OK, I’m a Welshman. With the England vs Wales game looming I would like to understand some of the emotions I will be feeling on Saturday afternoon.
I have no objection to England or English people in general, in fact I go to University in England and enjoy living here.
However when it comes to watching the English international rugby union team playing an irrational hatred boils through my blood and I want them to lose to and/or get battered by whoever they are playing. I want to know why?
Normal answers are:
Jealousy - New Zealand and Australia have had similar if not more success and I have nothing against them.
Historical national animosity - I have no problem with the English Football team and will support them over any other nation (apart from Wales). Good luck to them in Portugal in the summer.
Class - In England it is seen as a middle/upper class game, and a working class game in Wales. However I am from a middle class background in Wales (I’m in a tennis club)
It must be something deeply rooted into my mind since I was a child. I would like to know how my otherwise rational mind gets so enraged when I see (Sir??) Clive Woodward’s face.
Your thoughts please