‘We need the rain’ everyone has been saying. Looking out of the window this morning I say: ‘be careful what you wish for!’ Another bleak day ahead where getting anything done outside will be impossible unless you have webbed feet and quack like a duck.

Less of this misery, let me look ahead to the weekend. The Women’s World Cup marches on, this time heading to Brighton. Two sold out games at the Amex with England playing Australia and New Zealand playing Ireland. This will be England’s sternest test but I’m pretty confident they will win. This is the only pool where the final placings have not been decided. A big England win and USA beating Samoa by a sizeable margin could see the USA move into 2nd spot.

New Zealand and Ireland is all about topping the group. Whilst the ladies in green have performed well, and certainly entertained, I think New Zealand will win this one, possibly more easily than some might have expected. Spain and Japan fight it out for third.

In Pool B Wales will be looking to avoid humiliation by beating Fiji. They played well enough against Canada but that pathetic showing against Scotland is still top of mind. I hope for a Welsh win but expect more misery. Canada and Scotland should be a good contest for that top spot but I anticipate Canada being too strong.

Finally we have Pool D. South Africa, this wasn’t expected, top the pool but I expect France to triumph and therefore move into the quarters as pool winners. Italy should beat Brazil to avoid finishing bottom.

As you can see there is plenty to play for, and hopefully plenty of good rugby for the paying public to enjoy. Having glanced through The Guardian this morning it seems the public are enjoying the spectacle. The atmosphere at the games has been good against a backdrop of a well organised tournament. The product has been good which is crucial. It seems families and large groups, many of whom are women, have bought into the occasion. It seems even in Salford and York, Rugby League territory, the feedback has been great. One thing The Guardian, and others, has touched on is the players engagement with the fans. Plenty of opportunity for ‘selfies’. This is something, arguably, lacking in the men’s game. All games are live on BBC.

Up first is the small matter of round three of the Rugby Championship. Australia v Argentina should be a cracking game. A resurgent Aussie outfit against an Argentinian side fresh from victory over the (not so) mighty All Blacks. Live on SKY kicking of at 05:30. That’ll be on record.

Then at 08:05 we have New Zealand v South Africa. The All Blacks will be smarting after that defeat in Buenos Aires and fired up to face the Bokke. The Springboks come into this one following the win over Australia, a win, I have to say, that was less then convincing. This will be a titanic battle with two leviathans going head to head.

Who is going to triumph? That is anyone’s guess.

Very little other news except to say Tomos Williams is working his way back to fitness and has been announced as Gloucester captain for the coming season.

The grassroots season starts on Saturday with us at Cranbrook, as you know. Sadly, having battled so hard for promotion last season, Uckfield have withdrawn from the league. Losing their coach to Hove and several players also jumping ship has left them in a difficult position. The Sussex leagues are being rejigged as I type to accommodate what will be a much weakened Uckfield side in the lower leagues. I have a huge amount of time for our good neighbours and wish them well in getting back on track.

I’ll bring you the pick of the grassroots fixtures tomorrow. Right now I have to head for the garage as the car is having its annual medical.

Looking through the news this great country of ours is is like a drunken man walking around with a loaded shotgun. Every few moments he shoots himself in the foot. Before long he will collapse. I think the UK is on the verge of collapse. Free speech is being killed off whilst serious crime goes on unabated. We have a government intent on screwing the very people who pay for the country to operate, and so I could go on. Is this website the right place for my opinion. Maybe not BUT if we have the chance we the masses, people with common sense and decency must keep expressing our opinions while we can.

Tuesday 2nd Sept: 08:55

Having browsed the rugby pages and found there is nothing new to bring you this morning I have shamelessly used my good friend James’ latest missive on his World Cup adventure.

The second weekend of Women's Rugby World Cup and it as Northampton and Ireland V Spain for the intrepid traveller. Here is his summary of the day.

The matrix signs on the Motorway warned that the world cup could bring delays but I did not experience this. Both the ground and the car parks were well signposted, then well-staffed and well organised.

The town made tremendous efforts to publicise the event and welcome visitors; flags, locally made posters, along with a wonderful display of rugby yarnbombing. (The stuff you see on top of postboxes in and around Crowborough)

This was the fourth of the world cup games played at Franklin's Gardens and the ground is home to both Men's and Women's rugby teams. I've never watched rugby here before; however, I am aware that this is a 'proper' rugby town. In the past I have watched England Internationals in packed Northampton pubs and have recently been a frequent visitor to businesses in the town, experiencing the knowable post-match chat on a Monday morning and the passion for present and past local heroes. I have also noted that local business sponsors youth teams in the area.
The World Cup appears to be good news for local traders with visitors speaking Spanish and dressed predominantly in red visible throughout the town, many in the market square drinking coffee and enjoying breakfast. Spanish fans outnumber Irish by 5 to 1 in the cafe where I ate my bacon sandwich.

Inside the stadium it was a very different matter with a predominance of green on display, even so the final Spanish score was well received by most, certainly by all the neutrals present.

Two notes on the Irish team:
Number 8 - Aoife Wafer, the 2025 Women's Six Nations player of the tournament is not fit. Last weekend against Japan Brittany Hogan wore the jersey and was player of the match, Sunday she was also not available so Grace Moore was selected with her scoring two tries. There is clearly a lot of competition for that position, also highlighting Irelands’ new found strength in depth.

Sunday Moloney MacDonald was selected, the second Moloney MacDonald playing in test matches within twenty-four hours on the same ground one for Ireland one for England.

One note on the game; twice the stadium was in near silence as a kick for goal was attempted, the complete silence that is in my experience not often encountered anymore. (Bleater notes, yes this how it should be, a real shame it isn’t everywhere else)

Final comment: ticket price was low, a great game therefore representing great value, and all in a very welcoming place to watch rugby

It is a bumper weekend of rugby this weekend. My main focus of attention will be Cranbrook v Crowborough in Counties Kent 1, k.o. 15:00. Over the next few days I’ll look at all that is happening locally, and of course the match-ups in the World Cup and Rugby Championship. The recording device will be working at full steam me thinks.

Cost of living crisis, what cost of living crisis? It beggars belief that the Premier league clubs alone spent in excess of £3bn pounds during this transfer window. It is an obscene amount of money.

If the rain doesn’t get in the way you have England v South Africa ODI from Headingly, Leeds from 13:00. Looking at the forecast for the ‘Borough that could be how the afternoon is spent assuming its dry up North.

So much to digest in the proper news I better crack on. The latest non-sensical plans for stopping the boats. Sir U-Turn shuffling the deck of faceless mandarins. The horrifying images of Putin, Xi Jinping and Kim Jong-un cosying up together sets the nerves jangling. The Sun brings us ‘Strictly fat jabs alert’. What that is about I have no idea, and have zero intention of finding out.

