Rugby Union World Cup 23 [Everything Thread - IC]

[Apox]

Apox National Rugby Team

Coach: Henry Monteforth (Aged 44)
Style: +1.03

Rugby Roster
Starters
Name              Age       Position    Club
Asha Mwada         28           Prop    JK Memorial Squad
Ed Troichi         31         Hooker    Manon Faithful
Jim Paisley        27           Prop    Northern Urbanista
Allan Beggar       31        2nd Row    Islanders (TLI)
James Danbershan   26        2nd Row    JK Memorial Squad
Tim Udar           19        Flanker    JK Memorial Squad
Percy Hughes       26        Flanker    Colesham City Blues (LCN)
Alec Borsham       23       Number 8    Dwile Jerseys

Tim Harrikeh       27     Scrum Half    JK Memorial Squad
Iphitos Horne      32       Fly Half    Gwinevra Saints KICKER
Richard Jones      30  Inside Centre    Islanders (LCN)
Alex Thornton      18 Outside Centre    Islanders (TLI)
Harry Organo       27     Right Wing    Dwile Jerseys
Alex Jones         30      Left Wing    Mandon Faithful
Wilfried Puskas    33      Full Back    Telleursville Gargoyles RFC (NEU)

Subs
James Hoolahan     36           Prop    Mandon Faithful
David Jones        32         Hooker    Burgunden Brawlers RFC (NEU)
Alann Biscuit      22           Prop    Gwinevra Saints
Dean Parler        24        2nd Row    Dwile Jerseys
Jax Volt           27        2nd Row    JK Memorial Squad
Jacob Smith        34        Flanker    Gwinevra Saints
Fred Merchant      29        Flanker    The Vikings
Chris Merchant     31       Number 8    JK Memorial Squad

Trom Hollerstrom   33     Scrum Half    Northern Urbanista
Kyan Brown         25       Fly Half    Dwile Jerseys
Gordon Norbett     24  Inside Centre    Hudd Trolls
James Lidgley      36 Outside Centre    JK Memorial Squad
Tom Lidgley        18     Right Wing    Dwile Jerseys
Chris Donohue      35      Left Wing    Hudd Trolls
Carlton Webb       31           Back    Colesham City Blues (LCN)

RP Permissions
No career ending injuries, no deaths, if you want to do anything insane, send me a TG and I'll join in with the action.

[The Sword Bloke]

GROUP H IT IS
The groups have just been drawn, and yours truly have been drawn in Group H. Now, who and when will Shop Owner's Army play? That is a question that can now be answered, and you can see Shop Owner's awesome commentary about the games, and check out his predictions. All while eating tacos at your computer.

MATCHDAY ONE: The Sword Bloke vs Prusy krolewskie
Shop Owner says: Prusy what-is-skie? The minnows of the group. We at least have dark horse status. I hope Ingla Terra have good pubs, I NEED THEM for after our victory against Prusy what-is-skie. PREDICTION: SWORDEANS WIN

MATCHDAY TWO: The Sword Bloke vs Québécois Commonwealth
Shop Owner says:Let's call them Who-becois Commonteam, because I do not know who they are, which means they are a common team, and because they are a team. Enough said? Swordeans will win. Which means a win-win for the group. Yayyyy!
PREDICTION: SWORDEANS WIN

MATCHDAY THREE: The Sword Bloke vs Quetzala
Shop Owner says: Minnows. Their name sounds like pretzala, which sounds like pretzels, which are illegal in the Holy Nation of The Sword Bloke. Should be a win, fortunately.
PREDICTION: SWORDEANS WIN

MATCHDAY FOUR: The Sword Bloke vs Ko-Oren
Shop Owner says: Oh, them again. *SO vomits in toilet* They were in our WC group, got 4-0 and 3-0 wins against us, and now they're the #1 seed? This will be the only game we lose, but we'll just lose. PREDICTION: SWORDEANS LOSE

MATCHDAY FIVE: The Sword Bloke vs Western Borderlands
Shop Owner says: I already stated above that the Ko-Oren game is the only one we'll lose. They're 17th in the world? Or are they just way too high above for their level? Find out next in 'Swordeans beat Western Borderlands!' PREDICTION SWORDEANS WIN

Shop Owner's Overall Statement: Well, overall, we should be 2nd in the group, but the important thing is that we'll make it all thee way, and make it way too much for the opposition to handle. Well, I was going to end this by banning you from The Sword Bloke forever, but instead I'm just going to eat nachos. Mmm... Nachos.

[Semarland]

Semarland National Rugby Union Team - RUWC23 Squad

Staff
Manager - Carles Manatdurin (Great Ingles), 46
Assistant - Tomas Salanca (Great Ingles), 43
Coaches - Johan Jorgensbach, 36; Martin Lindenhalle, 42; Yannick Adebayor, 34
Physio - Jakob Wall, 34

Starting XV
1. Kristoffer Hardwell, loosehead prop, 30
2. Jonas Axwell, hooker, 32
3. Stefan Korstensen, tighthead prop, 28
4. Marco de Navilier, lock, 26
5. Renat Jonsson-Linde, lock, 23
6. Hans Corner, blindside flanker, 25
7. Mikael Muller, openside flanker, 25
8. Johan Sinclair, eight-man, 27 (c)
9. Erik Mulberg, scrum half, 29
10. Sepp Johansson, fly half, 28
11. Pierre Mbane, weak-side (left) wing, 26
12. Christian Clark, inside centre, 33
13. Amos Makiadi, outside centre, 24
14. Soren Marne, strong-side (right) wing, 28
15. Mikko Jannik, fullback, 26

Subs
16. Carlton Mbule, centre, 26
17. Yann M'Bana, half, 25
18. Nathaniel Simaiah, wing, 25
19. Roland Hansen, fullback, 24
20. Karl Johannes, loosehead prop, 31
21. Amadayo Abeduluwo, loose forward, 23
22. Oluwole Emmanuel, second row, 22

My opponent, if they RP first, may.....
Choose My Scorers: Y
Godmod Scoring Events: N
Give Yellow Cards To My Players: Y
Give Red Cards to My Players: Y (One per match)
Injure My Players: Y (Reserving right to change severity)
Godmod Injury Events: N
Godmod Other Events: TG me first

Style Mod +2

[Polaaskan]

Polaaskan National Rugby Union Team - RUWC23 Squad

Staff
Manager - Yevgeny Dozhdalev, 58
Assistant - Dmitry Elkjaer, 43
Coaches - Vadim Pacha, 42; Kirill Haagensen, 48; Christoffer Nielsen, 38
Physio - Vasili Halvorsen, 47

