I’ll get to the final day of the Premiership in a moment. Firstly, let me cover off the senior awards dinner of last night. A splendid evening spent with good friends and a successful bunch of lads, oh and quite a few old farts from walking rugby having a great time. As always Louise and Jacqui did us proud in how the club looked, the food, and the service. Ollie J-T was his usual humorous self as MC, keeping the show moving along. No need to waste time on fripperies when there’s drinking to be done. Stuart Dawson represented the coaches and summed up the season beautifully, as did The Bard.

So, who got what?

Coaches, and players’ player of the year: Sam Marchesi
Newcomers: Will Pitman and Toby Bailey
‘Best Unit’ - The Front Row: Rosie, Tasker and young Sam Edwards
Supporters’ player of the year: Dave Bennett

There were the second team awards with Luke picking up two gongs and Crouchy as Clubman of the Year.

The Walking Rugby awards were up first so any of the old farts who needed to get away early for their cocoa could do so. Bleater and The Bard sloped off early. Lightweights!!!!!

Players’ player of the Year: Marcus Doyle
Clubman of the Year: Mike Berry

The Yorkshire firebrand spoke passionately about how Walking Rugby has been a great addition to the club’s offering, and quite rightly how James Reading has been brilliant in driving our relationship with other clubs. Excellent stuff.

Walking Rugby continues through the summer but the boys have a break now until pre-season training starts again.

A little tip: when you are looking forward to an evening with good people, don’t starve yourself during the day, then start drinking on an empty stomach, and certainly don’t drink Sav like you would Harveys. You get pi55e4 very quickly. No wonder Bleater sloped off early!!!

The day had been spent catching up on bits and pieces before settling in front of the TV at 15:00 for the Premiership games. Harlequins v Bristol for me. It was quite some game with lots of tries, plenty of action, some controversy, way too many injuries, and heartbreak all round. Heartbreak for Bristol who put Quins to the sword but it still wasn’t enough. Heartbreak for Quins as they were humiliated in front of a packed Stoop.

Like many I kept half an eye on what was happening at the Stone-X. I couldn’t believe what was happening. A lethargic and careless Saracens side being beaten by a determined and fiery Sale outfit. I did not see this result coming. Sarries had already qualified but now face the daunting trip to Franklins Gardens in a few weeks time. Seeing Sean Maitland limping off after an innocuous collision during the warm-up was a portend of things to come. Owen Farrell and the Vunipola’s waved goodbye to the Fez heads, not what they had expected me thinks.

Down at The Rec Bath ran riot against a second string Saints side. Not only did they get the single point they needed to advance, they picked up all five and secured a home tie against Sale in the semis. Damper will be like a dog with two di.. tails this morning.

Up at Welford Road Exeter weren’t quite at the races. Leicester were determined to sign off their season with a ‘W’ which they did. Not emphatically, but a win is a win. Jasper Wiese left the Tigers not in the way he had planned. A red card and the embarrassment of telling his new teammates he can’t play for a few weeks.

Gloucester go into next Friday’s Challenge Cup final full of confidence after an eight try demolition of Newcastle Falcons.

Yesterday was a great advert for the Premiership, with just one blight on report card: what do you do about Newcastle? Played 18, lost 18. Give Ealing Trailfinders a chance? I don’t know the answer. What can’t be allowed to happen is for Newcastle to go bust.

Some cracking games in the URC but I’ll keep that for tomorrow.

Thursday 16th May: 09:40

If I’d scraped the barrel any harder I would have lost my fingernails. It is the final round of the Premiership, and with plenty to play for. Five games, of which four have plenty riding on them. Ten team competing, seven of which could still make the play-offs. That is quite some advert for the league. Compare that to the Premier League where Manchester City have all but clinched the title, the relegation battle is over, the Champions league places are sorted. In essence their end of season jamboree is a damp squib.

Bath v Northampton. Bath could still find themselves out of it. Sale and Exeter could still overtake them. Will Saints, with the guarantee of a home semi take their foot of the gas, or will they go all out for top spot. This could be an awful game, on the other hand it could be a rollercoaster ride.

