5 Rugbymas Presents to gift to a friend (or to you)
Christmas is upon us and we recommend 5 presents to get for your loved ones, or for you
Hello! the following piece will be solely written in English
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So, have you already bought everything for that special Christmas night? No? Yes? Well, it doesn't matter if you completed or not your gift list as I'm going to tell you what you still need to order, buy, or request, in this special season of the year. Of course, the presents are rugby themed and go from the ye olde and trustworthy books to a trip to France or a videogame challenge!
Tell us what are you going to get this year!
1 - Rugby has f****** laws, not rules | Paul Williams
Price at Amazon UK: 9.67 pounds | 11.22€
The title says it all... That the author has a potty mouth and should eat two spoons of piripiri for being a bad boy this year (not the leather jacket and cool 80's hair kind).
This book deserves all the praise it can get, as it is a fun and insightful ride to the World of the Rugby Laws (not rules), in a successful attempt to explain how the oval sport moves and breaths, without the reader losing his focus. It's the perfect gift for new players (for all ages), interested and concerned parents or guardians, rookie or pro fans, and to everyone who enjoys a fun and witty reading.
2- Scrum Queens - the Story of Women's Rugby | Ali Donnelly
Price at Amazon UK: 14,95 pounds | 17,33€
Women's rugby is on the rise after another excellent Rugby World Cup, with the number of athletes growing each new year, and the future promises to be greater and more fair for the Women and girls who fought and fight for equality and equity. But do you know who was the first driving force behind Women's rugby, or the players that starred in the early days or in the beginning of the XXI century?
Well, if you don't know anything about it and want to dive into what is one of the all-time best sports stories, then Ali Donnelly's masterpiece is a must-read. The author writes every word and sentence with a superb combination of deep passion and facts telling, and is a much-needed Women's Rugby Historia, bringing to life its long history.
3- USA Perpignan vs CA Brive | Stade Aimé Giral
Price at the venue: 12€ (standing) to 50€ (seated)
What about a French-Catalan rugby experience? France is filled with the most intense and passionate rivalries that you can find, and a trip to the beautiful city of Perpignan just makes it better. Imagine this: the best creamy cheese, the most complete wine (or a very cold beer), the crunchiest and soft bread, and... rugby French frenzy party! My advice (with the help of the brilliant James Harrington) is to go watch a USA Perpignan vs CA Brive match, as both teams share an intense rivalry that will hit the roof, as in it will determine who will get relegated at the end of this Top14 season! The 4th of February is the date, so... start packing, buy the tickets, and book some wine and historical tours, and just have fun in one of the most amazing rugby settings worldwide!
4- Straight Up | Ruby Tui
Price at Amazon UK: 6.99 pounds (Kindle) | 8.11€
Life can be an utterly bad journey, but it can also be a blissful fun ride, and it all depends on... different variables. There isn't a secret recipe to have a happy life, as we are dependent on a large universe of conditions to reach a comfortable place, and sometimes life throws the very worst obstacles in our way. Black Ferns star Ruby Tui is a fine example of someone who had to fight-off past demons and jumps the most devious of hurdles to finally be able to smile and feel proud on her journey, especially now, as she is a World champion.
Her book, "Straight Up" is a spine-tingling self-tale, without any sugar coating or intention to hide the most difficult moments, and it shows how powerful and relentless Ruby Tui is, on and off the field. A personal journey that will make you understand why her big smile and thunderous pace are some of the most enjoyable things in the Rugby World. Note: the book is sold out, but there may be a reprint. You can buy the Kindle version.
5- Rugby 22 | NACON
Price at Amazon UK: 27,76 pounds | 32,25€
Price at Steam: 16€ (60% discount)
Price at PlayStation Store: 50€
It isn't Christmas without a videogame, and Rugby 22 can be a good present if you are ready for it. I'm a Rugby08 orphan - yes, yes, Jonah Lomu Rugby was great, for that time -, as it had all the game modes that a new or veteran fan would love to play, from the World Cup experience to picking a team and building it up from the 3rd tier to the top, and since then I feel like in that movie where Tom Hanks is lost in an island, waiting to be rescued. After 14 years, Rugby 22 is the first rugby videogame coming close to EA Sports Rugby08, even if it still has a long way to go (players customization, for example).
A slick and good gameplay (compared to its predecessors, it is definitely better), a smart AI that can raise the challenge, and a bunch of different mechanics can make the experience quite enjoyable. But, as I said before, it still lacks in some areas, be it the official licensing of some teams/competitions or the character creator, which can only both get better if we, rugby fans (be it players, coaches, pundits, ticket holders, admins, former players, occasional fans) buy and talk about it, so there's the necessary engagement for Nacon and EKO Software to feel they should invest more resources in the next installment.
