embubbleblue

Helmut Landgraf, reporting from Spirit Park:
Kick-off saw the Lions with a slight wind advantage, and surprisingly they literally parked themselves inside the Denieri half for the next 25 minutes. Their play was aggressive and quick and their opponents found them difficult to counter. With little ball to play with, their forwards were called on many times to protect their own line and then young Denieri flanker Blake Gibson broke the try drought. A good bust for a loose forward, that made the score 10-3 after shared early penalties.
The final plays of the game were shear Lion brilliance. Using a set move, the familiar wall of forwards took a couple of tap-kicks – Napoli almost scored and then the backs released the ball to  Shoreman, who offloaded beautifully to Hightower who capped off a fine match with a try and a haul of 14 individual points. That demonstrated their total application against a side who seemed hamstrung by over-complicating their gameplan. The final score of 25-14 must make Sir Evan, and all of Saint Mark, proud to be sure.
The Lions have come along way since last year's inaugural tournament. Whether or not they can stay in the game against the Zoranian home team remains to be seen.
 

Good morning Giovanniland! I am Karlo Nakamura-Edrense, the main host of the Giovannilandian Sports Report and of its special rugby edition that aims to keep Giovannilandians informed of the latest happenings of the 3rd Rugby World Cup. After yesterday's report that served as an introduction to the 3rd Rugby World Cup, today we'll talk about the first match played by our rugby team and how it went.
Giovanniland 14–7 Hanita Gracse (Halftime: 8-7)
Tries: Samanta Alba-Nyima (5')
Drop Goals: Hettor Martiano-Gaio (13'), Nikolo Hortense (43'), Lukio Katullo-Vittori (51')
The first half of the match was the most active of both halves, with both teams scoring a total of 15 points. Samanta scored a try five minutes in, and even though she failed to earn two more points that would have been given if she scored the conversion, these five points from the try were important for Giovanniland to start well in the game. Eight minutes later, backside flanker Nikolo scored a drop goal and rose Giovanniland's score to eight, although the Hanita Gracse team soon scored a try and a conversion to bring the score to a close 8-7, which persevered during halftime. 
After returning to the field, the team swiftly followed her orders, with drop goals by Nikolo and Lukio scored within 11 minutes of the second half's start. After those, the Giovannilandians took a more defensive strategy in order to secure the 14-7 score, and there wasn't much else to report about the match. The Hanita Gracse team was hoping to score another try and conversion to level the score, but these hopes never came to fruition and the match was won by Giovanniland. Nevertheless, captain Rivano commented that the opponents' performance was very impressive for a World Cup newcomer and respected the Hanita Gracsean team.
Following the match, head coach Aquila Pinario-Oddo congratulated the team, and noted that Matchday 2 has a tough challenge ahead for Giovanniland, as they will meet 1st Rugby World Cup champions Hertfordshire and Jammbo. Our head of state, King Giovanni VI, also praised the team for its Matchday 1 performance and wished the team good luck in future matches, during a casual meeting with Prince Marcarius of Saint Mark at New Zoradia, hundreds of kilometers away from Leo Rugiet where our team is stationed. This is reporter Karlo signing off, as our TV channel will move on to non-sports news. See you in two days for the Rugby Report about Matchday 2!

Hanita Grasce Player Roster

09FEB220900UTC
Kassakira Petrovikan's heels click across the real wood flooring as she grumbles into the phone. 
The Trano Vao was what historians call 'The Pinnacle of post-independence Glenpavian architecture', a home for the nation's leader and its politics. Kass had decided not to move in, stating that home and work should be separate. Still, she spent much more of her time here than at home. Not what she wanted, but needs must.
What doesn't help her wish for home time is diplomatic incidents. 
She does another loop of her office. "How can you accidentally cross maritime borders 7 times?" She says, a little too calmly to actually be calm. One hand was on the phone, and the other rubbing the temples of the headache that has started to form. The answer wasnt exactly to her standards. "Are they aware? They did wh- You are kidding me right? You are actually messing with me? This is a joke. Don't play games with me Guntur." She replies, stopping in her 10th lap.
"I have a flight to Zoran in 12 hours, what do you expect me to do?" She growls "This is going to be expensive Guntur, and it is going to come out of your budget." She waits for the reply to finish before hanging up. Throwing the phone on her desk, she walks out. PR is not going to be happy.

The team walk back into the changing room, Aina following in. Ness was clearly kicking herself, and Lekan was clearly not in a good mood.

Aina looks at them all "For all that is my heart, cheer up!" She wasn't exactly the quietest "yes okay we lost, but we gave them a fight for it - 6-3 is a good score. We held our own, and we were hard on them." She snarls, showing her often hidden feistness. 
Kasper walks in, nodding to the end of her sentence he overheard "you're a strong team. Untested, unrivalled. One of the best things we have to our advantage right now is that no one knows us or how we play. It worked wonders in the Esferiad, so let's get that same thing again." He points out
Ness looks at the team "You have a point... we just feel like crap for losing."
Kasper shrugs "Its your first game, its bound to be difficult. You know how the other teams play though. Adapt and improvise." 
Aina thinks for a moment "I will revise the team for our next match, so we are at our strongest for as long as possible. You guys are great at what you do, don't let our first match bring you down."
Lekan sighs, having actually perked up a bit. He drums the tune of a well known song on a locker door, and one of the others start humming along as they start getting changed.
Aina walks out, followed by Kasper. "What are you thinking?" She asks him. He thinks for a moment on his reply "well, the guys just need confidence. But that comes with playing. Be the confidence they need, and the rest will fall into place.". She nods "agreed. Tell Jax and James that the team are coming out of this stronger and ready to try again.". Kasper smiles "I will... take care alright?". Aina rolls her eyes, returning the smile, "you need to stop caring about me and start caring about you"
Kasper laughs, and walks off, already calling the studio.

