NS Rugby Discussion Thread (v.2)

[NS Rugby Board Executive Council]

Howdy folks, this is Elejamie just letting you know that the deadline for the Rugby Sevens World Cup host bid voting has passed. Well, technically it passed two hours ago but I just wanted to give people that extra time ( ). Anyway, here are your results:

2 - Alice Bay
0 - Abstain
0 - Re-open host bidding.

Which means that Alice Bay will be hosting the 4th Rugby Sevens World Cup. Congratulations, bud. You may start the tournament whenever you're ready.

However, a couple of nations who have qualified have CTE'd, so I might have to contact a couple of people just to see if they'd be up to replace them. Fortunately that shouldn't take me too long since I know a couple of people who could be up for it (I know of one person who is and another who should hopefully be interested in joining) and hopefully I'd get a response from them soon.

[South Covello]

South Covello is in if it's still open.

[Barunia]

However, a couple of nations who have qualified have CTE'd, so I might have to contact a couple of people just to see if they'd be up to replace them. Fortunately that shouldn't take me too long since I know a couple of people who could be up for it (I know of one person who is and another who should hopefully be interested in joining) and hopefully I'd get a response from them soon.

Would that list include the reigning RUWC champs? *hint hint*

[Elejamie]

However, a couple of nations who have qualified have CTE'd, so I might have to contact a couple of people just to see if they'd be up to replace them. Fortunately that shouldn't take me too long since I know a couple of people who could be up for it (I know of one person who is and another who should hopefully be interested in joining) and hopefully I'd get a response from them soon.

Would that list include the reigning RUWC champs? *hint hint*

Considering you already qualified for the R7WC on the grounds that you finished 14th, probably not. Again, the list is here if anyone wants to know who qualified and who didn't.

South Covello is in if it's still open.

Even though I'm Sevens VP and everything, I'm going to let Lisander decide on whether or not you can join, seeing as Alice Bay is his puppet and the R7WC isn't really a signey-uppy tournament. Hopefully he would since it means we've got 16 (which could be 16 if Mattijana does get back to me and say they'd join in since Mattijana confirmed they'll be taking part it means we have 15 at the moment) but we shall see.

[Alice Bay]

Howdy folks, this is Elejamie just letting you know that the deadline for the Rugby Sevens World Cup host bid voting has passed. Well, technically it passed two hours ago but I just wanted to give people that extra time ( ). Anyway, here are your results:

2 - Alice Bay
0 - Abstain
0 - Re-open host bidding.

Which means that Alice Bay will be hosting the 4th Rugby Sevens World Cup. Congratulations, bud. You may start the tournament whenever you're ready.

However, a couple of nations who have qualified have CTE'd, so I might have to contact a couple of people just to see if they'd be up to replace them. Fortunately that shouldn't take me too long since I know a couple of people who could be up for it (I know of one person who is and another who should hopefully be interested in joining) and hopefully I'd get a response from them soon.

Thank you for the opportunity, once more. I'll work on the Roleplaying thread (and by extension in Alice Bay Rugby) over the weekend, while I keep an eye on the definition of the 16th team. If nothing enters on the way, it should be posted Monday around 3 pm GMT.

This isn't a signup tournament. My understanding of this matter is: If you haven't taken part of any NSRB Sevens Event, you may not participate unless each possible participant up to Lochario wouldn't be able or interested joining it when properly invited. Sad for South Covello, but I think it's fair, considering the RP of the nations up to now.

I think new solutions will be needed to fit this concept (Sevens Series and Sevens World Cup as independent or interdependent events) in the NS-Sports reality for the next editions. Possible solutions include expanding the tournament for 24 teams or adding a "pre-tournament round" to nations who haven't participated in Sevens Series.

Thanks for your extensive patience,

The person behind Alice Bay (also behind Lisander).

[Neu Engollon]

I think the best way to explain it to those who are most familiar with the NS WC (association football/soccer) is the 7s series is like qualifications, and the R7WC is actually the post-qualification round of 16. At least how we have it set up for this edition. That may change.

[Elejamie]

I think the best way to explain it to those who are most familiar with the NS WC (association football/soccer) is the 7s series is like qualifications, and the R7WC is actually the post-qualification round of 16. At least how we have it set up for this edition. That may change.