Monday 1st Sept: 09:25

The Women’s World Cup has finally come to life. I still haven’t watched the USA v Australia game but as mentioned yesterday understand it to be a cracker. South Africa v Italy was quite some game with the Springboks Women reaching the quarter finals for the first time. There were some outstanding passages of play from both sides but it was the sheer determination, and to be frank, weight and power that took the South Africans over the winning line. This first win over Italy culminated in wild celebrations at the final whistle. Currently they are on track to face Ireland in the knockout stages.

Whilst it would seem Ireland cruised past Spain with a 43-27 win this was anything but. Spain played with a dogged determination that kept Ireland on their toes throughout. In fact Spain had Ireland on the ropes for long periods. This was a cracking game with many neutrals cheering loudly and proudly for the Spanish. Franklin Gardens wasn’t exactly packed but it was still a sizeable crowd watching this one. Plenty of good rugby played at pace and a high degree of skill and a last minute Spanish try that more reflected the balance of the game.

In the other two games the results were more one-sided with New Zealand cruising past Japan, and France putting newcomers Brazil to the sword. Brazil did score a try, much to the delight of their limited travelling support and of course the neutrals.

Whilst on the face of it, it is disappointing that in all bar one case the quarter-finalists have been decided with one round to go, there is still much to play for. If USA beat Samoa by a lot of points, which is not beyond the bounds of possibility, and England put Australia away by a huge margin USA could sneak into the knockout phase ahead of the Aussies. In the other pools the final games are all about who tops the group thus making their route to the semis easier or harder. Scotland beating Canada for example will see Canada facing England, this assumes England beat Australia. Yes, next weekend is huge, especially as at the bottom of each pool there is the ignominy of finishing bottom to be avoided. Wales face Fiji in their pool for example.

Yes, there have been some very, very one-sided games, but the tournament seems to have been very well organised, with excellent crowds and good TV coverage. It is about to come properly alive.

Just a few other rugby snippets to bring you this morning. Not that most of you are vaguely interested but the consultation period into the future of Welsh rugby starts today. Since the proposals were put forward opinions and positions have become entrenched. I foresee a long battle ahead with no winners, and the biggest loser being rugby as a whole.

Brian Moore has put together an excellent piece for The Torygraph about the R360 proposal. He has encapsulated all the questions that should be asked, the serious concerns about the impact, and at its heart challenges the validity, or should I say truth, of what has been put forward. Moore at one point uses the phrase ‘smoke and mirrors’ to describe the validity of what has been said to date. If you can get at it, it is well worth the read.

In other Sport The Hundred came to its conclusion more with a whimper than a bang. This however has been a great tournament; a short, high octane tournament with plenty of add-ons around the edges to make it appealing to the diehard cricket fan and the now-and-again supporter alike. The tickets are priced competitively and there is plenty for families to enjoy.

The F1 was enjoyable yesterday with a few spills and thrills. I know it can be boring a lot of the time but I enjoy it, which was definitely the case for long periods yesterday.

The football was the football. How the can Liverpool afford to pay a rumoured £125m for a single player. Yes the Newcastle United / Alexander Isak saga is about to end. He’s got his way and is likely to be heading to Liverpool this very morning.

So much in the news to get the blood boiling. The Rayner soap opera. The latest immigration scandal where migrant families are being allowed to bring extended families to Britain, again at great expense to you and I. The Gaza crisis, and here I see that the Swedish attention seeking Greta Thunberg is setting out on another PR stunt which detracts from the real horrors in the Middle East. The horrors Russia are raining down on Ukraine highlighting that the evil Putin has no intention of negotiating a peace.

A busy few days lie ahead, there will be a blog as I need to keep my limited brain cells active but it might be later in the day.

Sunday 31st Aug: 09:30

Where to start on this Sunday morning. Down in Eastbourne I guess. Sadly personal matters took priority so I didn’t make it. Some 41 players did, and our only pre-season friendly was underway. Thanks to the wonderful Mr Geering I understand the 2nd XV game was competitive with us coming out second to a very well organised Eastbourne outfit 32-10. Second XV scrum half Andy Martin added (via the miracle of WhatsApp) we were ‘a bit rusty and left a few tries out there’. He went on to say that a couple of last years Colts taking their first steps in senior rugby didn’t look out of place: ‘some great players for the future’.

The 1st XV contest kicked of at 15:00 and was equally competitive, the rain and wind adding to the challenges posed by both sides. 19-19 at the break. Eastbourne took the lead with ‘Borough in catch-up mode. Catch-up they did and nearly snatched victory with a late try. Sadly the buffeting wind and rain knocked the ball of the tee during the conversion and the hastily taken drop goal went wide. The game closed 33-31.

Can I say how heartening it was to read 41 players, and we still have a long injury list, made it to Eastbourne. It wasn’t so long ago that we would be scratching around for 18 players ahead of a pre-season friendly. Praise goes to Paul Gray, our marvellous coaching team, Mr Geering, and the players themselves for the commitment.

As a postscript to Ian’s update he added some disappointing news. Even before the season has started Uckfield RFC have pulled out of the Surrey/Sussex Counties 1 League. If Ian says this is the case then we it know it to be true. The loss of their coach to Hove RFC, and several players leaving has left them in a parless state. They will put a side out in the lower Sussex leagues. I sincerely hope my good friend Gordon at Uckfield can keep a side going. We need Uckfield to be a strong side in Sussex.

Once my chores had been completed: calls made, forms filled, money spent, and yes (for the Friday Club) furniture bought, I could settle down to watch the World Cup. Canada, as expected, beat Wales. I have to say that Wales put up a decent fight against a very good Canadian outfit. I can see why they are second favourites. Why oh why didn’t Wales play like that last weekend. Next was the Scotland v Fiji contest. This was a proper game with Fiji playing some lovely, free-flowing rugby. It wasn’t enough against a good Scottish side. Again via the miracle of WhatsApp the consensus was this was an enjoyable watch. Then came England v Samoa. I watched a bit of this but got seriously bored as it was so one-sided. I did manage to duck into the game at the very moment Samoa scored their penalty. That was a very special moment indeed. During other bits of it I was gladdened that the Samoans, despite the scale of defeat, had smiles on their faces from minute 1 to minute 80.

Sadly I didn’t watch the USA v Australia game, but by all accounts this was a cracking contest. With little else to do but watch the rain which has started again, and prepare lunch, I might watch this on catch up. Italy v South Africa is the pick of today’s fixtures but as it clashes with the F1 and the finals of The Hundred that might be a game for Monday on catch-up.

