The build up to the weekend has started with Steve Borthwick sticking to his guns on two counts. Announcing his team early, and going with a very strong bench to come on as the game develops. The surprise in many people’s minds is George Ford starting at #10 with Fin Smith nowhere to be seen. Whilst Borthwick has been bold with his use of the bench, he has been ‘steady Eddie’ when it comes to his choice at fly-half. Freddie Steward returns at fullback with Marcus Smith on the bench. Built like a second row the choice of Steward makes sense with the All Blacks not adverse to sending up those long raking spiralling kicks. Ollie Lawrence keeps his place in the centre but I feel that is a result of Tommy Freeman being injured. Alex Coles replaces the injured Ollie Chessham in the starting XV with Chandler Cunningham-South coming onto the bench. Jamie George also starts. It is a ridiculously strong bench that Borthwick has at his disposal with Lions aplenty waiting to pounce on the tiring Kiwis. I hope the All Blacks are not too far ahead by the time he brings on the cavalry. The 6-2 bench would indicate he is also willing to trust Henry Pollock or Ben Earl out in the backs if the need arises. I’ll be at this one so let’s hope for a free-flowing game and not rugby’s version of Greco-Roman wrestling.

I know saying the same thing over and over again could be a sign of dementia BUT Bortwick and Erasmus are reinforcing my points that a) the game at the top level is no longer a game for all shapes and sizes, it is only for leviathans, and b) the time has come to reduce the number of replacements thus forcing the game into developing the hybrid player.

Loads of Lager has been given a 4 match suspension for his ugly hit on Sergio Ramos. Sadly he’s got previous so no stupid tackle school, or the full discount for him.

Wales call up little known Harri Deave who has been ‘ripping it up’ for the Ospreys. Tommy Reffell was an obvious replacement but as he is not available for the South Africa game Deave’s call-up makes a degree of sense.

Japan will start as favourites against Wales, and I fear a Japanese onslaught will hammer another nail in the games coffin in the Principality. There is no simple answer. What in a bizarre way might help Wales is the total uncertainty surrounding the regional restructuring. There are plenty of players who will where red on Saturday who are out of contract. What a shop window for them to display their talents.

Gregor Townsend is preparing his charges ahead of the arrival of Los Pumas. The Argentinians will be buoyed by their convincing win against Wales but will know that Scotland will be a much stiffer challenge. I think, despite Scotland’s excellent showing against the All Blacks, that Argentina will win this one. They are in great form, they have an exciting squad, and can be very unpredictable.

Plenty of other good match ups with Italy v South Africa, France v Fiji, and Ireland v Australia. I’m hoping to watch the Ireland game but the others will have to wait until I have time to watch on catch-up.

Hardly any grassroots rugby this weekend but can I point you in the direction of Crowborough 2s v Horsham 3s in the Sussex Cup. It kicks off at 14:00 over at Horsham.

There is plenty in the proper news to get the blood boiling. Taxes going up to pay for the evermore generous benefits for the bone idle. The French being paid a lot of our tax pounds to stop the boats, but all they do is sit there waving them goodbye. The Copout 30 is under way with thousands of handwringing luvvies pontificating about climate change with a total disregard for the amount of CO2 their travels have added to the atmosphere. What’s wrong with Zoom or Teams.

OK, back tomorrow with news about the Governments very own version of the Traitors. Who is a ‘faithful’, who is a ‘traitor’, and will they topple Sir U-Turn.

Tuesday 11th Nov: 09:55

The 11th day of the 11th month. At 11am the guns fell silent all those years ago. So many have sacrificed so much and we must remember them.

Sadly, the woke warriors want to erase history, and it is clear we have not learnt much over the many years since 1918. History should be guiding us to better ways forward but is it? War rages on in Ukraine, atrocities continue in the Middle East and Africa, and so many of the values the wars were fought to protect have been eroded down to nothing. As one of the few surviving veterans of World War II recently asked: was it worth it? I’ll leave it for others to answer.

As the sun goes down we will remember them.

