To my reader(s), I have to apologize for not keeping this Blog up to date. After the end of last season I had to repair all of the relationship and work related bridges I had burned in the name of Rugby, and that takes time. If you are a rugger I am sure you understand. It is a shame because I had several rugby related subjects on which to impart my sage wisdom; but have since forgot them all, much like Rick Perry in a debate. However, I do have a few things to say before I close out the Blog for the New Years.
First of all, for anyone who has ever read this Blog, thanks. I hope you have enjoyed reading it as I have had writing it. I decided a few years ago to record my experiences as I evolved as a person while trying to play this great sport at my advanced age. It has been a fun ride and I hope I can keep doing it for a few more seasons. I would like to welcome and solicit your responses regarding my posts. I am all about self-improvement; and while I am not very good with constructive criticism you are protected by the anonymity of the Internet.
Secondly, I have been bored pissless with American football this year. All of my favorite teams are lackluster performers and I am not playing Fantasy Football so I have no stake in any of the games. After the thrill and excitement of watching the World Cup I have come to the sad realization that American Football (especially NFL) can be rather boring given the excessive time between downs, side changes, and the myriad of TV commercials (adverts for my English mates). I am constantly pondering how I can get Rugby on the tube here. I think NPR or PBS should play a few matches, U.S. Super League or Premiership League from the United Kingdom for my personal viewing pleasure. I think this would help the grassroots movement immensely and would be a boon for the television stations.
Lastly, The only thing that has kept me sane to the point where I am not trying to tackle the dog or start a scum with the Grandmother, (This Christmas I almost turned a large family group hug into a maul as I tried to push the mass out of the doorstep and onto the front yard), has been fantasy rugby. I have come across an incredible fantasy game called BLACKOUT Rugby. In it, you become the Owner and General Manager of a Rugby team. You control everything from hiring a coach, training, player development and game tactics, to managing the budgetary issues of a team. You can be engaged as much as you want in the business aspect of running a team or focus only on the preparation and engagement of the matches. The game even gives you a real time play-by-play details of the matches as if they were being called on the radio or television. Even though this is a true fantasy league, as all the players are made up, the play-by-play presentation brings the personalities of the players to life and creates a sense of drama that is often lacking in fantasy football or baseball.
As a team owner and manager you compete head-to-head each week against other owners around the nation. Teams are ranked regionally, nationally, and internationally. The leagues all have cup competitions and league winners can get promoted to higher divisions. Look it up at http://www.blackoutrugby.com/. It has been fun and has helped me understand the game from a strategic point of view. Additionally, it has made me want to manage a sports organization. Unfortunately, I haven’t been hitting the gym because my downtime is spent dedicated to my team, the “Gladiators”. It is also one of the reasons I haven’t written in the Blog for so long. Hope to see you on the virtual pitch. At least I am competitive on this field.
