Rugby World Cup 34 [rosters/RPs/results]

[Hannasea]

Welcome to the Hannasean Federation, sometimes known as the Guild Federation or plain old Hannasea. A peaceful and prosperous medium-sized nation on the northeastern coast of the Esportivan main continent, Hannasea will be the hosts of the 34th Rugby World Cup.

In this guide, section 1 is intended for those totally new to sports roleplaying on the NS forums.
Section 2 is for those new to rugby.
Section 3 is for all players, even those who've participated in previous RWC editions.

This thread is for rosters and roleplays from registered participants only; please post comments or questions in the OOC thread.

1. Intro to sports roleplaying
2. Rugby basics
3. Tournament overview
   • Group draw
   • Schedule

1. Intro to sports roleplaying

If you have never participated in NS Sports before it is recommended you read the Guide to Sports Roleplaying. In this forum, roleplaying follows a specific pattern:

• You submit a team. (A fictional team, no real players!)
• The host generates scores using a scorinator, which combines a random number generator, a bonus for roleplaying, and a rank bonus for previous participation.
• The scores are posted. You can roleplay a reaction to the scores, earning more roleplay bonus for future rounds.

As mentioned scores combine elements of RNG, rank, and RP bonus. This means new teams may not always win against more established teams, and those who roleplay more may still sometimes lose because the random number generator doesn't roll the dice in their favour.

It's recommended to submit a roster (a list of your players) and include some RP permissions (detailed lower). Please read your opponents' roster and RP permissions; most players will allow you to write about their team to an extent, but may be more restrictive about "godmoding", which refers to RPing unusual events outside what would normally be expected in a rugby match, such as a spectator running on the field and tackling someone about to score.

You may want to look at some previous editions to see how this generally works.

2. Rugby basics

This is a rugby union competition. Some online reosurces include this BBC video, complete with irritating music, and the World Rugby beginners' guide.

At minimum, your team should have 15 players, marked in their positions. You should also have at least 8 reserves, but probably more like 31 total players in your squad.

Usually one of your players will be identified as the kicker and responsible for most of your team's kicked points, though it's not unknown for a team to use more than one kicker.

3. Tournament overview

The tournament will feature a single round robin group stage followed by a knockout round beginning at the quarterfinal stage.

In in-character terms, this tournament will be played according to current World Rugby laws, though there's no penalty from deviating from this in your roleplays.

Please include some RP permissions in your roster, such as:

Code: Select all

[b]If they RP first, my opponents have my permission to:[/b]
Choose my try scorers: Y/N
Godmod scoring events:
RP injuries to my players:
Godmod injuries to my players:
Hand out yellow/red cards:
Godmod suspension events:
Godmod other events:

Additionally, the following tournament-wide restrictions apply regardless of individual RP permissions:

• No destructive violence to the host country's people or infrastructure.
• No pandemic diseases introduced to the host country.

Group 1
Hannasea
Darmen
Sykros
Crimson Tree
Nova Anglicana
Elmyia

Group 2
Cormoe
Atolls of Scodalek
Kelssek
Lisander
Cardenao
Abanhfleft

Group 3
Natanians and Nosts
Depivik
TJUN-ia
Ko-oren
Tangatarehua
Port Ember

Group 4
Feudal Italia
The Greater Onvares
Talannua
Baggieland
Ampelonas
Quebec and Shingoryeo

Schedule

Mon 12 Dec MD1: (1v6, 2v5, 3v4)
Wed 14 Dec MD2: (5v3, 6v4, 1v2)
Fri 16 Dec MD3: (2v6, 3v1, 4v5)
Sun 18 Dec MD4: (1v4, 2v3, 6v5)
Tue 20 Dec MD5: (4v2, 5v1, 3v6)

Playoff dates are provisional

Fri 30 Dec QF
Mon 2 Jan SF
Wed 4 Jan Final/3PPO

Cutoff will be at 2300 UTC.

[Hannasea]

Who?

Hannaseans are a friendly, peaceful people. They love sport and are also very interested in business and trade. With a major tourist sector, Hannaseans are generally very welcoming of foreign visitors. English is the main language; there are scattered communities where French is spoken but even there everyone will understand English. The most common religion in the country is Judaism, but the Hannasean state is secular and Hannaseans themselves generally not strongly observant. You won’t see much difference between Shabbat and other days of the week in terms of activity outside of a few Orthodox communities in Old Blopping and Pearl City. Churches, temples, and buildings of most other faiths can be seen, not in great number; there are no mosques, though, and the burqa is illegal. Reasonable accommodation will be made for other faiths, but in general religion doesn’t play a big role in Hannasean public life. The Coffee Ministry is responsible for organizing sports so they will be the major government ministry visitors interact with, along with the Tea Ministry (finance), Wool Ministry (social affairs) and, hopefully not, Copper Ministry (security and defence). You are free to generate Hannasean NPCs to interact with; please use English/American, French, or Jewish name generators.

What?

Hannasea is a federation of twelve city-states. It is technically a Guild Federation, formed by a compact signed by the major guilds dating back from medieval industries. Because of this, trade has always been at the centre of Hannasean public life: most televisions are tuned to the SuperBusiness channel, the stock market is the usual topical of conversation over breakfast, and shops are well stocked with produce from around the region and the wider world despite a lack of a heavy industrial base or intensive agriculture. Hannaseans prefer to buy from other countries than spoil their own beautiful environment. Finance is strongly associated with the country, including banks offering strict customer secrecy, and a cluster of hedge funds in Pearl City who’ve built up their algorithmic trading models around super-fast internet connections. The lack of heavy industry doesn’t mean it’s a sleepy place, though, as the picturesque scenery draws in sustainable tourism for everything from action sports including skiing, mountain biking and whitewater rafting to cultural pursuits such as historical tours and brewery trips. Most of the cities boast bustling nightlife and even in the countryside meals and drinks are served late into the night.

When?

Hannasea is a modern tech nation. Though not as advanced as some in the region, this is more because of a deliberate choice to forsake heavy industry at the expense of environmental conservation than a lack of scientific prowess. High-tech consumer goods, usually manufactured overseas, are found in all the shops; even in the most remote rural communities, high-speed internet and 5G phone service are commonly available; Hannaseans love their social media, but those who prefer to look beyond such earthly concerns will find asteroid mining companies listed on the stock exchange and news stories full of inventions and developments in fields from pharmaceuticals to computer software. A few typical features of modern tech nations are absent, though. The first is weaponry: though civilian gun ownership is legal, it’s not common to see Hannaseans carrying weapons in public, and armed police are specialist divisions we hope no visitors have the cause to see. The Hannasean military is small-to-nonexistent, and the state generally relies on private military contractors in the rare event of such services being needed at all. You won’t see many planes overhead: other than a few small private airfields, there are no mainland airports, with most air traffic instead being routed offshore to the Coconut Island Airport. This is where foreign teams will probably arrive from, then being taken to the mainland by ferry. Hannasea’s bustling ports on the Incomprehensible Peninsula are major commercial trade hubs and also welcome huge cruise liners, while other sections of the Coral Coast are strictly preserved as marine reserves. The most significant feature of modern life to be absent will be noticed in the lack of cars. While not technically illegal, they are de facto extinct. Anyone insisting on bringing their own car will need to make sure it complies with hundreds of environmental regulations (the first of which being the lack of an internal combustion engine) and pay assorted taxes and charges. It’s much cheaper and easier to use the excellent rail network. Every major city has subway, tram, and monorail systems as well, while cable-car and sky-rail systems are to be found in the country. Bicycles are very common.

Where?

Hannasea is located in the northeast of the main Esportivan supercontinent, east of Gouvanarch and north of Super-Llamaland. It’s an Alpine state with big mountains (such as Green Mountain, the highest peak, and Silver Mountain, the famous ski resort) and lakes (such as Lake Took, the largest, and Lake Carrier, the deepest) in the interior; it has a coastline, including the long Coral Coast and the Incomprehensible Peninsula; it’s structured around 12 constituent cities, with lots of greenery in between; it has overland rail links to the interior of the region, but no major road links; it has an off-shore island airport and a few other small islands; it’s a small nation and its population of 37 million is mainly urban. The twelve major cities are: Blopping (which comprises the First City of Old Blopping, the ceremonial capital, and New Blopping, the more modern quarters); Pearl City (the largest and wealthiest city); Butterfly City; Pintook; Kent; Lampton; Brethwick; Upper Niedewe; Greenfield; Oak Park; Angelwood; and Silver Creek.

Why?

Rugby has traditionally been one of the more popular sports in Hannasea, but Hannasean international participation has not gone well, with frequent absences from the World Cup -- and poor performances when they did appear. In an effort to revitalise interest in a sport that's struggling to retain its historic prestige, Hannasea is hosting the Rugby World Cup. A somewhat sceptical member of the EU (the referendum passed narrowly and the anti-EU right are resurgent) Hannasea is also keen to attract tourism, build socio-cultural links with other nations, and expand their soft power influence.

How?

The tournament will have the following format:

• Single round robin group stage. There are 4 points for a win, 2 points for a draw, and 0 points for a loss, plus 1 bonus point for either scoring 33+ points or losing by <7 points. The tiebreakers will be head-to-head record, followed by points difference.
• The top two teams in each group will qualify for the quarterfinals. The winners of groups 1 and 2 will play the runners-up of groups 3 and 4, and vice versa; this will ensure that there will be no repeat fixture until the final.
• The knockout rounds are single elimination, plus a 3PPO.

Stadium list

On each day, the first listed match will take place at the first listed stadium, the second at the second, and the third at the third.

Group 1

1. Swordbreak Road, Butterfly City
2. Martinfield's, Upper Niedewe
3. Oceanbay Park, Upper Niedewe

Group 2

1. Eadywick Co-operative Stadium, Angelwood
2. Hardwick Road, Greenfield
3. Chalcester Gardens, Greenfield

Group 3

1. Portsmore Community Stadium, Portsmore
2. Moontide Park, Brethwick
3. Seat of Quickwinds, Brethwick

Group 4

1. The Big Mong, New Blopping
2. Bleakburn Homestead, New Blopping
3. Spikymain Community Stadium, Pearl City

[Port Ember]

National Rugby Union Squad of The Republic of
Port Ember
"The Dragons"

Brief Overview of Port Ember

The Republic of Port Ember is a nation comprising a tropical archipelago within the Northern Ocean region, and is considered a regional superpower and international economic giant. The tropical nation is governed as a constitutional democracy in the form of a Republic. The nation considers itself a champion for personal liberty and economic freedom, and is seen as one of the most free and wealthiest nations in the multiverse. The 280 million citizens are considered to be world wise and innovative, considering the art of world trade & travel, making money and engaging in bar brawls as the foundation of their national culture. The nation also possesses two colonies - Braziliztan and Port Arthur, which they have gained as a result of a score of bloody wars to uphold international freedom and human rights.

