The European Rugby Cup Ablaze

Sport is often not just about physical or mental prowess.

The European Rugby Cup and Challenge Cup are prime examples of the vast areas that sport can deal with. While some competitions focus on individual effort and exemplify the drive and ambition of the human spirit, these rugby competitions deal with something else entirely: tribalism.

There is of course latent elements of tribal behaviour in modern life. In fact, many sociologists theorise that tribalism is often encouraged within society in order to create a common national feeling. In the past, these tropes have often taken violent and destructive forms that have created death and permanent division.

However, rugby seems to deal with this without bloodshed, Every weekend provincial teams across many European countries face each other to test their skill and strength. The fanaticism of the spectators and the phenomenal intensity shown by the players has to be seen on a common level with past tribal behaviour. These matches are not just about rugby, they are about the Hundred Years War, the Battle of Flodden Field and general sovereignty. Every try scored is an advantage over an ancient rival and a banner of national pride. More than this, when the battle is over equal respect is shown to the victor and the vanquished with on pitch guards of honour and dignified spectators.

Clearly, if something like rugby can alleviate these tendencies towards tribalism we should embrace such a healthy release.

-The English Student