Story by Joshua Mason
Modern rugby now represents a form of masculinity built on top physique and chiseled muscles. Many of the top players are models in their own right. Before these heady days of sports science however Rugby had a reputation for being the sport of the fat kids at school, with only the most talented getting higher in the game. One player has been the epitome of this tribe of rugby players. Andy Goode s everything that rugby player was and aspired to be. He managed to play the game at the top while also maintaining the macho lifestyle of the sport. Even though he does not put his body first Goode came out of retirement in this year’s Aviva Premiership to show up the young guns and laugh at them for the time they have spent in the gyms.
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 and upsetting the bookmakers. 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, whose team competes for the Premiership, complete the list. 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 though.
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.
The big man’s retirement will be the end of an era. Fly half’s in the modern game are usually the skinniest on the team allowing them to slip through the gaps and keep on top of the game through unrivaled fitness. But congratulations to Andy Goode for keeping every fat boy’s dreams alive and representing the sport like we know it used to be played. They may now be extinct but for me Rugby will always be a battle of skill and gut.
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