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hangs finely in the balance for the clubs, players and supporters involved. Unless Boxing Day falls on a Saturday and there’s been some insightful, or devious, forward thinking by the leagues’ governing body fixture secretaries, Boxing Day games will usually always be ‘friendlies’; but when it comes to derbies, of course, it goes without saying that there is no such thing as friendlies.
At the final whistle, you’ll see some heads raised to the overcast December sky; players thanking whatever rugby gods are smiling down on them for gracing them with tries and a victory – and in opposing colours, you’ll spot heads down, with palyers studying the pitch as if looking for answers amidst the mud and divots.
Soon after the final whistle, for the winners at least, the fun and frivolity can begin as the exodus from the playing fields to the clubhouse bar takes place. For those on the winning side, all is well with the world but for the others, quite often they’ll find themselves trying to put a brave face on for the kids until New Year.
Frankly though, it’s fair to say that there are few players who genuinely relish the prospect of the Boxing Day fixture. For the fans, of course, it is the opposite. Quite possibly it is the one match of the season whereby the aficionados have the advantage; indeed, veterans’ misty-eyed talk of pulling on the jersey once more and reliving glory days is in short supply on cold Boxing Days – and it is the one time when players tend to be jealous of the fans. For those on the side-lines, Boxing Day games offer a release from the family home – a chance to socialise with friends and a form of respite from the in-laws or Lego-obsessed youngsters.
10 ALL SHAPES & ZEBRAS FROM TREORCHY