First up we have Saracens and the Billy Vunipola incident. Saracens have said they are not going to punish him after he was arrested in Spain. They have also said they are not going to curtail their boozy bonding sessions. That is all fine and dandy on the one hand but unacceptable on the other. People in any walk of life need to let off steam. Rugby players are no different. The Premiership is intense with bodies being put on the line week after week. Yes, most get rewarded admirably, but the stress of staying at peak fitness and the pressure to win can be enormous. When there is an opportunity to spend time with work colleagues who are mates and share a few beers and have a laugh that is more than acceptable.

Where I have an issue is, Vunipola overstepped the mark. Being arrested for drunken, loutish behaviour is not a great advert for the game when there are already plenty of negative adverts for rugby to contend with. He was arrested and fined. In the eyes of the law that is punishment. The club on the other hand should have done more. A mealy mouthed apology is not enough. Some form of community work, or even a suspended ban would have been something. I know this all sounds puritanical and fuddy-duddy but our game is in decline. People are not playing, they are not watching. The game talks about pillars which epitomise all that is good about rugby. Unfortunately it is unacceptable for an England player to be setting such a bad example.

Then you have Stuart Hogg being given a restraining order for allegedly stalking his former wife. Not every rugby player is a saint, not every rugby lives their life like a Trappist monk. Mistakes will be made but when you are trawling for rugby stories and this is what you find first then we need to think carefully about the message it sends.

Come off it Bleater, you know good news doesn’t sell newspapers and you know only too well that there are myriad of good things that happen week in week out at rugby clubs, big and small, up and down the country. That is VERY true. I look at the photos on this here website and see loads of brilliant examples of why rugby is a great game. My point is simple. Those who are at the top of the game set the examples. If they get away with unacceptable behaviour how on earth does the grassroots game sell itself as being right for little Johnny who’s mum is already nervous about injury.

I’ll finish by saying that in my dealings with young people and how they talk to referees for example, you’ll be surprised at how many times kids say ‘Owen Farrell does it’. I rest my case m’lud!

The dilemma that is Welsh regional rugby is in the spotlight again. Plenty are saying the game in Wales can’t sustain four regions, it is time to go to two. Financially that might make sense but in my opinion Wales needs the four regions. Despite a declining gene pool of talent there is sufficient to go round if only the WRU could get the structure right. Get academy players playing and not spending all their time trying to bulk up in the gym. Make the new second tier of the game a success by playing the regions academy players. Get rid of the 25 cap rule and and make the international side a force to be reckoned with once more.

Louis Rees-Zammit makes the papers. His arrival a Kansas City Chiefs has caused quite a stir. Plenty of people saying he is a raw but rare talent. He is on steep and long learning curve. At the moment, being a cynical old dog, I see this as a Chiefs PR stunt. That said, if he does make the breakthrough the world is his oyster and he’ll be set for life. We’ll know in September when the NFL season kicks off.

Bristol Bears, one of the games richest clubs, are cutting their cloth accordingly. Their spending will fall well below the salary cap. Hoorah! Has the game finally woken up to the reality that rugby is not sustainable using the current business model.

The Premiership run in continues this weekend. I’m keeping that for tomorrow.

Its carnage on the railways thanks to the anarchists at ASLEF. It will be carnage on the M25 on the weekend as parts of it are closed. Guess who is travelling on the weekend? Yep, me and Mrs Bleater. It was carnage at the airports last night as the passport e-gates imploded again. I think that is a hacking problem. Finally what did Prince Harry expect? Having had his mind twisted by the wicked witch from the USofA, and besmirched the good name of the royal family on more than one occasion, he was not going to be welcomed back with open arms and a cheery fireside chat. Be careful what you wish for.

Tuesday 7th May: 09:00

What a much improved morning, that is until I started to trawl through my email and the papers. First up is the sad news of the passing of John Darby, a former member, bon viveur, and once upon a time a 3rd team player of a bygone era. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.

As we look forward to watching the European Cup finals we need to start asking is this last time we’ll be able to watch them. Apparently talks with current TV provider TNT Sports have stalled. I know many of you don’t have access to TNT so this news will bother you not. Those that do and enjoy the cut and thrust of the European games will be wondering what next. You can guarantee it won’t be picked up by terrestrial TV so it is likely to end up in the hands of a company with deep pockets but sadly limited exposure. Money talks.

The Torygrpah ask an interesting questing about the European Cups: ‘is it worth progressing?’. As previously reported there is no prize money for progression, even for the winners. The revenue from the latter stages is shared amongst the clubs who make it to the semis and beyond. In the early stages the revenues are shared between the two teams. There is some provision for expenses but this is not guaranteed to offset the costs incurred. In essence you could have a Welsh region going all the way, unlikely I know, who end up making a significant loss thanks to that success. Doesn’t make sense to me, but allegedly this is what the clubs wanted. The Torygraph for the full story.

Whatever the outcome of the TV negotiations, next season the two semi-finals could be played over one weekend at a single neutral venue. That would be good as it evens up the playing field.

The same paper brings us the news Cornish Pirates could be standing just a few feet away from the precipice. Their main benefactor is stepping down due to health issues and whilst he states contracts have been agreed for season 24/25 there is a break clause that allows them to be reviewed January ‘25. The sizeable cut in funding over the years is a major factor, the lack of promotion to the promised land limits appeal to new investors, and of course the ever-increasing costs associated with running a club adds fuel to the fire. The article reports that continuing dancing around the issue by the RFU, especially the lack of clarity about the future role of the Championship in the game’s pyramid, is not helping. As I have said over and over the game has to stand on its own two feet and on the basis the appeal to the paying public, advertisers, investors and TV companies pales into insignificance versus football that means being financially robust without handouts.

Did a simple slap take the wind out of Harlequins sails. Joe Marler has confirmed he ‘fu***d up’ with that petulant slap to the head of Thomas Ramos (who I incorrectly called Sergio yesterday). A penalty to Quins who were on a roll was overturned. A moment of stupidity indeed.

A couple of papers carry the news that Tom Curry is making excellent progress with his rehabilitation following injury. Access to Manchester United’s state of the art facilities has been an important aspect of his recovery. Real shame United, if you follow them, are in need of rehabilitation themselves. Losing 4-0 to Crystal Palace was pretty sobering.

My good friend and club miracle worker Mr Geering tells me that Ashford have made it through to the final of the Slice of Pizza Cup. Ashford beat The Greenies on their journey. Out are Eastbourne and Bromley beaten by Kingsbridge and Twickenham respectively. Bromley had previously knocked out East Grinstead.

