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ISSUE NO. 5

H-CUP | TREVOR BRENNAN | US COLLEGE FOOTBALL | HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS + MORE

JAMES DEGALE “IT’S GONNA BE SWEET REVENGE”

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It’s hard to believe that it’s been one year since we launched the magazine. We’re happy so many readers have embraced the concept and actively supported our vision of promoting independent sports photography.

In this issue we meet Olympic gold medallist and British super middle-weight champion James Degale and his trainer Jim McDonnell as they discuss the grudge match with George Groves.

We followed Perpignan as they invaded Barcelona and became the talk of the town, defeating Jonny Wilkinson’s star studded Toulon team in the Heineken Cup Quarter final and caught up at the famous De Danu pub in Toulouse with Trevor Brennan as he reveals why he is enjoying life after rugby.

In the USA a storm is brewing and with billions of dollars at stake we find out more about the US college football scene, NFL draft and get the low down on the impending antitrust issues surrounding the NCAA. The Harlem Globetrotters dazzle us with their unique blend of athleticism, humour and theatrics on their sell out world tour and finally we ask has Novak Djokovic become Rafael Nadal’s bogeyman?

We would like to thanks everyone that has contributed their time, effort and support in helping deliver another great issue to our readers.

SEEN Team

5ISSUE

Cover: James DegalePhoto by Eoin Mundow

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04 US COLLEGE FOOTBALL We take a closer look at the highly lucrative US college football scene, through a stunning photography feature by Rob Tringali.

14 JAMES DEGALEThe Olympic champion allows us exclusive access to watch him prepare for his grudge match with George Groves and reveals why he will punish his rival.

24 THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY Highlighting the funny side of sport we take a look at the tackle that made all German football fans wince.

26 HEINEKEN CUPColin Spiro witnesses a historic day in Barcelona as Perpignan become the “Kings of Catalunya”, winning a thrilling Heineken Cup quarter final against Toulon.

36 TREVOR BRENNANThe former Stade Toulousain and Ireland international invites us for a drink to discuss life after rugby in the South-West of France

42 NADAL V DJOKOVICHRafael Nadal’s world domination is under threat. We look at the rivalry between Djokovic and Nadal ahead of Roland Garros.

44 HARLEM GLOBETROTTERSBack on the road and selling out arenas on their world tour, we hang out with the “new“ Harlem Globetrotters.

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INSIDE|SEEN

US COLLEGE FOOTBALL

All photos by Rob Tringali

BIG BUSINESS AND

ANTITRUST

In the USA, college football is big business with television and merchandising revenues running into billions of dollars.

US college football is governed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

The Big Ten Conference is the United States’ oldest Division. The Bowl Championship Series (BCS) is a selection system that creates five bowl match-ups involving ten of the top ranked teams.

In 2011 there are 639 NCAA schools competing in US college football

In recent weeks the justice department are pressuring the NCAA to give a convincing explanation as to why there is no play off system in place for college football .

The US Justice departement is investigating the claims raised by twenty one college profes-sors who believe the current BCS favors certain schools and contravenes antitrust laws.

The average attendance at a college football game is just over 47,000

Nearly 50 million fans have attended football games this season.

Highlights from various US college games.

Members of the Alabama Crimson Tide run off the field prior to their game against the Texas Longhorns in the Citi BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl on January 7, 2010

Members of the Alabama Crimson Tide run off the field prior to their game against the Texas Longhorns in the Citi BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl on January 7, 2010

The ultimate goal of the players competing in college football is to be chosen for the annual NFL Draft and sign a lucrative professional contract. Only ten percent of college players realise their dream and the hyperbole surrounding the draft make it a must see event to attend for many American football fans. The 32 NFL teams select the best talent from a pool of eligible college football players.

The ultimate goal of the players competing in college football is to be chosen for the annual NFL Draft and sign a lucrative professional contract. Only ten percent of college players realise their dream and the hyperbole surrounding the draft make it a must see event to attend for many American football fans. The 32 NFL teams select the best talent from a pool of eligible college football players.

JAMES DEGALE

On 21st May at the 02 Arena, Olympic gold medalist and British super middleweight champion James Degale promises to punish his rival George Groves and get revenge for losing in the amatuers. In a fight that does not need hyping due to the real animosity that has grown over the years between the two fighters, only one man can prevail. The stakes could not be higher with the winner claiming the bragging rights and moving onto compete for a world title.

SEEN were given exclusive access to James Degale’s training camp ahead of the biggest fight of his professional career. Overseen by his trainer Jim McDonnell and supported by the courageous Michael Watson, Degale demonstrates his talents, determination and discusses why he will emerge victorious.

How has training been going? I understand you have been in heavy sparring with Nathan

Cleverly?Training has been going really well. I had a week of sparring with Nathan Cleverly; I did 34 rounds in four spar-ring sessions. So it’s going well, good competitive hard sparring and we don’t hold back, it’s just what I need.