Quins v Bristol. Nothing but a bonus point win will be good enough for the men from the Stoop, and even then other results will need to go their way. Bristol in 7th are still in it but the planets would need to be aligned for them to get through. Pat Lam won’t go anything other than full bore.

Saracens v Sale. You’ve got to go Saracens. Whilst Sale have produced some fine results, most have been at home. Sarries will want that top spot and therefore be the key that opens the door to the likes of Quins and Bristol.

Leicester v Exeter. Here is an interesting contest. Tigers are out of it but you write them off at your peril. Several players are bidding farewell to the East Midlands and nothing but a win will do. Exeter have to win to have any chance of progressing. The Chiefs have been on an excellent run of late. Can that continue.

Gloucester v Newcastle. The key point of interest here is: what to Gloucester do. Do they rest their stars ahead of the Challenge Cup a week later. Do they use this as a warm up and go all out, and to restore some pride after that drubbing of last weekend. Will Newcastle make a fight of it. Lots of players leaving at the end of the season, 15 in fact, and morale is pretty low. Will they go down fighting, or just go through the motions.

Whatever happens in all the games it will be an intriguing watch, and puts pay to any argument the ring-fenced league will be boring.

In the URC, the Ospreys and Dragons is the big game. The Ospreys have to win to have any hope of decent European competition next season. By the way I thought this was the Judgement Day fixture. Yet again Bleater, you are wrong!

Glasgow are in South Africa facing the Lions. A loss and an Ireland win up in Ulster will see Ireland go top.

In terms of other news it looks as if the new grassroots season will start on 7th Sept. I might have mentioned that previously.

The Vunipola brothers are leaving Saracens at the end of the season. Great servants to the club and their adopted country.

Plenty of other players on the merry-go-round including Johnny May and Alex Cuthbert. Two splendid wingers with lots of caps entering the twilight of their careers. Neither have anything in place yet.

The French blazers are investigating Dan Biggar’s move to Toulon. It is rumoured that the deal breached the French salary cap, and might not have been done in accordance with the ‘guidelines’. You tell me when have the French EVER followed guidelines or obeyed the rules!

I meant to mention this earlier. Sale fans won’t be seeing Tom Curry just yet. Whilst progress is amazing, he is not yet ready for the storm that Saracens will bring.

Democracy is going down the toilet faster than the sewage polluting Devon towns and villages. The Slovakian Prime Minister and Putin mouthpiece was subject to an attempted assassination yesterday. Yes, his policies are very pro-Russia, and his country is heading towards restrictions on the press, but an assassination attempt, do me a favour. Likewise in Georgia, the ruling party is more and more aligning itself with Russia, so free speech and the freedom of the press have all but been eradicated. The population is rioting as they want to be aligned with Europe and the West.

Tuesday 14th May: 08:35

As the song goes: ‘what a difference a day makes’. Yep, on Sunday in the garden basking in 25 degrees, the sun shining brightly, sipping a nicely chilled glass of rose. Here we are 48 hours later with the rain steadily falling and the thermometer reading a paltry 12 degrees. Needless to say it is somewhat depressing. Matters are made worse by the rugby pages devoid of anything of substance to get my teeth into.

Actually, that is not quite true. The 2025 Six Nations fixtures have been released and it is the toughest of tough starts for England. The chariots have to go to Dublin first before facing France at Twickenham a week later. Wales kick everything off with a daunting trip to Paris on Friday Jan 31st before moving on to Rome on Feb 8th. Wales host England in Cardiff on Saturday March 15th. The full list of fixtures is available on the interweb thingy. Without doubt you’ll need to take out a mortgage to afford tickets, and don’t even think about booking accommodation.

Before that the Premiership season will start again on September 20th, this a couple of weeks later than the grassroots season. It hasn’t been confirmed yet but it appears Counties Kent 1 will not include Eastbourne or Haywards Heath, but will include Sevenoaks II for sure, and very possibly Park House. I continue to find it unacceptable that second XVs of National League sides can play in Kent 1. Can I again stress this is NOT the fault of Sevenoaks or Canterbury, both well run, successful clubs, or in any way a criticism of either club but a failing in how the game is administered. I believe both clubs would be better served by playing in a second XV league for National League sides. If there is one upside it is Sevenoaks is significantly closer than Thanet.

