NationStates Jolt Archive

As the current reigning World Champions in the great and honourable sport of Rugby Union, Snake Eaters wishes to invite all comers, from the mighty AMW China and Rorysville to those just breaking into the sport, to participate in the latest tournament, and the prize? The greatest prize in this sport.

All those who are interested, here are the basic rules;

1) All participants must submit a list of ten random numbers, from 0-9. You may repeat numbers, but please, be sensible. Those who submit all 9's will be asked to re-submit, or to withdraw their entry. These numbers will represent the following characteristics of your team:

1 - Attack
2 - Defence
3 - Scrum
4 - Line-out
5 - Ruck/Maul
6 - Fitness
7 - Overall Team Strength - only applicable to teams who submit a roster, see below
8 - Kicking
9 - Effectiveness of Coaching Staff
10 - RP value - if a player RP's well, this value can be improved upon by a maximum of 2, for a single match, before returning to normal.

2) Teams may choose to submit a roster of their teams for the tournament. For those unfamiliar with rugby union, this team must be fifteen strong, with nine reserves. If people are unfamiliar with the scoring system, or positioning of players, please feel free to ask for help from those who know their way around the system.

3) The scoring for all matches will be administered by myself. However, I will contact PopularFreedom, the person who ran the last tournament, to double-check scores, and also ask him to look after scoring for all semi-final matches, so as to avoid any possibility of bias.

4) Match results will be posted on the day of the match. Matches will be played every two days, to allow people time to reply to their results. Nations will be placed in pools of up to four nations, with each nation playing the others twice. The initial pools should take no longer than two weeks. Semi-finals will take a similar period of time.

5) In RP terms, all players must specify the following:
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my point breakdown -
Choose my point scorers -
Hand out yellow cards to my players -
Hand out red cards to my players -
RP injuries to my players - (minor, M=major)
Godmod injuries to my players -
RP other events -
Answers are Y = Yes, N = No.

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POOL A
Snake Eaters Figures and Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12372926&postcount=25)
Milchama - Figures (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12326170&postcount=2)
Quakmybush - Figures (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12326366&postcount=4)
Kelssek - Figures & Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12327227&postcount=5)
San Monticaz - Figures (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12327701&postcount=6)

POOL B
Bazalonia - Figures (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12327793&postcount=7), Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12425782&postcount=2)
Az-cz - Figures (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12327919&postcount=8)
Alexandrian Ptolemais - Figures (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12328181&postcount=9),Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12380548&postcount=30)
Druida - Figures (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12328190&postcount=10)


POOL C
Quintessence of Dust Figures & Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12328193&postcount=11)
Harlesburg - Figures (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12328193&postcount=11)
Rorysville - Figures (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12338208&postcount=16)
South Adrea Figures (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12358251&postcount=21)

POOL D
Independent Hitmen Figures and Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12339543&postcount=17)
Lovisa Figures and Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12376702&postcount=26)
Marceau State Figures (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12338208&postcount=16)
Artitsa -Figures & Roster (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12372337&postcount=24)

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PLEASE NOTE: The following nations have yet to post any figures or rosters. It is NOT possible to participate without. Those of you who have not posted rosters, although you can do without, it will make any chance of winning that much slimmer:

Milchama - no roster
Quakmybush - no roster
San Monticaz - no roster
Bazalonia - no roster
Az-cz - no roster
Druida - no roster
Harlesburg - no roster
Rorysville, and Marceau State - no rosters (I know they are RP'ed by the same person)

I am merely doing this in the interest of fairness.

Are you going to scorinate your games?

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Actual roster to come later

In answer to this query, if I can get PopularFreedom to help me, no, I won't scorinate my own games, including any of those in my pool. However, to do so will slow the system down - I may ask someone else to do it.

Quakmybush will send a team.


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bummbababum babababaaaabumbumbumbum...

