I can still remember the few minutes in 2003 when my house literally shook with the sound of my dad’s voice. From what I remember we all danced around the room, my mom cried, and it seemed like our family celebrated for months. That’s the effect that Jonny’s one kick had.
I was a mere 9 (soon to be 10) years old at the time, and even now I can feel a little teary watching those two minutes of footage. began my first real crush, I idolized Jonny for years. It fired up the rugby supporter in me – I’d been to a few matches before but after this I was far more interested.
I’m sure it’s probably a bit of a cliche to say, but Jonny’s kick has definitely been my rugby highlight over the years, it just has to be my entry in the #toprugbymoments competition. There have been many more though! Watching Martin Johnson having his head stitched a few yards away from me before continuing the game. Being squashed against the barriers of the terraces in tense moments. I bought my dad a pint for the first time at Welford Road, as they announced my eighteenth birthday over loudspeaker. Then there was the ‘friendly banter’ at school – being a Leicester Tigers supporting girl in a Boy’s School in Northampton was never going to be easy. And of course, converting my boyfriend to support the best team…
England important matches from the comfort of my sofa. I’ll hope to have a cider in hand (as soon as I’m off this damn antibiotics!), a good pie-and-chips for after (standard rugby fare!). Kitbag have kindly sent me over a new England shirt so I can #WearTheRose, and I’ve discovered that wearing skinny jeans, high boots, rugby top and red lipstick is one of my favorite looks. Who knew?!
Are you a fan of rugby? Who will you be supporting this World Cup?