Talking of The Hundred I had the Scotland v Fiji game on the iPad, and women’s cricket on the TV. Yes, I am that sad. The cricket was amazing with 18 year old Davina Perrin smashing 101 from just 43 balls before a bizarre run-out ended her innings. It was amazing stuff.

Plenty of football which just dominates the sports pages. Leicester City beating Birmingham on Friday was great. Despite losing several key players during the summer break this was a very competent, and therefore encouraging showing.

So much in the proper news to get stuck into but I’ll keep that for the week ahead. I will mention that it seriously hacks me off when our Government, who are about to bleed us dry via taxes, says the rights of asylum seekers trumps that of British citizens. I might have the police knocking at the door soon accusing me of incitement, but I seriously believe if they continue to take that attitude revolution is not very far away.

I will end by accepting I am an opinionated bore, can be seriously irritating, with the ability to get things wrong. What I am not is a devious, lying, hypocrite with double standards. Yes, I am referring to Angela Rayner. Her brass neck cheek in hammering landlords, homeowners, riding rough shod over small communities while spouting left wing rhetoric, beggars belief when she is acting worse than the very people, high wealth individuals who are constantly accused of avoiding tax, she wants to destroy.

Thursday 28th Aug: 09:15

As we look ahead to another massive weekend of rugby in the Women’s World Cup it is a shame the headlines are dominated by the suspected, but as yet not proven, suicide of New Zealander Shane Christie. Christie was a top flight player reaching the heights of the Maori All Blacks between 2013 and 2017. The 39 year old had been a vociferous campaigner about the issue of head injury in rugby following long and prolonged issues with headaches, memory loss and mood swings. He for a long time believed he was suffering with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and had gone on record to say once he was no longer here he wanted his brain donated to research.

Alix Popham has taken to social media and has accused the game of having ‘blood on your hands’. He goes on to say ‘when are you going to start talking about the real issues in rugby, World Rugby?’. It is a tragedy when things come to this but I think World Rugby are taking action. Yes it could go further but there is action. The new smart mouthguards, the independent doctors at top flight games, the HIA protocols. It is striking the balance between accepting a degree of risk in a contact sport or turning it into a non-contact sport to mitigate risk altogether. Whilst I am sure Popham’s circumstances are terrible it must be remembered that he did very well out of the game, and accepted the known risks at that time, and there are plenty who have jumped on the bandwagon in the hope of some form of pay day since.

Putting all that to one side our thoughts have to be with Shane Christie’s family and friends at this time.

If you fancy a trip to Eastbourne then our pre-season friendly kicks off at 15:00. I’m not sure I can make it but if I do I’ll give some form of feedback on Sunday.

England Women are back in action on Saturday when they take on Samoa. That should be pretty straightforward. The other games are USA v Australia, Scotland v Fiji and Canada v Wales. The latter game could be another complete and utter embarrassment for the game in Wales. Canada are second favourites having destroyed Fiji in their opening game. Wales lose and that is their tournament over.

On Sunday there are four more games. Ireland v Spain, New Zealand v Japan, Italy v South Africa, probably the pick of the round and possibly the only game that will be any sort of contest. France v Brazil brings up the rear.

I am sure the atmosphere at the games will be great, and those present will see plenty of good rugby, but I fear in most instances it will be one-way traffic. Not a great advert in some respects.

There are plenty of NZ Championship games happening, plus the Currie Cup, some of which are on SKY.

Other than that there is very little rugby news to bring you.

Football dominates the sports pages, especially the humiliating defeat of Manchester United by lowly Grimbsy Town.

The Hundred league stage concludes today with a dead rubber, the Southern Braves v Welsh Fire. I only mention this because my daughter, and her family are off to Southampton for this one. I also mention it because it has been a great competition. Packed grounds and a very good product. This is a franchise system and some have said ‘if cricket can do it, so can Welsh rugby’. There is some merit in that argument, but, and it is a big BUT, the tribalism of cricket is nothing like Welsh rugby. Also the eight teams already have a huge following as they are all based in city environments with test grounds. Manchester Originals for example is Lancashire in disguise. If Northern Superchargers, Yorkshire in disguise, didn’t exist would the Headingly faithful travel to Old Trafford to watch and support the Originals. NO they wouldn’t. There lies the issue in Wales.

Whilst there is much to discuss about the odious Nigel Farage’s plan for solving the immigration crisis, there is something in it, our thoughts have to be with those who have suffered so brutally at the hands of another mass shooting in Minneapolis. An appalling state of affairs because the Americans refuse to accept the folly of the US Second Amendment, the right to bear arms.

Wednesday 27th Aug: 08:25

If this was soccer and the men’s World Cup the sports pages would be overflowing with coverage. The inside leg measurement of every player and the dubious hairstyle of every referee. It isn’t, it is the Women’s Rugby World Cup, so in today’s paper there is about as much coverage as there is water in Bewl reservoir.

The Guardian brings us news that ‘mismatches will not halt Women’s Rugby World Cup momentum, insist organisers’. It is true. People have paid good money for tickets and won’t be giving those up. The TV coverage is easy to access, and there clearly is interest looking at the viewing figures, and the match day attendances. I think it is a cracking idea to run games back to back at the same stadium. Especially when one of those game might be very one-sided. Well done to the organisers for setting that up.

I tend not to watch the waffle pre-match but I understand the punditry has been ok. It seems former All Black star Ruby Tui has been the pick of the bunch so far, and of course you can’t go wrong with Gabby Logan as anchor.

Switching to more mundane matters, if you are not Welsh. If you are Welsh these are matters of vital importance. Yes, I’m referring to the WRU proposals on restructuring the game. Stephen Jones, ex Bassaleg Grammar boy, like yours truly, writing in The Sunday Times, has really stuck the boot in. He, like many others, states removing any sense of identity makes no sense, and going to two regions would effectively decimate the game in those places that miss out. He suggests you need four sides named Newport, Cardiff, Swansea and Llanelli going back to old fashioned city loyalties. He scoffs at the idea of new identities without any form of fan base saying it appeals to no-one. It is a good read.

The problem however, is not just about what you call the sides and how many, it has to be about the quality of product. One of the issues is the product is absolutely rubbish right now. The other issue that has not been addressed is the ridiculous nature of the league. Including the South African franchises is farcical. It is impractical with a huge cost attached, a cost that is crippling. It adds to the problem. Let’s say we have two regions, and I make this up: East Wales Dragons, West Wales Lions. EWD playing in Durban on a Friday night will attract zero away support, and limited home support. Likewise WWL playing the Sharks from Durban on a damp Sunday afternoon in Swansea will be watched by three men and their dogs with none from South Africa. I exaggerate but I hope you get my point.