09FEB220900UTC
Kassakira Petrovikan's heels click across the real wood flooring as she grumbles into the phone. 
The Trano Vao was what historians call 'The Pinnacle of post-independence Glenpavian architecture', a home for the nation's leader and its politics. Kass had decided not to move in, stating that home and work should be separate. Still, she spent much more of her time here than at home. Not what she wanted, but needs must.
What doesn't help her wish for home time is diplomatic incidents. 
She does another loop of her office. "How can you accidentally cross maritime borders 7 times?" She says, a little too calmly to actually be calm. One hand was on the phone, and the other rubbing the temples of the headache that has started to form. The answer wasnt exactly to her standards. "Are they aware? They did wh- You are kidding me right? You are actually messing with me? This is a joke. Don't play games with me Guntur." She replies, stopping in her 10th lap.
"I have a flight to Zoran in 12 hours, what do you expect me to do?" She growls "This is going to be expensive Guntur, and it is going to come out of your budget." She waits for the reply to finish before hanging up. Throwing the phone on her desk, she walks out. PR is not going to be happy.

The team walk back into the changing room, Aina following in. Ness was clearly kicking herself, and Lekan was clearly not in a good mood.

Aina looks at them all "For all that is my heart, cheer up!" She wasn't exactly the quietest "yes okay we lost, but we gave them a fight for it - 6-3 is a good score. We held our own, and we were hard on them." She snarls, showing her often hidden feistness. 
Kasper walks in, nodding to the end of her sentence he overheard "you're a strong team. Untested, unrivalled. One of the best things we have to our advantage right now is that no one knows us or how we play. It worked wonders in the Esferiad, so let's get that same thing again." He points out
Ness looks at the team "You have a point... we just feel like crap for losing."
Kasper shrugs "Its your first game, its bound to be difficult. You know how the other teams play though. Adapt and improvise." 
Aina thinks for a moment "I will revise the team for our next match, so we are at our strongest for as long as possible. You guys are great at what you do, don't let our first match bring you down."
Lekan sighs, having actually perked up a bit. He drums the tune of a well known song on a locker door, and one of the others start humming along as they start getting changed.
Aina walks out, followed by Kasper. "What are you thinking?" She asks him. He thinks for a moment on his reply "well, the guys just need confidence. But that comes with playing. Be the confidence they need, and the rest will fall into place.". She nods "agreed. Tell Jax and James that the team are coming out of this stronger and ready to try again.". Kasper smiles "I will... take care alright?". Aina rolls her eyes, returning the smile, "you need to stop caring about me and start caring about you"
Kasper laughs, and walks off, already calling the studio.

The team walk back into the changing room, Aina following in. Ness was clearly kicking herself, and Lekan was clearly not in a good mood.

Aina looks at them all "For all that is my heart, cheer up!" She wasn't exactly the quietest "yes okay we lost, but we gave them a fight for it - 6-3 is a good score. We held our own, and we were hard on them." She snarls, showing her often hidden feistness. 
Kasper walks in, nodding to the end of her sentence he overheard "you're a strong team. Untested, unrivalled. One of the best things we have to our advantage right now is that no one knows us or how we play. It worked wonders in the Esferiad, so let's get that same thing again." He points out
Ness looks at the team "You have a point... we just feel like crap for losing."
Kasper shrugs "Its your first game, its bound to be difficult. You know how the other teams play though. Adapt and improvise." 
Aina thinks for a moment "I will revise the team for our next match, so we are at our strongest for as long as possible. You guys are great at what you do, don't let our first match bring you down."
Lekan sighs, having actually perked up a bit. He drums the tune of a well known song on a locker door, and one of the others start humming along as they start getting changed.
Aina walks out, followed by Kasper. "What are you thinking?" She asks him. He thinks for a moment on his reply "well, the guys just need confidence. But that comes with playing. Be the confidence they need, and the rest will fall into place.". She nods "agreed. Tell Jax and James that the team are coming out of this stronger and ready to try again.". Kasper smiles "I will... take care alright?". Aina rolls her eyes, returning the smile, "you need to stop caring about me and start caring about you"
Kasper laughs, and walks off, already calling the studio.

The team walk back into the changing room, Aina following in. Ness was clearly kicking herself, and Lekan was clearly not in a good mood.

Aina looks at them all "For all that is my heart, cheer up!" She wasn't exactly the quietest "yes okay we lost, but we gave them a fight for it - 6-3 is a good score. We held our own, and we were hard on them." She snarls, showing her often hidden feistness. 
Kasper walks in, nodding to the end of her sentence he overheard "you're a strong team. Untested, unrivalled. One of the best things we have to our advantage right now is that no one knows us or how we play. It worked wonders in the Esferiad, so let's get that same thing again." He points out
Ness looks at the team "You have a point... we just feel like crap for losing."
Kasper shrugs "Its your first game, its bound to be difficult. You know how the other teams play though. Adapt and improvise." 
Aina thinks for a moment "I will revise the team for our next match, so we are at our strongest for as long as possible. You guys are great at what you do, don't let our first match bring you down."
Lekan sighs, having actually perked up a bit. He drums the tune of a well known song on a locker door, and one of the others start humming along as they start getting changed.
Aina walks out, followed by Kasper. "What are you thinking?" She asks him. He thinks for a moment on his reply "well, the guys just need confidence. But that comes with playing. Be the confidence they need, and the rest will fall into place.". She nods "agreed. Tell Jax and James that the team are coming out of this stronger and ready to try again.". Kasper smiles "I will... take care alright?". Aina rolls her eyes, returning the smile, "you need to stop caring about me and start caring about you"
Kasper laughs, and walks off, already calling the studio.

Zoran - The Minsunese State Rugby Team, MIZUNO, won its first match in the 3rd Rugby World Cup in Zoran against the Nagaraningrad Rugby Union. With a score of 8-3, MIZUNO made the crowd go wild. Captain Han Ziqing said that the match was intense. MIZUNO won Group D's first match held in The Conquest Ring, Yemiduga City, Zoran. 
The sports fan back home in Min-Su held a a small victory party with people flocking the streets screaming "ビクトリー". Tatelco Home Fibre, Min-Su's fastest fibre internet, began offering 10% off on select plans in honor of MIZUNO's first win. 
MIZUNO will have its second match in Group D against the United Adaikes. Coach Wang Ang has foreseen that a match against United Adaikes will stop MIZUNO's journey in the RCW3. Captain of MIZUNO, Han Ziqing, has said to his teammates to just enjoy and work better against United Adaikes.
Matchday 2 will be held on February 11 with Min-Su VS United Adaikes' match set as the second game.
MIZUNO and the entire country extends its warmest congratulations to the Larxian National Team with its first win against Blue Bubble. Popular ice cream brand Lolalo of Universal Foodsphere has sent gift packs and complimentary ice creams to the Larxian National Team.