Team History:

Despite Rugby Union being a very popular sport within the Republic, it could never garner the sufficient economical and political support it required in order to compete on the international stage - instead remaining confined to university and local private club level.

Just prior to the commencement of the 28th rendition of the Rugby World Cup, the local and university teams gathered together a ragtag team, and managed to earn an invite to the grandest stage of them all for their sport. As could be expected, it went absolutely terribly. The team played four matches in the group stages - losing all four matches, without picking up a single try.

Despite the utter humiliation that the team, and the entire nation by extension suffered at the hands of the World Cup - it did result in a silver lining. The ruling government realised that there was an ever growing demand for the sport to be taken seriously on a national level - and in reply, the Port Ember Rugby Union (PERU) was established, in an effort to professionalise the sport.

Immediately after its formation, PERU followed the example of the Port Ember Football Association, and established a young international team which consisted of young talent who had zero club affiliations at that moment. The idea was to train up a national team of players, to conform to international standards and skills - who could be assigned to newly established professional clubs, after gaining international exposure and the establishment of a new fan base, which would raise the standard of the sport throughout the nation.

This project was launched with one Garry Keeves as the head coach, training the team everyday for 4 years. Just prior to the commencement of World Cup 29, Garry left the project, and hired a Neu Engollian in his place, one Alex Renvier, to lead the team to glory and experience. World Cup 29 was thus considered to be the first "unified, professional" attempt at international rugby for the nation. Despite achieving poor results on paper, failing to move past the group stages, the team did manage to show tremendous promise, putting up spectacular displays of skill and passion against some of the best teams in the sport.

Port Ember was forced to withdraw from World Cup 30, as all sporting events, amongst other activities, were cancelled due to the serious safety risks posed by a large-scale terror campaign which rocked the nation and claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of civilians.

With the terror campaign finally won by the tropical islanders, the streets of the Archipelago have become safe once more, and the quest for rugby glory was renewed. In an attempt to sky rocket the sport back into international contention, the Ministry of Sports invested billions of Aurums into various sectors of the sport, creating the largest leap of any sport in the nation's history.

This turned out to be an highly effective move, as Port Emberian Rugby has never looked this good, with administrators, coaches, players, sponsors, media houses and supporters alike being infected with a serious case of Rugby Fever, with interest in the sport skyrocketing to claim the title of becoming the nation’s favorite sport.

As proof of this concept, the national rugby union, the Port Ember Rugby Union (PERU), has managed to include the Union into the highest level of international Club competition - the Nationstates Club Rugby Union - otherwise known as the RUCT. This prestigious tournament is where the best club teams of some of the greatest rugby nations compete against one another, in a bid to prove that they have what it takes to not only be national champions, but international contenders.

Two months prior to the prestigious invitational tournament Dragon Day 1000, the Head Coach of the two time champions, Blacklake RUC, Coach King Kidd, has been appointed as the new Head Coach for the national squad, and has build a new team, ready to compete in the new Era. Their impressive return to international rugby had finally earned themselves an invite back to the grandest stage of them all - World Cup 34!

The team is affectionately known as "The Dragons", by their fans and the media - in reference to the team's logo, which itself is based on the nation's national animal - the Emberian Dragon.

Team Roster: Coaching Staff:

Head Coach: King Kidd

Assistant Coach: Cam Cook.

Scrum Coach: Eugene Jozefo.

Fitness Coach: Derick Brava.

Technical Coach: Oliver Orabela.

Team Doctor: Dr Rozanne Dezirinda.

Logistics Manager: Malone Ludoviko

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Team Roster: Starting XV

Davie Nikolao
Starting Position: Prop || Jersey #: #1 || Age: 28 || Height: || 1.82m Weight: 112Kg || International Caps: 14 || Domestic Club: Blacklake RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Kaden Gaja
Starting Position: Hooker || Jersey #: #2 || Age: 28 || Height: 1.8m || Weight: 108Kg || International Caps: 14 || Domestic Club: Blacklake RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Domenic Amika
Starting Position: Prop || Jersey #: #3 || Age: 30 || Height: 1.81m || Weight: 100Kg || International Caps: 14 || Domestic Club: Blacklake RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Aarush Casimjo
Starting Position: Lock || Jersey #: #4 || Age: 22 || Height: 2.2m || Weight: 98Kg || International Caps: 04 || Domestic Club: Blacklake RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Barric Francisko
Starting Position: Lock || Jersey #: #5 || Age: 22 || Height: 2.1m || Weight: 90Kg || International Caps: 04 || Domestic Club: Blacklake RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Ocean Heath
Starting Position: Flanker || Jersey #: #6 || Age: 22 || Height: 1.8m || Weight: 88Kg || International Caps: 04 || Domestic Club: Greenford RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Gerry Barker
Starting Position: Flanker || Jersey #: #7 || Age: 22 || Height: 1.83m || Weight: 92Kg || International Caps: 04 || Domestic Club: Greenford RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Prescott Aleksandro
Starting Position: Number 8 || Jersey #: #8 || Age: 22 || Height: 1.9m || Weight: 95Kg || International Caps: 04 || Domestic Club: Greenfields RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Archie Fajra (C)
Starting Position: Scrum Half || Jersey #: #9 || Age: 28 || Height: 1.65m || Weight: 80Kg || International Caps: 14 || Domestic Club: Gold Coast RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Ryley Mićjo
Starting Position: Flyhalf || Jersey #: #10 || Age: 28 || Height: 1.83m || Weight: 97Kg || International Caps: 14 || Domestic Club: Gold Coast RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Trevelyan Garrard
Starting Position: Winger || Jersey #: #11 || Age: 22 || Height: 1.8m || Weight: 90Kg || International Caps: 04 || Domestic Club: Valonia RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Carlyle Adorinda
Starting Position: Inside Centre || Jersey #: #12 || Age: 28 || Height: 1.79m || Weight: 91Kg || International Caps: 14 || Domestic Club: Valonia RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Steven Stelara
Starting Position: Outside Centre || Jersey #: #13 || Age: 28 || Height: 1.82m || Weight: 96Kg || International Caps: 14 || || Domestic Club: Valonia RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Herberto Clark
Starting Position: Winger || Jersey #: #14 || Age: 22 || Height: 1.88m || Weight: 99Kg || International Caps: 04 || Domestic Club: Valonia RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Aayden Ciezo
Starting Position: Fullback || Jersey #: #15 || Age: 22 || Height: 1.79m || Weight: 85Kg || International Caps: 04 || Domestic Club: Nirvana RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

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Team Roster: Reserves

Jenson Karesinda
Starting Position: Prop/Hooker || Jersey #: #16 || Age: 28 || Height: 1.9m || Weight: 102Kg || International Caps: 14 || || Domestic Club: Greenford RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Jamie Rubena
Starting Position: Prop || Jersey #: #17 || Age: 28 || Height: 1.89m || Weight: 102kg || International Caps: 14 || Domestic Club: Greenford RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Graeme Koralo
Starting Position: Lock || Jersey #: #18 || Age: 28 || Height: 2.2m || Weight: 98Kg || International Caps: 14|| Domestic Club: Lilly Black RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Ralph Valora
Starting Position: Lock || Jersey #: #19 || Age: 28 || Height: 2.1m || Weight: 90Kg || International Caps: 14 || Domestic Club: Lilly Black RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Cat Ayers
Starting Position: Flanker/Number 8 || Jersey #: #20 || Age: 22 || Height: 1.9m || Weight: 95Kg || International Caps: 04 || Domestic Club: Oxbay RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Abel Arthurson
Starting Position: Flanker || Jersey #: #21 || Age: 22 || Height: 1.8m|| Weight: 88Kg || International Caps: 04 || Domestic Club: Falaiseville RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Ramiro Ruff
Starting Position: Center || Jersey #: #22 || Age: 22 || Height: 1.83M || Weight: 92Kg || International Caps: 04 || Domestic Club: Falaiseville RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

Senaculus Mikelo
Starting Position: Center || Jersey #: #23 || Age: 22 || Height: 1.85m || Weight: 100Kg || International Caps: 04 || Domestic Club: Waterstad RUC || Domestic Caps: 60

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Typical Playstyle

Port Ember typically plays towards their strengths, which in this case, would be the physical size and strength of their front pack. They will always attempt to play offensive running rugby, attempting to smash through their opponents with brute force. Their secret ingredient seems to be the attempt at maintaining constant pressure on the opposition, in an attempt to tire them out and tear them down physically.

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Kit

Please note that both the logo and the kit was designed by the amazingly talented - saint of a man - Lisander

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Fans

The official fanclub of the squad is known as "The Traveling Buccaneers", and can be identified at the games due to being painted completely blue with body paint, and some wielding trumpets.

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OOC: RP Specifics

RP OVERVIEW INFO

Nation Name: Republic of Port Ember

Trig: PE

Official Team Name: Port Ember National Rugby Team

Team Nickname: The Dragons.

Controlling Authority: Port Ember Rugby Union (PERU)

Style Modifier: +3

RP Permissions

My opponent, if they RP first, may do the following:

Godmod scoring events:
Aye, within reason. I live in a MT non scifi/fantasy setting.

RP injuries to my players: Aye but gimme a heads up.

Godmod injuries to my players:
Aye - within reason.

Give yellow cards to my players:
Please do!

Give red cards to my players:
Please do!

Godmod other events:
As long as it makes me laugh!

[TJUN-ia]

Nation Name: TJUN-ia
Trigram: TJU
Nickname: Jaguars
Governing Body: Rugby TJUN-ia (RT-U)
Head Coach (Union 15s): Jacob Peterson (38)
Assistant Head Coach: Brutas Excillius (41, 7s Head Coach)
Home Jersey: Blue Shirts/Orange Shorts
Away Jersey: White Shirts/Blue Shorts
3rd Jersey: Orange Shirts/White Shorts
Style Mod: +1

Two years ago, TJUN-ian Rugby Union managed to achieve something magical. The Union Jagaurs, captained by Wyn Gwyneth and head coached by Jacob Peterson, managed to make it all the way to the final of the RUWC...where they were ultimately beaten by Abanhfleft for the crown. Captain Gwyneth retired after that game, as did Derek van Oosteren and Suke Hoshinawa, but now we return...with more players looking like they're out of the door soon, a new situation to help with that impending threat and the #5 ranking in this code. Hannasea hosts this edition, one where our team looks very different to the ones who claimed that silver two years ago. Lasha Tetrasvili, Frederico Giabueno and Frederico Spezia (26) have filled in the gaps in a team now captained by Alan Wakefield...but the real story is from the bench down.

