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france-rugby-sevens-live · 1 year

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France Rugby Sevens Live

Toulouse/France Rugby Sevens Livestreaming: Everything You Need to Know

Click Here To Watch Live

The Toulouse/France Rugby Sevens Livestreaming is one of the most exciting events in the rugby sevens world, and you won't want to miss it! In this video, we'll cover everything you need to know about this thrilling tournament, including how to watch, when to tune in, and what to expect.

How to Watch: The Toulouse/France Rugby Sevens Livestreaming can be watched live on a variety of platforms. One of the easiest ways to watch is through the official World Rugby Sevens website, which offers live streaming of all the matches. Additionally, you can watch on television, as many sports networks offer live coverage of the event.

When to Tune In: The Toulouse/France Rugby Sevens Livestreaming typically takes place in June, so mark your calendar! Matches are spread out over the course of the weekend, so be sure to check the schedule ahead of time to plan your viewing.

What to Expect: The Toulouse/France Rugby Sevens Livestreaming features some of the best rugby sevens teams from around the world. Fans can expect to see exciting and fast-paced matches, with plenty of skill, speed, and athleticism on display.

Players to Watch: Keep an eye out for some of the top players in the rugby sevens world, including New Zealand's Scott Curry, Fiji's Jerry Tuwai, and South Africa's Seabelo Senatla.

How to Watch Tolouse Rugby Sevens? *Visit Our Website. Tolouse Rugby Sevens Live Free Link? *Visit Our Website. Where is the Rugby 7s World Cup 2023? What is the biggest rugby 7s tournament in the world? Where is the next rugby sevens? Where is rugby sevens popular?

Engage with Other Fans: Share your excitement for the Toulouse/France Rugby Sevens Livestreaming on social media by using the event's official hashtag. Engage with other fans and get involved in the conversation to enhance your viewing experience. Toulouse Rugby Sevens, France Rugby Sevens, Rugby Sevens, Toulouse, France, World Rugby Sevens, Livestreaming, Sports Streaming, Rugby Fans, Live Sports, Rugby Tournament, Rugby Championship Rugby World Cup Sevens, Toulouse France, Rugby Players, Rugby Teams, Rugby Match, Rugby Scores, Rugby Highlights, Rugby Try

So get ready for a weekend of high-flying rugby sevens action with the Toulouse/France Rugby Sevens Livestreaming!

ToulouseRugbySevens #FranceRugbySevens #RugbySevens #Toulouse #France #WorldRugbySevens #LiveSports #RugbyFans #SportsStreaming #ToulouseFrance

#Tolouse Rugby Sevens Live #Tolouse Rugby Sevens #France Rugby Sevens Live #France Rugby Sevens #Rugby Sevens Live #Rugby Sevens #Rugby Sevens France Live #Rugby Live #Rugby

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francerugbysevenslive · 1 year

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France Rugby Sevens Live

Toulouse/France Rugby Sevens Livestreaming: Everything You Need to Know

Click Here To Watch Live

Players to Watch: Keep an eye out for some of the top players in the rugby sevens world, including New Zealand's Scott Curry, Fiji's Jerry Tuwai, and South Africa's Seabelo Senatla.

So get ready for a weekend of high-flying rugby sevens action with the Toulouse/France Rugby Sevens Livestreaming!

ToulouseRugbySevens #FranceRugbySevens #RugbySevens #Toulouse #France #WorldRugbySevens #LiveSports #RugbyFans #SportsStreaming #ToulouseFrance

#Tolouse Rugby Sevens Live #Tolouse Rugby Sevens #France Rugby Sevens Live #France Rugby Sevens #Rugby Sevens Live #Rugby sevens #HSBC Rugby sevens live #HSBC Rugby Sevens #Rugby Live #Rugby

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aus-wnt · 1 year

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Matildas’ shootout win delivers biggest TV audience since Cathy Freeman

The Matildas have delivered another record-breaking night on and off the field with Saturday night’s penalty-shootout win over France becoming the most-viewed TV event in more than two decades.

The broadcast on Seven was viewed by an average audience of 4.23 million Australians, according to figures from ratings agency OzTAM.

The game’s original slot aired to a five-city metro audience of 2.507 million Australians, rising to 3.045 million during the penalty shoot-out, which ran into Seven’s news slot, with a further regional audience of 1.186 million.

The figure is set to swell even further as overnight OzTAM figures do not account for streaming viewers on Seven’s 7Plus app, which will be released later on Sunday.

The viewing figures eclipse any television broadcast of the past two decades, including AFL and NRL grand finals, Ash Barty’s Australian Open win in 2022 (viewed by 4.1 million), Australia’s 2003 Rugby World Cup loss against England, and Lleyton Hewitt’s 2005 Australian Open final loss.

While data was not tracked at the time by OzTAM, Cathy Freeman’s 400-metre final at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 is reported to have attracted 8.8 million television viewers, making it the most-watched Australian sporting event.

The game, played in front of a packed Brisbane crowd, ended in a stalemate after 90 minutes and extra time, going on to break another record, the longest-ever penalty shootout in both women’s and men’s World Cup history with 20 attempts.

Melbourne handed Seven the biggest share of its audience nationally, 984,000 tuning in from Victoria’s capital, narrowly ahead of Sydney on 931,000, while 513,000 watched from Brisbane.

The fanfare around the Matildas reached new highs this week, the AFL and its stadiums agreeing to air Optus Sport live streams in stadiums before and after Saturday’s fixtures, with crowds in stadiums continuing to watch the coverage as the shootout ran into the first quarter of a Melbourne and Carlton clash at the MCG.

The figure eclipses Monday’s round-of-16 game against Denmark, which was viewed by a metro audience of 2.294 million, and was then the biggest television audience of 2023.

Seven has sublicenced 15 games from Optus Sport, the tournament’s official broadcast partner. The record-breaking viewership figures making the deal a steal for Seven, which picked up for less than $5 million, according to a source with knowledge of the deal who was not permitted to speak publicly.

Optus Sport, the official broadcaster of the tournament on Sunday morning said the World Cup has delivered the platform’s biggest ever four-week period.

Clive Dickens, vice president of television, content and product development at Optus, said the result is a credit to the quality of athletes and football at the tournament.

“Three of the FIFA Women’s World Cup matches have jumped into the top five most-streamed games on Optus Sport, out of a total 6000 live matches in our history.

#matildas #auswnt #wwc 2023

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dailyrugbytoday · 2 years

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Who is your best Welsh rugby men's player of 2022?

New Post has been published on https://thedailyrugby.com/who-is-your-best-welsh-rugby-mens-player-of-2022/

The Daily Rugby

https://thedailyrugby.com/who-is-your-best-welsh-rugby-mens-player-of-2022/

Who is your best Welsh rugby men's player of 2022?

The Welsh rugby player of 2022 candidates and who deserves your vote With the year drawing to a close it’s time for you to decide who has been the best men’s player in Wales this year.

As 2022 draws to a close it’s time to consider who has been the best Welsh rugby player in what has been a bitterly disappointing calendar year for the men’s national team. You can vote for your selection below, with the results being revealed before the year is out.

To help you on your way, two of WalesOnline’s rugby correspondents give their views on who should be crowned Wales men’s rugby player of the year from the six chosen candidates. The Wales women’s player of the year vote will launch later this week.

Steffan Thomas’ choice – Louis Rees-Zammit

It’s been a disastrous year for Wales, one which led to Wayne Pivac dropping his process as head instruct.

But despite the collective disasters of the crew, a few players did pull thru with their reputations intact. Nobody shone more brightly than Louis Rees-Zammit.

Who is your Wales men’s rugby player of 2022?

Dan Biggar

Louis Rees-Zammit

Jac Morgan

Tommy Reffell

Will Rowlands

Taulupe Faletau

The 21-year-old is pure box workplace and is one of most effective Welsh players, the other being Taulupe Faletau, who might be extreme contenders for a World XV.

The Gloucester wing is one of the deadliest finishers in international rugby and has been terrorising defences at each membership and check level all year, however Rees-Zammit is extra than only a pace merchant and has an all-spherical game to rival any wing within the international.

The Daily Rugby News, Scores, Results, Features

HSBC NZ Sevens Rugby Game | 21-22 January 2023

by Brenda Reed on December 21, 2022 at 5:44 pm

The HSBC NZ Sevens Rugby Series is played in Hamilton, from 21 January 2023 to 22 January 2023. The HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series heads to Hamilton, New Zealand for the first event of the 2023 calendar year, with the 12 Women’s and 16 Men’s teams in action from 21-22 January. The organizers previously announced

Steve Borthwick will kick off the upcoming 2023 Guinness Six Nations

by Brenda Reed on December 20, 2022 at 3:53 pm

New England boss Steve Borthwick will kick off the upcoming 2023 Guinness Six Nations with New Zealander Paul Williams in charge of his team’s clash with Scotland at Twickenham. The appointment is a first for the Kiwi official in the tournament since he took charge of the Scots’ March 2020 home win over France. Williams’ fellow New Zealander

Moana Pasifika begin their 2023 Super Rugby Pacific on Saturday 25th February

by debrambuhl on December 20, 2022 at 12:05 pm

Moana Pasifika begin their 2023 Super Rugby Live Pacific Campaign on Saturday 25th February against the Fijian Drua in a match that has been dubbed the Battle of the Pacific. Aaron Mauger is excited about the prospect of seeing the best of the Pacific on the field. Moana Pasifika has named a squad with 38

He also showed outstanding maturity for any such younger participant bouncing lower back from getting dropped for the Six Nations check against England to regain his place within the side a fortnight later.

