ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Legendary poet pens beautiful ode to rugby with 'Why We Play the Game'

BY davidharper  ·  Wednesday Oct 6, 2021

Australian author and poet Rupert McCall has perfectly encapsulated the powerful sway that rugby has held over the lives of so many in his poem titled: “Why We Play the Game.” It is beautifully stated and explains just why so many play this great game.

ADVERTISEMENT

McCall has had quite a career. He left the law profession to become a full-time poet and has since delivered poems at the highest levels of public society.

He created this amazing poem last year. Needless to say, it hits home very well for those who have given blood, sweat, and tears for the game they love.

RELATED: Jesse Kriel reflects on what Sonny Bill Williams said to him after the 2015 RWC Semi-Final loss

One need only look at the recent Rugby Championship match between titanic rivals South Africa and New Zealand to see the character behind this poem personified.

Even though each team will go all out to destroy one other on the field, once the whistle goes, mutual respect is typically deepened for the experience.

Maybe that’s why a rugby fan’s favourite quote will always be: “Football is a gentleman’s game played by hooligans, and Rugby is a hooligans’ game played by gentlemen.”

When the battle scars have faded

And the truth becomes a lie

When the weekend smell of liniment

Could almost make you cry…

 

When the last ruck’s well behind you

And the man that ran now walks

It doesn’t matter who you are

The mirror sometimes talks…

 

From the first time that you laced a boot

And tightened every stud

That virus known as ‘rugby’

Has been living in your blood

 

And as you stand there telling lies

Like it was yesterday old friend

You know that if you had the chance

You’d do it all again

 

You see – that’s the thing with rugby

It will always be the same

And that, I guarantee

Is why the hell you played the game!

Related Articles

  • 32 WEEKS AGO

    Tickets now on sale as World XV set to face...

  • 32 WEEKS AGO

    '60 metres, plus change' - massive drop goal...

  • 32 WEEKS AGO

    Referee makes 'tackle of the season' as he...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Fans praise 'Dom Perignon Rugby' as Irish players prepare for final match of South African tour

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 5 DAYS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    South African school boy makes the greatest tackle ever

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    French scrumhalf drills perfect shot at goal under outrageous circumstances

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    The rugby guy and Mack Hansen drop an all time BANGER with latest video

View All

Amateur

  • 97 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 97 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 120 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 120 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 121 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 7 HOURS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

View All