CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

Football, a game for gentlemen played by hooligans. Rugby, a game for hooligans played by gentlemen.

Football has often been described as the ‘Beautiful Game’ but yet it is Rugby players who are most widely known to be some of the nicest people you will ever meet. The big towering figures of Paul O’Connell, Chris Robshaw or Alun Wyn Jones can seem terrifying but yet they really are big softies off the pitch.

This week Toulon prop Martin Castrogiovanni, though lived up to his large and terrifying stature and was handed a fine of €10,000 and a 4 match ban (suspended) for his choice words after Toulons loss to Leicester Tigers earlier this month. After the game Castrogiovanni gave, not so much an interview, but a rant to the media about his old club.

Leicester Tigers coach, Richard Cockerill, laughed off his rant and even offered that in the future the two men could meet up and laugh about this whole situation. Unfortunately a disciplinary panel disagreed with this and thought a punishment was more fitting.

Castrogiovanni pleaded guilty and apologised for his remarks. His fine will be paid to a Leicester based charity and his suspended ban will not take effect until April 30^th 2016, although it can be brought forward if Castrogiovanni goes on another rant.

Is the ban to heavy? Is does the punishment fit the crime?

Respect is key to sportsmanship!

INJURED! HURT! OUT!

After grueling and tough autumn internationals the injury list is mounting up. Two injuries come to mind, the South African Jean De Villiers and Ireland's Chris Henry.

De Villiers will have to have reconstructive surgery on his knee, after a crunching tackle in the game against Wales on Saturday. While Henry has had an operation on his heart, as a result of a blood vessel in his brain was blocked. Both of these young men have had fantastic careers but both face a long and tough recovery back to the game. In time for the World Cup? Maybe not!

SO HOW DO WE AVOID BAD INJURIES?

Some injuries are unavoidable, big tackles happen and sometimes we are just unlucky. The best way to prepare for a game, and to rule out avoidable injuries, is to:

1)    Stretch – Before the game have a good warm up and ensure you have stretched well.

2)    Train – In training practice tackling but also being hit, falling correctly and safely can prevent many injuries.

3)    Safety – Make sure you have a gum shield in at all times and also wear any other IRB approved protective gear you have. E.g. Headguards, Shoulder pads etc…

WHAT TO DO WHEN WE ARE HURT?

Injuries are a part of the game, we cannot fully avoid them but we can learn how to do deal with them when they occur. Here are our top tips to recovery:

1)    TELL someone – Make sure you inform a coach as soon as your injured, do not try and play when you know your hurt.

2)    REST – This might seem simple, but many players rush back to the game before their bodies are ready, risking further injury.

3)    BUILD the muscle back – Give your body time to get back to its strength, muscles need time to heal and time to get strong again.

4)    LEARN from your injury – You may always have to be a little careful with your body after some injuries, make sure you learn how to play and train so to build your strength back and be cautious of recurring injuries.

If you do have an injury, or are requiring more/new protective gear we have a full range here at RugbyPlus just call in store or shop online.

But injuries are a part of the game, we all get covered in mud, blood and bruises.

Always play for a love of the game!  

Autum International first weekend!

THE WAIT IS OVER!

This weekend begins the long awaited Autumn Internationals series. This year the home nations are being treated to the likes of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina alongside the smaller nations of Tsonga, Samoa and Fiji. With such strong performances in the Pro12 and the Aviva premiership there really is a fantastic crop of players to pick from.

The Demons Down South!

Although we can not rule out the visitors in any game, with the recent Quad-Nations just over. The mighty powerhouses of New Zealand and South Africa are never an easy team to face. Facts and statistics though do not always prove true in rugby, with South Africa beating New Zealand recently, and fielding this winning team against Ireland on Saturday.

Can Scotland Deliver?

Here are RugbyPlus the most important game this weekend is definitely Scotland v Argentina. For Scotland this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase what we have to offer before the 2015 World Cup. After Grant Gilchrist was ruled out of the series after fracturing his forearm in Edinburgh Rugby’s win over Lyon in the Challenge Cup. But now the leadership passes to Greig Laidlaw, captaining this country for the 8^th time.

