Not much in the rugby pages so let me tell you about yesterday on the SS Ancient Pensioner. As we were at the bar helping the global alcohol businesses the captain announced we were changing course due to a medical emergency. The Canadian Coast Guard had dispatched a helicopter and transfer would take place at sea.

It was a very slick operation with the paramedic winched on board followed by two helicopter crew, the stretcher and a cage. Quickly the patient was winched up followed by the crew and what I can only guess was the patient’s partner in the cage. Somewhat ghoulish to be watching it but it was fascinating and highlighted the skill of the people who put their lives at risk to save others. Our thoughts are with the patient and partner.

Sadly there as already been one death on board, and two crew members jumping ship in New York. Quite the adventure.

The weather in the metropolis of Crowborough seems to be ok right now. I hope it holds for the walking rugby duffers, the Friday Club tomorrow, and the matches at Steel Cross over the weekend. We have been blessed again this morning with just a gentle swell and a glorious low sun illuminating the ship. Mrs Bleater is on the balcony sunning herself right now.

Having trawled through the papers I see Argentina are keen to host a Lions tour. It would be a brilliant trip to a brilliant country. At home Los Pumas are quite a force as witnessed in recent months.

The Autumn internationals beckon. Mortgages have been secured in order to obtain tickets. Yes they are eyewateringly expensive.

BBC brings us the news that Wasps have applied for a place in an extended Championship. It seems that both Worcester and London Irish have also taken the opportunity by expressing a serious interest. Is it right that the three clubs that so rapidly collapsed after awful financial mismanagement should be allowed to ‘jump the queue’. I don’t think so. On the other hand would those other clubs aspiring to join the second tier have the financial wherewithal to sustain their place. I don’t think so. My view is the three should resurrect themselves and work from the bottom up as London Welsh have had to do, and pretty successfully too.

Looking at the Championship table Coventry are top. Would this once great club be the one to replace ailing and failing Newcastle at the top table. The surprise package is Chinnor in 2nd BUT it is early days yet.

The WXV continues with Wales taking on Japan. The concept is great as we need to grow the women’s game. The crowds are woeful however.

In other news hurricane Milton has hit Florida with significant damage caused.We hope the loss of life is not significant.

The madness of the Tories continues with the election of a new leader. The madness of our new Government also continues. Crime in London goes unabated. Illegal immigration across the channel also continues unabated.

Ok, that’ll do as the bars are not going to deplete their stock without assistance.

Wednesday 9th Oct: 11:13

Another day at sea. We have been blessed with the weather throughout our trip, and today is no exception. As I type the US TV stations are reporting on the impending arrival of hurricane Milton. Here the sea state is calm for the Atlantic and the sun is pleasantly warm out of the wind.

Rugby returns at our level this weekend. Plenty of interesting matches to ponder. The Greenies travel to Ashford, always a difficult place to go with their passionate and vociferous crowd. Canterbury II travel to Park House. Whilst the hosts have started well I expect an away win. Our friends at Charlton Park host Cranbrook, Deal & Betteshanger host Beccs and Dover host Bromley. We of course travel to Sevenoaks to face their 2s. With our mounting injury crisis it will be a tough challenge.

In Surrey/Sussex 1 the game of the day has to be East Grinstead v Hove. A loss for Hove would be painful as they would then be well adrift at the foot of the table. Eastbourne host KCS Old Boys.

In Sussex 2 my game of the day is Shoreham v Pulborough, both sides are perfect thus far.

Elsewhere I like the look of Horsham v Brighton. Tunbridge Wells travel to so far perfect London Welsh. A tough task for our neighbours.

The big boys have a full schedule with Gloucester v Bath and Exeter v Bristol jumping off the page. In the URC Cardiff v Scarlets has to be the game of the day.

If rugby union wasn’t in enough trouble down under, it has suddenly got a lot worse. The Melbourne Rebels have launched a $30m lawsuit against their governing body after the dissolution of the franchise. The Fail carries the full story.

Plenty of confidence around the England camp that Joe El-Abd’s arrival will finally bring some stability to the backroom staff. The same paper brings us that update

Ok, that’ll do for now rugby wise.

In other news even The Guardian is questioning Sir U-Turns leadership and what Labour has done in the first 100 days of its tenure. In essence the only thing that has changed is the colour of the sleaze bags now running the country from the comfort of the gravy train.

The impending hurricane in Florida is on many people’s minds. One of the entertainment team on the ship is from Sarasota, Florida which is directly in the firing line. Our thoughts are with her, and the tens of thousands who are now at serious risk.

Back tomorrow with more boring, irrelevant drivel. If this trip has taught me one thing, it is the need to keep body and mind active so I don’t mind if no-one is reading.

Tuesday 8th Oct: 11:00 (EST)

Bleater, you are useless and unreliable. Yeah, yeah, tell me something I don’t know. Yes, its true, my fingers haven’t been dancing across the keyboard of late but I have had so many other things to do. We are now back in the Atlantic heading toward Blighty after having invaded North America, and of course when possible giving my opinion on the state of the world.

Obviously no games below level 5 last weekend so little point in trawling through the results. Actually, I did note that TJs beat Guernsey to go top, Worthing lost at Barnes and Sevenoaks lost at Old Albanian by just three points in a game where over a 100 points were scored. I also noted that Damper will be in despair as Bath lost at The Rec to Bristol. Wales Women lost to Italy and I see England Women put New Zealand in their place.

Plenty in the press about Michael Cheika’s ban, and the long term vision for Twickenham. The stadium is certainly in need of a makeover. I read that Kevin Sinfield will stay as part of the England coaching setup. Good news for English fans I think.

Grassroots rugby returns this weekend. We visit Sevenoaks. I’ll do a preview of the games tomorrow. Yes I will. We are now at sea for six solid days chasing hurricane Kirk and keeping ahead of hurricane Milton.

As we have done our sightseeing we have inevitably answered the Siren’s call and visited a couple of bars. Sport is huge in both the USA and Canada, but when you talk about rugby people’s eyes glaze over. We sat in a bar in Boston and watched Texas A&M play Missouri state. There were 60,000+ at the stadium and millions watching on TV. College football for heavens sake. The baseball was on with people glued to that. I came to the conclusion that World Rugby have their heads up their backside if they think rugby can establish itself in North America. Soccer is doing a good job but that is on the back of the huge Hispanic communities across the US.

The trip on the SS Ancient Pensioner is going well. The mobility scooters continue to whizz round, the sticks are ubiquitous, and the old folks feeling entitled is relentless. Rachel ‘The Hood’ Reeves, might just be on to something. Listening to the old codgers spout on about how many cruises they’ve been on, and where they are going next, often in a few weeks time, tells me there are many who have no need for a winter fuel allowance.

