I never thought I'd ever type or utter such words...but to not inconsiderable dismay, it's becoming my mind set. Having always absolutely loved being at Twickenham, Cardiff or Paris on international day, the craic, the buzz - just a fizzing intoxication but...things are changing.
If I can get one, a ticket for Twickenham is circa £85/£90 - add the return train fare £65, then beers and some scoff (cheese role or hog roast roll does just fine) it's a good £220 hole in your wallet, if my girlfriend comes too - it's really pocket wincing. I don't begrudge the cost per se - it's a blinding day out, but the recent announcement that the RFU are intending to blast out some inappropriately loud rock music at every try - frankly does my lid in.
I have no wish to endure having to sit through some inane racket akin to a cute, small furry animal being ruthlessly tortured when a try is scored...WTF is all that utter nonsense about? It's mind numbing. The RFU are justifying it by quoting some apparent market research they'd done - or caused to have done, says many would be in favour. Really - and what about the traditional time served enthusiasts who have supported the game for years paying through the nose for expensive match tickets along the way? Clearly - of no consequence.
It's more than bad enough having the stadium announcer screech and yell at half time in some bizarre attempt to keep the crowd entertained for 10 minutes?? With all due respect to the bloke, he's only doing his job, but his voice has a hysterical tone and almost beseeches the crowd to be entertained by whatever is laid on. Rugby crowds don't need to be entertained at half time - there's plenty to talk about, by all means lay on some half time activity, kids tag rugby etc, people that want to, will watch, some won't, but it's far more preferable than having it force fed as it is now.
I've arranged an old farts get together for a gang of retired players fond of exaggerating tales of on field derring do in their playing days fuelled by Sharp's Doombar! We're meeting in a marvellous local hostelry for lunch, beers and Scot/Ire, then Eng/Fra and dinner later. Result. We'll be able to mute the hideous racket polluting the air after a try but still savour the occasion and generally have a great day together. Cost - about £60 to £70. Bargain
If I can get one, a ticket for Twickenham is circa £85/£90 - add the return train fare £65, then beers and some scoff (cheese role or hog roast roll does just fine) it's a good £220 hole in your wallet, if my girlfriend comes too - it's really pocket wincing. I don't begrudge the cost per se - it's a blinding day out, but the recent announcement that the RFU are intending to blast out some inappropriately loud rock music at every try - frankly does my lid in.
I have no wish to endure having to sit through some inane racket akin to a cute, small furry animal being ruthlessly tortured when a try is scored...WTF is all that utter nonsense about? It's mind numbing. The RFU are justifying it by quoting some apparent market research they'd done - or caused to have done, says many would be in favour. Really - and what about the traditional time served enthusiasts who have supported the game for years paying through the nose for expensive match tickets along the way? Clearly - of no consequence.
It's more than bad enough having the stadium announcer screech and yell at half time in some bizarre attempt to keep the crowd entertained for 10 minutes?? With all due respect to the bloke, he's only doing his job, but his voice has a hysterical tone and almost beseeches the crowd to be entertained by whatever is laid on. Rugby crowds don't need to be entertained at half time - there's plenty to talk about, by all means lay on some half time activity, kids tag rugby etc, people that want to, will watch, some won't, but it's far more preferable than having it force fed as it is now.
I've arranged an old farts get together for a gang of retired players fond of exaggerating tales of on field derring do in their playing days fuelled by Sharp's Doombar! We're meeting in a marvellous local hostelry for lunch, beers and Scot/Ire, then Eng/Fra and dinner later. Result. We'll be able to mute the hideous racket polluting the air after a try but still savour the occasion and generally have a great day together. Cost - about £60 to £70. Bargain