Pretty much this, though the main difference is that everyone is in the same group and gets points depending on where they finish, so there's also an element of F1 to it. Also, while I don't have any plans on changing the current format at this current moment, I am definitely open to suggestions so there's a good thing that things might change for the next Sevens Series.

Thank you for the opportunity, once more. I'll work on the Roleplaying thread (and by extension in Alice Bay Rugby) over the weekend, while I keep an eye on the definition of the 16th team. If nothing enters on the way, it should be posted Monday around 3 pm GMT.

This isn't a signup tournament. My understanding of this matter is: If you haven't taken part of any NSRB Sevens Event, you may not participate unless each possible participant up to Lochario wouldn't be able or interested joining it when properly invited. Sad for South Covello, but I think it's fair, considering the RP of the nations up to now.

Alright, that's good. Besides, I sent a TG to Devonta earlier and they accepted it, so we've now got our 16 teams.

Also, apologies to South Covello, although fortunately the next Sevens Series should start soon when Neu Engollon opens up sign-ups for the next AVBF Sevens, so if you want to try and qualify for the next one it might be worth keeping an eye out. Although if you're interested in hosting a tournament then I'll open up host bids sometime after the election (should I remain 7s VP).

I think new solutions will be needed to fit this concept (Sevens Series and Sevens World Cup as independent or interdependent events) in the NS-Sports reality for the next editions. Possible solutions include expanding the tournament for 24 teams or adding a "pre-tournament round" to nations who haven't participated in Sevens Series.

Both good ideas. I might be on board for a pre-tournament round, especially if any of the teams that qualify for the R7WC end up CTEing and we're in dire need for replacements. However I'm not super keen on expanding the tournament, especially since I still think 16's an optimal number (because of all the things you can do with a tournament of 16 teams), but if there's a big enough demand for it then I might be swayed.

[Lisander]

And here you have the Everything Thread to Rugby Sevens World Cup, the last competition on my current tenure as VP. As long as I know, the next Rugby World Cup should be the Rugby League one.

[Elejamie]

And here you have the Everything Thread to Rugby Sevens World Cup, the last competition on my current tenure as VP. As long as I know, the next Rugby World Cup should be the Rugby League one.

I think it should be as well, yes. Especially since the last RLWC we had was over a year ago (May 2017 to be precise). Probably sometime after the NSRB VP elections (which I think should be after the Rugby Sevens World Cup) but I'll let you or whoever'll be the new League VP decide when it should be.

P.S. As he'll be off on holiday from the 12th to the 19th, Neu Engollon has given me permission to post the rosters for both his team and his puppet Hutanjia's team, just so anyone who'll be up against him will know who'll be playing, so be sure to give those nations a roster bonus instead of me. I can and will provide evidence should anyone want me to.

[South Covello]

I think the best way to explain it to those who are most familiar with the NS WC (association football/soccer) is the 7s series is like qualifications, and the R7WC is actually the post-qualification round of 16. At least how we have it set up for this edition. That may change.

Ah. That explanation makes sense. Thanks.

[Alice Bay]

Pool Stage of Rugby Sevens World Cup is over. As usual, I'll need a third-party scorinator for the following matches:

Bowl SF2 - Alice Bay - Main Nation Ministry
Cup QF3 - Lisander - Darmen

Thanks, as usual, and good luck to everyone!

[Elejamie]

Just a quick reminder that we're probably going to have VP elections after the Rugby Sevens World Cup, as it's been roughly a year and a half since the last ones, it's been over a year since the last Rugby League World Cup (which, by the way, will be the next big tournament after the R7WC) and the last Rugby Union World Cup was back at the start of the year. I say "probably" because I'm still waiting to see if Lisander and Neu Engollon would be alright with that; although the latter said that we should wait until we've done a full cycle, I'm not sure if we've actually done one or not.

Speaking of which, ETA on the next round of scoring, Alice Bay? As it's been a few days since the last round of scoring, we don't even know who'll be playing who in the Cup semi-finals or the 7th and 5th place finals and I don't really plan on cancelling the whole thing.

