Rugby, Sport

Tyrannanormous Rex: The Rugby Dinosaur Goes Extinct

In modern rugby we like to look at health and fitness and how you can improve your game with improvements to your body. We realise however before the day of sports science, Rugby players had a reputation for their size and diets, that is not in keeping with the chiselled bodies of today. One man though has managed to play through this era and excel without compromising his lifestyle. Andy Goode is the epitome of what a rugby player used to be, a highly skilled and talented player who simply does not put his body first. It has worked for him though and having come out of retirement this year he showed everyone what a portly man can still achieve in the game.

Andy Goode is like Steve Buscemi surrounded by Brad Pitts. A dinosaur of an old era.

Andy Goode is up for Player of the Year despite only playing 7 matches and 344 minutes. The chunky fly-half was thought to be dead and buried when he left London Irish at the start of the season to retire because of an injury. Goode returned however to play a vital part in keeping Newcastle Falcons in the Premiership. Ironically the team to suffer because of this was the Exiles. Goode finished on 57 points for the 2015/2016 season. The player of the year award is five of the best players in the season. Wasps trio Nathan Hughes, Charles Pitau and George Smith as well as Exeter player Waldrom complete the list. Luke Michaels Editor of Bookmakers TV believes he won’t win though, “I think it is commendable that the RFU are recognising what an incredible contribution Andy made to Newcastle but it feels like a token gesture to me for a player who is a dying breed. I expect someone like George Smith who has performed consistently over an entire season will win the award”.

Don’t feel like I am insulting the great man from Coventry. He knows himself that his body has not been at the forefront of his concerns and he doesn’t apologise for it. “ I’ve always enjoyed a beer, a steak and chips and never worried about my body fat ratio”. This is fine if you’re a Sunday league player but he performs in a position where players are known for their litheness and slippery running. Andy Goode is like Steve Buscemi surrounded by Brad Pitts. A dinosaur of an old era. When he was playing for Newcastle this year they tried to fit him with a GPS to monitor him but he claimed it would be restrictive when kicking. Coincidentally they then could not check how far he is running or how hard he is working, well played Andy. I admire a man who is committed to a lifestyle.

His permanent retirement is an end of the era. Modern Fly-half’s have extensive training regime and strict rules to stay in peak physical condition. So hats off to Andy Goode for representing the Rugby that 99% of us recognize, and while it is unlikely for a player like Goode to exist again in the modern game, we should bask in the glory of his nomination.

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