Starting XV
1. Cristof Sundstrom, loosehead prop, 30
2. Pekka Sorenstam, hooker, 29
3. Iosef Bjornsson, tighthead prop, 26
4. Mikhail Torchev, lock, 28
5. Ragge Ebbe, lock, 33
6. Tor Puumalainen, blindside flanker, 29
7. Simonen Solheim, openside flanker, 30
8. Yohannes Argyle, eight-man, 25 (c)
9. Adalbjorn Korzhanenko, scrum half, 35
10. Olle Viklund, fly half, 21
11. Ilya Akerhausen, weak-side (left) wing, 28
12. Kirkelius Hjerstadt, inside centre, 26
13. Benedikt Helguson, outside centre, 34
14. Finn Marko, strong-side (right) wing, 23
15. Gelv Gauk, fullback, 30

Subs
16. Marten Perre, centre, 23
17. Hakan Kufstrom, half, 24
18. Ivan Sonne, wing, 26
19. Thijs Stepanjan, fullback, 28
20. Emmil Panonen, loosehead prop, 33
21. Alexandre Bauer, loose forward, 23
22. Sim Mett, second row, 22

My opponent, if they RP first, may.....
Choose My Scorers: Y
Godmod Scoring Events: N
Give Yellow Cards To My Players: Y
Give Red Cards to My Players: Y (One per match)
Injure My Players: Y (Reserving right to change severity)
Godmod Injury Events: N
Godmod Other Events: TG me first

Style Mod +4

[Ko-oren]

Ko-oren - RUWC XXIII
Ko-orenite National Rugby Team Roster | Ko-oreniet Nationaal Rugbyteam | Seleção Ko-orenense de Rugby Union | Équipe de Ko-oren de Rugby à XV | ラグビーコ・オレン代表

Style mod: -5
Head Coach: Ishtun Makkarn
Backs Coach: Dadun Helkuran
Forwards Coach: Idrasil Jakranten

1 LP - Lachlan Russell
2 H - Takuto Hokama
3 TP - Nuno Araullo
4 L1 - Maurice Trottiscliffe
5 L2 - Nigel Fletcher
6 BF - Katsuro Maki
7 OF - Eusebio Nunes
8 N8 - Sven van Loon

9 SH - Raphael Favre
10 FH - Yoann Chauvin
11 LW - Manuel Magalhães
12 IC - Sergio Santos
13 OC - Masahide Kajiwara
14 RW - Leonardo Braga
15 FB - Florent Manceau

Bench:
FW - Tiago Faria
FW - Gareth Mulholland
FW - Jules Reynaud
FW - Alain Monet
FW - Lucas Barends
B - Thomas Day
B - Theodore Darwin
B - Elian Romijnders
B - Cyrille Salomon
B - Ryu Young-Il

Choose my scorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: N
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: Y
Godmod other events: Y

[The Royal Barangay]

This is your 22-hour cutoff warning before the First Matchday of the Rugby Union World Cup 23.

[Hutanjia]

NATIONAL RUGBY UNION SQUAD 'The SPIDERS'
of THE REPUBLIC OF HUTANJIA

Coach: Jaunders Malaptra
Assistant Coach: Bentley Reraptke
Trainer: Giancarlo Wziputala

First Team
Forwards:
1: Jean-Luc Tarepka - Loosehead Prop
2: Francis Yosepgka - Hooker
3: Emmett Jelego - Tighthead Prop
4: Manuel Edeptka - Lock
5: Harrison Fengelu - Lock
6: Rhys Pentagke - Blindside Flanker
7: Townsend Vagatu - Openside Flanker
8: Vladimir Sokota - Number Eight

Backs:
9: Monterrey Apegku - Scrum Half
10: Weston Ketsangu - Fly Half
11: Janson Paqate - Left Wing
12: Johannes Charopa - Inside Centre
13: Samson Wakala - Outside Centre
14: Harold Nepedku - Right Wing
15: Benson Vitagu - Fullback

Subs
Forwards:
16: Matthew Pitaga
17: Gregor Demagzu
18: Henson Imegka
19: Fernand Ranago

Backs:
20: Mitchell Zangaka
21: Grendel Lintanu
22: Thompson Bishulo
23: Manchester Paloktu

HOME

AWAY

RP PERMISSIONS
Choose my point scorers: Y
Godmod scoring event:s Y
RP injuries to my players: Please TG me first for OK
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards (sin bin) to my players: Y
Hand out red cards (sending off) to my players: N
Godmod other events: Please TG me first

[Neu Engollon]

NEU ENGOLLON NATIONAL RUGBY UNION SQUAD
'THE MOUNTAIN GOATS'

Coach: Giuseppe Cosento
Assistant Coach: Rolf Mertzen

First Team
Forwards:
1: Bartolomeo Fendini - Loosehead Prop (Some Village Wanderers)
2: Rocco Gondino - Hooker (San Remo Ospreys)
3: Andino Paticci - Tighthead Prop (San Remo Ospreys)
4: Marius Joos - Lock (Burgunden Brawlers)
5: Dino Sobaccia - Lock (Fram Kallsmudden, Buyan)
6: Marcel Donette - Blindside Flanker (Northern Urbanista, Apox)
7: Jean Semmes - Openside Flanker (Dronero Periglios)
8: Felix Marten - Number Eight (Torino Terrors)

Backs:
9: Horst Emmett - Scrum Half (Ludenthal Wolves)
10: Wilhelm Hoerner - Fly Half (Sept-Iles Chanteclairs, Nova Anglicana)
11: Julien Latrent - Left Wing (Telleursville Gargoyles)
12: Carsten Lichtmann - Inside Center (Ludenthal Wolves)
13: Ernst Urbach - Outside Center (Burgunden Brawlers)
14: Friedrich Reitzbach - Right Wing (Burgunden Brawlers)
15: Marino Riazzi - Fullback (Panoli Dockers)

Subs
Forwards:
16: Louis Katz-Savrin (Enbrun Saisers)*
17: Silvio Usadino (Ciavno Alpenhawks)
18: Arvin Frankenheim - (Enbrun Saisers)*
19: Guillaume Venmont (Telleursville Gargoyles)

Backs:
20: Johann Dorff (Burgunden Brawlers)
21: Giannaro Caravolo (Panoli Dockers)
22: Izzy Parsignolo (Torino Terrors)*
23: Hugo Koernsoff (Schwartzgarten Warriors)

Style: + 2.2

---

HOME

AWAY

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GROUP C
Darmen (15)
Mallanica (UR)
Polaaskan (UR)
Neu Engollon (2)
Kaauqliaq (UR)
Vermark (UR)

---

RP Permissions:
Choose my point scorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: TG me first
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards (sin bin) to my players: Y
Hand out red cards (sending off) to my players: N
Godmod other events: Please TG me first for OK

[Prusy Krolewskie]

The Reprezentacja Pruski in group H

The Rugby Union world cup group draw was made and shown live in Prusy Krolewskie on Pruski Sport in Polish and Preuß Sport in German. Prusy Krolewskie were drawn in group H against Ko-oren (1), Western Borderlands (17), Québécois Comonwealth (79), The Sword Bloke (UR) and Quetzala (UR). All group matches will be held in Inglan National Stadium, Shiefland, Ingla Terra. Let's analyze group H teams:

Ko-oren (1): They're unbeatable and they're one of the contenders to win the Rugby World Cup 23.