2022 isn’t a year anyone in Welsh rugby will look back on fondly, with all facets of the game struggling from the national team downwards. Expect him to get even better under the tutelage of Warren Gatland.

As the 12 months ended in Wales prevailing just three of their 12 matches, costing Wayne Pivac his activity, selecting the participant of the year does not come easy. Taulupe Faletau was superlative as ever, while Tommy Reffell shone in South Africa.

But perhaps the honor belongs to Jac Morgan. Brought into the beginning facet for his debut in Wales’ handiest Six Nations victory this yr, towards Scotland, he additionally helped turn the game in Wales’ favour late on at Twickenham – albeit in a losing cause – via challenging England on the breakdown after coming off the bench.

Overlooked for the excursion of South Africa for not being big sufficient, he answered in addition to all and sundry should – coming off the bench to shine towards Argentina in Welsh rugby’ 0.33 and very last victory of the season, before crossing for braces towards Georgia and Australia.

With three starts offevolved and 3 appearances off the bench, you can’t help but experience Morgan turned into underutilised in 2022 – but while he became referred to as upon, he looked each component the Test player.

Wales 23 New Zealand 55

How many times have we seen this game? The All Blacks were just irresistible. Wales were game and to come back swinging after going 17-0 down – scoring one superb try on the way – deserves big credit. Ten minutes into the second half, it was only 29-23.

But New Zealand’s 55-23 win at the Principality Stadium was one displaying their ruthlessness when the opposition allow them slivers of a chance.

Ardie Savea was a tornado out there, while Aaron Smith was zippy in a two-try display. Jordie Barrett scored one, catching a Richie Mo’unga kick high above his head, and got another team try near the death. But it was the go-forward they created, allied with slickness of hands, that stunned Welsh rugby.

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novumtimes · 2 months

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More quarter-final misery as Ireland suffer Olympic heartbreak after Fiji score controversial winner

And while they gave themselves a shot, so it proved beyond Ireland tonight. Fiji came from behind to beat Ireland 19-15 in tonight’s quarter-final at the Stade de France. Fiji – who remain unbeaten through three Olympic Games – will roll on in their bid to win gold at a third successive Olympics in Saturday’s medal matches. Ireland’s dream of a medal comes to an end. Like the 14-12 pool defeat to New Zealand earlier in the day, Ireland had given themselves a chance of pulling off an upset. Two tries from Chay Mullins and another from Zac Ward had the Irish fans in the Stade de France dreaming of a possible semi-final place as they led 15-7 in the second half. But unlike the trend of upsets on a night when South Africa beat favourites New Zealand and the hosts France overcame the more fancied Argentina, a giant-killing proved elusive to Ireland in the end. The defending champions lived up to their Flying Fijians reputation when Iosefo Baleiwairiki scorched through to score their opening try after just 30 seconds. However, Ireland delivered the perfect response minutes later. Mullins scored the opening try for Ireland and he added a second just before half-time to put them 10-7 in front. Could they go on to close the deal this time? It looked like it when Ward stretched in at the corner to score Ireland’s third try. But Fiji fought back; they were never going to give up their crown easily. Joji Nasova scored Fiji’s second to close Ireland’s advantage to 15-12. It was all set up for a grandstand finish. And then came a controversial winner as Waisea Nacuqu gathered a bouncing ball from the restart to score – although it looked like Fiji knocked the ball on in the lead up. It was the Olympic champions who closed it out from there. “We definitely had the winning of that game but it wasn’t them beating us, it was us just giving a loose ball away here or there and just allowing them to attack and score with their opportunities really quickly,” captain Harry McNulty said following the Fiji defeat. “If you’re going to lose a game it’s because a team has out-worked you or forced you through a tonne of phases, that you’re out on your feet, not something that takes place without a ruck taking place. “Those can be annoying but that’s the way that they play and we have to make sure we can stop it. “Disappointing in that way, but we can take a lot of confidence from the fact that we’re pushing Fiji and New Zealand to within a score, the two best teams to ever play Rugby Sevens, and there’s so much more that this team can give. “I just told the players I don’t think there’s any better team that I’ve played with than this group of guys, we have the capabilities of playing the best in the world.” Ireland will have regrets, like they would have had from their defeat to New Zealand earlier in the day. Ireland played like they had New Zealand’s number and produced their best rugby of the Olympics. Tries from the impressive Ward and Jordan Conroy set Ireland up for a 12-0 half-time lead but Ireland failed to score again in the second half with mistakes letting New Zealand get a foothold. A five-pointer from Leroy Carter and late try from Ngarohi McGarvey-Black as well as the conversion from Andrew Knewstubb nipped a two-point win. And maybe that was really where paradise was lost for this Irish team at these Olympics. So no medal matches for Ireland on Saturday, instead they will fight it out for the more minor placings. They will finish higher than their 10th place at Tokyo three years ago but the regrets of what could have been in their fight against Fiji and their battle with New Zealand will linger. Ireland: H McNulty, M Roche, Z Ward, J Conroy, T Kennedy, G Mullin, Niall Comerford. Replacements: J Kelly, A Smith, C Mullins, H Keenan, H Lennox. Fiji: J Talacolo, I Baleiwairiki, J Tuwai, I Teba, K Rasaku, S Ravutaumada, R Josaia, Replacements: J Nasova, J Matana, T Veilawa, W Nacuqu, F Sauturaga Referee: N Hogan (NZL) Source link via The Novum Times

#The Novum Times

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brookpub · 8 months

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Six Nations Live Screening at Cambridge - Brook Pub

Rugby is a sport that is played with an oval-shaped ball that is passed between teammates using their hands and feet. The game's aim is to score points by carrying or kicking the ball into the opposing team's goal area, known as the "try zone." Come on out to the Brook Pub and catch a live screening of the Six Nations Rugby Game live screening with your pals!!

Six Nations Live Screening

What is Six Nations Rugby game:

The Six Nations Rugby game is an international rugby event that takes place every year between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. It has been around since 1883 and is now one of the most important events in the sport. Each team plays every other team once during the season. Each team gets points for each game they play. The team with the most points wins. You get points for wins, draws, and loses. If you score four or more tries in a game or if you lose by less than seven points, you get bonus points.

The Six Nations rugby game was formed in 2000 when Italy joined the Five Nations tournament. It included England, France, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) to create the Six Nations tournament.

Facts about the six nations rugby game:

Each team plays the other five teams once, with home and away fixtures alternating each year.

The team with the most points at the end of the tournament is declared the champion.

The tournament is known for its intense rivalries and passionate fan bases. Matches often drawing large crowds and generating significant revenue for the participating teams.

The tournament has a unique scoring system. With teams earning 4 points for a win, 2 points for a draw, and 1 point for scoring four or more tries in a match.

The Six Nations Rugby Championship is one of the most watched and attended rugby tournaments in the world. Millions of fans tuning in to watch matches on television and thousands of fans attending matches in person.

The tournament is also known as the "RBS 6 Nations" due to sponsorship by the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The most successful team in the tournament's history is Wales, who have won the tournament 39 times.

The tournament also includes the Calcutta Cup, contested between England and Scotland. The Triple Crown, awarded to any of the home nations who beat all the other home nations in the same year.

The team must have SMART goals supported by CLEAR's goal theory, which stresses the importance of team members being able to jointly create, adopt, and carry out their goals.

Thus, "CLEAR objectives" means:

C is for Collaborative: We want people to work together as a team, so we're stressing that value.

The letter "L" stands for "Limited," which means that the goal's time frame and breadth of influence must be constrained.

The E stands for emotional: Meaning that the aim must appeal to the workers' hearts by tapping into their enthusiasm and driving them toward their personal goals.

A for Appreciable: Very large goals should be broken down into more manageable chunks. Motivating your workforce to realize the company's long-term vision is as simple as making it easier and faster to fulfill short-term objectives.

Lastly, R stands for Refineable, which means that an objective has been clearly defined, is well-defined, and may be modified in light of new information or circumstances.

The value of teamwork can best be shown in the sport of rugby:

The game's structure and design need precise synchronization, focusing on cascading backward pass. Besides, even a small discrepancy in the team sport might compromise the fury. Symbolically representing the group's power. Scrums, and by extension, a team's performance on the field, rely heavily on the collective game.

The introduction of collaborative effort is sometimes crucial to the success of a cooperative initiative in rugby, as it is in business. But, when establishing group goals, the necessity of cooperation shouldn't be treated as little more than a "managerial showcase." Managers can foster a sense of camaraderie and purpose among employees. It by providing them with a competitive and flexible compensation structure.

Six Nations Live Screening at Cambridge:

Those in the Cambridge area are invited to watch Six Nations Live on a giant screen at the Brook Pub near Mill Road.

The Six Nations is recognized as the most important and watched yearly sporting tournament in the United Kingdom, but the competition kicks off on the first Saturday of February 2023 and runs until March 18. It's the most watched sporting event in the country and is famous for its high stakes and tense atmosphere. The Six Nations match is regarded as a welcome change of pace. It's one of the year's most-watched shows and is seen by millions around the globe.