Life goes on and we must make the most of what we have. Sport plays an important part in that so lets get on with it. Firstly, amongst the gloom of Welsh Rugby’s travails, it was heartening to read that CEO Abi Tierney is making a gradual return to work after her cancer diagnosis.

One of the things that must be in her in tray is why were Wales so comprehensively beaten by Argentina. Argentina, a country where rugby is a minority sport by a very long way, dwarfed by football. Domestically rugby is niche but on the world stage Los Pumas are now holding their own against the best of the best. Looking at Saturday’s team sheet one explanation could be that their limited resources are playing with the best players, in the best leagues. A significant proportion of the Argentinian back line plays in France in the Top 14 for example. Wales on the other hand find most of their players plying their trade in mediocre teams in a mediocre league. The time has come to scrap the 25 cap rule and let players go and play in England or France. Nicky Smith, Jarod Evans, Tommy Reffell, Dafydd Jenkins are significantly better players as a consequence of playing in the Premiership. Wales must also take a leaf out of Scotland’s book and scour the globe for anyone with even the most tenuous link to Wales. In desperate times desperate measures need to be taken.

On Saturday Wales host Japan, a game in which Japan will start favourites. The stadium will be half empty. Apathy rules plus Wales are playing a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier in Lichtenstein kicking off about the same time. Unless the WRU get things sorted the game will wither further ultimately spiralling into the abyss.

Trawling through the papers Steve Borthwick is likely to delay his team announcement to Thursday as injuries mount. Tommy Freeman and Ollie Chessum are doubtful and it is not clear how fit Freddie Steward is. He has plenty to ponder.

I know just two paragraphs ago I said Wales must do whatever it has to to improve its talent pool, but I’m finding the eligibility rules somewhat baffling. A few years ago World Rugby in their (not so) infinite wisdom said that players capped for a country could after three fallow years be selected for a different country. The logic was reasonable when you think that the Vunipola brothers could soon be eligible to play for Tonga. Tonga a small nation where having someone like the Vunipolas playing them would even up the playing field. It was not meant to allow the big nations to bolster their squads further. It seems former All Black Hoskins Sotutu is heading to Saracens and soon will be eligible for Fiji, but also for England. Bit farcical really when the big are getting bigger and the small nations are getting screwed.

Charlie Richardson writing in The Torygraph asks: ‘what is the point of the rugby bunker?’. Good point. After the recent debacle with Tadgh Beirne, and the excellent judgement of Angus Gardner managing the Loads of Lager hit, it is a good question. In essence it is allowing the referees to abdicate responsibility. Plenty have challenged the decision to keep the Fijian wingers yellow as a yellow following the Feyi-Waboso incident. As mentioned I think yellow was the right call so why couldn’t the merry whistle blower have had the courage of his convictions and shown yellow and the game continued?

That’ll do, except to mention the meeting in Crowborough yesterday. Well attended I hear. I still think the use of the camp is a reasonable suggestion, but argue vociferously that the issue of stopping the boats, and speeding up the asylum system so the genuine are treated fairly, and the illegals are removed equally as quickly is the priority. By the way, not to France as that is proving to be a farce.

Dear tax payer, I’m sorry to tell you that you will be worse off in a few weeks time as I intend to shaft you any which way I can. You’ll be pleased to here the money raised will go to good causes; the bone idle, the gold plated Civil Service pension scheme, ineffective and wasteful green projects, and woke ideology across all public services. Yours affectionately, The Hood.

Monday 10th Nov: 09:30

On this damp and dreary November morning in the metropolis of Crowborough it is time to reflect on the weekend’s results. Yes, Yes, I will get to the humiliation in Cardiff. Be patient.

Looking at Kent 1 it is clear my prophecy that Old Elthamians are on a mission to go through this league like like a dose of salts is coming to pass. A 55-12 win over Beecehamian is pretty emphatic. D&B’s win over us puts them up into 2nd spot. Sevenoaks II are in 3rd after their 49-22 win over Park House. Ashford are doing well beating Charlton Park 49-24. Dover beat bottom placed Cranbrook 43-10. Finally, in a surprise result, The Greenies lost 15-13 at Gillingham Anchorians. Still lots of games to go but plenty for CRFC to think about with Dover up next.

