Leinster rugby tips/suggestions?
October 11, 2018 3:32 AM Subscribe
On a whim I booked a ticket to Leinster Rugby match in Dublin for Friday 12. I’m going solo, but I want to maximize this experience.
I have working knowledge of rugby, maybe a 5th graders? I want to know what pregame things I should do(pub and food) , where to learn some songs to sing, what is annoying to supporters (this is a European championship match so assume some seriousness)
I have working knowledge of rugby, maybe a 5th graders? I want to know what pregame things I should do(pub and food) , where to learn some songs to sing, what is annoying to supporters (this is a European championship match so assume some seriousness)
Best answer: A few minor points of general UK & Irish rugby etiquette, which may or may not be of use (and may or may not be followed by absolutely everyone):
* Respect the kickers. If a player - from either team - is taking a penalty kick at goal, then it is considered polite for the crowd to hush and let them run up to take the kick in peace, without distraction. It's a magnificent and eerie experience when silence descends upon a stadium of several thousand. (I watch most of my rugby matches in a local pub, and even there, preparations on the screen for a penalty kick will cue an only-semi-joking piercing collective SSSHHH! all over the place.)
* Respect the referee. Do not boo their decisions, question their parentage, or advise them that are in need of a guide dog. (This isn't football.)
* Respect the opposing fans. Both sides are mixed together, and are expected to Get Along Nicely. Teasing banter is fine, but keep it friendly.
* Molly Malone (a.k.a. Cockles and Mussels) is the Leinster anthem.
Enjoy! Looks like it'll be a cracking match.
posted by Morfil Ffyrnig at 7:34 AM on October 11, 2018
* Respect the kickers. If a player - from either team - is taking a penalty kick at goal, then it is considered polite for the crowd to hush and let them run up to take the kick in peace, without distraction. It's a magnificent and eerie experience when silence descends upon a stadium of several thousand. (I watch most of my rugby matches in a local pub, and even there, preparations on the screen for a penalty kick will cue an only-semi-joking piercing collective SSSHHH! all over the place.)
* Respect the referee. Do not boo their decisions, question their parentage, or advise them that are in need of a guide dog. (This isn't football.)
* Respect the opposing fans. Both sides are mixed together, and are expected to Get Along Nicely. Teasing banter is fine, but keep it friendly.
* Molly Malone (a.k.a. Cockles and Mussels) is the Leinster anthem.
Enjoy! Looks like it'll be a cracking match.
posted by Morfil Ffyrnig at 7:34 AM on October 11, 2018
The first pub that comes to mind for pregame drinks is Kiely's. I've only been there once though, and it really wasn't my scene. But I'm a Munster fan so that's a bit of a given :)
That's a Heineken match, so should be a good crowd, and its in Donnybrook not the Aviva, so you'll be closer to the action. It's been a few years since I've been to a game there, but I do remember a biting wind there. Not sure you'll have to worry about that on Friday, Storm Callum should have passed on by, but do think about the weather.
posted by Fence at 12:55 PM on October 11, 2018
That's a Heineken match, so should be a good crowd, and its in Donnybrook not the Aviva, so you'll be closer to the action. It's been a few years since I've been to a game there, but I do remember a biting wind there. Not sure you'll have to worry about that on Friday, Storm Callum should have passed on by, but do think about the weather.
posted by Fence at 12:55 PM on October 11, 2018
I’m not sure about Dublin but crowd culture in Rugby is generally a little more refined than in soccer; especially regards swearing and chanting, and sledging is usually more witty than crude.
It’s a game for gentlemen after all!
posted by Middlemarch at 2:57 PM on October 11, 2018
It’s a game for gentlemen after all!
posted by Middlemarch at 2:57 PM on October 11, 2018
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posted by DarlingBri at 5:28 AM on October 11, 2018 [1 favorite]