Ummmm...

I LOVE rugby... I follow all the national and international competitions avidly, but have not played one game of rugby ever (except the backyard variety of "touch")

I am extremely interested in cricket and watch most one day internationals and follow test series as I can... but again, have only had "backyard" games and have only been to a couple of actual matches...

I completely understand how your work mate can be an avid fan of Lance the Tour and yet not have ridden. There are several people at my work who are very interested in the Tour and the Giro and know names like Armstrong and Indurain but who have not ridden on a bike since they were kids...