Rugby Union World Cup 25 Everything Thread

by **Free Republics** » Thu Mar 23, 2017 7:09 pm

Rugby Union World Cup 25

Sporting World Magazine and the Rugby Union FFR welcome you to the 25th edition of the Rugby Union World Cup, which will be held in the Federation of Free Republics. 36 teams have entered this edition of the RUWC and have been drawn into 6 groups of 6 based upon pots. This is the place to post your roster and RPs and is also the place where I will be posting results. If you are not participating in the tournament (i.e. are not listed in the group draw below), you should not post in this thread.

Match officials may be posted in the Match Officials thread.

Purely OOC Posts should be posted in the Rugby Discussion Thread. You may however include OOC notes in your rosters and RPs.

Schedule

March 29th - Matchday One: 1v6, 2v5, 3v4
March 30th - Matchday Two: 6v4, 5v3, 1v2
March 31st - Matchday Three: 2v6, 3v1, 4v5
April 1st - Matchday Four: 6v5, 1v4, 2v3
April 2nd - Matchday Five: 3v6, 4v2, 5v1
April 5th - Play-in Round: #15 v. #18, #16 v. #17
April 6th - Round of 16
April 7th - Quarterfinals
April 8th - Semifinals
April 9th - Final/3PPO

Cutoff Time: 8-10 AM (morning) North American Eastern Daylight Time

Group Draw

AllMart Group

Tobiasia (UR)
Ko-oren (2)
Bvriana (UR)
Barunia (28)
Audioslavia (UR)
Unified Sunrise Islands (56)

Citrus Computing Group

Mattijana (UR)
Islartic (UR)
East Saintland (8)
Kecrazia (UR)
Ethane (43)
Neu Engollon (1)

Dixon Light Group

Yesopalitha (UR)
Lisander (UR)
United States of Devonta (49)
Juvencus (UR)
Abanhfleft (4)
Aquitayne (37)

FreedomCola Group

Furby Islands (UR)
Racao (18)
The Iron Syndicate (UR)
Greater Vakolicci Haven (102)
Natanians and Nosts (68)
Hutanjia (5)

Miktondo Flip Group

Darmen (23)
Free Republics (UR)
Alice Bay (UR)
Purple Rabbits (UR)
Union of Socialist Alpine Republics (39)
The Fair Republic (6)

RepublicSoft Group

Jeckland (56)
Sublimany (UR)
New Lusitania and the Algarves (UR)
Savojarna (UR)
Nova Anglicana (7)
Elejamie (14)

Useful Links

RUWC 25 Match Officials Thread
NS Rugby Discussion Thread
Host Bid
Guide to Sports RP
Wikipedia's article on Rugby Union

by **Free Republics** » Thu Mar 23, 2017 7:10 pm

Free Republics National Information

History of the Free Republics

The Federation of Free Republics was formed in 1767, following decades of revolutions in the Greater Republica region. In the previous few decades, there had been a wave of revolutions. The ideas of liberalism had become popular in the region, as Abram Schmitts, an economist from Shostistan, wrote several books promoting the benefits of capitalizm. Soon, absolute monarchies fell throughout the Greater Republica region. The Kingdom of Saintland remained unaffected by this wave of revolutions, due to its self-imposed isolation.

Following the revolutions, there were now many Republics scattered throughout the region. These Republics faced seemingly constant attempts from reactionary elements to reverse the revolution and bring back absolute monarchy. They also had trouble trading and communicating with one another. The newly free, with a lowercase f, Republics had numerous antiquated laws and contradictory systems of measurement in effect. A foot in Vorita was 2 feet in Amolotopia and a meter in Roxawa was a decimeter in Nejax. It was a total mess all around. This mess was made even worse by the multitude of languages spoken in the different Republics. As they sought to eliminate trade barriers and forge closer ties between one another, their efforts resulted in confusion. In the days of absolute monarchy, the inability to speak one another's language was a benefit, since kings were always waging wars against one another. However, as the Industrial Revolution heated up and brought an unprecedented degree of prosperity to the land, they could no longer maintain separate languages, separate measurements and the arcane laws and regulations that were hindering commerce in the region.

Then, a rebellion broke out in the Republic of Roxawa. The rebels sought to abolish all property, all laws and even government itself. Rampaging around the countryside, they attacked government buildings, vandalized property and stole whatever they felt like. All the while, they spoke of total freedom. Terrifying the Republic's well-armed militia into inaction, the rebel crime spree continued for weeks. Fear spread throughout the region that other "rebellions" of this sort would soon break out, providing the perfect excuse for the Federationists. The leaders of 77 Republics throughout the region agreed to send delegates to the city of Baseton in Amolotopia to discuss an appropriate response to the rebellion. This was a pretext, which was seized upon by the Federationists to push their "Constitution" scheme.

The Federationists proposed that a document called a "Constitution" would establish a new unified government of all of the Republics, known as the Federation Government. This would be a relatively weak government, as the Republics would remain mostly autonomous and generally free to do as they wished in governing themselves. The Federation Government would have an enumerated list of responsibilities, such as promoting commerce, maintaining a common foreign policy and common immigration policy and several other minor tasks, such as the option to establish a national postal system.

The Constitution guaranteed a number of fundamental rights. Among them are the rights to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion and the right to own weapons for the defense not only of oneself and of the Federation, but also against tyranny. Other provisions of the Constitution prohibited unreasonable searches, cruel and unusual punishments and double jeopardy. The document also included a strict prohibition on the practice of slavery and declared immediately and permanently free any "slave" that was brought within any territory subject to the Free Republics. The Federation Government has the power to pass any legislation it deems necessary to free slaves. While ratification was controversial, due to the feeling among many people that the Federation Government was too powerful, it was eventually ratified by the electorate in each of the original 77 Republics. Today, there are the number of Republics in the Federation is well into the hundreds.

The Constitution created a bicameral Legislature and an executive branch where power is shared equally by the 2 heads of state. The Assembly is the popularly elected branch of the Legislature. Originally, it used a first-past-the-post system, but this was later changed to proportional representation after political parties and coalitions became the norm. The entire Assembly has always been up for re-election every second year. The Senate, by contrast, is a purely appointed branch and Senators serve for life terms. When a Senator is elected to another office, he becomes an inactive Senator, but other than such periods when he may serve in other offices, he is a Senator for life, without exception. Each Republic may appoint a new Senator every second year and Senators are appointed in the same years when Assembly elections are held. Finally, the Consuls are elected to 8 year terms, with a new Consul elected every 4th year. This means that every other Assembly election is held simultaneously with a Consul election. The Constitution prohibits any Consul from serving more than a single term per lifetime. Originally, Consuls were also elected first-past-the-post, but that has since changed to a 3 round system. In the first round, the top 2 candidates, plus any other candidates that get at least 10 percent of the vote advance, assuming that no candidate gets a majority of the vote. The second round sees the top 2 candidates advance, again assuming that nobody wins a majority of the votes cast. In the third and final round, whoever wins the majority of votes cast is elected. Both Consuls have and have always had full power to veto any act of the other and former Consuls automatically become Senators upon the expiration of their term in office.

The government of the Free Republics quickly moved to standardize the system of measurements used throughout the Federation and adopt English as the national language. To help transition the Federation to an English-speaking nation, the Federation Government established a system of schools funded by the Federation Government, which ensured that the next generation would speak English and identify themselves as Republicans, rather than identifying themselves by their home Republic and speaking their Republic's native language. A substantial minority of parents resisted this effort, but children were allowed to go to school and learn English, whether or not they had parental permission. By 1830, almost everybody spoke English and identified as a Republican, not an Amolotopian, Roxawan, Voritan, Schost or whatever the demonym was for their home Republic. This brought about a more unified society. Around this time, education was returned to the Republics, most of which eventually adopted a voucher based system.

The government also banned trade barriers between Republics. This was an expected and noncontroversial move. The funding of the government by a tariff also proved uncontroversial, since politicians generally agreed that the tariff should be limited to revenue only and not used to "protect" industries from competition. However, an income tax was eventually adopted as foreign imports began to dry up. The Republican economy was simply too much of a powerhouse to justify importing goods from abroad. Discontent with the income tax grew as the government kept pushing it higher and higher. Finally, Paul Musgrove ran for Consul on a platform of capping all taxes at 10 percent of income. After his election, the amendment passed both the Assembly and the Senate before being sent directly to referendum. Voters in every Republic overwhelmingly voted for it and it became a popular amendment.

In the 20th century, the Free Republics became even more of an economic powerhouse, thanks to the capitalizt economic system. Business thrived in the FFR, as the nation became progressively wealthier. Over the years, the FFR has expanded its territory while remaining on the cutting edge of technological advancement. In the present day, the Free Republics have a population in the billions and are one of the wealthiest nations in the multiverse, with a correspondingly high rate of income inequality. The exact population of the Free Republics is unknown, due to a Constitutional amendment adopted in 1934, which prohibited the taking of a Census by any entity, whether governmental or otherwise.

Several years ago, the Free Republics were left leaderless following the death of both Consuls within the span of a few months, one of them via assassination. In the chaos, Reino Kulseth of the Holy Party was elected Consul and gradually obtained dictatorial power for himself at the expense of the nation's Republican institutions. Kulseth established a tyrannical government that passed laws against lying (despite routinely lying to their own people) and mandating the use of the word "thou" instead of you in most circumstances. Kulseth dragged the nation into a large-scale war that proved extremely costly for both sides and which led to his downfall.

In the end, the Republican people rose up against Kulseth and, aligned with several foreign armies, brought down Kulseth's "Holy Republican Empire" and brought back the Federation of Free Republics. Robert Nicholls, the father of Veleik Nicholls (leader of the popular revolt) and owner of Nicholls Enterprises, was named the new Acting Consul until such time as the normal electoral process could elect his replacement. However, the following election led to the rise to power of another tyrant, Consul Caleb O'Reilly, who jailed Acting Consul Nicholls and basically turned over control of the country to a hivemind of robots which oppressed the people of the nation until one day when hackers disabled the robots and Consul O'Reilly resigned from office, claiming to have been under hypnosis during his entire time as Consul. In the aftermath, Consul Nicholls was restored to power as the Senior Consul as the FFR gears up for another election. Consul Nicholls intends to spend his time as Consul restoring the Free Republics to its former glory and is relieved that the Republican people will selected retired soccer player and current professional wrestler Kyle Bolton to be their new Junior Consul in the recent election.

