The Christian faith of the players and teams at the Rugby World Cup

Source: Instagram/Alamy

On Sunday, I was gearing up to play football with some guys and the hot topic of conversation was an entirely different sport: rugby. That’s because England had earlier beaten Fiji in the quarter-final of the Rugby World Cup. Amusingly, the most vocal among us even admitted to not even really being into rugby, but that’s what a major sporting tournament can do – draw in those who otherwise have little interest in the sport.

This article appeared on the Premier Christianity blog in October 2023. To read the full piece please click here.

'It was God who made me play like this' - the Christian faith of Lionel Messi

Source: Reuters

When it comes to football, it takes little to irritate me — and this World Cup has been no different.

Prior to the tournament, I lost count of the times someone said: “Lionel Messi deserves to win this World Cup.” It grated on me, because it implied that he had a divine right to walk away with the trophy, just because of his prior achievements in the game.

But then Sunday’s final neared and, as people asked who’d I’d like to win, I replied: “Argentina, because Messi deserves it.” Yes, I’m big fat hypocrite (and also a bit salty because of France’s victory over England)…

This article appeared on the Premier Christianity Blog in December 2022. To read the full piece please click here.

From Messi to Neymar: 7 World Cup footballers with a Christian faith

There is a huge amount not to like about this World Cup – and for very good reason. But with the tournament now underway, it has been nice to focus a bit more on the football and, with it, the small and unexpected moments of joy, including some lovely public declarations of faith…

This article appeared on the Premier Christianity Blog in December 2022. To read the full piece please click here.

3 reasons why I’m still watching Qatar’s controversial World Cup

Source: Reuters

“So, are you looking forward to the World Cup?”

If there’s one question that’s emerged more than any other in recent conversations, that’s the one. The answers tend to share the same sentiment.

“Hmmmm, not so much…”

This is followed by a list of reasons why this World Cup just doesn’t seem quite right. But for many, there was an expectation that, once it got going, a semblance of excitement would emerge. That’s been true for me, helped by a few surprise results and one decent England display…

This article appeared on the Premier Christianity Blog in November 2022. To read the full piece please click here.