Like most people I don't often admit I'm wrong, but for once I'm going to swallow my pride and just come on out and say it. Yes, Newcastle Falcons, you were right, boxing lessons apparently can be useful for rugby players.
Personally, I couldn't see the point in the Falcons spending a day at a boxing gym before their EDF Energy Cup clash with the Llanelli Scarlets last week which is why I suggested they tried Sumo wrestling instead.
Skipping ropes and boxing gloves didn't seem to have a place on the rugby pitch, but then again, neither did pink shirts and the Falcons have brought them into the game in spectacular style.
The Falcons smashed last-year's finalists 25-9 at Kingston Park on Friday night thanks to a blistering display from the backs and an equally diligent one from the pack, but if you want a match report- tough because I want to talk about their shirts.
There was a time when pink clothing was the sole preserve of girls and posh toffs in pink shirts, blue blazers and boating shoes sipping champagne at Henley. If a boy at my school had come to the school disco wearing pink he'd have spent the next five years of his life paying the consequences in ritual humiliation.
"Do you want to come my house after school next week?
"No, you wear pink you big girl, now give me your dinner money."
Or
"Why haven't I been selected to play for the football team sir?
"Because you wear pink you big girl, you're playing netball this term."
This may be a little extreme - but then kids are aren't they. My point is that pink has certainly never been a masculine colour to be worn with pride on the field of battle by rugby players.
Alright so perceptions of pink have been changing, just look on your local high street and you'll see plenty of pink in men's clothes shops - it's not girly anymore, apparently, it's metro-sexual, like David Beckham. This means you can also wear a skirt, I think!
I'll be honest, I was reluctant at first, but I own a pink shirt which I wear, to good effect, with a black suit. I also own a pink T-shirt, but
rugby players - in pink - a bright, eye-dazzling pink - has the whole world turned mad?
No wonder the Scarlets looked a little off colour - boom boom - as they crashed to a shock defeat! But where they dazzled by the brightness of their opponents shirts or too busy laughing to take them seriously?
Still the Falcons have got a 100% record wearing them so...
- Post to:
del.icio.us
Digg
Newsvine
Nowpublic
Reddit
« Previous | Home | Next »