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1 Evan Benacki (Clayquot Reds)
2 Pierre-Marc Lafleur (Redswyth Stars)
3 Wilson Tackard (Redswyth Stars)
4 Ross McLachlan (Burnaby Lions)
5 Paul Jackson (Rotor Novanaya)
6 Stephane Fournier (Kirkenes Crusaders)
7 Guy Aucoin (Neorvins Battery)
8 Terrance Bay (Saint-Remy AFC)

9 Michael Wainwright (Neorvins Argos)
10 Joel Danforth (Latrobe AFC)
11 Richard Duclos (Wenerdere Blues)
12 Hugh Kitchener (Burnaby Lions)
13 Matthieu Duclos (Outineau Nordiques)
14 Ian Barrivan (Burnaby Lions)
15 Lee Navanich (Outineau Nordiques)

16 Ryan Solomon (Neorvins Argos)
17 William Deekes (Kirkenes Crusaders)
18 Brandon Neville (Outineau Nordiques)
19 Alexandre Ducque (Burnaby Lions)
20 Joshua Lester (Hamilton Tiger-Cats)
21 Alain Lafleur (Champjaune Alouettes)
22 Douglas Weiss (Clayquot Reds)

Gordon Canvey
Gordon Canvey was named coach of the national team in 2005. In his 20-year career, Canvey coached Wentonweakes AFC and Neorvins Battery before being hired by the Nordiques in 1992, where he established the struggling Nords as King's Trophy contenders, winning the league title in 1994, 1999, and 2002, seven division titles, and finally, the KRU Cup in 2002. During his playing career, he played for both Neorvins clubs, the Mazinaw Vics, and was part of the Neorvins Argos' 1967 KRU Cup winning team.

San Monticaz shall be seeking some experience with its fine team on the International level!

6 - Attack
7 - Defence
4 - Scrum
5 - Line-out
3- Ruck/Maul
9 - Fitness
6 - Overall Team Strength - only applicable to teams who submit a roster, see below
8 - Kicking
7 - Effectiveness of Coaching Staff
2 - RP value


My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my point breakdown - N
Choose my point scorers - Y
Hand out yellow cards to my players - N
Hand out red cards to my players - N
RP injuries to my players - (minor, M=major) minor yes
Godmod injuries to my players - N
RP other events - N

6 - Attack
9 - Defence
5 - Scrum
7 - Line-out
4 - Ruck/Maul
7 - Fitness
6 - Overall Team Strength - only applicable to teams who submit a roster, see below
4 - Kicking
8 - Effectiveness of Coaching Staff
4 - RP value

RP. Pretty much anything.

6 - Attack
9 - Defence
5 - Scrum
7 - Line-out
4 - Ruck/Maul
7 - Fitness
6 - Overall Team Strength
4 - Kicking
8 - Effectiveness of Coaching Staff
4 - RP value

Az-cz joins up, but as I know nothing about rugby my participation may be limited.

The Alexandrian Ptolemais Rugby Football Union wishes to announce that it will be sending in a team to compete in the 8th Rugby World Cup. We believe that our team exhibits the following characteristics

7 - Attack
4 - Defence
8 - Scrum
7 - Line-out
6 - Ruck/Maul
9 - Fitness
8 - Overall Team Strength
5 - Kicking
3 - Effectiveness of Coaching Staff
2 - RP value

As the Provincial Competition is still occurring, a roster has not yet been organised. It will be provided for officials within the next few days.

My opponent if they RP first can do anything within reason that would be expected at such a rugby fixture.

9 - Attack
6 - Defence
3 - Scrum
6 - Line-out
5 - Ruck/Maul
3 - Fitness
7 - Overall Team Strength - only applicable to teams who submit a roster, see below
3 - Kicking
8 - Effectiveness of Coaching Staff
1 - RP value

Despite not being into Rugby that much myself, the nation of Druida would probably be quite interested in such an event.

Harlesburg signs up

Attack
7 - Defence
5 - Scrum
6 - Line-out
8 - Ruck/Maul
6 - Fitness
9 - Overall Team Strength
2 - Kicking
4 - Effectiveness of Coaching Staff
3 - RP value

RP, do as ye please.
Is that correct?