Any knockdowns?Nah, no knockdowns, but it was pretty heated, pretty intense, but it was good.

Talking of Nathan Cleverly, what do you think of his chances of becoming a world champion on May 21st?Oh definitely, he is definitely going to do it. For a Light Heavyweight he is super fast, super fit and I think he is just going to be too quick and too smart for Braehmer.

Jim McDonnell told me that Nathan, who has sparred with the likes of Joe Calzaghe rates you very highly. What are your thoughts on Joe Calzaghe? And do you think you can reach the heights he did as a professional boxer?Hopefully. I think Calzaghe is one of Britain’s best fighters and if I can achieve half of what he did I’d be happy and humble. As I say I’m going in the right direction.

Words, Interviews & Photos by Eoin Mundow

“I CAN’T WAIT TO GET IN THERE AND KNOCK UGLY KID OUT”

In my first two years as a professional I became British champion. He did it in I think 14 fight’s, I did it in 9, so I think I’m a touch ahead of him. So everything isgoing good.

I understand Adam Booth and David Haye were interesting in signing you before you turned pro. Is it true Booth used to come down to the Dale Youth Club to watch you?Yeah, he liked both me and George and to be honest I don’t really think he could afford me because obviously I came back with the Olympic Gold medal. So obviously he signed George and I think they wish they could turn it back and sign me. But I don’t want nothing to do with them and I can’t wait to get in there and knock ugly kid out.

How did you choose Jim McDonnell to be your trainer when you turned professional?Ron Boddy (The ABA PR Representa-tive) suggested that I should try Jim, so I went to see him and I liked the way he worked, I liked his attitude and we got along. I’m so glad I went with him now. I’ve been to different gyms and seen how they train, but I’m just glad that I went with Jim.

What are the benefits you have no-ticed of working with Jim since step-ping up from amateur boxing to the professional game? He trains you hard?He works me proper. Everyone knows he is a warhorse in the gym and I know when I walk to the ring I can do it with a smile on my face because I know that Jim has put me through it hard in the gym.

Any specific training techniques that he has?All kind of things, we will work on the track, that’s pretty hard. I’ve done 36 minutes sparring session with 4 differ-ent sparring partners without a break, all different stuff.

You went to America to seek out spar-ring with Floyd Mayweather Jnr. What happened when you got there?The experience was fantastic. I was in his gym for a week and watched him spar, I watched him train for a whole week, but I didn’t get to spar with him in the end but my team-mate did. His manager, trainer said I was to big. He said “Nah man you’re a light heavy-weight”, but I was just pleased to go there and watch him train and watch him go through the motions.

Floyd is definitely one if the hardest

trainers in the world, so you benefited from his work ethic?Oh definitely. That’s why he is a bit arrogant, he’s got that swagger to him because he does train so hard and he is very talented.

What do you make of the news that Andre Dirrell, who is coming back to the sport after one year’s absence following neurological problems has been sparring with your rival George Groves?Wasn’t he supposed to be retiring due to some problem with his brain or something?

Do you think that the sparring sessions between Groves and Dirrell are no more than just a publicity stunt?Yeah I think so. It looks good in the press; it looks good in the papers. If they say he has been sparring Dirrell who is a good fighter. He (George Groves) has been sparring a 50% Dirrell, I have been sparring a 100% Nathan Cleverly who is focused and ready for winning the world title. It don’t matter where he has been train-ing or who he has been sparring.

Having won the gold medal for Britain was a great achievement, but do you sometimes find it a burden havingto live up to the public’s expectations?

Words, Interviews & Photos by Eoin Mundow

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Obviously winning something for your country you going to have pressure on your shoulders. People are expecting you to move on quickly and achieve good things as well, but I think I’m do-ing that.

The rivalry with George and yourself is well documented; you are now both successful professionals now. He holds the Commonwealth title and you the British title. Do you think it is relevant to the outcome of this fight what hap-pened between you in the amateurs?No. As I say man it’s two different sports and obviously he just beat me in the amateurs, but really he shouldn’t have beaten me. It’s gonna be sweet revenge on May 21st.

Another fighter that was one of your rivals in the amateurs and that you de-feated on route to winning the Olym-pic gold medal was Darren Sutherland. Tragically he is no longer with us after taking his own life, how did that affect you?

domestically, that would be great, two Britons to box for the world title that would be fantastic.

How do you think that fight with Carl Froch would unfold? A knockout, would it go to points?I’m not too sure. Carl Froch has a great chin, he’s gritty, he’s determined and he can box when he wants to.

So I don’t know it would be a good scrap, obviously I’m going to say that I’m going to win because I’m confi-dent in my ability and confident that I would beat anyone, but it would be a good scrap.

When I was down at the gym Michael Watson came in and offered his advice and support to you.