Transportation

Just about every mode of transportation is an option in the Free Republics. Visitors for the Rugby Union World Cup may arrive at any seaport or airport in the Free Republics. Planes and ships may also be used to travel between cities. As the Free Republics spans 4 continents and many thousands of miles, the use of planes is recommended for long-distance travel.

Several private companies offer high speed rail between cities. It is possible to travel through most of the Free Republics on high-speed rail, although in some places you may have to walk across the city to a competing company's station to go to your desired destination.

The use of bicycles, although unregulated, is not recommended. The Free Republics are simply too vast a nation, so players and fans that travel by bike risk missing a match altogether.

Taxis are available in every city that will be hosting Rugby Union World Cup games. Most bus services cover a radius of less than 100 miles, so the use of buses is only recommended for short distance travel.

Automobiles are legal in the Free Republics and can be rented near any airport or seaport. Travel by automobile is possible to any nation located on one of the 4 continents upon which the Free Republics are located. However, as the Republican continents are located in Greater Republica, it is not possible to travel by automobile to-or-from the Free Republics and any other nation participating in the Rugby Union World Cup. Anybody who intends to rent a car is strongly encouraged to get a Republican drivers license, as foreign drivers licenses are only recognized in certain Republics. Most Republics will hand out a drivers license to anybody that applies and passes the driving test. The difficulty of these tests varies greatly by Republics. The test in Nejax is notoriously easy while the test in Amolotopia is notorious as one of the most difficult. Despite this, all Republics are required by Federation law to recognize out-of-Republic drivers licenses as valid. A wide variety of cars are commonly available in the Free Republics, such as SUVs, sports cars and pick-up trucks. Those that have money to burn may rent luxury cars or limos. The vast majority of cars on the road are produced in the Free Republics. Many roads, especially long distance roads, are underfunded and in poor condition, so planes and high speed rail are much more popular in the Free Republics.

Lodging

There are numerous hotel firms throughout the Free Republics. Participating nations will be required to pay for their own lodging. We encourage participating teams to visit hotels.co.republica and purchase rooms before the rush. Those that wait may very well end up staying in a cheap motel with holes in the walls and bedbugs under the sheets.

Those national teams that do not wish to stay in hotels may stay at campgrounds outside of the host cities.

Weather

The Free Republics has a varied climate. In the north, it tends to be relatively cold during this time of the year, but it is probably a bit too late for snow. In the south, the climate is tropical. The Rugby World Cup will be held during the latter part of the dry season in the southern part of the Free Republics. Amolotopia is one of the more northern Republics while Roxawa tends to be toward the southern part of the Federation. A Republic such as Exastrium is in the middle, where they experience all 4 seasons, but only mild snow during winter.

Language

The official language of the Free Republics is English and all government documents are printed in English. Most private businesses do not print anything in a non-English language. While the rise of xenophobia in the Free Republics has subsided, most Republicans still don't speak any languages other than English. The most common foreign language spoken in the Free Republics is Latin, due to the influence of the Church of Saintland in recent years, but its use is currently frowned upon because of the language's association with the former Kulseth dictatorship.

Currency

The Republican Thaler is the only widely accepted currency in the Free Republics. Financial institutions are generally willing to change Sanctii bullion, Acedonian Aces or Universal Standard Dollars into Thalers. Due to the large number of currencies in the world, it is impossible for financial institutions in the Free Republics to keep track of all of them. Therefore, it is highly recommend that everybody visiting the Free Republics get their currency converted into Thalers, USDs or bullion before entering the Free Republics. Non-Republican Thalers, such as the Taxachusetts Thaler (which was notorious for its extremely high inflation rates), are not accepted as currency in the Free Republics and are not convertible into Republican Thalers.

Entertainment

There are a plethora of entertainment options in the Free Republics. Every quality hotel room comes equipped with cable or satellite television, including thousands of channels and an interactive program guide. No matter what your preferences, you can probably find something on Republican television that you'd want to watch. If you can't find anything to watch on TV, you can always log on to Sanctustube, a video sharing website from West Saintland, and browse the uncensored version of the site, which has (illegal) copies of just about every television program and movie in the multiverse.

Virtually every town in the Free Republics includes a movie theater, which is a popular social hangout. Tickets are relatively inexpensive, to keep an endless flow of teenagers coming into the movie theaters. Concerts are held in the major cities on a near-daily basis and there are several popular groups in each major genre.

Nightclubs and bars are available in virtually every village, town or city in the entire Federation. The local laws do differ, but most Republics will allow anybody over the age of 15 or so to enter a bar or nightclub. Strip clubs and brothels are also popular, although the regulation of those establishments greatly differs in each Republic. Women should be forewarned that the definition of consent in the Free Republics tends to be somewhat looser than they may be used to.

In the past, pro wrestling has been a popular form of entertainment in the Free Republics, especially among guys between the ages of 13 and 30. The wrestling company in the Free Republics put on extremely violent and sexualized shows. As their shows grew more explicit, their ratings steadily increased to the point where they were once of the most popular programs on television in the Free Republics. The Republican Wrestling Conglomerate attempted international expansion at one time, but the rise of Consul Kulseth and the restrictions he imposed on the content of their programming eventually drove them out of business. Abelino Sagese, their former owner, has now established the New Republican Wrestling Conglomerate, but it is not yet as popular as its predecessor.

Republican entertainment has been hit hard by the Kulseth and O'Reilly regimes, but businesses in that sector are currently trying to revive it. The Republican video game industry, long dominated by the RepublicSoft Saint, a device created as part of a partnership between RepublicSoft and the Sanctii government, has been hit particularly hard due to RepublicSoft's extremely close ties to the Kulseth regime. Republican gamers are currently enjoying the Miktondo Flip, a Taiyouese import that was the first to release of a new generation of handheld gaming devices while increasing numbers of Republican computer users have begun migrating to open source alternatives to RepublicSoft's Doors operating system, particularly after the free upgrade to Doors 12 was discovered to contain numerous backdoors designed to aid the efforts of the Kulseth government to spy on its citizens and Citrus Computing was discovered to have collaborated with the O'Reilly regime.

Important Laws

For the most part, visiting teams and fans will not have to worry about any unusual laws in the Free Republics. While public nudity statutes remain on the books in many Republics and around half of the Republics restrict the use of hard drugs, pornography, prostitution, alcohol, tobacco and cannabis are generally legal. In fact, pornography is legal everywhere in the FFR, as it is recognized by the Federation courts as freedom of speech. While many of these activities were barred at the request of the Kulseth regime and later barred again by the O'Reilly regime, there has been a push since the fall of the dictatorships to legalize them as widely as possible. However, laws against abortion tend to vary between Republics and some Republics have made it a crime to utilize their transportation infrastructure to travel to another Republic to procure an abortion.

Some Republics have their share of silly laws. The Constitutional provision prohibiting "cruel and unusual punishment" does not have as strong of an effect as you might expect because the Federation courts use an 18th century definition of cruel and unusual punishment. While nobody's going to be hung, drawn and quartered or tortured for evidence, several backwater Republics do practice some rather bizarre punishments for crimes. If you're going to run into any legal problems, it will probably be in some backwater Republic, since they are the main power base of extremist politicians in the Free Republics. Even under the Kulseth and O'Reilly Consulships, the federal system remained largely intact, so many of these extremist politicians have been in power since the days before Kulseth's rise.

In particular, women visiting the Free Republics should be mindful that sexual consent is defined slightly more broadly than they may be used to. The Free Republics has traditionally had a very sex-positive culture for the most part and has tended to be suspicious at times regarding the reliability of accusations of sexual crimes. The different sexual norms in the Free Republics have caused several international incidents in the past. Sexual norms changed during the Kulseth regime and have yet to fully return to the way that they were. Given Kulseth's popularity among Republican women, it is doubtful that the old sexual culture will ever be fully restored but there are many Republicans who long for a return to normalcy, including the old sexual norms, at the present time.

Stadiums

During the Rugby Union World Cup, there will be a total of 18 host stadiums, each of which will host 1 match per matchday during the group stage and 1 knockout round match.

Gem of the Oceans Stadium Miktondo Flip Group (1st listed) + Final Match

Located in Republica, the capitol of the Free Republics, Gem of the Oceans Stadium is a massive stadium that seats 101,208 fans. Gem of the Oceans Stadium is named after the National Anthem of the Free Republics. Republica is located near the center of the Free Republics, but is slightly north of the true center.

RayDome Miktondo Flip Group (2nd listed) + 3rd Place Match

The RayDome is located in Doranto, Contoria and seats 72,469. Contoria is a southern Republic. The RayDome is the home of the Doranto SunRays. The SunRays are one of the more accomplished (gridiron) football teams in the FFR. The RayDome has a fully transparent roof and is an architectural marvel.

Olympic Stadium Miktondo Flip Group (3rd listed) + Semifinal Match

The Olympic Stadium, which seats 107,432, was constructed for the X Winter Olympics in Baseton, Amolotopia. The stadium, which has a retractable roof, hosted all of the ceremonies at the X Winter Olympics and has replaced Nicholls Enterprises Stadium as the foremost stadium in Baseton. Amolotopia is toward the northern part of the Free Republics.

Soccer Palace (RepublicSoft Group (1st listed) + Semifinal Match)

The Soccer Palace is located in Petrograd, Plymouth and seats 111,663. The Soccer Palace is a truly massive stadium, with plenty of room for future expansion. Petrograd is the center of the oil industry in the Free Republics. The Republic of Plymouth is located toward the south-western portion of the country.

National Organization for Men Stadium RepublicSoft Group (2nd listed) + Quarterfinal Match

Named after the National Organization for Men (NOM), National Organization for Men Stadium is a mid-size stadium located in Estonopolis, Keronama. NOM is a controversial, but politically powerful organization which advocates for the rights of men in the Free Republics. The stadium seats 58,534. Keronama is toward the eastern part of the Free Republics.

