We take a look at some of the best quoted from the world of rugby today.
“Semi-pro down in Wales is pretty dark. You go to places like Neath or Cross Keys away and it’s raining, seven o’clock at night, pitches are (inches) deep in mud. It’s not a nice place to play.”
Scotland prop Javan Sebastian on playing part-time for Carmarthen Quins
“It was a tough day in the sheds; it was like we woke from a bad hangover.”
Wallabies flanker David McReight on the mood in training after Australia’s heavy defeat by Wales
“He lies sometimes about his age. He says he’s 28 even though Wikipedia says he’s 33, so he’s getting younger!”
Robbie Henshaw on fellow Ireland centre Bundee Aki
“There is no lack of desire, no lack of work ethic, no lack of spirit in the team. They are a great bunch of boys. We are just not good enough at the moment, but if we keep working the way we are, we will be.”
Eddie Jones, Australia head coach
“With a squad like England’s it’s difficult to know if it’s a weakened squad or not.”
Samoa forwards coach Tom Coventry on whether England might play a weakened team against Samoa since they have already reached the quarter-finals
“For black people in South Africa, I don’t think most people watched rugby until Xhosa commentary became a big thing. Listening to a sport that most people weren’t allowed to play for a very long time, and now you hear it in your own language and see it represented. He studies you and he talks about your history. He makes an effort. He made me feel so special. We felt seen, we felt important, but in our own language. That is a big thing, that is something that you can’t buy.”
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi on the influence of the late commentator Kaunda Ntunja, who broadcast in Xhosa
“It’s hard emotionally but it’s also hard on my partner. She’s doing all the work back home. I’ve got nothing to complain about, when I get full nights’ rests and get to do the job that I love.”
Australia centre Izaia Perese on being away from his young family
“The amount of people who came to support us has been incredible. This is without counting the people who have followed us in Chile, the messages we received from children, of gratitude despite the results. This shows we have sown a giant seed.”
Scrum-half Marcelo Torrealba marvels the support his Chile team have enjoyed in France and back home
“Training has been pretty intense but I have just got deep-set eye sockets. I get asked that occasionally.”
Despite appearances, Australia flanker Josh Kemeny assures reporters he is not sporting two black eyes
“I think we’re everyone’s second-favourite team, which is awesome. How we’ve played at this World Cup and how we are as people and a culture has certainly rubbed off on everyone.”
Fiji hooker Sam Matavesi on how much he and his team-mates are enjoying the backing of the fans
“The All Greens” – Springbok fans lay into Ireland ‘poaching players’ after World Cup defeat
Below, you’ll find a ranking of tier one nations, organized by the number of foreign-born players included in their respective squads.
PARTNERS LINKS:
- Win a signed England jersey with Charles Tyrwhitt
- Find your local Greene King pub to watch the rugby
- Secure your seat for the Six Nations with viagogo
- Visit our World Cup travel guide with Omio
Scotland (15)
WP Nel (South Africa), Pierre Schoeman (South Africa), Javan Sebastian (England), Ewan Ashman (Canada), Sam Skinner (England), Jack Dempsey (Australia), Hamish Watson (England), Ali Price (England), Ben White (England), Ben Healy (Ireland), Chris Harris (England), Cameron Redpath (France), Sione Tuipulotu (Australia), Kyle Steyn (South Africa), Duhan van der Merwe (South Africa).
Italy (11)
Ivan Nemer (Argentina), Hame Faiva (New Zealand), Dino Lamb (England), David Sisi (Germany), Toa Halafihi (New Zealand), Sebastian Negri (Zimbabwe), Martin Page-Relo (France), Juan Ignacio Brex (Argentina), Ange Capuozzo (France), Monty Ioane (Australia), Paolo Odogwu (England),
Wales (10)
Taulupe Faletau (Tonga), Tomas Francis (England), Dan Lydiate (England), Will Rowlands (England), Henry Thomas (England), Christ Tshiunza (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Gareth Anscombe (New Zealand), George North (England), Nick Tompkins (England), Johnny Williams (England),