Premiership and URC action returns this weekend but that will keep for tomorrow.

I see that Sadiq Khan has won the London mayoral election. That’s London buggered then unless you are a keen supporter of fanciful woke projects that waste taxpayers money.

The SNP have imploded. Not before time. Lets hope their fantasy project of independence never raises its head again.

I see the Conservative Katy Bourne remains as PCC for Sussex. The Tories are making a shambles of running the country but she seems to have done a decent job. It would have been of serious concern if the Labour candidate had got in. He seemed to imply that shoplifting was ok due to the cost of living crisis. We need a change in how this country is run, that is for certain, but be very careful what you wish for. More power in the hands of the anarchists aka, ASLEF and RMT? More pathetic woke policies meaning the real needs of the country are always underfunded? Then you only need to look at the demands of some of the factions who might make the difference in winning and losing, the tail wagging the dog me thinks!

Monday 6th May: 08:35

How can you tell it is a Bank Holiday Monday? You throw open the curtains and see it is persisting down! Having said that it feels like it has been persisting down for much of the year to date. The thieving tow-rags at the water companies will still screw us with hose pipe bans in the summer though.

For those of you expecting an erudite and informed blog yesterday a) you must be confusing this drivel with something else and b) my choice was swimming with my grandkids instead. In fact Happy Birthday Matthew, 10 today. Where has that time gone??

Anyway, plenty to mull over. Firstly, how have Gloucester been so poor in the Premiership when in the cups they have been excellent, as was proven on Saturday afternoon. That was quite some performance against a very good URC outfit. Benetton packed with internationals simply could not match Gloucester’s intensity. It was an error strewn match at times but all the more entertaining as a result. Zach Mercer was outstanding and I for one cannot believe he is not Steve Borthwick’s first pick for England.

Gloucester will face the Sharks who snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Clermont Auvergne. Just the five tries in this high scoring, penalty laden contest. Didn’t watch it, and quite frankly have no intention of watching it.

It was then off to a packed Croke Park. 82,000 mainly wearing the blue of Leinster watched a first half master class against a lacklustre Northampton. James Lowe and his Irish teammates were imperious. During the course of the first half one stat jumped out at me highlighting how the Irish provinces and the national side can consistently perform at the highest level. The Leinster squad had played something like 10,000 minutes of rugby whereas Northampton had played 15,000 minutes. Highlighting James Lowe, it appears he has only played 90 minutes of URC rugby this season. No wonder he is always fresh and able to perform at his best.

The second half was terrific. Saints came out a different team. All of a sudden the mighty Irish were on the back foot having to defend their line like their lives depended on it. The Saints backline got good ball and used it well. Sniping attacks made ground and the forwards trundled up the field in unison. It was almost one of the greatest comebacks in rugby history. Sadly it wasn’t to be with Saints rueing their pretty ordinary first half contribution to this contest.

During the commentary much was made of not only of the minutes played but also the salary cap. Northampton restricted to £5.5m plus add-ons. Leinster’s salary bill is unknown as it is hidden within IRFU accounts, but its rumoured to be at least twice that of Saints, if not significantly more.

Then yesterday it was Toulouse v Harlequins. Another game where the English side were way off their best in the first half. Toulouse with Dupont and Ntmack pulling the strings were excellent. The young centre Costes looks a prospect. The depth of talent at Toulouse’s disposal was mighty impressive with Blair Kinghorn keeping Sergio Ramos on the bench for example.

Quins got their act together in the second half and nearly, oh so nearly clawed their way to what would have been an amazing victory. It wasn’t to be, especially when hooker Walker saw yellow late on. Ten tries with that Caden Murley acrobatic effort being a real joy to watch. Former Salisbury boy, by the way.

Watching this you have to ask why the RFU are so intransigent when it comes to their selection policy. Outside of Zach Mercer, Jack Willis was head and shoulders the best back row forward on show in the three games I watched over the weekend. When you consider the contribution of Dorris and van der Flier for Leinster and Alex Dombrandt’s second half contribution for Quins that is some statement.

Looking ahead we have Gloucester v Sharks and Leinster v Toulouse to look forward to. May24th and 25th I think.

By the way, if you watched yesterday’s game on ITV weren’t David Flatman’s constant interruptions and pontifications tediously annoying.

Hoorah! What for? Someone other than Max Verstappen won the Miami Grand Prix. Well done Lando Norris, and a Brit to boot.

That’ll do for now. Back tomorrow with a look at what else is occupying the rugby pages, if anything, and of course comment on the recent election results. We are heading toward a Labour landslide, which may be no bad thing. There again, be very careful what you wish for!!!!

Thursday 2nd May: 08:25

Having trawled the media extensively yesterday there is little of any importance to bring you this morning.

Saracens have said the Vunipola matter is closed. No surprise there. The RFU however might have different ideas. I guess it hinges on whether he was in Mallorca as a private individual with a few mates or it was a Saracens supported activity.

Maro Itoje is free to play after his citing following the head clash in the Bath game is dismissed. I think he’s been lucky, very lucky, especially as that would have been red all day long in the grassroots game.

Plenty of erudite previews of Saturday’s European stuff in the papers. I’ve had my say.

Interesting piece in the Torygraph asking whether the finale to the Premiership season will shape how England will play. Those in England contention have been playing with a joie de vivre oh so lacking in recent years. Can that be translated into how England move forward, or will the turgid we will not let them pass (in both senses), and we’ll dominate up front remain the mantra of Mr Grey aka Borthwick.

That will do for this morning other than to remind that Bryan Kain will be laid to rest tomorrow.

If you can’t make the crematorium for 12:15, the hearse will pass by the club, where it will pause briefly, at 11:30.

You’ll be able to raise a glass or two to celebrate the Life of Bryan at the club thereafter.

Back on Sunday.

Wednesday 1st May: 09:10

It is a big weekend for the two European tournaments with semi finals for both. Northampton travel to Dublin where they take on the might of Ireland, aka Leinster. They have the added pressure of playing at Croke Park with its deep ingrained history, going to Ireland on the back of a loss to Harlequins, and facing a Leinster team with an awesome European record. Get your beers and snacks ready, this could be a cracker. 17:30 on Saturday. Its a bit early for my mate Mal Bec but on the other hand, you never know, he might pop round.

When the Aviva Stadium was being built England were the first side to play Ireland at Croke Park and according a certain brother who was there in a coaching capacity it was an amazing experience. If you have time to go onto the interweb thingy and get an insight into its history, it is well worth it. Obviously if keeping up with Kardashians is your thing, don’t bother.