You forgot we had a Sevens team, didn't you? I wouldn't blame you, considering it has been literal aeons since the last event involving the Sevens Jaguars, but the RT-U didn't forget...which is why, after RUWC32 (4 years ago), the whole team was placed in a time bubble in order to await the returns of 7s...a return that, so far, hasn't happened yet. So, in order to use the talent that the team had in a good way, the 7s team has been disbanded (for now) and their head coach, Brutas Excillius, is now Peterson's assistant...and he brought all of his friends with him. The 19 players that made up that last 7s team are now in this 15s set-up, with 3 on the bench and the rest as reserves. You may not see most of that team this time around...but in the future, you may. But right now, the focus is on getting out of the group laid before us...as always.

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SQUAD (Former 7s Players in Orange)
FORWARDS
P: #1 Lasha Tetrasvili (32)
H: #2 Frederico Giabueno (34)
P: #3 Dan McCrawley (32)
L: #4 Lucien Quatteraro (30)
L: #5 Philip Quatteraro (30)
Fl: #6 Alan Wakefield (32) (C)
Fl: #7 Austin McBluey (31)
8: #8 Shojiro Karakurenai (29)

BACKS
SH: #9 Jose Valbuena (31) (K)
FH: #10 Carl Crorker (33)
W: #11 Kennedy Vakatawa (32)
C: #12 Frederico Spezia (26)
C: #13 Roman Hevnostanivich (33)
W: #14 Beka Chkoidze (32)
FB: #15 Peter Mahinulani (31)

BENCH
P: #16 Caoimhín O'Carolan (29)
H: #17 Enrique Carlos de Guzman (29)
L: #18 Antoine Quatteraro (26)
Fl/8: #19 Nehe Te Toiroa (25) (K)
SH/FH: #20 Peter Mullins (27)
W: #21 Zhivago Groenewald (25)
C: #22 Jackson Stall (26)
FB: #23 Keola Kapaʻakea (25)

RESERVES
P: #24 Paul Verdunois (25)
P: #28 Kini Botia (26)
H: #29 Malakai Saumaki (25)
H: #34 Michael McHealy (20)
L: #33 Shinji Hoshiro (21)
Fl/8: #35 Fuji Hoshiro (21)
SH: #25 Vittaly Rossi (30)
FH: #26 Chris Lincoln (28)
SH/FH: #30 Michael Jeferson (27)
SH/FH: #36 Fernando Luz de la Heño (19)
C: #31 Ray Mapusua (24)
C: #38 Samson Nyakane (20)
W/C: #32 Son Jin-Soh (22)
W: #27 Emmerson Gawakali (24)
W: #39 Jonathan Parkinson (19)
FB: #37 David Parker (22)

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RP permissions
If my opponent RPs first, they may...
Choose my try scorers Y
Choose my kicker Y
RP injuries Y
Godmode scoring events Y
Godmode injuries N
Godmode other events Y

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SCHEDULE (Group 3)
MD1: vs Ko-oren (3)
MD2: vs Tangatarehua (UR)
MD3: vs Natanians and Nosts (11)
MD4: vs Depivik (UR)
MD5: vs Port Ember (UR)

[Baggieland]

The Throstles

Colours:


Formation:


Yes, we do the Haka:


Style mod: +1

Manager:
Billy Wilkinson.

Starting XV:
1. Barney Rose (prop).
2. Gary Hearn (hooker).
3. Henry Holland (prop).
4. Gary Auld (lock).
5. Russell Chorley (lock).
6. Alan Watts (flanker).
7. Alex Smith (flanker).
8. John Allen (number eight).
9. James Harwood (scrum half).
10. John Pilkington (fly half).
11. David Davies (wing).
12. Alex Sherman (centre).
13. Henry Blackstone (centre).
14. David Gunn (wing).
15. Vincent Tank (full back).

Reserves:
16. Ed Turner (hooker).
17. Jimmy Robinson (hooker).
18. Arthur Bailey (prop).
19. Bill Carter (prop).
20. Sam Jones (lock).
21. Jack Evans (lock).
22. George Fowler (flanker).
23. Bob Dunkley (flanker).
24. George Everett (number eight).
25. Thomas Gibbs (scrum half).
26. James Adams (fly half).
27. Allen Cook (centre).
28. Joe Fox (centre).
29. Peter Massingham (wing).
30. George Lawson (wing).
31. Roger Tooney (full back).

International tournament records:
Winners: WC 32.
Runners-up: WC 30.
Third place: WC 31.
Fourth place: WC 33.
Group stage: WC 29.

First ever game:
Baggieland 6 – 0 Heemstra.

Biggest win:
Baggieland 52 – 10 Natanians and Nosts.

Biggest defeat:
Baggieland 9 – 33 Lisander.

If my opponents RP first:
Choose my scorers: Y.
Godmod scoring events: Y.
RP injuries to my players: Y.
Godmod injuries to my players: Y.
Suspend my players: Y.
Godmod suspension events: Y.
Godmod other events: Y.
*Nothing ridiculous please.

[Elmyia]

Rugby in Elmyia - Information and Roster

Elmyia, after a dreadful first campaign, are back for more punishment in their second Rugby World Cup. In their first attempt, Elmyia failed to make an impression, two draws and four defeats. Elmyia's tactics were notably gung-ho, with players controlling the tactics there was a focus on dribbling, running, tricks and faints. In the most polite terms, this did not work. For all the focus on 'sexy Rugby' to try and win over punters from home, it did not work, the drubbings Elmyia received putting off viewers back home and failing to draw them in.

Rugby has long been played in Elmyia, but has yet to make a significant dent in the national consciousness. Played as an amateur game, the hopes of establishing a professional league were dented after the lack of success in the last World Cup. Players, therefore, only really test themselves in a couple of games towards the end of the season, and even in these, with only domestic players available, the standard remains low.

The history of Rugby in Elmyia is long, introduced in some of the posher schools by Anglophile schoolmasters. The game caught on in various schools, and soon found its way to being played more widely by Elmyians. Its popularity peaked in the 1920s and 1930s. This came against the background of Mussolini's rise to power in Italy, with this causing significant tension in Elmyia, with the rise of pro-fascist forces in Elmyia who wished for union with Italy. Against this background, and Mussolini's attempts to suppress Rugby, the Anglo and Greek communities took to the sport as a political message. Such interest helped the development of the Elmyian game, with a representative side taking on and beating a solid US rugby team.

World War II put paid to Rugby domestically, Elmyia backing the allied war effort under the dictatorship of General Chapman and this drew men and resources away. Ultimately, with limits on space in military bases, and on naval ships, football was overwhelmingly more popular. Upon the end of the war, Rugby continued to struggle. The arid climate did not help, creating dry, dusty pitches with hard surfaces, meaning Rugby was an uncomfortable game to play, and leaving players covered in scabs by the end of most games.

Efforts to resurrect the game recently have stalled amid the struggles of the national team, but also the boreishness and rowdiness of existing fans in Elmyia. Frequently drunk, few in number, out of tune and incredibly loud. Elmyian rugby fans are viewed with suspicion, the national federation will be hoping it can draw in a wider, more readily marketisable, group of fans through the performance at this cup.

Elmyia's squad has experienced a couple of changes after the disaster show last time, but the real change has been the appointment of a proper coach in Margaret Palin. Whilst the style of play she has introduced is not quite 'one for the purists' level of dull, she is certainly more pragmatic in setup than the team were previously. She has done a lot of work in training to improve the side at the breakdown, with time given over to improving the forwards line's strength and conditioning. Edward Stanley, in particular, has set himself up as an incredibly solid prop, and a real asset at set pieces.

Starting XV

1. Edward Stanley (Prop)
2. John Serwin (Hooker)
3. Elena Basley (Prop)
4. Marianne Romano (Lock)
5. Alexa Karagounis (Lock)
6. Jan Wynn (Flanker)
7. Ellen Sharp (number 8 )
8. Sofia Dimakos (Flanker)
9. Joan Tanner (Scrum-Half)
10. Jack Sparks (Fly-Half)
11. Catia Gavalas (Winger)
12. Jane Emmett (Centre)
13. Mark Dimetriou (Centre)
14. Lisa Dennison (Winger)
15. Harold Johnston (Fullback)

Bench
16. Angel Scaramoucci (Prop)
17. Allan Blanc (Hooker)
18. Giovanni Pozzo(Lock)
19. Paula Piravano (Flanker)
20. Matt Mazzini (number 8 )
21. Jackie Draper (Scrum/Fly-Half)
22. Domi Layton (Fullback)
23. Lexia Kostakis (Winger)

RP permissions
If my opponent RPs first, they may...
Choose my try scorers Y
Choose my kicker Y
RP injuries Y
Godmode scoring events Y
Godmode injuries Y
Godmode other events Y

Style mod: +1

[Tangatarehua]

---

"THE TOA"

---

Nation Name: Tangatarehua [The Empire of,]
Trigram: TAN
Nickname: The Toa [Meaning "Warriors"]
Governing Body: The Imperial Tangatarehua Rugby Union Corporation
Head Coach: Timoti Mikaere
Assistant Coach: Tipene Hohepa
Captain: Anaru Nikau (Halfback)
Kicker: Tama Patariki (First Five Eight)
Home Jersey: Black shirt with red sleeves, black shorts
Away Jersey: Red Shirt with black sleeves/Black Shorts
3rd Jersey: Red shirt with black sleeves/White Shorts
Style Mod: -1 (Defensive)

---

Overview of Tangatarehua:

The Empire of Tangatarehua is a nation located in the south pacific, comprised of four large islands plus several hundred smaller islands, with a population of just under 31 million people. Most of the nation lies in the temperate or subtropical zone, with the southernmost island of Motumakariri experiencing an Antarctic-influenced continental climate while the Ikame nga Maramara islands, a small archipelago to the north of the home islands, experience a tropical climate.

The nation is a semi-constitutional diarchy. The Empress [Te Kuia o Whenua] is the head of state and revered as a living goddess, coming from an unbroken line of matriarchal succession dating back to 270 BC. The Rangatira [Chief] is the head of government/executive branch and is elected for a life term, while the country also has a democratically elected Parliament.

Since 1979 the country, which was previously a fascist military dictatorship, has adopted a pacifist constitution and begun taking strides toward democracy, although it is generally considered to be more of a hybrid regime. The nation's citizens enjoy high levels of personal freedom and there is a free and independent press as well as a rapidly growing economy.

The nation is known for its long history, which spans thousands of years, and its unique culture and heritage. The official language of Tangatarehua is Te Reo Maori.

---

Rugby in Tangatarehua:

Rugby union is Tangatarehua's national sport and its domestic league draws in millions of spectators and billions of dollars in revenue. It's known that even the Empress herself is a lifelong rugby fan and used to regularly attend games as a Princess.

