Best of the Rest

It’s been awhile since we’ve posted a collection of pieces from elsewhere in the internet. With the November tests window now behind us now seems a good time to squeeze one in. This edition’s topics are admittedly North American heavy – Major League Rugby, Irish Eagles, Canada Sevens, the Bermuda Classic, concussion awareness, and ‘the big picture’.

 

Quill part of ‘Irish Mafia’ helping USA to New Heights – by Murray Kinsella / The 42

“A down day now is really a down day, whereas before you were staying in hotels out in the back of nowhere. They were cutting corners on the wrong stuff in a lot of ways. You were sitting around looking at each other for 12 hours of the day when we could have been out making experiences, making a stronger bond with the guys you’re playing with.”

 

Man mountain Mullen takes the road less travalled from Inis Mór – by Cian Tracey / Irish Independent

“There isn’t much rugby on Inis Mór. Growing up on the island was fantastic. Most people only visit for a day. They might get a bicycle, go to Dún Aengus, see the fort and hop on the ferry and go home. But the real beauty is at night. When the last ferry goes, you can really feel the isolation. You’re just thinking, Jesus, this is the real deal.”

 

After bitter dispute, Canadian Sevens men happy to be playing again – by Neil Davidson / Canadian Press

“Upset at the contract they were offered and offended by what they saw as a Rugby Canada effort to marginalize sevens by having one centralized pool of players, the sevens squad refused to sign new deals. Wounds from the labour dispute are still fresh and there is more work to be done behind the scenes to resolve differences.”

 

Cameron Pierce on his concussion-forced retirement – by Alex Shaw / RugbyPass

“At the age of just 25, Pierce had to turn his back on rugby due to the long-term symptoms of concussions. Instead of heading into his prime as a professional player, Pierce was left without a career, in a foreign country, with little help from his club.”

 

What in the World is a Free Jack? – by Tyler Arnold / The Runner Sports

“Free Jacks is a reference to the freedom earned from the UK’s Union Jack. Freedom hard-fought and deeply earned through the grueling American revolutionary fight between 1775 and 1783. Massachusetts is, of course, deeply entrenched in the history of that country-defining conflict.”

 

Boston the perfect fit for Leader – by Joe Harvey / Talking Rugby Union

“I always knew that if something was happening in Boston, I wanted to be involved as I loved my time there. They were all great guys and I actually learnt a lot. Moving back to Boston means I’m just five hours from Ireland and I have a lot more of a family network, so I knew it was somewhere that I’d like to settle.”

 

If Rugby were a company people would compare it to Enron – by Robert Kitson / The Guardian

“The school kids are looking at what the top players are doing. At the moment the perception is that the way to win professional games is through blunt-force trauma, winning ruck after ruck and going through 20 or 30 phases. In every single ruck there’s something going on.”

 

Southland prop Morgan Mitchell overcomes the odds – by Logan Savory / Stuff NZ

“The struggle wasn’t anything new for the 24-year-old. He is deaf. For his entire life, he has had to deal with the challenges of trying to live life in near silence. But at that point, at that meeting with his parents, it was an all-time low.”

 

Canada shatter Springbok hopes – by Stephen Wright / The Royal Gazette

“Rugby Canada claimed the prized scalp of the Classic Springboks in a thrilling encounter on an enthralling opening day of the World Rugby Classic at North Field yesterday. Canada produced a performance overflowing with character and never-say-die spirit to defeat the much-fancied South Africans 26-24, causing one of the biggest upsets at the annual festival in recent memory.”

 

Listuguj teen will suit up for Canada – by Sam Laskaris / Windspeaker

“Jamie Gray, the head coach of the New Brunswick’s provincial side, welcomed Barnaby with open arms. That’s because he was already well aware of Barnaby’s imposing figure – he’s 6-foot-2 and weighs 287 pounds – and his prowess on the rugby pitch.”