• Using the same points exchange algorithm as world rugby points exchange.
• Based on results since 2003 in the Champions, Challenge, URC/Pro 14(12)/Rainbow Cup, Top 14 and Gallagher Premiership.
• All teams were given 80 points to start. relegated teams points freeze till they are promoted again.
• See Previous weeks here

Welcome to r/rugbyunion's Moronic Monday. Feel free to post any rugby questions or to just chat.

As did happen every now and then random questions wander into my mind.

This morning's was: "how many games willa professional rugby player wear his/her boots for?"

Duly asked Gemini, with this being the answer:

"The number of games a professional rugby player wears a pair of boots can vary depending on several factors:

• Boot Durability: Modern rugby boots are designed to be durable and can last for multiple games, especially if properly maintained. However, the intensity of the game, the playing surface, and the player's playing style can affect their lifespan.

• Playing Schedule: The number of games in a season varies between leagues and competitions. A player in a league with more games will likely wear their boots for more matches.

• Player Preference: Some players may prefer to change their boots more frequently, especially if they feel they need a fresh pair for optimal performance.

• Injuries and Replacements: Injuries can force players to replace their boots, and some players may keep backup pairs on hand for emergencies.

On average, a professional rugby player might wear a pair of boots for around 10-15 games, but this can range from a few games to several months, depending on the factors mentioned above.

It's important to note that this is just an estimate, and the actual number can vary widely."

Seem reasonable? How about you amateur players?

In high school my boots had to last a season (one calendar year), maybe chamging the studs once or twice.

I'm sick with the flu and can''t sleep and saw the huge attendance post on a University game in Japan.

So what's happening in Japanese club rugby ? I understood that university is a big thing and that League One is growing, but from what I heard here in France it has the reputation that Saudi has in football, is that true ? What are the teams to follow, the history, the rivalries ?

Is the game growing in popularity and viewership ? Or does the rather disappointing recents results of the international team put a stop to it ?

Which games are people most looking forward to watching

My picks Bath Vs La Rochelle Friday night 8pm kick off

1pm kick off Sharks Vs Exeter chiefs on Saturday lunchtime game

3:15pm kick off Northampton saints Vs Castre Saturday afternoon and Vodacom Bulls away to sarries

I also would tune into Harlequins Vs Racing 92 Saturday evening 8pm kick off

always entertaining watching them play one another and high scoring matches.

Sundays game should be entertaining Bordeaux Begles Vs tigers 1pm UK time Toulouse Vs Ulster 3:15pm kick off And lastly Bristol Vs Leinster 5:30pm

Feels like a crazy number of the best players on the northern tour all play for Toulouse. Do they have a salary cap? Seems crazy they can afford to be so stacked

I’ve had a hard time lately finding myself wanting to see the Wallabies win, but can’t help but think with Schmidt and a young squad we’re going to see a lot more of it.

I did play Rugby as a kid/teenager, but I was never that into it, so I really don't know. I can mentally imagine it being 'better' to play at home as in you feel more comfortable and its not a foreign arena to you. But other than that, is it really different? I am guessing at the top level, you are the elite, so playing anywhere should be easy enough for you?
However everyone does in fact say that playing away is harder, and the IRB rankings also factor that in. So it must be harder to win away and easier at home.
But why is that? Is there some reason I am missing?

As soon as they let him go at the IRFU, he lurks for a chance. He hears the AB might play Ireland by the Quarters, joins NZ.

https://preview.redd.it/93ivrp973a4e1.png?width=1597&format=png&auto=webp&s=b17dce5c019d11a7aebb84cd764499d7aeb5ce7c

Then with Australia preparing for Aviva

https://preview.redd.it/0lk34l993a4e1.png?width=770&format=png&auto=webp&s=a586d663278bb3f7296bfb099ecb07ed15d81af4

I heard he was interested in joining a Six Nations side soon, to get even closer.

"So Joe, you think Borthwick will get sacked and you want to coach England ? - Yes. But could you tell me again how many times they play Ireland a year err I mean so what would my salary be and stuff."

Ben Spencer got yellow carded for this, but it was deemed not a penalty try as there was cover to tackle IFW.

How close does a defender have to be for it to be deemed cover?