When I heard I couldn’t believe it and it’s just so sad. You know boxing is an individual sport and it’s a lonely one as well. I’m lucky that I have good people around me a good family and a great team. But as I say he was a great fighter and he would have defi-nitely gone on to do big things.

It will come to a conclusion eventu-ally. Who do you think will win the Showtime Super Six tournament?You know what. Froch has surprised me in his last couple of performancesagainst Abraham and showed mesome boxing skills, so he has really grown on me. But I can’t see him beating (Andre) Ward, but it will be a good scrap.

Talking about Carl Froch, when do you think you will be ready for him?After he has come out of the Super Six and hopefully won it or whatever, then in a year’s time hopefully I will be boxing for a world title. That willbe a massive fight for England

when they have to like Pernell Whita-ker, Sugar Ray Leonard and people like that.

So you aspire to be like Naseem Hamed and your nickname is chunky, you’re not going to end up like him?Nah, he is chunky at the minute, but he is a great man and a great fighter. I speak to him when I see him at shows, but it’s just mad speaking to him because obviously I used to look up to him as a kid and grew up watch-ing him. But now he speaks to me and he says, “ It ain’t about me”, because I always ask him questions about his career and about his fights and he says “It ain’t about me anymore, Chunk, it’s about you and the new generation”. He’s dead funny he’s wicked.

Who do you think will win the upcom-ing Heavyweight unification fight between Wladimir Klitschko and David Haye?I would like to say Haye but I just can’t see it. Obviously it’s Heavyweight box-ing and obviously he has a chance.

He has more chance against Wladimir than he does against Vitali. If it were Vitali I would say he has no chance at all. But with Wladimir he has been down several times in recent fights and with Haye he can punch and is very quick. It’s a 50/50 fight and may-be it’s one of those fights that whoever lands first.But Wladimir is athletic, he is big, he is strong and he punches hard so I’m probably going to lean towards Klitschko but I would like to see David Haye win it, even though I have a little beef with his team-mate. At the end of the day he is British and I hope he goes on to do it.

Finally what is your prediction for the fight with George Groves?Obviously I’m not looking past him and I’m not taking this lightly, I’m training very hard, but basically he is a stepping stone towards the world title. But I’m prepared for a hard twelve round fight, but I can’t see it going twelve rounds.

How does it feel having someone like him sup-porting you?

It’s fantastic. To have some-

one like Michael Watson to come

into the gym and give me the help and

support is great. I remember watching on telly as a kid when I was like 8 or 9, watching him against Nigel Benn and Eubank. So it’s great that such a great fighter like him should come in the gym and show me their support.

Who are the fighters that inspired you when you were growing up?I grew up watching Prince Naseem Hamed. I got all his videos, I used to practice my ring entrances like him and stuff like that, I used to love him. Then as I got a bit older and I was boxing people like Calzaghe, May-weather. I like the slick, good boxingbrains and only have to dig deep

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England has staged some enthralling grudge matches over the years and the middleweights and super middleweights have played a large part in captivating the public’s imagination. In 1985 Mark Kaylor and Errol Christie hit the headlines as they brawled in the street whilst publicising their British middleweight title clash. The fight, which took place at a raucous Wembley Arena, was a real war of attrition with both fighters being knocked down in a twelve round bout that saw Kaylor emerge as the victor on points. Following the bout both exhausted fighters embraced, having earned the respect of one another and the boxing public.

In the late 1980’s a trio of fighters emerged and gave the fight fans in the UK five memorable bouts to rival those of the global superstars – Tommy Hearns, “Marvellous” Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran. Our own heroes and villains were Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank and Michael Watson and they battled it out in front of millions of viewers on prime time television to become household names for their pre- fight antics, raw power, eccentrici-ties and most of all the compelling and brutal fights that changed the landscape in British boxing forever.

.James Degale was only four years old and George Groves only two when the tragic rematch between Michael Watson and Chris Eubank took place. Watson and Eubank were hell bent on making sure that the judges would not be required in this bout following a controversial decision in their first fight. The fighters would decide their own fate that cold September night at White Hart Lane in 1991.

A chiselled Michael Watson who was aptly named “The Force” fought at a frenetic pace battering Eubank and sys-tematically wearing him down, eventually knocking down the wilting Eubank in the 11th round.

The writing appeared to be on the wall for Eubank as Watson walked across the ring to finish off his troubled op-ponent. But as he approached with his guard perilously low, Eubank threw a huge uppercut, the last throw of the dice, it exploded on the chin of Watson. Time seemed to stand still as Watson was felled like a gi-ant oak tree falling backwards and slamming down on the canvas with the back of his neck whipping violently off the bottom rope.

Amazingly Watson made it to his feet as referee Roy Francis looked on intently to assess whether Watson was in a fit state to continue. As the bell had rung to finish the round Watson was given the benefit of the doubt and allowed to continue although he was in no fit state. The end came swiftly and was a formality as the bout was waved off as Eubank pounced on the ailing Watson.