Western Borderlands (17): They hope to beat Ko-oren but it's gonna ba a hard task for them. They'll still qualify for the round of 24.

Québécois Commonwealth (79): This is a team we can beat, The Sword Bloke and Prusy Krolewskie can challenge them for the 3rd place and probably the last playoffs spot.

The Sword Bloke (UR): Another team we can beat but it won't be easy. A player to watch is Shop Owner who can score many tries per game.

Quetzala (UR): They will likely finish last in group H with no wins and five losses.

Here is the Pruski schedule:

Matchday 1: The Sword Bloke vs Prusy Krolewskie
Matchday 2: Prusy Krolewskie vs Ko-oren
Matchday 3: Western Borderlands vs Prusy Krolewskie
Matchday 4: Quetzala vs Prusy Krolewskie
Matchday 5: Prusy Krolewskie vs Québécois Commonwealth

[Saintland]

Rugby World Cup 23: Preview

(SP) It is, once again, time for the Rugby World Cup. The Saintland National Rugby Team will be participating in this prestigious tournament, which is apparently the 4th consecutive Rugby World Cup that they have entered. They have arrived in the city of Sangti in the Royal Barangay, where they will face the best rugby teams in the multiverse once again. As a result of the recent announcement by King Petrus XX, the Royal Networks will be showing wall-to-wall coverage of the Rugby World Cup in the coming weeks. "It is about time that the King's Government recognized that we have a National Rugby Team. Last fall, we finished 3rd in the World Cup and now our goal is to win the World Cup. While it isn't going to be easy, I believe that God is on our side. With His help, anything is possible." - Marcus Desidenius

As 48 teams entered this World Cup, they have been arranged into 8 groups of 6 under a single round-robin format. The Sanctii were drawn into Group A, where they will open against unranked RamsGates. Their roster still remains a mystery just hours before the scheduled start time for the match, which is never a good sign. The second Sanctii opponent will be Yttribia, who are also unranked at rugby. Yttribia's roster is also a mystery at this time. Given their track record of mediocrity in soccer and awfulness in every other sport they've ever competed in, the Sanctii are probably heavily favored to win that match as well. Third on the list for the #6 team in the multiverse is 78th ranked Unified Sunrise Islands. Their only previous entry in the World Cup was in the 20th edition, where they went 2-8 and finished 5th in their 6 team group. However, to their credit, they have announced their roster this time around.

Fourth on the list are the 14th ranked hosts from the Royal Barangay. The Barangay debuted at the 21st Rugby World Cup, going 3-2 in the group stage and advancing to the playoffs. In the playoffs, they routed their co-host Ingla Terra 41 to 3 before falling 30-13 to the always tough Ko-oren. They returned at the 22nd World Cup but were unceremoniously eliminated by Some Village in the Round of 24 after a 5-1 group stage. Their roster is currently a mystery, but we would be surprised if the hosts did not announce their roster prior to the start of the first matches. Finally, the Sanctii will face unranked Ontorisa, potentially the dark horse team of this group, on the final matchday of the group stage. Ontorisa is a team built around athleticism rather than physical strength and there are doubts about whether they are tough enough to compete at this level.

The opening match of the Rugby World Cup between the Sanctii and RamsGates will be broadcast live on Royal One tomorrow morning, but will actually be held at night in the Royal Barangay due to time zone differences. All Sanctii matches will be broadcast live and will also be re-broadcast in prime time, for the benefit of viewers who did not have the opportunity to watch during the morning. The sole exception will be the 2nd match, which will be broadcast on tape delay due to the law prohibiting the broadcasting of non-religious programming on Sunday mornings. Be sure to tune in and cheer on the National Rugby Team as they seek their first World Cup title.

---

Editorial: Cup of Harmony Title or No More WCC Tournaments
By: King Petrus XX

Like the rest of the Kingdom, I watched with disgust as my younger brother Andreas deliberately threw matches in a futile attempt to coerce me into firing Rule Theriault. I have absolutely no intention of doing that and once my brother realized that, he started trying again in the second half of World Cup Qualifying. However, he had dug such a massive hole for our National Soccer Team that it was too little and too late for them to seriously contend for qualification to the World Cup. This performance, the worst in the history of our National Soccer Team, is a national disgrace and I want to make it very clear that I am disgusted with my little brother's temper tantrum.

Therefore, I have decided to issue a Royal Decree. Right now, we have yet to receive an invitation to the Cup of Harmony as the Cup of Harmony hosts seem to be uninterested in inviting a team that should be contending for a World Cup title. I cannot blame them for this, as the insolence of my brother is an embarrassment to the entire international soccer community.

While I do not believe that the Saintland National Soccer Team is worthy of a spot in the Cup of Harmony, I want to be clear that it would be accepted were it to be offered to us. Should that invitation be accepted, Prince Andreas and the rest of the team would have an opportunity to convince me that I should not disband the National Soccer Team following the conclusion of this World Cup cycle, which is what I currently intend to do. I'll be very clear on this, for the benefit of my bratty little brother Andreas: If you do not convince San Jose Guayabal and Ceni that you are worthy of a spot in the Cup of Harmony AND win that tournament, I will be shutting down the National Soccer Team and this shutdown will be on a permanent basis.

Now, this is not something that I want to do, but I feel that I have no choice. I will not permit athletes to embarrass my Kingdom by failing to perform up to the high standard of conduct on and off the pitch that I demand out of all athletes that wish to represent the Kingdom. I expect excellence from all of my National Teams and I will not tolerate anything less.

King Petrus XX is the captain and quarterback of the Saintland National Gridiron Team and the current King of Saintland.

[The Peoples Emirate]

Head Coach Fredrick Otto

Starters

1 L. Prop Francis Bradley Age 28
2 Hooker Nigel Wrinkle Age 25
3 T Prop Juan Xavier Age 29
4 Lock Alexander Queens Age 21
5 Lock Darren Queens Age 21
6 Flanker Arnold Manuels Age 34 Captain
7 Flanker T.A. McDavid Age 32
8 Number 8 Georgie Otto Age 19

9 Scrum Half Vladimir Kovakov Age 31
10 Fly Half Karman Littlewood Age 21
11 Left Wing Julian Davis Age 25
12 INS Centre Kaleb Bony Age 32
13 OUT Centre Nalik Abasa Age 24
14 Right Wing Thiago Roberto Age 32
15 Full Back Ronald Queens Age 21

Bench

16 Prop Erin Alfonso Age 25
17 Hooker Neminjan Woolso Age 32
18 Lock Wembley Cools Age 25
19 Flanker Harvard Easten Age 21
20 Half Liam Hogs Age 23
21 Half Jamie Green Age 28
23 Fullback Prince Frugel Age 30

Should my opponent RPs first, he/she may do the following:
Choose my scorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: N
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: Y
Godmod other events: N

[Riysa]

Fawzi Abdul-Qadir Sports Center
Tel al-Riyah, Riysa

Coach Daraawi looked as the players came in from practice, their last one before leaving to Barangay. "Move it! Flight boards in one and a half hours, we've got to be there on time for our reservation!" He shouted, motioning them to hurry up. It was a great feeling, especially considering how far they had gone - not too long ago they were a mere union, consisting of players from a few clubs scattered about northwestern Riysa, but after raising enough money and with the help of the national sports ministry, they had managed to make it to the 21st Rugby Union World Cup. Two cups later, they were ranked 16th out of the Union, and had pulled off a million-in-one win against the Ecossian team in their first cup, establishing them as the official Riysian rugby team upon their return home. Now, they were going to their third cup, and as always they were filled with excitement.

