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Why We Play the Game

BOTR 2026-01-16 Tales from Clubland Bottom of the Ruck, Briton Ferry RFC, club rugby, grassroots rugby, keep rugby grassy, rugby, Rupert McCall, Tales from Clubland, Wales Rugby

why we play the game

a poem by Rupert Mccall

Adapted and Recited by Briton Ferry RFC

 

It was a busy week for me, so I didn’t get much time to sit down and write. So, I thought that I’d try something a little different and post a video. 

Below is an adaptation of the Rupert McCall poem “Why We Play the Game” recited by Briton Ferry RFC. The poem is a beautifully powerful love letter to grassroots rugby. This video came out in 2014 and hits me in the feels every time that I watch it. Every. Single. Time. 

The grassroots are filled with real people that tell real stories and carry the culture of rugby to new generations. That is Clubland. Rugby is built on the grassroots, a solid foundation built by people purely for the love of the sport. While professional teams (not clubs) struggle to maintain footing with budgets that aren’t sustainable, we stand strong in the grassroots. We have our struggles and challenges that has shaped a collective resilience. We are strengthened by our trials and tribulations. 

The poem adaptation was released as part of Briton Ferry’s 125th Anniversary. A community rugby club located in South Wales, Briton Ferry RFC offers rugby for all ages in a friendly, family-focused environment.

If you haven’t seen this before, enjoy! If you’ve seen it before, watch it again and remember Why We Play the Game. 

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