RepublicSoft Stadium RepublicSoft Group (3rd listed) + Quaterfinal Match

RepublicSoft Stadium is located in New City, Orlandiana. New City is believed to be the most populous city in the Free Republics, but RepublicSoft Stadium seats just 42,282. Ticket prices are notoriously high at RepublicSoft Stadium and many believe that the capacity was kept deliberately low to draw a wealthier audience to the stadium in New City. RepublicSoft is a computer company in the Free Republics. They make the Doors operating system, which was once the most popular OS in the Greater Republica region. One most recent version of Doors, Doors 12, became notorious for containing backdoors that allowed Consul Kulseth to hack into people's computers. RepublicSoft is also well known for their line of office software. However, they are most widely known as the co-creators of the Saint, along with Royal Computer Entertainment of Saintland (RCES) and were the producers of most of the first-party software for the Saint. Orlandiana is a mid-northern Republic.

FreedomCola Stadium FreedomCola Group (1st listed) + Quarterfinal Match

FreedomCola Stadium in Borotia, Iodara is the home of both the Borotia Ninjas and Borotia City. A 72,398 seat stadium, FreedomCola Stadium is sponsored by the makers of the most popular soft drink in the Free Republics. Iodara is a western Republic, located in the middle of a mountain range. The city of Borotia is located in a valley between mountains. Iodara is relatively lightly populated and the Republic's populace tends to be very self-reliant and skeptical of outsiders.

MilaneseDome FreedomCola Group (2nd listed) + Quarterfinal Match

The MilaneseDome is named after Virgilio Milanese, a former Consul of the Free Republics. Consul Milanese was born in the Republic of Keronama. The stadium seats 98,734 and is located in Wortana, Keronama. Keronama is toward the eastern part of the Free Republics.

Olden Stadium FreedomCola Group (3rd listed) + Round of 16 Match

Olden Stadium is located in Falkamore, Nejax. Olden Stadium is named after the Olden Automobile Company, one of the leading automobile manufacturing companies in the Free Republics. Olden is famous for making SUVs and pick-up trucks. Nejax is a southern Republic. Olden Stadium seats 92,681. Nejax has acquired somewhat of an international notoriety in the past.

AllMartDome AllMart Group (1st listed) + Round of 16 Match

Located in Reco, Jolarus, the AllMartDome is an 88,234 seat stadium. Sponsored by AllMart, the leading big box store in the Free Republics, the AllMartDome is a multi-purpose domed stadium used for soccer, football, baseball and several other sports, as well as conventions. A giant green and yellow AllMart logo is one of the stadium's defining features, along with its transparent roof, which permits a natural grass surface to be installed inside of a domed stadium. Jolarus is a socially conservative Republic located in the central part of the Free Republics.

PetroDome AllMart Group (2nd listed) + Round of 16 Match

The PetroDome is located in Petrograd, Plymouth and seats 82,349. The PetroDome is the home of the University of Petrograd's (gridiron) football team and is located on campus. The University of Petrograd is one of the biggest party schools in all of the Free Republics and that is saying something. Petrograd is the center of the oil industry in the Free Republics. The Republic of Plymouth is located toward the south-western portion of the country.

Alex Tomlinson Memorial Stadium AllMart Group (3rd listed) + Round of 16 Match

Alex Tomlinson Memorial Stadium is located in Barkersville, Amolotopia. The stadium is named after Alex Tomlinson, a Liberal candidate for Consul from several decades ago. Tomlinson was shot and killed by a lone nut assassin following his victory in the critical Amolotopia primary election. Tomlinson's older brother, the outgoing Consul at the time, had been shot and nearly killed by an assassin several years earlier. At the time, the city of Barkersville was constructing a new multi-purpose stadium for their local soccer, (gridiron) football and baseball teams. Due to public demand, the city chose to name the stadium after Tomlinson upon its completion. It seats 92,906. Amolotopia is one of the northern Republics.

Nail Frolov Colosseum Citrus Computing Group (1st listed) + Round of 16 Match

The Nail Frolov Colosseum, located in Santangiago, Perotutia, is a spacious stadium named after Nail Frolov, a long-time Senator from the Republic of Perotutia. Frolov, a Progressive Senator, was known around the FFR for his skill in bringing Federation tax funds to Perotutia. Santangiago is a relatively small city that nonetheless has a 99,406 seat stadium. However, since Frolov has been dead for several decades and Perotutia has been unable to find another Senator so skilled at bringing tax dollars from other Republics to Perotutia, his Colosseum has fallen into disrepair. As the progressive-minded citizens of Perotutia have grown less interested in sports over the past few decades, their Republic government has done no upkeep on the stadium for years. While most Republican coaches are not willing to play there, Nail Frolov's personal Colosseum somehow made it onto the list of stadiums for the Rugby Union World Cup. Perotutia is a south-eastern Republic.

Kountry Bank Stadium Citrus Computing Group (2nd listed) + Round of 16 Match

Located in Albertope, Roxawa, Kountry Bank Stadium is a multipurpose stadium that seats 83,802 which was once known as Church of Saintland Stadium. The Church of Saintland chose not to renew the naming rights to the stadium and those were picked up by Kountry Bank, a regional financial institution. The Republic of Roxawa is one of the southern Republics.

RT&T Stadium Citrus Computing Group (3rd listed) + Round of 16 Match

RT&T Stadium is located in New City, Orlandiana and seats 152,306. It is sponsored by RT&T, formerly a powerhouse in the landline telephone industry. RT&T has struggled in recent years, so it is somewhat fitting that the stadium they sponsor has become a run-down mess. RT&T Stadium was originally built 100 years ago and was expanded around 70 years ago to its current capacity. It is the home of the New City Bombers (gridiron) football team, a once-great team that has fallen on hard times recently, including 4 winless seasons out of the last 10. Despite being the largest stadium in the Free Republics, RT&T Stadium has rarely been used for international competition, until now, as Republican coaches do not have any desire to let their teams play at that rundown stadium. Orlandiana is a mid-northern Republic and New City is believed to the most populous city in the Free Republics.

IslandDome Dixon Light Group (1st listed) + Round of 16 Match

The IslandDome is located in the city of Toakameau, located in the island Republic of Falatulu and seats 66,665. Falatulu consists of several small islands off the southern coast of the Free Republics. The Republic is known for its libertine lifestyle and for its high levels of political apathy. The Falatuluan lifestyle is a non-stop party, making the Republic a popular vacation destination. Free love is practiced by the majority of Falatuluans and drug use is rampant on the islands. With a tropical climate, its always warm and its almost always sunny on the islands. During the O'Reilly regime, Falatulu declared its independence, but it has since rejoined the FFR. Toakameau is the only major city in Falatulu.

Church of Technicology Stadium Dixon Light Group (2nd listed) + #15 v. #18 Play-in Match

Located in Tarita, Quartona, Church of Technicology Stadium is an otherwise unspectacular 61,403 stadium that is mainly known for being named after the Church of Technicology, a religion founded by a failed science fiction writer named J.Q. Caballero. Widely considered a scam masquerading as a religion, the Church of Technicology has nonetheless managed to gain a following among some celebrities. They are mostly famous for their litigiousness, including a lawsuit against the leading domain name registrar in the Free Republics that was literally laughed out of court by a judge, on national television. Quartona is located in the north-western portion of the Free Republics.

Dixon Light Stadium Dixon Light Group (3rd listed) + #16 v. #17 Play-in Match

Dixon Light Stadium, located in Petrograd, Plymouth, is a football-specific stadium and the home of the Petrograd Tycoons. Dixon Light Stadium has hosted a WrestleCade in the past, but for a while it did not host international sports competition due to the refusal of the Petrograd Tycoons owner to lease the stadium for international sports. He changed his mind regarding international competition after a meeting with Rule Theriault and the stadium hosted two matches at World Cup 68 (most notably the victory of the Free Republics over arch-rival Felix in the Round of 16) and has hosted several international sports matches since, including Abanhfleft's 10-0 victory over the Allamunnic States in the semifinals of World Bowl XXXI. Dixon Light Stadium seats 76,804. Petrograd is the center of the oil industry in the Free Republics. The Republic of Plymouth is located toward the south-western portion of the country.

by **Elejamie** » Fri Mar 24, 2017 8:28 am

Elejamian national rugby union team
Selección de rugby de Elejamia
Elejam rubi tim

Style mod: 0

Rugby is the third most popular sport in Elejamie, behind ice hockey and football (apologies for the retcon). While rugby league has a small but loyal fanbase and the ERC Sevens first started just before the 2016/17 season was due to start, it's rugby union that reigns supreme in Elejamie. With the best of the Elejamian Rugby Championship's homegrown talent representing the nation, as well as a few Elejamian Universities XV alumni, it's safe to say that the Elejamian team will carry on making waves.

In the last tournament, which was also their first outing, Elejamie actually did very well. They got their campaign off to a good start thanks to a 25-7 win over Aloquirbe, which took them up to first place. However, a bye day dropped them down to second and a 30-18 loss to Albaie brought them down to fourth place. However, they quickly recovered thanks to a narrow 26-24 win over Kaboomlandia, where a drop goal was enough to save them. And a 24-7 victory over the host Aels (who also qualified for the next round) was enough to put them in first place, with twelve points coming from three wins and a loss. After a 23-9 victory over Kernansquillec in the Round of 16, they were up against Ko-oren, a team they frequently played in the Rugby League World Cup. Although the Dragonflies won the match (but lost 23-13 AET to Neu Engollon in the final), Elejamie managed to fight hard, only losing 43-28 in a thrilling ten try (six for Ko-oren, four for Elejamie) game.

And so, after a lengthy hiatus, the Rugby World Cup is back. Although most of the team (including former coach Nick Dabrowski) either retired, left or weren't selected, there's not only some remnants of the 24th RWC team but also a few newcomers, mostly graduates from the EUXV. Will Elejamie be able to repeat their past fame with a mostly new squd? Will they do one better and make it to the semis? Or will they end up proving that their amazing performance in the last tournament was a fluke? Only time will tell...