"Are your gear and uniforms set? Good." He looked over each player, making sure that they hadn't forgotten anything in their locker. "Alright! Meet up outside when you're done and wait for the bus to take us to the airport. I'm going to go pack a few things from my office." It was an exciting day, with exciting times ahead of them. "Oh, one more thing, everyone." He let out a small smile. 'Its been an honor playing with you all so far. I'm very proud of how far we've come. Lets do our best and show the world what we can do, once more!"

[Mapletish]

The Sour Kind
"Even a clock that does not work is right twice a day"

Commentaries | Timothy Jozua

Hi everyone, this is Timothy Jozua once again as I bring to you the latest updates on anything and everything under the sun, moon, rain, snow and sand. Three World Cups have passed since the All Reds participated in their first World Cup back in RUWC 20 in Ka Mate. From then on, the All Reds have participated in every World Cup except for RUWC 21. The World Cup have remained largely unchanged since their first entry into the multiverse scene. Guess what? Rumours on the skipper, Lincoln Sherwood's retirement was false as confirmed by his call up to the national team. However, despite the joyous news, the All Reds are now faced with an uphill task to go to the semi-finals at the very least with an ageing squad and with their skipper at 40 and the starters having an average age of 30.2 years old, this can prove to be a little challenging.

This is made worse with the All Reds drawn into Group G, a group with the likes of Esportiva powerhouses Apox, newbies Wray, Zhenherribae and Coreyo who all can prove to be a hurdle for the All Reds to get through should they want to advance beyond the group stage and go beyond their expectations. Last but not least, Kernansquillec will round up the group as the third ranked team of the group. The Sour Kind will be providing "live" coverage of the Rugby Union World Cup for the first time, making us the first ever non-television media partner of the All Reds! And by "live" coverage, I mean legit "live" coverage, like the ones you get on television duhh!

"I think, it is now time for us to show that the All Reds are not just pushovers in the rugby union code, we are here, right here in the Royal Barangay and Ingla Terra to prove that we can make an impression on the multiverse scene. Too often we are dismissed as outsiders and treated as one. This RUWC is no exception as well but we will make our results count!" - Lincoln Sherwood

Group G will play their matches in Hope Ground, Aarvedra, Ingla Terra, a stadium with a capacity of 15,000 currently the home of Aarvedra Firebenders in the Super Ten, a rugby league league team in Ingla Terra. There have been concerns about the human rights record of the Inglan government in recent times, with a government handbook stating "Any movement that are against the government's ideals shall have their life made miserable" , a concern that pressed the Maplish government to boycott the RUWC, only for the Mapletish Sports Federation to dismiss the matter as " a political worry and unease" that should not be brought into sports. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs even got themselves involved by issuing a travel advisory for Maplish nationals travelling to Ingla Terra for the RUWC to "adhere to the Inglan law" and "to keep a copy of the Inglan government handbook". A bit too extreme isn't it?

Group Schedule

Matchday 1: Wray vs Mapletish
Matchday 2: Coreyo vs Mapletish
Matchday 3: Mapletish vs Zhenherriabe
Matchday 4: Kernansquillec vs Mapletish
Matchday 5: Mapletish vs Apox

[The Royal Barangay]

Konsehong Pampalakasan ng Maharlikang Barangay
The Royal Barangay Sports Council

THE ROYAL BARANGAY NATIONAL RUGBY TEAM
The Tamaraws
Official Roster for the Rugby World Cup XXIII

Overview
After elimination in the hands of Some Village at the last Rugby Union World Cup, the Tamaraws will return to compete at rugby union's most anticipated tournament, which will be held in home territory. Coach Ranny Gavieres, known as Coach Ranny, will once again guide the Tamaraws to probable glory in the tournament.

Staff
Head Coach: Ranny Gavieres (54)
Assistant Coach: Marvin Ejes (46)
Style (if applicable): -2

Playing Roster

Position           Name                 Age
Loosehead Prop     Reva Rebuelta         22
Hooker             Noel Quintua          31
Tighthead Prop     Messiah Obediencia    24
Lock               Nickol Morato         32
Lock               Senando Salinel       29
Blindside Flanker  Loiki Asuncion        26
Openside Flanker   Allan Daroya          24
Number Eight       Xander Simeon         33
Scrum Half         Limuel Pedroso        27
Fly Half           Murry Callueng (C)    25
Left Wing          Gordon Villejo        25
Inside Centre      Anthon Oria           26
Outside Centre     Koshneir Aguion       29
Right Wing         Glase Tuazon          30
Full Back          Patrick Atadero       21

Reserve Forward    Al Silang             19
Reserve Forward    Gabriel dela Reyna    24
Reserve Forward    Karl Painagan         26
Reserve Forward    Tracy Plata           28
Reserve Back       Eurick Amador         22
Reserve Back       Yves Alicos           27
Reserve Back       Federico Sor          33
Reserve Back       Felix Calda           21

Kits

Provided by our very own Queso Sportswear, subsidiary of Libertad Sportswear Multiversal.

After wearing unbranded kits for the past two RUWC's, the KPMB commissioned a new kit for the Tamaraws, with yellow with red and blue trim for the first kit and black with yellow trim for the second. Unlike what is shown in the photo, no names will be printed to the shirts, as kit numbers will be fixed per position.

RP Permissions
Anything short of career ending injuries or deaths.

[Ingla Terra]

INGLA TERRA NATIONAL RUGBY UNION TEAM
The Bills
Official Roster for the Rugby World Cup XXIII[/align]

Staff
Head Coach: Mikael Perez (43)
Assistant Coach: Mickhail Goddard (52)
Style (if applicable): +3

Playing Roster

Position           Name                 Age
Loosehead Prop     Jovito McGregor       24
Hooker             Bernardino Glover     29
Tighthead Prop     Jeynald Sanderson     22
Lock               Argie Bull            26
Lock               Amir Skinner          32
Blindside Flanker  Karl Ali              27
Openside Flanker   Mervin Gould          19
Number Eight       Armin Burgess         26
Scrum Half         Aldous Poole          20
Fly Half           Wilson Weston         21
Left Wing          Thadeus Wheeler       25
Inside Centre      Leonard Crawford      31
Outside Centre     Earvin Seymour        23
Right Wing         Remo Dickson          18
Full Back          Calvin Odling         24

Reserve Forward    Arche Clayton         31
Reserve Forward    Tomio Bartlett        20
Reserve Forward    Justin Mcgrath        27
Reserve Forward    Almario Simmons       29
Reserve Back       Johnedel Duff         23
Reserve Back       Alieto Gibson         32
Reserve Back       Clark Bailey          30
Reserve Back       Kenny Owens           24

Kits

Provided by our very own Queso Sportswear, subsidiary of Libertad Sportswear Multiversal.

