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Rugby

Kevin talks about how rugby is popular in Wales.
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Todd: OK, Kevin, I hear that you're from Wales.

Kevin: Yes, I'm from Wales.

Todd: And you're really into rugby!

Kevin: Yeah, I love rugby. Um, in Wales everybody plays rugby, in primary school, in juniorhigh school we play rugby. When I was in high school everybody in my high school had to play rugby. All the boys had to play rugby. And it's our national sport.

Todd: OK. Uh, do you still play now?

Kevin: Ah, I played about five years ago. I played in Japan in Kobe. The club was called Kobe Regata club.

Todd: OK.

Kevin: And they were very strong. Yeah, but in this country you play on sand, but in Wales you play on grass. It's a lot easier to play rugby in Wales.

Todd: Um, What's the best thing about rugby?

Kevin: Violence. Ah, it's very good because you can run and you can hit somebody and you don't go to jail for doing it so...it's the same as if you've been to America, the same as American football. Uh, it's very strong and when you practice you become stronger. You're body becomes stronger and it's just fun to play rugby.

Todd: Have you ever broken a bone or...?

Kevin: I've broken my nose, I've had about ten stitches in my bottom lip. Ah, I've broken a finger. That's not too bad. Many of my friends have broken their legs and knees... and problems but not too bad for me.

Todd: OK. Great. Thanks a lot Kevin.

Kevin: Thank you.

Learn vocabulary from the lesson!

national sport

It's our national sport.

A 'national sport' is the sport that the country plays the most of or has as part of their cultural identity.

Notice the following:

  1. What is the national sport of China?
  2. Soccer is England's national sport.

still play

Do you still play now?

When you 'still play' something this means that you continue to play even after a long time.

Notice the following:

  1. You are quite old, do you still play football?
  2. Even though I have left the school I still play with the school team.

strong

Kobe Regata club were very strong.

When a team is 'strong' it means that it is successful and performs well.

Notice the following:

  1. They are looking very strong this season, I think we have a good chance of winning the title.
  2. They played poorly at first, but looked stronger towards the end of the game.

sand

In this country you play on sand, but in Wales you play on grass.

'Sand' is very small pieces of rock, like what is found on a beach. In this case, it is the surface that some sports are played on. 

Notice the following:

  1. You play beach volley ball on sand.
  2. There is always a layer of sand on the pitch to improve grip.

stitches

I've broken my nose, I've had about ten stitches in my bottom lip.

Stitches are used to help wounds, usually big cuts, to heal correctly. It is when you use thread to sew your skin closed like cloth.

Notice the following:

  1. That cut is quite bad and I think you might need stitches.
  2. Rugby players always seem to need stitches.

Vocabulary Quiz

national sport • still plays • strong
sand • stitches
  1. Our team is really in defense this year.
  2. When you go to the beach you usually come home covered in .
  3. My grandfather is almost 80, but he tennis three times a week.
  4. Baseball is considered the in the United States.
  5. He had to get two in the cut above his eye.
Answer the following questions about the interview.

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