Talking to fellow sufferers from Wales there is one solution that seems popular. The Welsh sides join the Premiership. Bath v Newport, Cardiff v Gloucester would have great appeal and garner excellent support home and away. It is unlikely to happen as the English Championship sides would revolt, and the way the Premiership is funded would make it difficult.

I’ll look at the weekend’s fixtures tomorrow.

Talking of fixtures it is bizarre, as the wonderful Mr Geering states, that we have arranged a pre-season friendly with Eastbourne, only to get drawn against them in the Sussex Cup, and then again in the RFU Cup (formerly the ‘slice of pizza’ cup). September 20th is slated to be the RFU fixture. More on exactly what will happen to follow. Ian thinks it is 14 seasons since we played them prior to our cup win in May and now we have three games in a few weeks.

Off to read what the odious Nigel Farage has had to say, and look at what the hypocrites running the country have next in their bag of tricks for screwing over hard working tax payers. I’ll also catch up on what increasingly looks like ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Israel’s bombing of hospitals is a step too far!!

Tuesday 26th Aug: 08:35

CRFC Friday Club and walking rugby stalwarts adventured north on Thursday in readiness for the opening game of the Women’s World Cup. Here is their experience…….

A 6 hour trip by car to Sunderland proved to be time ( and money ) well spent.

Arriving in Durham mid-afternoon the day before the game, staying there overnight proved to be a great choice. The staff and locals were all kind and helpful, in particular, identifying good pubs to visit.

Rather than the trendy wine and gin bars, or bistro restaurants designed to catch wary visitors and get them to part with their money we opted for The Dun Cow being a proper local and even selling one of Yorkshires finest beers – Timothy Taylors Landlord. We, (one of us anyway,) disputed with a local if Wiltshire or Yorkshire ham was superior but left on a peaceful draw! (Mike being a Yorkshire man through and through, James from down Salisbury way).

On match day morning after a hearty breakfast managing to meld a full English and continental croissants, it was time for a bit of culture, viewing the Cathedral and walking the old city. It was great to see the England women's team also relaxing and walking freely around Durham and taking a coffee. A very reliable source, their waiter, confirmed only coffee was consumed and certainly no cakes.

On to Sunderland, an easy journey, parking in the city centre was not a problem and we were in plenty of time to enjoy the atmosphere and grab a bite to eat and head to the fan zone. The organisers had created a great area, Keel Square just 15 minutes walk from the stadium, over a new footbridge linking the city centre to the ground over the River Wear. The square was packed and a party was in full swing. Many club shirts were on display. To name a few: Scarborough, Pocklington, Ulster, Wooden Spoon Vets, Exeter, Harlequins, Cardiff, Wasps, Bondi Beach and the Rolling Stones, (not sure if these last two are known for Rugby) not forgetting Crowborough Walking Ruby of course.

The atmosphere in the Fan Zone was ramped up by a Queen tribute band, bashing out all their sing a long old favourites with a special mention for Fat Bottomed Girls! With plenty of time before kick off the new bridge opened with the crowd all walking up to the Stadium.

There is no need to discuss the match. (Bleater has done that). The stadium was almost full, all seats have a great view and the atmosphere was lively and the crowd knew their rugby.

It was a great experience, a party atmosphere with spectators of all ages out to enjoy themselves and participate in creating the evening. It was well run and everyone enjoyed the experience from what we could see. Well done Sunderland.

Before moving on to today’s rugby snippets, well done the Friday Club+ geezers who helped set up the Crowborough Hospital Fete yesterday. Community spirit at its best.

After a positive contribution to England’s recent tour to Argentina the RFU are in talks with Bath about the permanent release of Lee Blackett. Steve Borthwick is keen to keep Blackett on board moving Wigglesworth on to defence. Having just signed a new deal at Bath, and them reaping the rewards of his efforts, I see little chance of him leaving. That said, money talks.

I’m sure he isn’t the only miscreant out there but the Torygraph headline highlights Bokke prop Asentathi Ntlabkanye testing positive for a banned substance. He has been immediately dropped from the Springboks squad which is heading to New Zealand for the next round of the Rugby Championship.

Newcastle Red Bulls, now that they have pots of cash, and have been given ‘wiiings’, have Gergor Townsend in their sights for the role of Director of Rugby. That would be quite a coup.

OK, that’ll do for now. I need to catch up on the depressing news that 6.5m Brits are on jobless benefits, and that is up 0.5m since Labour came to power. It is a sad indictment of Britain today, and yet another reason why us tax payers are continually under the pump.

Monday 25th Aug: 07:40

If you’ve got plans to join the masses today on a Bank Holiday adventure, I wish you luck, but at least the weather is set fair. A number of us in The Friday Club head to Crowborough Hospital this morning to help our good friend Pedro set up the stands for their annual Summer fete. Pedro es muy importante en la organizacion de la fiesta. Yes, he’s also learning Spanish.

For Mrs Bleater and I a relaxing day in the garden. I have an idea that Mal Bec may pop round!!

Anyway, so to rugby matters. The World Cup continues apace, and as I suspected a couple of one-sided encounters ensued. New Zealand saw off Spain, and South Africa dispatched debutants Brazil with ease. Ireland however didn’t have it all their own way against Japan, but I have to say I was mighty impressed by the Irish. That was an excellent all round performance. Some amazing passages of play, very much a 15 women game with backs and forwards linking seamlessly, and a solid defensive contribution. Japan played their part but weren’t quite good enough on the day. I can see Ireland pushing New Zealand hard for the top spot in the pool, and once into the knock out phase, who knows. No games now until next weekend.

As planned I watched Los Pumas beat the All Blacks. This was no fluke, Los Pumas were worthy winners in what was a thoroughly enjoyable encounter. Despite the early loss of Albernoz to injury the hosts played with ambition, and a scary amount of pace out wide. The All Blacks usual composure under pressure deserted them at times allowing Argentina to keep the scoreboard ticking over. The two yellow cards didn’t aid the visitors cause. Yes, New Zealand outscored Argentina three tries to two but it wasn’t enough. Roared on by the crowd and with Montoya and Martera leading from the front Los Pumas hung on for the victory. Great stuff. A two week break now before the next round.

OK, with everything that needs to be done that’ll do for today……. Except to say I agree with the papers about the crass hypocrisy of Angela Rayner. Berating second home owners when she herself is buying up properties to add to her portfolio.