Chris Eubank captured the vacant WBO world super-mid-dleweight title in a bitter grudge match, but as the drama unfolded and Michael Watson battled for life he captured the love and respect of a nation. His unbelievable courage and determination shone through as he overcame all the odds and managed to learn how to speak and walk again, even completing the London marathon in 2003.

As I entered the gym to watch James Degale train, it was a real surprise and joy to see Michael Watson walk through the gym doors. He has won his hardest battle but continues selflessly to inspire others to reach for their ultimate goal no matter what it may be. After a brief spin on the exer-cise bike “The Force” embraces the Olympic gold medallist and discusses tactics, he is here to show his support to his north London native. Despite the tragic outcome of that fight and the negative effects on his health as a consequence Michael Watson still loves the sport. His passion is self evident as he shadow boxes in front of the mirror demonstrating to Degale how to punch with full force.

As the British super middleweight champion warms up, stretching and shadow boxing Michael Watson hugs his old friend Jim McDonnell and then makes his way towards me. I remember meeting him outside the Albert Hall before his second fight with Chris Eubank and wishing him luck, he countered quickly “I don’t need luck”

We shake hands again some 20 years later and I tell him that he is an inspiration. Again the quintessential counter puncher in his prime responds in a flash “That’s why I live my life, to inspire others”

Michael Watson discusses tactics with James Degale

Degale unleashes a powerful right hook

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JIM MCDONNELL

Is James Degale the most talented fighter that you have trained?I think potentially James could become Britain’s greatest ever fighter. He had a massive head start being the Olympic gold medallist and it’s all about adaption. I know what I’m about and James has made a great adaption and to try and compare Groves to him is an absolute joke.He has gone from the amateur game to being a prize-fight-er and adapted really well. He punches nice and hard, he has the best defence in British boxing period, he is physi-cally very strong, he’s a beast of an athlete, he has mental strength, has will power and I think it will all come to the front when he fights Groves.

Looking further down the line, how do you think he would fare against someone like Carl Froch?I’m not gonna lie because obviously when you are close to people you can be a bit biased and you have got to look at where he is at in the development, but technically all James needs to get in there with someone like Carl Froch is the experience of big fights and that will come. I’m not gonna lie I think James is going to go on to become Brit-ain’s greatest fighter, so when the time comes he will beat Carl Froch.

What do you feel your biggest victory was as a trainer?Danny Williams against Tyson because no one gave Danny a chance, he was such a massive underdog, they questioned his mental strength and he ticked all the boxes and you know that was a great night.When Herbie Hide won the heavyweight championship against Michael Bent that was a great night, Scott Welch getting revenge against the late James Oyebola and win-ning the British title and right up against all of them was James Degale beating Paul Smith.

Freddie Roach is lauded is the best trainer in the world, yet you are 1 and 0 against him having trained Danny Williams to beat Mike Tyson. Do think it’s true that British trainers don’t garner the same level of respect as their US counter

parts?You know what, it’s really, really strange. I boxed four hall of fame fighters, but I have never been outsmarted by any of them. When I went head to head with Freddie Roach, we were massive underdogs, Freddie spoke brilliantly at the press conference about Tyson saying he was back to his very best etc, etc. But my strength is I do things my own way, I don’t go by the script, I go by experience, I’ve boxed at the highest level and I’m not being lairy but none of these people can tell me nothing about boxing.

You can always learn stuff technically; I know what it takes to be a fighter and what goes on in a fighters mind. As a trainer fighters look at me and know that I have fought twelve rounds, they know I have fought the best fighters on the planet, they know where they’re going I’ve been, what I’m asking them to do I’ve done. So Adam Booth can never match me in that department, no one can. I have been to the top of the mountain and fought the best fighters; I never avoided anyone unlike a lot of fighters who wish they could say the same thing.I read that some people think James should speak differ-ently, he is a little bit arrogant.

Former super featherweight world title challengerJim McDonnell is undaunted

by the prospect of his number 1 pupil going up against George Groves on 21st May and has high hopes for James Degale becoming a world champion. Having never turned down a challenge in the ring as a fighter and having faced the best boxers in his era, as well as ending the career of Barry McGuigan, Jimmy Mac discusses the big fight, his greatest achievements as a trainer and why he was only 41 seconds away from becoming a pound for pound great.

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JIM MCDONNELLBut what he is unlike a lot of fighters, unlike Benn, unlike Eubank, unlike Steve Collins is that he is not a liar and what I mean by that is he’s truthful, he says what he thinks. Other fighters say it tongue in cheek and I’m a bit like James I say what I think, it upsets a lot of people but that’s tough shit and Adam Booth didn’t like my statements at the press conference but I’ll say it to his face right now, tough shit, that’s how it is.