The first national team was formed in 1888 and went on tour in Europe, gaining a reputation for their aggressive playing style as well as the physical size of the players, all of whom further became something of a curiosity to international audiences due to them sporting full facial tattoos (Ta Moko).

In 1898 the Imperial Tangatarehua Rugby Union Corporation, an Emepaia Hinonga ["Imperial Enterprise" - that is, a corporation owned directly by the Imperial family] was formed to organise and facilitate the domestic and international teams as the sport exploded in popularity.

The team adopted the nickname "The Toa" in 1910, having previously been referred to as "Warriors" by international media for their no-holds-barred approach to the game. "Toa" is a Maori word meaning "Warrior" although specifically to Tangatarehua it refers not only to the noble classes but to the semi-mythical warriors of the nation's past - whose glory the rugby team seeks to emulate.

In a major blow, Tangatarehua was banned from participating in international rugby between 1921 and 1979 due to international sanctions on the country's military junta and international outrage at human rights abuses being committed in the nation (beginning with the notorious pogrom and genocide of Christians in 1921).

The ban ended in 1979 when Tangatarehua adopted a pacifist and democratic constitution, however the war-torn country could not afford a professional rugby team until 1998 when the Toa returned to the international stage on their 100th anniversary.

Tangatarehua was unable to attend previous world cups due to the nation's very strict Covid-19 response, while prior to the pandemic it was unable to attend due to the fact I hadn't yet created the nation an unmentionable act of the gods.

---

The Haka:

Tangatarehua, being a Maori nation, performs a haka at the beginning of every game.

The team usually uses one of two hakas:

"Ko Tangatarehua":

Kia whakangawari au i a hau

Let us prepare ourselves for the prey

I au-e! Hei!

(The sound of being ready)

Tangatarehua e haruru nei!

The storm of Tangatarehua is about to break

Au, Au, aue hā! Hei!

(The sound of the imminent storm.)

Tangatarehua e haruru nei!

The storm of Tangatarehua waxes fiercer

Au, Au, aue hā! Hei!

(Sounds of The height of the storm.)

A ha-ha!

Ka tū te ihiihi

We shall stand fearless

Ka tū te wanawana

We shall stand exalted in spirit

Ki runga ki te rangi,

We shall climb to the heavens

E tū iho nei, tū iho nei, hī!

We shall attain the zenith the utmost heights.

Au! Au! Au!

"Whenua o Rehua":

("The land of Rehua" - a haka used as an ode to Rehua, god of the stars, who holds significant cultural significance to Tangatarehua.)

Taringa whakarongo!

Let your ears listen

Kia rite! Kia rite! Kia mau! Hī!

Get ready...! Line up...! Steady...! Yeah!

Kia whakawhenua au i ahau!

Let me become one with the land

Hī aue, hī!

(assertive sounds to raise adrenaline levels)

Tangatarehua e ngunguru nei!

Tangatarehua is rumbling here

Au, au, aue hā!

Rehua o Tangata e ngunguru nei!

Rehua's people are rumbling here

Au, au, aue hā!
I āhahā!

Ka tū te Ihiihi

Stand up to the fear

Ka tū te Wanawana

Stand up to the terror

Ki runga ki te rangi,

To the sky above,!

E tū iho nei, tū iho nei, hī!

Fight up there, high up there. Yeah!

Ponga rā!

The shadows fall!

Rehua o Tangata, aue hī! We are Rehua's people, yeah!
Ponga rā!

Darkness falls!

Tangata Rehua, aue hī, hā!

The People of Rehua, Yes, We Are!

On rare occasions, Tangatarehua have also begun games with the internationally famous "Ka Mate" haka, although this is seldom used due to its close association with the New Zealand team.

National chant:

Supporters of the national team have a haka of their own which can almost always be heard shouted by crowds, whether at home or away:

Tena koe, Tangata ke!

Greetings, foreigner!

Tupoto kore, Tangata ke!

Beware, foreigner!

Tangatarehua tenei haere nei!

Tangatarehua is invading you!

Au au aue a!

Sorrow, sorrow, sorrow unto you!

Despite their loud chant and boisterousness during the game, Rehuan fans also have a reputation for being extremely respectful especially when travelling to other countries. For example, Rehuan fans are known to clean up litter in stadiums (particularly following riots) because in Rehuan culture littering is considered disrespectful towards Papatuanuku, the Goddess of the earth.

---

Style of play:

It is often said that because Tangatarehua is a pacifist nation, it gets all its aggression out on the sports field so be prepared for a very physical game.

However despite this, the team have actually adopted a more defensive strategy (hence the -1 style bonus), relying on the physical size of most of its players to form an "impenetrable" defensive wall, countering the more aggressive style of other nations - however it remains to be seen whether coach Timoti Mikaere's controversial strategy will bear fruit.

---

Forwards:

1. Whiro Taneti || Prop || Age: 26 || Domestic franchise: Tamaki Taniwhas
2. Haru Eketone || Hooker || Age: 30 || Domestic franchise: Rakipa Raiders
3. Imua Aperahama || Prop || Age: 23 || Domestic franchise: Kotiropai Castlers
4. Hani Wikiriwhi || Lock || Age: 28 || Domestic franchise: Wharekorana Jihadists
5. Tua Kawhena || Lock || Age: 23 || Domestic franchise: Kaitohura Whales
6. Maipi Arana || Flanker || Age: 22 || Domestic franchise: Whakaara Greens
7. Tama Petera || Flanker || Age: 22 || Domestic franchise: Wharekorana Jihadists
8. Tiki Hariwana || No. 8 || Age: 27 || Domestic franchise: Rangipukuriri Blizzards

Backs:

9. Anaru Nikau || Halfback || Age: 29 || Domestic franchise: Whakaara Greens || Captain
10. Tama Patariki || First five eight || Age: 27 || Domestic franchise: Wharekorana Jihadists || (Main kicker)
11. Mahora Muhu || Wing || Age: 24 || Domestic franchise: Tamaki Taniwhas
12. Anaru Wirihana || Second five eight || Age: 24 || Domestic franchise: Rangiwhero Reds
13. Paau Arono || Centre || Age: 31 || Domestic franchise: Tamaki Taniwhas
14. Witi Herewhene || Wing || Age: 24 || Domestic franchise: Kaitohura Whales
15. Keka Waata || Fullback || Age: 22 || Domestic franchise: Whakaara Greens

Reserves:

16. Pango Tapihana || Hooker || Age: 30 || Domestic franchise: Tamaki Taniwhas
17. Taimati Wiremu || Hooker || Age: 22 || Domestic franchise: Kotiropai Castlers
18. Tua Kerehoma || Prop || Age: 28 || Domestic franchise: Tamaki Taniwhas
19. Whetu Tamati || Prop || Age: 27 || Domestic franchise: Rangiwhero Reds
20. Atua Waaka || Prop || Age: 16 || Domestic franchise: Rangipukuriri Blizzards
21. Pita Hamutana || Lock || Age: 22 || Domestic franchise: Whakaara Greens
22. Arona Moana || Lock || Age: 23 || Domestic franchise: Kaitohura Whales
23. Tangaroa Hamuera || Lock || Age: 25 || Domestic franchise: Rakipa Raiders
24. Tahiwhai Arana || Flanker/No. 8 || Age: 24 || Domestic franchise: Wharekorana Jihadists
25. Hamahona Aperahona || Flanker/No. 8 || Age: 31 || Domestic franchise: Tamaki Taniwhas
26. Amako Wihone || Flanker/No. 8 || Age: 21 || Domestic franchise: Whakaara Greens
27. Taanga Nopera || Halfback || Age: 30 || Domestic franchise: Kotiropai Castlers
28. Piripi Terere || Halfback || Age: 25 || Domestic franchise: Tamaki Taniwhas
29. Rangi Kingi || First five eight || Age: 21 || Domestic franchise: Kotiropai Castlers
30. Rana Puhipi || Second five eight || Age: 24 || Domestic franchise: Wharekoana Jihadists
31. Okiara Himona || Centre || Age: 23 || Domestic franchise: Rangiwhero Reds
32. Opi Romana || Wing || Age: 22 || Domestic franchise: Rakipa Raiders

---

If my opponents RP first:

I'll be very sad, but it's also quite likely given how busy I'm likely to be in real life this week.

Choose my try scorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: Y but don't make a habit of it, please
Hand out yellow/red cards: Y - don't go overboard, but it'll probably happen, there are some very violent players in the team.
Godmod suspension events: N - or at least, TG me first to discuss the scenario
Godmod other events: Y, the funnier the better

[Hannasea]

The Hannasean Hamsters

A standard 31-player squad has been selected. Injury replacements will be called up only in the event the player is unable to continue the tournament. Unless otherwise stated, the first, or first two, players listed for each position will start. Returning players are listed in bold; because it's been a long time since a full Hannasean roster, there are relatively few of these.

Front row

Hooker                  Connor Baxter     Greenville Mystics
Hooker                  Grayson Mills     Angelwood Electro-Weasels
Hooker                  Isaac Gibson      Deer River Pharoahs
Loosehead prop          Toby Austin       Kent Dæmons
Loosehead prop          Carter Evans      New Blopping Magic Ants
Tighthead prop          Caleb May         Oak Park Lemurs
Tighthead prop          Dennis Roberts    Upper Niedewe Reds
Utility prop            Caleb Byrne       Deer River Pharoahs

Second row

Lock                    Kyson Bradshaw    Coral Coast Werewolves
Lock                    Dillon Owen       Pearl City Icelandic
Lock/blindside flanker	Toby Fisher       New Blopping Magic Ants
Lock                    Oscar Wright      Oak Park Lemurs

Loose forwards

Openside flanker        Connor Watts      New Blopping Magic Ants
Blindside flanker       Jett Madden       Pintook Super Badgers
No. 8                   Ryan Perry (c)    Pearl City Icelandic
Flanker                 Fabian Dawson     Greenville Mystics
Flanker/no.8            Jacob Ryan        Oak Park Lemurs

Half-backs

Scrum-half              Isaac Clarke      Angelwood Electro-Weasels
Scrum-half              Brooklyn Parry    Kent Dæmons
Fly-half/inside centre  Chris Young       New Blopping Magic Ants
Fly-half/full-back      Callum Nevin      Oakwood Orcas

Backs

Inside centre/fly-half  Danny Schroeder   Angelwood Electro-Weasels
Outside centre          Ben Campbell      Deer River Pharoahs
Centre/fullback         Connor Graham     Coral Coast Werewolves  
Outside centre/wing     Adam Davis        Pearl City Icelandic
Wing                    Ethan Price (vc)  Upper Niedewe Reds
Wing/fullback           Dylan Harman      Oak Park Lemurs
Wing/centre             Freddie Kelly     Silver Creek Jaguars
Wing/fullback           William Dean      Oak Park Lemurs
Fullback                Jack Wright       Greenville Mystics
Utility back            Callum Cooper     Pintook Super Badgers

Style modifier: 0

Should my opponent RPs first, they may do the following:
Choose my lineup: Y. I’ve listed first choice starters but you can deviate within reason.
Choose my try scorers: Y
Choose my goal scorers: N, use Schroeder, Young, Nevin in that order, or Wright for long penalties
Godmod scoring events: N
RP injuries to my players: Y, I decide severity
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow cards to my players: Y
Hand out red cards to my players: Y
Godmod other events: Maybe, ask first depending on what you have in mind

Additionally, please don't RP my athletes or supporters being responsible for violence; and, if you're using unphotoshopped photo pictures, don't say they're pictures of my athletes or supporters.

