TRF Northern Hemisphere Rugby Union Round-up

 
Today is the start of the 2010 RBS 6 Nations.  I'm sure you are all as excited as I am.  One question, though, is lingering in the subconcious of all of Rugbydom, "What does George Hook think?"  Thanks to the lovely people at RTÉ Sport we now have the answer!  "By the end of the tournament, I think the order will be: France, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Italy."  Want to know ole Hook's full analysis of the 6 Nations?  Go here: http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/sixnations/2010/0205/georgehook_1.html 

For in depth discussion of all things 6 Nations there is only one place in the universe to go: TRF.  Click Here for TRF's 6 Nations Section.

So a new Millennium dawned, or maybe it didn’t if you want to rehash that old argument, and with it came a new dawn for European rugby with the Italy joining the fold to create the Six Nations Championship.

Things couldn’t have started sweeter for the Azzuri as they announced their arrival in style with a comprehensive win over the defending and last 5 Nations Champions, Scotland. Led by Diego Dominguez and his hat-trick of drop goals they picked up a comfortable win.

Meanwhile at Twickenham, the hangover from Lens continued for Ireland as they shipped 50 points to England. Changes were needed fast and they duly arrived as Scotland were next up for Gatland’s side, whose job was on the line, 4 new caps and suddenly things were looking up as Ireland beat Scotland for the first time since 1988.

Rugby Fans living in the United States of America should be happy. BBC America has announced that they will be broadcast 5 live RBS 6 Nations Matches starting 06 February 2010.

It's not like one can't watch Rugby in the US with Setanta Sports being available as a premium channel and having it's own online presence as well as the internet service of Rugby Zone. However, now a standard cable and satellite channel will carry live Rugby into American homes.

“RBS Six Nations Championship, one of Europe’s biggest annual sporting events, will broadcast live on BBC AMERICA starting Saturday, February 6.  The cable channel will broadcast five live matches over the course of the legendary rugby tournament featuring England, Ireland, France, Scotland, Wales and Italy vying for the championship”

(BBC America. 21 January 2010. http://www.press.bbcamerica.com/press/newsdetail.jsp?news_id=156).

A man who splintered the defences of television sports commentary but kept a foot in touch like a rampaging wildebeest when it came to his adoring fans who swooned like the last daffodils of spring at his every verbal quip and analogy. A man who defined Rugby commentary and set the bar which since his sad departure from this earth has yet to be beaten.

And maybe it should be left that way for there simply cannot be another Bill McLaren.

Read more: RIP the "voice of rugby"