You have never boxed in your life, you have not got a clue, you’re a very brave manager and you are putting him in front of 20,000 people because you are silly enough to be-lieve that he told you he can beat James Degale, although he doesn’t really believe it himself.

What about fighting Barry Mcguigan?Listen, Terry Lawless god rest his soul was my manager and I was screaming for the McGuigan fight, I was 13-0, was rated number one in Britain, I was screaming for the fight and one day in the gym Terry sat me down, put his arm around my shoulder and said straight;

“Listen, you ain’t ready.” I said “ What?” He said “Listen you’re

just a young boy and that’s a man’s mission, you ain’t ready.”

He said, “McGuigan is too strong, too long in the tooth, he’s had too many 12 rounders, he’s in front of the game and you’re a couple of years behind him. But, I tell you what we are going to do.”

Terry said, “I tell you what we are going to do. We are go-ing to beat all the people in and around and we will let him have all the tough fights and go down the middle and when you eventually meet you will get the result”And we met I bashed him up, as simple as that.

You’re defining win was against Barry McGuigan and you fought the great Azumah Nelson, what was the proudest moment of your career?I think a lot of people forget the Brian Mitchell fight that was for the WBA world title. If I had the luck in the Azu-mah Nelson fight, which I was ahead on two of the judge’s scorecards with 41 seconds left in the fight, I would have been a double world champion.

I tried to get a rematch with Brian Mitchell but he ran a million miles away from it and Nelson stepped to the plate bravely and I was convinced I would batter him, but lets talk facts, you can make excuses but I was five pounds over at 10 O’clock in the morning and made the weight at the second attempt and lost it 41 seconds before the end of the last round on fatigue.

I believe I would have been Britain’s greatest ever fighter and I would have had two world titles to back it up. They’re hall of fame fighters, I would have been a hall of fame fighter myself.

The McGuigan fight, if the world title had been there that would have been absolutely perfect. The McGuigan fight was personal like Groves and Degale. I could just never ever let that guy beat me. If Barry McGuigan had beaten me you would not be speaking to me now because I would not be in the UK.

That fight meant everything to me, you would have had to carry me out on a stretcher for that one, I called it for years, I took out an article in Boxing News, I called on the telly, I called it to his face, I called it at the weigh in. There was no way he could be me, not in a million years could he beat me, so I trained like a demon for that fight.

My only regret in boxing is I can’t call myself a world cham-pion like some guys I see walking around who couldn’t even tie my boot laces up. I have fought better fighters than they ever fought in their careers but I don’t have that kudos of calling myself a world champion and I find that hard sometimes, that is something I have learned to live with, I have struggled with it , but I’m proud of my career.

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY

Spare a thought for Jakub “Kuba” Blaszczykowski of Borussia Dortmund who got more than he bargained for when he was challenged by Eintracht Frankfurt’s goalkeeper, Ralf Fährmann, during the Bundesliga match at Signal-Iduna-Park, Dortmund.(Photos by Bernd Feil)

HEINEKEN CUP

Based in the Pyrénées-Orientales in Southern France, USA Perpignan were founded in 1902 and proudly wear the Catalan colours of Red and Gold. Having won the French Top 14 championship seven times, their fans are renowned for their fervent support and having never won the Heineken Cup their was a real air of expectation when they took on Jonny Wilkinson’s star studded Toulon side in this years Quarter Final.

Having recently signed a partnership agreement with Catalunya’s most prestigious football team, FC Barcelona, USAP lived up to the expectations of their fans and delivered a truly memorable victory.

Based in the Pyrénées-Orientales in Southern France, USA Perpignan were founded in 1902 and proudly wear the Catalan colours of Red and Gold. Having won the French Top 14 championship seven times, their fans are renowned for their fervent support and having never won the Heineken Cup their was a real air of expectation when they took on Jonny Wilkinson’s star studded Toulon side in this years Quarter Final.

Having recently signed a partnership agreement with Catalunya’s most prestigious football team, FC Barcelona, USAP lived up to the expectations of their fans and delivered a truly memorable victory.

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KINGS

Think of Barcelona and what springs to mind? The city’s famous unfinished Gaudi cathedral, the buzz-ing central street of La Rambla, or perhaps an image of Lionel Messi netting his latest dazzling effort for Catalan footballing giants?

Not for me, not any more.

For me Barcelona will now be forever linked with rugby, and that’s not a sentence I ever expected to be writing.

When Perpignan announced that their Heineken Cup quarter-final against Toulon would be switched to Bar-celona it seemed too good an opportunity not to pop across the border from my French Pyrenean base and sample what the Catalan heartland had to offer.Hopes were high of a spectacle to remember as I headed south- I anticipate what greeted us at the Es-tadi Olympic when we pitched up on Saturday after-noon.

The sky was a beautiful azure blue, the heat beat-ing unrelentingly down from a dominant sun as the ‘sang et orr’ of Perpignan dominated the coliseum-like stadium. The noise was simply deafening, the colour spectacular and the overall atmosphere a heady cock-tail of celebration and anticipation.