[Neu Engollon]

Just a quick reminder that we're probably going to have VP elections after the Rugby Sevens World Cup, as it's been roughly a year and a half since the last ones, it's been over a year since the last Rugby League World Cup (which, by the way, will be the next big tournament after the R7WC) and the last Rugby Union World Cup was back at the start of the year. I say "probably" because I'm still waiting to see if Lisander and Neu Engollon would be alright with that; although the latter said that we should wait until we've done a full cycle, I'm not sure if we've actually done one or not.

Pretty sure once this R7WC is done, we have reached a full cycle (Completed RUWC, RLWC, R7WC and 1 7's Series cycle). We should not wait to hold elections. The only reason I could see that happening is if we couldn't come up with any new candidates and the incumbents chose not to be re-affirmed for the election and wanted to step down. But we can cross that hurdle when we reach it.

[Elejamie]

Just a quick reminder that we're probably going to have VP elections after the Rugby Sevens World Cup, as it's been roughly a year and a half since the last ones, it's been over a year since the last Rugby League World Cup (which, by the way, will be the next big tournament after the R7WC) and the last Rugby Union World Cup was back at the start of the year. I say "probably" because I'm still waiting to see if Lisander and Neu Engollon would be alright with that; although the latter said that we should wait until we've done a full cycle, I'm not sure if we've actually done one or not.

Pretty sure once this R7WC is done, we have reached a full cycle (Completed RUWC, RLWC, R7WC and 1 7's Series cycle). We should not wait to hold elections. The only reason I could see that happening is if we couldn't come up with any new candidates and the incumbents chose not to be re-affirmed for the election and wanted to step down. But we can cross that hurdle when we reach it.

Seems fair, especially since I planned to open nominations immediately after the tournament comes to an end (or 1st September if the tournament ends up cancelled due to a lack of scorination*). Besides, IIRC, Lisander wants to step down as League VP so, if that's true, then we'd probably have to look for someone else to take the reins. He did mention wanting to stay on the NSRB Council in some capacity over on the Discord, though since we scrapped the whole Club VP thing since we realised that the club competitions could fall under the League and Union umbrellas I'm not sure what he could do. However, I plan to hopefully stay on as Sevens VP, if only so I can actually implement those changes I talked about a while back.

*As in, if the next round of the Rugby Sevens World Cup isn't scorinated by the 1st September, I will probably end up cancelling the tournament. Apologies for rushing you by the way, Lisander/Alice Bay, especially since there are probably some good reasons for the delay like you being busy or a complete lack of RPs. But it's still a little bit of an issue.

[Lisander]

Brief notes, just answering and confirming stuff.

Speaking of which, ETA on the next round of scoring, Alice Bay? As it's been a few days since the last round of scoring, we don't even know who'll be playing who in the Cup semi-finals or the 7th and 5th place finals and I don't really plan on cancelling the whole thing.

I'll be up in Discord soon, searching for a third-party scorinator. I just need to finish some stuff related to other stuff.

Pretty sure once this R7WC is done, we have reached a full cycle (Completed RUWC, RLWC, R7WC and 1 7's Series cycle). We should not wait to hold elections. The only reason I could see that happening is if we couldn't come up with any new candidates and the incumbents chose not to be re-affirmed for the election and wanted to step down. But we can cross that hurdle when we reach it.

Ditto. Elections should be up ASAP.

Besides, IIRC, Lisander wants to step down as League VP so, if that's true, then we'd probably have to look for someone else to take the reins. He did mention wanting to stay on the NSRB Council in some capacity over on the Discord, though since we scrapped the whole Club VP thing since we realised that the club competitions could fall under the League and Union umbrellas I'm not sure what he could do.

College is too pushy these days. I'd, in fact, love to still be on the board, but I have to choose between participating in the tournaments or participating and hosting them at the same time.

[Elejamie]

It may have taken much longer than it should've done but the Bowl, Plate and Cup finals of the Rugby Sevens are finally up.

We'll be having the Alpen View Brew Festival Sevens next, though that's more due to AVBF scheduling as opposed to any favouritism (see Gene Roddenberry with Wesley Crusher, Gary Bettman with the Arizona Coyotes and that infamous Spain-Belgium game to see who'd qualify for the Rugby World Cup next year). And while that's going on I should be opening up host bids just in case anyone wants to host a sevens tourney for the tour. And then we should get elections and the Rugby League World Cup up. Apologies about this but that delay means that we've kind of had to push everything forward and move stuff around. Hopefully things should get back to normal soon.