Now, I am an opinionated twit. I know that. I’d like to feel however I treat others the way I would like to be treated myself. I appreciate what we have and how hard we’ve worked for it, and how hard others have to work to eke out a living. Let me tell you, some of the people we have had the misfortune to come across are bigoted, ungrateful, old duffers with a sense of entitlement that makes me embarrassed to be British.

Right, that’ll do. Even though its only 10:50 the bar opens soon. Yes, mum, I’m drinking for Britain but eating sensibly and not gorging like some with their feet in the trough. Food is available 24/7 and it seems as if many take advantage 24/7. Two stone overweight but feeling like Kate Moss compared to many!!!

Don’t get me wrong, we are having a magnificent ‘once in a lifetime’ trip.

The state of affairs in the Middle East remains extremely worrying. Both sides of that divide are now at fault. It is impossible to defend the actions of the terror groups, and Israel’s actions are clearly no better.

The US news is full of the impending arrival of Milton. Our thoughts are with those who undoubtedly will be affected. The remnants of Kirk are about to arrive in the UK. Fingers crossed that is not a serious event.

Message for my dear old mum. Say ‘hi’ to Jean and family for me. Sorry I’ve not sent you any pictures….. too busy keeping the bar staff occupied!!

Tuesday 1st Oct: 12:30

Bleater, you are so unreliable!! You said you would give us the league round-up and you failed dismally. I know, I know, and by the way PK we haven’t hit an iceberg……. Yet!

So, yesterday was such a gloriously sunny day, and Halifax Nova Scotia was way more interesting than expected so I, or should I say Mrs Bleater decided doing touristy stuff was way more important.

Anyway, the games on Saturday threw up some interesting results. The Greenies beating Sevenoaks II was one of them. Andy from Sevenoaks has been in touch and given an interesting insight into the challenges of National 2 and balancing that with 2nd XV rugby. He agrees that a 2nd XV league at that level would be ideal, although it could prove hard work. Their 2s are made up of home grown youngsters, long term members and few old boys, so unlike others there is little benefit trickling down from their first XV. Andy, also comments on the ludicrous state of affairs with the level of payments to players at some clubs. Everyone knows my view on this. It is unsustainable.

Park House beating Beccs at Beccs was a big surprise. Bromley hammering Deal & Betteshanger was equally surprising.

Elsewhere, picking out a few key games, Hove’s poor start to the season continues losing at home to Trinity. Haywards Heath are realising the differences at this level are big losing heavily to Cobham. Eastbourne lost narrowly at Twickenham. East Grinstead lost at Weybridge Vandals.

In Sussex 2 Uckfield beat Crawley 52-0. That is quite some scoreline. They, along with Pulborough and Shoreham are 2 from 2.

Up in Regional 1 Brighton lost heavily to CS Stags, but there was better news for Horsham and Tunbridge Wells with wins at Hammersmith & Fulham and home against Wimbledon respectively.

In the National leagues Sevenoaks lost at home to Barnes with TJs winning at Worthing. TJs go top.

In other rugby news Ireland enjoyed a shock win over New Zealand in the WXV. Michael Cheika is in trouble already after a spat with a doctor during the Exeter game. French rugby have put forward a proposal for a ’shot-clock’ for scrums and are vehemently opposed to the 20 minute red card trial. They have also suggested a reduction in the number of substitutions. HOORAH to that I say.

OK, that’ll do.

No blog for a few days. New York tomorrow and Thursday, then Newport Rhode Island on Friday, before Boston on Saturday. I’ll be back on Sunday lunchtime UK time.

Sunday 29th Sep: 12:45

It is 12 noon here in Sydney…… wait a minute Bleater……. Sydney, how did you get there so quickly from Quebec? Actually it is Sydney, Nova Scotia, a quaint place packed with history, especially when it comes to the 1939-45 war and the Atlantic Conveys. A vast number of vessels sailed to and from the port here, but sadly many of them didn’t make it. Hitler’s ‘Wolf Packs’ of U-boats took they toll with a tragic loss of many young lives.

The weather has been kind so back on board with time to blog. The Bard’s erudite report will be on the website so the blow by blow account is there for all to see. Based on what I have read, it seems it was a closely contested affair between two very well organised sides. It is early days but I’ll take mid-table all day, every day. Hidden within the report however is the number of injuries suffered already, and the season is only four games in.

The Bard has also made reference to the other games in our league. The Greenies beating Sevenoaks II is a fine result for them. Bromley trouncing Deal & Betteshanger was interesting. Park House winning at Beccs was a surprise for me. Ashford came second at Cranbrook. Then you have Canterbury II and a HWO because our friends at Charlton Park opted out.

This comes as no surprise to me at least. You know my view on the league structure, and when you add in the fact Park, by their own admission, are having a torrid time of it with player availability, crying off makes a deal of sense. Yes, I know it sends a poor message in many respects but the option was to go all that way and get spanked and find players are even more dejected than they are already.

Plenty of action across the game. Wins for New Zealand and South Africa, the latter lifting the trophy. Apparently Bristol v Gloucester on Friday was ‘bonkers’. Sarries are looking ominous with a convincing win over Sale. Quins and Saints are up and running. As I type Bath are winning at Leicester.

Wales Ladies got thumped by Australia in the WXV2.

Elsewhere my hopes were raised when sat in a very nice bar in Charlottetown having a beer I spotted Leicester City holding Arsenal. It wasn’t to be, they lost 4-2.

Tomorrow we are off to Halifax. Yes, the one in Nova Scotia.

Plenty in the news here about the horrors of the Middle East. Plenty also about the horrors awaiting pensioners, and those saving towards a pension. On this subject, based on this trip, there are plenty of pensioners who absolutely do not warrant receiving the winter fuel allowance. That said, in my opinion, Rachel ‘The Hood’ Reeves needs to think carefully as the spending power of the grey pound is substantial.

Whilst not comparing apples with apples, the lesson comes from Brighton. The do-goody Greens pumped up parking charges to fill a budget black hole. That worked well didn’t it. Not only did revenue from parking decline, but businesses across the city suffered from much lower footfall. Be careful what you wish for.

I’ll do a league round-up tomorrow but with the four hour time difference it will be late in the day or Tuesday morning.

Must go, its time for a beer. Getting to the bar can be dangerous so I will be careful. If the mobility scooters don’t get you, the strollers and walking sticks will. Just another day on the SS Ancient Pensioner.

Thursday 26th Sep: 20: 55 (EST)

As my fingers dance across the keyboard, in my dreams, it is just 20:45. It is also what the ship describes as ‘formal night’. Pretentious nonsense! As a consequence whilst everyone else is dressed in the finery heading to the restaurants I headed to the buffet in shorts and Crowborough t-shirt. The food was delicious, my mate Mal Bec made the trip too, so not only did I have Mrs Bleater for company Mal was there by my side in case of drama. What all this means is I’m now back in my cabin with a large Jamesons and time to write some more illiterate nonsense.