15:00 on Sunday it is Toulouse, who won’t, lose that is, hosting Harlequins. Whilst the Quins enjoyed an excellent win at Twickenham on Saturday Toulouse will be a completely different challenge. Second in the Top 14 and in fine form in the Champions Cup. Quins have blown hot and cold this season and if they are to prove me wrong they will need to be at their unpredictable, free flowing best. Marcus Smith will be required to lead the way but after seeing him limp off on Saturday that is questionable.

Great city Toulouse with an amazing history, especially if you are an aeroplane anorak. The birth place of the French Concorde and the base for Airbus. There you go, when the rain returns that’ll give you something else to research.

Depending on the weather, which is likely to be wet, I might overindulge with the two Challenge Cup semi-finals. Sharks v Clermont Auvergne up first. You never put money on the away side with a South African outfit at home. Clermont are languishing in mid-table in the Top 14 but Sharks have been far from spectacular in the URC. In fact, they are the lowest placed of the South African teams. I still go Sharks.

Then comes Gloucester v Benetton. Gloucester have had a difficult season in the league but to progress this far in the second tier European competition means you cannot write them off. Benetton on the other hand have scored some stunning wins in the URC, and with their liberal sprinkling of Internationals, the bulk of the team in fact, they will be a tough nut to crack. The Kingsholm crowd will need to be at their most vociferous to urge their men on.

It seems the Vunipola incident will blow over quite quickly, especially as Montpellier have said the deal is still on. Some interesting stuff in the papers, and in my inbox. Some are saying the days of yore have gone and with society’s changing attitudes it is not a good look for the game. Others on the other hand are saying it is good some of the old fashioned post game, touring camaraderie still exists. I think there is much in both arguments. Like many old farts I can recall some outrageous nights post match, and on tour, when drink was front and centre. I’m not sure it would be acceptable today. I also see how the boys celebrate today and I do think it is more subdued and sensible, and long may that continue. People have to blow off steam, and like anything today with 24 hour news and social media everywhere everything gets blown out of proportion. The fact this story was given equal coverage in some papers to the horrendous sword attack in London sums up how people have lost all perspective on reality.

Following on from my comments yesterday on the salary cap I found an article in The Guardian about the same subject. In essence the audit into how the clubs have complied for last season is about to be published. It is a very comprehensive document leaving people in no doubt they have complied in full. This is many respects comes as no surprise as the sanction for failing to comply is harsh, as Saracens found out. Compliance also comes on the back of every club struggling to make a profit, in fact every club is making a loss, and some of those losses are substantial. There is a clamour for the salary cap to be increased beyond the £6.4m planned for next season. The Guardian’s Michael Aylwin argues differently. He is right, it would be madness for the cap to be increased. Yes, doing that limits the English clubs chances in Europe. Yes, the French cap at £10m plus is a problem, and don’t even ask what the budget for Leinster is. If the choice is having a shot at European glory or making sure they don’t go the way of Wasps, London Irish, Worcester and Jersey Reds I know what I would choose, and it isn’t European glory.

The cost of living challenges are causing more and more to take drastic action to survive, including crime. However, there are many stealing not because of poverty but because society is breaking down. More police and tougher sentencing is one solution but there is also a need for better social provision. Finally, on the basis the Devil makes work for idle hands there is a need to get those who think living on benefits is a good lifestyle choice off their backsides and into work.

Tuesday 30th Apr: 08:40

I’m going to start up in Preston this morning. Why? A) because I can, and B) because that was where Leicester City were crowned Championship champions last night. Having supported the Foxes since the age of 7, which is a long, long time, I feel I should be allowed to celebrate a great achievement.

There is another reason to start there and it is all about money. Leicester City will go into the Premiership with a significant threat hanging over them. Allegedly they have broken a number of the financial regulations as laid down by the guardians of top flight football, and have been subject to a transfer embargo. By the way this seems harsh when Manchester City have broken the same rules, and spend billions on players each season, yet seem immune to sanction.

Bleater, get on with it. What’s your point? My point is rugby is not soccer and our game has to stop thinking it competes with the round ball game. Nothing brings that into a starker contrast than the salary cap. Football finally has realised that if you want to have more than three sides competing for the title each season then you have to introduce a salary cap. Rugby’s salary cap for the Premiership is £5.5m rising to £6.4m next season. The Premier League have come up with a formula that would mean their salary cap would be in the region of £508m, close to a 100 times more than rugby. Now that is a reality check.

Our game is on a financial cliff edge. Rugby Australia have just announced a A$9.2m deficit between revenue and expenditure for last season, and some papers are reporting their debt mountain has grown to a staggering A$89m. Well, surprise, surprise, A$2.6m of of last years deficit was a result of an ‘unauthorised overspend’ during Eddie Jones ill-fated World Cup campaign.

Money talks, and the Unions are desperate for it. That is why a £100m for the next 8 years might seem attractive. That is what the Qataris are putting on the table in order to secure the rights to host the finals of the proposed new Nations Cup. Six play-off matches and the Grand Final would be played across the country over a single weekend every two years. Forget the fans of the nations that will be involved. You are irrelevant. Forget the fact that even if fans wanted to go they would have to ignore the Qataris pathetic human rights record, the fact the stadiums were built by what was tantamount to slave labour, and the normal camaraderie and joviality would be absent as the Middle East’s strict dress codes and alcohol policies would be enforced with an iron fist. The Daily Fail is one of many carrying the story.

If you wanted some good news from our game you are in the wrong place this morning. A 33 year old player from New Zealand, Cory Heather, has sadly died following what is described as an innocuous knock to the head during a game in Auckland. Our game carries its dangers and we can’t shy away from that but when you read of tragedies such as this it does make you think.

Will Billy Vunipola’s dream move to Montpelier be scuppered by his antics in Mallorca. The French outfit were very quick to cancel Luke Cowan-Dickies contract after his brush with the law thanks to drink. It is reported Montpelier are ‘monitoring’ the Vunipola situation very closely.

A bit of a bust up is on the cards and it is all about cards. No, not Karl Dickson’s decision not to show his mate Danny Care a second yellow, but whether the 20 minute red card should be adopted across the game. A North v South divide has appeared with those in the North opposing any suggestion the 20 minute red card rule should be extended beyond the Southern Hemisphere. I can see the rationale but remain convinced it is a thugs charter.

I’ve just about scraped the barrel expect to say the Wales Women have come in for some criticism for celebrating their win against Italy as if they had won the Six Nations. It did seem slightly out of place when Wales had finished bottom by a decent margin.