"Well done lads, that was a good win in the first match, I was impressed with you overall efforts on the field," said the manager Eddie Hansen in post match address to the team.
"Yes very well done lads, you executed stuck to the game-plans and executed them just as we intended. If you keep this up, we will be one of the teams to beat in this World Cup," said Coach James Mario, as Felix Cage nodded in agreement.
"The coaches are right. We've done really well, and converted the amazing training ground performance to a great match effort. Though we must not get complacent now, it's just the first match, and we're here to win!! What are we here for??" Captain Kirk said with all his heart in a bid to increase the spirits even further.
"We're here to win!!" the team replied.
"I can't hear you!! WHAT ARE WE HERE FOR??"
"WE'RE HERE TO WIN!!!!"
"THAT'S RIGHT, SO LETS ENJOY THIS WIN AND WORK ON OUR NEXT GAME AGAINST HANITA GRASCE."
"YES LETS GO," the team shouted as they prepared to leave for the hotel, spirits at an all time high.
"Get to the hotel and get in some rest. We will study how the Hanita Grascean National Team plays, and Kirk, you'll have an analysis of the team first thing tomorrow, go through it and convey everything to the team. Am I clear?"
"Yes Sir!! LET'S TRAIN FOR THE CUP LADS!!"

Results of the 1st Match Day of the Group Stage
Group A Saint Mark 25–14 Denieria (NPC) Teralyon 10–18 Santos-Dominius Group A Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts 1 Saint Mark 1 1 0 0 25 14 +11 3 2 Santos-Dominius 1 1 0 0 18 10 +8 3 3 Teralyon 1 0 0 1 10 18 −8 0 4 Denieria (NPC) 1 0 0 1 14 25 −11 0 Group B Fujai 14–0 Einherfell (NPC) Dilber 19–25 Nieubasria Group B Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts 1 Fujai 1 1 0 0 14 0 +14 3 2 Nieubasria 1 1 0 0 25 19 +6 3 3 Dilber 1 0 0 1 19 25 −6 0 4 Einherfell (NPC) 1 0 0 1 0 14 −14 0 Group C Giovanniland 14–7 Hanita Gracse Larxia 6–3 Blue Bubble Group C Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts 1 Giovanniland 1 1 0 0 14 7 +7 3 2 Larxia 1 1 0 0 6 3 +3 3 3 Blue Bubble 1 0 0 1 3 6 −3 0 4 Hanita Gracse 1 0 0 1 7 14 −7 0 Group D Min-Su 8–3 Nagaraningrad Cambria 29–24 Qostaoyae Group D Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts 1 Cambria 1 1 0 0 29 24 +5 3 2 Min-Su 1 1 0 0 8 3 +5 3 3 Qostaoyae 1 0 0 1 24 29 −5 0 4 Nagaraningrad 1 0 0 1 3 8 −5 0  
Today, I will be introducing RP prompts. If you do not have an idea what to RP for the next matchday, let me help you (though this is not mandatory for all participants).
For the 2nd matchday, if you want to, talk about the process how a player becomes a part of your national team. Be creative (but with the bounds of realism)! 

Õnertasa Gouna Age: 31 
Flanker
Setca Johnson  Age: 29
Wing
Louî Sevastopolsa Age : 27
Wing
Newtaso Vebrero Age: 29
Prop
Kasaa Tegona Age: 30
Prop
Vonucho Fasa Age: 32
Prop
Loui Dë Vouchi Age 26
Lock
Laressa Fastoso Age: 31
Scrum-half
Tegasos Gehachi Age: 44
Lock
Lesotho Basai Age: 29 
Lock
Camtara de Foves Age: 36
Scrum-half
Lasbastos Tuves Age: 31
Fullback
Kavouchi Lastos Age: 27
Center
Vesas Las Age: 25
Center
Sesra Vobuchi Age: 30
Lock
                          QOSTAOYAE RUGBY 1422 - QOSTAOYAE RUGBY 1422
If my opponent RP’s first, they may…
Choose my try scorers: No
Choose my kicker: Yes
RP Injuries: Yes
Godmode events: No
Coach: Vespucas Baltino
Manager: Kassi de Spasa
 
 

TEAM INFORMATION
STYLE MODIFIER = -3
COACH = BAYOE MAOELANA
MANAGER = RADEN NASOETION SINAGA

NAGARANINGRAD RUGBY UNION (NRU) IS FORMED BY THE HOUSE OF SINAGA DURING NAGARANINGRAD ISOLATED PROSELYTIZATION BY THE END OF 1421. AS EVERY NINGRAD WAS BORED IN THEIR MANSIONS, CASTLES, OR CHAMBERS THEY DECIDED TO DO A NEW SPORTS, SOME NEW ACTIVITY WHICH LED RUGBY AS THEIR CHOSEN SPORT. AS THE TIME PROGRESS, RUGBY BECOME POPULAR AMONG THE NINGRAD (NOBLE) AS THEIR WAY TO SHOW THEIR STRENGTH.
KIT

