But the competition is still - mostly - about the game itself. Along the way it has mirrored the sport’s occasionally painful march into the professional era, with commensurate advances in the standard of play but also, some would argue, a loss of innocence as the marketing men have moved in on an increasingly lucrative property. Since its inception in 1987 the rugby union World Cup has gone from being a cheerful, amateurish kickabout to one of the world’s premier sporting events, third only to the football World Cup and the Olympics in terms of global reach. Will this Celebrity Bride ever make it up the aisle? It’s a clash of cultures: British versus American, celebrity versus civilian with poor Kelly stuck in the middle, not knowing where she belongs. Rufus’s manager is trying to book Buckingham Palace for the wedding reception and all Kelly’s mum wants to know is where to buy a nice hat. However, the small, intimate wedding Kelly always dreamed of is taking on Hollywood epic proportions… But when Rufus proposes Kelly accepts and the media interest in this new couple hits the roof. Only this Prince Charming comes with a 12 person entourage, a bevy of beautiful ex girlfriends and the world’s press camped on his doorstep. And when Rufus asks Kelly to come and live with him, in his magnificent mansion, she feels like it’s a fairytale come true. She never expected to meet a mega star like Rufus let alone have him fall in love with her. Kelly Monsoon is a pretty, curvy theatre administrator. Especially since his bride is a civilian a nobody. The news that Hollywood bad boy Rufus George is finally settling down has caused a media storm. It’s the celebrity wedding of the season…

A wag abroad by alison kervin