(Rugby-mad) Bush may visit Australia for Rugby World Cup

Sydney Morning Herald ^ | May 21 2003

[dead]

US President George W Bush hoped to visit Australia later this year, but no firm decision had yet been made on dates, a US embassy spokesman said today.

Mr Bush is reportedly set to visit Australia after attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Thailand on October 20 and 21.

The long-expected visit, which would be the first by a US leader since President Bill Clinton toured in 1996, would allow President Bush to say thank you for Australia's support during the war in Iraq.

A US embassy spokesman said the tour was yet to be confirmed, although APEC did present an ideal opportunity, as Mr Bush would be in the region.

"Speculation was based on some hopeful remarks by some people in the White House that of course the president would like to visit Australia," he said.

"There is a possibility, but we certainly can't confirm yet that he's going to visit and nor can we confirm the dates."

He said Philippines President Gloria Arroyo, like Prime Minister John Howard, had extended invitations to Mr Bush.

"She invited him to come to The Philippines on her trip to Washington and he said he'd like to do that too," the spokesman said.

"So there would seem to be something of an ideal itinerary shaping up to those of us out here in the field."

Mr Howard reissued his invitation while staying with Mr Bush on his Crawford, Texas, ranch three weeks ago.

Asked about a visit then, Mr Bush said he would like to head to Australia as soon as possible.

An October stopover would also allow the rugby-mad president to attend a Rugby World Cup match, possibly Japan versus the US in Gosford on October 27, or France versus Scotland in Sydney on October 25.

Mr Howard shares a passion for rugby with Mr Bush, who played fullback for Yale University during his college days.

AAP

[deport]

Forget it... it did on a refresh... sorry. You resize by changing the width and height pixels proportionaly.

[vrwinger]

He is saying "two." That is in early indication of his intention to run for a second term in 2004...

[Miss Marple]

WHERE do you change it? I see the properties are 813 x 621. Aside from my math difficulties on THAT proportion, say that I wanted to change it to 613x421, where would I place that information?

[deport]

You have mail......

[alex]

From what I saw in the Ireland/England rugby match, the reverse is also true. Most of them wouldn't last two minutes in an NFL game either. They're not used to a 6'5" 280 lb. defensive back (who runs a 4.4 40) in full equipment smashing into them.

I highly doubt that NFL defensive back in "AS IS" condition could touch a rugby player, not speaking about smashing into one. Naturally, you can grow a good rugby player from an NFL defensive backs, but it will require new skills and a rugby game played by converted NFL defensive backs will be the same rugby game.

[alex]

The american version of rugby is more like football without the benefit of protection ... the version played in most other countries is more refined, more passing and intricate team work.

The difference is that players in the some other countries learn early how to tackle.

[Consort]

...I scaled it down for you.

[montag813]

Advice to Bush: Skip the Mideast, Hit the Rugbyfest. Don't reward Abu Mazen for terrorism, reward John Howard for his loyalty.

[Miss Marple]

LOL! Got a magnifying glass?

[TheKost]

In Rugby, possession is more important than a good tackle. Since in Rugby Union the play doesn’t stop when someone is tackled, a good hit could take you out of play and let the other team pick up the ball and score.

[TheKost]

In Rugby, possession is more important than a good tackle. Since in Rugby Union the play doesn’t stop when someone is tackled, a good hit could take you out of play and let the other team pick up the ball and score.

[armed_in_sydney]

I had absolutely no idea Americans played rugby.It blows my mind to think Mr Bush played.

I hope he's there to watch us retain the world cup.:)

[Arkle]

Better luck next time...

[Jonx6]

Rugby "W" bump

Austin Huns rule!

Is there a Rugby ping list here on FR?

[Miss Marple]

No rugby ping list that I know about. Sorry.

[kaboom]

Based on the photo and the sport, the President must have been fast as hell back then.

[Consort]

Sorry this is so big...don't know how to scale down:...

...I scaled it down to locket size.

[Consort]

Oops...double post.

[Consort]

Not a double post. Deja vu posts about a year apart.