So what is happening in the leagues on Saturday? As you know we host Dover. They have had a good start to the season but after our win last week will we start as favourites. The Greenies host Sevenoaks II. On paper this should be an away win, however, our good friends know how to win at home. Canterbury II will beat our other good friends, not that any team is not a friend, Charlton Park. Cranbrook v Ashford is a close one to call but I go a home win. Bromley host Deal & Betteshanger. Mmmm! I always go for Bromley winning at home and I think that is a good bet. Beccs v Park House is a home win. Beccs over previous seasons can be patchy away but at home on that sloping pitch are a force to be reckoned with.

What else is going on? In Surrey/Sussex 1 the local sides will be hoping for wins but they face tough opposition. Heath welcome Cobham, Hove host Trinity, Eastbourne have a very tricky tie at Twickenham, as do Grinstead at Weybridge Vandals.

In Sussex 2 plenty to play for. In my mind the pick is Uckfield v Crawley.

In the other leagues I’m going to pick out Hammersmith & Fulham v Horsham and Tunbridge Wells v Wimbledon. Both tricky games.

Just a couple of other snippets. Eben Etzebeth is set to break the Springboks cap record on Saturday against Los Pumas. Cian Healey will play a record breaking 281st game for Leinster when he trots out against the Dragons this weekend. Tonight’s fixture in the Super Rygbi Cymru Trophy between Aberavon and Newport was abandoned.

It wasn’t so long ago that we were all hoping for change. We had a washed up Prime Minister and a cabinet full of dirty dishrags. Well, change has brought us a dishrag of a Prime Minister and cabinet of washed up freeloaders. Heaven help us.

OK, what’s up next?

The Bard is back so expect a match report on Sunday. I’ll do my best to throw some words together over the coming days but the schedule is hectic at best.

Thursday 26th Sep: 10:44 (EST)

I will make no apologies for a lack of a blog. I’m on holiday having a great time eating and drinking way too much with little time to dribble, let alone write drivel.

A few snippets ahead of the weekend.

The RFU will appoint Joe El-Abd as defence coach following the resignation of Felix Jones. He will join at the end of the season when Jones will be released from his contract. Which, by the way is a crazy way to operate, especially as the Torygraph reports that he will ‘work from home’. I think the RFU have just redefined the definition of madness.

If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: rugby at the top level is a busted flush. Seven of the ten clubs are ‘balance sheet insolvent’. Ten clubs collectively lost £30.5m in 22/23 reports The Guardian. The paper reports that the game is on a financial precipice. Whilst the on-field offering has improved of late, the finances haven’t. With the upcoming reduction in TV exposure (unless you pay through the nose) things will only get worse. It is a sobering piece, and it is not just those at the top who are finding it hard. I have no idea how some of the clubs can afford to pay players at pretty much all levels below the Championship.

Matters are made worse when the RFU decide it makes sense for a club like Macclesfield, who have fought hard to gain promotion to the National Leagues, to be placed in National 2 West. The Times (thanks The Bard and Liberty for bringing this to my attention) tells how the club now has to travel to places like Exeter and Camborne. The costs are horrendous and the pressures on players, and their families is immense. It works the other way too with clubs having to travel to Macclesfield. Surely the blazers could have found a better solution. As The Bard says: be careful what you wish for. Look on your map of choice and work it out. We think playing Dover is tough

Ellis Genge is staying at Bristol for the long term. Jack Nowell is staying in France so his England career is over. Apparently Sale v Quinn’s was one of the worst games of rugby ever.

The Guardian brings us news that the Pro D2 is in great shape and should serve as a model for the RFU. Yes and no. French rugby is set up very differently with few clubs owning their own grounds and TV coverage of the 2nd tier being big business. Despite what people might think plenty of French clubs only survive because of the largesse of benefactors. The article is well worth a read.

Plenty of rugby coming up including Crowborough hosting Dover. Bristol v Gloucester should be good on Friday but the Rugby Championship is where the eye is drawn. Two huge games lie in wait. The Women’s WXV2 gets underway, Australia face Wales.

I’ll bring you a quick round up of the other local games tomorrow morning. (I’ll write that this afternoon my time).

In the proper news the horrific carnage in the Middle East continues. You cannot condone the actions of either side. Hezbollah are a terrorist organisation. Israel are acting like a terrorist organisation with indiscriminate attacks on supposedly ‘military targets. A ceasefire has to come about before the situation truly gets out of hand.

Even The Guardian are sniping at the new Labour Government. You have Angela ‘Ladymuck’ Rayner spending tens of thousands of taxpayers money on her personal image while the elderly and frail will go cold this winter. You have Sir U-Turn with his hands in the trough like a hungry pig. Then there is Rachel ‘The Hood’ Reeves making it up as she goes along. There was a piece likening this lot to the Orwellian Animal Farm. ‘Comrades we are all equal and in this together but it is my way or no way’. Then you have the unions licking their lips with glee as they know they have the country over a barrel. What hypocrisy, what cowardice. Switch the vote on the winter fuel payment until after Sir U-Turn has left the conference.

That’ll do as I need to do some exercise. These shorts feel a little tight!!!

Sunday 22nd Sep: 15:30 (EST)

Ok, as the sun dips towards the arisen I’ve decided to forgo another cocktail on the SS Ancient Pensioner to fill in the gaps of Saturday’s results.

You have all the winners and losers of Kent 1 so let me start with Surrey/Sussex 1. In the first of the Sussex local derbies East Grinstead beat Haywards Heath. In the second Eastbourne beat Hove making ‘Bourne the best of the Sussex clubs. Sadly Hove remain pointless. Twickenham are the early pacesetters.

In Hampshire 1 it comes as no surprise Havant II won at Bognor. In Kent 3 it won’t surprise you that TJs II beat Hastings & Bexhill by a decent amount. This league also highlights the stupid state of affairs with 2nd XVs of ‘high flying’ teams being allowed to play in lower leagues. Tunbridge Wells enjoyed a HWO over Brockleians

In Sussex 2 the season got underway with a very comfortable win for Crawley over Hove II, Pulborough won comfortably enough at Lewes, Uckfield won at Ditchling, Seaford beat Worthing III and Shoreham endured a AWO over Brighton II. That one I can’t understand.

Moving on up into Regional 1 Horsham lost to Tunbridge Wells 27-41, Brighton lost over in Jersey. Both Sussex clubs are at the foot of the table. One league down in Regional 2 it wasn’t a great day for Chichester with them losing to newly promoted Petersfield.

Onwards and upwards into the ether of the National Leagues. Canterbury beat Worthing, TJs beat Sevenoaks. Neither game appeared to be close but final scores can be deceptive. Sadly Sevenoaks remain pointless but TJs are riding high with a perfect 15 just behind you know who.

Rounding things off Salisbury, like us, got their season up and running with a 33-22 win over Frome. Bridgnorth up in Midland 1 lost at Banbury.

It’s a bit difficult at the moment so I’ll start bringing you the results from the Sussex lower leagues when I get back to the ‘Borough.