[Ko-oren]

RUWC - Ko-orenite National Team - The Dragonflies

Backs

Fullbacks
FB Clayborne Corwick (22) Idyllwild Coronae, a humorless, swift try scorer.
FB Armand Ahern (25) Willowbourne Foxes, a predictable, pacy clown.
FB Kagageerra Bilaranora (31) Tarrashall Travellers, a conservative, plump debater.

The fullback is tremendously important to the Ko-orenite game. Having looked at (and suffered at the hand of) the Darmeni two-fullback system, we employ that in troublesome times as well. There's been a few names at the position lately, with Bilaranora surrendering his starting spot to Ahern, and this time to Corwick, who's been brilliant at Idyllwild and should hopefully take his efficient drive to the Dragonflies.

Wingers
LW Tei Warmeling (25) Mayara Wanderers-Vulpecula, a solemn, pacy tactician.
LW Orville Finnerty (30) Ansonville Comets, a determined, staunch gladiator.
LW Morton Carson (26) Mawrystwyth Phoenix, a adaptable, athletic perfect passer.
LW Johannes van der Heuvel (20) Maynard Andromeda, a courteous, thin controller.
RW Linus Howbrick (23) Tarrashall Travellers, a cerebral, towering precise passer.

Howbrick is the only one to normally play on the right, so that means the others will have to switch sides every now and again, as they normally already do at their clubs. Warmeling and Finnerty are the magicians at the position, with Warmeling a little more team-oriented than Finnerty, who sees himself as the one-man army on the touch line, which sometimes helps him to score a try where other players would've yielded, and sometimes ends in a useless tackle across the try line where a pass inwards would've helped. Van der Heuvel is the slightly better tackling option, and Carson and Howbrick are far more team-oriented.

Centres
IC Leslie Woodbrier (19) Ansonville Comets, a disrespectful, thin mercenary.
IC Elysedd yCilionmac (21) Penstead Bears, a willing, buff supporter.
IC Dwight Carrington (25) Eaglebury Aquila, a abrasive, fit creator.
OC Reginald Airthorn (22) Aubury Swans, a prejudiced, plump precise passer.
OC Masahiko Morimoto (26) Ansonville Comets, a popular, burly debater.

It's happening, everybody. Woodbrier, yCilionmac, and Airthorn are mostly likely the best backs to come through for Ko-oren in decades, and they're all within three years of one another. Extremely talented players that are still developing their skillset, but so far Woodbrier is uncompromising and nasty, yCilionmac is an amazing teammate, and Airthorn is technically very skilled. They'll have to fill in at wing or fullback, probably, and Airthorn might even play as a half of sorts, with his knack for finding space when playing 'off 9', so imagine what we can do when we have two '9s'.

Halves

FH Crispin Whitebuck (21) Maynard Andromeda, a realistic, nimble professional.
FH Nimrod Whithingham (30) Eaglebury Aquila, a helpful, petite strategist.
SH Ba Vasseur (29) Greencaster Galaxy, a chatty, petite journeyman.

Slim pickings at the position, with the ever authoritative Whithingham still selected as the extremely experienced gentlemanly captain of the team. Whitebuck has instead shown huge progress with Maynard and with both their skillsets perfect for the position, we could see Whithingham still play some more important games but there's no reason Whitebuck couldn't play those as well. Whitebuck doesn't take a lot of risk whereas Whithingham commits to his mistakes - but then those could be setting up a future play knowing that the opponents have remembered his earlier mistake, etc. Vasseur seems the only great option at scrumhalf, so it's a good thing we've got some scrum half-like centres coming through. Amaranga or Santizo could have been picked as backups, but they haven't shown the same progress. Vasseur remains the perfect man for the job.

Forwards

Number 8
N8 Faramond Chipway (25) Willowbourne Foxes, a idiosyncratic, gigantic wall.
N8 Haggya Gimmerra (22) Tarrashall Travellers, a soft, portly creator.

Two good options, Chipway the defender and Gimmerra the attacker. Only two players but plenty of options. Chipway's Foxes play to a much higher standard, while Gimmerra is used to carrying part of the team in Tarrashall despite his younger age.

Flankers
OF Conor yAigaethol (23) Llandy Bulls, a neat, agile creator.
OF Dossirla Moshindi (23) Greencaster Galaxy, a powerful, stocky professional.
BF Mentan Padganthen (21) Idyllwild Coronae, a kind, short workhorse.

yAigaethol already was a hell of player in the previous RUWC and has only continued to build his career further at a not impressive Llandy. Moshindi at the Galaxy has almost overtaken him in how they've both improved but we expect to run with yAigaethol regardless. Padganthen has by and large shown more talent and capabilities than Connor or Wilkinson as the national team gets younger and younger, now phasing out some in their early 30s.

Locks
LS Autju Arzehnra (21) Mayara Wanderers-Vulpecula, a manipulative, staunch strategist.
LS Gilles Boudreaux (24) Tarrashall Travellers, a manipulative, swift gladiator.
LS Llafawm yMhalmawm (30) Llandy Bulls, a complex, towering dynamo.
RS Edwin Connett (21) Greencaster Galaxy, a unchanging, fast leader.
RS Gemhaeg yDdwffrell (30) Penstead Bears, a humorous, slim wall.
RS Cigan yEoganmac (20) Llandy Bulls, a forgetful, thin long kicker.

RS and LS - 'Right Second (row) and Left Second (row)' - a position with plenty of choice, so some will have to play flanker given they've got the skillset for it. More youngsters here: Arzehnra is new in Mayara but might lead the charge to build a new championship-ready outfit in the capitals. Connett is one of the Galaxy's reasons that their young squad could get a title very soon as well. yMhalmawm is maybe the key to the positions as the oldest and most versatile guy there. With yDdwffrell and yEoganmac, you can see that the Mawr are far better forwards than backs.

Props
LP Ciri yBybrian (20) Llandy Bulls, a imaginative, burly long passer.
LP Cowan Holden (28) Mayara Wanderers-Vulpecula, a moody, buff assister.
TP Blaine Winterlas (23) Ansonville Comets, a brave, lanky perfect kicker.
TP Will Cheltell (23) Aubury Swans, a considerate, towering showman.

Holden is a legend of the team but here too, there's newer, younger players that can do what he can. yBybrian is another Mawr giving Llandy a gnarly forward pack but he can also pass. Winterlas and Chiltell are gym rats with a knack for show. Maybe it's best to go with the sullen but proven Holden anyway.

Hookers
HO Cyprien Rougeau (25) Willowbourne Foxes, a generous, skinny technician.
HO Loyal Farrell (25) Maynard Andromeda, a intelligent, well built journeyman.

Rougeau is one of the best players to have ever played for Ko-oren as a forward. His Willowbourne are good because of him as a lynchpin up front. Farrell is not much less talented but not as precise.

Style & Strategy
Style mod: -5. Ko-oren plays an extremely risk-averse style with an emphasis on kicking (both defensively and offensively). They rarely play dirty, but do employ some gamesmanship depending on who's on the field.

Trivia
At home, Ko-oren will wear a mainly green jersey with blue and yellow trim. As an away jersey (and to avoid colour clashes), there's stories of a white jersey with green and blue trim lying somewhere in a supply closet, but we're sure the staff manages to find them in time.

Permissions
Choose My Scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
Injure my players: Yes
Godmod injuries: No
Sin Bin my players: Yes
Red Card my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes
Style mod: -5

[Feudal Italia]

Italians love sports, but rugby isn't very popular here. The most popular sport, enjoyed by the masses, is wrestling. When it comes to sports, they like to get physical. The Italian athletes translate this into rugby, when deemed appropriate.
This is Italia's first time participating in a Rugby World Cup.
Home jersey: Straw-coloured shirt and shorts
Away jersey: White shirt, black shorts

Forwards
P: Giordano #1
H: Lorenzo #2
P: Stefano #3
L: Landolfo #4
L: Alaverru #5
Fl: Umberto #6
Fl: Niccolò #7
8: Adriano #8

Backs
SH: Ettore #9
FH: Eduardo #10
W: Dominigu #11
C: Gilberto #12
C: Abelardo #13
W: Corrado #14
FB: Ippolito #15

Reserves
P: Carlo #16
H: Mario #17
L: Simone #18
Fl: Camillo #19
8: Pietro #20
SH: Gasparru #21
FH: Rafaello #22
W: Folco #23
C: Ugo #24

If they RP first, my opponents have my permission to:
Choose my try scorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: Y
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: Y
Hand out yellow/red cards: Y
Godmod suspension events: Y
Godmod other events: Y
I don't care as long as we can have RP fun

Style mod: +5

[Baggieland]

[Kelssek]

Kelssek Rugby Federation | Féderation kelssekienne de rugby

1. Théo Gregoire (Redswyth Rebels)
2. Aidan Smither (Vickery RFC)
3. Rui Pinary (Redswyth Rebels)
4. Shawn Salmond (Nordiques)
5. Luca Niemi (Burnaby Lions)
6. Jonathan Hemeon (Nordiques)
7. Marlin Torakis (Neorvins Armada)
8. Aengus Trevellan (Nordiques)
9. Daire Papalouka (Kirkenes Crusaders)
10. Jonathan Mac Dùbhghlas (Wynleth Cambria)
11. Shawn Wood (Latrobe Athletic)
12. Jessie Bailey (Neorvins Armada)
13. Séan Ó Connaigha (Clayquot Reds)
14. Carl Letteri (Latrobe Athletic)
15. Mikkon Bradley (Hamilton Highlanders)

Elric Lisharp (Burnaby Lions) - prop
Cadman Bugler (Kirkenes Crusaders) - hooker
Aston Gortlad (Hamilton Highlanders) - hooker
Carl Letteri (Latrobe Athletic) - right wing
Tristan Hammond (Neorvins Armada) - full back
Bruno Lelgontin (Alouettes de Champjaune) - flanker
Alwyn Yamamoto (Wynleth Cambria) - centre
Brayden Blatchford (Latrobe Athletic) - second row
Simon Teufitt (Alouettes de Champjaune) - prop
Phil Griffiths (Mazinaw Stallions) - centre
Cole Weiss (Redswyth Rebels) - wing

Head coach: Thomas Harrison
Numbers follow the standard system.

