Sports Rugby

Here are a few unusual stories about rugby tries:

The Enthusiastic Try – In the late 1950s, George Nepia, recognised as probably New Zealand’s greatest fullback, was well into retirement although he continued to play in social matches. In one of these games, the ball hit him perfectly in the chest. Noticing a gap straight in front of him, he sprinted for the line and grounded the ball right under the posts. There was only one problem – he was the referee.

The Fastest Try in Test History – This was scored by Scotland’s New Zealand import, John Leslie. With only 9 seconds on the clock, Leslie scored a try in the test against Wales at Murrayfield in 1999.

The Held-up Try – This try was scored during a game in Builth Wells, in Wales during the early 1900’s. The visiting fullback kicked the ball into some tree branches that were overhanging the pitch. Surprise, surprise – the ball got stuck in the branches. While officials went off to find another ball and the players had a rest on the field, the ball suddenly fell from the tree. A quick thinking player grabbed the ball and scored under the posts. The opposition naturally complained but the referee awarded the try because, under local rules, the ball had not gone out of play…

The Joint Test Try – This was the only jointly awarded test try being scored by Welsh players Howie Jones and Harry Peacock. The try was scored in a test match against Ireland in 1930. The referee was unable to sort out which player grounded the ball, so the only joint try in an international game was awarded.