Join us at The Brook Pub to witness the greatest athletic event of the year. Thanks to our huge screen and many TVs, you won't miss a play. As the game progresses, our helpful crew will serve you some of your favourite British pub cuisine and beverages.

Six Nations Live Screening:

When the Six Nations Rugby Championship comes around, we know that games are about more than just the fight. Due to this, we created a spot where you and your loved ones can unwind and enjoy yourself. The live game will air at The Brook in Cambridge from February 2, 2024, to March 16, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Make a note on your calendar to make sure you don't forget, and book your seat at the table right away. Don't miss the show tonight! Let's have a great time at The Brook Pub for the Six Nations Rugby match. Enjoy yourself!

Watch the Six Nations Live Screening at the Brook Pub, which has a lively environment. Make a reservation right away to make sure you and your group have a place. On February 2, 2024, we will see each other again.

#Six Nations Rugby Game live screening #British pub cuisine and beverages #Indian Gastro Pub Cambridge #Brook Indian Gastro Pub Cambridge

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laresearchette · 1 year

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Thursday, September 21, 2023 Canadian TV Listings (Times Eastern)

WHERE CAN I FIND THOSE PREMIERES?: LOVE & MURDER: ATLANTA PLAYBOY PART 1 (BET +) INTERROGATION RAW (A&E Canada) 9:00pm

WHAT IS NOT PREMIERING IN CANADA TONIGHT: ALL STAR SHORE (TBD - MTV Canada)

NEW TO AMAZON PRIME CANADA/CBC GEM/CRAVE TV/DISNEY + STAR/NETFLIX CANADA:

AMAZON PRIME CANADA AMAZON MUSIC LIVE

NETFLIX CANADA AMERICAN PIE AMERICAN PIE 2 AMERICAN WEDDING JAANE JAAN KENGAN ASHURA: Season 2 (JP) SCISSOR SEVEN (Season 4) (CN) SEX EDUCATION (Season 4) (UK) SNOWPIERCER

MLB BASEBALL (SN) 1:00pm: Angels vs. Rays (SN) 7:00pm: Jays vs. Yankees (SN1) 7:00pm: Orioles vs. Guardians (SN Now) 7:00pm: Mets vs. Phillies (SN1/SN Now) 10:00pm: Giants vs. Dodgers

MEN’S RUGBY WORLD CUP (TSN5) 3:00pm: France vs. Namibia

DRAGONS' DEN (CBC) 8:00pm (SEASON PREMIERE): Two Vancouver entrepreneurs hope to roll away with an investment; a duo from Montreal aims to take their imaging technology to new heights; a former hockey player hopes to score a deal in the Den.

CRIME SCENE KITCHEN (CBC) 9:00pm: The bakers head back into the kitchen to take on a new, delicious challenge; the best dessert detectives continue on in the competition and the duo that falls short heads home.

NFL FOOTBALL (TSN/TSN4/TSN5) 8:15pm: Giants vs. 49ers

FIVE BEDROOMS (W Network) 9:00pm: Heather's newfound serenity is skewered when her graduation day devolves into chaos.

AUSSIE GOLD HUNTERS (Discovery Canada) 9:00pm: New team, Alan and Salty, take the plunge in search of underwater nuggets; the Ferals hit a rich patch but are forced to chase away thieves; the Gold Retrievers call in family to save their season.

ELI ROTH PRESENTS: THE LEGION OF EXORCISTS (DTour) 9:00pm: A breach between the land of the living and the dead can release thousands of the devil's minions into the world; a seemingly normal family hides a dark secret; a distraught widow seeks help to cleanse her home of a demonic infestation.

BUILDING ROOTS (HGTV Canada) 10:00pm (SEASON PREMIERE): A couple's unique, circular home boasts 360-degree windows with wraparound mountain views, but the property lacks function and style; Ben and Cristi take on a challenge they've never faced before: transforming a dome into a home.

OUTBACK OPAL HUNTERS (Discovery Canada) 10:00pm: Machinery woes cause the Cheals to end their opal dreams and consider splitting ways; the Blacklighters move to a new site while Jaymin and JC work alone in claustrophobic tunnels.

CANADIAN REFLECTIONS (CBC) 11:30pm: He Murdered Sleep; Plush

#cdntv #cancon #canadian tv #canadian tv listings #dragons' den #crime scene kitchen #five bedrooms #aussie gold hunters #outback opal hunters #canadian reflections #mlb baseball #rugby world cup #nfl football

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drogba-prospect · 1 year

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Greetings Emmanuel Macron Alain Berset Ines Chaieb CARICOM,

A France-Haiti Rugby Program Sponsorship through Switzerland will gain more interest with Haitians than Association Football. I understand the talent I have; I just do not like football for a living. Sevens on the other hand allows me to live through Shango or Ogou; I am sure people can relate if it was presented in the conditions. Please run a 23 Year Case Study on the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for NCAA Sports in America. Haitians literally treat the conference like it's house league I am not disrespectful to Major League Baseball. It's the least popular sport with North American Black Males and I literally got bored in High school.

Regards,

Adrian Blake-Trotman

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safereturndoubtful · 1 year

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Day 81 - at Mandailles

The heavy morning rain meant even Roja was happy to doze a bit longer and let me concentrate on reading. I’ve just started James Crawford’s The Edge of the Plain, subtitled ‘how borders make and break our world’. I have read books that approach this theme before, and generally been disappointed, but if the first chapter is anything to go by, this is good.

The first chapter concerns Sápmi, the Sámi homeland, ‘a land with no borders, an ancient land, yet still living, still subsisting, but within the confines of four modern nation states. ‘ Crawford considers whether a nation can survive without land or territory.  For a good part of the chapter he interviews Hans Ragnar Mathisen, who in 1975, took a year to create a map of Sápmi, a simplified result is in the picture below. It’s clearer in an image in the previous post, which I needed to link to from my review.

Coincidentally, there was another interesting map I came across last night when watching the end credits of the last episode of Reservation Dogs, called Indian County. Both maps in images below.

I watched a film last night that is worth mentioning also.

The Queen of Spades (1949) is an adaptation of Pushkin’s ghost story, that Tchaikovsky turned into an opera. The director is Torold Dickinson (also of Gaslight) and it is evident from the casting and the cinematography that their craft has been learnt in the silent era, the lighting, costumes, set design. Dame Edith Evans plays the Countess beautifully. The scene in which Suvorin desperately tries to get her to reveal the secret of the cards is magnificent.

What results is a gothic thriller of the highest order, yet strangely overlooked..

Anyway… Roja’s patience eventually ended and I donned the waterproofs and headed out, on the trail up the Jordanne valley towards the pass, Col de Cabre. But first, I called into the épicerie here in the village for some bread. It’s a good little shop, with lots of artisanal produce, which are expensive, but look very good; cheeses, jams, beers and wines. A bit like Askham Stores, but with a bigger alcohol choice..

There is a group of athletes at the Gite just behind the campervan aire. I was trying to guess what sport they represented, as were young men and women, with France tracksuits, not particularly grand, but decent enough. I guessed track athletes, but was somewhat inaccurate, they are trail runners. I got talking to a guy in the store, and he said they were semi-professional and did several training camps like this each year. It did seems strange they had postponed their morning on the hill due to the weather, though there was lightning around. In the afternoon, just before they departed, a few of them did go out.

Roja and I were out for three hours in the end, and avoided the heaviest of the rain, which set in again when we got back. So it was a laidback lunch, Lancashire cricket on the radio, rugby sevens stream from Toulouse, and a catch-up with some book reviews that I was behind on.

Tomorrow’s weather pattern is similar, I doubt whether we will be as fortunate in avoiding a soaking as today.

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melbournenewsvine · 2 years

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Australian rugby leaders back Dave Rainey but want Spring Tour success

Rennie would prefer to stay in Australia but this time frame is not in line with RA’s plan to wait and see the Wallabies perform at the World Cup. Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos, Australian seven players Henry Hutchison and Dom Du Toit and Chris Nye, CEO of Wheelchair Rugby Australia, upon the announcement of ISPS Handa as sponsor.attributed to him:GT “Our position is a results-driven business, so obviously we have to get results on the field and have that consistency in performance. Dave is very clear, on our part, about the outlook,” Marinos said. “It’s very typical, going to the World Cup. He is one of many coaches with a contract that expires at the end of the year. We will be rational about what will be involved and what it will look like next year, before the World Cup. It’s about getting results and we have international players before we get to a Cup.” The world, where we can make another assessment. We just have to be very flexible.” Rainey has strong support among the Wallabies players, with Nick White saying the Kiwi coach was doing a “great job” and was among the best players he’s worked with. “He drives high standards and as a group we haven’t met,” White told 2GB Radio. “I’ve said that for a while now, we’ve had a really young team for the last couple of years and I kind of felt like the coaches were working, I think, above the level we were playing at. Right.” Meanwhile, Wallaroos coach Jay Trigonning has adjusted his striker’s line-up to face Wales in Saturday’s Pool World Cup final in Whangerei. Bridie O’Gorman is back in the front row for Eva Karpani, as Brumbies captain Michaela Leonard starts on lock to boost the squad. Fellow Brumbies and prostitute Tanya Nadine will make her debut from the bench, replacing the suspended Ashley Marsters. loading The Wallaroos’ win over Scotland would have sealed a place in the playoffs, but a win would be the best chance to avoid big-time defenders like New Zealand and England in their first knockout match. A loss to Wales could see them lose a playoff spot, but only if Scotland also beat the Kiwi, or Fiji beat France. Trigonning said the thrilling win over Scotland was a huge confidence booster. Coming from behind, take the win, Laurie ([Cramer] He kicked some goals under pressure – it was all great and that’s great for everyone’s confidence.” “We’ve shown we can do it, and hopefully that won’t be close to my health this weekend, but if it is, we have confidence in the girls to be able to bring it home.” In other news, the men’s and women’s champion Australian Sevens team has a stand-alone major sponsor for the first time, with ISPS Handa now the jersey sponsor for both teams. The men begin their new season and defend the world series title in Hong Kong on November 4. “It’s due recognition. Both have had exceptional seasons, break seasons, this year and [the lack of a major sponsor] It’s always been a headache for me, to be honest. “It’s a really global exposure, they’re traveling around the world,” Marinos said. See all events from Women’s Rugby World Cup From New Zealand with every match broadcasted without adverts, live and on demand on Stan Sport. Continues on Saturday with Australia vs Wales (11.45am EST) Source link Originally published at Melbourne News Vine

#Melbourne News Vine

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tomtenadia · 4 years

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Island Dreams - Chapter 19

Good evening, afternoon, morning to everyone and welcome to chapter 19.

