Few sports tread the fine line between love and hate as precariously as rugby union. It is part of its attraction: beauty and the beast occupy the same arena, passion and restraint are essential requirements. The code used to be simple: regardless of the intensity of the contest, be respectful to the referee, your opponents and the game itself. Not rugby players.”Disliking someone based purely on their nationality is the most blinkered of traits; such intolerance is nothing to shout about. The presence of the remarkable Doddie Weir at Murrayfield was a timely reminder of what a real rugby ambassador looks like.

Source: The Irish Times February 11, 2020 13:57 UTC