The East Terrace

Wither media outrage?

The East Terrace awaits the media outrage over John Hayes getting his lenient six week ban for stamping reduced: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/8305958.stm

We are 100% sure those same journalists who were outraged over Mr. Burger getting a mild slap on the wrist from the SARFU in the summer will also be screaming blue murder over Mr. Hayes and his outrageous appeal.

They will....won't they?

Hello?  Anyone?

 

IRB to introduce new 'honesty' system

In an effort to quell the rising controversy of inconsistent and often lenient sentences handed out in recent years to players found guilty of violent conduct, the IRB has proposed a new 'honesty' system to try and address the problem.

The new proposals would simply involve the IRB, or relevant union, emailing the accused player a video file of their alleged offence and asking them to view it before emailing it back with their verdict and punishment, if any.

"We need to empower players," said IRB spokesman Peter Williams. "When people are given responsibilities for their actions you often find that they behave far more respectably and with greater dignity than when they are held to account by someone else. The IRB feels that players would, if given these proposed powers, take them very seriously. After all, if they didn't given themselves an appropriate ban they would only be cheating themselves."

 

For the full story: visit scrum.com

 

Worst kit launch photo ever?

Paddy Wallace, David Wallace and Gordon D'Arcy throw another bit of petrol on the bonfire of rugby dignity and style with this shot:

 

Is David Wallace auditioning for the next Boyzone or something?  Paddy seems to be enjoying it far too much but at least D'Arcy has the decency to look a litte uncomfortable/embarrassed by the whole affair.

As always, the latest kit launch comes with some modern PR babble: "The new home shirt marks a return to a more traditional colour with a green ('Power Green') carefully selected to symbolize the country of Ireland, with its rich history and tradition"

Power Green? Carefully selected to symbolize history and tradition?  Please. Cut the crap and just say: "We have some new jerseys to sell.  Please buy them." 

If you want to see some even more bizarre promotional talk, click on http://www.irishrugby.ie/21_18339.php and click on image 13.  

If any further proof be needed of the negative effect of professional rugby on rugby's style and elegance then promotional shots and press releases like this provide it in spades.

Forget the Bloodgate scandal, the economic recession or the use of recreational drugs by top players, rugby's biggest concern is photos like the above.

Rugby needs a new hero to save us from this indignity. If you know of any likely ones, please let us know.

Rugby elegance where art thou?

To see more of our articles on rugby style click here and scroll down for the full list.

Ronan O’Gara looking to patent unique tackling technique

Irish and Munster fly-half Ronan O’Gara has applied to the Irish Patents Office in an attempt to copyright his unique style of tackling.

In what would be a first for world sport, The East Terrace has learnt that O’Gara has asked lawyers to look into copyrighting his ‘unique and original sporting technique’. If the patent was approved O’Gara would be entitled to royalties from any other player who used the move during a competitive match.

O’Gara’s style is almost unheard of in professional rugby as it involves the fly-half standing fully upright as an attacker approaches, turning his head away, closing his eyes and gingerly sticking his arm out before travelling backwards at speeds of up to 50mph.

O’Gara has used the technique for many years, most notably producing the breathtaking move in his recent appearance at Croke Park in the European Cup.