Before I go I am please to tell you today’s BA flight from JFK was 30 minutes early this morning, and shortly over the ‘Borough will be the Aurigny flight from Guernsey, an Embraer 195.

Oh, and can anyone tell me why a product, Pink Stuff, I used yesterday to bring my toilet seats back to life; shiny and new, is labelled ‘vegan’?? I’ll leave that one with you.

Monday 29th Apr: 09:00

Whilst the day has dawned brightly with clear blue skies, the rugby news is significantly less cheerful. First I read about Stuart Hogg being arrested and having to go into ‘rehab’, then I read that Billy Vunipola has been arrested in Mallorca.

According to Hogg he has struggled with the social media portrayals of himself. Well, quite frankly treating your then pregnant wife in the way that you did is bound to attract negative attention, then to be arrested following an incident near your home town which allegedly involved alcohol, what do you expect. Social media is a scourge so come off it. Delete Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram and all the other rubbish if it affects you that much.

The Vunipola incident appears to be alcohol driven. Threatening staff and only being subdued once eight, yes eight, burly police officers got hold of him AND he had been tasered twice. It reflects badly on the game but unfortunately young men, and women, who overindulge with alcohol often find themselves in this state.

It was great to see so many people at Twickenham when England’s Women played Ireland. It shows just how much the women’s game has grown over the last few years. Bill Sweeney has said in the Torygraph that perhaps the tickets are too cheap. Come on Bill, what do you want: 40,000 people paying £20 or 10,000 paying £50? When demand exceeds capacity then you can start thinking about fleecing the loyal supporters.

Talking of which, as mentioned last week, you can now secure your tickets for the Autumn Internationals. I understand some of the High Street banks, somewhat of a misnomer as none of them have branches on any high street anymore, have good mortgage rates. You’ll need a mortgage to be able to afford a ticket. The RFU (as are the other Unions) is a business and needs to make money. That money is to keep the game going. I understand that Twickenham is the primary source of revenue therefore sweating the asset is crucial and that means more use and higher ticket prices. However, it does mean that the average Joe, or Jill, who work incredibly hard for their club most weekends on a volunteer basis can only dream of seeing England play at Twickenham. More and more of the tickets are snapped up by corporate clients making the atmosphere at the games turgid, and when you see the stands half empty before kick off and again after half time it makes you want to scream. Too many hooray Henry’s still in the hospitality areas quaffing naff champagne and scoffing prawn sandwiches.

If you are an Exeter fan there was a degree of good news after the win over Gloucester. They are still in with a, albeit slim, chance of making the play-offs. Not only that but the young side looked pretty impressive for long periods. Gloucester really have lost their way of late in the league, but continue to strut their stuff in cup competitions.

If you ever wanted to insult a club then you liken them to Manchester United. A once mighty force now languishing below the qualification point for the European competitions next season. Players in disagreement with each other and the management, and the fans baying for blood. Its not quite that bad yet but Leicester Tigers have been compared to United. Another disappointing season for the loyal fans who turn up week in week out, spending a sizeable chunk of their disposable income following their beloved Tigers. Overpaid players not understanding, or caring about the importance of the shirt perhaps?

Rhys Carre is heading back to Saracens next season. He has made it perfectly clear that the reason is totally down to how Warren Gatland has treated him, leaving Carre in no doubt his international career is going nowhere while Gatland is in charge.

As the season heads to its conclusion I might need to focus on more fun stuff like the implosion of the SNP, Sadiq Khan being more worried about wokery than young people being murdered on the streets of London, and of course why aren’t the eco-warriors hanging their heads in shame as more and more over their overhyped projects are proving to either not work, or worse, doing more harm than good.

If all that fails there is always Flightradar24 !!!!!!! The BA flight from JFK is 1 hour 10 minutes late.

Sunday 28th Apr: 09:00

Well, albeit for 20 minutes, I watched some of our 3rds play a very ‘experienced’ Hastings & Bexhill 2s. It was pretty enjoyable but I got cold, and wet, and needed to be back home anyway. Once home it was the Quins v Saints game up first. Thoroughly enjoyable with plenty of cracking action and one piece of poor, questionable, decision making by the officials. Danny Care should have seen a second yellow and therefore a red card. Marcus Smith was imperious at #10 but what a cameo by Jarod Evans in the last few minutes. He could be starring for Wales if it wasn’t for the shambolic way Welsh rugby continues to be run.

Next up was England v France in the Women’s Six Nations showdown. At last England faced a proper test, which they came through admirably. It was a decent game with plenty of silky skills on show, plenty of physicality and some quality tries. The French scrum-half was outstanding and didn’t deserve to be on the losing side. Sadly it will be the same next season when England v France will contest the decider.

Two of the old farts from the Friday Club, and both founding members of CRFC walking rugby, made the trip to Bordeaux so I’m keen to get their opinion of the day; the occasion and the contest.

Two other games with plenty riding on them. Ireland overcame Scotland to secure third spot, but more importantly earned qualification for the 2025 World Cup over here in England. In Cardiff Wales finally triumphed at the death over Italy. They still picked up the wooden spoon but saved face with a stirring performance against a very good Italian outfit. I watched this one and it was contest with the Welsh forwards being magnificent and the backs lacklustre at best, against Italy where their backs were a slick well organised outfit but their forwards simply couldn’t compete. The game lacked the quality of England v France but was a good advert for the Women’s game overall.

In the Premiership Bath losing to Saracens was a blow, and not a great advert for rugby. That first half in particular was awful. Kick, kick and kick again. Owen Farrell snapping at the referee wasn’t great. The closing minutes were tense and suggest you write Sarries off at your peril. They are in the driving seat with regard to a home semi in the play-offs.

Leicester Tigers threw away their last chance to get into the play-offs by allowing Bristol to claw their way back into the game and ultimately win it at the end. Two games this afternoon and with the weather forecast as it is I’ll be watching Gloucester v Exeter. An Exeter win and they’re still in with a chance. A loss and it is ‘adios amigos’.

A pretty dire day for the four Welsh regions. Nothing new there. Cardiff losing to Edinburgh, Ospreys getting hammered by the Bulls, Scarlets losing, albeit narrowly to Sharks, and Dragons blowing it against Connacht. Ben Carter sees red in the closing stages and Connaht exploit the extra man to snatch victory. Glasgow Warriors top the table with Leinster and Munster in hot pursuit.

In the final games of the season in National 2 East Worthing, as expected, put North Walsham to the sword 71-19. Sevenoaks lost to Canterbury and slip to 11th. TJs lost at Westcombe Park but still finish in a very creditable 5th spot. Esher progress up into National 1.

