the favourites and it’s an issue?
Scotland got pillored at the World Cup for complaining about similar... now it affects the favourites and it’s an issue?
Apologies. Should have been clearer. I totally agree with your points about Exeter.
However, there was little outcry from the Monyes of this world at an equally dubious World Cup ruling.
Ultimately my point was more that everyone knew what they were signing up for, but it’s interesting seeing the comeback when it’s “favourites” involved. Which Sergio Parisse called at the same World Cup!
However, there was little outcry from the Monyes of this world at an equally dubious World Cup ruling.
Ultimately my point was more that everyone knew what they were signing up for, but it’s interesting seeing the comeback when it’s “favourites” involved. Which Sergio Parisse called at the same World Cup!
As this is a medical article on rugby I think my comments are relevant.
In the last 10 days there’s been 25 articles about concussion on rugby pages , but only 2 on football pages. At a time when 6 of the England 66 squad have recently died or been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Brain damage to sportsmen is a serious issue , but are rugby writers being over zealous or football ones negligent?
In the last 10 days there’s been 25 articles about concussion on rugby pages , but only 2 on football pages. At a time when 6 of the England 66 squad have recently died or been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Brain damage to sportsmen is a serious issue , but are rugby writers being over zealous or football ones negligent?
Just cancel all professional sport , after all this is a particularly clever virus
Many happy shifts spent in the BOS plant not far from Taibach...... sad to hear you will be the last duke but in terms of your comment, bang on but very controversial. Still, when all games fail to take place then it will have to be considered as the right thing to do.
The continuation of professional sport whilst most of the world is in some form of lockdown does sit uneasily with me personally, but at the same time I acknowledge that it’s been a very welcome distraction at times. Sadly though I think that we are rapidly approaching the point where the integrity of this competition will be fatally compromised if there are too many more forfeits.
Is that not the same as allowing England to play one less game in the world cup?
With regard the headline: "Concussion in rugby union affected 20% of professional players in England in 2018-19" I can believe that statement, especially when you see how England played in International matches that season.
As this is a medical article on rugby I think my comments are relevant.
In the last 10 days there’s been 25 articles about concussion on rugby pages , but only 2 on football pages. At a time when 6 of the England 66 squad have recently died or been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Brain damage to sportsmen is a serious issue , but are rugby writers being over zealous or football ones negligent?
In the last 10 days there’s been 25 articles about concussion on rugby pages , but only 2 on football pages. At a time when 6 of the England 66 squad have recently died or been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Brain damage to sportsmen is a serious issue , but are rugby writers being over zealous or football ones negligent?
good for the Mail.
However BBC is a global news outlet & bias in reporting is damaging rugby’s future growth.
Football has about 250 mil participants worldwide, rugby about 5 mil. The “dangers” are quite similar , particularly in women’s sport , yet the volume of articles would lead parents to believe rugby is significantly more dangerous & discourage participation.
Some balance, please ?
However BBC is a global news outlet & bias in reporting is damaging rugby’s future growth.
Football has about 250 mil participants worldwide, rugby about 5 mil. The “dangers” are quite similar , particularly in women’s sport , yet the volume of articles would lead parents to believe rugby is significantly more dangerous & discourage participation.
Some balance, please ?
Just cancel all professional sport , after all this is a particularly clever virus
What’s Mr Bean got to do with it
Just cancel all professional sport , after all this is a particularly clever virus
The continuation of professional sport whilst most of the world is in some form of lockdown does sit uneasily with me personally, but at the same time I acknowledge that it’s been a very welcome distraction at times. Sadly though I think that we are rapidly approaching the point where the integrity of this competition will be fatally compromised if there are too many more forfeits.
The variant Covid in Britain at the moment will probably mean the tournament is called off. English, Welsh and Scottish teams wont be able to travel abroad.