Head Coach: Pablo Cartagena (48)
Assistant Coach: Robert Mackay (37)
Physio: Adam Mulhavey (27)

Captain: Ben Oldaker
Vice-captain: Bruce Hernández

No.	Name				Age	Position	Club
1	Esteban Moreno			32	P		Coventry Wyverns
2	Dan Mitchell			28	H		Murgon Bullfrogs
3	Dominic Devries			24	P		Elejamie City Eagles
4	Chris Morgan			31	L		Alvis Rams
5	George Finney			23	L		Avon Knights
6	Bruce Hernández			32	F		Coventry Wyverns
7	Chris Onuoha			32	F		Coventry Wyverns
8	Haruo Ikarashi			27	8M		Avon Knights

9	Ben Oldaker			31	SH		Rosetta Sparrows
10	Doug Westwood			33	FH		Murgon Bullfrogs
11	Armando Tavarez			24	W		Auckhampton Birch Trees
12	Brandão				23	C		Davenport Commandos
13	Eddie Campbell			27	C		Rosetta Sparrows
14	Diego Peguero			28	W		Auckhampton Birch Trees
15	Adam Gates			24	FB		Iceland Panthers

Subs

No.	Name				Age	Pos		Club
16	Roberto Peralta			31	H/P		Auckhampton Birch Trees
17	Ryan Morris			25	P		Murgon Bullfrogs
18	Adrian Drew-Ciobanu		24	P		Avon Knights
19	Gregory Miller			35	L		Davenport Commandos
20	David White			28	F/8M		Alvis Rams
21	Paul Debenham			28	SH/FH		Coventry Wyverns
22	Phil Holloway			30	C/W		Iceland Panthers
23	Terry Huang			22	FB		Elejamie City Eagles

Brandão - Brandão Guerreiro Barros

P - Prop
H - Hooker
L - Lock
F - Flanker
8M - Number eight (or “eightman” as they’re called in Elejamie)
SH - Scrum-half
FH - Fly-half
W - Winger
C - Centre
FB - Fullback

by **Juvencus** » Fri Mar 24, 2017 9:46 am

Squadra di Rugby della Juvencus

The time has come for the 25th installment of the rugby union world cup which is held in the Free Republics. In Juvencus, rugby's been pretty popular in villages rather than major cities. However, the Juven Association of Rugby Union has decided to send a fresh squad to the world cup to experience the toughness of the world scene of rugby.

The Squadra:

Backs:
Fullback:Daniele Morello
Right wing:Manuel Muraro
Left wing:Paride Durante
Outside centre:Michelangelo Aloia
Inside centre:Bonaventura Adimari
Fly half:Albino Sparacello
Scrum half:Ivan Garofalo

Forwards:
Number 8:Flavio Favero
Openside flanker:Rino Valentini
Blindside flanker:Orlando Spanò
Number 5 lock:Arnolfo Aldebrandi
Number 4 lock:Edgardo Affini
Tighthead prop:Gianmaria Caruso
Hooker:Bernardino Tanzi
Loosehead prop:Loris Prosdocimi

Staff:
Main coach:Nunzio Bianchi
Assistant Coach:Riccardo Cipriani
Team Doctor:Gualtiero Altamura
Team Nutritionist:Corrado Abbascia

by **New Lusitania and the Algarves** » Fri Mar 24, 2017 10:28 am

FEDERAÇÃO LUSITANA DE RÂGUEBI

Text To Be Written
Style : +1.5

Squad for RWC

Loosehead Prop - João Milreu (Direito Lisboa RCI)
Hooker - Fernando Tavares (Universitário de Lisboa / Agronomia)
Tighthead Prop - Carlos Delgado (Recreativo Jaem)
Left Lock/ 2nd Row - Simão Vitorino (RC Porto)
Right Lock/ 2nd Row - Manuel Santos (SC Braga)
Blind Side Flanker - Ernesto Avéis (Aveirense)´
Open Side Flanker - Mário Reis (S.Jorge do Mar)
Number Eight - António Silva (Académica Coimbra)
Scrum Half - Ricardo Elias (Belenenses Rugby)
Fly Half - Tiago James (Ac.Portuense)
Left Wing - Pedro Sete-Castelos (Desportivo Guarda)
Inside Centre - Martim Poiais (Académica Coimbra)
Outside Centre - João Pacheco (Real Bragança)
Right Wing - Paulo Austrélio (Desp.Guarda)
Full-Back - Victor José Guincho (Univ.Lisboa)

SUBS

Prop - Pedro Apoveiro (Ac.Viseu)
Prop - Jorge Vasques (Belenenses Rugby)
Flanker- Afonso Côrte (RC Porto)
No.8 - Tomás Quilhas (Recreativo Jaem)
Fly Half - Gabriel Lanças (Belenenses Rugby)
Wing - João Belas (Real Bragança)
Centre - Bruno Ferilho (Aveirense)
Full-Back - Rui Cedrilhas (Sporting CL)

Kits TBP (To Be Presented)

by **The Iron Syndicate** » Fri Mar 24, 2017 12:10 pm

THE IRON SYNDICATE NATIONAL TEAM
The Black Arrows

The Iron Syndicate is a massive and futuristic country located in the Sea of Iron, between Rushmore and Esportiva and Atlantian Oceania, and that country is unique in that it's run by a large coalition of corporations that have banded together to bring a higher standard of life to their islands and to advance technological progress and prosperity. The country itself is made up of dozens of islands with varying climates, with the northern ones generally being warm, the southern ones generally being cool, and the middle ones being temperate. The nation has been self declared to be the Most Decadent Place On Earth, and is ruled by the Executive Board, an elected group of leaders that is responsible for all national decisions. The official leader of the country is the Chief Executive, and for now, that position is held by Augustus Darkstar, who is on his third term.

The country entered rugby recently after the top rugby union league, the Rugby Syndicate, pushed for the creation of a national team to boost their popularity and TV ratings over rugby league, which was coming close to catching them in popularity. This fell at the same time as other initiatives to spread Ironite influence through sports, and therefore was endorsed by Portum island governor Kal Silverstone in addition to Augustus Darkstar. The major support for the team saw their creation happen quickly, and saw the Rugby Syndicate begin work with spreading one of the country's favorite sports beyond their borders and increasing their brand and international profile.

THE TEAM
Information
Nickname: The Black Arrows
Colors: Blue, white, and black
Style Modifier: +2
Home Stadium: Bank of Portus Coliseum(145,000)
Fan Group: The Iron Guard is the number one supporter group for Syndicate sports, and can be spotted by the rowdy atmosphere they bring to every home and away game as well as their black and gold banners.

Roster
Note: Some players will not have full names and will instead have shortform names with a first name and a one letter surname, that take the place of their longform ID designations. Most of these players come from the Syndicate's space territories.

STAFF
Head of Syndicate Rugby - Jean Darkell - 52
Head Coach - Apollo Black - 42 - RFC Central
Assistant Coach - Lou Scipio - 38 - RFC Independent

STARTERS
Fullback - Tanner Blanco - 30 - RFC Central
Left Wing - Trey Vitas - 25 - Red Hill Highlanders
Right Wing - Aaron J - 27 - RFC Independent
Outside Centre - Mia White - 23 - Luxus Kingfishers
Inside Centre - Dre Martins - 21 - Red Hill Highlanders
Fly Half - Eric Hammer - 29 - Red Hill Highlanders
Scrum Half - Shaun Draco - 23 - Luxus Kingfishers
Blindside Flanker - Drue Y - 31 - Ceres Loons
Openside Flanker - Damien Hawke - 22 - RFC Central
Lock - Ana Cosma - 26 - RFC Independent
Lock - Zan Matta - 24 - RFC Academy
Loosehead Prop - Simon V - 22 - Ceres Loons
Tighthead Prop - Jack Marino - 32 - Portus Park Rangers
Hooker - Mauro Sato - 28 - Red Hill Highlanders

RESERVES
Fullback - JP King - 28 - Ceres Loons
Wing - Aurel Leaf - 25 - Atrus Trojans
Wing - Hector Kaiser - 20 - Westbay Admirals
Halfback - Karim Spike - 21 - Luxus Kingfishers
Flanker - Nya Fox - 23 - Metrus Astros
Lock - Taurean Strong - 19 - RFC Independent
Prop - Appius Knight - 20 - RFC Central

by **Darmen** » Fri Mar 24, 2017 12:35 pm

The Darmeni National Rugby Union Team
presented by the
Darmeni Rugby Union

Head Coach: Marcel MacLeod
Assistant Head Coach: Arn Bonnay
Forwards Coach: Élie Sheach
Backs Coach: Amos Roche
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Wilfrid Weber
Team Doctor: Brian Jewel
Trainer: Gruffydd Arthur

Ingvar Wilkins is the Captain.  Usuall substitutes marked with *.

Pos Name                 Age NRC Franchise
FB  Nicholas Ó Ceallaigh 26  Metropolitan RFU
RW  Keir Darrell         22  Northeastern Sharks
OC  Hariwald Abrahams    24  Western Border Warriors
IC  Willoughby Abarca    31  Brham Titans
LW  Fiete Giles          24  Metropolitan RFU
FH  Ingvar Wilkins       36  Johnho RFU
SH  Abimael Leonard      21  Liverpool RFU
N8  Raymund Albinson     20  Johnho RFU
OF  Callahan Moles       21  Metropolitan RFU
BF  Griogair MacAslan    23  Springfield RFU
RL  Aurèle Gladwyn       22  Northwestern RFU
LL  Samuel Archer        35  East Coast Black Knights
TP  Kipling Reiter       35  Rogerton Blues
HK  Bruce Schubert       29  Menomonie RFU
LP  Tyson Lewis          22  Northeastern Sharks

FB* Remus Power          22  Coastal Golden Chiefs
RW  Tomi Baumgärtner     36  Southwestern Blue Tigers
OC  Stian Ellis          23  East Coast Black Knights
IC* Art Ilbert           30  Northeastern Sharks
LW  Maolsheachlann Abney 35  Coastal Golden Chiefs
FH* Loyd Short           24  Western Border Warriors
SH  Cyrille McNab        31  CFR United Cotdelapomais
N8* Nickolas Savege      30  CFR United Cotdelapomais
OF* Fergal Wörner        23  Northwestern RFU
BF  Nic Kästner          26  Northeastern Sharks
RL  Dubhghall Eustis     33  Northeastern Sharks
LL* Jonas Ó Díomasaigh   32  Rogerton Blues
TP* Wendelin Oliver      30  Liverpool RFU
HK  Rune Burton          32  Menomonie RFU
LP* Ulrich Wallis        34  Metropolitan RFU

UT  Humbert Ivers        28  CFR United Cotdelapomais

RP Permissions: Whatever you like, just no killing or other serious life altering events please. Have fun!

by **Bvriania** » Fri Mar 24, 2017 6:22 pm

127 years of rugby, 97 years of test matches, 21 years of a domestic tournament, and 0 world cups. That sums up Bvriania's rugby history, up until now that is. The time for the nation's first world cup has finally arrived, along with the chance to make its mark in the world. Head coach, Finlay Martin, is finally doing what a good coach should and moving the team forward. Some long standing starters have seen the boot, while one Joseph Rasolo will make his bench debut at 18 years of age. Winning the whole cup isn't on the cards, but the seeds are being sown to win the cup in future.