I have a few notes before letting you to the chapter. Rowan and Aelin finally attend Heb Celt. Heb Celt is this wonderful festival held in Stornoway each year (non covid years) and it's all about Scottish and Celtic music. It's big and it's amazing. That's where they are. I mentioned some groups. Peat and Diesel have been mentioned before in the fic. The new ones are Skerryvore and Skipinnish. they do some amazing music and I highly recommend it if you want to try some Scottish bands. They also sing in Gaelic. The song from Skerryvore that Aelin sing is called You and I. Awesome stuff.

Half way through you will notice Elide and Lorcan appearing in the fic. I tried to keep Lorcan IC as much as i could. not an easy task. I had to give them modern world jobs so Lorcan in my head is perfect for a rugby player. He is the Captain of the Glasgow warriors. They are a real team in Glasgow. The boys also mention the Six Nations. This is a wonderful competition that if you are in Europe you might have heard of. It happens every year and it has 6 teams competing: Scotland (YAY), Italy (YAY - I am Italian... imagine my pain on a Sco vs Ita game), Wales, Ireland and France. I love this competition and it's going to start this weekend. Rowan and Lorcan joke about England and Scotland. Although England wins most of the times (grrrrr) a few years back Scotland actually won and it almost became a new national day after St Andrews. I am not joking. Rugby is a big thing in Scotland.

Two Gaelic phrases: -Tha Gàidhlig agam cuideachd: I speak Gaelic too -Tha beagan Gàidhlig agam. I speak little Gaelic.

Quick update as well about the fic. Most of the chapters have some big chunks written. But there are two important chapters: 22 - something big happens. I wrote the main important part 5 times already and probably re write another five before i publish it. It involves something I don't usually write and I am really nervous. So finger crossed.

26: this will be the last chapter (there's an epilogue as well) and again I have written the main event. There is so much fluff that it's probably not healthy :)

So, after this massive introduction I can let you go and enjoy (hopefully) the chapter.

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Aelin had woken up before Rowan that morning. It was finally mid July and it was Heb Celt day and she was super excited. The festival would run for three days but they had chosen the one with the most of their favourite artists. Plus Rowan had tickets for Peat and Diesel and they could not miss them. She rolled out of bed and went to the kitchen. That morning it was her turn for once to prepare breakfast. Rowan had taught her enough for her to make breakfast safely without burning the house down. It was a special day and she was going to make eggs and bacon, the only concession Rowan would make in his perfect diet. Once a week they could treat themselves to a non healthy breakfast. She prepared the coffee, sliced some bread for the toaster and started frying the bacon in one pan and getting the eggs ready as well. She felt good, she could make breakfast for Rowan for once. She was almost done when she felt his arms around her waist and a soft kiss behind her ear. “It smells lovely.”