ROSTER
NAME POSITION Raden Riyan Andriyan Adhyakarta Prop Raden Aldry Wilantara Wiranagara Prop Raden Wikramawardhana Sinaga Hooker Raden Jaka Koesoema Wiranagara Lock Raden Hanif Nasoetion Sinaga Lock/Flanker Raden Afryanda Rahman Kartarajasa Lock/Flanker Raden Soetrisno Heroekoesoemoe Sinaga Flanker Raden Hendro Hadrada Kartarajasa Eightman Raden Fakhri Kamil Adhyakarta Scrum-Half Raden Rajasawardhana Sinaga Fly-Half Raden Hendi Prasetyo Wiranagara Center Raden Randi Prasetyo Wiranagara Center Raden Zaki Febrian Adhyakarta Wing Raden Chakrabhuwana Hadrada Kartarajasa Wing Raden Giri Koesoema Wiranagara Fullback RESERVES Raden Soekarno Kartarajasa Prop/Lock Raden Melrida Joeanda Sinaga Prop Raden Danoe Yoetistio Adhyakarta Hooker Raden Zainal Pamoengkas Sinaga Lock Raden Eko Rahmadianto Sinaga Flanker Raden Fadhil Setiawan Wiranagara Wing/Center Raden Bagoes Triono Wiranagara Fullback RP permissions: If my opponent RPs first, they may... Choose my try scorers: Y/N Choose my kicker: Y/N RP injuries: Y/N Godmod scoring events: Y/N Godmod injuries: Y/N Godmod other events: Y/N

Häřtferdsierndeambeu Ragbi Jünjen/Катфадсие ае Дзаембеу Рагби Сцийас - The 101
The Bauhaus Novel - Conversation Street: Season 2, Episode 0 - Third Time [REDACTED]

[Clarkson walks into the tent to applause by the travelling Hertfordians and Jammbians, who quickly become bemused. Strangely, he is on his own. Where in the name of all that's holy are Hammond and May?!]
Jeremy Clarkson: Hello and welcome! I'm here in Zoran where there used to be a war going on, but I'm told it was permanently postponed. Now, you might be wondering why I'm the only one here. Well, I found out just last week having recovered from pneumonia, that in my illness both Hammond and May have been picked to join the Hertfordshire and Jammbo national rugby team.
[The audience gasps in relative unison]
Jeremy Clarkson: As you could imagine, I was very cross. But no matter! If they succeed, I can claim that I taught them how to do it because let's be honest, James would score a try in the wrong direction and as for Richard? Let's just say that teams are probably motivated well by sore winners on the other end.
[Richard Hammond {out of shot in the distance}: No you didn't! Stop saying things to the audience that aren't true!]
Jeremy Clarkson: ...Anyway. Of course if we fail to win the title, I have a scope for laughing at them. It's a win-win for me.
[A few scattered laughs can be heard from some parts of the audience]
Jeremy Clarkson: Right now that that's over with I can now hand over to the Stig who has joined us for various requests in a way only the Stig can do. This is Conversation Street's 2nd appearance so call this Season 2. On the note of this being the second season, and this episode being more of a prologue, see you first episode, goodnight! Oh, and Mečislavs and Clarkov are coming to see the 3rd Rugby World Cup. Given how monumentally shy he is, if anyone sees Clarkov in public, take a picture and send it to 0801-CLOTS. You may get recognition.
The Stig: .. ... ... ..... .. .. ..... .. .. ..... ... ..... ....... ...... ......... .. .... (translation: he is not going to be happy if he finds out we're drawing public attention to him.)
[James May {out of shot, having tripped into one of the abnormally large freezers the HNDRJ brought with them... which is full of freezing water}: Ah! My testicles have retreated!]
 
HertsJammpedia - The Rundown (31-person team)


 
Weirdness Incarnate - The Roster (31-person team)




AGE IS IRRELEVANT
The Style Mod
+2.9
The Checklist - RP Permissions
If my opponent RPs first, they may... Choose my try scorers: N Choose my kicker: N RP injuries: Y Godmod scoring events: N Godmod injuries: N Godmod other events: N  
                  

Zoran- Rugby fever has hit the world as the nations prepare for the much anticipated, Third Rugby World Cup, being hosted by the rebuilding nation of Zoran. The 3rd edition of the Rugby World Cup is all set to kick-off from 9th February, 1422. The live coverage of the Rugby World Cup is brought to you by Falconel Sports, your one stop for anything Rugby, in collaboration with our partners from Min-Su, The MBS Network.
And Ohhh! Do we predict a spicy group stage for Larxia, as they're drawn against the likes of the pretty neutral continent-mates Hertfordshire & Jammbo, a really great friend Blue Bubble, we haven't had that much exposure on the international stage with them Hanita Grasce, and we're not sure what is going on Giovanniland. While good friends, Min-Su have been drawn in Group D alongside United Adaikes, Cambria, Qostaoye and Nagaraningrad.
The Group Stage Draw

Credit: 3rd Rugby World Cup Official Media
 
Leo Rugiet- We will be coming live for our group stage matches from the beautiful city of Leo Rugiet. The architecture, and the sculptures in this here city are truly breath-taking. The diversity of the past Saint Markan colonists and the native Zoranians is quite prominent, yet quite infused into one another. This city is a true example of how a benevolent colonist can actually bring about good change in a country. And when you look at the breathtaking Markanus Stadium, which will be home to the Larxian Team, the players are definitely going to enjoy playing here, as Larxia takes on Blue Bubble in their first match of 3rd Rugby World Cup. Larxia have participated in the previous edition of the RWC, but this is Blue Bubble's first appearance in the RWC, so they are an unscouted bunch. Tune in to Falconel 1 Sports Channel for all things Larxia.

 

