Re: England Squads : Wed Mar 07, 2012 9:14 am  

Keith Swiftcorn wrote:

I'm confident that none of the Leeds players will look out of their depth on the international stage against Wales and France. The same would apply to the two faux international fixtures against Exilia.

I hate agreeing with you, but I have no idea how, even in my own most wildly optimistic moments, I'm struggling to see how I can get excited about an international series with Wales and France. The Exiles game is an amusing carnival show and might at least be entertaining, though not terribly meaningful, but the other two are traditionally warm up matches for something juicier.

Re: England Squads : Wed Mar 07, 2012 9:24 am  

Keith Swiftcorn wrote:

Don't worry about it. The problem is this 'England' malarkey. As others have pointed out, we should play as GB. That's our international RL heritage and it simplifies matters concerning national identity. I don't care who is selected to play for England. It matters not a jot to me as I consider myself British.

I agree, with the caveat that nationality and national identity is a little more complex for many people than what it says on your passport, and I don't think considering yourself English (which I do as a first level) necessarily precludes you from considering yourself British or UK - the terms often being used interchangeably - at the next level (which I also do). It is also perfectly possible to further see yourself as European (which I don't except at the most genetically anthropological level). It is also possible to genuinely identify yourself with two countries (dual nationality - I have a couple of good friends who are married to people of different nationalities who are raising children of dual nationality who will legitimately feel a connection to two countries - one English/German, one Russian/Armenian, even more complicatedly born in the UK) or to identify yourself with a nationality not available on a passport (Catalan, Basque and Roma spring to mind first here, there are plenty more).

This is why forming concrete "fact" opinions on eligibility for sports teams is so difficult. Increasingly, in Europe at least, it is one of the few areas of life where the distinctions between nations still have any consequence for someone's practical (rather than emotional) existence.

But, in summary, I agree, we should play as GB. Or GB and Ireland if people prefer. GB&I makes a little less sense geographically, but has some precedent.

Re: England Squads : Wed Mar 07, 2012 12:44 pm  

El Diablo wrote:

But, in summary, I agree, we should play as GB. Or GB and Ireland if people prefer. GB&I makes a little less sense geographically, but has some precedent.

It should GB&NI as the Republic is a truly independent nation. We should follow the line of the BOA, not the RFU. But as things stands if you have represented Scotland for example, you not be able to change to England, or like Harrison Hansen from England(at Academy level) to New Zealand to Samoa,

Re: England Squads : Wed Mar 07, 2012 1:54 pm  

I like the idea of "England Knights" but i would have them play a "shadow" Tri -nations when the 1st team comp is ongoing and play against the Kiwi and Aussie u23's.
In terms of 1st team for me GB should be the flag under which we perform and i'd reinstate the "Ashes" tours every 4 years.
Whilst we play the Ashes again i'd have the Knights competing with their u23 counter-parts.
In terms of France ,Wales ,Ireland and Scotland etc etc they too could compete with the Knights as "mid-season" tests with the ultimate goal for the home nations to be called uop to the GB squad.
France could enter the u23 series v kiwis ,Aussies and the Knights and IF they subsequantly improve maybe they could be considered for a future 4 nations comp.
In the southern hemisphere i'd have a regular series between Tonga ,Fiji ,Samoa and PNG and the Maori again with evetual winer getting a guest spot at the new 4 nations down under but the series has to be more structered and competitive i'e home and away tests then an eliminator.

Re: England Squads : Wed Mar 07, 2012 4:36 pm  

What's wrong with Henderson being included? He's from Torquay after all

Re: England Squads : Wed Mar 07, 2012 9:09 pm  

Harrigan wrote:

What's wrong with Henderson being included? He's from Torquay after all

If he hadn't have already represented Scotland at full international level, I would personally not have a problem.

Re: England Squads : Wed Mar 07, 2012 9:19 pm  

Fieldheadrhino wrote:

If he hadn't have already represented Scotland at full international level, I would personally not have a problem.

Agreed.

However have many have already said the GB team and ashes tours would be my preference

Re: England Squads : Wed Mar 07, 2012 10:43 pm  

How will people define their nationality in the event that the Scots and maybe in future Welsh decide to become 'independent'? Even if only the Scots opt out, 'British' in terms of nationality will effectively mean England + Wales.

Its time to move on with respect to GB/England - for right or wrong its now England (prefer GB myself). I simply can't get excited about whether players have played for Ireland or Scotland before. All I care about is whether the national team is competitive, whatever they are called.

Re: England Squads : Wed Mar 07, 2012 11:36 pm  

how can you take any international squad seriously when it has a certain ryan bailey in the squad. but then again its a cowardly coach selecting a cowardly player.

Re: England Squads : Thu Mar 08, 2012 1:00 am  

Lindops white socks wrote:

how can you take any international squad seriously when it has a certain ryan bailey in the squad. but then again its a cowardly coach selecting a cowardly player.

I take it your previous 36 posts were just practices to show what an utter bell end you are?