United Adaikes

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(logo for WCF IV will be inserted once it becomes available) Signups & OOC Thread Welcome to the World Cup of Football IV for the TWP RP world of Esferos and its nations, as we bring the most popular sport in the world right here in our forums! For those who have been participants in previous sports roleplay (the Rugby World Cups, the Summer Esferiads, among others), then you know there will be something like this. For those that have not, don't worry! To enter the World Cup of Football IV, just add a reply to this topic by saying, "I want to sign up for the World Cup of Football IV," or anything along the lines there. However, with the same rules in the RMB, we won't allow double posting (except for me to post my intentions in signing up ). You can always edit your reply at any given time, how many times you want. Also, this thread is for signups and OOC (out-of-character) posts, like questions about the tournament. If you don't like asking questions here, you can ask them in #wcf4 and/or #sports in our RP Discord server or message me there directly. The IC (in-character) thread where we will be posting our nations' team information (players, kits, logo, anything related to such), roleplay (preparations, match day events), and results will be separate. The link shall be announced in Discord or viewed here in our forums soon. Also, I will be scorinating this tournament or the OOC host. As to the IC host of the tournament, Veteran Storytellers will be bidding, which the Lorekeepers and Loremasters will be selecting from the received bids. Veteran Storytellers can include in their sign-up post, or separately post, their host bid. That's all for now. Confused about how we will be doing this? New with scorinating? Taking a page from Reçu's book, read below. Signed-up nations (18/__):

Results of the Medal Matches of Rugby World Cup V Bronze Medal Match Ryxtylopia 10–10 Teralyon (1–4 pen.) Gold Medal Match Overthinkers 19–20 Zoran Bracketing of the Knockouts Round of Rugby World Cup V

IT'S THE FINAL

Results of the Semi-Finals of RWC 5 Overthinkers 27–9 Ryxtylopia Teralyon 6–27 Zoran Bracketing of the Knockouts Stage of RWC 5

Results of the Quarterfinals of Rugby World Cup V Overthinkers 10–10 (13-10 AET) United Adaikes Ryxtylopia 33–10 Giovanniland Teralyon 17–7 Cambria Dalimbar 12–29 Zoran Bracketing of the Knockouts Round of RWC V

Results of the Round of 16 of RWC 5 Overthinkers 19–18 Mygrdiyah United Adaikes 14–7 Nouveauterra Ryxtylopia 18–14 Sekiya Giovanniland 6–0 Larxia Teralyon 25–20 Saint Mark Cambria 20–6 Ostronia Dalimbar 7–6 Hertfordshire and Jammbo Zoran 8–6 Fujai Bracketing of the Knockouts Stage of RWC 5