I see that Sale just pipped Harlequins at the post in what looks a tight game.

Following my comments on Sir U-Turns government of yesterday I see that things are likely to get worse. I keep saying: ‘I was keen for the country to have change’. What we have done is replaced one lot of incompetents with another. Heaven help us.

There isn’t likely to be any drivel for a few days but please do keep checking back.

Sunday 22nd Sep: 07:50 (EST)

When I saw the result from yesterday, Crowborough RFC 36 Heathfield & Waldron 31, two things sprang to mind. First up was delight, and secondly was ‘wow, that must have been some game’. This is a sentiment echoed by my good friend and H&W scribe, Liberty, in his report. Eleven tries on a very good pitch, a game that ebbed and flowed, with a certain amount of controversy (at least from a Greenies perspective).

I understand a yellow card late on tilted the balance in our favour, and I have seen another question ‘was it a forward pass?’ I don’t know what the latter refers to but the bottom line is for now we hold the local bragging rights with a 5 point win.

The Bard is still topping up his tan so can I refer you to the H&W RFC website for their report. I’ve had the benefit of an early preview, thanks to Liberty, and it highlights how we got on the scoreboard early and deservedly so, how The Greenies came roaring back. At 24-24 it seems as if everything was in the balance but then came the yellow card for an ‘alleged’ deliberate knock on. Our visitors narrowed the cap at the death but it wasn’t enough. I understand the set-piece was pretty even with line out errors equally shared. Two very good, well run clubs going head to head, playing the game how it should be.

By the miracle of modern science, and despite being across the Atlantic in Canada I was able to pick up all the results. I see Canterbury II are now top after beating Ashford on Friday night. Sevenoaks II beat Cranbrook, Park House lost to Bromley, Dover beat Deal & Betteshanger, and our good friends Charlton Park lost to Beccehamian by a distance. It is still VERY early days but Canterbury are top and Charlton Park are bottom. We move up into 8th.

It’s a busy day tomorrow as we arrive in Saquenay, Newfoundland so a full Monday round-up might be difficult. That said as we are at sea all day to day I might sacrifice some of my drinking time to write a missive this afternoon……, but can’t promise.

The big boys were back on parade this weekend with some interesting results. Before that though I see Los Pumas beat South Africa which I hadn’t expected. Nor had I expected Australia to run the All Blacks so close.

In the URC the Dragons beat Ospreys at Rodney Parade. Hoorah!!!!!

Bath have got off to a flying start. Damper must be like a dog with two tails. Michael Cheika’s Leicester Tigers put the noisy Chiefs in their place. Saracens beat Gloucester in what looks a good game.

That’ll do for now as the F1 beckons. Yes, even as we do a Rod Stewart, go sailing, the F1 is on TV.

Leicester City scrape a draw with Everton. I’ll take that.

Talking of taking, has a Government so quickly slid from hero to freebie taking, sleaze and cronyism obsessed jokers ever before. No, I don’t think so. ‘Change’ was the mantra. What we have got is self-centred, hypocritical devious clowns just like the previous lot. Same suit just a different colour.

Thursday 19th Sep: 12:00 (Mid Atlantic Time)

By that miracle of modern technology here are a few thoughts for today. I still can’t get my head around being able to connect to the internet, including FaceTime, from the middle of the Atlantic. It is however a bit like the Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner - water, water everywhere etc. It also seems we are on the SS Ancient Pensioner. We have our OAP bus passes but compared to most we are mere children, and we can get about without the aid of a stick, a walker, wheelchair or invalid scooter. No wonder Rachel ‘The Hood’ Reeves is targeting pensioners!!!!!!

So to rugby. Crowborough v Heathfield & Waldron is the game of the weekend. I have been in touch with my good friend Liberty and told him The Greenies will start as overwhelming favourites looking at the first two games of the season.

The other games in our league are Ashford v Canterbury II, Charlton Park v Beccehamian, Dover v D&B, Park House v Bromley, Sevenoaks II v Cranbrook.

As mentioned yesterday the Premiership kicks off on Friday. Fingers crossed it goes to the wire like last season. I hope for the sake of the competition Newcastle Falcons can be somewhat more competitive than last time out. Watch out for Leicester Tigers with Michael Cheika in charge. How will the new deal with England Rugby play out, that is a key question.

The Rugby Championship returns with the Bledisloe Cup and Los Pumas v Springboks. Both should be tremendous games. Alarm bells will ring however if the Aussies get another whipping. James Slipper will become the most capped Aussie of all time. Great achievement

Simon Easterby will take charge of Ireland while Andy Farrell is seconded to The Lions.

John Jeffery has thrown his toys out of the pram after the Scottish RFU failed to endorse the Scottish great for the top job at World Rugby. There has been bad blood between the blazers at the SRFU and Jeffery for some time apparently. The Torygraph if you are interested.

The same paper carries a good explanation of the WXV which kicks off shortly

Mark Itoje has had a snipe at Eddie Jones after Jones stated Itoje wasn’t suited to the England captaincy.

Ok, that’s about it for now rugby-wise. Back on Sunday but later in the afternoon due to the time difference.

The news sections of the media are full of doom and gloom which quite frankly I can do without.

I will leave you with news that Mrs Bleater completed this morning’s ‘speedy’ sudoku faster than Bleater did, and yes Bleater hasn’t heard the end of it!!

Wednesday 18th Sep: 11:00 (Mid Atlantic Time)

By the miracle of modern science this blog comes to you from the middle of the Atlantic. Unbelievable but true. There is also a time difference hence the lateness (UK time) of posting.

The boys will be eagerly anticipating the clash with our very good friends Heathfield & Waldron on Saturday. They are riding high, we have got off to a sluggish start. Places at the pre-match lunch are still available.

The Premiership gets going on Friday evening. I know my good friend Damper will be counting the hours before the Bath v Northampton kick-off. His Bath eye-patch has been dusted off ready. Bath’s coach Johann Van Graan has expressed his concern about the new deal with England Rugby. He expects conflict over the workload of his England players. You can’t have it both ways. You’ve taken the money, you have to live with the consequences.

Talking of money the Championship clubs are questioning their own viability in the wake of the funding cuts they have endured. Cambridge & Chinnor are the worst off as they have also been frozen out of the Premiership Cup. A strong second tier is what the game wants. Sadly, based on the current circumstances where the ‘Big’ ten are getting all the money it is not going to happen. The BBC Sport website has the full details.

Union and League to merger. I was going to give you my considered view on Chris Foy’s article. As it is a subscription only piece that isn’t going to happen. However, it is fair to say I can’t see it happening, and there is no logic to it happening……. Or is there?

There are some aspects of the different codes that could be crossed over, the use of putting players ‘on report’ for example. It is VERY likely World Rugby will mandate the 20 minute red card for the entire game in the not so distant future. Some top flight coaches have been arguing for this for some time. Some have also said the game has got to find a way of differentiating the deliberate with the reckless more effectively. This is where the ‘player on report’ might get around that. I know the yellow card and the bunker system does that to a degree but could it go a little further thus keeping 15 v 15 on the field more often. The Guardian carries this one.