Brace yourself for the turmoil of coming weeks as the very people who put the likes of Rayner in power, the unions, plan a series of crippling strikes. Train drivers, London Underground workers, bus drivers, doctors and others all plan to strike over anything and everything. Is this the change that people voted for? No! It most certainly isn’t, but it was always inevitable.

If you are a hardworking tax payer who owns your own home, you might want to ask yourself is it worth it. When you see the bone idle having cash thrown at them like confetti, which you are paying for, is it time to say: I too can’t be bothered. There is no point in saving for a comfortable retirement either. That is not allowed anymore apparently. Your money is required to fund work from home Civil Servants pay rises, benefits and putting up illegal migrants in the lap of luxury (allegedly).

Have a great Bank Holiday. The sooner Mal turns up the better, and if he brings Rose with him, happy days !!!!

Sunday 24th Aug: 09:30

‘And they’re off’. Yes, the Women’s World Cup got underway on Friday evening with a convincing England win over the USA. The Stadium of Light was rocking. England showed why they are out and out favourites to win the tournament. They played with skill and determination, and a significant amount of power. There were some outstanding passages of play against a decent enough USA outfit. It was up front where the big differences in quality became clear. Big ball carriers, well drilled, and technically very good. It wasn’t perfect however with kick off returns being somewhat shambolic at times. There were occasions when ambition failed as doing the basics would have been a better option. They will go into the game against Samoa full of confidence, and I suspect with a revamped side.

There was one incident that I took exception to, actually to Brian Moore’s comments. The USA saw yellow for a deliberate and cynical slap of the ball out of the scrum half’s hands. Moore was adamant that did not warrant a yellow. I very much disagree. If you start to allow that type of cynical play into the game then it will only escalate. Yellow was spot on.

I didn’t watch the Australia v Samoa or Canada v Fiji games but by all accounts they were one-sided contests. There lies an issue with the tournament. During this pool stage there will be a lot of very one-sided games, and in my view that isn’t a great advert for the tournament. It is inevitable but…….

I did suffer Wales humiliating defeat to Scotland. Putting it bluntly Wales were not good enough. They had a solid scrum and some of the lineout work was good but that was about it. There was no cutting edge, and at times the defensive work was akin to Under 11s just starting out in the game. Way too many missed tackles. The Scots were very good. They played with precision, exploiting Wales weaknesses going forward, and in defence they were excellent. A solid blue wall across the field. Being slightly churlish, the refereeing decisions went the way of the Scots, and to my untrained eye I think the Scots got away with plenty during the course of the game. Side entry at the ruck, offsides, and a number of forward passes that were not picked up by the officials. By comparison to Amy Barrett-Theron’s performance on Friday, and Sara Cox’s control of the late game yesterday this wasn’t refereeing at its very best. As I say, in the context of the game it somewhat irrelevant. Wales were way below where they should be, Scotland were excellent, and deserved the win.

In that late game the French looked good, but were made to work very hard for their win by the Italians. This was the best of the games I watched. It was fiercely competitive, with plenty of skill on show. The Italians deserved to get on the scoreboard but it wasn’t to be. France could have, maybe should have, been further ahead but the lack of accuracy at key moments, and Italy’s dogged defence kept them to 24 points. I don’t see them winning the tournament but I do see them getting to the semi-finals.

The South Africans got their Rugby Championship back on track with a win, maybe a less than convincing win over Australia. This was a brutal contest with the Wallabies losing Nick White and Tom Wright in the opening minutes. The game ebbed and flowed with some moments of skill of the highest quality, bits of luck, and plenty of unforced errors. Joe Schmidt will be disappointed by the result but heartened by another solid performance from his charges. Rassie Erasmus will be happy with the win, but concerned by the less than convincing contribution of some in his squad. Yes, it was wet, but some of the handling errors were unacceptable. Considering the ferocity of the game I thought James Doleman, the merry whistle blower had an excellent game.

This brings me neatly to a question. I know we are now into the Women’s World Cup and we must grow the game from every point of view: the game, coaching, medical, administrating and officiating, but being the pinnacle of the sport wouldn’t it have been an idea to have the very best officials on show. Yes, they are men, but if the game is to grow even faster than it is, perhaps, like with coaching where quality has not been compromised, the creme of the refereeing world should be available. Just a thought, and don’t accuse me of misogyny, Mrs Bleater raised this point !!!

I haven’t yet watched Los Pumas v All Blacks but I do know the result. More on this game tomorrow. Note, there will be drivel to read but it might be late morning before it is available.

Ireland v Japan is the pick of today’s games. Kick off 12:00.

Thursday 21st Aug: 09:25

The paucity of rugby news, and the arrival of grandchildren meant blogging yesterday was cancelled. I could have rambled on about the latest news regarding illegal immigration, or shoplifting, or the state of the economy, but I thought that might get me cancelled, and the kids were demanding breakfast.

Here we are today, after a well deserved lie-in, with bits and pieces to digest. I am excited about the Women’s World Cup. I believe, as do many, this will be a pivotal point in the games history, not just for women but the game at large. It will be the best supported tournament by a very long way, with several games already sold out. The final is a sell out meaning it will be the largest crowd ever to watch a women’s game. The TV coverage is wall-to-wall and on terrestrial. Whilst there is much wrong with the BBC, they have stepped up to the plate this time around. Tomorrow evening it all gets going. We have a salmon fillet, salad potatoes and mixed veg coated with butter, and a nice bottle of Sav on the agenda before settling down to watch it all unfold. England have announced an unchanged side to the one that demolished France just a few weeks ago. Four cracking games on Saturday, including the big one: Wales v Scotland. 14:45 k.o. for that one.

Check the website for how the club is covering the games, including tomorrow’s opener

If the Women’s World Cup isn’t enough there is round two of the Rugby Championship to get your teeth into. South Africa v Australia up first. After being wounded by the Wallabies last weekend Rassie Erasmus has made a raft of changes. Some enforced due to injury, such as the absence of inspirational leader Siya Kolisi, others I guess out of frustration. Etzebeth and Loads of Lager are demoted to the bench. Jessie Kriel captains the side with Handre Pollard recalled to the #10 jersey. I go Bokke by a margin this time around. They can’t be that bad twice in a row.

Argentina v New Zealand is up later in the evening. I’ll probably record this one to enjoy on Sunday morning with my cafe au lait and pain au chocolate (and people call me unsophisticated). As much as I’d like to see Los Pumas spring a surprise and win this one, I can’t see it happen. The All Blacks, whilst still not at their imperious, arrogant best, are getting close to that ruthlessness that saw them dominate the world rankings for many years.

