Good Rugby Reads
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This isn't a rugby read, is a Vietnam War read.
Rugby connection is former Counties Manukau and Fiji (and Blues assistant) coach Mac MacCallion was part of this 6 man SAS patrol, just a teenager at the time with the cliched "lied about his true age ..." thing.
I met Bill Taare, fine man, glad for him to get recognition.
https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/99283095/forgotten-sas-vietnam-war-hero-denied-medal
@rapido said in Good Rugby Reads:
This isn't a rugby read, is a Vietnam War read.
Rugby connection is former Counties Manukau and Fiji (and Blues assistant) coach Mac MacCallion was part of this 6 man SAS patrol, just a teenager at the time with the cliched "lied about his true age ..." thing.
I met Bill Taare, fine man, glad for him to get recognition.
https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/99283095/forgotten-sas-vietnam-war-hero-denied-medal
Peter Fatialofa had one of the better Rugby books I've read and he said he was terrified when he had to play against Mac McCallion ( although he was quoted as well and said he was scared of Fats too )
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Mac was a fine player in his day as well. Good Manurewa club man, hard arse flanker, NZ Maori rep (captain as well).
Here's another story related to the one above.
@crucial said in Good Rugby Reads:
Mac was a fine player in his day as well. Good Manurewa club man, hard arse flanker, NZ Maori rep (captain as well).
Here's another story related to the one above.
EDIT: changed my post re: Mac's age..
On Wiki Mac was born 1950, so he joined army in 1964 as a ;17 year old' but was actually 14. Was aged 17 when he joined SAS soldier, and aged 19 at the tie of this incident.A 2 hour fighting withdrawal while carrying their comrade.
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Sounds like there were two Mac McCallions. The guy in the herald article looks too nice to be the former counties coach.
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@kiwimurph saw that on Twitter this morning, cool story!
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@kiwimurph Great story by Sumo!
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@mikedogz said in Good Rugby Reads:
Sounds like there were two Mac McCallions. The guy in the herald article looks too nice to be the former counties coach.
Yep definitely a different bloke. Amazing coincidence though.
@mn5 said in Good Rugby Reads:
@mikedogz said in Good Rugby Reads:
Sounds like there were two Mac McCallions. The guy in the herald article looks too nice to be the former counties coach.
Yep definitely a different bloke. Amazing coincidence though.
Turns out the other guy is Wayne McCallion, his brother.
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https://www.amazon.com/World-Conflict-Global-Battle-Supremacy/dp/1925635740
Excellent book, one of the (if not the) best rugby book I've read.
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@nzzp said in Good Rugby Reads:
Sumo Stevenson is rapidly becoming my favourite sports writer and commentator. What a top bloke. Just go and read this
http://thespinoff.co.nz/featured/02-11-2016/48-hours-drinking-with-rugbys-greatest-losers/
Superb. Cheers.
That is awesome , I would love to do that.
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Interview with referee Angus Gardner
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Not rugby but cool all the same
https://deadspin.com/blackhawks-play-36-year-old-local-accountant-as-emergen-1824199592
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<p>I'll put this one here as well from another thread.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gordon-d-arcy-burgess-is-blunder-that-could-bury-england-1.2371821'>http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gordon-d-arcy-burgess-is-blunder-that-could-bury-england-1.2371821</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Gordon D'Arcy's view on the Burgess experiment</p>@crucial said in Good Rugby Reads:
<p>I'll put this one here as well from another thread.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gordon-d-arcy-burgess-is-blunder-that-could-bury-england-1.2371821'>http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/gordon-d-arcy-burgess-is-blunder-that-could-bury-england-1.2371821</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Gordon D'Arcy's view on the Burgess experiment</p>https://twitter.com/SamBurgess8/status/1067330711038783488?ref_src=twsrc^tfw
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Really enjoyed this
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Really enjoyed this
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Really enjoyed this
@jegga this is particularly true of most sports clubs these days, not least the bar take was always a huge part in keeping the places running.
Not so much of an issue in the cities where public transport or carpooling is an option.
You can’t ignore the fact that alcohol plays a big part in proceedings. You can’t deny the fact, also, that attitudes to, and more specifically policing of, drink-driving laws has torn away at the social tissue that connected rural rugby clubs to the wider community.
During the centenary celebrations, Dean Cup stalwart David Walter wrote: “In earlier days the drinking ritual was manly and mandatory, smoking was almost compulsory and drink-driving was a highly recommended activity. Panelbeaters got quite a surge of winter activity following a Dean Cup challenge.”
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