RugbyPlus wish Laidlaw, and the entire Scotland team, good luck for Saturday! Will you be at Murrayfield? Lets all stand up for Scotland and proudly belt out “O Flower of Scotland”.

Remember for all your Scotland, or Argentina, kit come to us at RugbyPlus, online or in store.

The Rules of Touch Rugby

As a derivative of rugby, ‘touch rugby’ involves far less physical contact than traditional rugby, despite its name. In fact, the game resembles the playground game of ‘tag’ only with a ball. As one of the most popular field sports among young people, the game has taken off in a big way in the last few years and now even has its own league in the UK and worldwide.

The rules of the game aren’t complicated and therefore it is a great sport for people who like to stay fit, but don’t particularly like too much rough contact. Many children get into rugby through playing touch rugby, so we thought parents (and other sports fans) should understand the rules in order to show their support.

 “Touch World Cup 2011” by Ian Robertson, licenced under CC BY 2.0

Touch Rugby Basics

1 - Each team has six players on the field at any one time. However, they can have as many reserves as they like.

2 - As a game of two halves—pardon the pundit reference—each side lasts twenty minutes. The half time break is only one minute long and then play continues.

3 – Kick-off, restarts and penalties all begin with the ball being placed on the ground and the lead team ‘tap’ it into play with a foot. However, the ball is then picked up. During these moments, the defending side have to be at least ten whole metres from the starting point.

4 – Scoring a try happens when the ball is placed behind the defence’s try-line and must be placed there by hand—somewhat similar to a touchdown in American football.

5 – Tackles are replaced by touches. Legal touching is claimed when a player touches any legitimate part of another body including clothing or ball and must raise a hand to declare. All decisions are at the referee’s discretion and are final.

6 – When a player receives a touch he or she has to put the ball on the ground exactly at the point where the contact took place.

7 – Every six touches signifies a change of possession and the opposing team retains the balls. The team in attack then starts with a ‘first down’—again in much the same way as American football.

Enjoying the Game

These are the basics to get you started. Hopefully now you won’t feel totally ignorant if your child plays and uses the terminology! If you understand tag, rugby and a little American football you can pretty much piece the rest together. It is not complicated, but it is excellent fun and a great way to play a non-contact sport to keep fit.

The Nutritional Needs of a Rugby Player

You have heard plenty of mothers saying that their sons need a healthy protein-rich diet because they are a growing boy. This is true of any sportsman too. Certain foods, as we are very well aware, are very unhealthy for us, but some foods are particularly bad for people who engage in sports activities.  Finding a proper balanced diet when you play rugby is vital to your playing ability as well as your overall fitness levels. If you eat a burger and have a beer on Friday night with a game on Saturday, there’s every chance you will be on the bench after ten minutes of play. You will be lethargic, sluggish and more than likely unfocused.

“Sue’s favourite trail mix” by Cary Bass-Deschenes, licenced under CC BY-SA 2.0

Fatty foods

There are good fatty foods and bad fatty foods—unfortunately donuts and takeaways always fall into the bad category—so you need to know which fats will improve your diet. Despite some schools of thought, you do need fat in your food, just not as much as you think. Good fats are found in things like olive oil, nuts and avocado so try incorporate these into your sportsman’s diet to keep energy levels high.

Carbs

Just like fatty foods, there are good carbs and bad carbs. Pasta is a good carb because it has slow-release capabilities that make you feel fuller for longer. Just ensure your pasta isn’t loaded with unhealthy creamy or cheesy sauces. You should, as a rugby player, make sure you eat around 7 grams of good carbs for every kilogram of your body weight. This will keep you going when your training regime is intense.

Proteins

For each kilogram of your body weight, you should safely consume about 2 grams of good protein. This can be in the form of whey protein which is highly common among rugby players, bodybuilders and weight trainers. Protein helps build and maintain muscle mass and therefore it is the most essential ingredient in a rugby player’s diet.