Before we submit our points, what does "RP value" mean? I notice everyone else has given themselves low-ish values in the category, but what does it stand for - an assessment of our own RPing ability?

Otherwise:
7 - Attack
3 - Defence
7 - Scrum
8 - Line-out
8 - Ruck/Maul
5 - Fitness
7 - Overall Team Strength
9 - Kicking
4 - Effectiveness of Coaching Staff
3 - RP Value (we'll put down this for now, but would appreciate an explanation of what the stat refers to)

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my point breakdown - Y
Choose my point scorers - Y
Hand out yellow cards to my players - Y
Hand out red cards to my players - Y (but be reasonable: max of 1 per match, unless there's a specific RP reason for a bloodbath)
RP injuries to my players - Y (again, reasonable: I wouldn't want you RPing all my best players getting tournament-ending injuries)
Godmod injuries to my players - Y
RP other events - Y
You can do what you want in RP terms, so long as it's not ridiculously wanky, and please try to take into account the player descriptions I'll try to provide (e.g. my prop's not going to sprint the length of the pitch; and please see note about kicking when scoring for me).

Roster (I can repost this elsewhere if needed)

Overview

Quintessential rugby has been strongly influenced by tendencies of 'total rugby', emphasising versatility, a strong forward game, and well-organized back plays. This can lead to very exciting games, or a mind-numbing 80 minutes of continuous rucks punctuated only by the occasional punt to touch. The squad has played with its membership unchanged for almost a year, but positions - especially in the pack - have changed quite often, another hallmark of Quintessential rugby.

1. James Wilmot
Loose head; pack leader.
The hardest worker in the team, he's always the first to every breakdown. Strongly built, he is not the quickest nor adept in open play, but he has proved central to the forward game.

2. Spartacus Cooper
Hooker.
The smallest forward, and one of the only ones to have played in his present position for most of his career. Reasonably quick, he is also an excellent line-out thrower and coordinator.

3. Barry Pullman
Tight head; captain.
A sturdy forward who enjoys rugby and food in equal measure, he has been a constant presence at tight head for many years, captaining the team with good natured determination. Often at the centre of rolling maul moves.

4. Benjamin Brooks
Left lock.
At just over 7', the tallest player in the team and possibly the world. Naturally, he has proved vital to line-out success, but is also a reliable forward on field, despite a few notorious fumbles.

5. Danny Mensen
Right lock; vice-captain.
Fairly universally acknowledged as the best player in the team, he has played in many different positions, including a year at full back. Possibly underutilised at lock, he is still able to use his strength and pace when needed. Can also kick, unlike most forwards.

6. Wolfgang Andrews
Blindside flanker.
Another experienced forward who has played all around the pack, Wolfgang is known as one of the hardest workers and fittest players, and is sometimes used as a fall-back line-out jumper, having played at lock for some while.

7. Rene Friedman
Openside flanker.
Though smaller than his blindside counterpart, with whom he's developed an effective combination, Rene puts in some of the biggest tackles in the team, and is also quick, and quite skilful in open play.

8. Dean Olafson
Number eight.
Smaller than many in his position, he is nonetheless a powerful forward, and has scored many tries and won valuable ground carrying from the base of the scrum.

9. Tommy Donegan
Scrum half.
Although relatively new to the side, he's an experienced player, having only recently qualified for Quodite citizenship. Though small he is strong, as well as being nippy over the ground, inventive, and capable of attacking box kicks.

10. Jack Peters
Fly half.
The stand-off position has proved the most difficult to fill for Quintessence of Dust of late. Jack is perhaps not an ideal fit, though he likes playing there, but he is quick and a good passer, though with a slight tendency to selfishness and to kick too often.

11. Sean Reilly
Left wing.
Also relatively new to the team, though again with prior experience, Sean is not a natural choice as left wing, but has played well in training. Not the biggest tackler, but very good in offence.

12. Chip McDiarmund
Outside centre.
Formerly scrum half, Chip has made the transition to outside centre fairly well. Though lacking his partner's size, he has an excellent pass and organizes the three-quarters well, linking especially well with Ron.

