Allez les bleus!

In international Rugby I support France. I do this for several reasons, but the most satisfying is that they don't have shirt sponsors.

Rugby Union has, in my opinion, sold out after dropping its stick amateur code in 1995. Until then the game was played for the love of it and it was devoid of the commercialism that has ruined football (soccer). The lack of commercialism also meant that Rugby shirts never had sponsorships and were not subject to the ugly designs of sports manufactures like Nike and Adidas. Now, however, the traditional cotton rugby shirt has been replaced at the top level with synthetic fabrics, hideous designs and sponsor logo's.

I understand why clubs have shirt sponsors, they are commercial entities whose sole purpose is to make money. It is, however, beyond me why the national rugby associations have sold their images (or should I say soul) for mammon. The RFU's make more than enough money on tickets and TV rights, why do they need more money? They are associations, not businesses!

At least France has resisted putting an ugly cooperate logos on their shirt!