July 5, 1424 2:16 PM Polaris Eastern Time (IAT-2) At the entrance of the Millenium Hall Red Palace, Adaikes Central, Adaikes Luke Salazar just finished accepting the credentials of the honorable ambassadors from Greiya, Candelu, and Nalibia in the Reception Hall of the Red Palace. When one of the agents of the Presidential Security Service opened the door for the Millenium Hall, he was not surprised by the presence of Foreign Affairs Secretary Anne Duncan, who reached for his hand upon entering and shaking her hand, and the Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretaries for Aura, Andolia, Doll Guldur and Nur. While Salazar was less surprised by the presence of Justice Secretary Jeffrey Searle, the President needed clarification as to why Education Secretary Zeeshan Cannon was present at the event. "Why are you here?" Salazar pointed to Cannon before taking his hand and shaking it, smiling. "We have a meeting with Anne and Jeffrey after this, Mr. President. They just invited me to join them here," Cannon scratched his head. "Is it about that International Education Summit you proposed?" Salazar asked. Cannon nodded. Salazar tapped Cannon's arm and replied, "Hey, no problem, glad you could join us." Duncan then ushered the President and the Secretaries to their seats, shaking hands with everyone they passed in the Hall. The Secretaries found their way to their seats, still standing, but when the President saw the ambassadors he just received a while ago on the opposite side of the room, Salazar went to them and shook their hands. It was only when Salazar returned to where the Secretaries were and sat down in his assigned seat that everyone in the room followed to take their seats. An officer of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) went to Duncan and asked if the Foreign Affairs Secretary could introduce the guest of honor and speaker of the event. Duncan nodded and stood up, with the PMS officer ushering her to the unmarked podium on the right side of the rostrum in front of them. Duncan briefly read the clean paper on the podium. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce you to the President of the Federal Republic of the United Adaikes, President Luke Wilfrid Salazar." Everyone stood up and clapped. Salazar rolled his eyes at the Secretaries in jest before standing up and proceeding to the left side of the rostrum where his Podium was, the podium with the Seal of the Office of the President. "You may sit down," Salazar asked the guests of the event, "well, not really 'may', but I implore you to see reason to sit down, when I see everyone standing up and I look at my right, we have Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Auran Affairs Ariel Gladwin still standing." Everyone chuckled. "He's already a dual citizen, at that," Salazar continued, shaking his head while smiling. Everyone knew the President would like to start talking casually at events. "He's an Adaikesian citizen, and he just became a senior citizen last week, reached the age of 60, so he's a dual citizen now!" Everyone chortled again. "But on a serious note, I'd like to thank everyone for your presence this afternoon. A while ago, I just received the credentials of Ambassador Mitake Ryoma of Greiya, Ambassador Lucchetto Parin of Candelu, and Lord Dimnah Nkechi of the Chinelo Family from Nalibia. While we wait for their own embassies to be put up, they will be holding office at our International Assembly Office we have always provided to all our ambassadors in the absence of their embassies in the country and world leaders when they are in our country for official matters. I may have to invite everyone here again next week, after I received confirmation from [House] Speaker [Kramnit-Ram] Patneg this morning that our ambassadors to be assigned to Larxia and Min-Su have been confirmed by the Commission of Appointments. "But for now, may I ask Ambassador Socorro Rowland, to be assigned in Greiya, Ambassador Thomas Sutton, to be assigned in Candelu, and Ambassador Rosalie Beck, to be assigned in Nalibia, to join me here so that I can administer your oath of office," asked Salazar, as he asked the ambassadors to stand rank in file while facing the crowd. Secretary Duncan also stood up and took the microphone another PMS officer gave her. She stood next to the President, holding the microphone near Salazar's mouth, with Salazar holding a copy of the Oath of Office. "Please repeat after me," Salazar started. "I, state your name," the President waited until the ambassadors finished speaking. "Of the Department of Foreign Affairs," "Having been appointed to the position of Ambassador of, state the country where you will be stationed," "Hereby solemnly swear," "That I will faithfully discharge to the best of my ability," "The duties of my present position and of all others," "That I may hereafter hold under the Federal Republic of the United Adaikes," "That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same," "That I will obey the laws, legal orders, and degrees promulgated," "By the duly constituted authorities of the Federal Republic of the United Adaikes," "And that I impose this obligation upon myself voluntarily," "Without mental reservation or purpose of evasion," "So help me God," Salazar ended, congratulating the ambassadors. Everyone is then asked to proceed to the adjoining Banquet Hall for refreshments.

Results of Match Day 7 of the Group Stage of RWC 5 Group A Varanius 12–14 Hertfordshire and Jammbo Larxia 6–13 Cambria Avadonialis 15–39 Overthinkers Group A Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Overthinkers 6 5 0 1 134 67 +67 4 24 2 Cambria 6 5 0 1 104 42 +62 2 22 3 Larxia 6 3 0 3 61 64 −3 1 13^ 4 Hertfordshire and Jammbo 6 3 0 3 56 70 −14 1 13^ 5 Avadonialis 6 2 0 4 81 89 −8 4 12 6 Rivalfiume 6 2 0 4 43 74 −31 2 10 7 Varanius 6 1 0 5 37 110 −73 2 6 ^tie broken by virtue of (a) Head-to-head record: Larxia 1-0 Hertfordshire and Jammbo Group B Sekiya 17–6 Nieubasria New Velka (NPC) 0–7 Teralyon Zhiznovsk 7–22 United Adaikes Group B Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Teralyon 6 6 0 0 89 34 +55 2 26 2 United Adaikes 6 5 0 1 98 34 +64 4 24 3 Fujai 6 4 0 2 81 41 +40 4 20 4 Sekiya 6 3 0 3 97 112 −15 2 14 5 Zhiznovsk 6 2 0 4 82 110 −28 1 9 6 Nieubasria 6 1 0 5 52 99 −47 2 6 7 New Velka (NPC) 6 0 0 6 34 103 −69 1 1 Group C Arifiyyah 19–10 Saint Mark Einherfell (NPC) 7–31 Zoran Nouveauterra 10–7 Ryxtylopia Group C Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Ryxtylopia 6 5 0 1 87 65 +22 2 22 2 Zoran 6 4 0 2 105 65 +40 3 19 3 Nouveauterra 6 3 1 2 53 42 +11 2 16 4 Saint Mark 6 3 0 3 67 63 +4 2 14^ 5 Peourouin 6 3 0 3 90 81 +9 2 14^ 6 Arifiyyah 6 2 1 3 69 66 +3 2 12 7 Einherfell (NPC) 6 0 0 6 32 121 −89 1 1 ^tie broken by virtue of (a) Head-to-head record: Saint Mark 1-0 Peourouin Group D Denieria (NPC) 0–15 Min-Su Mygrdiyah 13–25 Giovanniland Nalibia 0–0 Dalimbar Group D Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Dalimbar 6 4 1 1 109 76 +33 3 21 2 Giovanniland 6 4 0 2 78 70 +8 3 19 3 Ostronia 6 4 0 2 106 55 +51 2 18 4 Mygrdiyah 6 4 0 2 98 56 +42 1 17 5 Nalibia 6 3 1 2 44 71 −27 0 14 6 Min-Su 6 1 0 5 38 77 −39 3 7 7 Denieria (NPC) 6 0 0 6 39 107 −68 2 2 Bracketing for the Knockouts Round of RWC 5 Round of 16 Overthinkers v Myrgdiyah Grand Merchen Stadium, Cangham United Adaikes v Nouveauterra Valley Dome Arena, Cargan Ryxtylopia v Sekiya Glace Field, Occida Giovanniland v Larxia Welker Stadium, Anders Teralyon v Saint Mark Roller Field, Hestmere Cambria v Ostronia Len Condor Stadium, Cangham Dalimbar v Hertfordshire and Jammbo Liegen Star Stadium, Anders Zoran v Fujai Garner Swoop Stadium, Aurum