RWC3 Commentary: Initial Group Allocations
Presented by Approctoflecticus Blubberman, SDCSN3 head sports correspondent, and Hector Lafontaine, SDCSN Assistant Editor-in-Chief for Ethics & Standards
[OOC Disclaimer: The following RP is presented as a script. Imagine as if these characters said and did these things on live television, which is then compiled into a clip and put on the SDCSN Sports website.]
BLUBBERMAN: Hello, everyone! From Spirit Park in Divando Gadoatalesv, Zoran, we at Santo-Dominian Cable-Satellite Network Channel 3 bring you live coverage of the 3rd Rugby World Cup! Our RWC3 coverage is brought to you by our generous sponsor, Zeitpunkt watches! It's the prestigious watchmaker representing the highest pinnacle of Santo-Dominian luxury timepieces. I, the unprepared buffoon that is Approctoflecticus Blubberman, will be your obviously uninformed host for the entire duration of the 3rd Rugby World Cup.
LAFONTAINE: And I am Hector Lafontaine, Assistant Editor-in-Chief for Ethics & Standards at SDCSN headquarters.
BLUBBERMAN: WOAH! Oh-okay. I was not informed of this "partnership". Ahahaha! Wel-welcome Mr Lafontaine!
LAFONTAINE: This is not a "partnership", Blubberman - I am your the superior of your direct superior, and I'm under orders from corporate to keep an eye on you. This is a senior-subordinate relationship.
BLUBBERMAN: Ahahaha, yes, right, totally! I understand, I get it, I do. Anyways, let's get straight to talking about the 3rd Rugby World Cup.
LAFONTAINE takes out a notepad and begins to jot notes furiously as BLUBBERMAN nervously continues his reporting, taking occasional glances at the notepad's contents.
BLUBBERMAN: The organisers of RWC3 have released the group allocations for this event, we've been told. Let's display them on the screen here. According to this graphic produced by the organisers, Team Santos-Dominius will face off against the likes of Saint Mark, Teralyon, Denieria and....and...Zoran!?
LAFONTAINE (mutters): Inability to maintain calmness on air...doubt his competence as head sports correspondent...further observation recommended...
BLUBBERMAN: I'm to-totally confident that our excellent rugby players will manage to seize victory even against the reigning Zoranian champions. (Whispers to LAFONTAINE.) Am I doing good? (Turns to the audience once more.) The organisers have informed us that our first match will be against Teralyon. Oh, those Teralyans better watch out! Us Santo-Dominians are gonna kick their a-
LAFONTAINE raises his eyebrows visibly. BLUBBERMAN gulps.
BLUBBERMAN: ...us Santo-Dominians are going to have a friendly and fair match against the Teralyons, during which Team SD will showcase the premier sportsmanship and respect we always have for opponents, rivals and friends alike. The same can be said for our matches against Saint Mark, Denieria and Zoran.
The recording studio's windows looking onto Spirit Park are closed; two large displays appear behind BLUBBERMAN. They display the words "HISTORY OF ZORAN" in large letters.
BLUBBERMAN: And before we go, let's talk about Zoran itself! It is a fascinating country indeed. Located in northern Andolia, Zoran is known for-
LAFONTAINE (to self): Lack of basic understanding of geography...fatally unprepared and uninformed...follow-up IQ test recommended...
BLUBBERMAN: ...Zoran is known for civil wars, refugees and...oh crap! Wait, Zoran isn't known for "oh crap". I'm sorry!
LAFONTAINE (to BLUBBERMAN): Oh my word, I can't anymore. You...you...!! Stop and wrap it up!
BLUBBERMAN: Eeek! Okay! Apologies to viewers out there, both at home and abroad. This is the channel for live and direct coverage of the 3rd Rugby World Cup! I'm Approctoflecticus Blubberman, and it's been really nice to discuss the group allocations as well as Zoran itself as a nation. Stay tuned to SDCSN Channel 3 for coverage of RWC3, and see you whenever stuff happens!
LAFONTAINE forcibly drags BLUBBERMAN off the set as busy interns clean up the recording studio and cut the camera.

Welcome to the third edition of the Giovannilandian Rugby Report! I am Karlo Nakamura-Edrense, the main host of the Giovannilandian Sports Report and of its special rugby edition that aims to keep Giovannilandians informed of the latest happenings of the 3rd Rugby World Cup. If you didn't know yet, this edition of the World Cup is being hosted in an Auran country for the second time in a row, namely Zoran! After the 2nd edition was hosted in the far away lands of northern Aura, this time it's closer to home, as the beautiful waters of Darkesian Sea separate our northern coast to their southern one.
We've already dispatched a team of reporters to the northern Zoranian city of Leo Rugiet, whose Markanus Stadium will host all matches of Group C, the group where our team will play during the group stage. This city certainly has an interesting history, as its northern location made it a key point of contact between Zoran and Saint Mark during the Pax Markana, the era of Saint Markian domination of all of Aura except for our Lavender Island. Furthermore, smaller teams of journalists are also present in Divando Gadoalatesv, Marelitus and Yemiduga City, the hosts for groups A, B and D respectively.
Furthermore, we've also received news that King Giovanni VI will travel to Zoran soon and possibly visit heads of state from some of the 19 other nations present in the tournament. It is expected that the Prime Minister, Amore Gile Abrente, will stay at Giovannia, although Minister of Sports Fernando Nimmeranese may also go along with the King and his security guard. 
Anyways, now we'll talk about the group stage! In addition to our team, Group C brings together champions of the 1st Rugby World Cup Hertfordshire and Jammbo; hosts of the recent T20 World Cup Larxia; Lavender Island neighbors and tournament newcomers Blue Bubble; and last but not least the Polarian team and also newcomer Hanita Gracse. With two nations from Aura, another two from Andolia, and one from Polaris, this group of the World Cup brings five very different countries, only two of which will move forward to the knockout stage.
While our team has the second-highest score in the rugby rankings authored by the nation of Dalimbar, only lower than H&J, the other three teams cannot be underestimated. Our first match will be against Hanita Gracse, and we wish good luck to our team in the opening round. After that, it is against the southern Andolian nation that the Giovannilandian team will then play against, in a match pitting two of the strongest rugby teams of Esferos against each other. Matchday 3 will see a bye for the Giovannilandians, after which they will play against Larxia and lastly Blue Bubble.
In order to bring this first report to a perfect end, we have also prepared a special interview for you. Madalena Vindemia, former head of the press corps covering the Kharventhin events of the 2nd Summer Esferiad, has made a comeback and now leads the live coverage of the Giovannilandian team at Leo Rugiet. She has managed to contact Rivano Markellana-Tarrutio, captain of our national rugby team, for an interview, so we'll now connect with her.
"Hello, Madalena!", greets Karlo.
"Hey there!", answers Madalena. "This morning, we're here for an interview with Rivano Markellana-Tarrutio. Rivano, you've represented the Giovannilandian team as its captain for all three editions of the Rugby World Cup including this one. What are your feelings about the upcoming matches?"
Rivano answers: "Greetings! I think our team will be able to perform greatly in this World Cup, and am excited to play again in an official capacity since I played as part of the Rugby Sevens Esferiad team at home and helped it earn a bronze medal there."
"Now for the second question," Madalena continued, "what are some changes that the team has had since the last Rugby World Cup?"
"In the World Cup of 1421 our team did not have a result as good as the 1420 one, but this time we are under new management. Furthermore, we've also brought new talents from all across Giovanniland, making a team more nationally inclusive than before," remarked Rivano.
"Thank you for the well-thought answer!", noted Madalena. "Last but not least, I have a legacy question for you. Being a member of the Giovannilandian squad for all three editions of the cup, what is the best rugby memory you have from either of the two past ones?"
"Ooh... this is hard," thought Rio. "There are many, but if I were to choose one, it was assisting Skipio Abudia-Lukullo and Pietro Numeriani in both their 3-point scoring during the Giovanniland vs Dalimbar 3rd place match of the 1st Rugby World Cup. Our team went from behind to win the match and finish third in the tournament, and that was certainly a great match to remember for many years."
"That sounds like a nice memory indeed," commented Madalena. "Thank you for your time in this short interview, Rivano. Now I give you back the floor, Karlo, if you have anything else to talk about."
"Actually, that's it for this first episode of the Rugby Report's third edition, I'm afraid my time is up anyways. Our TV channel will move on to non-sports news, so see you in two days for another Rugby Report, where I'll talk about the results of the first match!

