retired_amadhani

So watching the Rugby last night and not one of the people I was with in the pub didn't support England in the Rugby but its a very different story when England play international football, many people feel indifferent, care a lot or support against England.

I was just wondering why this is.

I mean when you see the national anthems being played before the game, every one of the rugby lads belts it out, which maybe makes you feel more patriotic? In the football some of them don't even look like they know the words.

Is it also the way they (rugby side) conduct themselves, even during a punch up you think they are just sorting things out because in football as soon as someone touches you they go down. So its seems in a weird way there is more integrity in Rugby. Also the way they treat the referee its a vast contrast to football, your not even allowed to swear, Wayne Rooney would be off inside every 2 minutes.

Maybe because I don't closely follow rugby I don't know too many of the personalities or what antics they get up to off the pitch so maybe because we hear many stories about footballers we build up a dislike for Football players more than Rugby, just for the simple fact that Football players are written about much much more.

These are just some of the reasons why I feel more patriotic about Rugby than I do about Football, even though I've never played the sport and don't pay much attention to it at club level.

I was just wondering how you all feel about these different sports within your national country. Whether your attitude is the same towards both or its different? If so, why?

retired_bliss123

the most basic reason is that rugby, like cricket, is centred far more on the international game so it becomes the main outlet for support.

retired_kazzy2

I don't feel particularly patriotic about England's football or rugby teams. The football thing I would suggest is because I'm just a lot more interested in club football. The rugby thing to do with possibly my Scottish heritage (on one side at least) but I'm neither Scottish, English or anything else, so I just watch the games (mostly) as a neutral and enjoy them, a lot of the time supporting the underdog.

retired_amadhani

still get 20k for a club rugby match?

retired_mrszip

I dont understand Rugby at all but the last WC final Vs Austrailia was the best sporting atmosphere I've been part of bar non.

retired_Monica65

I am of the opinion that I'm not arsed about Rugby and hence the national team.

retired_amadhani

football?

retired_roxy

whs

retired_nini59

still get 20k for a club rugby match? </BLOCKQUOTE>

yeah and 75k for a club football match?

retired_imran_ryd

the main reason behind the behaviour on and off the pitch is the fact that generally rugby players are from an educated background.
Footballers are usually from working class backgrounds and have forfeited an education to be put into the football system.