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As I read the articles on the Scotland versus Australia Test and waded through the hundreds of comments on Craig Joubert’s decisions, an element of sadness about the game I love fell over me.
It is over thirty years since I pulled on a rugby boot, I was a backrow forward with big things about to happen for me when my career was suddenly cut short due to age.
I didn’t start playing the game until I was talked into it at 19 years of age.
I had the benefit of playing under some great coaches and senior players who graciously took me under their wings. They explained to me the ethos and benefits of this great sport.
They explained that the purpose of the game was to build physical fitness and health in young men, to learn the humilities and sacrifices of playing for a team, and to learn sportsmanship.
To win with grace and humility and to lose as if you liked it.
I was told that rugby is the ultimate team sport, with a position for every body shape, with the short stocky prop contributing just as much a s the flying winger.
I was taught to put the team first and that a champion team would always beat a team of champions, to accept the referee’s decision and not answer back.
The result would be a building of character that would stand me in good stead throughout my life.
I am left wondering after the backlash from all supporters over the result of the Test if some of the ethos of rugby have not been lost with the coming of professionalism to the sport.
Certainly it is generating huge amounts of money, but is it still producing men of character for society.
In 1953 the Wallabies went on a four-Test tour of South Africa. They lost the first Test but won the second at Newlands, levelling the series.
It was the first Test that South Africa had lost in 15 years. At the conclusion of the game, the South African crowd stood and gave the Wallabies a standing ovation and the Springboks chaired the Wallaby captain from the field.
I watched the amazing game between South Africa and Japan this world cup and saw the sad dejection of the South African players at full time. I wonder how the 1953 Springboks would have responded to that courageous win by Japan.
The Fijian side, many of whom are professing Christians, gathered to kneel and pray after their loss to Australia. When asked what they prayed about, they answered “to thank God for the loss.”
There is a humility in that that I can’t help admiring.
My point is, is rugby still a game that is true to it’s founding ethos to produce men of character who enrich society.
Rugby should be about the game, sportsmanship and the team.
Change is most effective when it comes from the top. Perhaps the administrators, coaches and Test players should be reminded of the virtues of this great and unique team sport.
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.