[Neu Engollon]

4th AVBF 7s Tournament Sign up thread is now up. Come get some!

[Elejamie]

4th AVBF 7s Tournament Sign up thread is now up. Come get some!

And with that, the next NSRB Sevens Series has begun, which means that we're looking for some nations. So I've written up this handy dandy guide (that totally isn't a reskin of that Rugby Sevens World Cup guide post I did a while back) that should help people out.

• What is the NSRB Sevens Series?
  
  While you could just simply say that it's a NS Sports version of the real life World Rugby Sevens Series, and you'd be mostly right, it's a lot more than that. Originally we just had smaller independent sevens tournaments after the third Rugby Sevens World Cup came to an end, such as the first two AVBF Sevens, both of the Londinium 7s, the original URSA Sevens (which, unlike its sequel and the other two tournaments I mentioned, wasn't NSRB-sanctioned), etc. Eventually Lisander, Neu Engollon and I decided that we should have a Sevens Series, primarily so that we'd have some sort of cycle to it but also as an attempt to get more people to take part; after all, if you do well in one tournament, that might inspire you to try and repeat your success at the next one.
  
  Basically, there are 4-5 rugby sevens tournaments throughout each Series, depending on how many bids we get and all that jazz. And at the end of each tournament, teams taking part get given a number of points (16-1) depending on how well they did; for example, whoever won the Cup will get 16 points, the Cup runners-up will get 15, the two losing Cup semi-finalists will get 14 and 13 points each, etc. Either way the 16 teams (which may be upgraded to 24 should there be enough demand) that have the most points by the end of the Series (and are still around by then) will qualify for the Rugby Sevens World Cup, which is essentially like the play-offs. Whoever wins the Rugby Sevens World Cup essentially wins the Sevens Series. While there's more to it, that's pretty much the basics.
  

  ---

• So who can host a tournament?
  
  Pretty much anyone, really. While previous hosting experience would be useful, there's nothing stopping you from hosting a tournament if you've only ever done newswires. Hell, even if you've only hosted using a puppet or an ex-nation, you're still free to put up a host bid.
  

  ---

• So what are you looking for in a host bid?
  
  - A stadium where each game will be played, maybe two if there's an absolute dire need to have an extra stadium for whatever reason. Due to the fact that rugby sevens is a fast-paced game (with matches in general lasting 15-20 minutes and the RL tournaments themselves usually lasting a couple of days), there isn't any need for multiple stadiums dotted around the country to host games. As a result, joint bids won't be allowed. Sorry.
  - Someone who'd be willing to host it with little to no difficulties. Delayed cut-offs are fine, especially if it's something out of your control like an emergency or the site going down, although don't make it too much of a delay. Things like the five month delay in between the URSA Sevens and the Savojar Sevens definitely aren't fine. Indeed, due to the delay we had in the last R7WC thanks to RL commitments, as well as the aforementioned massive delay between the URSA Sevens and the Savojar Sevens (which saw the Freedom 7s cancelled due to the potential host CTEing), I've decided on a new rule that any delays MUST be announced and shouldn't take longer than a week, so I'd recommend on having a back-up scorinator in mind just in case you'd be gone for much longer than planned. If there are any complaints, feel free to say because I'm open to criticism and I have a feeling this new rule will be unpopular.
  - A method of scorinating. I personally recommend Xkoranate, as that's what everyone uses. Other scorinators might be allowed but it depends on what my fellow NSRB VPs would think.
  - How you're going to run the tournament. Unlike the Rugby Sevens World Cup, there is no upper limit on how many people can sign up for your limit, although we'd recommend having 16 as a minimum number of entrants and a number divisible by four as a target just to make it easier. There's also if you're going to have Cup/Plate/Bowl, Cup/Plate/Bowl/Shield or if you've got some other trophies planned, as well as a way of divvying up points so we can update the table. The only thing limiting you is your imagination.
  - Some IC information. Not super necessary but it would provide a bit of good backstory and could get people to vote for your bid.
  - When you plan to host it, roughly. You don't have to give an exact date but rather which month/s you plan to host the tournament. This is partially to avoid any delays but mostly so we have a rough idea of a calendar so we can also plan Rugby World Cups for both union and league around them.
  

  ---

• Wait, why is Neu Engollon allowed to start his already?
  
