This was a first, four Dolphinmen, playing international rugby over four weeks, for four different countries, and a another former Dolphin player coached an international side in the World Cup.
Everyone is aware of Niall Scannell’s exploits at the Rugby World Cup, appearing in four out of Ireland’s five games (not on duty for the Japan defeat), including against Samoa, coached by former Dolphin No 8 Steve Jackson.
Also appearing in the RWC for the USA Eagles was John Quill, currently with Rugby New York.
While this was going on, the FIRA Championship was being played, in Division 2, Jussi Viljanen captained Finland, scoring 2 pens & 2 cons in their 20-15 victory over Moldova, a side that were ranked 30 places ahead of them in the IRB rankings. Finland reached 85th, their highest ever position. but did not do so well against Denmark.
In Division 1, Czech Republic defeated Luxemburg 33-7, full back Albert Fronek scoring the opening try.