“It’s a special day today so we are having our special breakfast.” She told him while finishing ti prepare the eggs. She was very proud of her job. “I’ll set the table.” He added and moved away and she missed his arms. “So, the main event is tonight at seven.” She said passing him the plates with food “I had a look at some events and it seems there is enough for us to fill up the entire day.” “You have done a good job,” he commented taking a bite of the food she had prepared for him. She tasted it as well and found it edible. Well, at least she was not going to poison them and he seemed satisfied. “Look at you.” He pulled her to him, and Aelin sat on his lap. She grabbed her plate and finished her breakfast with one of his arms around her. She was really loving it living with him. It had taken her a little while to adjust to his way of life but she had realised that living with him was quite easy. They had their little fights but he seemed to hate to hold grudges for too long so every time they had fixed their issues quite quickly. The two of them ate in silence for a moment “This is good, Fireheart.” And he polished off his plate. “I had a good teacher.” She stood and Rowan noticed that she was only wearing a large t-shirt, his t-shirt, and under it he could very barely notice her underwear. He grabbed her and pulled her back on his lap and she straddled him. His hands landed on her butt and she kissed him. “You really love teasing me, don’t you?” “It’s fun.” He looked at her in a weird way “Sure, torturing a poor man like that.” She got up again and took all the plates to the sink and she walked swaying her hips on purpose. Rowan almost howled at the sight. She started washing the dishes and at the same time she began dancing and singing and that’s the way we do it, the way we do it in the Western Isles. Rowan laughed and helped her. She washed and he dried them. She kept singing and bumped her hips into his and the two started dancing together. Once they were done Aelin went to her old room to get changed. She wore a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. Then she braided her hair and tied a colourful bandana to her head. She prepared her backpack and she was ready to go. Once out, Rowan was waiting for her. He had blue shorts a grey t-shirt and on top of it a blue shirt with short sleeves and his sunglasses on top of his head. Aelin took a photo of him “so sexy.” He raised an eyebrow at her comment “I am not—“ “Shh…” she said placing a finger on his lips “I am your girlfriend and I am the one to judge.” He bit her finger in reply. “Fine, fine.” He grabbed her hand “Come on, I have a surprise for you.” Her face lit up and he could spend an entire day staring at her smiling at him. It was such a beautiful sight. They left the house and began their walk all the way to the harbour and Aelin was getting curious about their destination. They reached a small house down at the pier and Rowan pulled her toward the small group of people gathered. Aelin noticed another couple and a woman on her own. She was quite intent in studying the couple. The woman was quite petite with black hair and black eyes as well and she had a very bright smile. The man was almost the opposite. He was tall, Aelin suspected even taller than Rowan, something she could not believe it was possible. He had a thick muscular build with long dark hair and same for his eyes. But where she exuded a friendly attitude, he seemed to scowl even at the stones. “Is this part of the festival?” Wondering about his plan. “In a manner.” He explained quite vaguely “It’s just a pre festival fun.” Sure, now it was clear, thought Aelin, none the wiser. Rowan left her side for a moment and she noticed him talking with a man who, from the way he was dressed seemed to be a crew member on a boat. Rowan looked relaxed and Aelin suspected the two were friends. And with sadness she realised she had never met any of Rowan’s friend and he did not seem to mention any of them. “Ready for an adventure?” He told her once he came back, carrying two lifejackets. Aelin stared at him and then he pointed at the small rib boat and he gave her a huge grin. “I know one of crew members, Callum,” and he pointed at the man he was talking to. We used to dive together. I asked him if he could save us two seats for this morning. It’s a gorgeous day and a boat trip seems like the best way to spend the morning.” “You are a very resourceful man, Rowan Whitethorn.” She tiptoed on her feet and kissed his nose. One of the crew member walked around distributing lifejackets and explained the basic health and safety measures. Aelin wore her vest and Rowan double checked it was up to his standards. Once he was happy that the jacket was safely on he helped her to get on the rib. The brunette girl who was part of the couple sat beside her giving her a wide smile full of excitement that probably mirrored Aelin’s. “I am Elide.” The woman introduced herself and Aelin took her hand. “I am Aelin.” She smiled back “Are you here for the festival too?” She had a feeling they were tourists. “Yes,” she replied excited “Lorcan and I come every year. We love it.” Then she turned to the man at her side “This is Lorcan by the way. Don’t worry he does not bite. That is just his regular face” and the man grunted in reply. Aelin laughed. The man seemed to be mad at the world. She turned to introduce Rowan to the couple, but she noticed he was still on the pier chatting away with one of the crew members. “The tall guy on the pier with the blue shirt? My boyfriend, Rowan.” Elide’s gaze took in Rowan and Aelin smiled wickedly at the woman’s stare of understanding. “Did you come here for the festival too?” “Oh, Rowan and I live here. He is the local, I moved her a few months ago.” “Nice,” said the woman. Aelin liked her already, she had a very bubbly personality. “Lorcan and I live in Glasgow.” “I never been there but Rowan did uni there..” “You should come and visit. It’s quite a fantastic city. So alive.” Rowan finally returned and sat down beside Aelin “nice chat?” “Yeah, I haven’t seen him in ages. I knew he had opened a boat tours business but I never had the chance to come and say hi. We were just discussing some ideas for possible diving adventures.” She caressed his head and realised that there was still so much she did not know about him. Some days he still felt like a huge mystery, but still, she was madly in love with him and she was looking to find out more about him day by day. “I made a friend by the way,” and she pointed at the woman at her side “This is Elide. She and her boyfriend Lorcan are here for the festival too.” Rowan extended his hand and then he and Lorcan exchanged a manly nod and both women rolled their eyes. Rowan fussed over her again and double checked one more time that her lifejacket was fitted and tied properly, when the rib boat started to move. His hand reached behind her back and he leaned comfortably against the side of the boat and closed his eyes, letting the sun kiss his face. Aelin and Elide on the other hand, were taking photos and chatting away happily pointing at all the points of interest. The boat glided on the water and Aelin leaned back against Rowan, taking in the scenery in front of her. She had explored all of that during her adventures, but seeing it from the water was a completely different experience. “Thank you for this.” She said to him. “Hopefully we will see some wildlife.” He added “Callum said that yesterday they spotted Orcas.” Aelin’s eyes went wide in surprise “I saw whales at the Butt of Lewis, or what I think it was whales.” “Highly likely.” Then she turned to Elide “So, you guys are staying here for the whole festival?” The woman nodded “Yes, Lorcan and I always rent a cottage for a week and spend the whole weekend at the festival. I am looking forward the main event tonight: Peat and Diesel.” Aelin almost squealed “us too. Rowan introduced me to them very recently and I am dying to see them live.” “We have been to one of their concerts in Glasgow at the Barrowlands.” Said Lorcan almost grumbling. “Oh, he speaks,” joked Elide, patting his leg and giving him a smile. He did not reply and just placed a hand on her back. “What about we spend the day together?” Aelin turned all excited to Rowan who gave her a nod “Yes,” she shouted looking at Elide again. They sailed for a bit longer and reached Tiumpan Head and Rowan told her to keep and eye on the sea. Not a moment later she spotted a couple of fins and she and Elide almost jumped. “Dolphins,” Rowan said in her ear. She made a 360 and sat on her knees facing now the water. She felt Rowan’s arm tight around her waist. “Please, don’t fall in the water.” Her hand was in the water and a dolphin passed very close to her and she almost touched it. Rowan used his free hand to take pictures of her. His phone gallery had nothing but pictures of Aelin. Elide turned as well and Rowan noticed the panic in the other man’s eyes and they exchanged a glance of understanding. Aelin leaned a bit further but Rowan’s arm pulled her back “Please don’t. Lifeguard service is not in my plans for today.” “There’s dolphins around the boat.” Aelin squealed. “I know, Fireheart,” he pulled her back “but you need to calm down.” She sat back down to a safer position and Rowan felt like he could breath again. “Is that Tolsta?” She then asked when they continued north and she recognised the place in front of her. The closer they got to the beach the clearer the water got and Aelin was in awe “This reminds me of when Lys and I swam at Luskentyre.” Oh yeah, Rowan remembered the day and very quickly chased the memories away. They were in public. The boat made a turn and they began to make their way back to the town. Aelin snuggled to Rowan’s chest, with her arms around his waist. “Are you cold?” He demanded “I have your favourite hoodie with me.” “I am fine.” An hour later they were back at the harbour and Aelin was high on excitement. The trip had been amazing. Once off the boat she flung her arms around Rowan’s neck and kissed him “Thank you. I loved my surprise.” “You are most welcome.” He pulled back from her “Let me say bye to Callum.” And she was left alone with Elide and Lorcan. “That was a nice trip.” Said the woman, grabbing her boyfriend’s hand. “Totally. I had never seen dolphins before. It was so awesome.” “Really?” Elide was curious. Aelin nodded “Until a few months ago I lived in London. Born and bred there. Not much chance to see dolphins in the water. I doubt they would enjoy the Thames.” Elide gazed at Lorcan “We were planning a quick weekend in the capital next month.” “Ask me anything. I can tell you the best places to go and how to survive London without breaking the bank.” “That would be lovely,” was Lorcan’s reply “I feel like I need a mortgage for this trip.” He kissed the woman’s head and she noticed the first sign of affection “But it’s a belated birthday present, so…” he shrugged. “Ach, I can help you with that. I survived London on a budget when I was student.” Rowan finally came back and embraced her from behind “Sorry, Callum and I were just planning an excursion for next Sunday.” He kissed her ear. “Can I come too?” “Of course.” Then he lifted his head and looked at their two companions for the day “Aelin and I are going to grab lunch, fancy joining us?” Lorcan almost protested but Elide poked his shoulder “Stop being grumpy.” Then she turned to Aelin and Rowan “Of course we are coming.” Rowan smiled and took Aelin’s hand and started walking to Maeve’s. He laughed when he noticed that Aelin was almost skipping. Gods, the woman had never ending energy. While walking to Maeve’s Rowan and Lorcan ended up side by side and Aelin just noticed that her assumption was right and Lorcan really was taller that Rowan. The man must have been closer to two metres. She felt tiny all of a sudden and Elide seemed even more petite beside the huge man. She could put Aedion with them as well and they could form a sexy, tall wall of muscles. She grinned and was glad that Rowan was busy talk to Elide so he did not notice her savage blush. They reached the cafe and noticed that it was packed and Rowan sighed. He loved the festival but it also meant a savage invasion disrupting his day to day life. He entered first and went to his aunt and Aelin smiled when she noticed that Maeve had managed to find some space for them. “Privileges of being related to the owner,” he smiled, going back to them. “This is a lovely place,” commented Elide “why we never stopped here?” “So, will you be enjoying the entire festival as well?” Asked Elide, passing a menu to Lorcan. “No, Rowan and I will be doing today only. Tomorrow we have to reopen the bookshop.” The woman’s eyes lit up in surprise “do you run the bookshop down the road?” Rowan nodded “It’s my shop.” He took Aelin’s hand in his “she helps.” “Yeah, I fix his displays and I charm customer. Rowan scares them away by being a grump” She grinned back at him and he, in exchange, flicked her nose. “I am a primary school teacher,” continued Elide who was definitely the chattier of the pair “And Lorcan is the coach of the Glasgow Warriors. They are a rugby team.” And Aelin was grateful to the woman for the clarification. “No way.” Said Rowan amazed “That’s why you looked familiar. You were their captain until a few years back. Lorcan Salvaterre.” Lorcan nodded. “I studied at Glasgow university and the Warriors were, and still are, my favourite team. I went to see plenty of their games. You guys are awesome.” “You like rugby?” “Aye,” added Rowan and Aelin studied him for a moment. He was alive all of a sudden, his usual calm disappeared and he was one beautiful sight “Stornoway has a small club and I go and watch some of the games. But I miss the big league guys. I usually get tickets for the Six Nations as well.” Lorcan smiled “I can get you some tickets for one of Scotland’s home games. Perhaps for the one against England. Wonder if it will be finally the year we trash them as they deserve.” “Hey,” Aelin exclaimed almost hurt “English woman here.” And as a joke she pushed her London accent. “No one is perfect, Fireheart.” Rowan kissed her temple. She pinched his side and he barely reacted “Fine, I will support England this year, just to annoy you” She threatened and the two guys glared at her. “Fine.” She raised her hands “but you need to teach me Flower of Scotland.” “It would be my pleasure.” And he pulled her to him and in that instant Maeve came with their order “Sorry for the wait guys, we are quite busy today.” Rowan said something in Gaelic to his aunt and she walked away with a smile. Elide turned to him “Tha Gàidhlig agam cuideachd.” Rowan’s face lit up. “I teach at the Glasgow Gaelic School. I am not a native. I picked it up at uni and I fell in love with it. I spent some time on the islands to learn it and then I got a job as a teacher.” “Yeah if she starts to shout at me in Gaelic I know she is really mad at me.” The man joked taking her hand. “I only know a few sentences. Tha beagan Gàidhlig agam.” Aelin said proudly “Rowan has been teaching me.” They finished their lunch chatting away nicely and getting to know each other. Lorcan did manage to utter a few more sentences but he became quite talkative once he and Rowan started talking about rugby. Aelin ordered a trip to the ice cream parlour. And the boys followed. Aelin took Elide’s arm and let Rowan and Lorcan follow. They were super immersed in their conversation. Aelin wished Lysandra was there too. She had a feeling the three of them would get along greatly. Aelin and Elide got a triple cone and the two men just went for something more sober with just one flavour. “Look at them all perfect and healthy.” Aelin mocked them and Elide giggled at her side. Rowan, in front of her just met her gaze and then licked his ice cream in a very taunting way and took great pleasure in noticing her reaction. Aelin almost chocked and his eyes flashed in amusement. A wall, she just wanted a wall and twenty minutes alone with him to remove that smirk form his face. He knew he had rattled her and hated the way he casually went back talking to Lorcan. She would have her revenge. Eventually her mind started functioning again and went back talking to Elide, hoping the woman had not noticed their exchange. That would have been embarrassing. Slowly they reached the festival grounds. They made it till four and they still had three hours to fill in before the main event. They all collected their tickets and ventured inside the main arena. Aelin squeezed Rowan’s hand and once she turned to him she noticed he had the most amazing smile. “We got a concert coming up.” Said Elide, then grabbed a notebook and scribbled something down “this is my number. Text me later. We can meet again for the main event.” Aelin took the piece of paper and then the notebook and wrote her number for the woman “Looking forward to.” The two said their goodbyes and Rowan finally pulled Aelin to him and kissed her deeply “I had to restrain myself all afternoon.” “You are a wicked man,” a whisper against his lips “You will pay for the ice cream trick.” But in response his kiss deepened and his tongue repeated some of the motions he did early. “Unless you want me to drag you in a hidden corner and have sex at a festival, you’d better stop it.” He laughed “Yes, Fireheart.” And mirth flashed in his pine green eyes. “Come on, let’s go and have a look at the merchandise. See if we can get you a P&D hoodie.” And he dragged her to the area with all the stalls. “Uh, food stalls.” She pulled on one side. “Later. We just had a massive lunch and ice cream.” “You are no fun.” She complained while following him. He walked with her in tow for a little longer and they finally found all the stall with the merchandise for the bands and the festival in general. “Look,” he said to her pointing at the big stall of the band “Good thing we are here early, we can do all these things now. Later on it will be mobbed.” Aelin got closer to the stall and started having a look at the hoodies. She noticed a green one and gave it a try. She had decided that for some reason green reminded her of Rowan, perhaps for his eyes, but the colour now was a reminder of him. She tried on the hoodie and Rowan turned and stared at her in appreciation. “You look lovely.” “I’ll take it.” As Rowan turned again, apparently interested by what was going on on the big screen and she used the moment to buy a t-shirt for him. His birthday was coming up and this was the second part of her present. She paid for her stuff and quickly placed the t-shirt in her backpack before he would turn again. She embraced him from behind and leaned her head against his back, he turned, “I really, really like it.” And kissed her forehead. They wandered a bit longer until they finally reached one of the smaller stages where the first band they were waiting for was going to play soon. They did manage to squeeze to the front and Aelin felt bad for whoever ended up behind Rowan. He pulled her in front of him and his arms went around her neck “Are you ready to sing?” She nodded. The band was called Skipinnish and one was one of Rowan’s favourite and she agreed that they did some wonderful music. The group started with a slow song and Aelin danced on the spot in Rowan’s arms and she felt like the happiest woman alive. In his arms she was finally happy. As if the last year ceased to exist all of a sudden. That had been his magic. He had slowly taken away all the grief she had felt until only a few months ago. He had given her again the desire to dream. She squeezed his hand and tried to convey somehow all those feeling in that simple gesture. The music suddenly picked up in pace and Rowan turned her to him, one of her hand landed on his chest and the other one in his hand that he held high. He started dancing and she swayed with him, then he lifted her and turned on the spot and put her back. A quick kiss and they kept dancing. His eyes alive with happiness. She giggled and he smiled at that sound. All through their dance, Aelin sang, impressing him by her knowledge. She only refrained from singing the songs in Gaelic, that was still too much of a challenge. They danced for another few hours then they moved to the next stage where Skerryvore, the next band they wanted to see was going to play. This time they ended up at the back, but Rowan had Aelin climb on his back, piggyback style, and that allowed her to see the stage a little better. She could not dance but loved her position. Her chin leaned on his head and her arms went around his neck. She took a sniff of his wonderful scent of pine and snow and kissed the back of his head. One of Aelin’s favourite songs began playing and she sang out loud you and I, we held each other tight. Time will take its toll, but I will never let you go. Your love is like a high, you and I. Our love can never die, together as we grow. I’ll always let you know, you’re my reason why Rowan joined in and she hugged him tighter and her head leaned against his head. “I love you,” she whispered while he was busy singing the chorus. It was past six when the concert finished. Aelin looked at her phone and noticed a text from Elide telling her that she and Lorcan were already at the main stage and they had a spot at the very front. “Let’s go.” Aelin grabbed Rowan’s hand “Elide and Lorcan have spot fro us as well at the front of the stage.” Luckily the main stage area was not busy yet, and they found the couple quite quickly. Rowan had a look and noticed they had found a good spot. “This is perfect.” Rowan commented. “Not our first festival.” Lorcan grinned back. Aelin and Elide were huddled together talking and being all excited for the grand event. Aelin paraded her hoodie and Elide showed her the t-shirt and the hoodie she had bought as well. Rowan really thought he had created a monster. With the passing of time the area started to fill and Aelin could feel the excitement around them. Half an hour later the show started with a roar. Aelin climbed on Rowan’s shoulders again and she noticed that Lorcan offered the same to Elide. Aelin roared as well and shouted as soon as she recognised the notes of the first song Stornoway of course. She sang with all of her voice and waved her hands in the air. She and Elide grabbed their hands and sang and waved together. Then they moved to Western Isles and the crowd went wild. Rowan laughed at Aelin’s wild excitement and was impressed by the fact that Aelin really had learned all the lyrics. “And that’s the way we do it, the way we do it in the Western Isles” she was singing with a passion and his mind went to that morning when she was cooking breakfast in nothing but a baggy t-shirt while singing and dancing to that song. Rowan moved a bit dancing as much as possible with Aelin on his shoulder but he sang as well and with his hand he beat the rhythm on Aelin’s legs. The band was playing some of their hits and he was having the time of his life. He had never been able to convince Lyria to go to Heb Celt with him. Her music taste was different and she was never interested in that type of music so he had gone alone for a very long time. But now he had Aelin and she was basically perfect. The guys started playing My islands and Aelin let out a savage cheer and then started to sing. She slowly slid off his back and started dancing and jumping in front of him shaking her head at the rhythm of the music Elide at her side being just as wild. She took his hands and danced on the spot as much as the crowd allowed it. Aelin took some photos of her and Rowan and went back dancing. It was quite late when the concert finished. Aelin and Elide were now walking silently hand in hand with their respective men. “I think they finally ran out of fuel.” Joked Rowan, seeing the two women quiet. “It took them a while, but eventually it happened.” Joked Lorcan who had slowly opened up a bit more. “You are both so mean.” Said Elide leaning against Lorcan. “Yes, and you are going to fall asleep soon.” Lorcan crouched down and offered to carry Elide piggyback “Come on, time to get you to bed.” “Are you coming to the ceilidh at An Lanntair tomorrow?” Aelin and Rowan looked at each other “we might,” she said. “Let us know.” Said Lorcan settling Elide properly on his back “Thanks for the day and evening.” And the two slowly walked away. Rowan turned to Aelin and noticed she had a massive grin on her face. Alas, she seemed to have some energy left. “That was awesome.” She took both of his hands “And we need to go to the ceilidh tomorrow. It’s your birthday. We need to celebrate.” “Fine. We can go. But now we are going home. You have to rest and recharge the batteries for the ceilidh.” She leaned forward and kissed him “Thank you so much for this. It was unbelievable.” He pulled her to him and lifted her and pirouetted while kissing her. Finally they started making their way home and when Rowan noticed that Aelin was on the verge of falling asleep on her feet he offered a piggyback ride and she accepted. By the time they got back home she was fully asleep. At home he deposited her on the bed and he started to ponder how to get her out of her current clothes and into a pyjama. He went to get her Cookie Monster pyjama, removed her hoodie and placed it on the chair at the bottom of the room. Next it was the t-shirt and her shorts and he tried to look away. He was about to put the new clothes away when she groaned and woke up briefly. “I am just changing you into your pj.” He told her gently. Still half asleep she let him guide her body into her night clothes. Then he realised she liked to sleep without a bra and he had no idea how to solve that one. “Bra…” she muttered. “I am… you…” he tried to hide his embarrassment “you do that.” She muttered something unintelligible and removed her bra and threw it in his face. Then collapsed on the bed and went back to sleep. Rowan slowly tucked her in then changed in own night clothes and joined her. His arms went around her waist tucked her head in the crook of his neck. Not longer after he was asleep as well.

