Bob Luxford

Mark Worden (Standard English accent):
The September issue of Speak Up contains a feature on New Zealand’s rich rugby tradition. In this out-take we asked Bob Luxford of the Rugby Museum in Palmerston North whether it was a game of brain or brawn:

Bob Luxford (New Zealand accent):

Oh, both! There’s a considerable skill factor, as much as in any other sport, but the way the rules have changed and playing tactics have developed, it is becoming much more a game for big people. Traditionally, rugby has accommodated all body types. The little weedy guys who, one assumes were quite quick, or quite nimble, could be half-backs and pass the ball away from trouble. The fast guys went on the wing and it didn’t matter what shape they were much, as long as they were quick. And the fatties could play in the front row and the great tall guys were locks. But now you want everyone to be able to run and pass and... So you really want 15, 17 stoners who can run the hundred metres in ten seconds. And that does eliminate quite a lot of people. And it also means the game is very physical because there are big bodies clashing. And that’s perhaps a pity, and perhaps something the administrators could look at.

(Bob Luxford was talking to Julian Earwaker)