Roster:

Staff:
Head Coach - Finlay Martin - 44
Forwards Coach - DJ Cronin - 42
Backs Coach - Jonah O'Driscoll - 39

Starters:
1.  Loosehead Prop - Viliami O'Brien - 31 - South Sea Ostriches
2.  Hooker - Frank Ryan - 29 - Minotaurs
3.  Tighthead Prop - Angah O'Leary - 32 - Minotaurs
4.  Lock - Dominic Corcoran - 34 - Minotaurs
5.  Lock - Duncan Donworth - 32 - Minotaurs
6.  Blindside Flanker - Oliver Troy - 33 - Stormers Bay
7.  Openside Flanker - Adam Manning - 31 - Causeway Kings
8.  Number 8 - Max Moodley - 29 (VC) - Minotaurs
9.  Scrum-Half - Erik Decko - 26 - Red Rebels
10. Out-Half - Aidan Scully - 24 - South Sea Ostriches
11. Wing - Sam Jones (C) - 28 - Paddican Pouncers
12. Inside Centre - Dan McKnight - 31 - Stormers Bay
13. Outside Centre - Isa Umaga - 25 - Red Rebels
14. Wing - Buck Jackson - 24 - New East Tornadoes
15. Fullback - Shane Moran - 32 - Westwind Falcons

Reserves:
16. Hooker - Jamie O'Driscoll - 24 - Paddican Pouncers
17. Prop - Jack Crowley - 20 - Minotaurs
18. Prop - Callum White - 30 - Paddican Pouncers
19. Lock - Ryan Roush - 25 - Stormers Bay
20. Flanker/Number 8 - Thor Colbert - 28 - Westwind Falcons
21. Scrum-Half - Anthony Coetzee - 28 - Causeway Kings
22. Out-Half/Centre - Joshua Malli - 26 - New East Tornadoes
23. Wing - Joseph Rasolo - 18 - Red Rebels

Extended Squad:
Prop - Cian Crowley - 20 - Causeway Kings
Hooker - Manu Movu - 19 - Paddican Pouncers
Lock - Samuel Steyn - 20 - Westwind Falcons
Flanker/Number 8 - Alf Stewart - 19 - Causeway Kings
Out-Half - Matt White - 20 - New East Tornadoes
Centre - Fionn Cotter - 22 - Red Rebels
Wing/Fullback - Richie Meyer - 19 - Paddican Pouncers

RP Permissions:

Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y (nothing lethal)
Godmod injuries to my players: Y
Sin bin my players: Y
Send my players off: Y (one max per match)
Godmod other events: Y (TG if you have anything crazy in mind)

Style Modifier: -1

by **Mattijana** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 8:15 am

Mattijanan Squad For The 25th Rugby World Cup

Mattijana has deepened its involvement in the general World Rugby community in recent times, with participation in two Rugby league World Cups and the most recent Sevens events in Lisander, Neu Engollon and at the Olympics, where the women's side won gold.

Yet a Rugby Union World Cup was something that had not yet been achieved, despite being very much on the agenda. Now would be the time to change that.

RK Petrovijanka boss Marko Vinzanic will take charge of the team at their debut tournament, having led his club side to the Mattijanan league title in the previous season. He is joined by several of his players, as well as those from other clubs across the country.

Staff:
Head Coach: Marko Vinzanic
Assistant Coach: Dominika Sarani
Forwards Coach: Danil Bastereau
Backs Coach: Jelena Trojar
Head Doctor: Julia Smitic
Doctor: Matej Burgisic

The Squad:

#1-Loosehead Prop-Martin Kramaric-RK Burges-30
#2-Hooker-Marko Mulec-RK Petrovijanka-29
#3-Tighthead Prop-Max Kamj-RK Petrovijanka-32
#4-Lock-Katrina Basic-RK Snezn-26
#5-Lock-Kevin Krunec-RK Burges-27
#6-Blindside Flanker-Helena Skofjec-RK Revinka-24
#7-Openside Flanker-Julian Badhoff-RK Snezn-30 (Captain)
#8-Number 8-Halzo Dramic-RK Burges-28
#9-Scrum Half-Katarina Velezia-RK Petrovijanka-26
#10-Fly Half-Dominik Kunikov-RK Revinka-25 (Kicker)
#11-Wing-Sanja Cevnik-RK Petrovijanka-23
#12-Inside Centre-Andreas Sainz-RK Burges-27
#13-Outside Centre-Julia Hermann-RK Puljanka-26
#14-Wing-Matej Campagnaro-RK Petrovijanka-23
#15-Full back-Mika Vastasic-RK Snezn-29

Replacements:

#16-Hooker-Andrej Subic-RK Revinka-28
#17-Prop-Kara Sajevic-RK Burges-32
#18-Prop-Dominik Bastija-RK Petrovijanka-31
#19-Lock-Katija Postonja-RK Puljanka-29
#20-Flanker-Max Zubic-RK Snezn-25
#21-Scrum Half-Lara Stuhic-RK Petrovijanka-27
#22-Centre-Danil Skofjec-RK Burges-25
#23-Wing-Eva Savranic-RK Revinka-21

Style:

Style Modifier: +3

Mattijana usually employ a running style with short sharp passes and quick offloads where possible. This is believed to counter a weight deficiency, therefore avoiding set pieces and large, slow rucks and mauls.

RP Permissions:

Choose My Scorers: Yes (although penalties/conversions should be taken by the kicker or reserve kicker)
Godmod scoring events (Yes)
Injure my players: Yes, but nothing career threatening. Maximum of 3 per game.
Godmod injuries: Yes
Sin Bin my players: Yes
Red Card my players: Yes, but only 1 per match
Godmod other events: Yes

If anyone is interested in signing some of my players or in sending a player to a Mattijanan club, please let me know.

Kit credits go to Lisander.

works? · by **Abanhfleft** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 8:32 am

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ABANHFLEFT
National rugby union team

This will be the nth time that Abanhfleft will be participating in the Rugby Union World Cup. Rugby union is the fourth most popular sport in the Democratic Republic; behind basketball, association football, and baseball. The team is composed of players that had been judged by an impartial body to be the best players in the Fleftic Rugby Union Super League (FRUSL). And as you can see above you, Abanhfleft has introduced a new flag. Further details will be released later.

BASIC INFORMATION
Name of nation: Democratic Republic of Abanhfleft
Demonym: Fleftic
Official history: This will be the third time that Abanhfleft will be participating in the Rugby Union World Cup.
Team colors: Blue, orange, and green
Style modifier: +3. Offense will be the team's focus.

STARTING FIFTEEN
Key: Number, name, position, age
#1 Prabhesh Nayyar (Loosehead prop, 34)
#2 John Borisov (Hooker, 28)
#3 Wesley Nakamura (tighthead prop, 31)
#4 Paul Abcede (Lock, 33)
#5 Neil Kalatarang (Lock, 32)
#6 Kirk Wahlberg (Blindside flanker, 28)
#7 Joaquin Hope (Openside flanker, 30)
#8 Zack Mosquito (Eight-man, 34)
#9 Sikaruchabamba (Scrum half, 29)
#10 Nawwaz Shareef Wahhab (Fly half, 33)
#11 Till Solvermann (Left wing, 32)
#12 Jack Wiley (Inside center, 28)
#13 Dixon Cochabamba (Outside center, 29)
#14 Dev Nasuggi (Right wing, 31)
#15 Archie Wigglesworth (Fullback, 32, captain)

RESERVES
#16 Kellerman Baltoj (28)
#17 Mettalurg Nabeez (29)
#18 Palut Hekar (30)
#19 Adam Jaden Sforza (26)
#20 Gabriello Umali (33)
#21 Banazz Deltoj (32)
#22 Zechariah Zabroff (35)
#23 Manasseh Farrell (38, vice-captain)
#24 Tesla Maluku Anim (31)
#25 Abd al-Latif bin Khalifa (30)
#26 Cecil Svenson (29)
#27 Julio Ortega (28)
#28 David Paras (30)
#29 Jerzy Poltavi (34)
#30 Bezzavetno Bernabe (34)

RP PERMISSIONS
Everything except killing my players is fair game.

by **Neu Engollon** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 8:41 am

NEU ENGOLLON NATIONAL RUGBY UNION SQUAD
'THE MOUNTAIN GOATS'

Coach: Giuseppe Cosento
Assistant Coach: Rolf Mertzen

First Team
Forwards:
1: Bartolomeo Fendini - Loosehead Prop (Monaco Racers)
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: Andre Callenzo - Right Wing (Menton Crushers)
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: + 1.2

Citrus Computing Group

Mattijana (UR)
Islartic (UR)
East Saintland (8)
Kecrazia (UR)
Ethane (43)
Neu Engollon (1)

RP Permissions:
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: No career ending, 1 per match
Godmod injuries to my players: TG me first
Hand out yellow cards (sin bin) to my players: Y
Hand out red cards (sending off) to my players: TG me first
Godmod other events: Y

by **Union of Socialist Alpine Republics** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 6:46 pm

Union of Socialist Alpine Republics National Rugby Union Team

Reprezentacja Alpejski w Rugby Union

Équipe d'Union des Républiques Socialistes Alpines de Rugby à XV

Sgioba Nàiseanta Aonadh Rugbaidh na Aonadh Sòisealach Ailpeach Poblachdan

Full nation name: Union of Socialist Alpine Republics
Short nation name: Alpine Union
Trigramme: UAR
Demonym: Alpines
Nicknames: Alpine Union, Alpines, Green & white, Bisons, Reprezentacja Alpejski

History:

Prusy Krolewskie participated in the Rugby Union World Cup 23 and finished 2nd in group H behind Ko-oren and ahead of The Sword Bloke and Québécois Commonwealth. The Reprezentacja Pruski beat Apox in the round of 24 but lost 25-15 against Abanhfleft in the round of 16. Prusy Krolewskie skipped the World Cup 24. Then all North Eurasian nations but Pays den haut united together to form the Union of Socialist Alpine Republics.