Joe Marler has announced he is available to tour with England this summer but he will hang up his boots at the end of the 2025 season, or so it says on the ruck.co.uk website.

Jonathan Davies has ridiculed Gloucester’s decision to, at 80-0 down, go for goal. Yep, it seems like the decision of a team who really didn’t give a damn as their only priority now is cup success.

The URC has a couple of rounds to go one of which is judgement day. Back to back games with Dragons v Ospreys and Cardiff v Scarlets. Hoorah!! At least two Welsh wins that weekend. A win for Dragons could mean that no Welsh region will feature in next season’s Champions Cup. What a sad indictment of the game in Wales that would be. The WRU have got to find a way of breathing fire into the game in Wales. There is no easy answer but getting rid of the old farts who continually resist change would be a start, making the new second tier work, and by doing that give young Welsh talent (regional academy players) an opportunity to grow.

The annual Under 20 World Cup will be up and running soon. South Africa the destination this time around with Cape Town the main venue. Wales are in a group with France, New Zealand and Spain. England find themselves with South Africa, Argentina and Fiji. Ireland are in Group B with Australia, Italy and Georgia, not as easy a group as you might think. 29th June through to 19th July.

That my dear readers is about it for rugby news. I have a busy day tomorrow so I’ll be back on Thursday with a preview of the weekend’s games.

Before I go, more outrageous scenes of violence on the streets of London make the news. Where is Mr Khan? Cosying up to his night-time tsar, Amy Lame, who is paid a whopping £135k pa at a time when London’s night economy is going down the toilet. That money would be better spent on crime prevention me thinks.

The Russian’s have redoubled their efforts with major gains around Kharkiv in Eastern Ukraine. The fact that Vladimir Putin doesn’t give a damn about world opinion and continues to invade a neighbouring country with impunity is seriously worrying. The world does not want another global war. The world would not survive another global conflict, but the world cannot sit idly by letting a pompous, crooked, deranged megalomaniac continue these atrocities unabated.

Likewise, the situation in Gaza is horrendous. Israel have gone too far already and look likely to continue their attacks killing innocent women & children in the process. Something has to be done.

Monday 13th May: 08:55

You know there is a paucity of rugby news when you have to resort to Flightradar24 for entertainment. The BA flight from Vancouver is going over as I type.

The boys, or should I say esteemed gentlemen, who went over to Burgess Hill for walking rugby had a thoroughly enjoyable time of it. Slight navigational hiccup on the way home but that’s a story for another day.

I was somewhat disappointed that the RFU didn’t take firmer action against Billy Vunipola. A slap on the wrist and a formal warning doesn’t seem much for what in my mind were actions contrary to the values of the game. That said, a formal warning stays on his record for 5 years and is transferable between unions. That hanging over him should ensure no repeat.

The ‘tinkering’ over at World Rugby continues. Three more law changes to get our heads around. You will no longer be able to ask for a scrum as a result of a free kick. Hoorah! I have been banging on about that for some time. The nonsense about being put on side after a player has run 5 metres with the ball is being changed. Players now have to retreat. The crocodile roll has been outlawed too

On top of that during the upcoming Under 20 World Championship a number of other laws are being trialled, including shot clocks for scrums and lineouts, reducing the time allowed to kick at goal by 30 seconds, and allowing a mark to be called from restarts. Plus there are plans to streamline the disciplinary process which could mean the removal of discounted sanctions.

It was finals weekend in the Pizza Slice Cup. Ashford lost to Midsomer Norton 39-38 and in the other game Kingsbridge beat Twickenham.

Plenty is being said about the permutations for the play-offs. Northampton Saints have secured a home semi already but will it be against the 4th placed team or against the 3rd placed team, and who will those teams be. The Torygraph has the most comprehensive analysis with the Fail simply giving us what they think will be the semi-finals: Saints v Exeter and Saracens v Bath. That implies Exeter will win at Welford Road and Sale will lose at the Stone-X. We’ll know by the time we get to the awards dinner at the club on Saturday evening.

