Rugby in Spain
 

Anyone noticed that Spain are now firmly within the second tier of world Rugby? A couple of weeks ago they were 18th in the IRB world rankings only 6 places behind Scotland and in the mix with teams like Georgia, Romania and Russia who you might well expect to see making up the numbers in the World Cup finals. OK - I realise the gulf between these lower teams and the top 10 is immense but it's a pretty good showing. I think they play their home matches at the University in Madrid - too far to go else I would try to watch a match or two...

Re: Rugby in Spain
 

Hold on a mo:

Tier 1= NZ and SA

Tier 2 = France, Australia, Ireland, England

Tier 3= Scotland, Italy, Argentina

Tier 4= Samoa, Fiji, Tonga

Tier 5=Romania, Russia, Wales, Georgia, Portugal and now Spain

Not quite 2nd tier yet :D

Re: Rugby in Spain
 

:rofl::rofl: Got a bit of a downer on Wales then have you?:rofl::rofl:

Re: Rugby in Spain
 

Wales aren't playing too well at the moment

but then since the likes of Gareth Edwards, Phil Bennett, Barry John, JPR Williams have never really been replaced

those were the days, sitting up in the gods at Arms Park

:thumbsup:

Re: Rugby in Spain
 

Well they have always struggled against Western Samoa and now seem to have little chance against the whole of Samoa :D

I think it was last years comments that no Englishman would get in the Welsh side that annoyed me most - incredible arrogance

Re: Rugby in Spain
 

As if any Englishman would want to:frown:

Re: Rugby in Spain
 

:rofl::rofl: exactly

Re: Rugby in Spain
 

I think you must be a little bit older than me...;)

Re: Rugby in Spain
 

I was, in 1972, the only English pupil attending Ysgol Dewi Sant in St Davids, where I spent two great years....The curriculum included attendance to all internationals held at 'Arms park'....I too sat up in the Gods and watched the wonderful names you mention...I can still taste the 'Brains' from the 'Rose & Crown' now.....Halcyon days!!:thumbup:

Re: Rugby in Spain
 

All pretty boys with nice hair and clean shirts - now Bob Norster he was a Welsh great, proper Rugby player.

Re: Rugby in Spain
 

Passed there yesterday, then walked from Whitesands to St Justinian's, a very special place. Great weather, took a sack full of photos. Then on to Abereiddi and a stop at Newgale on the way home. Bliss!;)

Re: Rugby in Spain
 

And full toilets, everyone peeing everywhere, overflowing down the steps! Yes, those were the days! :rofl:

Re: Rugby in Spain
 

IRB Tiers:

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A...Tier%25201.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y...Tier%25202.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-w...Tier%25203.jpg
Plus another 70+ Countries who are clasified as Tier 3 but have no RWC experience!

Re: Rugby in Spain
 

Now that is interesting!

When I used the word 'tier' I didn't realise that it has a 'proper' meaning within the IRB.

I am pleased to stand corrected as always.:thumbsup:

Interesting also that all the teams have 'nicknames' apart from England, Ireland and Scotland.

Re: Rugby in Spain
 

nor did I and I think the IRB tiers are a bit too broad and prefer mine :D