Toulon brought their own contingent of fans - they

OF

CATALUNYAquickly sold all 6,000 of their allocated tickets - and their star-studded squad even briefly threatened to perform the mightiest of party ‘poops’, but ultimately the right winner emerged - not just in terms of play on the day, but equally importantly for the future growth of the game.

That may sound pretentious in the extreme but taking a top-grade club rugby match to Barcelona was unchartered territory - even if it was the fulfilment of a life-long dream for Perpignan president Paul Goze.

The scale of the challenge was quick to ascertain after I arrived at my city centre hotel and enquired about organizing a baby-sitter for my seven-month-old son while the match was played.

“No problem,” said the kindly concierge as I explained my situation. “We’ll organize it for 7pm,” he added, naturally assuming that I meant the evening football match between Barcelona and UD Almeria.

“No, that’s far too late, the game starts at 4.30pm,” I replied, to quizzical looks all around.

To save further confusion I spelled out the fact I was attending the RUGBY match between Perpignan and Toulon at the city’s famous Luis Campanys Olympic Stadium, to which I got a kind of “whatever” shrug of the shoulders and further bafflement.

Words by Colin Spiro

Photos by Eoin Mundow

Photo: Perpignan president Paul Goze reflects after a historical victory for his team.

It turned out the fully-booked hotel was occupied almost exclusively by groups of men in their 30s-40s, but that almost all were there to sample the city’s famous night life and to try and catch a glimpse of Messi and company at the Camp Nou on Saturday eve-ning. This is the true challenge facing rugby fans in Barcelona, and the game in general in Spain.

Football is king, with basketball the prince. Rugby, by contrast, is a minority sport. And yet...

Come Saturday afternoon the city was awash with ‘sang et orr’ as the Perpig-nan fans began to emerge from their hideouts. Some 35,000 travelled across the border from France, with 6,000 more journey-ing from Toulon, but that still meant that 14,000 of the 55,000 sell-out had come from Barcelona itself. That’s enough to fill most Top 14 stadiums on their own, and how they must have enjoyed it.

No segregation between the fans, no fighting, just unadulterated enjoyment of the game in hand. It wasn’t a classic in terms of free-running rugby, but it will go down as an his-toric occasion nonethe-less as Barcelona played glorious host to a match which turned out to be an afternoon, evening and early morning of Catalan celebration.

Toulon did their best to silence the crowds, but this was not their day - and nor was it meant to be. Satur-day April 9th 2011 will go down as the day Perpignan finally made it to their spiritual homeland. Sunday April 10th 2011 will probably be remembered as the day the hangover began to kick in.

The eventual match-winner was the unlikely veteran prop Perry Freshwater, but perhaps it was fitting that

an outsider (an English-Kiwi adopted by the Catalan faithful should make the telling contribution. This was his first try in eight years since joining Perpignan, and the significance of his achievement wasn’t lost on the former Leicester and England front-rower.

“Ever since I’ve been at the club the idea of getting a game in Barcelona has been the whole goal. Bar-celona, Barcelona, Barcelona... and it was a fantastic occasion. But it wouldn’t have been if we had lost, and

we could have,” he said afterwards.

Defeat, glorious or not, would have been the big-gest of bummers for the swathes of Catalan fans. A loss associated with the city, a dejection draped in blood and gold. But they didn’t lose, and the memory banks will now be forever etched with victory, with sunshine,

Indeed, for the last six minutes, after Freshwa-ter’s try had secured the win, the Estadi Olympic reverberated with a noise I have never previously experienced in all my years as a sports journal-ist. I’ve been to 100,000 strong football crowds, 60,000 sell-out cricket matches, but I have never witnessed colour and vol-ume on the scale I experi-enced in Barcelona.

The region’s Sunday and Monday sports pages

remained dominated by football and basketball, but for those 14,000 Barcelona-based fans, and the huge travelling support, this will be remembered as the day the Catalans’ capital played glorious host to its rugby cousins.

Nearly 50,000 Perpignan fans travelled to support their team who came from behind to beat Toulon 29-25 in front of a packed Olympic Stadium. Both sets of supporters created a friendly carnival-like atmosphere on a gloriously sunny day which will be remembered for years to come in the history of Perpignan rugby club.

