Proper rugby. It's not often rucked.com gets serious, in fact it's almost a policy of ours to do exactly the opposite, but there is a time and a place.
rucked.com was set up due to passion for true rugby – to show the best aspects of what has to be the greatest sport around. It's unique from any other sport in that while it's a truly physical and, indeed, occasionally, brutal game, the spirit in which it's played is unmatched by any other. In no other team sport do people shake hands with their opponents, form a guard of honour off the pitch for their rivals and then, with an opposite number, share a beer and a laugh, despite having spent the past 80 minutes attempting to knock several chunks out of each other.
It's these aspects that rucked.com wants to get across in every possible way. In our interviews we try to treat each player as if they're a team-mate we're trying to have banter with in Proper Rugby. We salute clubs of all levels irrespective of whether they're in Kent Three, the Welsh Premiership or National Three North and, of course, in Nonsense we're just taking the mickey – just as we all do down the clubhouse. Rugby is a game and not one you should ever take too seriously. Sure, train hard if you like (and if you get paid to play there's no option) but don't forget how lucky we all are to be involved in such an amazing sport. Every week, either as a fan, social player, committee member, parent or coach, we all get to enjoy the delights of a game that represents everything that's good about sport: friendship, support, community, goodwill, respect and camaraderie.
Last weekend, I played for the Extra Bs of London Scottish, a side I've turned out for only this season. With no desire to train, it was the words of the skipper, Graeme Forbes, that tempted me in. In response to my enquiry about playing for the side, he responded: 'We are always on the look out for new players, especially young, fit and gifted. If you come into this category you will be more than welcome. If you don't, then you are likely to fit in perfectly! The essence of the 5th XV is to rely on the benefits of historical, rather than current, training. We are of the "play to get fit" , rather than "get fit to play" variety.'
The side are true to their word. We meet roughly half an hour before kick-off (just long enough to catch up on the week's events and stretch off ageing limbs), everyone gives absolutely everything for 80 minutes, and then applaud our opponents before heading into the clubhouse for the third element of the side's three rules. Number one rule is to help out your team-mate (no Extra B is ever left on their own at the bottom of the ruck). Number two is to show respect for team-mates and referees. Number three is to share at least one drink with your team-mates and opponents.
Last weekend's match was different. The build-up was the same, the match itself was close with one try coming between us and our opponents, Hammersmith and Fulham 3rds. But afterwards, it was very, very different. Having given his all as per usual in the navy of London Scottish, prop Ermis Vetsos collapsed. His team-mates, as on the field of play, rallied, CPR was given, calls for 999 made instantly, with every player – even if only in praying for Ermis – doing as much as they could. Paramedics arrived quickly. Over the course of what must have been no longer than an hour (but felt like so much more), the players of both sides waited with breath held. Not in of some kind of macabre car crash-watching kind of way, but in true concern over a friend. Some, myself included, had only known him for a few weeks, some for years, some for only 80 minutes, but all were united in their willing Ermis to recover.
Taken to hospital, Ermis went with three team-mates (no London Scottish player ever goes alone). An hour later and the call came. He didn't make it. He was just 28-years old. On announcing Ermis's passing, a sombre mood fell over the Richmond ground. No doubt, everyone put everything into context really how important sport is, it's not the be all and end all, and it is just a game. However, borne from this game is a respect for friends. For people and players like Ermis. On his return to the club, Forbes told the team that the incident could have happened anytime, either running for the bus or walking up some stairs. Ermis would have been proud of how his team-mates, nay, friends rallied.
The reason I've written this column was out of respect for a man who clearly represented everything that was good about rugby, while also highlighting that things are more important than rugby. Still, he loved the game. His now poignantly dormant Facebook page has a picture of him in typical rhino charging mode and his status even refers to the broken nose he sustained in the season opener (he was a prop, after all!). He had 579 Friends and you can bet a good deal of them were made through rugby. His photo albums while featuring a smattering of rugby pictures, are dominated by Ermis smiling with his friends and family – Ermis clearly knew his priorities and what really mattered in life. It's a balance we would all do well to remember whenever we take sport a little too seriously.
In his tribute, Graeme Forbes, put it well: 'Ermis was a very important member of the 5ths/Extra Bs and, like all the better props, his game went beyond the scrum and lineout. Equally happy in the loose, with ball in hand, or in the tackle, his involvement did not stop at the touch line. Like anyone who plays rugby for fun, Ermis recognised the importance of the social side of the game and his contribution to the post-match activities made him popular and likeable company.
'As a person, Ermis was as solid and dependable as he was a prop, and he will be sorely missed by the London Scottish club and everyone who played with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.'
Alex Mead, Editor, rucked.com