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

[Tangatarehua]

---

"WE'RE READY FOR A FIGHT" SAYS NIKAU, AS THE TOA PREPARE TO TAKE ON RUGBY WORLD CUP 34

12th December 2022

---

BRETHWICK, HANNASEA
The Toa are geared up for a clash with Depivik, which is due to kick off at 2300 hours local time (11am December 13th, Tangatarehua time), in their first pool march of the 24th Rugby World Cup.

_{The Toa prepare to take on game one of the Rugby World Cup}

The team have much to prove - despite rugby's status as Tangatarehua's national sport, this is the first time in over a century that the team will be taking part in an official world cup due to various factors including wars, pandemics and international sanctions.

Team captain Anaru Nikau says that the team "are ready for a fight".

"We're prepared for anything - we simply don't know anything at all about our opponents and the pressure is on, not just to win but to win convincingly and prove to the rugby world that Tangatarehua is a force to be feared. We acknowledge that pressure, but we relish it."

The nation will also be looking to find out whether coach Timoti Mikaere's controversial strategy of concentrating on the defensive game will pay off, even if it's at odds with the nation's instinct to play aggressively.

Mikaere's strategy did see the Wharekorana Jihadists win the Imperial Cup this year undefeated, but commentators are still nervous about this strategy should Tangatarehua face off against international rugby giants like Ko-oren or Baggieland.

"Time will tell, but I believe that time will tell a good tale," said Mikaere. "This is a relatively young team, a hungry team and I believe that a conservative game will see them through. We don't know what we're facing, so a risky strategy is a bad strategy."

Meanwhile, cities across Hannasea are being swarmed by supporters from Tangatarehua, with many Rehuans relishing the chance to travel again after Covid restrictions were lifted earlier this year.

The city of Brethwick, whose Moontide Park will host Tangatarehua's first game, earlier witnessed an impromptu haka in the middle of the city, organised at short notice by Rehuan fans.

"This is an invasion!" said rugby-fan Tane Paora. "Tangatarehua is invading Hannasea and we're going to take the cup home! Just you wait!"

---

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[Atolls of Scodalek]

Atolls of Scodalek National Rugby Union team
The Night Owls

This is the Atolls of Scodalek National Rugby Union team first International tournament. Nicknamed the Night Owls. Players are selected from the nations premier domestic rugby union competition "RuggAtolls"

Team Colours:


STARTING LINEUP
1: D.Strauss (Bookarest Sharks)
2: S.Watson (Jaggda Krakens) Vice Captain
3: B.Ma'tola (Ttocs Tsunamis)
4: C.Carter (Britzaroy Sea Lions)
5: D.Read (Cadastrial Force)
6: W.Waugh (LeClair Waves) Captain
7: D.Mo'unga (Wallyishere Warriors)
8: E.Coles (LeClair Waves)
9: E.Habanna (Bluebear Bears)
10: S.Tupou (Scoda Pasifika) Goalkicker
11: S.Savea (Scoda Pasifika)
12: N.No'nou (Ttocs Tsunamis)
13: T.Teloa (Ttocs Tsunamis)
14: W.Kerr'alili (LeClair Waves)
15: B.Barton (Port Cahoots Mariners)

BENCH
16: S.de Villiers (Ttocs Tsunamis)
17: D.Papalili (Bookarest Sharks)
18: R.Torvii (Emmaness Whales)
19: W.Whiskers (Port Cahoots Mariners)
20: W.Williams (Cadastrial Force)
21: N. Noavii (Ttocs Tsunamis)
22: S.Donald (Bookarest Sharks)
23: S.Savilli (Bluebear Bears)

RESERVES
24: P.Pluto (Ttocs Tsunamis)
25: B.Vainkolo (Scoda Pasifika)
26: H.Harry (Cadastrial Force)
27: C.Charles (LeClair Waves)
28: B.Brazens (LeClair Waves)

Coach: F.Wally

If they RP first, my opponents have my permission to:
Choose my try scorers: Y
Godmod scoring events: N
RP injuries to my players: Y
Godmod injuries to my players: N
Hand out yellow/red cards: Y
Godmod suspension events: N
Godmod other events: N

[Abanhfleft]

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ABANHFLEFT
National rugby union team

This will be the thirteenth time that Abanhfleft will be participating in the Rugby Union World Cup. It will also be the first time that Abanhfleft will be taking part in the Rugby Union World Cup as the defending champions. Rugby union is the fourth most popular sport in the Democratic Republic; behind basketball, association football, and gridiron (American) football. The team is composed of players that had been judged by an impartial body to be the best players in the Fleftic Rugby Premiership and the Rugby Coalition.

BASIC INFORMATION
Name of nation: Democratic Republic of Abanhfleft
Demonym: Fleftic
Official history: This will be the tenth 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 Kihara Kamau (Loosehead prop, 26)
#2 Shane Croghan (Hooker, 32)
#3 Moses Datarang (Tighthead prop, 30)
#4 Nicholas Brunetti (Lock, 32)
#5 Samuel Angulo (Lock, 31)
#6 Moon Kang-woo (Blindside flanker, 35, vice-captain)
#7 Aniello Traverso (Openside flanker, 30)
#8 Yejide Kayode (Eight-man, 31)
#9 Phil Carlyle (Scrum half, 28)
#10 Wayne Stanley (Fly half, 30, kicker)
#11 Darrin Ramsey (Left wing, 31)
#12 Shelton Basch (Inside center, 32)
#13 Slade Snow (Outside center, 27)
#14 Lee Jae-sang (Right wing, 33, captain)
#15 Xander Li (Fullback, 25)

RESERVES
#16 Sergio Vega (23)
#17 Clinton Cuenca (26)
#18 Neil Gunn (29)
#19 Mike Somerville (27)
#20 Charlie Gourd (33)
#21 Arjun Tibayan (24)
#22 Brandon Magsino (23)
#23 Stuart Querubin (25)
#24 Joaquin Kirby (25)
#25 Marley Gallegos (26)
#26 Ernest Erickson (24)
#27 Killian Curtis (27)
#28 Sheldon Zulueta (24)
#29 Niko Byrd (26)
#30 Darien Ballard (27)

RP PERMISSIONS

• Wayne Stanley is the designated kicker for this Abanhfleft team. In the event that Stanley is taken off of the field then Phil Carlyle will become the new kicker.
• Everything else except killing my players is fair game.

[Nova Anglicana]

Nova Anglicana Rugby Union World Cup Roster

Nickname: Lions
Head Coach: Errol Anderson

Starting XV

1. Claude Belanger, loosehead prop, 28
2. Edouard Gagnon, hooker, 27
3. Sean Perkins, tighthead prop, 27
4. Ryan Bailey, lock, 31
5. Shane Peterson, lock, 25
6. Nathan Boone, blindside flanker, 32
7. Joey Dawson, openside flanker, 28
8. Raphael Lavoie, eight-man, 25
9. Noé Lacroix, scrum half, 28
10. Jamie Wilson, 30, fly half
11. Teddy Westfall, weak-side (left) wing, 31
12. Clement Langlois, inside centre, 32
13. Matthew Lloyd, outside centre, 29
14. Charlies Rhodes, strong-side (right) wing, 30
15. Alexander Dussault, fullback, 29

Subs

16. Bryan Holmes, wing, 24
17. Ross Burke, half, 22
18. Brendan Cunningham, centre, 27
19. Damien Gendreau, fullback, 21
20. Ryan Thibodeaux, first row, 23
21. Zachary Carroll, second row/loose forward, 22
22. Charlie Robertson, second row, 23
23. Kelly Young, first row, 32

Kit (thanks to Fair Republic for link):

Schedule (Group 1, Hannasea)

MD1
Darmen vs Nova Anglicana @ Martinfield's, Upper Niedewe
MD2
Nova Anglicana vs Sykros @ Swordbreak Road, Butterfly City
MD3
Crimson Tree vs Nova Anglicana @ Oceanbay Park, Upper Niedewe
MD4
Elmyia vs Nova Anglicana @ Oceanbay Park, Upper Niedewe
MD5
Nova Anglicana vs Hannasea @ Martinfield's, Upper Niedewe

Should my opponent RP 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

[Elmyia]

The Beaucester Gazette
Elmyia Face Hosts in Crucial First Game
Elmyia still seeking first test win

Elmyia can't deny they have enjoyed their welcome to Hannasea, a beautiful nation and one well equipped to host. The squad have been pictured enjoying several outings, including a whitewater rafting trip and a beer tasting. However, they will now be hoping to make themselves somewhat unwanted guests as they face down against Hannasea in the opening fixture of the Rugby World Cup.

Going into this vital clash, Elmyia are still yet to take that crucial first test victory on the world stage. On the face of it, playing the hosts in the opening game of the tournament, you wouldn't be betting that Margaret Palin's side would be able to change that here. Hannasea, however, also come into this tournament with somewhat of a monkey on their back, having laboured in the previous two editions of the tournament. Last time out and Hannasea managed victories over Oscioru and the Kingdom of the UN as they were eliminated at the first stage. Two years prior and lopsided defeats to Elejamie and Nova Anglicana saw them fall at the group stage again.

Besides the opening game and Elmyia will be looking to the two unranked teams in the group to try and collect a crucial first victory. Sykros and Crimson Tree are both unranked and yet to compete on the international stage at Rugby, Elmyia will be hoping one tournaments worth of experience could see them over the line in this contest.

Otherwise in the group, Elmyia will face some tough tests, against both Darmen and Nova Anglicana. Both sides have frequently made the knockout stages of the tournament, with both making the Round of 16 last time out, before succumbing without scoring a point. Darmen are known for their kicking game, and their subsequent strengths in the breakdown, something that will really test just how far Elmyia have come in addressing their weak points.

Overall, Elymia come into this tournament stronger and wiser than they did to the previous tournament. The work done in improving the forward line will hopefully allow them to avoid being overpowered against the big boys, and will give them a chance of a first victory against the others in the group. Hannasea will be an interesting test against a partisan crowd, you can see if they can see themselves through this test of character at 6pm on Grandstand tonight.

[Lisander]

Lisander A national rugby union team
The Barbarians

Rather than rounding up the Irises, The Lisander Rugby Union sends its "A Team", the Barbarians, to the Rugby World Cup 34. Selected among the regional unions, the 23 players under the guidance of invited manager Daniel Alfyn will try to establish themselves among the powerhouses once more. Despite the numbers assigned, Alfyn plans to test them the most possible, in all of the possible positions. The decision of sending "the A team" while the Irises are expected to tour Alice Bay instead seems to be more political (to weaken rebel teams that refuse to release athletes to the NT) than actually focused in the team development (Sending players from Regional Academies in order for them to gain experience and reinforce grassroots rugby), but who dare to challenge the orders of the Lisander Rugby Union, a board that turned around from "Dedicated Amateurists" to "Unapologetical Profit Seekers" in lesser then 10 years?