“Water Boy” by funkblast, licenced under CC BY 2.0

Stay Hydrated

Don’t forget to stay hydrated. The body is made up of about 4/5’s water and you need to stay hydrated to prevent fatigue. Drink about 2 litres of water every day in the warm weather and about 1.5 litres during the cooler months. It is also essential to rehydrate after exercises so listen to your body and allow proper recovery.

Keeping to a strict diet when training will help improve your overall performance and support your muscle growth. Get in touch with our knowledgeable team if you require any more advice on getting the best out of our diet.

How to Choose Protective Equipment

Recently the NFL—National Football League— in the United States have been discussing the safety of players as some have been suffering head injuries due to the brutality of the game. If only they could see just how rough rugby is sometimes where players don’t have any of the protection that NFL players do. We think they would be pretty shocked! Rugby is rough on players and there are only a few choices of protective wear to purchase. For instance, NFL players were helmets, gum shields, shin and shoulder pads, elbow protectors and of course cups. Rugby players have far fewer options so buying the right kind of protective wear is absolutely vital. Here are some of our main suggestions to choose the best protection for you.

“US Women’s Rugby: NC Hustlers vs Midwest II” by Kelseye, licenced under CC BY 2.0

Body pads and headgear

In rugby, depending on your position, you can wear a head guard. This is commonly referred to as a scrum cap and is used to protect the ears when in a scrum. The best way to choose a good scrum cap is to look for the solid protection from a high strength material. It can’t be made of stiff materials like plastic but should be made of a hardwearing material with padding over the ears. This can prevent some additional cuts and abrasions but won’t reduce the likelihood of concussion.

Shoulder pads are not commonly worn in rugby, but they are growing in stature among professional and amateur players alike. They are not similar to the American football shoulder pads, but are instead discreet protection built into clothing. You should check the amount of impact protection between various makes and brands. You should also make sure they are breathable because your skin can suffer and you can become seriously dehydrated on hot days. Remember that shoulder pads are not meant to be worn with a view to rushing another player. They are meant to reduce the impact if you are rushed or accidentally banged.

“Blood makes the grass grow” by Anthony Georgis

Mouthguards 

We’ve all seen how rough rugby can get so it is essential to protect your teeth from any nasty knocks. Mouthguards come in a variety of different materials and it is often up to personal preference when choosing the best one. They will mould round your mouth to ensure the best protection and help prevent the risk of being knocked out

All in all, safety in rugby boils down to being cautious whilst not allowing it to affect your playing skills. Noses get broken, teeth get knocked out and shoulders get dislocated all the time, but having as much protection as possible can at least reduce the higher risks.

Who Will be the Rugby European Cup Champion?

This year we find a new tournament on the Rugby calendar, well more like a replacement. After all the talk, debate and arguments over the past few years we finally have a European competition. This new format, for qualification and representation means we can keep one European Cup, to replace the Heineken Cup.

The Rugby European Cup – How it works…

This weekend the opening encounters of the new Europeans Champions Cup will take place. Stadiums across Europe will begin to fill with fans traveling from near and far to cheer on their teams. Each team battles to qualify out of their group and reach the knock-out stages. Each group has 4 teams playing a round robin style competition, in which only two will qualify for the Quarter Finals in April 2015. The Ultimate goal being, to be the first, to lift the European Champions Cup in Twickenham on 2 May 2015.  

Teams to watch out for

As we have seen from the past there is no such thing as an easy win in any game but surely Glasgow fancy their chances of a decisive win over Bath. With their recent run of form and showing they are a team to be reckoned with in the Pro12, Europe must be next on their list of achievements. A home game will definitely be an advantage as well. Here at Rugby Plus we are excited to see what Gregor Townsend pulls out of the bag and can this tight knit team pull off an impressive show of skill against an on form Bath side.