RP Permissions
Anything short of career ending injuries or deaths.

[The Royal Barangay]

Let's get it started.

Cutoff for Matchday 1.

---

OOC Note: Zhenherribae and Kaboomlandia's RP's will count towards MD2, as results have been generated between the cutoff post and their posts.

MATCHDAY 1

Group A
The Royal Barangay 32–10 Unified Sunrise Islands
RamsGates 3–50 Saintland
Ontorisa 29–13 Yttribia

  Group A                   Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts  Bonus  Total
1 Saintland                   1    1   0   0    50    3  +47     4      1      5
2 The Royal Barangay          1    1   0   0    32   10  +22     4      0      4
3 Ontorisa                    1    1   0   0    29   13  +16     4      0      4
4 Yttribia                    1    0   0   1    13   29  −16     0      0      0
5 Unified Sunrise Islands     1    0   0   1    10   32  −22     0      0      0
6 RamsGates                   1    0   0   1     3   50  −47     0      0      0

Group B
The Peoples Emirate 3–32 Riysa
Banija 32–0 United States Of Devonta
The Fair Republic 42–12 Kaboomlandia


  Group B                   Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts  Bonus  Total
1 The Fair Republic           1    1   0   0    42   12  +30     4      1      5    
2 Banija                      1    1   0   0    32    0  +32     4      0      4
3 Riysa                       1    1   0   0    32    3  +29     4      0      4
4 The Peoples Emirate         1    0   0   1     3   32  −29     0      0      0
5 Kaboomlandia                1    0   0   1    12   42  −30     0      0      0
6 United States Of Devonta    1    0   0   1     0   32  −32     0      0      0

Group C
Darmen 33–3 Vermark
Mallanica 3–27 Kaauqliaq
Polaaskan 20–22 Neu Engollon

  Group C                   Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts  Bonus  Total
1 Darmen                      1    1   0   0    33    3  +30     4      1      5
2 Kaauqliaq                   1    1   0   0    27    3  +24     4      0      4
3 Neu Engollon                1    1   0   0    22   20   +2     4      0      4
4 Polaaskan                   1    0   0   1    20   22   −2     0      1      1
5 Mallanica                   1    0   0   1     3   27  −24     0      0      0
6 Vermark                     1    0   0   1     3   33  −30     0      0      0

Group D
Green Jello Salad 3–35 Estenia
Levivania 6–45 Ekoz
Uitbregen 22–24 Volcanoc

  Group D                   Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts  Bonus  Total
1 Ekoz                        1    1   0   0    45    6  +39     4      1      5
2 Estenia                     1    1   0   0    35    3  +32     4      1      5
3 Volcanoc                    1    1   0   0    24   22   +2     4      0      4
4 Uitbregen                   1    0   0   1    22   24   −2     0      1      1
5 Green Jello Salad           1    0   0   1     3   35  −32     0      0      0
6 Levivania                   1    0   0   1     6   45  −39     0      0      0

Group E
Ingla Terra 14–28 Hutanjia
Neyosil 42–0 Free Swiss States
Electrum 43–17 Borxinoia

  Group E                   Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts  Bonus  Total
1 Neyosil                     1    1   0   0    42    0  +42     4      1      5
2 Electrum                    1    1   0   0    43   17  +26     4      1      5
3 Hutanjia                    1    1   0   0    28   14  +14     4      0      4
4 Ingla Terra                 1    0   0   1    14   28  −14     0      0      0
5 Borxinoia                   1    0   0   1    17   43  −26     0      0      0
6 Free Swiss States           1    0   0   1     0   42  −42     0      0      0

Group F
Silkjd 9–38 Semarland
Nova Anglicana 37–17 Mighty Warriors
Cosumar 9–23 Abanhfleft

  Group F                   Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts  Bonus  Total
1 Semarland                   1    1   0   0    38    9  +29     4      1      5
2 Nova Anglicana              1    1   0   0    37   17  +20     4      1      5
3 Abanhfleft                  1    1   0   0    23    9  +14     4      0      4
4 Cosumar                     1    0   0   1     9   23  −14     0      0      0
5 Mighty Warriors             1    0   0   1    17   37  −20     0      0      0
6 Silkjd                      1    0   0   1     9   38  −29     0      0      0

Group G
Kernansquillec 10–24 Coreyo
Apox 41–8 Zhenherribae
Wray 7–38 Mapletish

  Group G                   Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts  Bonus  Total
1 Apox                        1    1   0   0    41    8  +33     4      1      5
2 Mapletish                   1    1   0   0    38    7  +31     4      1      5
3 Coreyo                      1    1   0   0    24   10  +14     4      0      4
4 Kernansquillec              1    0   0   1    10   24  −14     0      0      0
5 Wray                        1    0   0   1     7   38  −31     0      0      0
6 Zhenherribae                1    0   0   1     8   41  −33     0      0      0

Group H
Québécois Commonwealth 43–3 Quetzala
The Sword Bloke 13–25 Prusy krolewskie
Ko-oren 24–22 Western Borderlands

  Group H                   Pld    W   D   L    PF   PA   PD   Pts  Bonus  Total
1 Québécois Commonwealth      1    1   0   0    43    3  +40     4      1      5
2 Prusy krolewskie            1    1   0   0    25   13  +12     4      0      4
3 Ko-oren                     1    1   0   0    24   22   +2     4      0      4
4 Western Borderlands         1    0   0   1    22   24   −2     0      1      1
5 The Sword Bloke             1    0   0   1    13   25  −12     0      0      0
6 Quetzala                    1    0   0   1     3   43  −40     0      0      0

[Zhenherribae]

Sport in the City

In just a few hours from now Zhenherribae rugby will make an international debut in Aarvedra, Ingla Terra, as they face Apox in the Rugby World Cup. It will be a stern test to open against the #9 side in the world, especially given our lack of top-level experience in fifteens. Still, head coach Fāng Lìkāi and his staff have put together a sound squad heavily influenced by the league champions from Eibar who secured six of the 24 available places. Each of the nine professional clubs has at least one representative.