The current Alpine National Team features 6 players who were on Prusy Krolewskie's roster for the WC 23 and 3 players who won a medal with the North Eurasian Unified Sporting Team Women's Team in the previous summer olympics held in Commerce Heights/Paripana.

All time record: 4-0-3 (as Prusy Krolewskie)

Schedule:

MD1: Free Republics (UR) vs U.S.A.R. (39)
MD2: U.S.A.R. (39) vs Alice Bay (UR)
MD3: Purple Rabbits (UR) vs U.S.A.R. (39)
MD4: The Fair Republic (6) vs U.S.A.R. (39)
MD5: U.S.A.R. (39) vs Darmen (23)

The team:

Head Coach: Maolmuire GilleChrìost
Assistant Coach: Wlodzimierz Szabakiewicz
Assistant Coach: Björn Skrzybski

Kicker: Philipp Schweinsteiger
Captain: George Thompstone
Ass Captain: Philipp Schweinsteiger
Ass Captain: Serge Dusautoir

Num     Pos             Name                    Age     Team                    Birthplace
1	L. Prop	        Nicola Lazzaroni	26	Benedetto Rugby 	Porto Santa Margherita, AC
2	Hooker	        Luke Chisholm	        25	Marriot's Rugby Club	Holybourne, BR
3	T. Prop	        Ryszard Owczarzak	31	Legia Puck	        Dulkowszczyzna, WP
4	Lock	        Ogilhinn Flimean	28	Linlithgow Warriors	Stronachlachar, CD
5	Lock	        Krzysztof Szerszenowicz	26	Korona Malbork	        Szczawnica, WP
6	Flanker	        George Thompstone	31	Winchelsea Tigers 	Winchelsea, BR
7	Flanker	        Raghallaigh Ó Conghalaigh 27	Castletown-Bearhaven Rugby Creggaballagh, HY
8	Number 8	Serge Dusautoir	        29	Stade tournubertais	Soulac-sur-Mer, AQ
9	Scrum Half	Philipp Schweinsteiger	32	Roxburgh Rugby	        Mönchenholzhausen, AM
10	Fly Half	Fiona Mac Leoid	        23	Marriot's Rugby Club	Glengarnock, CD
11	Left Wing	Finn MacArthur	        26	Linlithgow Warriors	Dail an Leigh Dalelia, CD
12	Ins. Center	Katie Gilmour	        30	Twyford Rugby	        Twyford, BR
13	Outs. Center	Jack Banahan	        28	Cwmffrwd Blues	        Monkton Wyld, BR
14	Right Wing	Alasdair MacIlleMhìcheil 29	Roxburgh Rugby	        Roxburgh, CD
15	Fullback	Nick Ford-Robinson	27	Saracens F.C. 	        Bearsbridge, BR
					
16	Prop	        Zdzislaw Budziszewski	28	RzKS Juvenia Miedzyzdroje Rzodkiewnica, WP
17	Hooker/Prop	Will Moon	        33	Castletown-Bearhaven Rugby Southminster, BR
18	Lock	        Julien Legrain	        30	Budowlani Ozorkow	Poisson, AM
19	Flanker	        Fergus McFarlane	24	Marriot's Rugby Club	Kinlocharkaig, CD
20	Half	        Nairn Lawrie	        30	Stade tournubertais	Braehead, CD
21	Center	        Arkadiusz Prusinowski	29	Budowlani Ozorkow	Trzeszczyn, WP
22	Wing/Fullb	Catriona Dunbar	        29	Benedetto Rugby 	Rossdhu House, CD
23	Wing	        Kyle O'Donnell	        26	Oglethorpe Harlequins	Chesterfield, CH

AC: Amalfi Coast
AM: Alsace-Mecklenburg
AQ: Aquitaine-Languedoc
BR: Britannia
CD: Caledonia
CH: Chattahoochee
HY: Hybernia
WP: Wschodnioprusy (Prussia East)

Alsace-Mecklenburg and Prussia East were part of Prusy Krolewskie
Britannia, Caledonia and Hybernia were part of Great caledonia and North Hybernia
Chattahoochee was part of Southern Democratic States

Choose My Scorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
Injure my players: Y
Godmod injuries: N
Sin Bin my players: Y
Red Card my players: Y
Godmod other events: Y

by **Natanians and Nosts** » Sat Mar 25, 2017 8:18 pm

Natanians and Nosts roster for the World Cup of Rugby 25
Nickname:The Blue Sharks

# Name position age
Starters

1	Mihai Carolus César     	prop            24
2	Gheorghe Ion da Silva         	hooker          25
3	Caeso Paulus Augustus	  	prop          	28
4	Mihai Cláudius Enderssen	second-row	29
5	Ion Viktor dos Santos		second-row	27
6	Gabriel Júlio Augustus	  	flanker      	22
7	Cáius Március Moura	  	flanker      	25
8	Octavius Caeso Numésio	   	number 8	22
9	Mihai Kaeso Marão	  	scrum-half	24
10	Mihai Ricardus Varro	  	fly-half	29
11	Márcus Ion Hûs	    	  	winger      	24
12	Samuel Rog Ionescu	  	five eighths  	24
13	Iohannis Carolus da Silva	centre       	24
14	Gheorghe Márcus dos Santos	winger      	25
15	Cáius Mihai Souza	  	full-back	27

Captain's name is in blue

Bench:

16	Ion Mihai Gheorghenescu      	prop	21
17	Gaius Cáius Tralito     	hooker	29
18	Luís Júnio Gomes       	second-row     	25
19	Iulius Júlio Mihailescu	back-row	20
20	Hermenegildo Astrogildo Pesvić	fly-half/scrum-half	22
21	Aleksiei Fjodór Martinescu	scrum-half	23
22	Márcus Victor North	centre       	24
23	Márcus Carolus Sousa	outside back	29

Should my opponent RPs first, he/she may do the following:
godmod scoring events: Yes
RP injuries to my players: No
godmod injuries to my players: No
Sin bin my players: Yes(only two per match)
Send my players off: No
godmod other events: No

by **Kecrazia** » Sun Mar 26, 2017 1:44 pm

KIT

(OOC - Outdated, I ordered one for this cycle but due to problems I have not received it as of yet, so if I do before the competition starts I will change it to that, but for now this is the emergency backup.)

Coach: Ikref Oldrerek
Assistant coach: Ekid Frijtodek
Captain: Anedech Skefjend
Vice-captain:  Krez Kadssalener

No.	Name		        	Age	Position
1	Dakdez Skadler  		25	P
2	Fofed Sklednexez		27	H
3	Bruz Defodsa-Sjedall		26	P
4	Arelt Ksedjel			35	L
5	Krez Kadssalener		23	L
6	Anedech Skefjend		26	F
7	Dakadker Sadeosa		23	F
8	Icarasa Delkef			21	8M

9	Bannieman Kedles		20	SH
10	Amerdeo Dekfeld	         	24	FH
11	Trandefplen Devzox		27	W
12	Armandi Deked			28	C
13	Tomaz Fjeklan			31	C
14	Kena Meinert			22	W
15	Antoni Jefdrei			30	FB

SUBS

No.	Name				Age	Pos
16	Abba Flakded    		28	H/P
17	Rele Eitjeun			33	L
18	Andrei Deulanbro		25	C
19	Gerg Mula  			35	F
20	Zentbrei Kledfego              	29	8M	
21	Dkelo Lafpdek           	32	SH/FH
22	Slemfleras Fegjeller		24	W
23	Atira Dewkofgo			21	FB

P - Prop
H - Hooker
L - Lock
F - Flanker
8M - Number eight
SH - Scrum-half
FH - Fly-half
W - Winger
C - Centre
FB - Fullback

Choose my scorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Sin bin my players: Y (one per game preferably)
Send my players off: (same as above)
Godmod other events: N

OOC - I know little about rugby, so don't be surprised if I make any stupid mistakes.

by **The Fair Republic** » Sun Mar 26, 2017 7:42 pm

Style Modifier: +1.5
Captain: Peter Lazarus
Coach: Gideon Patrick
Demonym: Republics
Uniforms:

Roster:

Starting Lineup
PR - Adam Jones
HK - Luke Smith
PR - Marcus Welton
SR - Wellington Archer
SR - Paul Weaver
FL - Henry Ferguson
FL - Tommy Davis
#8 - Ted Meyer
SH - Brett Adams
FH - Victor Peterson
IC - Timothy Hunter
OC - George Lipton
LW - Franz Williams
RW - Peter Lazarus
FB - Ross Lynch

Bench

FW - Edgar Hoover
FW - Percy Piturnus
FW - Patrick Ross
FW - Fabian Duncan
BK - Jamie Gawdye
BK - George Wood
BK - Peter Kanie

Choose my pointscorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
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: Y
Godmod other events: Y

by **Audioslavia** » Mon Mar 27, 2017 8:32 am

The alternatives codes of football (as they're referred to in Audioslavia) have always been overlooked in Audioslavia in favour of Association Football. ALT-CODA, set up two years ago, is an organization tasked with creating the infrastructure for semi-professional national leagues for the likes of Arena Football, Rugby League and Rugby Union, among other sports. So far, twelve franchises have been created, each forming a team in each of the three sports, and each representing a different part of Audioslavia.

The Hibernia and Eorkzhr regions of Audioslavia, which have traditionally been the hotbeds for alternative rugby codes, are home to the teams of Hibernians, Cearbain and Rovers, based in Glascar, Botoun and Follows respectively. Nearby Ceilerden is represented by Celts, with the capital Cathair represented by two teams, Leones and Capitals.

Elsewhere, the south east of the country, traditionally more accustomed to soccer, house the teams of Mendizaleak (based in Ferramendiak), Turqueses (based in Hasiera) and Bucanieri (based in Lecho). Cascavéis represent the northern region of Tartaruga, with Saracens based on the island of Kjeligsted and Jaegere representing the Hyland and Jansvej regions.

