In the May 20th class (6th module), sports and its influence on politics was discussed. Also covered in the material were the ways that international sports could promote international relationships among countries from around the world. Some of the underlying ideals of international sports that are displayed in the powerpoint are:
- Highlighting shared interests among people in different cultures and nations
- Demonstrate that international friendships are possible
- Create a model for international relationships
- Foster cultural understanding and eliminate national stereotypes
- Open communication lines between people and leaders from many nations
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| Fans making their way to Rugby World Cup |
In the article by New Zealand National Rugby player, Dan Carter, he expresses how rugby is not just a "blood and guts" game but a "gentleman's" game. Most people see rugby, the second largest sport in the world, as the sport that is least likely to promote international relations; they could not be more wrong. Rugby is a game that all of its fans are passionate about. Over 110 countries, both rich and poor, have their own national rugby league team. This widespread shared interest and love for the game is already bringing people from different nations together, demonstrating that international friendships are possible. In the article, Carter says how everything that happens out on the field, ultimately stays on the field. Once the final whistle blows ending the game, they have nothing but the greatest respect for their opponents from the other team, some of which are Carter's greatest friends. In the game of rugby, it is tradition for the home team to visit their opponents in their locker room or get together after the game and drink and socialize. Even in the rugby code of conduct for ages 7 to 18 for Plano Sports Authority in Texas, it states that after the match, players will join with the opponent for fun and camaraderie. The respect these players have for each other not only on the field, but off the field is truly an inspiration as well as a model for international relationships.
In an article in the New Zealand Herald, in a match between the New Zealand All Blacks and their biggest rival South Africa, sportsmanship is seen at its peak. After breaking an arm, All Black's Ma'a Nonu left his playing jersey in the South African locker room for their captain, Jean de Villiers, as a congratulatory keepsake for his 100th test match. De Villiers even mentions in the article the amount of respect the two rivals have for each other as soon as they walk off the field.
In 2011, an article was written on how Rugby was New Zealand's key to increase international relations with the United States. A handful of former U.S. presidents such as George W. Bush, John F. Kennedy, and Bill Clinton, have (or had) a love for the game of rugby and played the sport. Because of this common interest, in 2008 the United States Rugby Union signed a Memorandum of Understanding allowing the New Zealand Rugby Union to have a more active role in promoting rugby in the U.S.
Rugby, though rough and rugged, is a sport played by gentlemen. In his article, Carter says that the friendships he developed with his opponents are ones that will last forever. He says they are people he can connect with on a deeper level and after the game is over, the memories and friendships that they share is all that will be left.
References & Additional Reading:
All Blacks. (2008). NZRU partners with USA Rugby. All Blacks. Retrieved from http://www.allblacks.com/News/7432/nzru-partners-with-usa-rugby
Carter, D. (2015). The Gentleman's Game. The Players' Tribune. Retrieved from http://www.theplayerstribune.com/dan-carter-new-zealand-all-blacks-rugby/
iSport. (2015). Explaining Rugby Culture. iSport. Retrieved from http://rugby.isport.com/rugby-guides/explaining-rugby-culture
Kaufman, D. (1986). Blue-collar Hooligans have real love affair with rugby. The Pittsburgh Press. 102(315), S35. https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RPgjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0GIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6989%2C5691023
PSA Plano. (2009). Rugby Code of Conduct. PSA Plano. Retrieved from http://www.psaplano.org/testsite/Home/Sports/Rugby/CodeofConduct.aspx
Richardson, D. (2014). Rugby: Brutal opponents but mates after the game. The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=11324575
Watkins, T. (2011). Rugby 'key to international relations'-study. Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved from http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/4683809/Rugby-key-to-international-relations-study
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