RUGBY 20

Sport inspired posts are really becoming my favorites. For real. RUGBY 20 is the latest in the long list of sport-themed posts, but I can safely say that I enjoyed writing about every single one. I truly did. The football post was particularly interesting for me. But I think that’s because i’m a huge football fan. However, the F1 post was challenging I must admit. Which brings me to the latest sport related post in my agenda. It’s about rugby and it’s another fantastic sport-related challenge for me.

Why? Because unlike football, I haven’t really watched that many rugby matches before. In all honesty, I’ve watched more WWE matches than rugby games. But I find that every post is an opportunity to learn something more. Regardless if that knowledge it’s about the sport or the game itself. I love the learning process.

Speaking of the game, we do have plenty of great rugby games here at IndieGala, but the RUGBY 2 is currently on sale. So, if you’re also a fan of the sport, make sure to hurry up and get it. The sale expires very soon. Get it while it’s hot.

RUGBY 20: And what’s the game all about?

Developed by Eko Software and published by Bigben Interactive, RUGBY 20 is a sports simulation, single-player game. It allows you to play with the best national teams and biggest leagues. In intense single-player and multiplayer matches of course. Whether it’s local or online it’s up to you to choose: Top 14, Pro D2, Gallagher Premiership and Pro 14.

You can experience a game with tactical depth that recreates the intricacies of the modern game. While you’re on the pitch, you can tweak your game plan. Also, you can manage your line-out and initiate a set move. Finally, you can find spaces and give your side the winning edge! Much like the sport, the game is like no other. But what about the sport?

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RUGBY 20: What is Rugby anyway?

For newcomers like me, a brief explanation about the sport is in order. What is rugby anyway? Well, rugby goes by the name of Rugby Union. It’s a full-contact team sport that originated in England in the first half of the 19th century. However, in its most common form, a game of rugby is played between two teams of 15 players. They use an oval-shaped ball on a rectangular field called a pitch. The field has H-shaped goalposts at both ends. Furthermore, the most important competition in rugby union is the Rugby World Cup. It’s a men’s tournament that has taken place every four years since 1987. South Africa are the reigning champions in rugby. And although not as popular as football, rugby has a strong following around the world.

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Rugby in movies

You’d be surprised how many times Rugby has dominated modern cinema. Although the sport is not as popular as American football or basketball for that matter, some awesome rugby movies are worth mentioning. No doubt about it. And no, I won’t be mentioning Alive, the 1993 biopic about the Uruguay rugby team that crashed in the Andes. Yes, they were rugby players indeed, but their story has nothing to do with the sport. But inspired by my recent rally themed post, I am going to include both feature-length movies and documentary movies. Because why not? They”re all fund and great movies. Let’s begin, shall we?

Invictus

Invictus is a great movie. Seriously. I just had to start with this one. Clint Eastwood became much more adventitious director well in his 70’s and 80’s (he’s 90 now) but Invictus was one such product. A product of the themes that Eastwood cared about. Rugby and the ramifications of the Apartheid in South Africa. Because Invictus is as much as about the race tensions in South Africa as it is about rugby. However, the movie has Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman in the lead roles, and they are both incredible. Set in the mid 90’s Invictus follows both the events after the Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and the events leading up to the 1995 World Cup. Both Damon And Freeman were nominated for an Academy Award, and it’s worth the watch. It’s truly a good movie.

Forever Strong

Although fairly unknown (compared to Invictus), Forever Strong is decent rugby inspired movie. However, unlike Invictus Forever Strong is based on a compilation of individual true stories. And not just it’s based on actual events, Forever Strong has a strong cast as well. Sean Austin, Neal McDonough, Penn Badgley, Gary Cole and Sean Faris among others are in this movie. Furthermore, the film is about a troubled rugby union player (played by Sean Farris). After getting into some trouble, he’ll be forced to play against the team his father coaches at the national championships. Do you know that it took more than 20 years for the movie to be actually made? That’s right. So make sure you watch it. You just might like it.

The Brighton Miracle

Japan’s rugby team is not the most acclaimed and prestigious in the rugby world. Well, not compared to the giants like Australia, England and New Zeeland. So, after the humiliating 145-17 defeat by the New Zealand All Blacks in the 1995 World Cup something had to change. Japan’s rugby federation hired Eddie Jones, to coach their national team for the upcoming 2015 World Cup. And of course to change things for the better. Much like the previous two films, this movie is also inspired by true events. And if you’re a fan of Temuera Morrison, then you’re going to love The Brighton Miracle. I know I am.

Pacific Warriors

Why not finish this post with a documentary? Pacific Warriors seems like the perfect choice for that. And just what Pacific Warriors entails? Well, it’s a compelling and inspiring story about the rugby teams of three Pacific rugby teams. Tonga, Samoa and Fiji. These small island countries have a fascinating history. But the history behind the creation of their rugby teams is just as engaging and colorful. The documentary explores the backgrounds of a wide variety of players. Not to mention, that plenty of the rugby legends participate in the documentary too. The documentary is narrated by the one and only Brian Cox, but the reception of the movie is the one that matters. For instance, the movie’s Amazon comment section has almost 90% positive approval. One fan wrote:

Loved hearing the history of these underdogs fleshed out. Makes sense why the Fijians took the first Olympic gold in men’s rugby! All glory be to God on high.

So make sure you don’t miss it.

RUGBY 20: Your thoughts

What’s your opinion on this particular sport? Are you a fan of rugby? Well if you are tell us about your favorite player. And make sure to recommend your favorite rugby movie as well.

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