I don’t watch the mindless drivel that are TV soap operas, Aircraft Investigation is more my thing. Well, right now, I see plenty are covering the soap opera and impending disaster that is Welsh Rugby. It even made the main news yesterday. I’m just about to finish reading the most depressing read of all time: Welsh Rugby - What Went Wrong by Seimon Williams. It catalogues how the game in Wales has lurched from one unedifying mess to the next with self-interest, petty-mindedness and downright incompetence bringing the game in Wales to a point where it is not only a laughing stock, it is an embarrassment. We are now entering the latest episode with the WRU, and here I digress to say: at last we have some clarity of thought and a well presented plan of what is needed, putting forward reducing the regions from four to two and restructuring the way the game is run. Even before they made the announcement, the four regions all screamed ‘foul’ and ‘where’s my lawyer’. The dinosaurs roaming the valleys and highways of Wales were immediately shouting ‘what about us’. Reading the book, in various guises this has all been suggested before. Fundamentally the business model of rugby is untenable. In essence you have one key driver of revenue and that is the international side playing at the Principality Stadium. Against this you have a long list of costs, especially in the form of player wages. Something has to give as revenue is under pressure but costs continue to go up. Cuts have to be made. I don’t want to see any of the regions being cut, but the bottom line is if that is what is required so be it. This will get a very messy and the only winners will be the lawyers, again!!

Never slow to miss a PR opportunity, the blazers who run URC have come out and said we will fill the space vacated by the two Welsh regions with two US franchises. How to kill off the game. The URC is an expensive league, even before the absolutely mind-boggling decision to include South African franchises. Fans don’t travel, atmospheres at games is muted, and all too often the quality of rugby is dire. To add the US with all its cost and travel complexity would be total madness in my opinion.

OK, good luck to all those who are getting GCSE results today.

As I’m monitoring my blood pressure I’ll give the latest attack on Gaza, and the news it is costing the British tax payer £5m A DAY to house migrants, a miss. Back on Sunday.

Tuesday 19th Aug: 08:55

Hunting for rugby news is particularly tough this time of year, which when you consider the Women’s World Cup is just around the corner, is frustrating. The tournament build up continues with The Guardian looking at the huge disparity in player funding. As you would expect the hottest of hot favourites England are paid pretty handsomely for their efforts. Players from Wales and Ireland fare ok, as do the New Zealand squad, but still trail in the wake of England. Many more players however receive significantly less for their efforts, with some like the Samoan squad having to fundraise to cover their costs. Some of the squads include a mix of players with contracts, and others who haven’t. Japan for instance has no player with a contract. They get a daily allowance plus add-ons like win bonuses. The Guardian for the exact facts and figures.

Of course money isn’t everything. Pride and passion will be needed and maybe a healthy does of luck. Who will ever forget Japan beating South Africa in Brighton in the 2015 men’s tournament. That said England packed with well paid, full time professionals, supported by a plethora of top notch coaches and support staff will have a distinct advantage over all others. There is also the home support to add in. Yes, England are clear favourites to lift the trophy at the end of September.

The war of words in Wales about the number of regions intensifies. Scarlets have new backers, Ospreys are moving to a new home, Cardiff are bankrolled by the union, and Dragons look to have a squad that could compete. There is significant logic, especially when you consider finance, and concentrating resources, in the argument about cutting the regions to two. Cardiff and Ospreys are the logical survivors. However none of this takes into consideration the bigger picture impact on the fans, nor the grassroots game that surrounds the regional game. Are Scarlet fans going to travel the 9 miles to Swansea to now support the Ospreys. Of course they’re not. Likewise, are Dragons diehards going to jump on the train to go support Cardiff. No, never. Without regional rugby to aspire to what happens to the tier below. I think there is a case for keeping the four regions. There would have to be a lot of oversight in terms of player pathways, the spread of talent, the role of academies, and careful financial management but it could be done with everyone looking to get Welsh rugby back competing with England and France and Ireland for trophies. Self-interest will have to go out of the window for that to happen, and there lies the biggest challenge.

It is terrible to read that an Ossett RUFC player has been banned for shouting obscenities at a female match official. He was given a 32 week ban from spectating or participating in the game. This makes the headlines because of the nature of the abuse, and because it was a female. I’d like to say this was an isolated incident, but I’m afraid abuse of match officials is on the rise across all aspects of the game. Players, coaches and spectators are all guilty. It is a sad indictment of the declining standards in society creeping into our game. Part of the problem is we have too many coaches who think their under 11s are playing in the World Cup, too many parents think their kid is the next Johnny Wilkinson, and too many players who see an increasing level of disrespect at the top of the game think it is ok for them to follow suit. Match officials are human beings who will make mistakes, but probably significantly less than most players. They give their time freely for usually no more than expenses. They deserve our support and respect.

Will there be a solution to the Ukraine situation any time soon? In my view, no! Zelensky’s position is entrenched, and that is about sovereignty of his country. The Russians led by Putin want to reestablish the old Soviet Union, and of course, in my experience, Russians cannot be trusted to deliver on promises anyway. If you doubt the Russian resolve then just ask: why did the Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrive in Alaska wearing a CCCP sweatshirt. That says it all.

Why do some people in this country hate this country so much? I ask because banning patriotism by the flying of national flags, yet allowing support for the flying of flags of far flung nations seems strange to me. It is also a sign that our ability to express an opinion is being stifled.

Monday 18th Aug: 09:30

Now the Premier League has started the media tend to put everything else on hold. Yep, that means very little by way of rugby news to bring you. The Women’s World Cup is just a few days away and thankfully the coverage will be via the BBC, and looking at their schedule very comprehensive. The BBC Sport website carries a full break down of all you need to know in terms of pool, fixtures, venues, and TV coverage. The Guardian has also done a very well put together analysis of the pools and who to watch out for. England will start out and out favourites but as we saw on Saturday with the Australian men in South Africa anything is possible.

As planned I watched the second half of Los Pumas v All Blacks yesterday morning. It was not as gripping as the first of the two Rugby Championship games but enjoyable nonetheless. It was pretty brutal at times with the New Zealanders having to resort to brute force to finally get past the stubborn Argentinian outfit.

They do it all again next week. I anticipate the South Africans will be significantly better prepared when they kick off in Cape Town. The Aussies have suffered a number of injury blows which will not help their cause. Dylan Pietsch and James Slipper are on their way home after picking up injuries, as is Ben Donaldson who withdrew before kick off.

I fancy the All Blacks will move their game forward a notch or two as well. Los Pumas will have to be at their very best if they are to overcome the onslaught that awaits.

The start of the URC season is still a few weeks away, and frustratingly it will be impossible to watch unless you succumb to the demands of Premier Sports, however, looking at the Dragons roster they just could be competitive this season. Dillon Lewis, Wyn Jones and Thomas Young amongst others have all arrived at Rodney Parade. We’ll know soon enough.