Results of Match Day 6 of the Group Stage of RWC 5 Group A Overthinkers 11–3 Larxia Cambria 36–7 Varanius Hertfordshire and Jammbo 16–0 Rivalfiume Group A Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Overthinkers 5 4 0 1 95 52 +43 3 19 q 2 Cambria 5 4 0 1 91 36 +55 2 18 q 3 Larxia 5 3 0 2 55 51 +4 0 12^ 4 Avadonialis 5 2 0 3 66 50 +16 4 12^ 5 Rivalfiume 6 2 0 4 43 74 −31 2 10 e 6 Hertfordshire and Jammbo 5 2 0 3 42 58 −16 1 9 7 Varanius 5 1 0 4 25 96 −71 1 5 e ^tie broken by virtue of (a) Head-to-head record: Larxia 1-0 Avadonialis Group B United Adaikes 11–0 New Velka (NPC) Teralyon 34–10 Sekiya Nieubasria 14–29 Fujai Group B Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Teralyon 5 5 0 0 82 34 +48 2 22 q 2 Fujai 6 4 0 2 81 41 +40 4 20 q 3 United Adaikes 5 4 0 1 76 27 +49 3 19 q 4 Sekiya 5 2 0 3 80 106 −26 2 10 5 Zhiznovsk 5 2 0 3 75 88 −13 1 9 6 Nieubasria 5 1 0 4 46 82 −36 2 6 7 New Velka (NPC) 5 0 0 5 34 96 −62 0 0 e Group C Ryxtylopia 21–17 Einherfell (NPC) Zoran 12–7 Arifiyyah Saint Mark 20–11 Peourouin Group C Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Ryxtylopia 5 5 0 0 80 55 +25 1 21 Q 2 Zoran 5 3 0 2 74 58 +16 2 14^ 3 Saint Mark 5 3 0 2 57 44 +13 2 14^ 4 Peourouin 6 3 0 3 90 81 +9 2 14^ 5 Nouveauterra 5 2 1 2 43 35 +8 2 12 6 Arifiyyah 5 1 1 3 50 56 −6 2 8 e 7 Einherfell (NPC) 5 0 0 5 25 90 −65 1 1 e ^tie broken by virtue of (a) Head-to-head record: Zoran 1-0 Saint Mark; Zoran 1-0 Peourouin; Saint Mark 1-0 Peourouin Zoran 2-0; Saint Mark 1-1; Peourouin 0-2 Group D Dalimbar 21–12 Mygrdiyah Giovanniland 17–10 Denieria (NPC) Min-Su 3–14 Ostronia Group D Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Dalimbar 5 4 0 1 109 76 +33 3 19 q 2 Ostronia 6 4 0 2 106 55 +51 2 18 q 3 Mygrdiyah 5 4 0 1 85 31 +54 1 17 4 Giovanniland 5 3 0 2 53 57 −4 2 14 5 Nalibia 5 3 0 2 44 71 −27 0 12 6 Min-Su 5 0 0 5 23 77 −54 3 3 e 7 Denieria (NPC) 5 0 0 5 39 92 −53 2 2 e e eliminated from contention in the Knockouts round q qualified to the Knockouts round Q secured group standing in the Knockouts round