Over in Surrey/Sussex 1 Haywards Heath having avoided the drop last season are doing much better this. A 36-15 win over KCS Old Boys last weekend’s reward. Eastbourne on the other hand lost at Weybridge Vandals 38-30. Despite not playing Hove remain the best placed of the Sussex clubs in 4th. Cobham are top.

To Hampshire 1 now where we find Bognor atop of the tree after a 48-24 win over Winchester II. Chichester move into 4th after their 61-15 win over Sandown & Shanklin.

A full compliment of games in Sussex 2. East Grinstead are riding high after their 43-14 win over Lewes. Unsurprisingly Pulborough are hot on their heels after a convincing 19-50 at Brighton II. Ditchling beat Royals, Eastbourne II lost at home to Shoreham. Seaford beat pointless Crawley.

Going up into Regional 2 we find Brighton beating Old Reigatian 73-0 to top the table. Horsham weren’t so lucky losing 20-24 to Sidcup.

Up one in Regional 1 we find Tunbridge Wells doing well beating Farnham 29-7. TWells are 2nd behind Jersey RFC. Worthing lost 41-38 at Maidenhead.

Nearly there. Sevenoaks enjoyed an excellent 27-26 win over Henley Hawks. TJs season continues apace beating Sedgley Park 56-0. TJs are in 7th in National 1

Rounding things off we have Bridgnorth beating Lutterworth, and Salisbury losing narrowly at Sherborne.

Another blank weekend beckons next weekend with England taking on the All Blacks.

So to Cardiff and what ended up as a humiliating 28-52 defeat at the hands of Los Pumas. It was never going to be easy for the Welsh with the Argentinians performing well in the recent Rugby Championship, despite finishing bottom. Los Pumas were well organised and played with vision and precision. 14 points up in as many minutes was ominous. Wales got their act together and in short bursts played some good rugby having the Los Pumas on the back foot. At 14-14 things didn’t look too bad. In fact there was an air of positivity in the Bleater household. A couple of lapses of concentration as half time approached and suddenly Wales were 14-31 in arrears.

The second half started badly with an early try for the visitors. Wales didn’t give up and scores from Morgan and Murray gave a degree of respectability to the final scoreline. You knew the writing was on the wall when you have a gigantic Argentinian forward catching the ball from a kick off, ghosting through Wales defence untouched and then putting in the deftest of kicks for the supporting winger to score. Wales played some ‘pretty’ rugby but it was ineffective. No cutting edge. Their discipline was poor with unnecessary penalties for offside and moments of stupidity. Ben Thomas was a very lucky boy that that foot did not connect. The loss of talisman Jac Morgan will be an issue going forward. It is difficult to find any crumbs of comfort from this one, and with the stadium far from full the Welsh nation clearly feels the same. Japan up next.

In the proper news the protest about the use of Crowborough camp was well attended. They are still missing the point. Stopping the boats and speedier repatriation must be the priority.

The Director General of the BBC, Tim Davie, and CEO of news, Deborah Turness have fallen on their swords following The Torygraph’s revelations about bias and misinformation. For once, the Big Orange was right. It was ‘false news’.

Sunday 9th Nov: 09:15

I’d normally bring you my blow by blow account of Deal & Betteshanger v Crowborough, but not this morning. Like half our normal 1st XV I didn’t make it to Deal yesterday. I was on grandparenting duty. From what I have read and heard it was a tough day with several of our boys making their 1st XV debut playing against a well drilled, full strength D&B side. Our forwards were overrun both in the loose, but particularly in the set-piece, thanks to their physical presence. 59-7 was the final score. The upside, if you can call it that, was the boys stuck at it despite the clear difference in class, and Tomos Norman was our man of the match selected by D&B.

Our 2nd XV, also massively understrength, came home from Shoreham with a 27-27 draw. That is a good result. Well done them.