Who says money can’t buy you success. Congratulations to Chinnor who win National 1 and head into the Championship. I mention this for two reasons, the first being our very own Eddie B has a link to the club through his son and grandsons, but more importantly this could be a disaster waiting to happen. As I understand the success comes on the back of significant largesse from a single benefactor. We know the risks of that don’t we Jersey Reds??

I have it on good authority that Haywards Heath will go into Surrey/Sussex 1. Shame, as another local derby would be good for us. As soon as I can I’ll update you on how Kent 1 will look next season.

Must go, that coffee and croissant isn’t going to consume itself, but before I go what about those Mighty Foxes? Back in the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Saturday 27th Apr: 09:50

There IS a game ON at Steel Cross TODAY.

Kick off 15:00

See you there.

Thursday 25th Apr: 08:40

There is a distinct shortage of rugby news this morning so outside of watching the aircraft fly over, by the way a Lufthansa 747 is at 37,000ft over the ‘Borough en route to Frankfurt right now, I better make some comments about our season just gone.

It has been a good one, a very good one in fact. Our mini and junior sections continue to thrive with great coaches and team administrators doing the right things, in the right way. We have seen some success in the juniors, and several of our Colts, prior to heading off to university, have been blooded in the 1st XV. One of the highlights for me is the continued growth of our girls section and how we are collaborating closely with clubs around us to ensure that continues for us, and for them. The 1st XV have had a great season finishing 5th in a tough league, 20 points ahead of Dover in 6th, and not far behind those above us. Winning the Bob Rogers Cup was the icing on the cake. Much more importantly is the fact this season we have been able to field a Steelers XV and a Vintage XV on more occasions than in previous years. It is also gratifying that most of those who pull on the cherry & white have at one time or another come through our mini and junior sections. The award days/nights are upcoming, details on the website.

It is not just on the field where we have been successful. Louise and Jacqui and team continue to work miracles with amazing league lunches, supporting the teams post match, and hosting external hires. Then you have the Exec, and all the other volunteers, who like hamsters in a wheel are constantly spinning away looking at ways to improve the club whilst keeping the books balanced and the club at the forefront of the game in the South East. Finally there is Drew, our groundsman, and the Friday Club. Thanks to the investment made by the Exec and the work of this bunch of old farts the grounds and its environs have never looked better. Well done to all.

An epitome of how the club operates is the recent mini festival. With one week to go it was effectively cancelled. The grounds were waterlogged. As the week progressed the weather improved and the old farts got to work. By the Sunday it was on in its full glory. Kirsty and team produced an amazing tournament, superbly well organised and wonderfully well run. That is how a club should operate.

Yes it has been a very good season indeed.

The Summer Ball is coming up. All the details are on the news page of the website.

Members can now apply for tickets for the Autumn Internationals. You’ll need to win the lottery to afford the exorbitant prices however.

I think, but can’t be certain, there is a Vintage XV game at the club on Saturday. If there is, I’ll be there, if there isn’t I won’t. I will confirm tomorrow and put something on this blog in the afternoon.

There was only one article in the papers that caught my attention. It is in the Torygraph where Charlie Richardson has written a piece entitled ‘The Premiership’s uncomfortable truth: There are too many tries’. Complete and utter nonsense you might say. Actually there is some sense in what he is saying. Firstly where the try fest is as a result of a one sided encounter as in Bristol v Newcastle, or the simple fact the Saracens v Gloucester contest was over just after half time thanks to the home sides dominance then the number of tries is irrelevant because of the lack of competition. He also suggests the bonus try needs to be rejigged. In the southern hemisphere, and in France, to get a bonus point you need to score three tries more than your opponent. Not a bad idea. In essence what the game needs is plenty of tries, but in closely contested encounters.

This week I forgot to mention St George’s Day. How sad it is that there are people who think being proud of your country and flying the cross of St George is racist. The world is going mad. We all might as well all wave white flags and live in caves.

Then there is the stabbing at a school in Ammanford. What possesses a young girl to go to school with a knife and then lose control so badly she puts teachers in hospital. There is a serious breakdown in the fabric of society.

The horrors in Gaza keep coming. What Hamas did was despicable, but equally atrocious acts have allegedly been carried out by the Israelis.

The anarchists at the rail unions are going on strike again. You know my feelings about them. When, not if, Labour get into power they intend to nationalise the railways. On paper that seems like a good thing. I think it is the idea of fools and will open the door for even more industrial disputes and the country being held to ransom.

That’ll do except to tell you the BA flight from JFK is about to turn onto the ILS and make its final approach to Gatwick.

Wednesday 24th Apr: 08:25

The planes are landing at Gatwick the ‘right’ way today, that is coming in over Crowborough. Sadly we remain in the grip of bleak mid winter, being very cold, and very overcast. I’ll have to make do with just Flightradar24 this morning. Going over now is the China Eastern flight from Shanghai. Yes, rugby news is in short supply.

The Women’s Six Nations comes to its conclusion as you know. Whilst France v England is the centre piece the Irish will be hoping for a win over the much improved Scots to finish a very creditable 3rd, that is if Italy don’t win in Cardiff. All ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’. If Italy do win in Cardiff, and based on form that is highly likely, then Italy could finish 3rd.

I was lying in bed this morning doing the maths. England has a population of say 60m, of which lets say half are Women. Lets say 10% of those fall into the 18 to 30 bracket which is 3m. Let us now say 5% of those are interested in rugby giving us a pool of 150,000 to find a squad of 30 to play for England. You now do the same maths starting with Wales population of say 3.5m. You end up with a pool of about 8,750. I know its not that simplistic but please tell me how Wales and Scotland, and to a lesser degree Ireland are expected to compete.

Moving on, a great weekend of Premiership action lies ahead. It all kicks off on Friday with Bath v Saracens. Based on last weekend’s results that should be a cracker. Will Quins bounce back when then they host high flying Northampton on Saturday? Harlequins are putting on a ‘Big Show’ for this one I understand. I like the look of Gloucester v Exeter on Sunday. Looking at the table, with three games to go, only Gloucester and Newcastle are out of the play-off race. Who said a ring-fenced Premiership would be boring. This weekend could seal the fate of many with play-off ambitions. Will the powers that be recognise that continually throwing Newcastle a lifeline is not doing anyone any favours.

