The Alternative Rugby New Year's Honours List

The nation’s disappointment at today’s official New Year’s Honours List caused us to review the Talking Rugby Union highlights of the year and propose our very own rugby version.

Most Memorable Try Filmed by Us

We saw many great tries around the world of rugby. We filmed Foleau but are unable to publish the video ( copyright don’t you know! )

However it was a trip to Yorkshire, Harrogate to be precise and a Leeds based Lancastrian scoring a try. He tackled an opposition players close to the half way line, ripped the ball and carried it past 6 defenders to score

Well done Jonny Matthews

http://www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/national-2-north-video-highlights-harrogate-28-37-sedgley-tigers/10280.htm

 They copied us Award

On December 14^th 2013, the press agency AFP released a rugby news story and it was picked up by newspapers published in Hong Kong. The topic, the Moufflons; the national rugby union team of Cyprus

One month earlier Talking Rugby Union had done the same

http://www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/cyprus-international-rugby-s-world-record-holders/10242.htm

 The “which University did you go to” Award

As former rugby playing students at Bath, Loughborough and Manchester Metropolitan we have followed University rugby for many years. The selection system for England Students is a great mystery but in 2013 we became aware of what must have been an incredible University team in the day. As we interviewed Sean Dougall and Fergus Mulchrone, we realised that along with Macclesfield’s Ryan Parkinson, Rotherham’s Charlie Mulchrone and our own Max Skofic; they had all played for Man Met.

What a team that must have been! We will be bringing you more news about these players in 2014. Both Sean and Fergus have stepped up into top flight rugby this season and have had massive impacts with Munster and London Irish.

http://www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/sean-dougall-letting-rugby-do-the-talking-/10235.htm

http://www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/fergus-mulchrone-life-in-the-fast-lane/10190.htm

Ryan is the leading try scorer in National 2N and Max Skofic is captaining Tarleton Terriers. If you are or know other members of that Man Met team please drop us a line…

The knocking on Mr Lancaster’s Door Award

This award is shared by Nathan Catt of Bath Rugby and Jack Nowell of Exeter Chiefs.

In 2014 we are sure that Stuart Lancaster will give Nathan Catt the opportunity to play 6 Nations. This loose head prop has improved his technique in the scrum with help from Neal Hatley and Paul James. This has added to his ferocious open play.

We focussed on Jack Nowell during the LV Cup and remain convinced that with current injuries to the back 3, he will emerge as a Lancaster selection

http://www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/lv-cup-exclusive-jack-nowell/10218.htm

Rugby Articles of the Year

Three articles stood out during 2014. The first was an exclusive article to Talking Rugby Union, written by Brian Ellis and challenging the Irish rugby authorities about the lack of an Irish 7s team on the IRB circuit.

http://www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/sevens-heaven-so-tell-the-men-in-blazers-/10001.htm

The second was Bernard Jackman’s article about the new scrummaging laws.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2013/1002/477835-analysis-new-rules-make-for-a-better-battle/

The third was Austin Halewood’s creation of a weekly University Rugby Preview and after match review

http://www.talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/2013/2014-university-rugby-review-week-11/10314.htm