Lovel Ortiz opened his eyes when the alarm from his phone rang. Stretching, he got out of his bed and arranged it hurriedly. He thought of making a strawberry protein shake for his breakfast. Ortiz is one of the professional rugby union players in the United Adaikes. However, their league, formed and sponsored by private corporations, has yet to be recognized by the United Adaikes Rugby Football Union (UARFU). Also, with the World Cup happening, the start of their season was postponed until the end of the Knockouts round so that rugby football fans could watch and savor the World Cup. Standing at 6 foot and 1 inch, weighing 85 kilos, he is one of the top fly-halves in the league. He was one of the top players in their league who sent a position paper to the UARFU to look into drafting players from their league to the national pool. After preparing his strawberry protein shake, he went to the balcony of his apartment, overlooking the coastline in North Wrarnerbadshot, in the north of Thraproy, took his phone out, and browsed for the latest results and stories in the fifth Rugby World Cup happening in Overthinkers. The results of the coming match day will undoubtedly shape the future of the remaining 24 teams still playing for contention in the Knockouts round, he thought. Oh, how he wants to play for the national team. He was thinking that while he was looking at the stats from the performance of the United Adaikes national team from the previous match day. The Sharks are currently second in their group, with Teralyon, the team that beat them on the second match day of the tournament, sitting at the top, still undefeated in four matches. United Adaikes will play against the debutants of their group in the remaining match days. Next, they will play against the unknown Andolian team, New Velka, who have already been eliminated from contention in the Knockouts round and are still winless after playing four matches. Sans Teralyon, they held their AU allies, Nieubasria and Fujai, scoreless. They also won against Sekiya by 14 points despite allowing 10 points from their opponents. Ortiz thought they would be fine against this Andolian team. Still, they had to be wary of this Doll Guldurian debutant. They narrowly escaped with a win against Nieubasria, despite Nieubasria already having a sub-par performance this edition. While Teralyon, the United Adaikes, and Fujai already being stable at the top of the group, Nieubasria needs to win all their matches and hope that both Zhiznovsk and Sekiya lose all their remaining matches so that Nieubasria will make it through and have all of Polaris in their group advance to the Knockouts round. Ortiz does not care for the other groups. While he has reservations about not playing in the international scene, he still wants the best for the United Adaikes national team. As he finished his protein shake, his gaze fixed on the horizon, he felt a mix of anticipation and resolve. He might not be stepping onto the World Cup field this year. Still, his ambitions and commitment to making a name for himself, both in the United Adaikes and on the international stage, remained unshaken.

Results of the 5th Match Day of the Group Stage of RWC 5 Group A Rivalfiume 0–23 Cambria Varanius 3–36 Overthinkers Larxia 18–17 Avadonialis Group A Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Overthinkers 4 3 0 1 84 49 +35 3 15 2 Cambria 4 3 0 1 55 29 +26 1 13 3 Larxia 4 3 0 1 52 40 +12 0 12 4 Avadonialis 5 2 0 3 66 50 +16 4 12 5 Rivalfiume 5 2 0 3 43 58 −15 2 10 6 Hertfordshire and Jammbo 4 1 0 3 26 58 −32 1 5* 7 Varanius 4 1 0 3 18 60 −42 1 5* Group B Fujai 0–6 Teralyon Sekiya 10–24 United Adaikes New Velka (NPC) 13–34 Zhiznovsk Group B Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Teralyon 4 4 0 0 48 24 +24 1 17 q 2 United Adaikes 4 3 0 1 65 27 +38 3 15^ 3 Fujai 5 3 0 2 52 27 +25 3 15^ 4 Sekiya 4 2 0 2 70 72 −2 2 10 5 Zhiznovsk 5 2 0 3 75 88 −13 1 9 6 Nieubasria 4 1 0 3 32 53 −21 2 6 7 New Velka (NPC) 4 0 0 4 34 85 −51 0 0 e Group C Peourouin 14–32 Zoran Arifiyyah 10–16 Ryxtylopia Einherfell (NPC) 0–10 Nouveauterra Group C Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Ryxtylopia 4 4 0 0 59 38 +21 0 16 2 Peourouin 5 3 0 2 79 61 +18 2 14 3 Nouveauterra 5 2 1 2 43 35 +8 2 12 4 Zoran 4 2 0 2 62 51 +11 2 10 5 Saint Mark 4 2 0 2 37 33 +4 1 9 6 Arifiyyah 4 1 1 2 43 44 −1 1 7 7 Einherfell (NPC) 4 0 0 4 8 69 −61 0 0 e Group D Ostronia 24–3 Giovanniland Denieria (NPC) 12–22 Dalimbar Mygrdiyah 17–7 Nalibia Group D Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Mygrdiyah 4 4 0 0 73 10 +63 1 17 2 Dalimbar 4 3 0 1 88 64 +24 2 14^ 3 Ostronia 5 3 0 2 92 52 +40 2 14^ 4 Nalibia 5 3 0 2 44 71 −27 0 12 5 Giovanniland 4 2 0 2 36 47 −11 2 10 6 Min-Su 4 0 0 4 20 63 −43 3 3 e 7 Denieria (NPC) 4 0 0 4 29 75 −46 1 1 e ^tie broken by virtue of (a) Head-to-head record; United Adaikes 1-0 Fujai; Dalimbar 1-0 Ostronia *tie broken by virtue of (b) highest Point difference; no head-to-head record yet q qualified to Knockouts round e eliminated from contention in the Knockouts round

