I WOULD like to start my column with an apology. In last week’s article I made comments about the match officials and the RFU that were completely unfounded and unfair.
I would like to make clear that any statements made in my column were my own and do not reflect the opinions of the management or any other member of the squad.
Hopefully those offended can accept my sincere apology and they can rest assured that I will think carefully in the future before voicing my opinion in the press.
Back to matters on the pitch, another massive win on the road for Coventry this weekend and suddenly things are starting to click. Picking themselves up after a bitter home defeat, Coventry made their way up to the North East and came back after an impressive display with a well-deserved win and a bonus point.
Sitting fifth in the table and in good form, we head in to back-to back-home fixtures against Macclesfield and Rosslyn Park which gives us a great opportunity to climb further up the league table.
With the season starting to take shape, the cream is starting to rise to the surface and Coventry are very much a part of that movement. For the first time this year people are starting to see what this squad is capable of.
I remember thinking last week, hmmm this doesn't sound good and he could be in hot water here especially as he was implying that the ref was biased because of his links with a rival club - mind you, I wondered about the wisdom of appointing him to ref our game when I read it!
I think we were all a bit frustrated with the referee but in rugby union (and cricket) there is a lot more respect for officials (even when they're inept) than say in football or tennis - it sets our sport apart and long may it remain so.
I think he would have been better served keeping his powder dry in public as nothing was going to change the Cambridge result or the performance of the officials on that day.
Having said that, I find Jamie's comments interesting and look forward to reading his article.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:10:19:21:04:10 by Gitto's Mate.
When I played rugby we had plenty of inept officials but respected them and their decisions - it's how I was taught the game - it's what sets us apart from the spoilt, sullen, unscrupulous millionaires who play the round ball game and surround/harangue/abuse the ref at every opportunity
I know what you wrote and I also read what was written in the article and in my opinion, that is not respecting the referee. It did Jamie or our club no good at all did it?
I also happen to think that slagging the ref off (by implying he's biased because of who he played for) both linesmen and the RFU in writing (the local paper) is foolhardy (at best) disrespectful and damaging both to Jamie and the club (fine and suspension). This may also, unfortunately have a longer term, detrimental affect on the club ...
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