terminology
Question
what is meant by a cap? as in, "he's the most capped player on their side"
Thanks,
Traigh
Answer
Traigh,
Per the dictionary at scrum.com:
"Cap - anytime a player plays in a match he/she is technically awarded a cap but the term is mostly used to note the number of official games a player has appeared for his/her national team against another national team. A cap is an honor, there is typically no physical item awarded."
In the distant past, English public school caps were actually given to the players. These school traditions have had a heavy influence on the traditions of the sport of rugby.
As scrum.com stated, generally the term capped refers to a player who has played on his/her national side against another national side.
I hope this is of some use.
Deane Shephard
President- OPSU
Shirt Colour
1995 Rugby World Cup