Pitch Layouts.

One of the strange things that occurs in Swedish rugby is the differing pitch layouts or markings. There appears to be a variety of designs throughout the country, so we thought that we might make an attempt to have a uniform layout and perhaps the clubs, if not already doing so, can follow the official design as issued by the IRB and try and get them in place in time for next season. Not shown in the picture are the flags. There are 7 each side, one on each corner of the dead ball line, one on the angle of the goal and touch lines, one 2m from the 22m line , one 2m off the centre line.
We hope this helps.

Refreshing Change?

For some reason or other there appears to be an awful lot of people who would like to know who Heineken is.
Why this interest? we wonder. Could it be that we are unreasonable or uncharitable in our views? Are we perhaps ignorant about the game of rugby? Or perhaps there are other reasons that we haven't thought of? However, we feel sure that we will be informed, if that is the case.
Our reason for using an alias is quite simple really. We do not believe that this blog should be about us and should as far as possible, reflect our thoughts on the main theme, which is Swedish Rugby. We will try and promote the game and show a balanced view in our posts. Profiling players and people within the game, so that they are no longer, just a name. Offering constructive criticism when required or praise if merited. It also gives the opportunity for comments to be aired, providing they are not abusive and is a forum for written considerations.
As people who are either heavily involved or are interested in the Swedish game, (even if not all of us reside in Sweden), we felt there was a need for a balanced view. Which is why we chose the name Heineken, because it refreshes the parts that other blogs cannot reach. So there you have it, we have revealed ourselves at last, cheers.

The Sword of Justice.

With the news (as yet unconfirmed) that Guy Dinwoodie has been suspended for 2 years by the Board's Disciplinary Commitee, questions are being asked by some, as to the rationale behind the decision. It is not our place to question the commitee's decision on this, as we are not aware of the facts. However, it does seem to us that if the charge of abusing officials goes unchecked, then we start to fail in our obligations to all concerned within the game. The constant sniping and abuse that is aimed at the Union and members of the board by people within the game, is also unacceptable and if the perpetrators are known, then they should also be brought to book, for bringing the game into disrepute. This is a charge that is quite often used in other sports and can be aimed at an individual, club or both and if found guilty the punishment can be suspensions, bans, fines etc. We are not arguing against free speech, as that is a fundamental right of everybody. However, inappropriate language, personal abuse on those elected or in senior positions within the game, should not be tolerated and if it happens, the culprits should be charged. As noted elswhere, certain people have their own agenda and may still be bitter at their demise, who knows? However part of a comment left on another blog may suggest that others feel as we do, we print it here for your perusal, " Of course the other way of looking at it Guy along with Neil is one of the reasons that Swedish rugby is going backwards. Since their times as National coaches they have done nothing but accuse the Union of ineptitude and slack practice when in fact the Union has been guilty of nothing more than inaction". So, we support the Board in seeking to maintain the good name of rugby and charging those that transgress.

The Selection Question.

As we sit here gazing over the majestic views of our capital city, contemplating the finer things in life and occasionaly being interrupted by the ringing of the telephone, which more often than not we choose to ignore.
We started to discuss the topic of player eligibility and if those English speaking players or ringers as some would call them, should represent Sweden. One thing led to another and the following is a summary of the discussion. Having spoken to some of the management team, (something we do on occasions) they assured us that the rules set out by the IRB are followed to the letter. Most of the players currently living in England, that played against Holland and Malta, were born in Sweden! Some were born in other countries because their parents were working there for the Swedish companies that employed them. The players that are representing Sweden and have earned qualification through completing the residential requirements, have shown a commitment to their adopted country. Not always the case with some of those born of Swedish parents and living in Sweden, who, we understand are not that bothered if they are chosen, or elect to pull out of squads at the last minute.  It might also be pointed out, that by having players who originate from the more established playing nations, a higher standard of rugby is brought to the clubs and should the clubs and coaches choose to do so, can utilise the players knowledge and experience to benefit the home grown players. In all cases, those players that take to the field in the Swedish colours put their bodies on the line and suffer the bruises and injuries that may come their way, they give everything they have for Sweden and whether born in this country or not, Swedish speaking or not, that is what counts. Those who desire to play for Sweden and are good enough to do so, could learn a thing or two from these so called ringers.

Who's Who?

This time we feature one of the form players from season 2009. Tim Johansson had one of his best seasons for Enkoping. He seems to have secured  his place in the Swedish squad and rightly so, with age on his side he could develop even further and become one of the best players in Sweden.

How did you become involved with Rugby?

I would have to say my father. He is the one who brought me to all the games.

When did you first start playing?

I was 9 or 10 years old, so 13-14 years ago.

What positions?

Recently I’ve played first five and fullback but before that scrumhalf.

What Club/s have you played for?

Enköping Rugby Club and Te Puke Sports (NZ).

How many International Caps have you been awarded?

I have six caps for the Sweden 15s this far.

Best playing experience?

Must be the SM-finals, especially the home games has a good atmosphere.

And the games over in New Zealand are something I always will remember.

Worst playing experience?

Got a concussion once, could only remember a few bits afterwards and loosing to Exiles is never fun!

Your ambitions within the game?

I want to improve myself and my game and also I would like to try playing professional rugby one year. But I am taking one year at the time and now I’m in school. Make it to the 7s squad is another goal I have.

What encourages you about the game in Sweden?

Having fun just playing rugby is enough and in Enköping we have really good team feeling, it helps.

How do you see the future?

I see myself in 30 years, looking at the boys playing. Telling them how great everything was “back in the days”, how good we were. Like all the old boys today haha.

No but hopefully I can play rugby as long as I can.

Your profession?

At the moment I’m studying at Uppsala University to be a construction engineer 

Marital status?

Single

Children?

No, too young for that

Our thanks to Tim.

Hindsight

It is the wise person who ignores hindsight, and looks in a forward direction (after all, we can all do better after the event). Many are the comments written by those who feel ,that they know or could do better, when in fact what they are basically attempting to do, is promote themselves. We at Trueswedenrugby, feel that the old adage still rings true,"Self Praise Is No Recommendation". Consequently we follow the practise of remaining anonymous, in order that Swedish Rugby takes centre stage. Whilst constructive criticsm will always be at hand, if deemed appropriate, we will try and keep a fair and balanced view. Of course, should those that wish to place a comment not do so, that is their choice and providing it is not malacious or destructive, we will publish it, if the writer chooses to remain anonymous, so be it. We of course have an agenda and we are proud to print it here, 'We want the best for Swedish Rugby and in our small way, we want to help promote it'. So we will always support the National Squads, the players, coaches, management and will give due credit to those who work unselfishly behind the scenes. From what we have seen during our short life, it is clear that the right people are heading up the squads and despite all the doom and gloom from others, they appear to be moving in the right direction.

Forward Planning

The new Swedish website is a vast improvement on the previous format and the content informative, which is how we are able to bring this piece. It's nice to see that the Men's FK has been working hard behind the scenes and has composed a plan to bring the squad together on a regular basis. Starting in January 2010 there is at least 1 camp every month until May where players will be invited to attend.This includes trips to both Denmark and Spain where competitive matches will be played. Obviously a firm believer in developing younger players, he will be inviting some players from the under 20 age group to the camps. This we understand, is to try and prepare them for the next level. He is also pleased with the commitment of the Swedish players based abroad, who have all indicated that they will attend the camps. We at Trueswedenrugby feel that this is just the right sort of attitude and shows that the squad is starting to forge a strong bond and Mike Tatu is on the right track.