13. Bernard Franks
Inside centre.
A former forward who has moved into the back line, he is naturally a big tackler with occasionally uncertain handling. Nonetheless, he's capable of strong attacking runs and has scored several tries in warm-up games.

14. Ron Diller
Right wing.
The leading try-scorer of all time, Ron is a sprinter, but also very strong. Not a spectacular passer or tackler, but he's not in the side for that. Many back moves culminate in attempts to set him up.

15. Bill Gerhard
Full-back.
One of the most 'complete' players in the side, Bill is a good runner and passer, can kick from his hands, and is a fearless tackler. Bill also handles most of the kicking responsibilities.

Other squad members
17. Ralph Connor
17. Rick Connor
18. Willy Zimmerman
19. Bobby Zimmerman
20. Nick Klaus
21. Bartholomew Barber
22. Kent Willow
23. Humphrey Nibbles
24. Dick Quentin

Kicking
Generally, all conversions and penalties will be taken by Bill. Jack and Sean might reasonably be expected to drop goals. If RPing my scorers, please don't choose other players as my kickers (unless, out of the kindness of your hearts, you've decided to break Bill's legs first).

8 - Attack
5 - Defence
1 - Scrum
5 - Line-out
8 - Ruck/Maul
5 - Fitness
7 - Overall Team Strength
9 - Kicking
2 - Effectiveness of Coaching Staff
7 - RP value

1. Allan Francis
Loose head

2. Russell Doran
Hooker.

3. Lewis Begg
Tight head.

4. Eric Reid
Left lock.

5. Trevor Howarth
Right lock.

6. Herman Shepherd
Blindside flanker.

7. Darrell Mallaber (c)
Openside flanker.

8. Mackenzie Weir
Number eight.

9. Donnie Green
Scrum half.

10. Martin Lidington
Fly half.

11. Mick Baldry
Left wing.

12. Goodwin Osborne
Outside centre.

13. Jamie Salmond
Inside centre.

14. George Illsley
Right wing.

15. Todd Clapham
Full-back.

16. Steven Linton
17. John Robinson
18. Glenn Adams
19. David Scott
20. Wayne Turner
21. Malcolm Brown
22. Philip Cohen
23. Nick Kennedy
24. Roger Hopkins

All kicking is done by Martin Lidington.

Choose my point breakdown - Y
Choose my point scorers - Y
Hand out yellow cards to my players - Y (within reason)
Hand out red cards to my players - Y (within reason)
RP injuries to my players - Y (within reason)
Godmod injuries to my players - Y (within reason)
RP other events - Y (again, within reason)

Before we submit our points, what does "RP value" mean? I notice everyone else has given themselves low-ish values in the category, but what does it stand for - an assessment of our own RPing ability?


The RP value basically represents a random value, which can vary depending on your level of participation in the main thread. For example, if I post your scores, and you don't respond in any way, then the value remains the same. However, if you RP well, taking in both sides, then this value can be altered to show that you are taking an active role. As for it's effect on gameplay, all scoring is done in an Edexcel spreadsheet. The higher the value, the better your score will be. Of course, giving yourself an RP score of 9, and then never posting, is counter-productive, as I will simply put '0' in place.

Coocoostan's rugby players are strictly amateurs and the team would be comparable to Georgia or Russia in terms of skill. Still, if you need another team to even out the numbers or something, I'll help out.

Rorysville is back for Action
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and Marceau State will also Participate as well
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will confirm latter

Would love to join, if application is still open. Havnt done a sporting RP before so figure its about time I do :) I'm English and support Sale Sharks (because of the legend that is Jason Robinson!) Ive played rugby for about 6 years so Im reasonably familiar with the rules :)

Stats

5 – Attack
7 - Defence
5 - Scrum
4 - Line-out
5 - Ruck/Maul
8 - Fitness
6 - Overall Team Strength - only applicable to teams who submit a roster, see below
7 - Kicking
6 - Effectiveness of Coaching Staff
3 - RP value

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my point breakdown - Y
Choose my point scorers - N
Hand out yellow cards to my players - Y
Hand out red cards to my players – Y (within reason)
RP injuries to my players - (minor, M=major) Y to minor (once again within reason)
Godmod injuries to my players – prefer not, but if it helps with RP dynamics
RP other events – Y (again within reason, don’t want my entire coaching staff being killed in a aircraft crash or something!)


