Not Just Any Forum

How The ‘Green and Gold Rugby Forum’ Captivated The Entire AAGPS

T. F. C. Kierse

KNOWN AND BELOVED TO ALMOST ALL OF SHORE, The Green and Gold Rugby Forum (G&GR) has managed to grasp the attention of the AAGPS Community unlike any other online website before it. Whether it be on the AAGPS Rugby chat, or the Rowing or Cricket forum, the titans of the G&GR Forum may be the biggest celebrities at Shore right now.

When I was on the bus back from the game against Joeys last Thursday, the first thing that I did was check Green and Gold for the opinions of those who had been posting to the forum. I noticed that I was not alone in this action and that the influence of the forum was not limited to just myself and a few others.

It seems that the once small and unknown rugby forum is now turning into an AAGPS-wide phenomenon.

Probably the two biggest contributors, “Joker” and “The Chairman”, are known by almost all Shore boys, and I would say all that are in Year 11 at the bare minimum.

Profile Photo of “The Chairman”

But what makes this forum so special? So engaging and so popular?

Firstly, it is the first online public website of its kind to have all things AAGPS Rugby on it. Whether it be the old tales and the beloved Tipping Comp of Joker, or the statistics and all kinds of Rowing VIII’s predictions of The Chairman, this mere forum offers a glimpse into the past for many of the curious fans of AAGPS Sport, and overall, just makes for a good read.

Secondly, it allows for most of the boys themselves to contribute. While some of Shore’s most wise have already given their wisdom to the forum in days past, the ability to talk directly with and understand the opinions of some of the elder and more experienced AAGPS Sport goers is always an enticing prospect. This has been seen on multiple occasions, whether it be the complete technical breakdown of the Joeys and Shore First Eights by The Chairman or the tactical breakdowns and the swift but insightful match reports of The Ghost of Raelene.

Profile Photo of “Joker”

Thirdly, being able to gain so much information regarding team news, selection, and injuries so quickly and readily available is incredible. Before G&GR, you would know the line-up you were coming up against when you met them on the field on Saturday. Now, thanks to Forum contributors, all of the selection news in the world from all six AAGPS camps is almost always available.

The quips and remarks on the forum are also incredible. Whether it be the praising of Shore’s delicious meat pies, or the incredible names for grounds that have resulted from the Forum (e.g. Stirling Bridge and Bassingthwaighte Park), it adds to the unique reading experience.

There also seems to be another question gripping the School as a result of the widespread popularity of the Forum. Who is The Chairman? While the famous Joker has made himself to be known as a Joeys Old Boy and teacher, the quest for the identity of The Chairman has come up fruitless. The theories vary drastically from person to person. They have ranged from an Old Rowing Coach to an Old Boy, to a current School Boy, and even to Mr Ticehurst. The reality is most likely, we will never know. But the search for The Chairman will continue.

But until then, I and many others will continue to enjoy the wide range of opinions and controversy that rests on the forum. Whether it be the strict banning of the I-word or the respective Schoolboys talking up their schools’ prospects for the next weekend, it all builds up to make an enjoyable experience that is the Green and Gold Rugby Forum.