Team Information
Style mod: 3.7 Home stadium: Dodek-Tourbillion Stadium, Clarendon County- Rugby cap. 5,120 Dodek-Tourbillion Stadium is the historical home of the Basric Rugby Association. Though not the largest rugby stadium in Nieubasria, it is the closest to the capital and set on privately-owned land by the Dodek family. The pitch was refurbished in 1398 to address concerns of accessibility of the stadium and accommodate the greater demands for telecommunications suites by the television broadcasters. The Basric Rugby Association is owned and convened by the Baron-Esquire Theo Dodek, great-grandson of the first convenor and namesake of the home stadium.  Manager: Dylon Dickinson, Baron-Esquire Theo Dodek (ex-officio) As patron to the team, Convenor Baron-Esquire Theo Dodek is considered an ex-officio manager. In practice, Theo is singly responsible for the staffing and operations of the Rugby Association, whereas Dylon takes on the affiliations with the amateur and semi-professional Association. Coaches: Daniyal Walter, Simone Vaughan Roster
Name Num. Pos. Age Arailt MacIlleDhuinn 1 L. Prop 32 Adnaan Navarro 2 Hooker 24 Isaak Quintero 3 T. Prop 26 Fabian Carver 4 4 Lock 30 Jonah Bowler 5 5 Lock 29 Zaid Haas 6 Backside Flanker 24 Karol Morley 7 Openside Flanker 26 Teo Nelson 8 Number 8 23 Isaac Alford 9 Scrum-half 26 Tate Callaghan 10 Fly-half 32 Winston Macclellan 11 Left Wing 35 Trystan Montgomery 12 Inside Centre 28 Pàl Breathnach 13 Outside Centre 30 Maon Innes  14 Right Wing 31 Earc Magees 15 Full Back 28  
RP permissions: If my opponent RPs first, they may... Choose my try scorers: Y Choose my kicker: Y RP injuries: Y Godmod scoring events: N Godmod injuries: N Godmod other events: N

Team Information
Style mod: 3.8 Home stadium: Ellestede Garden, cap. 18,500 Manager: TC Danen Coaches: Kees Gordon, Wolf Bruijs
Roster
Name Position Age Elliot Coetzee Hooker 28 Ryan Shepherd Hooker 28 David Owain Hooker 23 Bart Plane Hooker 22 Olive John Prop 25 Wyn Metcher Prop 26 Kellen Brown Prop 30 Rhys Sears-Duru Prop 30 Dillon Kilifi Prop 27 John Lewis Prop 30 Idris Alan Lock 31 Jeremy Peters Lock 31 Adam Pelser Lock 27 Taylor Beard Lock 26 Cory Tucker Lock 31 Trent Hunsaker Lock 24 Gavin Bashir Flanker 22 Ross Penny Flanker 28 Harry Moriarty Flanker 23 Jordy Weyland Flanker 23 Eric Shingler Number 8 33 Justin Hattingh Number 8 25 Scott Williams Scrum-half 32 Rhys Cina Scrum-half 28 Wolf Carroll Fly-half 22 Jarrod Dean Fly-half 26 Dirk Chalmot Fly-half 23 George Parkes Center 28 Joey Tompkins Center 26 Kyle Laughlin Center 25 Hadleigh Neal Center 28 Siti Adams Wing 27 Josh Brennan Wing 25 Caleb Darlington Wing 21 Brock Adams Wing 30 Harry Staller Wing 23 Liam Turner Fullback 31 Jade Van Oord Fullback 22 Styles & Permissions
Style modifier 3.8 Home stadium Ellestede Garden (RP) Players may be injured Yes (RP) Players may receive yellow cards Yes (RP) Players may receive red cards No No godmodding

Premier Conference Room, United Adaikes Rugby Football Union (UARFU) Headquarters
Steskia, Thraproy
A month before the Rugby World Cup
The UARFU Spokesperson Asia Irvin introduced the UARFU President to the press present for the media interview related to the Rugby Union team they will be sending to Zoran for the 3rd Rugby World Cup.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Irvin started, "the President of the Rugby Football Union of the United Adaikes, Ms. Maria Darnell," before leaving the dais.
"Thank you, Ace," Darnell spoke right after arriving in the dais and put her phone in the lectern. "We will be addressing multiple concerns in this conference. I know not only the media and our friends in the sports community are concerned, but all fans and enthusiasts in the country. I will be answering questions after I am finished."
She opened the folder she brought and took the paper and briefly read the paper. She cleared her throat before she continued.
"The 15-man team who brought glory for the country in the first Rugby World Cup we participated in, bagging Bronze Medal in the 2nd Rugby World Cup, led by Coach Giovannie Gallardo and Miguel Gonzales, will be retiring in international competition. Majority of them are actually retiring from the sport. While one of the reasons are the effects of concussion and concussion-related injuries, this is not what the majority of the team are experiencing from those who are retiring. Some are changing courses in their life, others will take the rest of their time to be with their family.
"But I'm also here to announce that Coach Giovannie will be staying in the UARFU as the head of the national pool and recruitment. Miguel, Ivan [Rivera], Felix [Chua] and Romeo [Vailoces] will be part of the coaching and training staff when they are in the country, while Miguel is also heading the institutionalization of the domestic league system in the country.
"The new head coach of the national rugby team is Coach Ferne Huxtable from the Palm Valley University in Thurhope. The new lineup of the national team is a mix of the national pool as well as players in the University Athletic Association of the United Adaikes, of which you will be receiving."
She stopped and looked at her phone. She looked at Irvin before saying, "I will have to cut you all off short, but Ace is here to answer your questions. I'm being called in the Red Palace. Thank you for your time."

