Rugby’s “third half” has been a victim of the professional era, or so it sometimes said, usually as a coded complaint that players don’t drink so prodigiously as they once did.
Postmatch socializing with opponents is one of the game’s better traditions, an effective way to affirm the aggressive contest has been friendly and sporting. But as new generations of high-performance and high school athletes are demonstrating, alcohol need not be the focal point.
Suitcase Number Seven, a biography of Munster halfback Tom Cleary, poignantly depicts the life of a man who for too long failed to make the distinction between friendship and drinking.
In an era before substitution – injury or otherwise – Cleary was seventeen times an alternate for Ireland but never gained a cap. How infuriating!
His playing career crested with the 1960 tour to South Africa and Rhodesia, which also included Tony O’Reilly and Syd Millar. The duo famously went on to chair H.J. Heinz and the International Rugby Board, respectively; sadly, Cleary’s life and livelihood as an accountant was eroded by alcoholism.
Though depicted with great sympathy, the details of his mature years may be less interesting for rugby-minded readers. But in the end, rugby’s better angels triumph when Cleary’s old mates rally to aid, enabling him to pass with some dignity.
The appendix is rich with match reports and statistics depicting Munster and Ireland in the 1950s as well as the South African tour.
Related: On watching rugby games
As much as I enjoyed good partying with my rugby buddies while in college, I think moving away from "drink-ups" is a good idea. This will help further bring rugby into the athletic mainstream, particularly at the college level. Look at the best college teams today - Cal and West Point - definitely not known for their loud parties.
Posted by: Alex | 08 March 2006 at 07:34
It's joy to know you, wishing the nicest things always for you, not only today, but all the year through because you are really a joy to know.
Posted by: coach handbags | 23 June 2010 at 18:25
I like your blog very much. You know you are so kind let us to know what happened with you. I think you should insist on writting more better article in your blog. http://www.cheapjordans.cc/nike-jordan-6-vi-8/
Posted by: Jordan 6 | 23 August 2010 at 19:49