Portion of the transcript of Sports5 Senior News Correspondent Warner Montague as part of the preview for the Match Day 5 for Group B of the RWC V "Ladies and gentleman, welcome back. If you've just started watching, I am Warner Montague, and this is the special coverage of Sports5 on the fifth Rugby World Cup held in Overthinkers. We have not seen the expected group leaders at the top of their groups yet, but we can find out in the remaining match days if they will end at the top. But for now, we talk about briefly on the next fixtures. [talks about Group A] "Up next, in Group B, the first match in Valley Dome Arena in Cargan, we have an all-Polaris match in our midst, we have Teralyon up against Fujai. This will be an exciting match-up for both teams, this is the game to watch in this group. We have the current group leader Fujai up against the undefeated Teralyon. Who will put out the stops? Who will take the win? It's rugby time! "The next match in Cargan will feature our very own United Adaikes up against Sekiya. They are currently 3rd and 4th in the group, respectively. But Coach Huxtable wants to break out of the tie in this match. The Sharks, trying hard to bounce back from their experience in the second match day, they lost their opening game against AU ally Teralyon, but put up best defense in their next games, stopping Nieubasria, 22-0, and Fujai, 8-0. Will they continue this best display of defense against Sekiya? Or will Sekiya have the formula to beat the Adaikesians? "In the 3rd match in Group B, to be played in Roller Field in Hestmere, in the middle of Overthinkers, we have Zhiznovsk versus New Velka. The two teams at the bottom of the group, New Velka still winless, Zhiznovsk wants to get their second win to still have the chance to qualify for the Knockouts round." [continues to talk about the remaining groups]

Results of the Match Day 4 of the Group Stage of RWC 5 Group A Avadonialis 8–0 Varanius Overthinkers 18–17 Rivalfiume Cambria 7–3 Hertfordshire and Jammbo Group A Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Avadonialis 4 2 0 2 49 32 +17 3 11 2 Overthinkers 3 2 0 1 48 46 +2 2 10 3 Rivalfiume 4 2 0 2 43 35 +8 2 10 4 Larxia 3 2 0 1 34 23 +11 0 8* 5 Cambria 3 2 0 1 32 29 +3 0 8* 6 Varanius 3 1 0 2 15 24 −9 1 5* 7 Hertfordshire and Jammbo 4 1 0 3 26 58 −32 1 5* Group B Zhiznovsk 13–22 Sekiya United Adaikes 8–0 Fujai Teralyon 5–3 Nieubasria Group B Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Fujai 4 3 0 1 52 21 +31 2 14 2 Teralyon 3 3 0 0 42 24 +18 1 13 3 United Adaikes 3 2 0 1 41 17 +24 2 10* 4 Sekiya 3 2 0 1 60 48 +12 2 10* 5 Nieubasria 4 1 0 3 32 53 −21 2 6 6 Zhiznovsk 4 1 0 3 41 75 −34 0 4 7 New Velka (NPC) 3 0 0 3 21 51 −30 0 0 Group C Nouveauterra 8–8 Arifiyyah Ryxtylopia 17–10 Peourouin Zoran 16–3 Saint Mark Group C Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Peourouin 4 3 0 1 65 29 +36 2 14 2 Ryxtylopia 3 3 0 0 43 28 +15 0 12 3 Saint Mark 4 2 0 2 37 33 +4 1 9 4 Nouveauterra 4 1 1 2 33 35 −2 2 8 5 Arifiyyah 3 1 1 1 33 28 +5 0 6 6 Zoran 3 1 0 2 30 37 −7 1 5 7 Einherfell (NPC) 3 0 0 3 8 59 −51 0 0 Group D Nalibia 15–10 Denieria (NPC) Dalimbar 17–5 Ostronia Giovanniland 3–0 Min-Su Group D Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Mygrdiyah 3 3 0 0 56 3 +53 1 13 2 Nalibia 4 3 0 1 37 54 −17 0 12 3 Giovanniland 3 2 0 1 33 23 +10 2 10 4 Dalimbar 3 2 0 1 66 52 +14 1 9^ 5 Ostronia 4 2 0 2 68 49 +19 1 9^ 6 Min-Su 4 0 0 4 20 63 −43 3 3 7 Denieria (NPC) 3 0 0 3 17 53 −36 1 1 ^tie broken by virtue of (a) Head-to-head record; Dalimbar 1-0 Ostronia *tie broken by virtue of (b) highest Point difference; no head-to-head record yet