The Torygraph has done a nice piece on why chasing the dream of growing the game in the US is a ‘fools errand’.

That’ll do for now as I must catch up on all the MPs, and their partners (Mrs Starmer), who have their noses in the trough as the gravy train speeds on regardless.

You couldn’t make it up but it is true. The Israeli attack on Hezbollah via booby-trapped pagers is something out of fiction dreamt up by Ian Fleming. The issue of course is how many innocent bystanders have also be injured, or worst killed?

Don’t forget to book your place at the league lunch.

Oh, and just back from the quiz. A very poor 11/20 today.

Tuesday 17th Sep: 10:30

So, after a minor technical hitch yesterday we are properly up and running. I’ve covered off Kent and Surrey/Sussex so let me look at what happened across the rest of the leagues relevant to us. In Hampshire 1 one of my old clubs, Trojans, beat Bognor relatively easily 48-12. Surprise, surprise, Havant II are top. Portsmouth are bottom.

No games in Sussex 2 yet but in Kent 3 Hastings & Bexhill won at New Ash Green. It doesn’t make much sense to me but TJs II are in this league and they hammered Beckenham II, and Tunbridge Wells II won at Old Dunstonians.

Upwards and into Regional 1 where we find Brighton losing at home to Bracknell, Horsham losing away at Old Alleynians, and Tunbridge Wells being well beaten at home by CS Stags. 6-50 the score in that one. The boys from St Marks currently prop up the table. London Welsh are top.

Down a level to Regional 2 and we find Chichester losing by a single point away at North Dorset. Quite a trek that!

Up in the ether of the National League we find Worthing losing at home to Havant, Sevenoaks losing at home to Canterbury, and TJs winning at Colchester. Still early days but TJs are up into 2nd sandwiched between Canterbury and Guernsey. Sadly Sevenoaks are bottom BUT only two games have been played for heavens sake.

Rounding things off Salisbury lost at Devizes. Bridgnorth enjoyed a comfortable win at home over Silhillians, not that anyone other than me is bothered about that.

In the world of rugby England are looking for a replacement for Felix Jones. Paul Gustard, Joe El-Abd and Norman Laker are in the frame. BBC Sport has the full detail.

In the Daily Fail Chris Foy is suggesting Union and League should merge. The morning quiz is on shortly so I’ll read that later and bring my view tomorrow.

I’ll look through the proper news later and bring you Bleater’s opinion tomorrow. I did however spot that Sadie Khan is planning to turn Oxford Street into a pedestrianised oasis. Based on today, an oasis of unfettered drug taking, shoplifting, knife crime and pickpocketing. Oh happy days!!!

Monday 16th Sep: 09:16

Not the usual thorough round-up of results this morning. Just a quick look at Kent 1 and Surrey/Sussex 1. The rest will follow either this afternoon or tomorrow.

Heathfield & Waldron’s fine start to the season continued with a narrow 27-25 win over Dover. The Greenies are up next for us. Deal & Betteshanger beat Park House, Bromley beat Charlton Park, Beccehamian beat Ashford, and Canterbury II had a fairly comfortable win against Sevenoaks II.It is way too early to worry about the table but The Greenies are perfect at the top. Charlton Park hold the table up. I stick by my prediction that this will be one tough league.

In Surrey/Sussex 1 not a great day for the Sussex Clubs. Haywards Heath lost by a point at home to Trinity, Hove were well beaten by KCS Old Boys, East Grinstead had a very tough day at Old Haileyburians losing 60-0, Eastbourne lost at leaders Weybridge Vandals. After two heavy defeats Hove are bottom…. BUT it is still early days.

That’ll do for now but please check back later when I will complete the round-up. I’m off to the daily quiz to show my complete ignorance in all matters general knowledge.

Sunday 15th Sep: 09:00

I wasn’t at yesterday’s game so I don’t know any of the facts. I can only surmise from the 35-29 scoreline that it was quite a game. We have come away from Cranbrook with less than 2 points in the last two seasons so I look at the result, from afar of course, with a degree of satisfaction. I understand that Andy Kidd was ‘Borough’s man of the match. That comes as now surprise. He is a fine player, and has been a great servant of the club since his arrival a few seasons ago.

I also looked through the team sheet when trying to make my assessment of whether this was a good result or otherwise. There were a raft of changes to the side that played so valiantly against Canterbury II last weekend so in my mind we have done well.

The Bard wasn’t present either. He is out of country looking at offshore havens before Sir U-Turn and Rachel ‘the hood’ Reeves wind up their attack on poor pensioners. Actually, he is having a well deserved break with loved ones. I’m sure the amazing Ian G will put something on the website later.

It was brilliant to hear that we got a 2nd XV out, something we have struggled to do consistently over several seasons. I understand they came second against Newick, a club who with very limited resources punch above their weight season after season. Well done them.

I’ll do a full league round-up tomorrow. It will be slightly later than normal, and dependent on good internet access. There are some interesting results to ponder and not a great weekend for Sussex clubs.

As you would expect I haven’t written this guff since 2011 because I don’t like CRFC. I do it for selfish reasons, and because I am proud to be a member. When I read about team bonding events for a our Colts and our rapidly expanding girls section that pride grows stronger. We might constantly be the target of raiders, and snipers, and detractors, but we do things to the best of our ability for the young people who see Crowborough Rugby Club as their preferred place to play. The website contains the stories.

England Women v New Zealand Women was my rugby viewing yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed the first half. Not because England were winning, as I’m Welsh, but because a lot of the rugby was of a very high standard. Sadly the second half became a more turgid, stop-start affair, with way too many mistakes. The Kiwis came back into the game but it wasn’t enough. England go into the WXV series with confidence riding high.

Whilst Twickenham looked half empty 41,000 paying spectators speaks volumes about the growth of the women’s game. Hoorah for that. I haven’t been paid £100m to advertise an insurance brand so Twickenham is Twickenham until the lawyers get in touch. Even then it will be the rugby ground in Twickenham so they’d be wasting their time.

Emily Scarratt, 100 caps. Absolutely brilliant achievement.

Plenty in the papers about a merger of the Premiership and the URC. Not sure how that would work but for those in the URC playing the Premiership sides more often would be beneficial. Some however think it is madness and resolving the issues with the Championship should be the priority.

Johnny Hill might be in big trouble as he is summoned by police over last season’s altercation with a Bath fan.

2-0 up at Crystal Palace only to falter and draw 2-2. Yes, the joys of being a Leicester City fan.

The Scaletrix continues today. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is usually an exciting affair with plenty of barrier repairs required.