#rowan x aelin #rowaelin #rowan whitethorn #aelin galythinius #fanfic #fluff #throne of glass series

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dailyrugbytoday · 2 years

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Boks Ireland Rugby 2022: Return of the Kolbe at fullback for Springboks

New Post has been published on https://thedailyrugby.com/boks-ireland-rugby-2022-return-of-the-kolbe-at-fullback-for-springboks/

The Daily Rugby

https://thedailyrugby.com/boks-ireland-rugby-2022-return-of-the-kolbe-at-fullback-for-springboks/

Boks Ireland Rugby 2022: Return of the Kolbe at fullback for Springboks

The Springboks Ireland Rugby Game for the 27th time on Saturday, 5 November at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Ireland takes on world champions South Africa in an autumn international this weekend. Here’s all you need to know about the match.

It was a tough game and a low point for us as a team. But it was five years ago. (Saturday) is still going to be a really tough challenge, but hopefully it will be a better day at the office.

Where and when is it on Boks Ireland Rugby?

Saturday’s Boks v Ireland Rugby match takes place at the Aviva Stadium on Lansdowne Road in Dublin with a 5.30pm kick-off.

Kick-off is at 19:30 (SA time).

Read more: Rugby League World Cup fixtures today (Quarter-final , SF and Final) : Full schedule of matches

Match Week Buzz! 😤#TeamOfUs | #IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/vqngtpzA6d

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) November 1, 2022

Where can I watch Boks vs Ireland Rugby match?

The Boks vs Ireland Rugby game will be shown live on Virgin Media Two with coverage starting at 4.30pm. It will also be streamed on the Virgin Media Player.

Springboks vs Ireland Rugby Match Preview

The first clash between the two proud rugby-playing nations took place almost exactly 116 years ago when on 26 November 1906 South Africa won 15-12 at the Balmoral Showgrounds in Belfast.

In the 26 Tests played to date, South Africa have won 18 with Ireland emerging victorious on seven occasions.

