Musing

Whilst browsing an auction recently I noticed a Subbuteo Rugby and Cricket set due to go under the hammer, unfortunately time was a premium that day, so I was unable to stay to see how much they went for. Back in my far off youth, I had a Newfooty set which was the forerunner to Subbuteo, and I remember the Rugby set being around in the sixties, but was not quite sure how it worked. Football as a game never really interested me, probably because I was no good at it, but I did play Rugby Union, and used to follow the game both on a local level, and the internationals. So having my curiosity aroused I resorted to good old E bay and obtained a Complete Rugby set, really just to see how it worked. I was pleasantly surprised at how ingenius the game was, and although the creators had tried to make a one size fits all scenario, with a bit of tweaking, the rules could be made to make a very playable game. I have since found amended rules available on the Subbuteo Rugby Association site, and these I find work very well. Obviously the game is never going to have the appeal of its football cousin, largely due to the seemingly complicated laws of Rugby, but to Rugby enthusiasts that are not seduced by electronic games it makes a very enjoyable activity if one is too past it to go rolling around in the mud, also you can have a drink whilst playing it!!