Team Roster (Gonna add some club names, and brief descriptions over time)

Starting XV

1. Hans Van Linder
2. John Bliss
3. Chris Stone
4. James Willis
5. Toby Witts
6. Mervin Hayes
7. Taniel Jenkins (c)
8. Matt Noy

9. Mike Anderson
10. Charlie Hodge
11. Jason Richardson
12. Dom Smith
13. Johnny Back
14. Rob Byers
15. Nick Draper

Reserves

16 Bruce Duffy
17 Rodger Smith
18 David Packard
19 Tommy Smart
20 Chaz Milner
21 Simon Bull
22 Ben Collumn
23 Mark Rogers
24 Tim Holzgrefe

Coaching Staff:

Head Coach: Rory Starr
Assistant Head Coach: Jules Lands
Forwards Coach: James Lothian
Backs Coach: Tim Bedbury
Chief Medical Officer: Dr Julian Hoppit

~snip~


Good to see a previous World Champion back in action.

~snip~
Sale? Bah, Northampton Saints all the way.

Now, I wish to find if there are any others who may be interested at this stage.

Lovisa sign up, but our team probably will be not so good.

The Republic of South Adrea will take a shot at it

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Got any idea when we will be kicking this off?

Soon. I have my last two shows today, so when I get back, I'll post my team and figures, and then get the pools sorted.

As for those who have said that their teams wouldn't be so good - You can only improve if you take an active role. So please, post your numbers and rosters, and we'll enjoy.

Having been playing in the Gholgothian Rugby Union, and with other independant international tests, the Artitsan Team is back.

7 - Attack
9 - Defence
8 - Scrum
7 - Line-out
7 - Ruck/Maul
9 - Fitness
8 - Overall Team Strength - only applicable to teams who submit a roster, see below
5 - Kicking
7 - Effectiveness of Coaching Staff
3 - RP value

(Values may seem a little high.. read my wiki to see the importance of Rugby in Artitsa. It would be like Canada and Hockey x 10.

Roster:
Starting XV
Loosehead Prop: Kameron Spraggon
Hooker: Rayan Hojaji
Tighthead Prop: Tyler Robbins
Lock: Martin Kotoywich
Lock: Dale Newstead
Flanker: Mike Loney
Blindside Flanker: Andre McCalmont
Eightman: Mike Strasser
Scrumhalf: Doug Seed
Flyhalf: Mike DeVries
Wing: Tony Felix
Inside Centre: Adam Boissire
Outside Centre: Kyle Robinson
Wing: Steve Orban
Fullback: Alex Copple

Reserves:
16. Cole Raccine
17. Will O'Connor
18. Luke Raccine
19. Mick Shaer
20. Alex Steeves
21. Alex Gioia
22. Chris Normandeau


The Majority of the Artitsan Team is ex-military and also playing professional for several years. The team is well experienced having had 34 test matches togther. A new training regime has been taken up, to capture the prestigious Rugby World Cup.

Rumour has it that Artitsa will be revealing new jerseys specifically for this new tournament.

The Current Jerseys:
http://star.walagata.com/w/artitsa/Artitsa_Jersey.PNG

Snake Eaters will now announce it's own figures and squad for the upcoming World Cup. Details of stadiums and pools will be placed in the first post.