In the URC lots of action but I’m less enthusiastic about this. Can Scarlets get anything out of their appalling season with a win at home over the Sharks. Will Leinster and Munster get anything out of their games in South Africa. Could, by some miracle, the Ospreys get a second win in South Africa, this time against the Bulls in Pretoria. The Dragons host Connacht and Cardiff host Edinburgh. I don’t expect too much from either of the Welsh outfits to be quite honest.

A couple of stories of note. Mark McCall is demanding the RFU get their arse in gear and sort the proposed hybrid contracts out. From what I have read it is a shambles with too few players buying into it and too many complications for the clubs.

How often have you heard ‘back in my day’. If you’ve spent any time with The Bard and me, quite frequently I guess. Robert Kitson, as always, has put together a nice piece in The Guardian that states the game has to move on with the times but it is no bad thing to cling on to some of the memories of yesterday. In fact he goes one further and says its no bad thing to keep some of the principals and attitudes of bygone eras. The game can be soulless with access to players limited and when you do get access all you get is corporate speak. The game is more physical now meaning the fleet of foot such as Barry John, Andy Irvine, Gerald Davies have been replaced by titans weighing in at 17st plus. A good read and The Guardian is free to access.

I understand, contrary to what I said last week, Worthing are safe from relegation no matter what happens this weekend against North Walsham. That is good news. Still no indication of how the leagues will look next season. Way too early for that.

For you Welsh readers, up until he suffered massive knee damage playing for Wales, one of Wales finest prospects has decided its all too much. The fact Ellis Jenkins was able to get back to playing for Cardiff is quite something but with the pressures and physical forces in the game now he has opted for retirement. WalesOnline for the full story.

Wales v Georgia in the Autumn is not going to happen. Shame.

Plenty in the news to raise the blood pressure. Britain’s sick note culture for example and how easy it is to get a sick note.

The Government is planning to increase defence spending by billions of your tax pounds. I don’t have a problem with that as long as the money is found by getting rid of the bone idle working for the Government, and based on what I hear, there are millions of pounds to be saved there. Get rid of all the wokery that costs millions. Stop sending money to countries who have got significantly more wealth than we have…….. and don’t get me started on the bone idle costing us millions because they don’t think they should have to go to work. No job, no money, OR do National Service!!

Have a good day!!!

Tuesday 23rd Apr: 09:15

Plenty of local rugby over the weekend so here the results. Obviously you know about our excellent win in the Bob Rogers Cup against a very good Horsham 2nd XV. In the Sussex Senior Shield Worthing III beat Crawley. The Senior Plate was picked up by Barns Green who beat Ditchling. In the Senior Bowl St Francis prevailed over Rye. In the Junior Bowl East Grinstead 2s had a walk over against Midhurst. A bit bizarre that you get to a final and pull out. In the Salver Shoreham 2s beat H&B 2s. In the Junior version Holbrook beat Crawley 2s. In the Senior Vase Brighton Medics beat Eastbourne 3s.

Couple of games in the Slice of Pizza Cup. Brighton lost to Harpenden, The Greenies strolled past Trinity, sadly Uckfield lost to Chipstead. Eastbourne progress by virtue of a HWO with Bognor pulling out.

The National leagues conclude this coming weekend but that is about it for the grassroots game for most clubs in Sussex. Those who are still in action, I wish them good luck.

A little time ago, some joker decided to write a piece that he thought was informed that stated rugby was a form of child abuse. Dickhead! Owen Slot in The Times has written an excellent article that totally debunks that view. It is about a former banker, Tim Grandage, who went out to India with his job and was moved by the poverty and destitution and by the sheer number of illiterate street kids who were constantly harried by the police. He took as many of them as he could under his wing and brought them together through rugby. It was a triumph in terms of their wellbeing and attitudes to life. He tried to get them into school but they refused this so he tried a different approach. He used the games scoring to help the kids with their mathematics, and the understanding of the laws to improve their literacy. It wasn’t long before the kids were willingly going to the classroom because they were learning via the medium of rugby. The project grew and grew and is a wonderful example of how sport, and in this case rugby, can and does transform lives.

Thanks to The Bard and my mate Richard for bringing this to my attention. It is heartwarming to say the very least. If you can access it please read it.

Plenty of action this weekend including the culmination of the Women’s Six Nations. France v England is the highlight. At last there is some jeopardy but if I was a betting man my money would be on England, and by a decent margin. Can Wales avoid another embarrassing wooden spoon. I doubt it. Italy will be too strong.

By the way, there is a good article in the Torygraph that echoes my concerns about England’s dominance of the Six Nations, and supports my view that with the resources available to all others they won’t be catching up any time soon.

Lots to do so that’ll do it for today. Back tomorrow with a look ahead to the Premiership and the URC.

Monday 22nd Apr: 08:55

Good morning on this bright and sunny Monday. Sadly Gatwick is configured with planes landing in an easterly direction and therefore the skies over the ‘Borough are bereft of aircraft. I will have to amuse myself with other things today.

Now, you might have found it strange that during my ‘thank you’ bit at the end of yesterday’s drivel I didn’t mention Ian Geering or Paul Gray. It was quite deliberate.

What!!!

They need to be mentioned in isolation because of their amazing commitment to the cause. Ian lives and breathes CRFC and if we had to pay for him the hours he puts in, whether it be sorting kit, doing admin, running touch, looking after referees and so on, and so forth, the club would be bankrupt. He is a legend within, and beyond the club, and he deserves the highest amount of praise and our unstinting thanks. Even during recent months when he faced some difficult personal challenges CRFC still seemed to be his priority.

Graysey’s contribution is more in the background. The oil that keeps the motor running. Hours and hours of unseen work, often when things go wrong. He is all too often an agony aunt with players bending his ear about this and that. He has to fret over availability, and boy hasn’t that been a nightmare this season. On top of that who is front and centre in organising league lunches and badgering people to attend? Yes, Graysey.

There are a myriad of people, including our wonderful Exec team, junior coaches and volunteers, and everyone else who make Crowborough Rugby Club the place it is, and they all deserve our thanks, but I thought after an excellent senior season I could and should give a few special mentions.

Now, my good friend Damper has fired a rocket at me for criticising England’s win against Ireland in the Six Nations. His point is England have invested, and led the way in developing talent, and should be lauded for this success. He states the other nations haven’t and either need to play catch up or accept the status quo. Brian Moore makes a similar point in the Torygraph. England have the financial resources and the talent pool to make this happen, as have France to a lesser degree. The other nations in Europe don’t so they will always be left behind.