Not going to Deal allowed me to watch some of the Autumn Series. I chose not to watch the Ireland game as I had more pressing matters to deal with. Looking at the score it was pretty one-sided, but I read on the BBC Sport website, not that you can believe anything from the BBC, that Andy Farrell was not impressed, especially with the first half performance.

I did get to watch the entirety of the Scotland v All Blacks match, before the whirlwinds arrived. The All Blacks came out of the blocks like whirling dervish and had Scotland on the ropes for long periods. That opening score was a cracker. Only tenacious defence kept the half time score to 17-0. Scotland were all at sea. When they did pose questions to the New Zealand defence the visitors had the answers.

Then came the second half with a transformed Scotland side now taking on an All Black side looking short on ideas. The early Ashman try and the follow up by Steyn plus Finn Russell’s boot had Scotland level and history was staring the men in blue in the face. The All Blacks looked to be self-destructing with a series of needless yellow cards yet the Scots couldn’t quite exploit it. Darcy Graham dropping the ball over the line, albeit as a result of ferocious tackle, was a sign of things to come.

Damien McKenzie with a couple of pieces of magic turned the game on its head. A thundering tackle to prevent a score, an amazing 50-22 kick deep into Scottish territory, and that try. How did he get the ball down? Oh, and he then drove the sgian-dubh into Scottish hearts with that long range penalty. That was it. All over. The All Blacks march onto Twickenham, Scotland lick their wounds.

Up next was England v Fiji. Now I have to admit, I was really looking forward to watching this one, but it wasn’t to be. The kids had arrived and trying to keep them entertained, fed and watered meant I only had half an eye at best on this game. The first half was fast, open, entertaining with Fiji showing they are no longer just ‘making up the numbers’. England huffed and puffed and were lucky not to go in at half time losing. From what I have read the arrival of the cavalry turned the tide with England eventually running out what looks comfortable winners. Henry Arundel has to be in with a shout for inclusion next week, and surely Ollie Lawrence starts.

I have been asked why the taking out in the air of Immanuel Feyi-Wabosa was not upgraded to a red card. I saw this live, and saw a couple of the replays. I haven’t read the bunkers justification. My view is the Fijian did have his eye on the ball all the time. He lost spacial awareness of where Feyi-Wabosa was and that he had jumped early, rather than the Fijian’s late jump. Feyi-Wabosa landed horizontally rather than vertically, and sustained no injury. Therefore it was a high degree of danger, and reckless but could be mitigated down to yellow. It was not intentional.

The kids left about 20 mins into the France v South Africa game. What a contest that was. Despite being down to 14 men for that straight red card you write the Springboks off at your peril. By the way, at last a referee has grown a pair and shown a straight red instead of abdicating his, or her, responsibility. I think he got it spot on despite the mitigation of Ramos falling. That second half from the Springboks was quite something. France looked like the French of years gone by: up against the wall they raised the white flag.

Ok, that’ll do for now. Wales v Argentina this afternoon. If you haven’t got TNT then its on S4C. Don’t worry about it being in Welsh, you’ll make more sense of that than listening to Austin Healey’s banal comments.

Can’t go without mentioning Leicester City winning at Norwich. Nor can I go without commenting on what we have always suspected, the BBC is a bias, woke, politically driven organisation that is managed by self-serving minorities who are desperate to twist the truth to suit their narrative.

Thursday 6th Nov: 08:50

It is difficult to believe we are now in the midst of rugby’s Autumn International Series. Why? The answer is the paucity of coverage in the papers. There appears to be more interest in Joe Marler and his part in The Traitors, whatever that is, than in the many games that lie ahead. Needless to say WalesOnline does have plenty to say ahead of the Argentina clash on Sunday but that is pretty much it.

Steve Tandy announces his side tomorrow and there is an air positivity around the Welsh camp. That is different to being confident about a result, but significantly better than the sense of gloom and doom that surrounded the closing stages of Warren Gatland’s era. It looks as if Louis Rees-Zammit is fit and in the mix for selection. That alone won’t guarantee success but it will put a spring in the step of the long suffering supporters.