9th February 1422, 9:00 PM,
"Janice, make preparations for my visit to Zoran for the World Cup, Mackenzie, Dominic and Jamie will be travelling with me as well," The King told his relatively newly appointed assistant, Janice Lopez.
"Right away Sir. I will also get the staff in the Estate to prepare for Your Majesty's arrival," Janice replied.
During this conversation, Prince Dominic, along with Prince Sergio entered the King's office.
"What are we talking about brother?" Prince Dominic queried.
"Oh, nothing much, just asking Janice to make preparations for our visit to Zoran. It will be very interesting to see first-hand, how they have been rebuilding their country. We did provide some assistance to them for the same," King James answered.
"I wanna go to Zoran too!! I haven't met Atsil in such a long time," cried out 13-year old, Princess Georgina, as she sat in the King's empty chair.
"You know I can't say no to you my lovely sister (imagine this but with a little more brotherly love tone)," the King said, "Janice, please make preparations for Gio as well."
"Right away your majesty, I will have everything in order. May I take you leave now?" Janice asked politely as she bowed towards the exit.
"Sure, good-bye,"the King replied.
"So are we excited to go to Zoran," the King asked Princess Gio, "You must be excited to meet Atsil. To be truthful, even I haven't met her since her nation descended into chaos. Dominic, you have been coordinating with Waholi and her, tell me, how has she been."
"I don't know, I guess she has been acting pretty usually, though I feel like somewhere deep down in heart, she feels a little responsible for what happened in Zoran, like it happened because of her," Prince Dominic replied.
"She has always been strong like her father, I'm sure she will be one of the greatest rulers Zoran has ever seen," the King remarked.
 
 
 

ZORAN - The 3rd Rugby World Cup begins today Wednesday, February 9, 1422 live in Zoran. SG Sports+ coverage is brought to you by MBS Channel 2, Tatelco Home Fibre - Min-Su's fastest fibre internet, and KLIX Channel 3. Live coverage is available at MBS Channel 2 and KLIX Channel 3 , with live-streaming brought to you by KLIXtv+. 
Group D's first match is between Nagaraningrad and Min-Su which will be held in The Conquest Ring in Yemiduga City, Zoran. Captain Han Ziqing of MIZUNO (Minsu State Rugby Team) has promised as a good game brought to you by Minsunese Airlines, fly now with Minsunese Airlines RWC3 Sale of up to 20% discount to selected destinations. Valid until February 23, 1422. 
RWC3 MIZUNO Official Merchandise is now available for sale at the TatsuGO app. Buy now the limited edition MIZUNO Rugby Ball for as low as ¥120. Delivery fee not included.


ZORAN - Our friends from the Kingdom of Larxia, the Larxian National Team is playing the second match for Group C against our Lavender island neighbor, Blue Bubble. The game is situated to be held in Markanus Stadium, Leo Rugiet, Zoran. 
The match is broadcasted through State Gazette Sports+ and Falconel Sports. It is available via live-telecast through Falconel Sports Channel 1, MBS Channel 2, and KLIX Channel 3. Live-streaming is available via KLIXtv+. 
RWC3 LARXIA and MIZUNO official merchandise is now available for sale at the TatsuGO app. Buy now the limited edition MIZUNO Rugby Ball for as low as ¥120. Delivery fee not included.
Don't miss the RWC3 exclusives available through KLIXtv+ Premium. For as low as ¥10 monthly subscription, you could now be updated to the sports happenings. 

Fujai
Folkskommunen Fujai (fu:'jaɪ, foo-yEYE) is a small coastal nation of just over 7 million residents, located in the north of the Polarii continent. While Fujai has a long sporting history, rugby is not a commonly played sport. The sport is most common in rural and industrial areas of the country, particularly in the regions of Mærte and Felvenna.
The Landslag
The Rugby Landslag is made up of the finest players in Fujai, though not many would be considered of truly international quality. It is sponsored by Fujais Rugby Idrottsforbund (FRIF - Fujansk Rugby Sports Federation), a member of Fujansk Idrottsforbund (FIF - Fujansk Sports Federation). Most Landslag players come from Fujai's top league, Højserien, though a few come from the second league, Lågserien. The winningest clubs tend to be from the regions of Hasmark and Felvenna, where the sport is most popular.
The Landslag came in second at the First Rugby World Cup to Hertfordia and was knocked out of the Second Cup in the quarterfinals by this edition's hosts, Zoran. For a nation not well-known for its rugby, its team has put up quite a fight, and all are watching to see what happens next.
Fujais Idrottsforbund
Fujais Idrottsforbund (FIF) is the federation of labor unions representing all sports players and workers in sports-associated industries. It is separate from the Fujansk government, but receives accreditation and financial and infrastructural support from it. Its structure includes clubs at the local level (e.g. a local sports club), which are constituents of fylke organizations, which are a part of the larger federation representing specific sports (e.g. Fujais Fotbollforbund for football), which are then members of FIF.
Fujais Rugby Idrottsforbund
Fujais Rugby Idrottsforbund (FRIF) is the labor union that governs some forms of football in Fujai and represents all players, related workers, and clubs in the country. The main sports under its purview are rugby union, sevens, and league and gridiron football. FRIF's Rugbyseksjon organizes the nation's rugby union league play, with eight clubs competing at the highest level.
The eight clubs that currently compete in the top flight of rugby union are:
Braskvik IF - Braskvik, Heldingland, Mærte Bruland IF - Keiserholde, Keiserholde, Vestfjordarna Linbukt KRF - Linbukt, Mærtesund, Mærte Lakseåkar IF - Lakseåkar, Oppmærte, Mærte Rønnon IL - Rønnon, Vørreshall, Jornstrand Strand RL - Almoren, Elsøra, Felvenna Tålkstads RK - Tålkstad, Mærtesund, Mærte Vemdemning RF - Vemdemning, Vemselag, Mærte  