Ok, that’ll do, except to float an idea for our beleaguered pensioners. Get on a coach to Calais. Head to a beach between there and Dunkirk and get on a dinghy. Be rescued by the UK Border Force. Not only will you be whisked off to a nice hotel for free food and drink, be given a daily cash allowance, you’ll be toasty warm too. That’ll get you around the winter fuel disgrace.

Thursday 12th Sep: 09:25

Apologies for my absence yesterday. I’ve been somewhat under the weather. (Nothing to worry about mum, just a bit of man flu). Back today but with little in the media I’ll keep things short, not that anybody other than my mum reads this guff.

I see that the axe has swung at Premiership Rugby. They, like the RFU, have have made some high profile redundancies in order to keep their costs under control. Times are hard in the world of rugby and finally people are waking up to the reality that the cloth has to be cut accordingly.

The hype around England v New Zealand builds with even King Charles, the monarch not the spaniel, getting involved. He was at a meet and greet session with ladies from the Land of the Long White Cloud yesterday, even succumbing to a mass hug. Nice!!!

I’m not sure if the game is being shown on TV. If it is it will be well worth watching.

It appears that Kevin Sinfield has been offered a lucrative three year deal to keep him at the RFU. With the recent departures, and sensing he his hugely popular with the players, that makes a lot of sense. It could be argued that Sinfield’s volte face with regard to the leaving the RFU might have been a factor in the departures of Walters and Jones.

Bill has been in touch reinforcing the point that the omni-shambles that is GMS is affecting Salisbury RFC as much as it is pretty much every club up and down the land. It is not just player registration, it is the whole gamut of stuff on there.

Stuart Hogg’s personal problems continue as he is arrested for a third time and brought before the courts for stalking. It is a real shame that a player of his quality with the opportunities galore ahead of him going off the rails so badly.

In more positive news, Taulupe Faletau has said he is looking forward to getting back to playing, fighting to get his Welsh place back, and hopefully securing a seat on the plane to Australia with the Lions.

Plenty in the Welsh press about the planned departure of Toby Booth from Ospreys at the end of this coming season. The players are hugely disappointed as Booth has been instrumental in turning the Ospreys around and making them the best of the four Welsh regions.

We travel to Cranbrook this weekend. Over recent seasons it has been a difficult place for us to go. We have come away from there second best and whilst our hosts lost to The Greenies last weekend I don’t expect anything other than a challenging contest. Sadly I won’t be there. More on this shortly.

Elsewhere The Greenies host Dover. With both getting maximum points last weekend this should be an interesting game. I’ll be looking out for the result of Canterbury II v Sevenoaks II for obvious reasons. Actually, just out of interest, in the same way I’ll keep an eye on Bromley v Charlton Park.

Before moving on I, along with Bill and others, am becoming increasingly concerned about how the war in Ukraine is escalating. It now seems Putin came very, very close to launching a nuclear warhead in the direction of Ukraine. I fear if the West at large allows its arsenal of weapons to be used in the conflict Putin’s response will be, in the words of Bill, ‘not pretty’. That said we in the West can’t sit idly back an let Iran arm Russia.

The news is full of doom and gloom including more misery for families in London as knife crime goes on unabated. Another senseless slaying this week. It turns out the ULEZ robbery scheme is doing nothing to improve air quality in most London Borough’s. Some recent reports commissioned by Sadiq himself have said the contrary. Me, I’d rather take note of independent reports.

We wanted change. What have we got? We have the same self-serving, hypocrisy of old. So poor pensioners who will struggle to keep warm this winter have to watch as the Monty Python version of Robin Hood, steals from the poor and gives to the rich, Rachel Reeves, has her London home kept warm by the taxpayer.
Finally Bill has said that one of his colleagues, who has been unwell for some time, has had to have a procedure where he now has a hole and a bag attached. He has called it the ‘Sir Kier Stoma’ as it is full of sh!t.

For a range of reasons this here drivel might be hit and miss over the coming weeks. I certainly won’t be at games but I do hope to bring you results and views from the media. I might even put up some random photos to show you where I am.

Tuesday 10th Sep: 09:45

So what’s happening at the RFU. Well, based on last night’s call they are making a bit of a horlicks of the new website. Then you have news that England’s home was nearly moved to Birmingham. Actually that would make some sense. Then you have the news that 40+ staff are about to lose their jobs due to ‘restructuring’. Basically, cost cutting. According to the press those in non-specific rugby roles will be most at risk, with investment and head count associated with the grassroots game exempt from the cuts.

The recent multi-million pound deal with Premiership Rugby has to be funded somehow. To be fair, since Covid, and in the light of escalating costs across the board, this has been coming for some time. The £100m Twickenham naming rights deal will have helped offset even more substantial cuts. The story is across the media if you want a more in-depth analysis.

I was going to look at the new deal with the Premiership but I can’t find it. In essence it should give academy players a greater opportunity of making the grade, clarify the regional responsibilities of clubs with regard to the grassroots game and schools, we come within the boundaries controlled by Quins, and the those at the pinnacle of the game should get more time to recover. If you want more then that is what the interweb thingy is for.

What has come out since is that all international players will benefit, not just England players. So Finn Russell playing for Scotland, or Tommy Reffell playing for Wales would normally be expected to go back to their clubs and play regardless. There are now clearer guidelines on the number of games players play so stars from outside England should benefit from longer rest periods. WalesOnline for the full details.

Having sent the Qataris packing it now seems the finale to the new Nations Cup could be held in London. Twickenham, Wembley and White Hart Lane are all being touted as possible venues. Other countries are in the mix but London seems a strong contender. Plenty of time for that to play out.

After the thrashing at the hands of Los Pumas I like the headline in the Torygraph that ‘Australia are up Schmidt creek’. Wish I’d thought of that!!!

The Top 14 started this week. Owen Farrell is reported to have made a ‘solid start’ but according to the same paper has a long way to go before being loved like Johnny Wilkinson.

Not a great deal more in the rugby pages.

Wales came away from Montenegro with a 2-1 win last night. Two cracking early goals, not that anyone will be vaguely interested.

Sri Lanka won the third and final test. The short form of the game up next with the Aussies in town. That starts tomorrow at 18:30.

Interesting development in the NFL with some players now opting to wear additional scrum cap type headgear on top of their traditional helmets. It supposedly reduces the impact of head on head contact by 33%. Yes, the NFL has the same issue with concussion as rugby.

Outside sport the papers are spending a lot of energy on the row that is brewing around the winter fuel payments, the vote is today I think, and what Rachel Reeves is going to do in her first budget. It seems those who have worked the hardest, and saved for the future, thus doing the right thing are well and truly in the firing line.

I cannot get my head around how this Government can give train drivers who already earn well in excess of the national average a substantial pay rise, yet strip pensioners receiving not a lot of the winter fuel lifeline. Yes, yes, there are plenty who won’t miss their winter drinks allowance, but there are millions who will suffer.