There is also plenty of noise around the camp about the potential reduction in regions from four to three. Nicky Smith has said this is not a distraction for any of the lads in the camp. They know playing well for Wales puts them in the shop window. Smith himself was snapped up by Leicester Tigers and has become a better player for it.

A couple of the papers are stating Chandler Cunningham-South will replace Ben Earl at #8 on Saturday. We’ll know later today. It seems with his abundance of riches Steve Borthwick is willing to try new combinations ahead of the big one: the All Blacks on 15th November. Fiji used to be an easy game. One in which the hosts would win and the visitors would entertain with their fanciful flair and joie de vivre on the rugby field. Not now. Fiji are a proper side with a plethora of talent at their disposal. This won’t be a walk in the park for England, and the brutality of the tackling will be a notch up from what the Australians delivered.

Ireland are sure to make changes after their disappointing defeat to New Zealand. There were several players who fell short in the view of Johnny Sexton, and will be replaced. Of course changes would have been planned regardless as Ireland will see Japan as an obstacle to overcome but not a major threat.

Scotland will need to be at their very best against New Zealand on Saturday. They will be buoyed by their comprehensive hammering of USA but that was little more than a training run. Where they could come unstuck is in the front row. A shortage of talent in that department might leave them exposed. They have relied heavily in Zander Fagerson for many years and his ongoing injury issues means that exposure comes to the fore.

I still say the game of the weekend after Deal & Betteshanger v Crowborough is France v South Africa. That should be a cracker.

Plenty of local action this weekend. The Greenies are at Gillingham Anchorians, table topping Old Elthamians are hosting Beccs. The big game over in Surrey/Sussex is Weybridge Vandals v Eastbourne. In Sussex 2 I like the look of East Grinstead v Lewes. In other fixtures Brighton are home to Old Reigatian and Horsham host Sidcup. Tunbridge Wells are at home to Farnham while Worthing travel to Maidenhead. In Hampshire Bognor welcome Winchester II and Chichester have Sandown & Shanklin in town. Finally TJs host Sedgley Park and one league down Sevenoaks have Henley Hawks to contend with.

Following my note of yesterday I won’t make it to Deal. With Mrs Bleater in Salisbury on grandparenting duties I have been asked to pick up the cudgel with regard to our other grandchildren on Saturday. As the reason is a very good one I couldn’t refuse.

Not that anyone but me is interested but after another miserable 1-1 draw against Middlesborough Leicester City travel to Norwich on Saturday.

In the proper news how are we expected to have any respect for our politicians when you have David Lammy as Justice Secretary and Deputy PM. His performance yesterday was lamentable. In fact it was pathetic. At some point in time there will be ‘breaking news’ on SKY: ‘Latest, a politician finally answers a simple question and tells the truth’.

Back on Sunday with a look back over the weekend.

Wednesday 5th Nov: 09:30

Another busy day ahead. How I ever had the time to work I don’t know. Let’s crack on then.

As expected Freddie Steward is a serious doubt for Saturday’s clash with Fiji. Tom Roebuck has joined him on the injury list and is also unlikely to play. This makes Steve Borthwick’s selection dilemma somewhat more complex. As asked yesterday, does he stick, or does he twist. In my view he might as well twist now. Henry Arundell is likely to replace Roebuck and Marcus Smith is in the frame to play at #15. I’d give Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade a run out, but then again what do I know.

Scott and Jordie Barrett are both out of Saturday’s game against Scotland. Scott Robinson states he expects both to be ok for the clash with England.

Robert Kitson, The Guardian, writes that a ‘fixation on forward rotation threatens to turn rugby into war of attrition’. In essence the recent propensity to bring on heavy artillery after 50 minutes a la South Africa, now England and Bath is making the game only for big beasts. This view is enhanced when you consider the 5-3 split on the bench is pretty much a thing of the past, and teams talk about back row giants playing on the wing, and in the centre. If it was making the game more free-flowing, fast paced then as Kitson says ‘happy days’. He is right, it isn’t. I like the idea of the hybrid player. The player who can command respect across the entire front row, the back row quick enough to hold his own in the back line, and if it is the way forward let the game recognise the time has come to reduce the number of replacements on the bench.