There has been one draw (8-8 in 1970 at Landsdowne Road in Dublin).

Of those 26 Tests played, 16 have been held in Ireland.

Read More: How to watch New Zealand All Blacks vs Wales Rugby Northern Tour 2022

Rugby Game Today Fixtures

SATURDAY 5 NOVEMBER

Italy v Samoa (1pm, Stadio Plebiscito)

Scotland v Fiji (1pm, BT Murrayfield)

Wales v New Zealand (3.15pm, Principality Stadium)

Ireland v South Africa (5.30pm, Aviva Stadium)

France v Australia (8pm, Stade de France)

SUNDAY 6 NOVEMBER

England v Argentina (2.15pm, Twickenham)

Springbok team to play Ireland: Cheslin Kolbe; Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimipi; Damian Willemse, Jaden Hendrikse; Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (capt); Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth; Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff.

Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, Franco Mostert, Deon Fourie, Kwagga Smith; Faf de Klerk, Willie le Roux.

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childoftimeandmagic · 4 years

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Got Our Whole Lives

I really should be working on my Practical Magic!Klaroline fic, but this was tumbling, rumbling and rolling around in my brain instead.

Merthur fic for @kickassfu because she’s amazing and I love her.

You can also read it here AO3.

“Are you sure that Merlin’s working till seven tonight?” Arthur asked, for the twelfth time that afternoon as he sat in Gwen’s living room as Morgana walked back in with two mugs of tea one for her and one for Gwen.

Gwen took the mug from Morgana and shifted on the loveseat so that Morgana could sit with her before focusing on Arthur who was frantically typing into his laptop as he organized a surprise trip for him and Merlin’s second anniversary. “Yes Arthur, your boyfriend who you talk to everyday at least 12 of the 24 hours will be off work at seven alright?”

Arthur flipped her off and focused on reserving the caravan from the company he’d found online as well as the tram tickets to Normandy. He had asked Merlin to request the 17th to the 25th of June off so that they could finally take a proper holiday together. Merlin had stared at him eyeing him suspiciously as he called his boss to put in for the requested dates. Thankfully, his boyfriend hadn’t asked him what they were doing. Proclaiming that if they were going on a holiday then Arthur was planning it as Merlin was going to be finishing his Masters thesis in early June and honestly couldn’t be arsed to also plan a posh vacation up to Arthur’s aristocratic standards.

“We’re going to be caravanning?” Merlin’s voice broke through his concentration as he was going through the plan one more time. Slamming his laptop closed he looked up at Merlin who was standing just inside the living room looking down at him like he’d lost his marbles.

“What are you doing here you aren’t supposed to be here till half past seven,” he hissed, his face flushing as Merlin sat down on the floor next to him and gently handed him his phone which had two missed calls and five unanswered texts. It was also telling him that it was ten to eight – oh.

“You didn’t answer what you wanted to get for dinner and then Gwen sent me a text saying that she couldn’t ravage your sister with you in the flat,” Merlin said softly, his eyes looking at Arthur with that love and adoration that sometimes made Arthur feel stunted.

“Right we should head off,” he said standing up stiffly and pulling his laptop bag over to his side shoving the offending instrument into the finished leather.

“Arthur are you okay?” Merlin asked, they were halfway back to the flat that they shared close enough to the university and Merlin’s café job, that Arthur didn’t mind taking the extra underground line to his job in City Centre.

“Huh, oh yea,” he said, squeezing Merlin’s hand in his and pulling him in for a chaste kiss. “Better now though.”

“Right but you know me joking that you had to plan our first holiday wasn’t an effort for you to keep it a secret,” he said, cupping Arthur’s cheek with his free hand.

“I know but I want it to be a surprise,” Arthur said, as they passed the Indian take-away place a block before the apartment. “We’re eating Indian for dinner.”

Merlin laughed as his boyfriend changed the subject from what their holiday plans were to what their most pressing plans were, frankly if they had Indian take-away for dinner every night, Merlin thought Arthur would be happiest. Following him into the shop he smiled as Arthur ordered one of every appetizer before ordering Merlin’s Lamb Saagwala and his own Chicken Biryani both moderately spicy for two white boys from the countryside and wrapping the order up with an obscene number of naan.

“You know I don’t get paid till Friday right,” Merlin whispered, into Arthur’s ear when Arthur had paid and walked over to stand next to where Merlin was sitting on a stool by the window.

“I know it’s my treat,” Arthur said, wrapping his arms around Merlin’s waist pressing a kiss to his cheek and hiding his face against Merlin’s neck.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Merlin asked, rubbing his hands across Arthur’s back.

“I’m fine just want you to have the best holiday ever,” Arthur whispered, placing a kiss to Merlin’s pulse point.

“Okay, but we could hide in the flat and not go anywhere for a week and it would be the best vacation ever,” Merlin said, leaning into Arthur’s rare showing of public affection.

“Right, but you’ve never gone on a holiday outside the country, and I want your first one to be with me,” Arthur said, squeezing Merlin tighter in his arms.

“Alright, but can you at least tell me if we’re doing a roadtrip or a resort,” Merlin teased, running his fingers through his boyfriend’s hair it was growing longer than he normally let it get. Merlin was selfishly happy that Arthur had let his hair grow out slightly.

“Fine you twat, we’re gonna roadtrip for a week,” Arthur relented, pulling back to look at Merlin eyes searching for any sign of disappointment or reluctance to the plan. All he saw was admiration and love.

“Sounds amazing, I’m not sure I could have handled a posh resort where you and your cronies hang around when not at Parliament to talk about defrauding the everyday people of more social services,” Merlin said, completely straight faced while Arthur winced and pulled away.

“I can not believe that you just tried to tie me to my late father’s political party,” Arthur gasped, hand on chest.

“I know you’re the good party who only does marginally better for the people,” Merlin said, pulling Arthur back into his arms grinning like a loon.

“You are a twat,” Arthur said, trying not to give into Merlin’s teasing.

“Well it’s better than being a Clotpole,” Merlin said, kissing Arthur’s cheek before pushing him back towards the counter as they called out his name.

Arthur laughed as he walked back to his boyfriend who had unfolded himself from the stool to stand by the door. Waving to the employees and wishing them a good night Arthur and Merlin walked out into the night towards home.

Finished, it was done and he didn’t need to be back in the Politics and International Relation Hall until the first week of July to defend his thesis to the faculty panel. Rolling over he frowned, it was Saturday and Arthur didn’t work on Saturdays. So why was he missing from their bed? Merlin got up grabbing one of Arthur’s rugby shirts from the top of the wardrobe and walked out of the bedroom to find Arthur sitting at his laptop frowning in the kitchen.

“Who died?” he asked, walking closer to rub Arthurs shoulders.

“Huh – oh we got upgraded,” Arthur said, reaching up to tangle his fingers with Merlin’s against his left shoulder.

“Why does that have you looking like you just got a call about someone dying,” Merlin pressed, his thumb rubbing against Arthur’s hand.

“It’s just uh bigger than I was expecting,” he said, showing Merlin the large caravan.

“That’s like a proper lorry,” Merlin commented looking at the specs before looking at Arthur.

“Well can we go back to the original mini camper?” Merlin asked, squeezing his hand reassuringly.

“Yea, but it won’t be ready till tomorrow,” Arthur said, sighing as he turned and buried his face in Merlin’s middle wrapping his arms around his boyfriend.

“Okay so we leave on the train first thing in the morning tomorrow for Calais,” Merlin reasoned out, rubbing circles on Arthur’s shoulders.

“You don’t mind not starting your freedom from the city right away?” Arthur repeated after Merlin nudged him for mumbling into his torso.

“Nope, because I think that we can find plenty to distract us right here,” Merlin said, raising his eyebrow and nodding back towards the bedroom he’d just left. “I’m not sure I feel properly loved.”

Arthur barked out a laugh before standing up his hands gripping Merlin’s thin hips as he hoisted him up into his arms as Merlin laughed. While roughly the same height Merlin was definitely an inch taller, but he lacked the muscular physique of years of rugby and footie that Arthur had, and loved it when Arthur picked him up in his arms.

“I can’t believe we’re going on a roadtrip across the north coast of France and you didn’t even plan one battleground or museum visit,” Merlin teased, he sat in the seat his legs across Arthur’s lap since it wasn’t a manual vehicle.

“You just spent the last two months writing a thesis on the battles of the Normandy conquest. I made the executive decision that this would be nature parks, cafes, beach walks, and ocean spray not academics.” Arthur snapped, huffing as he passed a lorry on the left.

“I love it, and appreciate that you put so much effort into this trip for me,” Merlin said, pulling his feet out of Arthur’s lap to lean over and kiss his cheek.

“Uh huh, how long is my plan going to last?” Arthur asked, eyebrows raised shaking his head.

“Probably till the first time we stop and I see a sign for a stuffy local museum,” Merlin admitted laughing when Arthur groaned.

“Next time we go to a nice resort that has nude beaches and no museums near it,” Arthur grumbled, turning up the music playing through the sound system.

“Fine I’ll stop teasing you with my obsession with wasting days away in stuffy museums,” Merlin said, carding his fingers through Arthur’s hair.

“Twat.”

“Dollop head.”

“Are you ever going to tell me what that means?”

“Nope.”

