O/T when grown men cry

[MadAmster]

I had a brief flirtation with the American version of Rugby for wimps but grew out of it within 2 to 3 years back in the mid to late 80s.

They say the safety gear is necessary and it is but only because it gives them the feeling of fearlessness as "nothing can happen to me". They are right. The problem to me is that the really skilful players who run and catch, or run with, the ball end up with an average career of 3 years because by then their knees are shot through being hit by 300LB missiles aided and abbetted by crash helmets and body armour. Ditch the armour and skill will out and the players will be less "devil take the hindmost" in their tackles.

[Andy_Faber]

I had a brief flirtation with the American version of Rugby for wimps but grew out of it within 2 to 3 years back in the mid to late 80s.

They say the safety gear is necessary and it is but only because it gives them the feeling of fearlessness as "nothing can happen to me". They are right. The problem to me is that the really skilful players who run and catch, or run with, the ball end up with an average career of 3 years because by then their knees are shot through being hit by 300LB missiles aided and abbetted by crash helmets and body armour. Ditch the armour and skill will out and the players will be less "devil take the hindmost" in their tackles.

To each their own MA and I take your point, still very happy for my friends in Northern New York State