Roster:

Replacements
16 - Bruno Deventer - Prop
17 - Mariano Rodat - Prop
18 - Theo Guastaldi - Prop/Second Row
19 - Ricardo Rosset - Second Row/Flanker
20 - Lucas De Rosa - Scrum-Half/Fly-Half
21 - Felipe Sousa - Centre/Fullback
22 - Nuno Ferreira - Wing
23 - Lino Valente - Wing

Best XV
1 - Flávio Ricci - Prop
2 - Lucas Monteiro - Hooker
3 - Leonardo Heim - Prop
4 - Hugo Stresser - Second Row
5 - Fernando Carli - Second Row
6 - Daniel Costa - Flanker
7 - Samuel Grassi - Flanker
8 - André Branco - Number Eight/Flanker
9 - Julio Rodat - Scrum-Half/Fly-Half
10 - Mariano Luna - Fly-Half
11 - Pedro Loggi - Wing
12 - Marcelo Brax - Centre
13 - Nathan Canterville - Centre/Fullback
14 - Timothy Aronson - Wing
15 - André Rosario - Centre/Fullback

Uniforms:

Barbarians uniforms differ to those of the Irises, being striped in green and white instead of being solid green. For the second option, a purple jersey with navy stripes was chosen to make sure it won't clash with any other uniform. If nonetheless a clash is noted by the organization, other sets of uniforms can be requested.

Matchdays:

Group Stage
MD1:Kelssek 22–16 Lisander (1BP)
MD2: Abanhfleft 58–24 Lisander
MD3: Lisander 22-0 Cardenao
MD4: Cormoe 7-21 Lisander
MD5: Lisander v Atolls of Scodalek

RP Permissions:

Choose My Scorers: Yes
Godmod scoring events: No
Injure my players: Yes
Godmod injuries: No
Sin Bin my players: Yes
Red Card my players: Yes
Godmod other events: Yes
Style mod: +4

[Hannasea]

Cutoff for MD1.

News from the Guild Federation

Hannasea has a new head of state! Evie Cameron, former Conservative Party councillor, was sworn in as the new Grand Warden at a ceremony at Old Blopping that was disappointingly sparsely attended because most of the journalists were in the bar to watch Hannasea's RWC kickoff game.

Suggested prompt: This marks the first new head of state for the Guild Federation in over a decade. How much turnover is there in your country's head of state and government positions? Are there frequent elections, coups, counter-coups? A hereditary monarchy, absolute dictatorship, or divine theocracy? Do you even have a head of state?

Note: for Hannasea's results, I screen-shared my scorination so a 3rd party could verify the result. In this case thanks to South Newlandia.

---

Teams in red earned a bonus point.

Group 1
Hannasea 28–34 Elmyia
Darmen 6–41 Nova Anglicana
Sykros 20–19 Crimson Tree

  Group 1               Pld   W  D  L   PF  PA  PD  BP  Pts
1 Nova Anglicana          1   1  0  0   41   6 +35   1    5
2 Elmyia                  1   1  0  0   34  28  +6   1    5
3 Sykros                  1   1  0  0   20  19  +1   0    4
4 Crimson Tree            1   0  0  1   19  20  −1   1    1
5 Hannasea                1   0  0  1   28  34  −6   1    1
6 Darmen                  1   0  0  1    6  41 −35   0    0

Group 2
Cormoe 0–39 Abanhfleft
Atolls of Scodalek 30–0 Cardenao
Kelssek 22–16 Lisander

  Group 2               Pld   W  D  L   PF  PA  PD  BP  Pts 
1 Abanhfleft              1   1  0  0   39   0 +39   1    5
2 Atolls of Scodalek      1   1  0  0   30   0 +30   1    5
3 Kelssek                 1   1  0  0   22  16  +6   0    4
4 Lisander                1   0  0  1   16  22  −6   1    1
5 Cardenao                1   0  0  1    0  30 −30   0    0
6 Cormoe                  1   0  0  1    0  39 −39   0    0

Group 3
Natanians and Nosts 24–41 Port Ember
Depivik 14–54 Tangatarehua
TJUN-ia 3–20 Ko-oren

  Group 3               Pld   W  D  L   PF  PA  PD  BP  Pts 
1 Tangatarehua            1   1  0  0   54  14 +40   1    5
2 Port Ember              1   1  0  0   41  24 +17   1    5
3 Ko-oren                 1   1  0  0   20   3 +17   0    4
4 Natanians and Nosts     1   0  0  1   24  41 −17   0    0
  TJUN-ia                 1   0  0  1    3  20 −17   0    0
6 Depivik                 1   0  0  1   14  54 −40   0    0

Group 4
Feudal Italia 39–39 Quebec and Shingoryeo
The Greater Onvares 26–47 Ampelonas
Talannua 13–48 Baggieland

  Group 4               Pld   W  D  L   PF  PA  PD  BP  Pts 
1 Baggieland              1   1  0  0   48  13 +35   1    5
2 Ampelonas               1   1  0  0   47  26 +21   1    5
3 Feudal Italia           1   0  1  0   39  39   0   1    3
  Quebec and Shingoryeo   1   0  1  0   39  39   0   1    3
5 The Greater Onvares     1   0  0  1   26  47 −21   0    0
6 Talannua                1   0  0  1   13  48 −35   0    0

[Baggieland]

[Tangatarehua]

---

TOA THRASH DEPIVIK 54 - 14 IN 'THRILLING' WORLD CUP OPENER

13th December 2022

---

BRETHWICK, HANNASEA
Tangatarehua has risen straight to the top of the Group 3 table after clinically demolishing an undisciplined and underprepared Depivik team in a thrilling start to the Toa's world cup campaign.

_{Mahora "The Mongrel" Muhu was man of the match after scoring four tries}

The Mighty Toa claimed an emphatic 54-14 victory at Moontide Park in Brethwick in a match that the team and its supporters no doubt hope portends what will follow.

Tangtatarehua's first try came within 9 minutes, with Depivik's defences unable to contain the force of winger Mahora "The Mongrel" Muhu, with Tama Patariki chasing it up with a conversion.

Less than five minutes later, lock Hani Wikiriwhi was over the line and another successful conversion saw the Toa ahead 14-0.

However, despite coach Timoti Mikaere's emphasis on defence, Tangatarehua's defences broke in the 20th minute, with a try conceded followed by a successful conversion.

Another try/conversion combo by Muhu and Patariki saw the score rise to 21-7, with Depivik chasing up with another converted try, giving a halftime score of 21-14.

Halftime saw prop Imua Aperahama (3) replaced by Whetu Tamati (19) and while Hamahona Aperahona (25) replaced Tama Petera (7) as open-side flanker, with the Toa returning to the field determined to solidify their defensive line.

The second half turned to a bloodbath for Depivik, with Mahora "The Mongrel" Mutu cementing his status as man of the match with a third try in the 42nd minute, followed by a fourth in the 56th minute.

Fullback Keka Waatu also managed two tries, in the 65th and 72nd minute.

However, toward the end of the game Tama Patariki had to be subbed off in favour of 21 year old Rangi Kingi, with Tangatarehua's main kicker seen to be limping following a harsh tackle. Kingi went on to convert two more tries in final minutes of the game.

Coach Timoti Mikaere praised the team publicly for a "flawless" victory in the post-game press conference and assured Rehuan fans that Tama Patariki does not seem to be seriously injured and is likely to be on the field for Wednesday (Thursday Tangatarehua time)'s game against TJUN-ia.

Captain Anaru Nikau said that it very encouraging to win such a stunning victory in the opening game but warned that "we will not be complacent" going forward.

"TJUN-ia are a far more experienced team than Dipivik were and we are prepared for that. Bring it on."

The team will travel to Portsmore for their next game, which is likely to played on Thursday afternoon Tangatarehua time, Wednesday night local time.

Tangatarehua 54:

Tries: Muhu (9', 24', 42', 56'), Wikiriwhi (15'), Waatu (65', 72'), Herewhene (76')
Conversions: Patariki 5/5 (10', 25', 43', 57'), Kingi 2/3 (73', 77')

Dipivik 14:

Tries: (20', 33')
Conversions: 2/2 (21', 34')

Halftime score: 21-14

Match award: Mahora Muhu

---

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[Ko-oren]

The Dragonflies travel to Hannasea with a long season of club rugby just completed. Players have the routine of playing regularly and often, but they also have a long season behind them so there's the extra injury risk. A handful of players have extra matches under their belt, what with the semifinal and final. Maynard Andromeda finished second and so played the semifinal (team #2 versus team #3) and won it, so they got to play the team in first in the Grand Final, which turned out to be the Willowbourne Foxes. Johannes van der Heuvel, Crispin Whitebuck, and Loyal Farrell are the only Andromedans selected to the national team, and they'll get the first few days off to recover. The Foxes will be called on to play as they got a week off during the semifinal, and as the Grand Final winners, there are a good few Foxes on the team: Ahern, Chipway, and Rougeau, all players who put the team on their back all season and have made some minutes and kilometres. All other players have gotten some time off since the season ended and they should be good to go, or close enough to it.

Some Dragonflies hoped the season would end way earlier. There's the six-game losing streak that the Penstead Bears closed out the season with to finish 12th out of twelve - yCilionmac and yDdwffrell represent them at this RUWC. Or Mayara Wanderers-Cassiopeia, who lost eight straight before getting a win in the last round of the league (over 4th place Greencaster Galaxy of all teams). The capital club were said to build something grand, which seemed to come true before they started the 8-game slide, but they still have Warmeling, Arzehnra, and Holden all called up to the national team. As said, there's a bit of roster building to be done there but they key pieces are in place.

In the middle the Galaxy were briefly mentioned: if they'd won their final game against Mayara they wouldn't have made the semifinals on point differential anyway. The top three were far ahead of the rest of the league, maybe not in points but definitely in the point differentials they put up in some games. Third place Idyllwild Coronae - the semifinal losers - dropped 50 on Greencaster with three weeks to go, and it was that match that effectively decided on the top three. The Coronae then defeated league leaders Willowbourne 29-27, before beating the Bears 38-3.