That’ll do for now except to remind you to browse the news section of the website for the exciting plans the club has for the season ahead.

Plenty in the papers about the Ukraine situation and how Donald Trump has been taken for a ride by Putin.

The state of things in Gaza is also a hot topic. I make no apologies for thinking the Israelis have now gone way too far. This is no longer justifiable retribution, this is verging on genocide.

Illegal immigration continues unabated and Sir U-Turn and his pathetic cohorts are doing absolutely nothing to stem the tide.

The UK benefit system is in the news with the Government doing nothing to clamp down on bogus claims, and therefore the rising costs. It is stated that sanctions against bogus claimants has gone down. It is no wonder that some see the benefit system as a route to early retirement.

Thankfully free speech is not yet dead, but it is slowly, and very much via the back door being eroded. I’ll keep expressing my opinion as long as I can, noting it is MY opinion.

Sunday 17th Aug: 08:50

Two cracking games of rugby were served up yesterday. Argentina pushed the All Blacks hard with two late tries finally clinching victory for the visitors. It was the first game however that delighted the most. Not because of the result but the quality of the rugby and the stunning comeback after the Wallabies were 22-5 down at half time.

On the 18 minute mark with the Springboks purring like a cheetah on heat I sent a message to my mate Ken that they were putting The Lions performance in Australia into context. In essence, maybe The Lions were not that good. As Ken stated, the Bokke had ‘a proper “all-court” game, which is good to watch’. The Wallabies came to life not long after that and started to play some excellent rugby themselves. They couldn’t however break down the defensive green wall in front of them. It was developing into a proper contest.

At half-time the gold shirted Aussies looked out of it scoreboard wise. The second half was simply sensational. A game played in Jo’Burg in front of a huge crowd at altitude where the South Africans rarely lose was turned on its head. The early Wilson try set the tone. Australia threw everything at the Springboks and the dam finally burst. The quality of the running lines, the support play, the ambition to go from deep had the home side twisting and turning every which way. No matter how hard they tried they had no answer. Even when they resorted to brute force and ignorance up front the Wallabies were still turning over the ball. It has been a very long time since the Wallabies delivered up a performance of this quality.

I pinged a second message to Ken saying what a cracking game we were watching and suggesting maybe The Lions were good after all. He came back with a very erudite and thoughtful comment which struck a cord then, and as I type it out now it still does. ‘I’m not sure The Lions would have survived the power, pace, and intensity that both sides have displayed today. SA now looking like a side that haven’t played enough test rugby at this stage. All credit to the Aussies - terrific comeback’. I have to say this hits the nail on the head. The Springboks have been caught cold first up, whilst the Aussies have been on an upward trajectory over recent weeks with three tough Lions tests under their belt.

There was one added bonus from this result: seeing Rassie Erasmus lost for words. Unlike previous rants when it is always someone else’s fault he stated he was embarrassed by the result, and praised Australia for their outstanding performance. He did add his side were poor at times. They were made to look poor.

Then came Los Pumas versus All Blacks. I admit here I have only seen the first half. Tiredness got the better of me, and NO, my mate Mal Bec had nothing to do with it. What I did see was the All Blacks playing some terrific rugby matched by a fiery and dogged Argentinian side not giving an inch. Some of the play by both sides was excellent. Another game played at pace and intensity. A pathetic deliberate knock on by Pumas prop Vivas didn’t help the home cause. Four All Black tries in the first half was ominous but this Argentinian outfit don’t know when they are beaten. Two tries from them in the second half put pressure on the visitors but it wasn’t to be. Taukei’aho scoring twice late on put pay to the fight back. The win puts New Zealand back at the top of the world rankings.

The next round of games is on Saturday, both on SKY. I can’t wait.

Likewise I’m eagerly awaiting the start of the Women’s World Cup. I fear there will be some very one-sided affairs but equally some very decent contests. England kick it all off on Friday up in Sunderland. My Friday Club colleagues and walking rugby stalwarts Mike and James are heading North for this one. I have asked for a write-up of their experience. One of the biggest games comes on Saturday when Scotland and Wales go head to head. The winner is almost certain to progress, the loser is almost certain not to. Game one and the jeopardy is already right there.

Plenty in the media about LR-Z joining Bristol Bears. As stated last week I think that is a cracking fit. Plenty also about R360. I am still struggling to see how this can work but money talks. More as this develops.

Being Welsh and loving Sport is a nightmare. In between the rugby, as the weather was very disappointing yesterday, I succumbed to watching Welsh Fire (Tan Cymru) in the Hundred. Fire my backside. Both the men and the women were disappointing to put it politely. Compounding the misery was seeing Leicester City lose to Preston North End. Hey Ho!

Right, that’ll do as I have a second half of rugby to watch, and then to read all about how the Big Orange kowtowed to the evil warlord in the latest global soap opera. It isn’t a soap opera of course because tens of thousands have lost their lives in an appalling conflict.

Oh, and please have a look at the brief write up about the Friday Club annual BBQ.

Thursday 14th Aug: 08:33

Did we get all our jobs done yesterday? Yes, we did thank you and as a consequence are about to hit the M&Ms so as to be back in the ‘Borough for walking rugby.

Talking of rugby there is so little in the papers that this will be a very short missive this morning. LR-Z is rumoured to be close to signing for Bristol Bears, this after Steve Diamond emphatically denied any suggestion Newcastle would be in the market for him. Bristol would be a good fit for LR-Z with Pat Lam an advocate of free-flowing, running rugby.

Whilst the game is in turmoil in Wales we cannot doing anything but send our best wishes to Abi Tierney, WRU CEO, as she has to step away following a cancer diagnosis.

Don’t forget the Rugby Championship gets going on Saturday.

What it is to be a Leicester City supporter? A first round knockout from the EFL Cup last night. Based on the team that took the field it is clear an immediate return to the Premier League is the priority. Not that there is much chance of that me thinks.

As the blood pressure is already on the up having browsed the papers this morning I’m going to leave it there for today. Back on Sunday.

Remember to look at the ‘news’ section and get your diaries filled in with all the exciting plans the club has.

Friday Club BBQ tomorrow. That should be a hoot. Seriously, it was one of the highlights of the social calendar.

Wednesday 13th Aug: 08:10

Blimey it was hot yesterday here in Bridgnorth and looks like another scorcher today. So much to do, and most is outside in the sunshine. Yes, I’ll wear a hat and slap on the suncream.

Before then just a few snippets from the world of rugby. The Rugby Championship starts on Saturday. The Boks v Wallabies and Los Pumas v All Blacks. The first game might give us a bench mark about how good or otherwise the Lions were. Both games are live on SKY.

