The Breakdown | From France to Old Reigatians: the most inspiring sides in rugby history

The most memorable teams aren’t always the the most famous – and the key ingredients have remained the same for many years It is an entirely subjective question but still worth pondering as the autumn mists descend. What is the most inspiring rugby team you ever saw? Not the abso

The most memorable teams aren’t always the the most famous – and the key ingredients have remained the same for many years It is an entirely subjective question but still worth pondering as the autumn mists descend. What is the most inspiring rugby team you ever saw? Not the absolute best, necessarily, because that is too restrictive a filter.

This is about sides who, in addition to stringing a few wins together, had something about them that still captures the imagination even decades later. In part these things are shaped by timing and circumstance. You never forget the first international you attended, say, or how that experience made you feel.

For anyone who has stood in the Shed for years, the sight of Gloucester sitting atop the English Prem table may just be stirring similar emotions. That said, it may still take a while for this year’s squad to nudge past Teague, Fidler and Blakeway in the Cherry & White hall of fame. Continue reading...