Not only that the huge pay rise given to the train drivers has, as expected heightened the demands from all other unions. Even the beneficiaries in ASLEF have already said, and I paraphrase, rest assured we will be back now Pandora’s box is open. By their own admission they hanker for the days of discontent of the 70s. Heaven help us!

Monday 9th Sep: 09: 50

The season has started and it feels like winter already. As the weather put pay to our plans I spent a little bit of time yesterday mulling over our performance and the result. I came to the conclusion that both The Bard and I were pretty fair in our assessment that we could have won that game. The 18 who took to the field all contributed positively. Fitness needs to be sharpened, and just a little more accuracy is required. Of course it must be noted that three players that most definitely would have started left us for our neighbours a few miles east just before the season started. Hey ho!!

Our good friends over at Heathfield & Waldron got their season off to a great start with a bonus point win over Cranbrook. It is Dover who lead the way with their bonus point win over newly promoted Park House. Other winners were Ashford who beat Bromley, Deal & Betteshanger who won at Charlton Park, and Sevenoaks who beat Beccehamian. All games were pretty close with no side running away with it or being well beaten in defeat. This is one tough league.

In Surrey/Sussex 1 East Grinstead lost narrowly at home to London Cornish, Eastbourne had a fairly comfortable win over Haywards Heath, sadly Hove lost 50-0 at Twickenham. Needless to say these sides top and tail the league after round 1.

No games in Sussex 2 so lets look at Hampshire 1 where Bognor lost by a single point to Basingstoke. The big winners, not surprisingly were Havant II putting Bournemouth II to the sword.

In Regional 2 South Central Chichester have started with a win beating Newbury Blues. Up in Regional 1 South Central Brighton lost at home by a single point to Hammersmith & Fulham, Horsham lost at home to Maidenhead, Tunbridge Wells lost at home to Jersey 14-34. These two clubs top and tail and the league. As with all leagues it is only round 1 so lets not panic yet.

Up in the ether of National 2 East TJs had a splendid start to the season beating Dorking. Sadly for Sevenoaks they lost at Havant, Worthing lost over in Guernsey, and for the sake of completeness Canterbury 1s hammered Colchester. Yes Canterbury are top after round 1.

Elsewhere Salisbury now back at level 7 started with a loss to Royal Wootton Bassett II, and in Midlands 1 Bridgnorth lost to Dudley Kingswinford.

Weren’t Australia woeful against a magnificent Argentinian side on Saturday evening. That second half was men against boys. The Wallabies were totally outplayed. It was as if they couldn’t be bothered.

The South Africa v New Zealand game was a much closer game but the Springboks were worthy winners. They now play an all court game both in defence in attack. No longer do they rely on brute force and ignorance. The All Blacks have lost that ruthless, error free edge. Careless mistakes both in attack and defence have crept into their play, and that was the difference.

It has been confirmed that Siya Kolisi has rejoined the Sharks from Racing 92.

England Women play New Zealand next Saturday which could be the game of the day. Plenty of build up in the papers already, especially after England’s win over France on Saturday at Kingsholm.

There’s plenty in the news with Sir U-turn up against the wall as his paymasters the unions turn on him over the winter fuel payments. His approach to solving the illegal immigration problem has hit a stumbling block with the National Crime Agency massively understaffed.

The New Orleans Saints got off to a comfortable winning start to the NFL season. Not that anyone is bothered by that snippet.

Sunday 8th Sep: 09:25

It was good to see rugby back at Steel Cross yesterday. The grounds looked great, the pitch was in excellent condition and the clubhouse looked a picture. None of that happened by accident by the way. It took a lot of hard work, especially after the torrential rain of the last few days, and weeks. Plenty of old faces, and some new faces at lunch, which was magnificent. Thank you Jacqui, it was delicious. Thanks too to Louise and team. As always a warm and friendly welcome to one and all.

Now, before I get into my views on the match I understand there are some from other clubs who have taken exception to my opinions on the league structure. Firstly anything in this blog is MY opinion and doesn’t necessarily reflect the opinions of the club. Secondly I state, as I have always done so, the criticism is not aimed in any way at well run, successful and ambitious clubs like Canterbury and Sevenoaks. They can only play what is put in front of them. It is aimed squarely at the people who administer the game. My criticisms remain unchanged in that the disparity in sides could be deemed as dangerous when players with level 4 experience come up against players at level 7. Some of those players will be contracted as they are in a 1st XV squad and therefore eligible to be paid to play, which is not permissible at level 7. Whether they get paid or not when they play for the 2nd XV only the clubs themselves will know. With the resources available to clubs at level 4 I cannot understand why the 2nd XVs don’t play each other on the same day as the first XV fixture. Finally I have concerns that certain fixtures are seen as recruiting missions. We at CRFC have enough issues with that as it is. This is MY opinion. Bleater@crowboroughrugby.com.

So to the game itself. Having talked about the potential for disparity I thought for long periods we were the better side. Certainly in the first half our scrum and lineout worked well and our backs used the ball wisely. The visitors defence was robust and well organised keeping us at bay. The early Crowborough score gave the home side confidence but with the experience and talent at Canterbury’s disposal they were soon testing the quality of our defence. Plenty of first night nerves with dropped passes, wayward passing, and aimless kicking from both sides. New captain CRFC Dave Bennett led from the front and his young charges followed regardless of risk. A second try in the first half gave us a deserved 12-7 lead at the break.

In the second half, most likely after some stern words from the coach, Canterbury came out with a renewed sense of determination. Crowborough found themselves on the back foot more frequently and the defence was being forced to work hard. The boys stuck at it and after a Canterbury indiscretion found themselves 15-7 ahead with the clock ticking towards full time. We were tiring and Canterbury were drawing from their experiences of working with their first XV. The visitors were awarded a penalty try taking the score to 15-14. We could have, maybe should have extended the lead with a penalty but opted for a scrum. The ball was turned over and that was that. With the clock almost at 80 minutes Canterbury put together their best passage of play creating a superb overlap for a try wide out to seal victory. The conversion added the icing on their cake. FT 15-21

The Bard sums things up nicely in his report: we could have won that game, and whilst a losing bonus point is scant reward, the visitors were expected to win at a canter. The season is up and running and the boys from Steel Cross should take a lot of confidence into next weeks game at Cranbrook.

I’ll do a full round up tomorrow of all the other results.

I see, quite rightly, the RFU have come in for a huge amount of criticism over the shambles that is the new registration system. It is a mess. I will also add that the new, so called improved website is anything but. Even those inside the ivory tower that is the RFU were aghast at the way the change has been managed.

If you have access to the two Rugby Championship games and you haven’y watched them then can I suggest you do so. The South Africa v New Zealand game was another brutal affair. Argentina were simply magnificent (in the 2nd half) against a woeful Aussie side.

The NFL returns tonight. Can’t wait.

Thursday 5th Sep: 07:50

I said it recently, and I’ll say it again: how I ever had time to work I don’t know. Another busy day today so just a few words ahead of the weekend kick off.

