View Full Version : How does one choose a team to support?
Matblack
25-02-2008, 12:14
Well having enjoyed the rugby so much at the weekend I've decided to break with my tradition of not following team based sports and get myself a domestic rugby team. However I've never been in the position before, how does one secure oneself a team to support. I've never been a fan of 'distance fandom' supporting teams from the other end of the country because they are good just doesn't seem right. That leaves me with 3 rugby teams to choose from (London Irish are out of the picture).
Saracens
Wasps
Harlequins
Quins are technically closest and play at The Stoop in Twickenham, I like Wasps and Saracen's strips :o (both play in black). Wasps actually play out of High Wycombe which is a bit of a trek and Saras are a bit further round than Quins.
Its all rather complicated :/
MB
Stan_Lite
25-02-2008, 12:42
Always a toughie when you have a choice.
I would suggest watching a few games played by each team and seeing if any one of them has a playing style you prefer more than the others. At least that way you're more likely to enjoy watching them play.
leowyatt
25-02-2008, 13:07
If Quins are the closest I'd say go with them, unless you really dislike their style of play. I've always been a Liverpool fan because I was born there, now is the only time I've ever lived close to Anfield but still classed them as my team.
Being a rugby league fan I used to split my support between Saints (my grandfather is a die-hard supporter) and the Wires which I saw a lot of their games when I was younger. Living where I am now though I've become a full-time Saints supporter :)
I use locallity (did I make that word up?), followed by the player I enjoy watching the most. So, for me I support London Irish, and Wasps come a close second (unless Lewsey decides to move elsewhere!).
I used to be a huge fan of the Wasps - I just haven't been keeping track of it for the past year or 2. I picked them because I had a few friends play for them from school. When I can start playing again I'll be playing for London French - you can start support me then! :D
Eugh. Stay away from Wasps. Most of their support base are fairweather rugby spectators anyway :P
If I had to pin my allegiance to a side in the Premiership it would be Gloucester. I have only seen them play once, so I don't pretend to be a major fan. However I like that they are prepared to give younger players a spot in the starting line up. See Ryan Lamb and Anthony Allen as two examples of that.
Wasps. Ian "Paddy" Dunston who used to work here played for them.
Matblack
26-02-2008, 15:44
Eugh. Stay away from Wasps. Most of their support base are fairweather rugby spectators anyway :P
If I had to pin my allegiance to a side in the Premiership it would be Gloucester. I have only seen them play once, so I don't pretend to be a major fan. However I like that they are prepared to give younger players a spot in the starting line up. See Ryan Lamb and Anthony Allen as two examples of that.
Hmmmmm, this seems to go against my twin dislikes a) people who pick a team which is up the other end of the the country because they are good and more likely to win stuff and b) picking the team who are currently at the top of the league.
I'd prefer a London club, Wasps have moved out of the capital so that puts them out of the picture a bit, despite the fact they have a lot of capped players and one of my current favs in a the shape of Paul Sackey. Quins are starting to win over Saras at the moment just because of accessability, damn I wish there was a South East club in the upper leagues :(
MB
tough choice there dude. 3 top clubs, all holding consecutive position in the table.
I'd go Saracens.
leowyatt
26-02-2008, 16:38
damn I wish there was a South East club in the upper leagues :(
MB
Do you have to support an upper league team though?
Matblack
26-02-2008, 17:08
Do you have to support an upper league team though?
Quite frankly, Yes
Here are the stands and facilities at Maidstone, this shot shows the sum total of the fans as well!
http://img184.imageshack.us/img184/599/00039583285fd5.jpg
MB
tbh i'd go watch their games as well - looks like it'd be good fun (excuse my massive photography bias)
leowyatt
26-02-2008, 17:13
Quite frankly, Yes
point taken ;D
Matblack
26-02-2008, 17:14
tbh i'd go watch their games as well - looks like it'd be good fun (excuse my massive photography bias)
That is part of my master plan actually :D
Abbi at work and I were saying we should go and see Maidstone play and then go and get drunk afterwards as a regular Sunday event, she supports Gloucester, so thats another reason I can't support them.
MB
Pumpkinstew
26-02-2008, 22:04
Normally you inherit a team from your Dad, so why not just ask him to pick one for you? :D
Quins are the only team with a rugby ground, hence it's a bit crap.
The Hairy Queens lot have a reputation for being a bit snotty and they got the right hump when they had to spend a year in National 1. A few still wear that particular chip on their shoulder but they're generally a decent bunch. They lack the fervour of the Westcountry or East Mids supporters but are more likely to have an informed and articulate opinion. They can normally raise a gentle ripple of applause for a good try, although they often play that stupid 'Mighty Quin' song at home matches too. :rolleyes:
With Dean Richards running things there's a bit more edge to the team these days although Bris bullied them off the pitch twice in the Heineken Cup this year.
Try the sportnetwork boards if you want a flavour of the banter.
http://www.rugbynetwork.net/
Hmmmmm, this seems to go against my twin dislikes a) people who pick a team which is up the other end of the the country because they are good and more likely to win stuff and b) picking the team who are currently at the top of the league.
Quite right that if you piped up now about Gloucester that is exactly what you would be doing, however they've not always been top of the Premiership, they certainly weren't when I started watching more of their games on Sky!
Being able to make lots of home games is important though, and if you want to watch good rugby Wasps will definitely offer that. They have an excellent squad.
Matblack
27-02-2008, 00:46
Aitch says Wasps because she's heard of one of them, one of them has funny hair and she likes their socks. Hmmmmm
MB
WASPS
or
The Cornish Pirates
:p
leowyatt
29-02-2008, 10:13
The Cornish Pirates
All the way baby! :D
Pumpkinstew
03-03-2008, 00:24
Well if you'd gone to Quins yesterday you'd have been in for a treat!
Matblack
23-04-2008, 13:38
Looks like my new found team (and my secondry team) and please with my support as they are performing very well towards the end of the season :)
MB
I'm sorry to hyjack but I have a rugby type question: the London Wasps, do they have a 'B' team?
Pumpkinstew
10-05-2008, 18:02
Yeah, they won the Southern 'A' league this year.
But that's being scrapped next season so it depends on what friendlies get arranged as to whether they play again next season.
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