1. David Marty of Perpignan wipes sweat from his brow2. General view of the pack as Toulon push forward3. David Marty runs out of the players tunnel before kick off4. Perry Freshwater scores the decisive try for Perpignan5. Jonny Wilkinson waits behind the pack6. Jonny Wilkinson of Toulon fails to stop Adrien Plante from scoring a try7. Jerome Porical attacks for Perpignan

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1. David Marty of Perpignan wipes sweat from his brow2. General view of the pack as Toulon push forward3. David Marty runs out of the players tunnel before kick off4. Perry Freshwater scores the decisive try for Perpignan5. Jonny Wilkinson waits behind the pack6. Jonny Wilkinson of Toulon fails to stop Adrien Plante from scoring a try7. Jerome Porical attacks for Perpignan

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A dejected Jonny Wilkinson reflects after Toulon lose

David Marty celebrates a famous victory for Perpignan

TREVOR BRENNAN

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So you moved to Stade Toulousain in 2002, tell us about your experi-ence with them?I started playing for Stade Toulou-sain in 2002 and finished in 2007. I would have to say putting apart playing for Ireland and Leinster, the five best years I had was with Stade Toulouse. I played in three European Cup finals, two French final’s, two semi-finals, it was just mind boggling like. You know before Leinster had ever won the European Cup, before Munster had won the European Cup I had three medals in my pocket, two winners and one runners up. Playing alongside players like Fabien Pelous, Emile Ntamack, William Servat, Yannick Bru it’s just fantastic.

Was it a huge decision to (move) across to France from Ireland and play?It was a big decision in the sense that I didn’t speak French, I sup-pose that was the hardest part because for me it was literally like

Chinese. It took a while to get used to the French culture, how they eat, how everything shuts up on a Sun-day. But the great thing was I was playing with a bunch of guys who could translate for me like Yannick Bru, Emile Ntamack, these fellas who were fluent in English so the integration wasn’t so hard. These guys definitely helped me on and off the pitch.

What are your thoughts on the influx of foreign players to the Top 14? Do you think the French game is going to lose its identity?Certainly when you look at teams like Toulon and Racing Club Paris. I think Toulouse have held on to part of their identity, but unfortunately in the professional game they have no choice but to sign players from New Zealand, South Africa, Aus-tralia and other parts of the world to get the best. If you want the best team these are the places you have to go to. I don’t think in the immediate fu-ture it will have an affect on the

French game. If you look at Ireland we have 50,000 people playing rugby, that’s taking in everything including kids, all teams. Whereas in France they have a couple of hundred thousand and I just think there is a lot of home-grown play-ers coming through in the next generation. I think positions like props, France don’t produce props. If you look at the Top 14 and the second division over fifty percent of the props are playing overseas.

Your retirement from rugby in 2007 was controversial and well documented, how difficult was it coming to terms with life after Rugby?Well it was pretty tough I have to be honest for the first year or may-be even the first two years were the toughest. I still felt at 33 years of age that I possibly had another two or three years as a professional player left in me. So that was pretty hard to take.But I have adapted well. I have been very lucky that I set up a bar

Interview & Photos by Eoin Mundow

Having retired from competitive rugby in 2007 in a blaze of controversy former Stade Toulousain, Leinster and Ireland international Trevor Brennan welcomes us to join him in

the south-west of France at his popular pub De Danu. Now a successful businessman having recently launched a rugby tour company, a new restaurant - La Cantina San Subra with former team mates William Servat and Salvatore Perugini, Brennan explains why he is enjoying life after rugby, this year’s World Cup in New Zealand and what he thinks of

Mickey Rourke playing Gareth Thomas in a Hollywood movie.

Trevor Brennan in the cellar at his De Danu pub in Toulouse, France.

– De Danu in 2004 so when Rugby stopped I wasn’t sitting at home watching TV feeling sorry for my-self, I had another distraction. I also coached Stade Toulousain Cra-bos for two years, so that still kept me involved in the Rugby. I was able to get out three times a week coaching the next generation of players and go and see them play matches at the weekend. Last year I coached a local side out where I live in Lalande Aucamville, but no I don’t really have the time anymore. I have two sons, a twelve year old and a nine year old who play, so any free time I have at the weekend I like to go and watch them.

De Danu has become an institu-tion in Toulouse and to Rugby fans around the world when they come to visit. You have had a lot of famous people in the pub, who his been in there to see you?We have had Elton John, Bo Derek, and Mel Gibson. I’d be shocked at some of the people who have turned up at the door; I don’t think they turn up for me. (Laughs)The Zenith Stadium is down the road and you might have The Cranberries playing or The Lord of the Dance and they are just having some time out having a few drinks.Then we have had all the Munster team, the Bath team, Northampton team, Leicester team if we are talk-ing about rugby. If they are playing on Friday and stay over, the first night they come in here we look after them. We may give them a few free drinks, we feed them, and you know that’s the great thing about rugby. You know rugby players, they tend to look after their own.

You have obviously had lots of wild nights in De Danu. Is it a case of it’s a home away from home? What happens there stays there?

Exactly, I think you hit the nail on the head. They know here, obvi-ously with the professional game you have got to be careful, people taking pictures when you’re hav-ing drinks and having a good time. Also the fact of guys getting into fights, getting into trouble. But here we have never had a door policy, it’s a place where everyone is welcome, it’s happy go lucky. We see people that have had too much, we organise them a lift home, we get them a taxi or you just don’t serve them anymore more drink.