The other four matches in qualification will feature Wray (unranked), Mapletish (12th), and Coreyo (unranked) before we shift venues to Shiefield to face 51st-ranked Kernansquillec. Team captain Mǎ Chāoxīn has an optimistic view of the Snow Leopards' chances. "If we beat the other countries on debut, no reason we shouldn't, and lose to the two power teams then it's all on the last game to advance. Just go and do our jobs and we have a shot."

[Kaboomlandia]

Kaboomlandia to Enter its First-Ever Rugby Tournament

Soon, Kaboomlandia will take to the field to play its first-ever rugby match. The game will be against the #8 ranked team in NationStates, The Fair Republic. While not having any high expectations, the Kaboomlandians are confident about their chances.

[Northern Sunrise Islands]

"...Well, shit."

Darrell Lewis muttered on the coaches' room. The coaches' room being just this one room that went unused on the hotel they were staying at. There were a tall, muscular, dark-skinned, bald man with a rather chilling voice; another dark-skinned but rather thin man whose most noticeable features, besides red eyes, were some cornrows on his head and at last, a rather scary looking caucasian man, looking rather eerie. These three were, on the past, stars of the Sunrisian Rugby League, a tournament that used to be a stable of Sunrise together with the mighty mess known as the old Northern Sunrise Championship. However, the days were not nice with the sport and all that was left these days were amateur clubs and whatnot. Darell, the muscular one, was looking at a screen with the open page of deplaca.com. Passing his eyes over the webpage, he couldn't help but notice the page had a large text saying "RUGBY IS BACK", also displaying the entire schedule of the RUWC on it's way to start.

"We're facing the hosts on our debut." continued Darrell, only to receive a pat to his back from the thin member of the coaches' room, Shelton Crow. In the old days, this scrawny old man was once an old-school wing, with lots of speed. Some believed it had to do with a youth under questionable substances, more specifically a special brand of marijuana, result of mixing the original with Oddish poison. He was still far from dropping it well into his forties, but damn, was he still fast. The fastest player the then team of Tivoli ever had. The once-upon-a-time wing started to talk. "Psh... relax! They're only sayin' that because the ol' SRL will be back after Arceus knows how long."

"And what about the Royal Barangay?" asked the coach, arms crossed. "Shit... barely an issue." answered Shelton, shrugging, before lightening up one of his joints. He then proceeded to take a brief puff out from it. "Hell, I think I could outrun these kids." he then added. "Granted, you could outrun anything, that is." the head coach answered, clicking at the schedule. "So, after the hosts, we face some country named RamsGates...". Shelton took another puff, before pointing out "Sounds like some random squad put together to fill up a spot.". A silent Byson nodded. "Then Saintland, Ontorisa and Yttribia. Doesn't seem really hard beyond the game against multiverse power Saintland. Maybe we could try being the sympathetic team, like a good bunch of Sunrisians." Another puff, another phrase from the assistant: "Doubt they'll love us when we finish busting their asses off."

"YEEEES! YEEEES!" answered Marshall Byson, on a weird psychotic moment.

[Uitbregen]

Uitbregen roster to the 22nd World Cup

Head Coach: Anders Clemensen (50 y/o)
Assistant Coach: Zigurd de Beer (62 y/o)

Team

Prop: Fred Gelen - 31 y/o - 6ft 2" - Gelk Niuestaad
Hooker: Milosz Abels - 30 y/o - 5ft 7" - 29 Denvargen
Prop: Vanya Skerdkjae - 26 y/o - 5ft 10" - Gelk
Second Row: Terenti Arntzenius - 35 y/o - 6ft 4" - Gelk
Second Row: Kliment Rasmussen - 30 y/o - 6ft 7" - Kerjissen Noord RC
Openside Flanker: Kain Bolgaard - 23 y/o - 6ft 3" - RV Herde 1996
Blindside Flanker: Johan Dreesens - 29 y/o - 6ft 4" - Varde Rugby VC
Number 8: Johannes Tholberg - 32 y/o - 6ft 1" - Gelk Niuestaad (c)

Scrum Half: Nicolaas Meeuweszen - 33 y/o - 5ft 9" - RV Herde 1996
Fly Half: Gabriël Simonis - 32 y/o - 5ft 10" - Gelk Nieustaad (kicker)
Inside Centre: Meindert Ziemniak - 26 y/o - 5ft 10" - RV Herde 1996
Outside Centre: Lukas Varden - 21 y/o - 6ft 4" - Klub Amslewijk
Left Wing: Sebastiaan Abrahamsen - 27 y/o - 6ft 3" - Kerjissen Noord RC
Right Wing: Laurits van Houte - 34 y/o - 6ft 2" - Varde Rugby VC
Full Back: Ivo van der Viel - 28 y/o - 5ft 9" - 29 Denvargen

Subs

Prop: Michael Sterner - 26 y/o - 5ft 7" - RV Herde 1996
Hooker: Aden Bekkering - 22 y/o - 5ft 7" - 29 Denvargen
Second Row: Sigurd Klerkx - 35 y/o - 6ft 6" - 29 Denvargen
Back Row: Vilfred Kristensen - 29 y/o - 6ft 2" - Ausweemer KC

Scrum Half: Lin Rodenijk - 25 y/o - 5ft 9" - Ausweemer KC
Fly Half: Marinus Thorn - 31 y/o - 5ft 8" - Gelk
Centre: Valentijn Arhaus - 35 y/o - 6ft - Klub Amslewijk
Wing: Vladilen Seegers - 26 y/o - 6ft 2" - Gelk Niuestaad (third kicker)
Full Back: Espen Luganov - 31 y/o - 5ft 10" - RV Herde 1996

Kit:
First: Silver Shirt & Shorts, Blue socks
Second: All Red
Third: White shirt, black shorts & socks

style mod (if applicable): +4

[Prusy Krolewskie]

The Reprezentacja Pruski beat The Sword Bloke

Prusy Krolewskie beat The Sword Bloke 25-13 in a hard fought rugby union game. Prusy Krolewskie scored early at the 8th minute on a try by Zdzislaw Budziszewski on the far left side of the field. But Philipp Schweinsteiger misses the conversion and it's only 5-0 Prusy Krolewskie. The Sword Blokes strikes back at the 14th minute when Robbie Herasimov scores a try. The conversion by Shop Owner is good and The Sword Bloke leads 7-5. The Sword Bloke is penalized at the 25th minute. Philipp Schweinsteiger takes the penalty goal and its succesful, 8-7 Prusy Krolewski. Prusy Krolewskie scores another try at the 31st minute when Krzysztof Szerszenowicz runs into the end zone. The conversion by Philipp Schweinsteiger is good and the score is 15-7. The score remains the same until the halftime.

After the halftime, Prusy Krolewskie is penalized at the 43rd minute. Shop Owner made a penalty goal and the score is 15-10. At the 59th minute it's The Sword Bloke's turn to get penalized. Philipp Schweinsteiger made the penalty goal and it's 18-10. Ryszard Owczarzak scores a try at the 66th minute and Philipp Schweinsteiger's convesion is good, the score is 25-10. Prusy Krolewskie is penalized at the 76th minute when Wojciech Drozdowski punched Geoffrey Tamarol. Shop Owner's makes the penalty goal and it's 25-13. It's the final score.