Plenty more feedback on how Steve Tandy really has freshened up Wales approach to the game. Off the field he has introduced a more relaxed style of team meeting, he has switched the changing rooms at the Principality, and most importantly he has been regularly engaging with the regions. On the field is where it counts and his first team selection is on its way. For those who simply want to watch rugby regardless of nation then Wales v Argentina is live on S4C on Sunday.

Tadgh Beirne is free to play after his red card was rescinded. In my humble opinion the right decision, but you have to ask: how did five match officials get it so wrong on the day? Many are using this as a justification for the 20 minute red card. In days gone by Ireland would have had to face the might of the All Blacks for 77 minutes with 14 men. I still have many reservations about the 20 minute red card, and am glad it remains only at the top of the game. When punters are paying exorbitant amounts for tickets they want to see an even contest. In this case it has justified its introduction.

There is a great piece about our girls, the Under 11s especially, on the website. It is well worth reading and builds on ‘the interview with Sharon Green’, also on the website. It sounds as if they had a fabulous day at Twickenham ahead of the England v Wales clash.

Don’t forget it’s Deal & Betteshanger away on Saturday. I believe there is a coach. Contact Ian Geering for more details. I’m planning on going but it depends on how things go today and tomorrow…… a long story for another day!!

As the nights get colder, and darker, and wetter the walking rugby season at Steel Cross could be coming to an end soon. It is still on this week, and next, so I’m hoping to be there. ‘Other Stuff’ has stopped me taking part of late.

The war of words, and the Chancellors PR campaigns are falling flat. The public are not as daft as politicians think they are. The mealy mouthed excuses, and it being everyone else’s fault than hers, has got people’s backs up. The people, often the silent majority, are saying you have to cut spending rather than simply raise taxes, especially when the spending is all too often wasteful. Even The Guardian appear to be exacerbated by The Hood’s proclamations and wooly analysis of the (pretty dire) state of the economy.

There was another article that caught my eye. It is about dumbing down the schools curriculum. Not only that, the Government want to build in brainwashing with woke pontifications about history and climate change. It seems reading, writing and the ability to add up is less important than how to protest about stuff that even top scientists, who can read, write and add up, are divided on. With regard to history, if we edit it to appease the woke warriors we will never learn from past mistakes.

Tuesday 4th Nov: 10:00

Good morning from a very wet and windy Bridgnorth. Another flying visit with plenty to do whilst here. A quick kick start of the brain by putting this drivel together is a must, then so much other stuff to do.

I start by bringing you the news the Colts went on to win 49-10 against Hove. That is a fantastic result as Hove are a really strong Colts outfit. Well done boys.

Now the weather has become wet managing our pitches becomes a priority. Wealden clay is such a nightmare. Concrete in the summer, swamp like in the winter. With sides at every age group, and two, sometimes three, senior sides the demand for pitches is relentless. The Friday Club et al work tireless to keep things in as pristine a condition as possible but sometimes miracles take just a tad longer.

What’s in the rugby pages? Not much considering we are now in the midst of the Autumn Series. Freddie Steward has a hand injury which could open the door for Marcus Smith to return. Is he the answer at fullback? I don’t know, but on his day he is mercurial and can light up any game in the world.

As mentioned previously, does Steve Borthwick stick or twist. Is Fiji an opportunity to rest some key players looking at other options, or as in the case of the centre partnership is it an opportunity to cement the plan. If I was in his position I would want to keep some of the big hitters out of harms way by having them in the stands ready for the All Blacks. On the other hand there were times England looked ring rusty and another run out would be of benefit. We’ll know soon enough.

Whilst Rassie Erasmus can be as popular as a fly in the soup (and other more flowery examples), he is without doubt an innovator when it comes to rugby. The greatest compliment is imitation. Borthwick is definitely stealing ideas from Erasmus’s playbook. The 6-2 bench split with the heavy artillery coming on for last 30 minutes is one example.