All Black captain Sam Cane is off to Japan at the end of the year which means his international career is over. A nice way to add to your pension pot me thinks. It is no wonder that, like in Wales, there is a clamour for the selection policy to be changed. The lure of big bucks in Japan, and France, is not going to go away.

The regular season is nearly over so it will soon be time to turn our attention to the summer tours. Plenty of players out injured, plenty making a statement about selection, and others are always going to be shoe-ins. There is plenty of time for me to look at those.

That’ll do for today from a rugby perspective. More outrageous acts of mindless violence in lawless London. Sadiq Khan needs to get his head out from under his backside and get to grip with the ever worsening problem. Forget the woke naming of Overground lines, and finding more ways to fleece motorists. Our glorious capital is turning into a cesspit of uncontrollable crime.

The atrocities in Ukraine and Gaza go on unabated. It is so depressing.

On that note I’m off for a cup of coffee and a comforting jam doughnut.

Sunday 12th May: 08:40

The Premiership lived up to its billing, that’s for sure. On Friday night both Bath and Saracens did what they needed to do with bonus points wins. Bath faded in the second half against Newcastle according to Bath stalwart Damper, but the damage had been done by then. Finn Russell came through unscathed which is a boost in itself.

Sale beat Leicester Tigers thus keeping their play-off hopes alive. Unfortunately they have the prospect of taking on Saracens at the Stone-X to keep their chances of progression alive. I’ll get to the various permutations in the week ahead.

The standout result on Saturday was the total annihilation of Gloucester by Northampton. 90-0 is a damning scoreline. Gloucester clearly prioritising the Challenge Cup fielded a mainly 2nd string / academy XV. This will, I’m sure, raise some eyebrows and bring questions of integrity into play. That said Gloucester are out of the play-off running, are in with a very good chance of lifting European silverware, are not restricted on the team they select, and most importantly even at full strength were likely to have been beaten. Saints are top but with Bath away next week are not yet guaranteed that all important home semi-final.

Saracens are in the driving seat I think. A very solid win away at Bristol keeps them in second and with Sale at home up next who would bet against them finishing top.

The wheels have come off the Harlequins chariot. A momentum and confidence sapping defeat at Exeter has done their play-off chances a lot of harm. It was not so long ago that Quins were nailed on for the play-offs with Exeter languishing in the nether regions of the table. Exeter are now in 5th ahead of Quins. Despite their defeat Bristol still have the slimmest of chances to progress but they travel to the Stoop next Saturday. Exeter are at Welford Road where they need to be vary wary of the wounded Tigers.

Still loads to play for. With the exception of Gloucester versus Newcastle every other game is of importance to the end of year showdown.

On Friday I watched the Dragons lose to the Stormers. It is oh so frustrating being a Dragons supporter. For long periods they dominated territory and possession failing to turn it into points. They played some good rugby but faded towards the end which is when the Stormers went into overdrive. The watching Welsh management would have been pleased with the contribution of Aaron Wainwright, Rio Dyer and Eliot Dee who were all outstanding in defeat.

The Ospreys could not compete with Ireland, losing quite heavily in the end. The Scarlets lost at home to Ulster, and Cardiff lost away to the Lions. All four Welsh regions are in the bottom half of the table. At the top of the URC we find Glasgow, Leinster, Munster and the Bulls. Two more rounds to go in this league.

I’ll do a trawl through the papers tomorrow and see what I can find related to our great game. I should be able to bring you an update on how our boys got on over at Burgess Hill with the Walking Rugby.

The news is dominated by the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. I can understand the world’s frustration with Israel as they now seem hell bent on raising Gaza to the ground no matter the consequences for the millions who have been displaced.

Sadly the Eurovision Song Contest gets a lot of coverage. Waste of space as far as I’m concerned. I see that little weasel Greta Thunberg was front and centre at the protests. She is a self-publicising troublemaker who needs to get a job and contribute to society. Being a full-time protester is not a job.

