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There was a time, not so long ago, where a team belonged to the land, where the geographical link was all important, and spoke volumes for the identity of all involved from that team. We are from here. This is our turf.
Nowadays, a disturbing and shallow trend has emerged, and it all began not in the USA but in Super rugby.
I’m referring to the deliberate and cynical censorship of team identities in favour of some mascot-type name supposed to inspire fear and awe. I don’t know about you, but names like Munster, Canterbury, Toulouse, and Natal to name but a few, carry decades of meaning, memories and tradition.
Names like the Force, Crusaders, Stormers are bullshit tags dreamed up by marketing agencies who know next to nothing about the history of our game.
It’s even happening in the UK – increasingly Leicester are referred to as the Tigers, Neath and Swansea merged to become Ospreys. From where, exactly?
In doing so, Neath lost their Maltese Cross logo. History and tradition which should be treasure dribbles away slowly until it is forgotten.
Let’s get this straight, I’ve got no problems with the nicknames added on. Where I draw the line is when they take over entirely from the city or province where the team has put down its roots.
Imagine renaming Manchester United the Red Devils and only ever referring to them and hearing them called by that name?
Call me a romantic, but isn’t this lost link a fundamental cornerstone to your team and it’s definition to you as a part of that club (remember they were once clubs)? Lose the name and the meaning to the average fan quickly gets lost itself and can be traded or forgotten cheaply.
This is particularly pernicious in New Zealand and South Africa so, in case you’ve forgotten :
Canterbury Crusaders
Otago Highlanders
Wellington Hurricanes
Waikato Chiefs
Auckland Blues
Orange Free State Cheetahs
Natal Sharks
Gauteng Lions
Western Cape Stormers
Blue Bulls (exception to the rule, unless someone can help!)
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.