Episode 14

In the United Kingdom, Ireland and many other European countries, rugby is a hugely popular sport. Every spring, the Six Nations takes place; a league competition contested by England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. Millions of fans across Europe will tune in to watch the action. This competition generates enormous revenue in sponsorship, television broadcasting and ticket sales.

Rugby is also a big deal across the southern hemisphere too. New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Argentina and South Africa all boast fantastic rugby teams and these countries have produced some of the best players in the world. In fact, South Africa has won the last two Rugby World Cups and every single Rugby World Cup final has featured at least one team from below the equator. It is fair to say that despite its popularity in the northern hemisphere, rugby is a sport dominated by the southern hemisphere.

This summer, another huge rugby event takes place. The British and Irish Lions are on tour. The Lions are a team made up of the best rugby players who represent England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Every four years, The Lions will visit one of three countries in the southern hemisphere, rotating between South Africa, New Zealand and this time, Australia.

For fans of The Lions who travel to watch the team, it is an opportunity to engage in some banter with fans in the local community and although the mood on the field is competitive, almost hostile, the fans enjoy a healthy, friendly relationship. There is a lot of mutual respect between groups of supporters. Fans of both teams will mingle and talk about the excitement of the game. British and Irish fans who make the journey with the team want to have fun and take in some of the local culture.

At the weekend, The Lions will take on the Australian national rugby team, known as The Wallabies. This is a three match series and for many players, it is as great an honour as playing in the Rugby World Cup. Only the truly elite players are selected to compete in these matches. This series is one of the most physically and emotionally intense experiences an athlete can go through. Rugby is a brutal sport, requiring skill, fitness, mental strength and intelligence. If you can catch the game, I highly recommend it.

Episode 14 vocabulary

To tune in – To listen to or view a broadcast on a radio, television or through another media outlet.

Make sure you tune in to hear the morning weather report.

Revenue – Total income brought in by a business through sale of goods or services.

The new software update is expected to drive substantial new revenue.

To generate – To produce something that you cannot physically touch, such as excitement, energy, profit, electricity or noise.

These solar panels will generate enough power for ten houses.

A big deal – An important person, concept or event.

When England won the Rugby World Cup in 2003, it was a big deal for the fans and the players.

To take place – To happen. You can use this describe a specific event.

I need to find out when the annual meeting will take place.

Banter – A playful and friendly exchange of jokes.

The coach encouraged friendly banter among the players.

Hostile – Unfriendly and threatening.

The boxer entered the ring in a hostile manner.

Mutual respect – Respect and admiration shown between two people.

Most people say that mutual respect is an important factor in any relationship.

To mingle – To interact with other people at a social event, like a party.

Let’s try to mingle as much as possible at the party tonight.

To take on – To compete against a team or individual when playing a game or a sport.

It’s always exciting to see a promising rookie take on an established champion.

Elite – The most talented, advanced or productive.

That army unit only accepts elite soldiers.

To go through – To experience a difficult or negative situation.

The country is going through a challenging political transition.