Intelligent mouthguards, developed at Swansea University by the way, have taken another step forward. A small LED light will now glow brightly when the mouthguard registers a contact in excess of the standard set by the World Cup officials. This will alert referees to issues in real time, rather than waiting for a message from the medics in the stand monitoring their computers. The technology will be employed in all elite rugby from September. The medics are keen to stress the flashing light is not an indicator of concussion but an indicator of the scale of the contact and a HIA is therefore required. I think it is a great idea and keen to see how it works. Going off at a tangent slightly, when I played all those many years ago I never wore a gum shield. I simply could not cope with it in my mouth.

England have renewed most of the Elite Player Squad deals. It is no surprise that Tom Willis and Henry Pollock have been added. Theo Dan has not had his deal renewed. Unsurprisingly the media lead with the fact Owen Farrell is not included, the only England player who toured with The Lions to miss out.

The other headline grabber is the completion of the deal between Newcastle Falcons and Red Bull. Plenty are saying this is a game changer for the club, soon to be rebranded Newcastle Red Bull, and the game at large. The Daily Fail draw comparisons with how the company changed F1 and the success they had, and how they are shaking up football, Leeds United being the biggest winners. It will take time for Newcastle to see the benefit but for now they have been able to recruit rather than sell, and take their place at the top table knowing their finances are now pretty robust. For the record, in my opinion, the product is a disgusting concoction of chemicals, allegedly, and if the weekly litter pick outside the club is anything to go by, a generator of rubbish.

Talking of takeovers, Scarlets have had a suitor come knocking in the form of HOL (House of Luxury). They are rumoured to be taking a 55% stake in the club, an investment which is much needed. It seems strange to me that they are willing to take such a step with the significant uncertainty around the future shape of the game in Wales. The move also comes at a time when neighbours the Ospreys have confirmed the move to St Helens, and the investment to make changes to the iconic old ground. As a consequence of this planned move Ospreys have not renewed their contract with swansea.com stadium so will play all their games at the Brewery Field in Bridgend.

Walking rugby tomorrow and Jacqui’s DELICIOUS Thursday curry is back. Book today if you wish to partake.

Can I suggest you browse through the ‘News’ section of the club’s website. There you will find information about the upcoming Autumn Internationals, League Lunches and much more.

Right, that’ll do as the work on mum’s garden won’t wait any longer. Oh, if you are not dashing off, the Daily Fail reinforces my rant about the benefits, and therefore costs, associated with the illegal immigration issue the country is dealing with, or should I say NOT dealing with. Yes, I should let it go but it is very hard when virtually all of my mother’s assets are being hoovered up by care costs, and they are getting a raft of free benefits she is paying through the nose for.

Monday 11th Aug: 09:45

A beautiful summer’s day yesterday and another one on the cards for today. It was busy, busy, busy with grandparenting duties yesterday hence no blog. Today however it is back to normal with a well earned lie-in the reward.

Anyway, so to rugby matters. Firstly Canada put down a marker with regard to the upcoming World Cup with a solid win over a dogged Ireland side. Friday Club and walking rugby stalwart James has Canada as a possible wild card in the race for the trophy come the back end of September. This result would indicate he might be onto something.

That is of course, until I review what I saw England to do France on Saturday evening. England were mighty impressive. They played with passion, pace, accuracy and a considerable amount of power. They dominated France across the park, but it was a pretty basic game plan that brought them success. Kick for territory and dominate the ensuing rucks and mauls, especially at the lineout. I am no expert on French rugby but believe this wasn’t their strongest possible XV but don’t let that detract from a mighty impressive ‘all court game’ from England. To allow France just two penalty kicks at goal, and prevent them from crossing the whitewash reinforces the statement this team have just made. ‘We are ready, and we are the team to beat’.

Australia have suffered an injury setback with Charlotte Caslick dropping out of the Aussie squad due to an ankle injury. Scotland too have suffered an injury blow with Lucia Scott missing out following surgery to her hand.

Before moving off the women’s game The Guardian brings us news that a significant proportion of women rugby players experience pain when wearing boots. Let’s not kid ourselves, boots are predominantly designed for blokes. As the physiology of women’s feet is different to men’s the location of studs in boots is the main culprit. As the women’s game grows (rugby and football) the boot makers need to wake up to the business opportunity this brings.

The R360 group either have a fantastic PR machine working for them or there really is serious traction behind the concept of a breakaway league. It appears they have significant commitment from a wide range of players, allegedly including Louis Rees-Zammit and Jac Morgan, and a plethora of top notch South Africans. The papers also bring us news that coaches are also being targeted with Cheika and O’Gara two names in the frame. I’m still struggling to see how a one off series of games in far flung parts of the world is going to appeal. Take the US for example. Just last week The Guardian brought us news that two MLR teams have withdrawn from the league. This has not only caused consternation at World Rugby with World Cups heading there in 2031 and 2033, but does beg the question how does R360 think they will pull in the punters. I will add in here the FIFA World Club Cup. Soccer is a massive global sport, yet stadiums were less than half full in what was supposed to be the pinnacle of the club game globally. We’ll know soon enough, but we shouldn’t write it off when you look at the success of the IPL and the Hundred franchise system in cricket.

It has been announced that rugby, like the football, has abandoned the virtue signalling campaign of rainbow laces. A controversial campaign due to its links to a controversial driver of the campaign, Stonewall. It doesn’t mean the sports are abandoning support for the LGBT communities, it just means the links will be more meaningful.

Having just finished reading Waynes Barnes autobiography, which was a good read to be fair, I spotted the headline: ‘The four refereeing lessons from Lions series’. In essence they were pretty obvious but the detail Barnes adds makes it an article worth reading. The Torygraph. ‘Not all head contact is foul play’. This is something many punters have still to get to grips with. Refereeing teams up and down the land are faced with this dilemma every time they walk onto the pitch. ‘Working out when TMO should be involved’. This is one for the top of the game but those of us who watch the game regularly know the TMO can be a mighty fine pain in the neck. Interfering when he or she is not required. ‘Be careful what you say’. This refers not to what referee’s say, but what coaches say in the immediate aftermath of a game. Joe Schmidt was very quick to whinge about the Jac Morgan clear out, which opened the doors for a torrent of abuse toward the match officials. This is a major problem. Driven because ‘referees will never be perfect’. Coaches and spectators alike, most of whom have never been anywhere near a field to referee, have to understand that no-one is perfect. If they stopped and watched a game in detail counting all the silly basic mistakes made by players they would see the referee gets most things right most of the time, whereas players make a raf