The ALT-CODA Audioslavia National Rugby Union Team (usually referred to as Audioslavia Union, occasionally by the nickname 'The Oxen') is made up of players from each of these teams. There is a quota that the manager must adhere to, in that every team must be represented by at least one player.

Backs
Name			Age	Position	Club
Grant Coley		31	Half Back	Hibernians
Rashad Khan		34	Half Back	Saracens
Markel de Jongh		28	Half Back	Jaegere
Stuart McGann		28	Half Back	Cearbain
Esteban Rios		24	Centre		Toreros
Giovanni Ciro		23	Centre		Bucanieri
Stefano Ciampa		20	Centre		Bucanieri
Jouard Nevarez		20	Winger		Leones
Leonard McKee		28	Winger		Cearbain
Phillip Campbell	30	Winger		Celts
Quentin Fall		32	Winger		Rovers
Johnathan McCullough	24	Full Back	Hibernians
Michael Yardborough	31	Full Back	Capitals
Vann Cambridge		34	Full Back	Hibernians

Forwards
Name			Age	Position	Club
Malcom Stott		24	Prop		Hibernians
Robert Scutterfield	28	Prop		Rovers
Jason Urqheart		29	Prop		Rovers
Rogerio Freitas		31	Hooker		Cascavéis
John Martin		28	Hooker		Capitals
Helmut De Vrijs		31	Lock		Jaegere
Gavin McPhail		26	Lock		Celts
Arnaud Deschamps	28	Lock		Turqueses
Ronan Finnegan		24	Flanker		Hibernians
Adrian Bedevillier	23	Flanker		Capitals
Roderick Stone		30	Flanker		Hibernians
Ricardo Invernizzi	22	Flanker		Bucanieri
Jonatan Bedevillier	25	Number 8	Capitals
Iker Elejalde		27	Number 8	Mendizaleak

First XV - 1. Stott 2. Martin 3. Urqheart 4. McPhail 5. Deschamps 6. Finnegan 7. A. Bedevillier 8. J. Bedevillier 9. Coley 10. McGann 11. McKee 12. Ciro 13. Ciampa 14. Nevarez 15. McCullough

Kickers (by order of preference): McCullough, McGann, *Yardborough, Ciro, *De Jongh
(*starts on bench)

The team's manager, John Riordan, made his name in the amateur days as a skilful fly-half in the Eorkhzhr/Hibernia leagues. His team, selected from all 12 semi-professional teams in Audioslavia, likes to play a running game that relies on ball-handling. Two adept kickers will attempt to score points via drop goals and penalties at most opportunities. The small-ish forward line are susceptible to being over-run by bigger teams, while more creative and imaginitive forward play will give most of the Audioslavian 15 problems.

Audioslavia Union's aim, in their first foray into international rugby competition, is to lay the groundwork for future campaigns.

PERMISSIONS
You may choose goalscorers, injure players and award yellow/red cards as you wish, within reason. No godmodding unless it's funny and well written.

by **Nova Anglicana** » Mon Mar 27, 2017 1:39 pm

Nova Anglicana Rugby Union World Cup XXV Roster

Nickname: Lions
Head Coach: Errol Anderson

Starting XV

1. Kristopher Beard, loosehead prop, 31
2. Dan Broadway, 26, hooker
3. Samson Abasi, tighthead prop, 32
4. Tim Poole, lock, 32
5. Marcel Lebrun, 25, lock
6. Demetrius Scarborough, 26, blindside flanker
7. Damien Clemens, openside flanker, 33, captain
8. Atticus Joiner, eight-man, 27
9. Julian Lee, scrum half, 33
10. Quentin Foray, fly half, 32
11. Jean-Marc Aubert, weak-side (left) wing, 31
12. Alec Alba, inside centre, 30
13. Garrett Morgan, outside centre, 30
14. Eric Clark, strong-side (right) wing, 32
15. Graham King, fullback, 30

Subs

16. Bruce Gooding, 24, centre
17. Cole Fair, half, 29
18. Nate Jefferson, wing, 29
19. Roland Brady, fullback, 28
20. Guy Dupont, 22, front row
21. Ken O'Connor, 23, second row
22. Bobby O'Shea, 24, second row
23. Kelly Schmidt, 26, front row

Kit (thanks to Fair Republic for link):

Schedule (RepublicSoft Group)

Sublimany (UR) vs. Nova Anglicana (7)
Nova Anglicana vs New Lusitania and the Algarves (UR)
Savojarna (UR) vs Nova Anglicana
Elejamie (14) vs Nova Anglicana
Nova Anglicana vs Jeckland (56)

Should my opponent RPs first, he/she may do the following:
Choose my scorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: N
RP injuries to my players: Y, nothing serious
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: Y, only if you also give a red to one of your players
Godmod other events: N

by **Racao** » Mon Mar 27, 2017 3:40 pm

Racao national rugby union roster
Rugby in Racao
Rugby is currently one of the most popular sports in Racao, along with athletics and association football. It was originally introduced to Racao with British colonizers; army officers and soldiers would play the game during their off time. Although rugby has been consistently popular in Racao for the past seventy years, Racao has never fielded a rugby team of any sort due to the lack of funding and a lack of development of players. Most rugby played in Racao is informal and played in streets and alleyways, with however many players are available at any one time. As a result of this structure, most rugby players in Racao tend to lack what foreigners would call technique or finesse. However, they do have a considerable amount of raw talent and skill gained from years of experience. Only recently have academies opened to develop this talent into something on par with rugby teams in other nations. Because of this recent development, most of the players on Racao's roster are quite young, with none older than 24.

There is a rugby union league in Racao, with 8 teams, founded about a year ago. Voanorova Valiant was crowned champion, with Port Louis Liberty only one point behind in the standings. Several of Racao's sevens players currently play in this league. Plans are currently in progress to establish a small sevens league. Sevens rugby in Racao is a little smaller than union and league rugby, but because its smaller structure is more entertaining and exciting and less time-demanding, it is on track to grow to be the most popular form of rugby in Racao. The Racao Rugby Federation hopes to achieve success at this rugby tournament, and hopes that this success will further prompt development of rugby in Racao.

Starting XV
LP: Matthias Rasolao (23)
H: Rano Tsirana (22)
TP: Sammy Rajody (24)

4L: Simeon Rajomisa (24)
5L: Kiady Tsikoa (25)

BF: Rano Mandresiarivo (24)
N8: August Zandriny (23)
OF: Jonas Ankaleha (22)

SH: Tsiory Voarisoa (22)
FH: Aubrey Rajoelisolo (21)

IC: Soratra (24)
OC: Gabriel Masikoro (22)

LW: Tahiry Fani-Kayode (20)
RW: Endor Rasoherina (18)
FB: Zafizoro (21)

Reserves
Cyrus Toazara (24)
Plato Anjoaty (26)
Rapeto (25)
Richard Arivony (25)
Philip Rajona (22)
Jack Razanokolana (20)
Jaona Ntsoha (19)
Manasé Kasanga (22)

Style: +3

by **Bvriania** » Tue Mar 28, 2017 11:48 am

Try Time
TV's #1 Source for Rugby News and Discussion

"Afternoon Bvriania, you're all very welcome to a very special edition of Try Time," began Damian McKnight. "Today we're not discussing the latest UltraRugby results, nor has Buck Jackson got in another scandal. If you don't know what we're talking about, get out from under that rock, and find your local pub, the 25th Rugby World Cup is about to start!"

"Not quite that soon," took over Duncan Mara, looking at his watch. "But in thirty two hours and some minutes, Sam Jones will lead our boys out and show the world the real meaning of rugby! Or try to at least. I can confirm Jones stands to captain the side for the 18th time, with Number 8 Max Moodley named as vice-captain. Head Coach Finlay Martin named his starting fifteen at a press conference this morning, which you'll see behind us now."

Behind the pair, the TV displayed the team sheet, listing every player's name, position, club, and a few miscellaneous stats such as height and weight.

"Quite a collection, thirty in all. Biggest thing to note, nine to pick up their first cap at this World Cup. Nine! It is, of course, lovely to see so many fresh faces getting that international experience, but I can't help feel this leaves us vulnerable should injury strike."

"It doesn't have to strike, Duncan, there's two been named on the bench. I've not seen a prop last eighty minutes in a very long time, so you can bet your house Jack Crowley will be getting on the field, and to be honest, I'm not worried in that department. A 6 foot 1 lad weighing 260 pounds, eager to make an impact, is bound to make an impact! He's already been playing with the Minotaurs for nearly two years, and their scrum is probably the best in the league. I'm not worried for a second about Crowley."

"As for Rasolo?" asked Duncan. Damian sighed.

"Well he's got good stats, 6 foot 2, runs a hundred metres in under 11 seconds, most dangerous attacker in the academy." Duncan urged him on. "But an 18 year old shouldn't be covering for two of our best wingers. A few well-timed passes and the opposition will be flying past him. Apart from speed and size, he doesn't offer enough at this stage. I've watched him in two games for the Red Rebels, and their defense mysteriously improved once he went off. Now, don't take this as an attack on him, at 18 he has an absolute heap of time to develop where he's weak. But this is the top level of rugby, we need our best squad named to get out of the pool, and Rasolo just doesn't cut it."

"You stole my words and dressed them up. I'd have put Richie Meyer on the bench were I coaching. An extra year of experience, a fine tackler, and can cover fullback if needed." Damian nodded in agreement.

"Well this has been a negative start, onto the positives! One name stands out for me on this list, the 29 year old Minotaurs Captain, Max Moodley. Some of our youngest viewers might not recognize this fellow, and for good reasons. He's not been capped in over four years, a crying shame if we think back to this season of UltraRugby. Damian, you're the stat man."

"That I am, for the stats tell all. Twelve tackles an average game, twenty four offloads, fourteen lineout steals, eight tries. These all describe my new mancrush and Player of the Season so far, Max Moodley. His presence has been wholly dominant whenever he gets going. Hitting ruck after ruck, landing tackles that make my neck hurt, and being among the best lineout operators we have. This 6 foot 3 wrecking ball is one I'll be counting on to make the difference, and maybe drag us through to the Round of Sixteen."

"Indeed he's a special one, but this is a game of fifteen players, do all our boys have the stats to give us hope?"

