Social (Anti Social ... )
Rugby union was once described as a game for hooligans played by gentlemen. The hooligans tag refers to the essential element of physical contact in the sport, which can sometimes spill over into violence. In most rugby-playing countries, rugby union is widely regarded as an establishment, historically amateur, sport. Gentlemen is a reference to the class origins of the game in England, where it became the winter sport of the "public" schools (private schools in America) who enjoyed the luxury of grass fields.
Players of the sport are very gregarious and have a common shared culture. Before the game, each side generally taunts the other with its own particular club chant or cheer. Akron has adopted the Oggy Oggy Oggy. The most famous pre-match chant, of course, is the New Zealand Haka. After the match, each side will clap the other off by forming a tunnel and give "three cheers" for their opponent and the referee (reluctantly).
One of the most enduring features is that rugby is a game of "three halves" with the third being as hotly contested as the first two. It is a rugby trademark that the home club host the post-match social which includes food and drink (beer anyone?) for all players and spectators. One of the distinct features of the social is the tradition of ritualistic song. While each club will adopt a favorite, there are many songs that are sung in common and the objective of course is to outsing the other club, thereby winning the party. Rugby songs are rooted in hymns, folk songs, and ballads and have been passed along from generation to generation and are now sung worldwide with slight variations. The best way to learn verse is at "choir practice" on Saturday, but the Akron R.F.C. Official Hymnal and Guide to the Depraved will get you started. Also check out www.immortalia.com where you can listen to many recorded favorites.