  There are a number of reasons for this. The first is quite simply seniority, as not only has he been around for quite a while but so has the eponymous Alpen View Brew Festival (even though apparently you can't sign up for it anymore and anything that happens is purely happening in the Sevens IC thread). The second is that the AVBF is pretty much the longest running Sevens tournament still running due to the other tournaments being one-offs, ending after so long and/or going into long hiatuses. And thirdly, so far he's the only regular host (see below) so naturally he doesn't need to put up a bid, he can just post and link.
  

  ---

• What's the difference between a guest host and a regular host?
  
  A guest host is basically an ordinary bid, posted in here, that managed to get enough votes to be part of the Sevens Series. Simple as. While it's much less strain than a regular host (see next paragraph), the only major downside is that if you want to host it again next Series and you've haven't been promoted to RH you'd pretty much have to post the bid again in this thread.
  
  A regular host, on the other hand, is a tournament that's hosted every Series. They don't really need to announce it here, they can just open up sign-ups when they're ready. While it may seem like a good thing, bear in mind that a) you have to host it EVERY Series at around the same time without fail (unless they CTE or put up a post saying there won't be one this year) and b) it's up to the VPs (me, Neu Engollon and Lisander/his replacement) to decide when a tournament will be upgraded from a guest host to a regular one, even though in all honesty I haven't decided what those qualifications should be. Not to mention that there'll be a maximum of two regular hosts just to make it fair on everyone.
  

  ---

• Where do we post our host bids?
  
  Here, in this thread. The deadline will be when the AVBF Sevens come to an end, with the voting itself lasting a week. Since I'm not sure how long the competition itself's going to run, that should be plenty of time for everyone who's interested to get a bid up.
  

  ---

• Can someone who hosted a competition from the last Series host again this Series?
  
  Yes, I don't see why they shouldn't. After all, the AVBF Sevens was the first tournament in the last Series and we've decided that it will be the first tournament of every Sevens Series until whoever becomes the next Sevens VP decides to cancel it. Not to mention that Lisander's hoping to bring back the URSA Sevens as well should he get enough time.

And that should be everything. If anyone has any questions or anything they want to talk about, then feel free to ask below or post it over on the NSRB Discord. Or send me a TG, whatever floats your boat. Either way, I'll try and help out as best as I can. If you want to know more about the Rugby Sevens World Cup, then check out my post here (that totally didn't serve as the basis of this post, no siree Bob) about it. Either way, here's hoping we get to see some amazing bids.

P.S. Before I forget: No, the Olympic Sevens doesn't count as part of the Sevens Series (although hopefully people taking part in that will join in with the Sevens Series) and no, you don't have to be in ALL of the tournaments (hell, one nation managed to qualify for the last Rugby Sevens World Cup despite only being in one tournament).

[Neu Engollon]

4th AVBF 7s Tournament Sign up thread is now up. Come get some!

Still this. Come on ruggers. Where are all those people that kept asking when the next open rugby tournament was?

[Neu Engollon]

My apologies for the delays. I had work, then serious health issues come up.

I have re-organized the NSRB 7’s 2017-18 Ranking Chart.
This was done using a standard of 3-2-1 points system across the board, regardless of host choice at time of tournament. Players did not earn points for matches played after one or more tournament participants were eliminated. (In two instances, the first match past group stage involved all tournament participants.)

There are reasons for this re-ranking having to do with consistency and fairness. It was also done after serious consultation with the NSRB Exec Council and assistance from veteran players involved with the ranking and organizing of the NS WC cycle (association football/soccer).

The IC thread for the AVBF 7's #4 is now up.

[Elejamie]

My apologies for the delays. I had work, then serious health issues come up.

I have re-organized the NSRB 7’s 2017-18 Ranking Chart.
This was done using a standard of 3-2-1 points system across the board, regardless of host choice at time of tournament. Players did not earn points for matches played after one or more tournament participants were eliminated. (In two instances, the first match past group stage involved all tournament participants.)

There are reasons for this re-ranking having to do with consistency and fairness. It was also done after serious consultation with the NSRB Exec Council and assistance from veteran players involved with the ranking and organizing of the NS WC cycle (association football/soccer).

The IC thread for the AVBF 7's #4 is now up.