My point is not to ‘diss’ England’s success. They have, and are doing everything right, even if that includes poaching players from other countries. What I am saying is the Women’s Six Nations is meaningless when even before a ball is passed you know England will stroll through the tournament unbeaten, and in fact unchallenged. Sport is about competition and the greater the competition the more the interest. Take soccer. We have the most open Premiership run-in for a very long time, and guess what interest is high. By comparison take F1. I wonder how many people did what I did yesterday, watched the start hoping for a crash, or some crazy action, but the minute Max Verstappen got out in front you knew the race was over. There was only going to be one winner so why bother sitting through 2 hours waiting for the inevitable so I turned the TV off. Sport has to have jeopardy and without it you don’t have a contest. As a contest the Bob Rogers Cup final was right up there.

I say to Damper and others England are doing the right thing with regard to Women’s rugby, no argument there, but if they don’t have decent competition what is the benefit. I also say, with the exception of France, none of the other rugby nations have the resources to compete so I repeat: is England’s dominance really that good for the game.

Oh, and by the way, the Women’s success makes the appalling contribution the men have made over the years with the millions of pounds poured into them look even worse.

A fascinating weekend of rugby with Bath beating Exeter at Sandy Park, and Sale beating a tired looking Harlequins. Northampton are clearly doing something right. Even with key players rested they put Leicester firmly in their place. Saracens are back on a roll after a couple of tricky weeks. Bristol’s record breaking win over Newcastle is not great for the future of the Premiership. Where do the Falcons go from here? Rumours were rife not so long ago that they wanted relegation, what will they do?

In the URC the Ulster v Cardiff game was a cracker, packed with great rugby and plenty of controversy. Many would argue on two counts Cardiff were robbed. Hey ho! The Ospreys are flying the flag for the Welsh game. A splendid win for them in South Africa. Beating the Stormers 21-27 is quite something.

Sunday 21st Apr: 09:10

Anyone who was there yesterday will already know what a great day, and a great result from a very exciting and tense contest. Before I get into my musings I want to put something to bed first. Through Thursday and Friday, and even into the game itself there was chatter about how many 1st XV players Horsham would field. Let me state categorically that Horsham are not a club like that and only played the guys who got them to the final. Of course some of them will have had 1st XV experience but weren’t regulars at that level. Most of those players were on the side enthusiastically supporting their side. I can guarantee other sides wouldn’t be as ‘honest’ as Horsham.

What a splendid day. A wonderful lunch at The Lamb in Angmering with The Bard and his lovely wife before heading to Worthing RFC. With the weather playing ball, and having been able to get a side together, all was set. Oh, and by the way, the side included a good number of ‘kids’ from our academy, which augurs well for the future.

So to the game. It was intense from minute one but after some resolute defence by Crowborough we slowly but surely started to dominate territory and pressure. The boys were playing attractive rugby with backs and forwards linking well keeping Horsham under pressure. They matched our attacking intensity with defensive excellence. Two well deserved tries put us 10-0 points ahead but it should have been more except for woeful goal kicking. Dave Bennett, a late inclusion in the starting XV, was imperious at the lineout, and our scrum was in good shape despite us being smaller and lighter.

We didn’t have it all our own way and when on the back foot our defence stood up to the test. Young Sam Hamilton and Berti Boast at 9 and 10 linked well, and Toby Bailey and Will Pitman were pacy out wide. The old stagers of Rosie and Tasker dogged away from start to finish.

The second half was a different affair. Horsham made a number of astute changes to their lineup at the break and soon we were having to defend and defend vigourously. Their fleet footed centres started to ask questions of our defence and their sizeable forwards gave us plenty to think about. Even at 15-0 this was not over and soon what many on the side had expected came to pass happened. Horsham were on the scoreboard with a well worked and well deserved try. It wasn’t long before the lead was narrowed further with an excellent score out wide. 15-12 and all to play for.

Crowborough didn’t finish in 5th in the league by taking their foot off the gas, and they didn’t on Saturday. Whilst under immense pressure a brilliant break from deep took us within metres of the Horsham line. Our moment of pressure was crucial as ultimately Dave Bennett crashed over to score the try. Yet again the conversion was missed. 20-12.

The clock was ticking down and Horsham weren’t going to go away. They turned up the heat and we were now defending deeper and deeper and as fiercely as we have done all season. It wasn’t enough as a nice piece of deception saw the Horsham scrum-half go over. The try was converted. 20-19. The last minutes were brutal and with seconds left Horsham were given a penalty. The ball sailed wide, we cleared the ball, and that was that. A 20-19 win in the Bob Rogers Cup Final. A splendid way to end the season. The boys, and the travelling faithfully, were rightfully delighted.

Horsham will go home disappointed but what a game, and maybe through rose coloured glasses I think on balance we deserved the win.

The boys can now lick their wounds and hopefully the 20 or so walking wounded who were unavailable can get their bodies back in shape for next season. The Bard and I will now have to look for other things to entertain us on a Saturday.

I’ll look at all the other cup results tomorrow and what happened in the Premiership and URC. I see England crushed Ireland in the Six Nations which reinforces my point that whilst the tournament is a good idea the dominance of England is not good for the game.

Before I go, can I reiterate this has been a splendid season. The boys have done the club proud. The coaching team of Jodi, Stuart and Stuart have been amazing. The grounds team and Friday Club have done their bit, as has the wonderful Louise and the brilliant Jacqui. The faithful have been ever present and a huge thanks to The Bard for his erudite match reports.

Thursday 18th April: 08:50

Are we finally putting all that rain behind us and heading into summer. This morning has dawned dry and bright at least, and Mrs Bleater’s potatoes are showing sign of vigorous growth already.

No sooner had I got back from the sheep-shearers after my haircut my inbox started to ping with incoming messages: ‘here’s a link to the Torygraph’, ‘you should read this’, ‘this is worth reading’. Well thanks to my good friend Barry I have access to the Torygraph and yes the headline ‘Stacks of cash under the bed and £6000 transfer fees: Community rugby’s “Wild West”’ struck a cord. Thanks Andy and PK by the way, you were very quick off the mark with this. The article starts with the promotion of Teddington from Counties 1 Surrey/Sussex and how many fingers are pointing in their direction and accusing them of paying players, hence their success. Now, I don’t know if Teddington are paying players or not. What I do know is it goes on and it is very unhealthy for the game. I have bleated on about this over and over. In many respects the article contains old news as it rakes over the East Grinstead debacle for instance. There are several aspects to the story but in my mind it highlights a couple of key issues. Clubs at our level should not be paying players but they do. They do it for a range of reasons but they do it in the full knowledge that any sanctions from the Blazers at the RFU are next to meaningless. Where clubs are entitled to pay players under the regulations all too often they lure players into their clutches with promises of cash for playing but fail to tell them most of the time you’ll be languishing in the 2nd or 3rd XV where you won’t get paid. As we have seen at a club close to us who in the past have secured the services of ‘our’ players it is divisive. Long standing clubmen who have been at the club supporting through thick and thin find themselves surplus to requirements as a band of mercenaries arrive. These stalwarts get disillusioned and leave, not to go to another club but leave the game. That is a travesty. Sadly, it isn’t going to go away, in fact it will get worse. The days of the brown envelope stuck in the boots are back I’m afraid. If you can access the Torygraph, it is well worth a read.