Results of the 3rd Match Day of the Group Stage of RWC 5 Group A Hertfordshire and Jammbo 17–10 Overthinkers Rivalfiume 13–12 Avadonialis Varanius 10–16 Larxia Group A Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Rivalfiume 3 2 0 1 26 17 +9 1 9 2 Larxia 3 2 0 1 34 23 +11 0 8 3 Avadonialis 3 1 0 2 41 32 +9 3 7 4 Overthinkers 2 1 0 1 30 29 +1 2 6 5 Varanius 2 1 0 1 15 16 −1 1 5 6 Cambria 2 1 0 1 25 26 −1 0 4 7 Hertfordshire and Jammbo 3 1 0 2 23 51 −28 0 4 Group B Nieubasria 0–22 United Adaikes Fujai 20–0 Zhiznovsk Sekiya 25–13 New Velka (NPC) Group B Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Fujai 3 3 0 0 52 13 +39 2 14 2 Teralyon 2 2 0 0 37 21 +16 1 9 3 United Adaikes 2 1 0 1 33 17 +16 2 6 4 Sekiya 2 1 0 1 38 35 +3 1 5 5 Nieubasria 3 1 0 2 29 48 −19 1 5 6 Zhiznovsk 3 1 0 2 28 53 −25 0 4 7 New Velka (NPC) 3 0 0 3 21 51 −30 0 0 Group C Saint Mark 10–14 Ryxtylopia Peourouin 7–0 Nouveauterra Arifiyyah 18–3 Einherfell (NPC) Group C Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Peourouin 3 3 0 0 55 12 +43 1 13 2 Saint Mark 3 2 0 1 34 17 +17 1 9 3 Ryxtylopia 2 2 0 0 26 18 +8 0 8 4 Nouveauterra 3 1 0 2 25 27 −2 2 6 5 Arifiyyah 2 1 0 1 25 20 +5 0 4 6 Zoran 2 0 0 2 14 34 −20 1 1 7 Einherfell (NPC) 3 0 0 3 8 59 −51 0 0 Group D Min-Su 20–36 Dalimbar Ostronia 41–9 Nalibia Denieria (NPC) 0–19 Mygrdiyah Group D Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Mygrdiyah 3 3 0 0 56 3 +53 1 13 2 Ostronia 3 2 0 1 63 32 +31 1 9 3 Nalibia 3 2 0 1 22 44 −22 0 8 4 Giovanniland 2 1 0 1 30 23 +7 2 6 5 Dalimbar 2 1 0 1 49 47 +2 1 5 6 Min-Su 3 0 0 3 20 60 −40 2 2 7 Denieria (NPC) 2 0 0 2 7 38 −31 0 0

