To mark the start of the Rugby World Cup here are a few of my favourite rugby quotes.
- Pre-game pep talk before facing England – “Look what these bastards have done to Wales. They’ve taken our coal, our water, our steel. They buy our houses and they only live in them for a fortnight every 12 months. What have they given us? Absolutely nothing. We’ve been exploited, raped, controlled and punished by the English – and that’s who you are playing this afternoon.” Phil Bennett (1977)
- The relationship between the Welsh and the English is based on trust and understanding. They don’t trust us and we don’t understand them. Dudley Wood (1986)
- “Ray Gravell Eats Soft Centres.” Banner at Cardiff Arms Park (1970s)
- You’ve got to get your first tackle in early, even if it’s late. Ray Gravell
- We’ve lost seven of our last eight matches. Only team that we’ve beaten was Western Samoa. Good job we didn’t play the whole of Samoa. Gareth Davies (1989)
- The Holy Writ of Gloucester Rugby Club demands: first, that the forwards shall win the ball; second, that the forwards shall keep the ball; and third, the backs shall buy the beer.
Doug Ibbotson - Rugby is a wonderful show: dance, opera and, suddenly, the blood of a killing. Richard Burton
- “Get your retaliaton in first” Willie John McBride / Carwyn James
- History has shown that what’s happened previously – good or bad – means nothing come kick off.” Richie McCaw
- “Rugby is a tough sport, but what motivates players to go into the battle with no fear? The answer is passion. Passion means not dying wondering how good you and the team could be.” Nick Farr-Jones
& Finally “Oh, that fellow Edwards!” Cliff Morgan
The Incisal Edge 