A rare thing happened to me this weekend. I missed the Six Nations. But I had a good reason. And I can not wait to see all three matches despite the fact I know the outcome. They have been exciting games this Six Nations, and the rankings at the end of it all are only in part reflective of how the games were played, by all the teams. It’s been a great competition. And it was anyone’s.
Rugby Really is the Best Game
But I missed it and will have to play catch up. Which I will do. Because I love this game.
My love of writing was handed down. My Dad was a writer too. Better yet, he was also a sport writer. But his love of sport was for Musky Fishing. He was passionate about it and spent many an evening in the loo writing another great piece for the fishing aficionados or weekend warriors who would read Ontario Out of Doors or Angler and Hunter Magazine.
So I guess I really fell into it quite naturally.
I have always wanted to write, and I’ve always enjoyed sports of all kinds — playing and watching. But rugby, I’ve come to learn, is so much different.
Rugby always seems like it’s four games in one. It’s complicated and intelligent and tactical and more physical than most other games. What’s the best part? Is it the scrum? The line out? The passing game, the running game, the breakdown? The tackling? Surely the backs are not better than the forwards or vice versa. So many facets to enjoy! So many pieces must fall together just so for a game to be won successfully.
I learned the game of rugby as one would learn chess, from someone who played and fully understood why a number 8 would do this, or why the ball would be kicked out onto the full, when time is ripe for a penalty kick or kicking to the corner, and much much more.
It’s been so much fun learning each facet of rugby. I fear I will never learn it all, either. I still have much to learn about the game. But I love it all the same, and really feel I’m into it for life. I already look forward to the day when today’s stars are tomorrow’s commentators and new stars fill their boots.
I learned Rugby willingly and not by default from my husband Mark who played. He also grew up loving and playing all kinds of sports. So he brought rugby me to me and I brought fishing to him. With Dad’s help of course.
My love of sport came much the way my love of Writing did: from my Dad. So it’s only natural that I’m into Rugby and want to be stuck in; Watching, commenting, reporting, responding. He was the same way.
I will never give up Rugby or writing about Rugby or following Rugby Canada and making sure the men and women feel supported doing what they do every day. Dad did that for Muskies and Musky research.
Only…I probably won’t be doing my sport writing in the loo.
Thank you for the love of sport Dad and the love of writing. You were well respected, Paul Gasbarino. Rest in peace Dad.