WIN a signed Shirt

The other big game of the opening weekend must be Leicester vs Ulster. The Ulster men are away from home and facing a strong Leicester side. Can the wisdom of Les Kiss and Neil Doak lead the Ulster men to the win or will the strength of the Leicester Tigers prove to strong?  WIN  a signed Leicester Tigers shirt! Simply visit our Rugby Plus Facebook page and like and share our the Leicester Tigers shirt photo to enter.

At Rugby Plus we love to equip both fans and players with the best and latest attire – as well as some old faithful memorabilia stock!  Check out our NEW website for all your rugby needs, be it boots or shirts, socks or shorts we have it all.

Whatever happens with the Champions Cup, remember its all sport, so stay passionate about it.

Tell us, who do you think will win the first Rugby European Cup?

Rugby’s a Women’s Game

Rugby, like football, has long been seen as a man’s game. One of the main reasons for this is probably the roughness. Let’s be honest, it’s not a dainty sport and is fraught with danger, including broken noses, crushed collar bones, broken legs and missing teeth. Not exactly appealing to some women (or men), so what exactly can be done to increase the interest?

The recent success of Women’s teams has certainly bolstered interest, but on the whole, women’s sport always tends to get less coverage and less sponsorship than men’s sports. At Rugby Plus, we know that it should be equality for all in sports – not just Rugby. Golf and football are both prime examples of how men seem to come out better with prize money, recognition and opportunities than women. It has almost become a crusade for many people, both women in the sport and male and female advocates of the sport to get women’s rugby noticed in higher places.

What does it take?

They say actions speak louder than words. Money is one thing that tends to speak louder than anything else, and if women’s rugby is to make an impact on the sporting world on a long-term basis, it needs some serious sponsorship money. The team members should be receiving sponsorship money from sporting companies, apparel companies, fitness and equipment companies. They should be seen on TV and gain more positive exposure.

There is still the common misconception that women’s rugby is less exciting, less serious and less raw than when rugby played by men. As anyone who has watched (or played) women’s rugby will testify, as we do at Rugby Plus nothing could be further from the truth. We have lots of eye catching ladies wear on offer and we have seen a huge increase in demand from this area.

We need to get the women’s teams and their players noticed. We need to learn to recognize the face of a woman rugby player the same way we all recognize Johnny Wilkinson or Bill Beaumont, or the Underwood’s, Tony and Rory. The question is, how many women players could you mention? At Rugby Plus we know it won’t be long until the top sporting females are recognised, similar to their male counterparts.

Best Christmas Boy Toys for a Rugby Fan

We aren’t on the countdown just yet, but we really want to help you get ahead of the Christmas shopping game—if you pardon the pun. For all we know you might be one of those last minute shoppers who dash out on Christmas eve and come home with the last thing left on the shelf. At least this way we can get you on the right tracks looking for a proper rugby-lovers present to bring home for Christmas, it’s that simple. So, keeping that ethos in mind, we have put together a little list of possible options for you to choose from when you are hunting for the ideal gift for Christmas.

For the budding fan

Budding fans can be anything from new born to about 6, in our estimation. That’s when they start to get old enough to get what the game is about and learn to appreciate it. After age seven, there’s every chance they are going to be a fan for life. So, getting them on the road to fandom we have a little onesie that we love. Available in red the suit is small enough to fit a newborn and enough to go up to 24 months. If you are an All Blacks family get your little ‘un this dinky little jersey and shorts kit, which goes up to 18 months in age.

Buying for older kids

As they grow they will want some of the proper team garb, so how about a winter wear hoodie for those chilly evenings out on the rugby field? And, just to make sure their growing legs don’t freeze, how about a neat pair of trackie bottoms to finish the set?

Adults and big Kids

It doesn’t matter how old your rugby fan is, most of them are big kids at heart, and the love of the game will keep them young spirited. If your rugby lover wants something neat for Christmas try our equipment page to see just what we have to offer in the way of bags, balls, backpacks, holdalls and other brilliant items. Go one, take a look, it’s all here, waiting for you. 