March 6, 1424 8:37 PM Polaris Eastern Time (IAT-2) Laguna Bay University Grand Hall, Port Endshe, Ludsport Ludsport University Athletic Association Rugby Season Awards “The Best Player of the Conference is a hooker,” Ludsport University Athletic Association Rugby Overseer Deanne Abbott started. There was a brief silence when Abbott said that. But when she looked at the crowd and returned to her cue cards, some of the crowd thought about the unintended pun and laughed until a sea of laughs erupted around the Grand Hall. “Not what I meant,” Abbott said in between her laughs when the thought also came to her mind. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Abbott continued, “the Best Player of the Conference is from Oakleaf University-” Before Abbott could end, everyone around Mallory Dale roared, clapped, and hugged her. Dale hasn't had the chance to hear the Rugby Overseer say her name. March 31, 1424 11:33 AM Polaris Eastern Time (IAT-2) Elite Rugby Management Executive Hall, Steskia, Thraproy Dale and co-national team player Kaelea Kimberly of Spring Hill University, along with their parents and lawyers, met with top officials of the sports management firm. They had just seen a video package made by Elite Rugby introducing the two college senior players as the new additions to the professional rugby players the firm has been representing. Dale's Oakleaf University and Kimberly's Spring Hill University are top seeds in the UAAUA Rugby Tournament. "We assure you, Mr. Kimberly, Mr. Dale," Garnet Bernard, the President of Elite Rugby Management, said, addressing the two fathers in the room, that while we will extensively promote your daughters starting tomorrow, once we've signed these contracts, we won't be receiving profit from the promotion of your daughters until their last match for their universities. “From tomorrow up until early August, the College Rugby Kings Tournament championship, your daughters will be receiving all the profits from everything we do for them until the last day they will play for their school,” Bernard clarified. “After that, we will make sure that one of the ten teams from the Adaikes Rugby will employ your daughter to play for them professionally,” he added. Everyone agreed after their lawyers provided legal advice to players and families. Mallory Dale and Kaelea Kimberly will be professional rugby players after they play their last match for their university. May 4, 1424 9:02 PM Polaris Eastern Time (IAT-2) Thraproy Regional Rugby Stadium, Perthdoches, Thraproy First Match of the Rugby Tournament Final Four The 100th UAAUA Rugby Tournament Oakleaf Oracles - 9 Palm Valley Iron Bulls - 3 Dale got up five minutes after the last whistle of the match, which indicated the end of regulation, after she knelt on the ground, bowed, and prayed. It is the first time the Oracles will play in the Tournament Championship since Oakland University accepted Dale to the university. After shaking the hands of every player from Palm Valley University she could see, she went to the Iron Bulls Coach, who is also the National Team Coach, Coach Ferne Huxtable. They hugged when they saw each other. Dale felt tears running out of her eyes from every praise Coach Huxtable said. “Is it okay if you can’t play in the Rugby Kings Tournament this June?” Huxtable asked. Dale was confused. “I’m calling you up for the national team again when we play in Overthinkers in the same month,” Huxtable offered while Dale was nodding, on the verge of crying again. “You’ve been excellent this year,” Huxtable added, patting Dale's head and hugging her again. May 12, 1424 9:10 PM Polaris Eastern Team (IAT-2) National Rugby Stadium, Steskia, Thraproy UAAUA Rugby Tournament Championship The 100th UAAUA Rugby Tournament Oakleaf Oracles - 14 Spring Hill Blitz - 10 “It’s the end of the rivalry of the two best college rugby players in the United Adaikes,” the commentator in the televised championship said. “The best defender who can also score, Mallory Dale, and the best scorer of today’s college rugby, Kaelea Kimberly, two promising rugby players who will take United Adaikes to greater heights in international rugby,” he added, as the screen shows the two players hugging out, crying. “These two seniors will be graduating from their universities with their heads held up high, leaving behind a legacy and glory to their respective universities, while they embark on the next part of their rugby careers, the professional competition,” his partner remarked. Dale was also awarded the Tournament MVP for her excellent display in the UAAUA Rugby Tournament. May 25, 1424 4:53 PM Polaris Eastern Time (IAT-2) National Rugby Team Headquarters, Steskia, Thraproy Office of the Head Coach Coach Huxtable heard two knocks coming from her main door. “You wanted to see me, Coach?” Dale spoke when she entered Coach Huxtable’s office. “After knowing you just arrived, thank you,” Huxtable replied. After ushering Dale to the left seat in front of her table, Huxtable asked, "Have you had the chance to check the rooms of the others when you arrived?" Dale shook her head and pouted, "When Georgetta [Baldwin, the security guard at the entrance of the headquarters] saw me, she said that I need to go directly here to your office once I leave my things in my room." Huxtable nodded throughout her statement. “You will be starting in Overthinkers,” Huxtable blurted. While Dale was grateful, she thought of Peregrine Norman, the starter at Hook from the two previous World Cups, and Gwyneth Zapatero, Norman’s substitute in the national team. “Peregrine is retiring from international competition,” Huxtable continued, seemingly reading Dale’s mind, “and Gwyneth is retiring from playing competitive rugby.” “Gwyneth also wanted to take up coaching,” Huxtable added, “but as to which level, UAAUA, club, or international, she hasn’t decided yet.” Dale has been with the national team since the 3rd edition in Zoran, but she has yet to suit up. She has always been in the team’s formals and sitting behind the bench during the last two World Cups. "I'll bring my A-game in Overthinkers, Coach." Dale stood up, extending her hand gleaming. "I won't let you down," she added. “I know,” Coach Huxtable replied, shook Dale’s hand, and ushered her away from her office, smiling. June 23, 1424* 10:01 PM Over Time (IAT+2) At the rooftop of the United Adaikes rugby team headquarters One of the hotels in Hestmere, Overthinkers *IC date of the 3rd match of the 2nd match day “I know you’ll be here,” Dale looked toward where the voice came from. Kimberly was gasping for air when she arrived at the rooftop, while Dale returned to watching the city nightlights. “Myrtie [Huddleston, Dale’s agent from Elite Rugby] has been calling you,” Kimberly said, in between inhaling and exhaling. Dale took her phone, which was face-down since she arrived at the rooftop. She saw 17 missed calls from Huddleston. “Thanks,” Dale said through gritted teeth. Kimberly thought she was still upset. “I’ll tell her I’ve already told you about the missed calls,” she replied, looking at the fantastic Hestmere nightlights. “Thanks,” Dale repeated, still through gritted teeth. Kimberly hesitated before sighing, taking her phone, and returning the call to Huddleston. “You can now call her,” Dale heard from Kimberly before the door closed. Only a few seconds went by when Dale’s phone rang. “Thank goodness you finally answered,” Huddleston said when Dale picked up the call. “What is it, Myrtie?” Dale asked. “I understand your emotions completely,” Huddleston replied, “especially if you lost by a close one from Teralyon.” Dale sighed. “Okay, that’s on me,” Huddleston tried to cheer Dale up, “I know it’s the internationals, but I want to hear it from you that you want to deal with this one after the World Cup.” “About what?” Dale did not care. “The Navy, the Marines, and the Coast Guard want you to play for them in the coming season,” Huddleston thought about letting the conversation play out but decided to cut to the chase instead. Dale sighed again. She does not want to think about it right now. “I’ll think about it when we get a win here in Overthinkers or when I return to Steskia, whichever comes first,” Dale ended the call hurriedly. She returned to watching the city nightlights.

