Sunday 28 February 2010

Rugby Passion - but not for the English?


I was in the pub yesterday watching England play Ireland and not for the first time was struck by how cheerful, joyful even the Irish supporters were, and how quiet the English fans seemed in comparison.

And then I wondered – are they (we) quiet for a reason? Inhibited, perhaps? Even intimidated – psychologically at the very least?

I remember being in a pub in Düsseldorf during the World Cup when England were playing Wales, and looking at the unmistakeable wrist gestures from the Welsh fans when the English national anthem played, or when “Swing Low” was chanted. Was there a pub brawl? Of course not. But maybe there should have been.

What’s at the bottom of it? Do the Scots, Irish and Welsh really hate the English? And if so, why?

Maybe it’s got something to do with the turgid rugby the English have been churning out for the past – er – 6 years. Or the fact that Swing Low really is a terrible song, something to be embarrassed about. And God Save Our Gracious Queen doesn’t quite stir the blood or get the pulse racing.

My own impression it that we English are not really hated at least when it comes down to rugby, but we are buttoned-up in a way out Celtic neighbours are not. And our rugby isn’t the most entertaining. And the post-match interviews from England management and players are so up-tight and “on-message” as to be scary. So maybe time to chill-out, lighten up a bit. We don’t have to use fake tan but…..Martin Johnson, hope you are reading this. And good luck Mr.Cipriani.




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4 comments:

  1. Sezin1 March 2010 at 01:10

    Interesting! I've been watching rugby with a group of English friends at a local sports bar that dedicates certain sections of the place to the various matches going on. The English fans I've been hanging around with, including the strangers, are a bunch of madmen! Maybe the phenomenon you're noticing is only true for Brits in the UK? Here in Prague I'd never describe Brits as quiet or inhibited in the least. :-)

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  2. Anonymous3 March 2010 at 13:51

    Thank you so much, that is fascinating! I always had the impression whilst living in germany that the English were riotous - which ties in with your impression. Here, maybe it's because it's Edinburgh, it seems more subdued. Maybe once abroad, the English hang loose more. Quiet Americans, Quiet English...all literature and mythology perhaps...;)

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  3. Protocole Odessa5 September 2010 at 15:35

    I am a Scot and I make a point of always supporting England whenever Scotland is not playing. I get annoyed when other Scot's and some Welsh etc seem to make a real point of supporting Ireland or any other 'celtic' team other than England.

    I am Scottish and Proud, but England is our neighbour and partner in Union. I do not see any problems with it, English people should be allowed to shout and yell as much as anyone else!

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  4. Savannah Adams4 April 2011 at 01:50

    @Muzzerino: I guess it depends on the person, too. Maybe there are times when English men are just being very supportive to the teams wherever they are in the world. It's just a game, anyway. People don't have to be chaotic or riotous against the other teams' fans/supporters.

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