Soon they devolved into Arthur driving and Merlin fiddling with the playlist on his phone until he found one he wanted, and leaned against the seat arm to kiss Arthur quickly before pulling away. Arthur laughed as Merlin folded his long limbs into a pretzel sit and leaned his head against the window eyes dropping already. Merlin always fell asleep if he wasn’t the one driving.

Arthur smiled and relaxed as he followed the GPS directions to Camping des Dunes, a beach campground. It was rustic and relaxing.

Pulling in he followed the directions to the beach front parking. It was crowded but not the levels that Gwaine and Percival had warned him about. Parking and pulling up the emergency brake he pressed a kiss to Merlin’s temple and turned his seat around to set up the bedding and open the back door so that they could sleep to the sounds of the ocean behind them. Once he’d done that he grabbed the small grill and bag of charcoal so that they could cook up the chicken kababs that they’d made up yesterday afternoon.

“Are we there?” Merlin asked, turning to look out the side door at Arthur who was stoking the coals to get them hot. Rubbing his eyes, he looked around and smiled at Arthur who grinned back.

“Go take a look around, I’m just heating up the coals and then I’ll find you okay?” Arthur asked, rubbing the small little box in his jean pocket.

“I’m going to see what the amenities are like and then the beach I’ll be back in like ten minutes,” Merlin said, pulling Arthur close for a quick kiss which turned into a longer moment than he planned. “I can’t leave here if you don’t let me go.”

“I don’t want to let you go,” Arthur mumbled, tightening his grip around Merlin’s middle before releasing him.

“I’ll be back soon,” Merlin said, walking off to explore.

Once the coals were adequately hot, he covered the grill and started off to look for Merlin. As Arthur walked over to the beach which was just around the hedge he’d parked next too. Walking on the sand his sandals in his hand. Looking for his boyfriend, he admired the sun glinting off the waves and the sand. Merlin was sitting on the top of the dune staring out at the waves.

“Hey Emrys, you get lost in your head,” he asked, sitting next to his partner.

“Sorry I was sitting in the sun and it felt so good. Can we have dinner after the sun sets?” Merlin said, leaning against Arthur’s shoulder. Arthur shifted so that his chest was against Merlin’s back. Arthur chuckled and settled back into the dune, pulling Merlin into his arms holding him tight.

“It’s beautiful here,” Merlin murmured, trailing his fingers up and down Arthur’s legs as he relaxed into Arthur’s hold.

“I’m glad you find it so beautiful,” Arthur said, shifting so that he could rest his chin on Merlin’s shoulder. “I have a question for you dearheart.”

“What’s going on darling,” Merlin asked, shifting so he could look at Arthur. Pulling away and looking at his boyfriend Merlin searched his face for a hint at what was on Arthur’s mind.

“So we’ve been dating for the last three years and living together for two, and you’ve been with me for some of the hardest moments in my life,” Arthur started taking a deep breath and reaching out to hold Merlin’s hand in his. “You helped me come out to my Father, you helped me reconcile my grief with my anger after he died. When I think about the future and where I want to be in it, Merlin you’re right by my side. I don’t – no I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”

Merlin took the pause that Arthur inadvertently took a breath to hold up his hand. “I need you to hold that thought because if you’re doing what I think you’re doing I need to grab something from my pack.”

Arthur was sitting in the sand watching the love of his life run across the beach back to their caravan and then running back only tripping twice, thankfully not biting it and falling. When Merlin fell to his feet in front of him Arthur eyed the small green box in his hands before Arthur pulled out a small black box from his jeans. They looked at each other and promptly devolved into laughs holding onto each other.

“Can I finish please?” Arthur asked, looking at Merlin eyes wide as he cupped his cheeks, rubbing his thumb across the stubble.

“By all means you aristocratic poof,” Merlin teased, sneaking a kiss before pulling away to hold Arthur’s hands in his.

“As I was saying – I was wondering if you’d do me the honor of making me the happiest lord in England and man on earth by marrying me?” Arthur asked, opening the box in his left hand to reveal a dark band with flecks of blues, golds, reds in the center of the band shifting in the sunlight.

“I first would like to point out that I was hoping to ask you while you stargazed tonight, but I – I don’t want to wait. I’ll marry you if you’ll marry me?” Merlin said, grinning looking at his boyfriend as he opened the green box in his hand revealing an elegant and smooth gold band with a gentle engraving on the inside in sloping interconnected lines.

“Nothing would make me happier,” Arthur said, taking Merlin’s left hand in his right while Merlin took Arthur’s left hand in his. Once they interchanged the rings, Arthur pulled Merlin into a gentle kiss. Resting his forehead against Merlin’s, Arthur smiled and stood up slowly.

“We gotta go cook dinner, otherwise we won’t have any coals left to use,” Arthur said, taking Merlin back to the caravan. This road trip was going to be more amazing than they’d originally thought.

“After dinner we have to call mum and tell her the good news,” Merlin said, intertwining their fingers. Arthur laughed and nodded as they separated to complete the required tasks.

#writing corner #my fics #k wrote a thing #for maf #because she makes my world brighter #kickassfu #merthur #merlin #bbc merlin #arthur pendragon

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novumtimes · 3 months

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Australian womens rugby sevens teams left-field approach to handling Olympics atmosphere

In short: Under coach Tim Walsh, Australia’s women’s rugby sevens team have a history of operating outside the box. Walsh’s latest scheme, ahead of next month’s Paris Olympic campaign, involved training with a soundtrack of crowds jeering. What’s next? Australia are reigning world champions, but face Ireland and Great Britain in their Olympic Games pool. The latest on a long list of “lame activities” will have Charlotte Caslick and her teammates ready when they can’t hear each other above the 80,000 screaming Stade de France spectators. Under coach Tim Walsh, Australia’s women’s rugby sevens team have a history of operating outside the box. Walsh’s latest scheme, ahead of next month’s Paris Olympic campaign, caught the side off guard. Sent an audio file and asked to wear headgear over ear buds to training, players were then told to hit “play” on their device. They copped raucous cheers, boos and even personalised sledges recorded by staff, so loud that the Rio 2016 champions couldn’t hear a thing. “You’ve always got to study your environment and find out what’s going to be different,” Walsh told AAP before the team flew to their Montpellier pre-Games base on Tuesday. “We pride ourselves on being adaptive, but it’s nice to be really prepared. “And at the Olympics — the Stade de France with 70,000, 80,000 people — you probably won’t be able to hear anything. “So it’s about reading each other’s movements, hand signals on calls, understanding what they’ll do before they do it. “And they were actually pretty good; it didn’t look like they couldn’t hear, which was a positive.” Walsh coached the side to gold in Rio before switching to the men’s role for the Tokyo Games, then reverting again to the women’s program in 2022. Mainstays Caslick and Sharni Smale — the only regular headgear wearer — have been there for every Walsh twist and turn. “We usually call them ‘lame activities’ because we always say that they’re going to be really lame,” Caslick told AAP. ABC Sport will be live blogging every day of the Paris Olympics from July 27 “But then once we get there, we have the best time.” Walsh had Caslick pretend to be injured before one session, and they’ve played a lot of poker this year to fit with a theme of “all-in”. They have abseiled in Cape Town, skydived in Wollongong and woken at 3am to hike in Orange. “Yeah, he’s done a lot of weird things, a lot of wild stuff,” Caslick confirmed. “Poker’s been really fun … we’re hoping that no one’s developed a gambling addiction.” Walsh admits there is a risk of overdoing it. “Yeah, so you just don’t do it for a long time … but you don’t have to,” he said. “One year I asked Charlotte to pretend to be injured and she put on this ridiculous performance, I thought she really was. “But this year we had injuries, two big ones (to Madison Ashby and Lily Dick that ruled them out of the Games). “It was quite traumatic and we handled it really well. We didn’t have to simulate that; it’d already happened.” Walsh’s team are reigning world champions and fierce rivals with Tokyo gold medallists New Zealand, their running battle igniting at the sport’s Rio Games debut. But there are dangers elsewhere — Ireland and Great Britain are in Australia’s pool and have beaten them this season — and the hosts have also recently beaten New Zealand. “It’s one of those epic rivalries that hopefully they’ll talk about for a long time, but there’s so many that can win it,” Walsh said. “The Olympics, it’s on every four years and is the one you want. “It’s about trying to normalise it and block out those discussions. “Managing that’s a challenge, but a fun one.” AAP Sports content to make you think… or allow you not to. A newsletter delivered each Saturday. Source link via The Novum Times

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brookpub · 2 years

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Six Nations Rugby Game live screening at the Brook Pub, Cambridge

The Six Nations Rugby game is an annual international rugby tournament held between six European teams: England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. The tournament was first held in 1883 and is now one of the most prestigious competitions in the sport. Every team has a once-in-a-season date with every other team. After all matches are played, the winning team is the one that accumulated the most points. Points are awarded for wins, draws, and losses. Bonus points are awarded for scoring four or more tries in a match or for losing by less than seven points.

The Six Nations rugby game was formed in 2000 when Italy joined the Five Nations tournament. which included England, France, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) to create the Six Nations tournament.

Facts about the six nations rugby game:

Each team plays the other five teams once, with home and away fixtures alternating each year.

The team with the most points at the end of the tournament is declared the champion.

The tournament is known for its intense rivalries and passionate fan bases. Matches often drawing large crowds and generating significant revenue for the participating teams.

The tournament has a unique scoring system, with teams earning 4 points for a win, 2 points for a draw, and 1 point for scoring four or more tries in a match.