"Oh absolutely. You'll all know Aidan Scully, 24 years old and already the best Out-Half in the country. Off the tee this season he's kicking at 91%. 'Penalties for days,' is what some say of our style of rugby, but with a kicker like him, can you blame us?

"Captain Sam Jones is showing just how capable he is on the wing once again this season. 12 tries in sixteen games for the Pouncers, with more metres run than anybody else in the league! An attacking threat for eighty minutes, a very worthy starting winger in my books.

"Not missing a tackle from over thirty attempts, Isa 'The Hurricane' Umaga will be a tough foe for any player looking to barge through the centre. 10 tries as well this season, so don't think he's just a handsome brick wall. And now for the other twenty playe-"

"Oh look at the clock would ya," interrupted Duncan, "best get onto the question everyone's asking, can we get out of our pool, the so-called 'AllMart Group'. What say all of ye?" The crowd let their voices be heard,

"YES! No doubt! Just watch us! Woo! Death to Toda! Victory or bust! F*** the rest!"

"And some say we're not believers, ha! I have to say I'm not too sure on this. A reminder for everyone, we'll be facing Tobiasia, Ko-oren, Barunia, Audioslavia, and the Unified Sunrise Islands. It could absolutely be worse, with two other new nations to the World Cup sharing this group. To move on, all we need is third place. So let's say we beat these two debutants, from there any other win will pretty much guarantee third. Ko-oren were a narrow runner up last year, only losing to Neu Engollon in extra time. I wouldn't bet on victory there. Barunia meanwhile came third in their pool last World Cup, failing to reach the Round of Sixteen. From my biased viewpoint, they looked weak, exploitable, edible even, and if you'll check your calendars, we play them tomorrow! Should we lose tomorrow's match, I highly advise you turn to your God or gods and start praying for the Sunrise Islands to be the Sunset Islands when we play on the final day of pool play."

"Take a bloody breath Duncan! Sadly, that's all we have time for. Remember to tune in tomorrow evening when we'll be discussing the results of tomorrow's match, and where that puts us in the standings. Tune in earlier in fact, the match will be broadcast live on this very channel. So farewell Bvriania! Score those tries and buy those pints, from me, and Duncan, and everyone else in the studio, goodnight Bvriania!"

by **Elejamie** » Tue Mar 28, 2017 2:36 pm

Dave Carrey's Guide to the 25th Rugby World Cup
Dave Carrey - Petrograd, Republic of Plymouth, Free Republics

Yes, I couldn't believe it either. After so much waiting, the Rugby World Cup is back. We've had one or two rugby league tournaments and a few sevens tournaments before we had a union tournament, which kind of makes you wonder what was going on and why it took so long. But let's not get into that. Instead, let's just concentrate on the tournament, especially since the ERC semis have been postponed until after the competition has come to an end.

But before we get to all of that, let's do a quick recap shall we? We kicked Pool C off with a 25-7 victory over Aloquirbe, who were also new to the tournament. However, a shock post-bye 30-18 loss to Albaie pretty much ruined the mood. And a very narrow 26-24 win over Kaboomlandia, the only ranked side in the pool, did very little to help matters. Fortunately, a 24-7 win over hosts Aels resulted in a first place finish and, with that, a place in the next round, where we beat Kernansquillec 23-9. And then came the game against Ko-oren, a game we lost but is still one of my favourite games of all time. After all, it's not every day that you could put four tries past a superior side in a 43-28 loss. Even the score at half-time was still a shock, 21-21. Still, at least it gave us something to work on for this time. Maybe we can get a rematch just to show how far we've come.

New head coach, and former
assistant coach, Pablo
Cartagena (middle) waiting
for the 1997 ERC Grand Final
to kick off. Unfortunately his
team,the Alvis Rams, would
end up losing 62-11 to the
Davenport Commandos.

Also, speaking of the past before I talk about the present, let's talk about this thing that's making a return. Yes, the bonus points in the RWC have come back after being absent for a few competitions. It basically mean that, if you lose by seven or more points, you still get a point. Same goes if you score at least 31 points. So if you lose 34-32, then you'd get as many points as you would if you drew. Most of you should all be familiar with this, as we've got a system much like this in the ERC. But I figured that, since a few of our readers come from abroad, they might not have this system so I figured that I should explain it for them.

So here we are in Pool F. Or, to give it its proper and official name, the RepublicSoft group, named after a computer company that makes that Doors OS that's commonly used here in the Free Republics. Can't say I've seen it being used over here although, to be fair, the less said about that Doors 12 upgrade the better. Especially if you're over there. But I digress. Pool F looks like a tricky one. We've got Nova Anglicana, which is bad. We've got Jeckland, which isn't as bad. And we've got three newcomers with us that might end up shocking the place. Not exactly Group of Death material but we should still keep our head down.

Indeed, let's start with Jeckland, as they're our first opponents. They weren't present at the last competition, nor were they at the one before. But they were at the 22nd edition in Electrum. And they didn't do too badly there, finishing third in Group F with four wins and two losses. Then came the Round of 24, where the runners up and third places play against each other to see who'll be joining the group winners in the final. And, indeed, Jeckland were up against Group E second-placers Cata Larga, pulling off a 30-10 victory to make it through to the next round. Unfortunately, it was against eventual champions Ko-oren, who crashed the party thanks to a 37-7 win. They've been out for a while but will this be the tournament where they'll make a comeback? Maybe. We'll see.

Fortunately, Savojarna will be team number two. They're new to the competition, so we don't have much to worry about. Besides, they didn't really do too badly in the AVBF Sevens a while back. They might've finished fifth in their group, with draws against Mattijana and last-placers Ethane saving them from last place, but it wasn't so bad in the Bowl. They finally managed a win in their second game against Ethane, beating them 24-14. Then they were up against Madives (who were in our group) and beat them 28-10. Unfortunately, they weren't able to beat Nueva Andalusia, who were also in our group) in the bowl finals but it should still get them amped up for the full XV.

Then we've got another up-and-comer, Sulimany. They weren't in the AVBF Sevens, nor were they in the URSA Sevens, so I have no idea if these guys are any good or not. Although I predict an easy win, maybe even get a bonus point, there's a good chance that we'd struggle a little bit against them. So again, keep our head down and concentrate on the win. Don't do any stunts.

Next up we've got Nova Anglicana. Another one of the rugby greats. And it doesn't really help that we beat them in the Maracalo Cup final over at the AVBF Sevens many moons ago - 22-17, thanks to three tries (two from David Kramer and the other from Patrick Hayden), two conversions from Gary Toda and a Mical Caerofim drop goal - so naturally they'd probably be out for revenge, even though none of our sevens players have been selected. Still, they did alright in the last competition, topping Pool B and beating Racao 29-7 before bowing out after a 19-13 extra time loss against eventual champions Neu Engollon in the quarter finals. Either way, this should be a fun game so keep your eyes out for some quality rugby.

Chris Onuoha, shown here in the Knights' away kit from his brief
time in Avon, is probably pleased with fellow Bash Brother Bruce
Hernández being selected for the squad.

And we round things off with another newbie, as well as the only newbie in the group whose name doesn't start with an S, New Lusitania and the Algarves. Again, much like Sulimany, not a whole lot of information about these guys. All I've got is who's playing for them. And, indeed, it looks like a stacked squad from the top teams in the nation, joined by a university player. Although I don't have any potential picks from this squad, I will say that we shouldn't underestimate them. We'll grab a comfortable win but we'll probably have moments where they'll really put the edge on us.

So where do I think we'll come? Second or third, most likely. Barring some sort of minor miracle, we're definitely not going to beat Nova Anglicana. Jeckland won't be so much of a problem but we shouldn't underestimate them. Savojarna might be doing that "smacking shields" thing they did at the sevens although, with any luck, that won't throw us off-balance. Sulimany won't really be a problem, nor will New Lusitania, so we shouldn't really worry about those games. But we should still keep our heads down and concentrate, hoping we can pull off some wins. It won't be hard, seeing as we've got some former EUXV players - namely Terry Huang, George Finney, Dominic Devries and Adrian Drew-Ciobanu - making their senior team debuts, both the Bash Brothers (Chris Onuoha and Bruce Hernández for those unfamiliar with the ERC or the Coventry Wyverns) up front and the smart-thinking mind of Ben Oldaker as our skipper. But still, we should refrain from underestimating the opposition, it'll end badly.

Either way, those aren't the only teams in the tournament, so let's have a quick look at everyone else in the tournament. The reigning champs, Neu Engollon, are in the Citrus Computing Group (aka Pool B), where they'll be up against Ethane and East Saintland, as well as newcomers Mattijana, Islartic and Kecrazia. Lisander, an up and coming nation that's destined to be a rugby powerhouse, will be in the Dixon Light Group alongside Abanhfleft, the United States of Devonta, Aquitayne, Juvenucus and Yesopalitha. Alice Bay, who are one of Lisander's regional rivals, will be in the Miktondo Flip group, where they've got Darmen, the Fair Republic and the Union of Socialist Alpine Republics, a successor team of sorts for the Prusy Krolewskie squad who were in the 23rd edition; the hosts and well as the imaginatively titled Purple Rabbits are taking part in this group as well. Bvriania, another team that's bound to make it big in rugby, will be in the AllMart Group, where they'll be up against Tobiasia, Audioslavia and the Unified Sunrise Islands, as well as Barunia and the dreaded Ko-oren. And there's our last pool, the FreedomCola Group, made up of Furby Island, Racao, the Iron Syndicate, the Greater Vakolicci Haven, the Natanians and Nosts and Hutanjia. All in all, thirty six teams but there can only be one winner... and other such sayings.

Anything else I need to talk about? Yes. Some of you may be wondering how we'll get sixteen teams advancing when we've got six teams in each of the six pools. It's fairly simple. The top two teams in each pool go through, as you'd expect. Ditto the top two third placers. However, there will be two playoff games to determine who'll be joining the other fourteen. The third best third-placer will play against the least-best third placer, whilst the other two will have a game. The winners of those two games will make it through to the Round of 16. A bit confusing at first but once you get the hang of it it'll be easy to understand. Alright, Dave out.

Rugby Union World Cup 25 Everything Thread

Rugby Union World Cup 25 Everything Thread

The Fair Repubilc Toucans

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