Commonwealth Sevens

“Glasgow 2014 – Rugby Sevens” by Daniel, licenced under CC BY 2.0

The Commonwealth Games is sadly over for this time around, but boy was it a belter!  The Rugby Sevens was fast, furious and downright exciting, especially for us rugby fans. As a brilliant prelude to the official 2016 Olympics debut, rugby was very well represented at the Glasgow 2014 Games. Rugby Sevens is much the same as a full team game, but because there are only seven players on each side it's double the work and double the effort. It makes for an extremely energetic and fast-paced game.

How it Works

Over two days, there are a total of 45 games played between 16 teams. Because it is a knockout tournament, eventually there will be two teams left, vying for the winning Gold prize. There are four ‘pools,' containing four teams. This year it began with pool A containing New Zealand, Canada, Scotland and Barbados. Pool B contained South Africa, Kenya, Cook Islands and Trinidad and Tobago. Pool C contained Samoa, Wales, Papua New Guinea and Malaysia and Pool D contained England, Australia Sri Lanka and Uganda. In the same way as the FIFA Soccer World Cup, the teams in each pool play each other, with the top 8 qualifying for the quarter-finals. Then, they play each and it is whittled down further and so on, until only two are left. This year’s Gold went to South Africa.

“Kenyan Fans” by Erik Hersman, licenced under CC BY 2.0

Excitement and Support

Hardened rugby fans like seven's simply because it is a little more hardcore sometimes. It doesn't compare to 11's because they are both played entirely differently, with the exception of the rules, but because each team has twice the work it does lead to twice the excitement and twice the effort. The fans love it and because it is a shorter punchier version of ‘big' rugby is perfect for new fans to get acquainted with the beautiful game, too. 

Keep an eye out for the latest fixtures in the Sevens World Series and make sure you stalk up on your home nation rugby tops here!

Blair Atholl Horse Trials

Twenty-six years sure does shoot by quickly, and the older we get, the faster it seems to go. When the Blair Atholl Horse Trials started this year on 21^st August, it marked twenty-six years since the very first International horse trial was held there, and that is some feat.  The leading equestrian event in Scotland, the trials also encompasses the Country Fair and had an expected 40,000 attend.

“Horse” by Moyan Brenn, licenced under CC BY 2.0

What Happens?

Well, it’s a great few days of fun for the whole family and horse lovers alike. Sponsored by Barclays, the event runs from 21^st August through 24^th August and the Blair Atholl hallowed turf. You will see Olympic medallist competing alongside ranked amateurs and a fun but competitive environment. Lucinda Frederick will be defending her title this year too. The Bruadar Country Fair runs concurrently with the trials, and you will see other equestrian activities all throughout the weekend. There are also over two-hundred vendor stands—of which we are one—at the shopping village, so come along and see what bargains are to be had.

What Else is there and why?

Well, you will find sponsored charities there, such as HorseBack UK, who are this year’s designated charity and you will find superb action and plenty of family fun to join in with. If you love horses and just simply enjoy watching them do their graceful thing, this is an event you won't want to miss. If you can’t make it this year, then make a note of date and join us next year!

The RBS Six Nations 2014

The RBS Six Nations 2014

With a number of fierce clashes in the RBS Six Nations 2014, the weekend saw rapturous crowds treated to a thrilling array of exciting battles. Indeed, Wales capitalised on their last defeat to Ireland to beat France 27-6 in what was a fantastic encounter. With France having won against England and Italy in their previous two clashes, Wales were looking to make an impact and the ensuing battle was one of sheer power and electric energy.

Scotland travelled to Italy to lock horns with an Italian side whose steely determination made for a truly fantastic spectacle. In what was an exciting encounter for all to enjoy, Scotland managed to win the encounter 21-20 with two tries to secure a fantastic victory. Certainly, the game was filled with fierce clashes and electric energy as the two sides did battle, with fans being treated to an enticing spectacle of exciting rugby. Additionally, England capitalised on their win over Scotland to beat Ireland 13-10, with their brute power treating fans to a truly fierce battle.