Also a reminder that host bids for the NSRB Sevens Series are still open. Seriously, we've only had one person express interest (Darmen) and even then they haven't put anything up yet, just mention it on the Discord. Not to mention that Lisander said that he'll probably be bringing back the Lisander Rugby Festival, though it's just a question of whether or not he'll get a bid up if he's being a guest instead of a regular, let alone have time to host it. So if anyone's interested in hosting a sevens tournament PLEASE get a bid up as soon as possible.

Oh, and we've got elections coming up after the ABVF Sevens but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

P.S. IC thread's broken, Ngol. Probably misnested a tag somewhere, though I'm not sure where.

[Neu Engollon]

P.S. IC thread's broken, Ngol. Probably misnested a tag somewhere, though I'm not sure where.

Thanks. I think I've fixed it now.

[Neu Engollon]

It is done. Big congrats to the Maracalo Cup winners, Lisander, and to the Plate winner - Greythrone; and Bowl winner - Alice Bay!
Commiserations to the runners up. See you next year!

Now I think Elejamie has some announcements...

[Elejamie]

It is done. Big congrats to the Maracalo Cup winners, Lisander, and to the Plate winner - Greythrone; and Bowl winner - Alice Bay!
Commiserations to the runners up. See you next year!

Now I think Elejamie has some announcements...

Other than the fact that the NSRB Sevens Series is probably cancelled due to a lack of interest (not any sevens competitions, mind, just the Series itself), we've got NSRB elections coming up. Yes, I can't believe it's been nearly two years since the last one but that's goes to show how popular rugby in general is here on NS Sports (though it's not as bad as the ice hockey, where we've had the same President and VP of the WCoH Federation for probably the past couple of years). Lisander's stepping down as League VP so we're looking for someone to replace him. Spots are probably also open for Union or Sevens VP if anyone's looking to challenge either myself or Neu Engollon but, for the minute, we're looking for a new League VP.

After that, we should be opening up sign-ups for the Rugby League World Cup. I have no idea when that will be, though, but I'll leave it up to whoever the new League VP will be. While you don't have to prepare for it now, whether it be working your team out or just making a bid, it would save a bit of time.

Is there anything else I've missed?

P.S. Congrats on your second consecutive Maracalo Cup, Lisander.

[Lisander]

First, I'd like to thank Elejamie and Neu Engollon for this period I served with them. I also want to apologize for my problems, delays and complete disappearances that influenced the running of the events. I'd like to thank every nation who participated in NSRB events too, but I wouldn't remember all of them. Darmen and its great RWC, Savojarna, Abanhfleft, Alpine Union, Nova Anglicana, Barunia... All of you, thanks.

Act as the League VP of NationStates Rugby Board was maybe the greatest thing that happened to me NationStates. I'm a rugby fan myself, and all the stuff I learned to fulfil my duties here was very precious to my NS Sports Experience. When I look back to June, 2017, the first plans wrote in that online Notepad, and I notice the stuff we made possible, like the Sevens Events running nicely and the Champions Trophy back and running (Thank you so much, Apox).

I decided that I would not remain on the Executive Board for another term due to college activities. My degree is coming to the final years and I'm going to need to pay more attention to my exams and academic productions. In the same way, I also feel that need to "breathe other sports too". My poor association football league is abandoned, and there are other sports to take care of too. Basketball, Cricket, Motorsports and my newest darling, Fencing (please join the Grand Prix).

Regarding Lisander Rugby Festival, my plans are to host it after the RLWC. The last edition of RLWC was the first event of my term as VP, sixteen months ago, so I think this is the priority. Signups for URSA Sevens and International LARFC Sevens should be up around Boxing Day (December 26) or something like this.

I still remember when I joined the NSRB, in the last ever Racao Sevens. I had a plan to be in the Top 10 of Rugby codes in ten seasons. I was a little naive, I admit. I reached this place (not exactly in the top of the world, but very near) in three seasons. And I feel great about it. I love this sport, I love this community, this niche we had here. I'd never leave it. I want to win the RUWC so bad. I'll keep around, even if not an executive. I'll join every competition. I'll be at the Discord server, ranting about logos and jerseys. Feel free to PM me if my design skills are needed. Maybe in the future, I submit myself again to your appreciation and voting.

Once more, thank you.

Cheers,
Lisander.