At least as telling was the State of Origin series, played between the representative teams of West Strand Riding, Mawryshire, Surbourneshire, and Gehrenna. That's the closest we come to national team rugby: players who don't see each other every week and they still have to play well despite limited time to formulate a game plan. Despite the small population, West Strand Riding won all three matches (30-6 over Mawryshire, 18-10 over Gehrenna, and 15=8 over Surbourneshire). Some of the better old players on the NT are from there, consequently: Bilaranora, Gimmerra, Moshindi. As we said, small populations. Mawryshire have the forwards: yAigaethol, yMhalmawm, yDdwffrell, yEoganmac, yBybrian, most of which are starting day one. Gehrenna and Surbourneshire have a little bit of everything, both with a population that far exceeds WSR's or Mawryshire's.

Either way, back to the league. With the grand final going Willowbourne's way, Maynard have not won a title yet. In 11 years of the league looking like it does, that's perhaps not that surprising - but in 11 years, we've had 10 differnt winners. Maynard and Tarrashall are the only two to not win a championship yet, and of those, Maynard have lost two grand finals - it feels like they'll get their due at some point. Tarrashall, leaning mostly on local talents from 'empty' West Strand Riding, might not be so lucky in the short term. That also makes Willowbourne the only two-time winner.

The biggest teams, at least in attendance and merchandise, are the ones from big cities. Greencaster Galaxy and Willowbourne Foxes first and foremost, with Mayara Wanderers-Cassiopeia, Mawrystwyth Phoenix, and Maynard Andromeda after that. Minor regional cities follow, with their teams Eaglebury Aquila, Llandy Bulls, Idyllwild Coronae, and the Aubury Swans, with the 'villagers' Penstead Bears, Tarrashall Travellers, and Ansonville Comets to round out the list. The Willowbourne Foxes make the most of their status, filling up a big stadium and showcasing good, winning rugby almost all the time. Greencaster Galaxy are a team that finish top 6 most years but somehow rarely show up in the top three. Mawrystwyth and Maynard are also pretty good most years, with Mawrystwyth a little volatile but building towards something. That leaves us one 'big' team with not that much visible success, and it's our - previously mentioned - 11th placed Mayara Wanderers-Cassiopeia. Trust the process, they'll be good sometime soon. Of the small towns punching well above their weight, it's the Ansonville Comets, dead last in most off-the-field categories but capable of mid-table finishes. The Idyllwild and Aubury squads are also much better than their small-town status suggests. Though, with no pro/rel, they can construct a team without the risk of losing it all, and taking one or two 'off-years' to figure themselves out is frowned upon but not punished.

That's all the top division, though. Players are formed and discovered at the second, third, and even fourth levels, but let's not dive too deep. Most players have one or two years of second division rugby experience before getting poached by one of the 12 top teams, much like how it goes in our other sports. A force at the second level are Falkirk Icethaw, playing in the Gehrennan part of division two, with rivals Seameet Amber not far behind. We'd also mention Bergegny, but they just relegated down to the third level. The second tier is much less forgiving that way. Eleanor and Llandy are the biggest clubs of the Mawr tier two, and Surbourneshire's tier two has Ansonville, Chipcliff, and Langward. You can already spot a theme: Llandy and Ansonville have both a team at the top and another big team in tier two. That's not all: Chipcliff and Langward are neighbourhoods of Greencaster, and Seameet is a part of Willowbourne - a city that's far from the coast, hence? the? name? Anyway, that's the two big cities with two rugby towns well represented at the second tier.

At the top four levels, Greencaster and Willowbourne have 11 teams each, Mawrystwyth have eight, Llandy have six, Ansonville and Eaglebury have four. Soccer is a force in Greencaster and Willowbourne - big populations do that - even if they don't have teams in the Top League (or in the Second Division, presently...) but let it be clear that rugby union is king in Mawryshire - where Llandy and Mawrystwyth are - and the lower end of West Strand Riding - that's Eaglebury. And Ansonville is just a commuter town of Greencaster - but don't tell Ansonvillains that.

[Feudal Italia]

The Italian rugby team enters The Big Mong to get ready for today's match against Quebec and Shingoryeo. They are dressed in their white shirts and black shorts, and are barefoot. The Italian half of the audience is waving flags of the Empire of Italia, as well as the flags of the kingdoms and some duchies. They are all shouting incoherently. Mostly in Italian, and some in Sardinian. Alaverru and Dominigu are the only Sardinians on the team, the rest is Italian.

Emperor Lodovico is present in the audience. Not among the regular folks, but in his own booth of course. He is accompanied by his Marshal, King Enrico of Italy, his Chancellor, King Patriziu of Sardinia and Corsica, and his Steward, Serene Doge Salvestro of Venice. They are wearing their traditional sporting event attire, each fitted with the colors of their respective realms. Emperor Lodovico wears his imperial white and black, King Enrico his royal white and gold, King Patriziu his royal white and red, and Serene Doge Salvestro is republican red and gold.

To get ready for the match, the fifteen players on the field, as well as the nine reserves, take off their shirts and start a "mini wrestling championship". They take on their teammates in short one-on-one wrestling matches, where each winner wrestles against the other. The victor earns nothing but respect from his teammates and countrymen.

[TJUN-ia]

Welcome to Hannasea for the 34th Rugby Union World Cup and while many back home are still celebrating Michael Stefan's NSSCRA Cup Series triumph, TJUN-ia must carry on its sporting pursuits regardless. The Union Jagaurs entered this tournament as the #5 ranked team off the back of a silver medal two years ago but with the winds of change in the air, giving these guys one last send-off would do everyone all the good - especially considering the reinforcements from the dormant 7s program. It wasn't the best situation for either Jacob Peterson or Brutas Excillius, but they agreed that this arrangement could help Rugby Union and they had to do the job - despite all the jokes that Peterson was now RT-U's Secretary-General with Brutas as his Home-General.

(This is a reference to the political system of TJUN-ia, which is kinda weird but also kinda interesting. The Secretary-General of TJUN-ia, The Jaguar himself, is our Head of State (who is also the Secretary-General of TJUN, the Representative to the United Kingdom and the Regional Representative to England) and while his main job is to sign off on any TJUN-ian specific legislation, he can take action in certain matters through the TJUN General Assembly - as was seen with the National Reawakening. Our Head of Government is called the Home-General, who is currently a very popular figure named Louis Maude. He and the rest of the Unicameral TJUN-ian Government operate the day-to-day business of the International Community though everyone who sits in the chamber (2 for each TJUN-ian settlement in the 9 Regions + 4 each for the 4 settlements in the JagBase) all sit as independents. There is talk of parties being introduced into TJUN-ia's political system (which would also impact the 10 Regional Parliaments of this nation), but that will only be considered after the 50 new members of TJUN have been formally integrated.)

The Seat of Quickwinds in Brethwick would host our opening contest against #3 Ko-oren. Having a Top 5 showdown to kick off a tournament didn't sound too fun, but new Captain Alan Wakefield tried to rally his men into thinking that 2 years ago proved that they could hang with the big boys and anything was certainly possible. That was a good mindset to have...unfortunately, in a defensive scramble of a game, the Dragonflies had other ideas. We only managed 3 points this entire game, thanks to the boot of the ever-reliable Jose Valbuena, but this slog of a game was one where Ko-oren simply did much more with their chances and we could simply do nothing. Conor yAigaethol managed to score both tries while Tei Warmeling managed to go 2/2 on conversions and 2/2 on penalty goals to complete the 20-3 drubbing.

That certainly wasn't the best start but with our hardest opponent out of the way, we can spend the rest of this group stage trying to get our confidence back. Up next will be a trip to Portsmore Community Stadium to play debutants Tangatarehua, who managed a convincing bonus point win on opening day. GO UNION JAGS!

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SCHEDULE (Group 3)
MD1: vs Ko-oren (3) - Seat of Quickwinds, Brethwick L 3-20 (T-4th)
MD2: vs Tangatarehua (UR) - Portsmore Community Stadium, Portsmore
MD3: vs Natanians and Nosts (11) - Moontide Park, Brethwick
MD4: vs Depivik (UR) - Moontide Park, Brethwick
MD5: vs Port Ember (UR) - Seat of Quickwinds, Brethwick

[Nova Anglicana]

@NovaAnglicanaPM Congratulations to Evie Cameron on her elevation to Grand Warden of Hannasea! I look forward to future productive state visits as we continue to build strong relationships with our EU neighbors!

In Nova Anglicana, there is a theoretically clear delineation between the head of state and the head of government. The head of state is the monarch, currently His Majesty, Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom, Nova Anglicana, and His other Realms and Territories King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith. This position does not get a lot of turnover, as Charles' mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, ruled for approximately 70 years. The head of government is the Prime Minister of Nova Anglicana, currently Josephine Clark. Nova Anglicana holds election for its lower house, the House of Deputies, every three years, and Prime Ministers must command the confidence of said house, so there can be frequent changes in who the PM is. However, across its approximately two decades in existence, Nova Anglicana has had four prime ministers: Allan Mumford until 2015, Hal Blackwood from 2015-18, Michael Ramsey from 2018-19, and Josephine Clark from 2019 to the present.

Where things get a little confused is that the monarch, as noted above is King of "His other Realms and Territories", and therefore does not have much time to spare only for Nova Anglicana, especially since he is principally the British monarch. In their stead, the monarch appoints a governor-general to fulfill ceremonial and such executive functions as may be necessary. The governor-general may be appointed or dismissed at will by the monarch, but is typically appointed upon the advice of the current prime minister and, given good behavior, serves until such time as they are ready to give up the post. The governor-general is a Nova Anglican citizen, usually distinguished by service to his/her country or outstanding performance in their field. Currently, the governor-general is Mary Baldwin, who served as a foreign service officer, ambassador, and lead negotiator on the Treaty of Montfort that brought Nova Anglicana into the Esportivan Union. She recently replaced Michael Davidson, a respected radio broadcaster and journalist. In line with this, the governor-general may be the functional head of state of Nova Anglicana, in the sense of meeting foreign dignitaries, reading royal proclamations, etc.

Finally, most foreign visitors who wish to have dealings with the Nova Anglican state do not necessarily meet the governor-general. If it is a trade delegation, they may be met by the Sub-Minister for Trade, or perhaps the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it rises that high. An ambassador who attends a meeting may see the Minister for Foreign Affairs or the Prime Minister. When state visits are made abroad, they are made by the Prime Minister, not the governor-general, so the public-facing person for most nations is the Prime Minister, not the governor-general or the monarch. Therefore, the official head of state is the monarch, the functional head of state according to the constitution is the governor-general, and the functional head of state in many practical matters is the prime minister. All clear?

Nova Anglicana 41-6 Darmen

Scoring: Wilson 8' (Wilson conversion), Lavoie 18' (Wilson conversion), Wilson penalty 22', Wilson penalty 34', Westfall 54' (Wilson conversion), Lloyd 66' (Wilson conversion), Carroll 77' (Wilson conversion)

Up next: Sykros (20-19 Crimson Tree)