“Scrummage” is the end product of a blend of final year journalism portfolio and a will to help new rugby fans understand the positions of the game. Having played as a tight-head prop for my Universities 1st team it was great how much people wanted to talk to rugby players and yet when I attempted to explain what it was a prop did you could see the look of confusion slide across their face.
So what I did was create a series of video containing some of the biggest names in world rugby to help describe and explain the various positions of Rugby Union. Each episode covers aspects such as training, diet, injury prevention, the difference between two positions of the same name (such as the number 4 & 5 lock) and then end with who the professionals think is the best player in the world at their position.
The next episode in the series is concentrating on the engine room of the scrum, the locks, also known as the second row, (numbers 4 & 5) and to do this we have with us the greatest ever British and Irish Lion:
Willie John McBride MBE
Lock, Ireland & British and Irish Lions
McBride is regarded as the greatest ever British and Irish Lion have been on a record 5 tours and being the most capped Lion in test games, appearing 17 times. He also led them on the demonstrative 1974 Lions tour to South Africa in which the Lions were unbeaten in their 22 game campaign, a campaign in which the infamous 99 call was created.
Tom Palmer
Lock, London Wasps & England
Having appeared over 40 times for England, Palmer has an England career stretching over 11 years from 2001 through to 2012. He very powerful and athletic lock he was great in the lineout and also played a huge part in England’s 35-18 Cook cup win over Australia in 2010.
Christian Day
Lock, Northampton Saints & England Saxons
The lineout commander for the Northampton Saints squad, Day is partnered with hard hitting tackling machine Courtney Lawes and the pair, along with hooker Dylan Hartley have made the Saints lineout one of the most potent and effect in the Aviva Premiership.
Joe Launchbury
Lock, London Wasps & England
Launchbury has made himself the starting number 4 in the England set up. His fantastic ball carrying, tackling and lineout skills make him a very serious threat anywhere on the pitch. He was voted man of the series after the 2012 QBE Autumn international after England recorded their first victory over the All Blacks since 2003.
Dave Attwood
Lock, Bath & England
Attwood is hugely powerful lock. His power and bulk make him a nightmare for an opposing team. His great tackles, steadfast dedication and brute strength make him perfect when coming off the bench for both club and country, wearing down the opposing attack and even helping breakthrough the oppositions defensive line.
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