We may know the sport’s future is bright when trendsetters worldwide are wearing Fabien Galthié-style shades
O
n the surface it was business at usual at this year’s Six Nations launch in a chilly Edinburgh. Had the city’s most famous literary sleuth poked his nose into the venue at the top of the Royal Mile, Inspector Rebus would have clocked the usual suspects: head coaches trying not to divulge any secrets, captains quietly studying their opposite numbers and content creators seeking to “jazz up” their tournament previews.
This year’s booby prize went to the “influencer” who asked Caelan Doris, Ireland’s captain, whether or not he liked Fabien Galthié’s thick-rimmed glasses. It was almost on a par with the Breakdown’s all-time classic: the day someone asked Rob Baxter, Exeter’s director of rugby, to pick his favourite motorway service station. “Taunton Deane,” came the instant reply. “Because it means we’re almost home.” Brilliant.
Modern rugby, though, is a fast-changing environment. The championship’s 143rd edition is imminent but at least one aspect will be different this year. The men’s tournament has been trimmed by a week, with just one fallow week as opposed to two. It will demand stamina and require every coach to think about how to nurse senior players through five huge matches in six weekends.