Indeed, Scotland’s next match on the 8^th of March will see them lock horns with France at Murrayfield in what will sure to be an exciting clash. Scotland’s final encounter will see them travel to the Millennium Stadium to do battle with Wales in what will be an exciting rugby spectacle of delights.

Certainly, RugbyPlus offers an excellent array of rugby clothing to help show your support to Scotland during this season’s RBS Six Nations. Browse our excellent array of Scotlandrugby jerseys help cheer Scotland on to a win! Indeed, if all this RBS Six Nations action is getting you in the mood to hit the pitch, don’t hesitate to browse Rugby Plus’ excellent array of rugby clothing, rugby equipment, Scotland rugby jerseys and various product ranges! 

The Heineken Cup

The Heineken Cup

The most revered trophy in European rugby union, the Heineken Cup will see Europe’s elite rugby teams lock horns in fierce battle spanning to the final on May 24th where Wales’ Millennium Stadium will see rapturous crowds treated to a thrilling spectacle of brute force and electric energy.

Now with four teams looking to clash, the 5th of April will see Munster lock horns with Toulouse in what will be sure to be a fierce encounter. Also on the 5th of April, Clermont will take on the formidable force of Leicester Tigers in a battle that will truly astound. With both teams looking to capitalise, eager fans will be treated to an exciting display of fantastic rugby. Additionally, the 5th of April will see Ulster lock horns with Saracens in what will be an exciting clash for all to enjoy. The 6th of April will see last year’s winners Toulon do battle with Leinster in what will be an eagerly anticipated game. Certainly, the Heineken Cup will ensure a thrilling rugby spectacle for all to enjoy, treating rapturous crowds to a display of fierce encounters, brute force and electric energy. Indeed, with a number of formidable teams looking to win the much revered championship, the Heineken Cup will see a range of thrilling battles which guests of all ages will enjoy; we at Rugby Plus are excited by the prospect of the ensuing clashes!

Certainly, Rugby Plus offers a fantastic array of rugby clothing as well as replica rugby club jerseys to help you show your support at this year’s Heineken Cup. Choose to browse our excellent range of rugby kit and rugby clothing. Indeed, if all this rugby action is getting you in the mood to hit the pitch, don’t hesitate to browse Rugby Plus’ excellent array of rugby clothing, rugby equipment and various product ranges!

The RBS Six Nations 2014

The RBS Six Nations 2014

This weekend will see the RBS Six Nations 2014 treat rapturous crowds to an array of thrilling battles as Europe’s rugby elite clash. Indeed, an array of fantastic matches will see the championship’s sides lock horns in a display of fierce encounters and electric energy for all to enjoy.

Last year’s champions Wales will be looking to capitalise following their 26-3 loss to Ireland at the Aviva Stadium as they clash with formidable France who have made a fantastic start to this year’s championship. Indeed, France will be looking capitalise upon their 30-10 victory over Italy with another excellent win. As a result, it’s inevitable that the two sides ensuring clash will be a truly fantastic battle. Additionally, Scotland will travel to Italy to lock horns with an Italian side whose steely determination will make for a fierce encounter. With both sides looking to secure a win, fans will be treated to a thrilling battle for all to enjoy. England and Ireland will also lock horns as both sides look to capitalise on their recent wins. Certainly, with England beating Scotland 20-0 and Ireland’s 26-3 win over Italy, the ensuing clash will make for a truly exciting spectacle.

Scotland’s next home match at Murrayfield on the 8^th of March will see them clash with France in what will be a fantastic encounter. Scotland’s last battle will see them travel to the Millennium Stadium to lock horns with Wales in a truly exciting spectacle of rugby delights.

Certainly, Rugby Plus offers a fantastic array of rugby clothing and Scotland rugby jerseys to help cheer Scotland on in the RBS Six Nations 2014. Indeed, if all this RBS Six Nations 2014 is getting you in the mood to hit the pitch, don’t hesitate to explore Rugby Plus’ excellent array of rugby clothing, rugby equipment, Scotland rugby jerseys and various product ranges.