8 - Attack
6 - Defence
5 - Scrum
7 - Line-out
6 - Ruck/Maul
7 - Fitness
8 - Overall Team Strength - only applicable to teams who submit a roster, see below
6 - Kicking
7 - Effectiveness of Coaching Staff
2 - RP value

If they post first, my opponent may:
My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:
Choose my point breakdown - Y
Choose my point scorers - N
Hand out yellow cards to my players - Y
Hand out red cards to my players – Y (within reason)
RP injuries to my players - (minor, M=major) Y to minor (once again within reason)
Godmod injuries to my players – N
RP other events – Y (Within reason)

Roster
Starting XV
Loosehead Prop: Cameron Taylor
Hooker: Howard Jones
Tighthead Prop: Chris Johnstone
Lock: J'tali Seraph
Lock: Alberto Kellerman
Flanker: Eric Zubrov
Blindside Flanker: Dominic Page
Eightman: Joshua Bristow
Scrumhalf: Bernard Schmidt
Flyhalf: Jacob Fisher
Wing: Gareth Williams
Inside Centre: Dimitri Jager
Outside Centre: Larry Foulke (c)
Wing: Anthony Palmer
Fullback: Brett Thompson

Reserves
Anton Lopez - Prop, Lock
Elliot Cox - Hooker, Prop
Luke Beagle - Flanker
Jack Bartlett - Fly-half, outside centre
Hans Davenport - Scrum-half, Inside centre
Alex MacGregor - Wing, Fullback
Macus Snow - Centres, Wing

7 - Attack
6 - Defence
2 - Scrum
5 - Line-out
7 - Ruck/Maul
6 - Fitness
8 - Overall Team Strength
9 - Kicking
2 - Effectiveness of Coaching Staff
8 - RP value

1. Damian Ball
2. Kiran O'Sullivan
3. Roar Magill
4. Patrick Saudelia
5. Darren Prestick
6. Jason Fitzgerald
7. Matthew Blank
8. Joel Namira
9. Justin Cronin
10. Steven Teylor
11. Roger Baroon
12. David Machony
13. Gary O'Leary
14. Timoty Geil
15. Francois DeVille

16. Austin Goore
17. Robert Pick
18. Norman Davids
19. Scott Tamara
20. Lee MacIntair
21. Darell O'Rurke
22. David Sanders
23. Joe Pallestra
24. Bill Cronin


Choose my point breakdown - Y
Choose my point scorers - Y
Hand out yellow cards to my players - Y
Hand out red cards to my players - Y
RP injuries to my players - Y
Godmod injuries to my players - Y
RP other events - Y

Thank you Lovisa. List updated.

Taken from The Times, IH Edition

Rory Starr on the Rugby World Cup

Hitmen Head Coach Rory Starr announced earlier that he was "happy" with his squads Pool D selection for next months Rugby World Cup, the eighth time that the event has been staged. Starr forsaw that the pool matches would be "challenging" for his team which is making its official debut on the World Cup stage infront of an expected sold out crowd in Snake Eaters.

Whilst the opposition team hasn't been drawn yet, Starr believes that his men will have a tough time in the opening minutes similar to that experienced in their recent warm up game against the Kings VX from the Kingdom of the House of James. In the opening four minutes an unlucky bounce saw the ball passed Dom Smith at inside half only for one of the Kings men to pick it up and score beneath the posts. Only a pair of tries from top try scorer Jason Richardson saw the hosts eventually end up victorious. With Charlie Hodge in form particularly with the boot, he kicked nine out of nine in the 35-10 victory including a penalty from just inside his own half, the back line looks as good as it ever has been as the players prepare to fly out.

Worries over the fitness of lock Toby Witts following an ankle injury two weeks ago seem to be over and despite sitting out the Kings XV game in favour of Tommy Smart, Coach Starr says that Witts will "definitely" be playing in the opening game. The 6ft 5" player declared that he is ready to be back in full training with the team as soon as they land in Snake Eaters.

In Premiership action this week, all the major teams will again be without their internationals. For the fourth game running those teams are relying on their second string players in many cases, with the Holborn Hornets benefitting the most in last weeks 45-5 destruction of bottom of the table Gadbury RFC.