GAME SUMMARY

8th minute - ZDZISLAW BUDZISZEWSKI (unsuccesful conversion by Philipp Schweinsteiger)
14th minute - ROBBIE HERASIMOV (conversion by Shop Owner)
25th minute - Penalty goal by Philipp Schweinsteiger
31st minute - KRZYSZTOF SZERSZENOWICZ (conversion by Philipp Schweinsteiger)

43rd minute - Penalty goal by Shop Owner
59th minute - Penalty goal by Philipp Schweinsteiger
66th minute - RYSZARD OWCZARZAK (conversion by Philipp Schweinsteiger)
76th minute - Penalty goal by Shop Owner

Next Game

The Reprezentacja Pruski's next game is against Ko-oren, no changes to the starting XV for Prusy Krolewskie.

[Ontorisa]

The Kelixsburg International
Ontorisa's #1 Trusted International News Source

The Blue Falcons Take to the 23rd Rugby Union World Cup!

---

Top Stories: Fighting in Askosa's capital city of Unasamesh reaches its sixth day, with about 41 Ontorisan soldiers killed in the intense fighting - Ontorisa warns Lolloh that anymore diplomatic moves towards Cauja will lead to increase economic sanctions against the nation - The Ontorisan National Rugby Team has left Ontorisa for Royal Barangay for their Group A appearance

Michael Lovkaisam has confirmed that he will join the Ontorisan Rugby Team
on its embark. Lovkaisam has been rated to be Ontorisa's top rugby prospect ever since
Avekar Walika back in 1988.
(Yapsa Broakam/The Kelixsburg International)

Sports | Posted: April 9 2015,8:09 PM | Last Updated: April 9 2015, 9:46 PM | Written By: Venaskal Umirka

Sangti, Royal Barangay - 2015 is a new year for Sports Ontorisa, seeing first the Ontorisan Hockey Team make its debut and now with the Ontorisan Rugby Team making its own debut in the 23rd Rugby Union World Cup. Of course with the impending debut of the team, there is certainly a ton of pressure on the Blue Falcons.

"We're nervous, that's that." Michael Lovkaisam, Team Ontorisa's starting Scrum-Half and top franchise prospect for the Isles Rugby League, told reporters before he left. "I have total faith in the guys that we'll preform our best and do well out there. If anything, this is no different from a league game, we score tries, we play fast, hard and outpace our opponents. Easy as that."

That may be the case, but the Ontorisan team has an incredible amount of talent going up against them, their first match being against Yttribia. One can say, there is an immense amount of pressure on top of the Ontorisans as they inch forward towards their first game.

Schedule

Ontorisa v. Yttribia
Ontorisa v. Royal Barangay
Ontorisa v. Unified Sunrise Island
Ontorisa v. Ramsgate
Ontorisa v. Saintland

---

OOC: 2 Tries with successful conversions and 5 Drop kick conversions? Wow.

The Kelixsburg International
Ontorisa's #1 Trusted International News Source

Ontorisa Blasts Past Yttribia 29-13!

---

Top Stories: Askosa's President is calling for a temporary ceasefire for peace talks with rebels & Ontorisan forces - New evidence showing Ontorisan involvement in the Minx Genocide has emerged, ORDIV is currently investigating former OICAO operatives in their possible cooperation with Lollohian soldiers - Ontorisa's Rugby Team has won their world debut against Yttribia

Kafa Privakslov during his time with the Kelixsburg Centurions.
Privakslov had scored both his first international try and the first try of the game.
(Yapsa Broakam/The Kelixsburg International)

Sports | Posted: April 11 2015, 12:51 PM | Last Updated: April 11 2015, 1:09 PM | Written By: Venaskal Umirka

Sangti, Royal Barangay - It is arguably, one of the most intense and fast paced games ever seen. Winning their very first rugby game, the many Ontorisans who had followed the team to Royal Barangay, had lit the stadium up with blue, even with large Ontorisan flags being moved across the crowds as the Blue Falcons played extremely well.

It all started with 27-year old Kafa Privakslov, who had received a pass from Scrum-Half Michael Lovkaisam and managed to muscle his way through the Yttribia defenders before touching the try line. Nuwir Uroka would later complete the conversion, adding another two points on top of the five that Privakslov had scored.

The Yttribians were not easily beat however, managing a try with a successful conversion before hitting a drop kick following the Ontorisan effort. It was a poor display by the Ontorisan defenders, unable to halt a rejuvenated Yttribian offence. By the midway of the first half, the score was 7-10, the Ontorisans being constantly outpaced but managing to starve off the Yttibian offence.

Regardless of the stall, the rest of the first half was played very well by both teams, neither of them able to reach a decisive scoring position and were unable to break the stalemate. However, at the second half, a strong push by the Ontorisans led to a small opening, a big enough opening for the young Dezame Olirvse, who seized the opportunity and scored a second try for Ontorisa. Uroka would score the two point conversion as well.

This was the turning point. Even though the Yttribians managed another drop kick conversion, there was no stopping the new Ontorisan offence. It was a new spirit from the recent set backs from the first half.

"Something just clicked, uh, yeah," The team captain, Brayet Groskami who had been relatively quiet during the game, commented on the Ontorisan performance during the second half. "During the entire time, we were communicating a lot more, and you could see the chemistry starting to form and everything."

That may have been the case since the Ontorisans managed another try with a successful conversion before sealing the deal with at least 5 successful drop kick conversions. It was an impressive sight, but on the sidelines, Coach Id-sham-Demas Taksma-Major was clearly frustrated with the plays that the Ontorisans were doing.

"Drop kick conversions are pointless," Taksma-Major told the team after. "I want them only to happen when we get penalties or when we need to tie or win a game by the conversion. Other than that, get a try."

Even though Taksma-Major believes that the drop kick conversions were pointless, the kicking efforts of Ontorisa managed to seal the game for the Blue Falcons as the ninety minute mark was reached, signalling the very first Ontorisan rugby victory.

Score Summary

1st Half

6th Minute - Privakslov, Kafa Try [Successful Conversion by Uroka, Nuwir]
19th Minute - Yttribian Try [Successful Conversion]
21st Minute - Yttribian Drop Kick [Successful Conversion]

2nd Half

49th Minute - Olirvse, Dezame Try [Successful Conversion by Uroka, Nuwir]
56th Minute - Yttribian Drop Kick [Successful Conversion]
62nd Minute - Uroka, Nuwir Penalty Kick [Successful Conversion]
74th Minute - Horska, Javirkap Drop Kick [Successful Conversion]
76th Minute - Uroka, Nuwir Drop Kick [Successful Conversion]
83rd Minute - Horska, Javirkap Drop Kick [Successful Conversion]
87th Minute - Erismina, Xamsne Drop Kick [Successful Conversion]

[Kaboomlandia]

Kaboomlandia Smoked by The Fair Republic

Kaboomlandia's first-ever rugby game did not go well, as they were flattened 42-12 by The Fair Republic. Kaboomlandia's two tries were scored by Darryl Rutherford, with one conversion completed. Kaboomlandia will play Riysa tomorrow, who demolished The Peoples Emirate 32-3. Also, Banija crushed United States of Devonta 32-zip in their game.

