There is something about the Six Nations Championship that brings out both the best and the peculiar in European rugby fandom. From leprechauns to nuns, gladiators to chickens, it is a beer-fueled festival that has it all.
There is something about the Six Nations Championship that brings out both the best and the peculiar in European rugby fandom. From leprechauns to nuns, gladiators to chickens, it is a beer-fueled festival that has it all.
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By way of example, these two Welshmen have dragons on their heads...
By way of example, these two Welshmen have dragons on their heads...
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This English couple -- faces painted, rose-clad and covered in chain mail -- have arrived on inflatable horseback, presumably in cartoon homage to Saint George.
This English couple -- faces painted, rose-clad and covered in chain mail -- have arrived on inflatable horseback, presumably in cartoon homage to Saint George.
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Ah yes, the daffodil -- a symbol of Wales like few else. Daffodils everywhere -- back, arms, legs, backside. Note the baffled smirks of the passers-by.
Ah yes, the daffodil -- a symbol of Wales like few else. Daffodils everywhere -- back, arms, legs, backside. Note the baffled smirks of the passers-by.
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Chain mail, jesters' hats and the longest of long lenses. How the papparazi have changed...
Chain mail, jesters' hats and the longest of long lenses. How the papparazi have changed...
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Ooh la la. This shouldn't be suave, but look of those eyes...
Ooh la la. This shouldn't be suave, but look of those eyes...
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If ever there was an outfit that contrasted a team's form, this optimistic Italian's gladiatorial splendor doesn't quite match Italy's recent Six Nations record. Sergio Parisse and co. are without a win since 2015.
If ever there was an outfit that contrasted a team's form, this optimistic Italian's gladiatorial splendor doesn't quite match Italy's recent Six Nations record. Sergio Parisse and co. are without a win since 2015.
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Just look at that face paint! That Saltire is perfection -- the facial hair even adds to it.
Just look at that face paint! That Saltire is perfection -- the facial hair even adds to it.
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There is all sorts going on here. Why the mini-flags? And the glasses? Who does that?
There is all sorts going on here. Why the mini-flags? And the glasses? Who does that?
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On this monsieur's visage, you will find what is known as a Gallic rooster.
On this monsieur's visage, you will find what is known as a Gallic rooster.
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What are lungs for, if not for bagpipes?
What are lungs for, if not for bagpipes?
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Nope, me neither.
Nope, me neither.
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It wouldn't be Six Nations rugby without a "nun" at the Stadio Olimpico. There are almost too many elements here to analyze. The rope, the cross, the man -- ticket semi-digested, beer clutched -- his startled face etched with a confused angst. Did he forget to lock the front door?
It wouldn't be Six Nations rugby without a "nun" at the Stadio Olimpico. There are almost too many elements here to analyze. The rope, the cross, the man -- ticket semi-digested, beer clutched -- his startled face etched with a confused angst. Did he forget to lock the front door?
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This could almost be a game of "Where's Waldo?" -- a sole pink shirt among a sea of Irish green.
This could almost be a game of "Where's Waldo?" -- a sole pink shirt among a sea of Irish green.
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Look at those eyes fixed on that outstretched pint. The wide-brim hat is a lovely touch.
Look at those eyes fixed on that outstretched pint. The wide-brim hat is a lovely touch.
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A touch of class and sophistication amid the posse of dragons, roses and roosters.
A touch of class and sophistication amid the posse of dragons, roses and roosters.
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An image of so many layers. If you can look past the daffodil head frames and the half-and-half scarves, there's actually a man coming up behind on the shoulders of a toy child. What a tournament.
An image of so many layers. If you can look past the daffodil head frames and the half-and-half scarves, there's actually a man coming up behind on the shoulders of a toy child. What a tournament.
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