Results of the 2nd Match Day of the Group Stage of RWC 5 Group A Larxia 0–13 Rivalfiume Avadonialis 23–6 Hertfordshire and Jammbo Overthinkers 20–12 Cambria Group A Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Avadonialis 2 1 0 1 29 19 +10 2 6 2 Overthinkers 1 1 0 0 20 12 +8 1 5 3 Rivalfiume 2 1 0 1 13 5 +8 1 5 4 Cambria 2 1 0 1 25 26 −1 0 4 5 Larxia 2 1 0 1 18 13 +5 0 4 6 Varanius 1 1 0 0 5 0 +5 0 4 7 Hertfordshire and Jammbo 2 0 0 2 6 41 −35 0 0 Group B New Velka (NPC) 0–10 Fujai Zhiznovsk 18–13 Nieubasria United Adaikes 11–17 Teralyon Group B Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Fujai 2 2 0 0 32 13 +19 1 9 2 Teralyon 2 2 0 0 37 21 +16 1 9 3 Nieubasria 2 1 0 1 29 26 +3 1 5 4 Zhiznovsk 2 1 0 1 28 33 −5 0 4 5 United Adaikes 1 0 0 1 11 17 −6 1 1 6 Sekiya 1 0 0 1 13 22 −9 0 0 7 New Velka (NPC) 2 0 0 2 8 26 −18 0 0 Group C Einherfell (NPC) 5–31 Peourouin Nouveauterra 3–14 Saint Mark Ryxtylopia 12–8 Zoran Group C Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Peourouin 2 2 0 0 48 12 +36 1 9 2 Saint Mark 2 2 0 0 24 3 +21 0 8 3 Nouveauterra 2 1 0 1 25 20 +5 1 5 4 Ryxtylopia 1 1 0 0 12 8 +4 0 4 5 Zoran 2 0 0 2 14 34 −20 1 1 6 Arifiyyah 1 0 0 1 7 17 −10 0 0 7 Einherfell (NPC) 2 0 0 2 5 41 −36 0 0 Group D Mygrdiyah 16–3 Ostronia Nalibia 3–0 Min-Su Dalimbar 13–27 Giovanniland Group D Pld W D L PF PA PD BP Pts 1 Mygrdiyah 2 2 0 0 37 3 +34 1 9 2 Nalibia 2 2 0 0 13 3 +10 0 8 3 Giovanniland 2 1 0 1 30 23 +7 2 6 4 Ostronia 2 1 0 1 22 23 −1 0 4 5 Denieria (NPC) 1 0 0 1 7 19 −12 0 0 6 Dalimbar 1 0 0 1 13 27 −14 0 0 7 Min-Su 2 0 0 2 0 24 −24 1 1