In the world of rugby, language is an art in its own right. Players use pictorial expressions to describe actions and situations encountered on the field. A true source of inspiration for fans of the oval ball. Today, we are looking at this colorful vocabulary, specific to the world of rugby, and which gives it all its charm.
The “big guys” of rugby, these imposing forwards, have their own culinary vocabulary. When they have the ball, their objective is to keep it in the “cocotte”, a very tight scrum where they do everything possible to protect the precious oval. They must avoid making the mistake of “throwing a pizza” into a throw, that is, losing the ball during a poorly executed throw. They prefer to keep the “casserole” nice and warm between them.
But the forwards do not just protect the ball, they also have the mission of distributing “caramels”, devastating tackles that make the opponents tremble. They are prohibited from performing “cathedral” tackles, that is to say turning the opponent over so that he falls head first. A fault which can lead to permanent expulsion. When they are not in possession of the ball, their objective is to participate in the “scraping” on the ground to recover it with the strength of their arms.
On the rear side, technical gestures are in the spotlight. The opener can perform a “chistera”, an acrobatic pass behind his back, or achieve a “cad deb”, a sudden change of support to outflank his opponents. They must be careful not to get caught with a “spoon,” a move where an opponent grabs their foot to throw them off balance. Scrum halves, on the other hand, use their “box kicks” to gain ground or create playing opportunities.
But rugby is not just about technical jargon. Players also get a well-deserved “third half” where they meet up for drinks to celebrate victories or drown out defeats. A tradition which is an integral part of the friendly spirit of rugby.
In conclusion, rugby language is a real pleasure for those initiated. It bears witness to the richness and passion that surround this sport. So, the next time you attend a rugby match, let yourself be carried away by this very special language and appreciate all the poetry it contains.