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

(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

Goose · 25-02-2008, 13:50

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!).

Will · 25-02-2008, 14:16

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!

PvtPyle · 26-02-2008, 15:07

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.

Matblack · 26-02-2008, 15:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by PvtPyle

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

leowyatt · 26-02-2008, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matblack

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by leowyatt

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!

MB

leowyatt · 26-02-2008, 17:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matblack

Quite frankly, Yes

point taken

25-02-2008, 12:14	#1
Matblack Baby Bore Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Svalbard Posts: 9,770	How does one choose a team to support? 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 (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 __________________ "we had roots that grew towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom had fallen from our branches we found that we were one tree and not two"

25-02-2008, 12:42	#2
Stan_Lite Stan, Stan the FLASHER MAN! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: In bed with your sister Posts: 5,483	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. __________________ Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean I...

25-02-2008, 13:07	#3
leowyatt Chef extraordinaire Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Infinite Loop Posts: 11,143	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 __________________ "Dr Sheldon Cooper FTW!" Last edited by leowyatt; 25-02-2008 at 13:10.

25-02-2008, 13:50	#4
Goose The list is long, but distinguished Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Århus, Denmark Posts: 1,643	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!). __________________

25-02-2008, 14:16	#5
Will BBx woz 'ere :P Join Date: Jan 1970 Posts: 2,147,487,208	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! __________________ *No No!*

26-02-2008, 15:07	#6
PvtPyle Sofa Boy Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Wield of the Shire Posts: 701	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.