[Saintland]

Royal One - Postmatch Interview

Following the end of Saintland's 50 to 3 victory against RamsGates, the Royal One television feed switched to Abraham Volusenus in the studio in St. Petrus.

Abraham Volusenus - The first match of the 23rd Rugby World Cup has now concluded and the final score is the Kingdom of Saintland 50, RamsGates 3. The Sanctii scored 7 tries on the day, converting 6 of them and added a drop goal for good measure. The debutantes were outclassed today in every way, with their scrum half managing to convert a rather questionable penalty for their only points of the match. Without further adieu, we go to Sangti in the Royal Barangay where our very own Thomas Celatus has an exclusive interview with Sanctii hooker Lucas Decianus. Decianus had a banner day, scoring a total of 24 points for the Sanctii, by far the most of anybody on the team.

The feed cuts into the Sanctii locker room in StadiumSangti, where Decianus and Celatus are off to the side conducting an interview while the rest of the team listens on.

Thomas Celatus - First off, I want to thank you for joining us today.

Lucas Decianus - And I want to thank you for covering our matches for a change.

Thomas Celatus - While I had planned to get around to that topic eventually, I wasn't planning on leading with it. Nonetheless, let's discuss that.

Lucas Decianus - Let's.

Thomas Celatus - Now, the 20th Rugby World Cup in Ka Mate was broadcast on the Royal Networks nearly 2 years ago but after that edition, rugby went on a hiatus for a number of months due to organizational issues in the Rugby Board. When it returned, the Sanctii National Team apparently continued entering, but the King had seemingly no interest in promoting the sport of rugby. Last year, the 21st and 22nd World Cups were held and this team became one of the best in the multiverse, but they still didn't get much press coverage due to the King's decision to cut down the amount of international sports broadcast on the Royal Networks.

Lucas Decianus - I'm well aware of all of this and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't bothered by it.

Thomas Celatus - Indeed, I understand where you are coming from. The lack of support for our National Rugby Team, as opposed to our under-performing National Baseball, National Soccer and National Ice Hockey Teams is a national disgrace.

Lucas Decianus - Indeed, while Prince Andreas throws his little temper tantrums and tries to get Mr. Theriault fired, we have been training to win at our sport's highest level. That is something that, I should probably add, the National Soccer Team has never done. In this Kingdom, we expect to contend for championships, not beg for invitations to a Cup of Losers.

Thomas Celatus - By the Cup of Losers, you presumably mean the Cup of Harmony. Apparently, the National Soccer Team will be playing there.

Lucas Decianus - Why? So they can lose to the Crystal Empire again? So they can lose to BoF rejects? So they can get embarrassed by the likes of Estenia?

Thomas Celatus - I take it that you don't think they can win that tournament?

Lucas Decianus - Why would I? Have you forgotten their embarrassment of a performance in the 59th Cup of Harmony? What about the 57th? They simply aren't good enough to get the job done.

Thomas Celatus - Tough words from one athlete to another. Moving on, can you tell us a little about yourself?

Lucas Decianus - Well, as I grew up in St. Silvester, rugby was always my first love. I also played gridiron and soccer, of course, but rugby was my sport of choice. When I'm not playing rugby, I work for the Bureau of Construction.

Thomas Celatus - The Bureau of Construction? Why did you choose that as opposed to a, shall I say, less difficult job?

Lucas Decianus - I'm just not the kind of athlete that would want a cushy bureaucracy job where I shuffle around paperwork all day long. I was offered several such jobs after I finished my schooling, but I had no desire to do them, so I volunteered for the Royal Army. After I finished my term of enlistment, I chose to transfer to construction because I want to actually do something.

Thomas Celatus - I see. Has your unique line of work ever affected your play on the field?

Lucas Decianus - If anything, I think its been a net benefit for me. By actually working, I'm in better physical condition than the paper-pushers. Indeed, I believe you'll discover that most of our team are workers, not paper-pushers. It just makes us better.

Thomas Celatus - In other words, working in construction makes you a better rugby player. Very well. What are your thoughts on your team's performance today?

Lucas Decianus - We took care of business, but we need to remember that our opponent was RamsGates. I would be surprised if they won a single match. They just didn't seem to be a very good team and even I don't know who played for them.

Thomas Celatus - So, you don't think there's much to take away from this match?

Lucas Decianus - Well, we performed up to expectations, but we still need to get better. I thank God for the help He provided us today and I trust that He will be with us as this World Cup continues.

Thomas Celatus - Indeed. Unfortunately, we are out of time. The News is next.

[The Sword Bloke]

To Kill a Volcanic: Part I
CONQUERER'S ACADEMY, ANGELOU 11:00 AM
A boy is punished for talking about 'rugby' in school.
The teacher, Brother of Holy Shop Owner, brings the boy to the front of the class and canes him.

"What is this rugby?"
"Err... It's that sport The Sword Bloke are entered in. They just lost to Prusy..."
"Silence! Stating that we lost to some other nation is a federal crime, boy!"
"But my cousin is in the team, sir."
"Who? Was he a graduate of this school?"
"He flunked out in 8th grade, but..."
"Then don't talk about rugby! You're in 9th grade, you fool!"
"Why must I not talk about him, sir..."
"You're in a higher grade then he ever went, for crying out loud!"
"Look, I'll give you $2500 Swordean Dollars if I can... He's a star on the team."
"No deal!"
"The Holy Volcanoc won vs Uitbregen..."
"The UNHOLY Volcanoc! Priest, shoot this boy this instant!"
"Brother, why must we shoot our football team's star player?"
"He called those idiots over at Volcanoc holy."
"Gah! Shop Owner is the true God, all know that, boy!"
"But... I wasn't born a Swordean sir, priest."
"Who do you believe in then?"
"Ummmm... Errrrr..."
"You know this is a school for bad boys, and you are a very bad boy!"
"Get Shop Owner around here. Room 426, Southern Building, near church, statue of Shop Owner & pool."
"OK... I was born in Volcanoc, my mom's Volcanic, I'm Volcanic. I secretly pray to him in my dreams."
"Shoot him!!!"
"It's OK priest, he's dead. At least each room is supplied with 9 body bags each."
"From 1st grade to the college building down over in Bloodefus... You just love 'em."
"Get his mother too!"
"Nah, the security camera in her home just shot a bomb out. And it will explode... Just now."
"No more Volcanic idiots will be in this nation... Thanks to us."

This story is to be continued in later RPs.