6 Nations Sociology

Scotland v Italy Call me a bitter Englishman if you must, but during a tough weekend’s couch spectating, I couldn’t help noting a brief sociological point during the Scotland/Italy match.

McLean makes a try-stopping tackle on Danielli.

But who is playing for who? Well, obviously, as soon as I say that, you’ll guess. Luke McLean was playing for Italy and Danielli for Scotland. And of course only a year or two back there was Dallaglio of England and Marsh (I think?) of France. And doubtless you can find or know of others.

Luke McLean is a Kiwi (New Zealander) who gets Italian eligibility from his grandmother. Danielli - I don’t know about for sure. I may be wrong - and apologies if so - but it sounds like there’s some Italian ancestry somewhere in the family with a name like that.

So what’s all this about? What’s the sociology?

Globalisation.

Discuss - can you think of any more examples?