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The RWC 1st XV

Sat 22 Oct 2011 In: Events View at Wayback View at NDHA

After 6 weeks of close evaluation of form and careful deliberation, the Queer Eye for the Rugby Guy RWC 2011 team has been announced. Over 250 gays with a special eye for rugby players have been busy on a special Facebook group sharing their most "talented" players in the RWC2011- the hottest, beefy-est, cutest, prettiest, most gorgeous (however they be described). Numerous nominations were received for each playing position, and for a coach and referee. A special team of selectors has whittled the choices down to the Queer Eye for the Rugby Guy RWC team, along with a 2nd XV of reserves unlucky not to make the top team. Chairman of selectors Dean Knight says despite the huge number of nominations, there was remarkable agreement about some of the positions. “Guys like Sonny-Bill, Ross Ford and Mike Phillips were instant selections,” he says. “The selectors also worked hard to ensure there was a degree of diversity in the team. It was pleasing to see players from a wide range of playing nations put their hand up for selection. "The team also has a good balance of shapes and sizes, with some big and beefy players, some hirsute, some clean-cute, some suave and sultry. And even a twinky Justin Bieber look-alike. The off-field performances of some also fortified their selections, Knight remarked. "David Pocock was always a strong contender for open-side flanker, but his recent public support for gay marriage put that beyond doubt." Knight says the team selection will still have its controversies. “Dan Carter was still available for selection despite his dodgy groin, but the view was taken that the underwear man is now past his prime. There was a universal view amongst the selectors that France's Trinh-Duc is the man for the future." Other talking points include the selection of only one Franks brother in the top team ("Owen's dashing blue eyes helped"), Frans Steyn's form ("He beefed up well, but some selectors were worried about the excessive facial hair in the early games"), and the failure of Englishmen Ben Foden and James Haskell to break into the top team ("Their gratuitous shirtless photo-shoots found some favour, but England's poor on-field performances and off-field behaviour didn't help their cause). International rugby's first metrosexual and coach of the Japanese team, John Kirwan, was a unanimous pick for coach. Knight said the selection of a tournament referee was harder, with equally strong views about their looks as for their on-field calls. "In the end", Knight said, "it was difficult not to give it to 'our' Nigel Owens, as he's the only out gay player or official at the tournament." The Queer Eye for the Rugby Guy RWC 2011 team is: Front row: 1. Cian Healy (Ire) 2. Ross Ford (Sco) 3. Owen Franks (NZ) Locks: 4. Courtney Lawes (Eng) 5. Victor Matfield (SAF) Loosies: 6. Inaki Basauri (USA) 7. David Pocock (Aus) 8. Sergio Parisse (Ita) Halves: 9. Mike Phillips (Wal) 10. Francois Trinh-Duc (Fra) Centres: 12. Sonny-Bill Williams (NZ) 13. Maxime Mermoz (Fra) Outside backs: 11. James O'Connor (Aus) 15. Frans Steyn (SAF) 14. Richard Kahui (NZ) The coach for the team is John Kirwan (Jap) and tournament referee is Nigel Owens (Wal) The 2nd XV (reserve) team is: 1. Shawn Pitman (USA) 2. Bismark Du Plessis (SAF) 3. Ben Franks (NZ) 4. Richie Gray (Sco) 5. Kane Thompson (Sam) 6. James Haskell (Eng) 7. Alessandro Zanni (Ita) 8. Pierre Spies (SAF) 9. Ben Youngs (Eng) 10. Rhys Priestland (Wal) 11. Alexis Palisson (Fra) 12. Shontayne Hape (Eng) 13. Jamie Roberts (Wal) 14. Bryan Habana (SAF) 15. Ben Foden (Eng) Jacqui Stanford - 22nd October 2011    

Credit: Jacqui Stanford

First published: Saturday, 22nd October 2011 - 6:14pm

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