Before I move on I recall a story from the days when we were in the running to have an AGP. Several of our senior club members travelled to a club I pass regularly en route to my mums. Their new AGP had just been opened and they went to look at ‘what’s what’. This was a club in the National leagues. Excellent game apparently. What struck them was post match no inter-club banter. The home players were more interested in getting their money, and most disappeared almost immediately post match. A sad state of affairs. As it happened the club had a blip with their finances and guess what? Shortly after they were relegated into Midlands 1 (level 5).

I like the headline ‘Welsh sheriff holsters his gun’. Yes, Ken Owens, nickname ‘Sheriff’, has finally realised his long battle with back problems is not going to be won so has retired from the game at the age of 37. You can read his CV for yourself but it is mighty impressive. A great servant to Welsh rugby, and the game at large.

The problems for Ken won’t go away after retirement, and that brings into sharp focus the article in the Daily Fail about Steve Thompson and his battle with early onset dementia. He accuses the game of flogging players until they fall apart. What is happening to Steve and Alix Popham and others is terrible. It must be remembered however this is before the science was where it is at now, and during a period where professionalism had just kicked in and players could see a living if they made it at the top of the game. Sorry to be frank, but you can’t have it both ways.

Sir Knowitall in the same paper, I won’t call it a newspaper, has gone off on one again saying the Six Nations needs jeopardy and therefore relegation and promotion. Even though Wales are bottom of the pile I can see sense in his argument. However, I wonder if he would be quite so vociferous if England were at the foot of the table.

As I said earlier in the week plenty of action to get stuck into this weekend, including Crowborough v Horsham 2s at Worthing RFC in the Bob Roger Cup Final. The A27 has been plagued by road closures on the Shoreham bypass of late but the marvellous Mr Geering assures me there are no such plans for this coming Saturday. See you there.

You’d be excused for thinking the world is NOT on the edge of an apocalypse when you read the papers. No headlines about the ongoing atrocities in Ukraine, or the threats of annihilation in the Middle East. What have we got? Well, we have the whiny remainers going on about how bad Brexit has been, we have Angela Rayner, tax dodger extraordinaire, we have MPs voting to continue to allow people to die from smoking and vaping, and of course Sadiq Khan being profligate with your taxes on vanity projects whilst crime on the streets of London goes unfettered.

Oh, and by the way, did you read about the bone idle who think it is acceptable to get £1300 a month in benefits, have their housing paid, and therefore don’t have to get a job. This country needs to wake up and smell the coffee. We cannot continue to allow this attitude to pervade society and we certainly cannot continue to be making illegal migrants welcome at the expense of funding social care and other home based priorities.

Wednesday 17th Apr: 10:10

Very little in the papers today with regard to rugby. Bath fans will be wringing their hands with plenty of ‘woe is us’ being muttered around the Rec. Yes the news has broken that Finn Russell and Cameron Redpath have sustained serious injuries and could be out for some time. Both have been instrumental in Bath’s success this season. A big blow.

Robert Kitson has again hit the nail on the head with his recent article that our game is stuck between a rock and hard place. There is an ongoing need to improve player welfare, especially with regard to head trauma. In order to do this the game has to change, the new tackle law at grassroots level is testament to that. The dilemma is the more you try and protect the players the less appealing the game becomes. It is a dynamic, collision sport that (at grassroots level at least) appeals to players of all shapes and sizes. There is a need to reduce the collisions, and the force of the collisions. One way to do that is to reduce the number of subs and that is an easy fix. The rest of it is much harder to do. It is a really fascinating read, as are all of Kitson’s pieces, so I recommend you go onto the interweb thingy and search The Guardian for it.

I see the success of Quins and Saints will not be rewarded with extra prize money from EPCR. The prize fund goes to the leagues and is distributed that way. Each of the three leagues then have responsibility for sharing the wealth. This makes a degree of sense otherwise the rich get rich and we end up with the equivalent of Man City dominating each and every season. On the other hand both the English clubs in the semi-finals face significant costs as a consequence. The Daily Fail for this.

Ok, that’ll do. Lots to do and so little time to do it in.

Tuesday 16th April: 08:00

Not a huge amount in the press about rugby. Plenty about football as the season heads to its climax. A couple of things have caught the eye however. The blazers at EPCR are desperately closing the stable door after the horse has bolted. In essence they are urgently looking to change the schedule for next season so we don’t see the fiasco that surrounded the Bulls travel plans raising its ugly head again. Good luck with that as the rugby season at the top of our game is disjointed enough as it is. Apparently they are also looking to shoehorn in sides from other nations such as Spain and Portugal.

The second article that caught my attention is by the excellent Robert Kitson in The Guardian. He states that the proposed World Club Championship every four years ticks a lot of boxes, especially if a lucrative TV deal can be done around it. He asks however, what about the players and their welfare. It is all well and good looking at the financial implications but in order for it to be a true spectacle you need the best players playing against the best players. The Saints v Bulls debacle highlights that issue. In essence he goes on to say that the top players at the top clubs will have come off the back of a World Cup, an arduous club season, the Six Nations and Super Rugby, plus the qualification criteria to get into this tournament and now have to go into battle with the best of the best. He hasn’t used the word but I will, that is ‘brutal’. To be fair he does go on to highlight all the advantages, which in both the southern and northern hemispheres will help shore up the ailing finances of the leading clubs around the globe (outside France and Japan).

Don’t be fooled by the situation in France and Japan. The clubs there are not super efficient and run like the most lucrative businesses. They too are propped up by either companies, or town councils or by the largesse of a benefactor.

The proposed Women’s Lions team has received a £3m injection to improve the coaching outside of England. The intention is to reduce the onus on England and spread the love across the other nations by the time it comes to Lions selection. I think the Women’s Lions concept is a crazy idea right now with the game in England so dominant. If the tour was tomorrow it would be an England tour masquerading as a Lions tour. By the way money is not necessarily the an