 
Important Notes (!)
Editor's note on gender: Fujansk culture does not have individual gender categories. The five common genders were historically recognized, though categories and classifications of gender expression have broken down in the last few centuries, resulting in today's non-categorical perception of gender. Since the Fujansk language does not have gendered pronouns, most Fujar choose choose to use gender-neutral pronouns when interacting in the common tongue, such as they/them. All players on the Landslag use they/them pronouns in the common language.
Translator's note: Landslaget translates to "The National Team," while Landslag translates to "National Team." In the common tongue, one would say "the Landslag did well" or "Landslaget did well," not "the Landslaget did well" (the translated equivalent of "the The Landslag did well"). This is because the Fujansk language uses suffixes to create definite nouns instead of articles. See Den Fujanske Ordboken (The Fujansk Dictionary) for more information.
Quick Info
Trigram: FJA Adjective: Fujansk Demonym: Fujar Plural: Fujar Language: Fujansk Population: 7,294,825 (~RL Paraguay/Washington state) Area: 521,912 km2 (Øyen: 131,016 km2, Hasmark: 390,896 km2) (~RL Nicaragua+Zimbabwe/Alabama+Montana) GDP (PPP) per capita: 1,760,000 kronar, 71,535 international monetary units Capital: Keiserholde, Keiserholde fylke Resources
Factbook (moderate WIP) Flag of Fujai: 1000px - 300px - 50px - flagicon (23px) Fujais Idrottsblad | Fujai Sports Newswires One-page travel guide to Fujai (only very slightly outdated) Den Fujanske Ordboken - Fujansk-Common dictionary, pronunciation guide, name generator, and more! Population map of the fylkar of Fujai (outdated) Population map of the 10 largest metro areas in Fujai (outdated) Team Info
Style mod: -3.1 Home stadium: Korsongars Idrottsplass, Tålkstad - cap. 12,985 (6,684 all-seater) While the Landslag rotates its matches to stadiums around the county, the plurality of international matches take place at Korsongars Idrottsplass, home of Tålkstads RK. Managers: Keiren Jorda, Halla Usviken Coaches: Ila Navna, Qi Jun Roster
Name Num. Pos. Club City Age League Zeinab Krælle 1 Loosehead Prop Solbakken IL Keiserholde 34 Lågserien Edda Hortel 2 Hooker Bruland IF Keiserholde 29 Højserien Farre Jorg 3 Tighthead Prop Strand RL Almoren 24 Højserien Birk Broks 4 Number 4 Lock Lakseåkar IF Lakseåkar 22 Højserien Mattei Abbas 5 Number 5 Lock Vemdemning RF Vemdemning 25 Højserien Gert Sunde 6 Backside Flanker Rønnon IL Rønnon 26 Højserien Tinius Grindheim 7 Openside Flanker Braskvik IF Braskvik 23 Højserien Kaz Fyr 8 Number 8 Oppdal IL Dernes 25 Lågserien Eskild Åsheim 9 Scrum-half Hæreby KRF Hæreby 21 Højserien Ruzar Levanzin 10 Fly-half Strand RL Almoren 30 Højserien Huan Min 11 Left Wing Rønnon IL Rønnon 34 Højserien Matilde Lieng 12 Inside Centre Tålkstads RK Tålkstad 30 Højserien Synne Veiren 13 Outside Centre Galskeir RF Galskeir 32 Lågserien Jofried Tysken 14 Right Wing Braskvik IF Braskvik 34 Højserien Aylin Egge 15 Full Back Lakseåkar IF Lakseåkar 22 Højserien  
Kit

RP Permissions
OOC Disclaimer:

Dalimbar Union da Rugby

Name Age Number Position City Justin Nicholas 22 1 Loosehead Prop Selia Marko Zellweger 24 2 Hooker Saint Andreisburg Ambroz Plesko 26 3 Tighthead Prop Saikuz Juan Tamaro 28 4 Second Row (L) Nadu Fulvio Drago 22 5 Second Row (R) Geness Carlos Schuyler 27 6 Blindside Flanker Danu Alexandre Arts 29 7 (C) Openside Flanker Saikuz Eugen Guerriero 21 8 Number 8 Saikuz Pelayo Accorso 22 9 Scrum-Half Trizon Florijan Arts 25 10 Fly-Half Saikuz Victor Labelle 24 11 Left Wing Danu Kristen Navratil 28 12 Inside Centre Trizon Abramo Philips 26 13 Outside Centre Selia Saveli Lafrentz 29 14 Right Wing Saikuz Guillaume Severin 24 15 Full Back Saint Andreisburg Substitutes:
Emmitt Norwood 23 16 1, 2 Markof Ismael Comtois 26 17 1, 2, 3 Port Ain Balduino Estrada 22 18 2, 3 Danu Svante Nicolosi 27 19 4, 5 Saint Andreisburg Bohumil Rocchi 23 20 4, 5 Donlas Rens Blanchet 22 21 4, 6, 8 Nadu Jurriaan Gabrielli 26 22 5, 7, 8 Port Ain Matis Henderson 25 23 8, 9 Selia Jost Matheson 24 24 8, 9, 10 Markof Javor Steuben 24 25 9, 10, 12 Donlas Camilo Gjorgiev 29 26 11, 15 Trizon Arno Stroman 25 27 10, 12, 13 Geness Henrik Ferreiro 27 28 12, 13, 14 Markof Luis Ramos 27 29 13, 14, 15 Donlas Carlos Favreau 26 30 11, 14, 15 Nadu Style: +1.23 Choose my Try Scorers: Yes Choose my Kicker: Yes RP Injuries: Yes Godmod injuries: Yes Godmod scoring: Yes Godmod other events: Yes