We four have known each other since the early 1980’s, when we all played rugby together in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. We lost touch once our playing days ended, until the RWC in New Zealand, in 2011, when we came together for the England v Scotland game in Auckland. We have stayed in regular touch ever since.
I find it particularly interesting that of all the associations I have formed over the years, whether through work or other walks of life, its the friendships forged through rugby that have endured. Despite the long break in those friendships. For me it says it all about the game, its ethos, the fellowship it endears, the bonds it creates, the spirit it evokes. Corny, I know, but then this forum is all about talking bollocks.