Thankfully we got the pitches marked last week. The forecast for the next few days is grimmer than grim. Thankfully Saturday looks dry for our game kicking off at 15:00. There is still time to book a place for lunch.

In the absence of anything else on Friday evening Scotland host Wales in the Woman’s WXV tournament. It kicks off at 19:35 and you’ll find it on BBC Alba via SKY. Alternatively you can watch football when Wales play Turkey on S4C.

Bleater, get on with it. We are not interested in Welsh sport.

The RFU have expressed their disappointment at the departure of Steve Borthwick’s assistant coaches, and the manner of said departures. They have however given him their full support. I say there is no smoke without fire. Something isn’t quite right.

As expected the deal to get the new hybrid contracts over the line was confirmed yesterday giving Borthwick unprecedented control over England’s best 25 players. The deal has cost the RFU in the region of £260m. Some like Rob Baxter (Exeter) and Phil Dowson (Saints) have gone on record to express their concerns about player availability but have ‘reluctantly’ accepted the deal. In their position I would be concerned too as there is a serious risk that the clubs’ best players are prevented from playing for their clubs under the guise of protecting their welfare.

The Torygraph also highlights that the deal includes a shake up of the academy system and creates better links to schools. There are now clearly defined geographical areas in which clubs can work. It is a very comprehensive article which I will read in detail later today, hopefully.

South Africa and New Zealand face off again on Saturday. Lets hope the debacle around the Haka is not repeated. I have to say I didn’t notice it when watching live. Los Pumas hope to get their revenge on the Wallabies. Both games are on SKY.

A whinge about the Premier League. It is a joke that the morons at the PL are now hounding Leicester City because they lost the appeal. I ask the same question as I did yesterday: what are they doing about the 150+ charges against Manchester City? Jack-all seems to be the answer.

In other news the Grenfell Report is a very sad indictment of corporate greed and incompetence. Labour intend to finally condemn hereditary peerages to the bin. I agree with this. Get rid of the old duffers. I’d go further and scrap most of the peers in the upper chamber. Another deadly mass shooting in the US. When will they learn. Another series of U-turns and broken manifesto promises from the new Labour Government. No surprise there. Crime goes on unabated in our streets as our police force is hamstrung by spending constraints and red tape, while councils waste our money on vanity woke and politically correct nonsense.

Wednesday 4th Sep: 08:55

Before I hit the motorway network just a few titbits from today’s papers. First up is head injuries. The BBC have aired another documentary about the game being on trial due to the litigation relating to head trauma/concussion. There was nothing new to be quite honest. It was a rehash of what we already know but with a BBC biased slant against the game. The only thing missing was the violins playing a dirge in the background.

What wasn’t mentioned were the huge strides the game has taken to mitigate the risk. When compared to soccer, which quite frankly with regard to head injury is a disgrace, rugby is light years ahead. We cannot, and must not be complacent, and the issue at hand is real. We must however keep a lid on the rhetoric. A perfect example comes from the Daily Fail, no surprise there. A lawyer with a significant vested interest (money, money, money) states ‘Brain trauma among former players is a “tragedy” on an industrial scale’. No mention of the most recent study that finds that there is no link between amateur concussions and long-term cognitive decline.

Player health is at the heart of the new hybrid contracts which if the RFU can get their arse in gear will come in to play this coming season. Sadly there is already talk from some clubs that they are concerned about the availability of players which they are still paying substantial sums of money to. The Guardian for this one.

Has Rugby Australia been hung out to dry? According to the Torygraph South Africa and New Zealand have announced they will, on a four year cycle, run extended tours to each others countries. The first in 2026. Slightly bizarre that this is announced now when the same two countries are the main cheerleaders to get Aussie Brett Robinson elected as the top man at World Rugby.

It all kicks off this weekend. Canterbury II for us. The Greenies host Cranbrook. Ashford play Bromley, Charlton Park host Deal & Betteshanger, Dover welcome Park House, and Sevenoaks II play Beccehamian. This is one tough league. No easy games for anyone except……. No, I’m not going there.

The new, and definitely NOT improved England Rugby website will carry all the fixtures and results going forward. My Monday roundup will be back. (Subject to personal and travel constraints of course)

The Paralympics continue. They have been a joy to watch.

Leicester City have won their appeal against the Premier League and the threatened points deduction. The PL whinged they weren’t happy. What a bunch of hypocrites when the 150+ charges against Manchester City remain unresolved.

I’m learning Spanish and can get by in French and know a bit of German too. Why do I mention this? I don’t speak Welsh and wish I did. Anyway apartheid is now alive and well in Wales. One local council in the North has stated homes should only be sold to Welsh speakers. What more can I say.

Monday 2nd Sep: 09:30

We are just a few days away from the season starting. First up Canterbury II and a difficult looking challenge that looks. I won’t bleat on about the rights and wrongs of the league structure but I think it is fair to say there are likely to be players who are being paid handsomely to play against our boys, who are definitely not. Don’t forget to book in for lunch.

I’ll have a look at the rest of the local fixtures on Wednesday. No blog tomorrow as the motorway network beckons again.

Plenty in the papers about the Wallabies comeback win against Argentina. Not a bad game considering the conditions. Not as exciting and dynamic as the Boks v All Black encounter but in the absence of anything else it was pretty good. Joe Schmidt is making a real fist of it with the limited resources at his disposal. Los Pumas have a fine starting XV but lack strength in depth. It was a shame the contest was marred by confusion at the death. The last minute penalty was spot on so no arguments there, but the merry whistle blower James Doleman cocked up by not allowing Argentina to restart after having clearly stated there would be time to do so.

Congratulations to Agustin Creevy on his record breaking 110th and final cap.

I also watched the highlights of the USA v Canada game. This was ok too but a million miles away from the best of those at the top table. The game was played at the LA Galaxy stadium but the crowd was sparse at best highlighting the very niche nature of rugby in the US. It reaffirms the concerns of many about hosting the World Cup in the US in 2031. Will it capture the imagination of the US public, and what about the travel complexity. Lots of time to worry about that.

Liam Williams is in talks about a return to Wales. Good news.

There is a row brewing following the Australia v South Africa game in Perth. As you will recall the game went to uncontested scrums following three Aussies leaving the field with concussion. Questions have been asked as two of those players featured against Los Pumas. In essence did the Aussies cheat, especially as it coincided with the Boks bringing on fresh beef, or have they ignored the head injury protocols. Understandably the South Africans are asking the question(s).

The noise around Shaun Edwards leaving France and therefore potentially joining England get louder. We’ll know soon enough.

That’s it rugby wise for now.

As expected England beat Sri Lanka yesterday. The F1 was pretty boring. Tactically Ferrari pulled one out of the bag but otherwise it was Scaletrix live. The soap opera which is Manchester United continues. Great Britain have been superb in the Paralympics. Some of the achievements of these young athletes defies any logic. They