Coffee Sport - A World Cup XV Coffee Talk : April 2007
I recently was talking to an old pal who remembered my 2003 Premiership Coffee Team and he asked me how many would still be on it.
I have met many more coffee players in the last 4 years and as Ireland have been playing so magnificently, just missing out on The Grand Slam, I thought it would be fitting in Rugby World Cup year to name my Coffee First XV. I know these guys well and hugely respect their contribution to the Coffee World so check out their websites and perhaps get a different perspective on their particular contribution to the coffee business. Don’t forget … its only my opinion and you are welcome to comment.
So thinking Rugby we’ve got 4 Irishmen, 4 Englishmen, 3 Americans and an Aussie, a Dane, a Brazilian and an Italian for at least one version of a great team.
15 Fullback - Ken Davids
The last line of defense preventing many scores this is surely Ken who strives to entertain and educate coffee enthusiasts with massive credibility and objective reviews that make him a top man to know in the coffee world. Makes any team.
www.coffeereview.com
11 Wing – Klaus Thomsen
2006 World Barista Champion deserves his place. Brilliant in Berne and was in a different league in both semi & final. Fabulous shop in Copenhagen making outstanding coffee.
www.estatecoffee.dk
12 Inside Centre – David Schomer
Still an enormously influential quality shotman. Aims for extraction perfection every time and a real coffee genius. Takes most of the kicks depending on the brewing factors.
www.espressovivace.com
13 Outside Centre – James Hoffman
A world class trainer and brilliant reigning UK Barista champion. This guy is also a prolific coffee writer and broadcaster who can score a perfect shot at will.
www.jimseven.com
14 Wing – Johnnie Richardson
Coffee entrepreneur, writer & consultant extraordinaire Johnnie is the man that reminds you always, always that you need to make money at the business of coffee. A must in any team.
www.thecoffeeboys.com
9 Scrumhalf – Se Gorman
The man from Newry handles pressure well and is a very focused businessman who understands perfectly how great tasting coffee every time translates into the bottom line. 2006 & 2007 Northern Ireland Barista of the Year as well as 2007 UK runner up he runs 3 busy and successful coffee bars that means handling more ball than any other player on the pitch comes naturally. Great trainer.
www.cafekrem.com
10 Flyhalf – Alexandre Noguira Frossard
Brilliant Brazillian Farmer from Minas Gerais and current President of BSCA he has become an experienced playmaker over the last few years and has landed a key spot in my team. Massively impressed with his vision, hard work and how well he looks after his farmers and workers. Worth tasting his fantastic Fortaleza coffee.
www.bsca.com.br
1 Loose Head Prop – Stephen Hurst
Hurstyboy is the heavyweight in Coffeehunting and a workhorse on the world stage. Great in the tackle and feisty with those who disagree with him. Has to watch the sinbin!
www.coffeehunter.com
2 Hooker - David Cooper
Always at the front and the centre of the scrum Cooperman is a WBC Judge and Board Member as well as UK Dalla Corte talisman ...
www.cooperscoffee.co.uk
3 Tight Head Prop – James Healy
Heavyweight Coffee Sales Intellectual who will tackle anything. Has excellent pedigree in Irish multinational sector and is currently Irish Coffee market leading Director of Sales.
www.bewleys.com
4 Second Row – Colin Megarry
World class engineer and technical genius. The Big Lad from Belfast can make coffee taste fantastic from nearly anything and a key man in any great coffee team. Brilliant in the lineout.
www.specialistbeverages.com
5 Second Row - Steve Penk
Another top equipment big man and leader in the pack. Steve is currently UK National Co-Ordinator & Director of SCAE as well as Mr UK La Spaziale doing a brilliant educational job raising coffee standards in a very competitive marketplace.
www.laspaziale.co.uk
6 Wing Forward – Danny O’Neill
The agile tall American bean baron from Kansas City has a passion that is infectious and a cupping & marketing skill second to none. All round great player and never shirks from a difficult tackle particularly when it comes to tracing his coffee and telling us where it comes from.
www.theroasterie.com
7 Wing Forward - Maurizio Azzarello
The best Bean to Cup Specialist in the business - this Italian would make most teams with his vast knowledge and presence and ability to come up with the questions that need answered.
www.cimbali.com
8 No.8 - Paul O’Toole
Positioned at the back and acts as the rudder in the scrum Tooler has been playing for 20 years consistently buying, roasting and blending coffee for all the key players in Ireland. A Cup of Excellence judge and with massive strength in depth he is a great choice in any world coffee team.
www.bewleys.com
Coach - Hugh Gilmartin .... Well again what do you expect ! Don’t forget its only my opinion as I write it today so please feel free to share yours and nominate obvious missing persons in the World Cup Rugby coffee greats. I am sure I have forgotten quite a few! Published if you include your reason!!
www.hughgilmartin.com
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