October 29th saw Rugby being played at the O2 arena in London, but not in it’s usual form. Rugby X has arrived, a cross between Arena American Football, Rugby 7’s, it has the rolling substitutions of Touch Rugby. The brainchild of Ben Ryan, the game is designed to be an entertaining total Rugby experience. The game is played between two teams of five players, with 7 replacements. There are no line outs, with quick throws restarting the games. A maximum of two players in every ruck and three in a maul, with no kicks over 10 meters adds to the excitement. But the most intriguing rule, is how draws are settled. Ties, are decided by a 1 on 1 between nominated players from each team.

Wales did not have any representation at the O2, but who would I pick in Wales first Rugby X team? I have picked a team from mainstream talent in the full version of Rugby…… with one wildcard entry not based in the 15 man game, or in Sevens. My starting 5 would be:

Matthew Morgan (Blues)- The man known as Nipper, is the first name on my team sheet. An electric runner with a low centre of gravity and pace to burn. Morgan is currently based at the Blues, but I can’t help but feel that he would be a superstar in the Rugby X arena. If he finds space he is incredibly difficult to defend, and is also a creative player. He would be my choice for the 1v1 in the event of a draw. See his most recent Youtube highlight reel here.

Taulupe Faletau (Bath): A World class operator at Number 8 in the 15 a side game, Faletau is a highly skilled Footballer, as well as a strong ball carrier and presence at the breakdown. Faletau would thrive with more freedom to express himself, if this team was being picked this month, Faletau would be able to use Rugby X as a way of regaining match fitness after his clavicle injury led to him missing the World Cup.

Tomos Williams (Blues)- Fresh off a fantastic World cup campaign for him, Williams has the athleticism developed on the Basketball court as a schoolboy and a spiky edge. A livewire who empties the tank in attack and defence. Williams would assume the scrum half position in the starting team but has the skills to appear anywhere effectively.

Justin Tipuric (Ospreys) – The second forward in my team, but the Trebanos man has the skillset many Centre’s would be proud of. Has a host of 7’s experience and is equally as proficient in the tight and in defence.

Regan Grace (St Helens Rugby League)- My wildcard, but Rugby X does not stipulate players have to be union players, as i understand it. Born in Port Talbot, Grace appeared for the Ospreys academy. He then started to play League and was snapped up the Super League power house St Helens. The Jet heeled 22 year old scored 22 tries for the Saints in 2019. He is another who would be a box office player in Rugby X, should it become a huge hit. I would love to see him return to his Rugby Union routes, but for now he seems happy in the 13 man game.

There are two players in particular who came close to making my fantasy 5, Gareth Davies (Scarlets) and Jordan Williams (Dragons). This would be an exciting team, which would put bums on seats. I would certainly be interested in watching Rugby X if Wales were taking part, I am sure it would be a popular event if it was to ever be held in Cardiff.

This is purely a fantasy article, but imagine the fun of watching these players in the arcade style Rugby game, that is Rugby X.