Your good friend Gareth Thomas came out about his sexuality. Do you find it somewhat surreal that Mickey Rourke is playing him in a biopic? Well listen, I just think it’s a fucking joke that it’s Mickey Rourke like. I don’t know if you have seen the film the wrestler?The guys got plastic surgery to the max like. If they were gonna go for a rugby player, get a younger guy. Like Mickey Rourke, a 55-year-old guy trying to play Gareth Thomas is a bit stupid like.

Have they been in Toulouse shoot-ing it or is it just an idea floating around?

Well unfortunately Gareth and myself lost contact once he left Toulouse, that was it like. Unfortu-nately I didn’t hear from him again, it’s like two years plus. We don’t keep in contact, I don’t know.I don’t know what it was. Gareth and myself when he was here were great mates, but I think he just lives in his own world and is happy having his little group of friends in Wales and that’s it like.

So you’re not going to be in the movie then?No I’m not, definitely not, I fucking hope not. (Laughs)

Finally how do you think Ireland will fare at the World Cup in New Zealand? They had a great perform-ance against England and showed what they are capable of?I just think if they can stay injury free for a start I think they can definitely go to the quarter-finals and maybe even beyond that like. It’s just Ireland being able to stay injury free and all their top players being able to perform - like Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell. If you take one of these guys out they start to get into a bit of trouble.

Mickey Rourke (L) tipped to play Gareth Thomas (R) in biopic

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CAPTURING ALL THE ACTION

CLEVA MEDIA PHOTO AGENCY • WWW.CLEVAMEDIA.COM • PICTURES@CLEVAMEDIA.COM • +44 (0)20 8133 8696

COURT RIVALSA new intense rivalry has emerged in men’s tennis between the Spanish icon Rafael Nadal and the brilliant Serb Novak Djokovic who is finally fulfilling his potential having seized the number one position following a blistering undefeated run in which he won the Australian Open, Miami, Indian Wells, Madrid Masters and Rome Masters and beaten his rival on his favoured surface, clay twice in as many weeks. Can Djokovic make it a hat trick and win Roland Garros?

RAFAEL NADAL Country: SpainD.O.B: 3rd June 1986 Height: 185 cm Weight: 85 kg Left-handed

NADAL V DJOKOVIC

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NOVAC DJOKOVICCountry: SerbiaD.O.B: 22nd May 1987Height: 187 cmWeight: 80 kgRight-handed

Despite losing four finals in a row against Novac Djokovic and seven out of ten of their previous encounters, Rafael Nadal is still the bookmakers favourite to win Roland Garros this year. Could it be to the advantage of the Spaniard that the tournament takes place of two gruelling weeks and his proven strength stamina will prevail? Novak Djokovic will be looking to extend his unbeaten run in 2011 and surpass the record set by John McEnroe in 1984 of 42 consecutive wins at the beginning of a season. Having already beaten Nadal on clay in Madrid and Rome Djokovic is ready to prove that he has Nadal’s number.

NADAL V DJOKOVIC

Photos by Alvaro Hernadez & Cesar Cebolla

HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

Words & Photos by Eoin Mundow

In the 70’and 80’s there were many weird and wonderful brands and crazes exported to the masses by America. Whether it be Evil Kenevil, Stretch Armstrong, The Dukes of Hazard, Star Wars or a bloated Elvis Presley strutting his stuff in his white sequined jump suit, one group of superstars stood head and shoulders above the rest - The Harlem Globetrotters.

When I saw a poster advertising their world tour purely by chance I was intrigued and decided to witness why the Globetrotters are still a hot ticket for the family in 2011.

FACT FILEThe Globetrotters were founded • in 1926 by Abe in Chicago, Illinois.

The team is owned by • Shamrock Holdings who look after the investments of the Disney family.

“Sweet Georgia Brown” the • song whistled by Brother Bones is the teams official song.

The Harlem Globetrotters • Popcorn Machine was a live-action Saturday morning show aired on CBS in 1974.

Harlem Globetrotters: The Team • that Changed the World was a documentary featuring inter-views with famous fans that have been inspired by the team including Bill Cosby, Barack Obama, Phil Jackson and Henry Kissinger.

The Globetrotters have played • more than 25,000 games, entertaining everyone from Presidents to Popes.

In recent years the Harlem • Globetrotters have appeared in Futurama, The Simpsons, Little Nicky and in 2009 a new animated programme was produced featuring the team.

In 1985, Lynette Woodard • became the first ever-female Globetrotter.

Hall fame players who have • had their numbers retired are Wilt Chamberlain, Marques Haynes, Meadowlark Lemon, Reece “Goose” Tatum and Fred “Curly” Neal.

In 1995 a 22-year old player • called Antigua became the first non-black player to join the Harlem Globetrotters since Bob Karstens who played for the team in 1942-43.

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