Thank you Lovisa. List updated.

ur welcome :)

After a month of deliberation, the Empire is pleased to release its team for the 8th Rugby World Cup. Without further ado, we present the team

1. Loosehead Prop - Paul Brown
2. Hooker - Joe August
3. Tighthead Prop - William Wheeling
4. Lock - David Grant
5. Lock - Oliver McDowell
6. Blindside Flanker - Aaron Thompson
7. Openside Flanker - Jack Russell
8. Number Eight - Ben Lowe
9. Scrum-Half - Arthur Cowley
10. First Five-Eight - Daniel Packard
11. Wing - John O'Brien
12. Second Five-Eight - Steve Williamson
13. Outside Centre - Tim Hubbard
14. Wing - Charley Higgins
15. Fullback - Harry Abrahams

Reserves

John Moore
Thomas Pigeon
Robert Morton
Linus Nutford
Alexander Maxwell
Arthur Clarke
Fred Potton
Bill Cornelius
Anthony Adamson

The New Cleethorpes Enquirer
Excitement builds before rugby kick-off

The 8th Rugby Union World Cup is shortly to begin, and with it will come Quintessence of Dust's entry into the world of top-flight international rugby. Widely regarded as the principal national sport, rugby enjoys much greater following than football, and given the level of support for the nation's efforts in the current football World Cup 33 qualifiers, Quodites should be on the verge of frenetic delirium by the time this competition kicks off.

The team has been drawn in Group C, alongside more experienced sides Roryville and United Island Empires, and fellow newcomers South Adrea. And team coach Edward Large is under no apprehension as to the task facing his players. "We're not expecting to waltz in and win; we'll have to scrap for every point. But I think our style of rugby suits that, and if we can get good points on the board early, it's not going to matter how many caps our opponents have."

Leading them will be prop forward Barry Pullman, who says he is very excited to have the opportunity to be the first player to lead out his side in an international contest. Meanwhile, the sport's administration will be hoping this won't be the only arena in which such a possibility will be open, with thw QRFU currently bidding on sponsorship to host a (smaller-scale) tournament of their own.

The squad has been strengthened by the inclusion of 'the Irish half-backs' Tommy Donegan (scrum half) and Sean Reilly (who will actually play on the wing). After demonstrating their prowess through leading Quintessential Irish to domestic glory in the Talbot Trophy, they are hoped to bring a new vigour to the team's playing.

Relatively free of injury concerns, a first-choice fifteen is expected to be available for the opening encounter (opponents yet to be announced) but it is highly likely that as the tournament progression, the now habitual shuffling of the pack that has marked Large's reign will continue. In particular, Jack Peters will have to play well to justify his selection at fly half, while all eyes will be on Bernard Franks outside him, to see whether the move to a 'crash centre' will work.

Much will be expected of the pack, under the leadership of Pullman and the tireless James Wilmot, and in particular key players Danny Mensen and Dean Olafson. Similarly, full-back Bill Gerhard, who has taken on kicking responsibilities, will be under a good deal of pressure, although his flawless season with the Mountain Lions is a strong indication he will be up to the task.

The Hawks will be wearing their traditional black uniforms, with a white and gold reserve strip; also as usual, players will wear their club socks, meaning their should be a veritable rainbow of ankles lining up before their opponents. All across Quintessence of Dust, people will be gearing their hopes towards those ankles finding themselves in opposition territory. As famed commentator Fido Pedastolos once said, "We don't like wars and invasions. That's what we have rugby for."

Apologies for my abscense - had to go to Westbury, for the British Army Officer Selection Board. The tournament will begin next Monday, for all those who have submitted their numbers. If you haven't yet, please do so. I will be TG'ing those who haven't, just in case.

Excellent stuff!

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=12420539#post12420539

I hereby declare the 8th Rugby World Cup OPEN.

All participants are now listed on the first page. You will notice, some still not have a roster. If you wish to post one, do it here, and I will update the listings. If you post one after the first match, it cannot have an effect on the outcome. However, it will affect the second match, and so forth.

Good luck everyone.

OOC: Ummmm.....do we know who's playing who? Or do we choose?

This is an OOC thread. And you will do, I'll post it as soon as I've got it clear.