Then I read that three more waste of space Tory MPs are about to defect to Labour. That is about nothing other than self-preservation. Staying on the gravy train of British politics while sticking two fingers up to the hard working taxpayers who keep these wastrels in a job.

Thursday 9th May: 08:15

The Guardian sums it up: ‘There’s never been a Premiership run-in quite like this one’. Seven of the ten teams can still qualify for the play-offs, although for some that will require maximum points from the final two games and someone else to slip up badly during the same period.

Northampton Saints are in the box seat with a 4 point buffer to Saracens in 2nd spot. Who says Saints will beat Gloucester after their bruising encounter in Dublin last weekend. Can Gloucester take their cup form into the this contest or will they rest players focussing now on cup glory. Saturday for this one. Bath in 3rd should have an easier ride away at lowly Newcastle on Friday. The other Friday fixture is Sale v Leicester. The AJ Bell has been a fortress this season and with Leicester playing only for pride a Sale win would keep them in the hunt, just!

Where it gets interesting is on Saturday where Bristol in 4th host Saracens. A Bristol win keeps them right in the mix for a top 4 spot, and would dent Sarries hopes of a home semi-final. This one is way too close to call. If it had been at the StoneX that would have been different, but at Ashton Gate, anything could happen.

Bringing up the rear is Exeter vs Harlequins. Exeter need a bonus point win from this one to stay in with any chance of reaching the play-offs. Quins will be battered and bruised and no doubt dejected following their defeat in Toulouse. This kicks off at 17:30 Saturday evening. Maybe a good time to come in from the garden and open that second bottle of rose. We hope to be back by then but with the M25 closed at junction 10, who knows.

There are many who say the Premiership is a closed shop and ring-fencing has spoilt the game. I think this season’s run-in drives a horse and cart through that argument. Only Newcastle have failed to deliver, and perhaps they should be replaced by Ealing Trailfinders, but otherwise this has been a fantastic season of top flight rugby. By the way, who says Ealing would fair any better than Newcastle?

Plenty going on in the URC but it is nowhere near as interesting a final charge to the play-offs. On Friday Dragons are playing for pride against the Stormers. On Sunday Leinster host the Ospreys. The Welsh outfit are in with the slimmest of chances of making the cut but even against a second string Leinster side I don’t hold out much hope. Munster v Connacht looks tasty, and 1st placed Glasgow will find it tough going in Pretoria against the Bulls.

The weather is set fair so being glued to the TV is not a priority. The Exeter and Leinster games on Saturday evening might persuade me to switch on.

Plenty of goodbyes over the coming weeks as players move on. Manu Tuilagi effectively ends his England career with his departure for Bayonne. Scarlets and Wales great Jonathan Davies is leaving the West Wales outfit, for who knows where. Retirement perhaps?

One player not moving is Danny Care. He has swerved a move to France by signing a one year contract extension at Harlequins.

The Irish Times brings the news that just 3,000 tickets will be available to Leinster season ticket holders for the European final in London. Having packed out the 82,000 seat Croke Park this will come as a massive disappointment to many. Tickets have been on general sale for some time, so it isn’t all doom and gloom as ever the optimistic Leinster supporter could already be in possession of a ticket. It does seem a strange way of operating that just 6,000 tickets are held back for the two finalists.

Right, that’ll do. Another flying visit to Bridgnorth beckons.

Before I go I read with some disdain that Natalie Elphick has decided to cross the floor of the house to join the Labour benches. She is entitled to be frustrated with the Government, it is a shambles, but this is an act of self-publicity and hypocrisy. It is no wonder the hard working, taxpaying public is fed up with politics and politicians.

If the recent local elections are anything to go by we are heading towards a very dangerous sectarian state.

Are things any better in Wales? No! How can a country of 3.5m people justify expanding the number of MPs in Senedd any further, especially at a cost of £120m. Surely that would have been better spent on health, education and transport. The gravy train just got longer. Madness!!!

Wednesday 8th May: 09:45

A bit of barrel scraping this morning I’m afraid. I’m also saddened that my first two stories paint rugby not necessarily in a good light.

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 hav