Elsewhere, Wales are preparing for Argentina. In years gone by you’d have this as an easy Wales win. Not any more. Los Pumas are a real force in the game now, and with the Rugby Championship under their belt, during which they beat all three of the other sides, this could be a real nightmare for Steve Tandy and his charges. As is all too often the case Wales are dogged by injury but having sent the 25 cap rule into the long grass, or at least finding ways around it, Tandy has a half decent squad at his disposal. If Dan Biggar is to believed, writing in the Daily Fail, Tandy has got the players fully behind him.

Scotland welcome the All Blacks to Murrayfield. That will be a totally different challenge to the one the USA didn’t pose last weekend. The All Blacks could be without two of the Barrett boys but will that weaken the side. Possibly, but not by much. The morale boosting win over Ireland, especially looking at how they played in that second half, makes the All Blacks clear favourites, in my humble opinion.

Ireland host Japan but the game of the weekend will be France v South Africa. That is the must watch game for me. Who will win? I have no idea.

Congratulations to India Women winning the ODI World Cup. Watched a fair junk of this and it was enthralling stuff. Great skills on show, and a tightly fought contest.

The budget is on its way, and it will be a budget from hell, in my opinion. The Hood women is going to break the biggest of manifesto pledges, not to raise taxes, by raising taxes. Of course it is not her fault, despite her first budget heaping unsustainable economic pressures on business and individuals. We cannot continue to spend what we don’t have. We cannot continue to ignore waste in the Civil Service and the costs associated with bloated departments and unfettered, unchallenged spending. The benefits spend should be a target for cuts, and not an opportunity to make it even more extravagant than it already is. We have to get the bone idle off their backsides and into work. If they don’t want to work, National Service could be a decent alternative. I could go on but won’t as it is fruitless. The socialist dogma, and the politics of envy will not go away anytime soon. We are doomed, and I wanted ‘change’.

Monday 3rd Nov: 09:15

The weather picked up enough for me to go and watch the 1st half of our Colts v Hove Colts. It was a cracking game. I don’t know the final score but I do know that what I saw bodes well for both us and Hove if some of the undoubted talent stays around. The place was packed, as you would expect with three games at home, and the pitches, despite the torrential rain, looked great.

While I remember, there is a coach to Deal & Betteshanger next weekend. Check the website for details.

Not a great deal in the papers about rugby, but what there is warrants comment. First up, the erudite Robert Kitson in The Guardian. Yet again the nail has been firmly hit on the head with regard to Henry Pollock. Kitson writes glowingly about unearthing this rare talent. A young man who has lit up the game at Northampton, and for his country, and was the talk of the Lions. Whether as an impact sub or a starter he has everything, and he is rapidly becoming an idol of young fans up and down the land. However, as Kitson also states, he needs to rein in the over-exuberant celebrations, the unnecessary winding up of the opposition, and the obvious growing arrogance. It is not the example we want young players to be emulating on a Sunday morning at their local club. I agree.

Kitson also highlights the abundance of riches at his disposal in the back five of the scrum. It is a veritable cornucopia of talent that others can only dream of.

Elsewhere, Brian Moore writing in The Torygraph, remains bemused by the simple fact coaches can be in the ear of referees pre-match, outlining where the opposition are perceived to be cheating. It seems Steve Borthwick was in the ear of the Georgian referee in the run-up to the game, allegedly at one point with his laptop showing a string of ruck infringements committed by the Aussies. Naturally Joe Schmidt has accused Borthwick of dirty tactics. Whinge, whinge, whinge. I can see Moore’s point that it doesn’t seem right, but while the match officials are happy to oblige then you are going to take advantage. Mind you, after listening to Borthwick for two minutes you’d be fast asleep!!

The same paper also brings us news that a record crowd turned up for the Saracens v Harlequins Women’s Premiership game. A tad under 4,000 paid to watch Sarries beat Quins yesterday afternoon. That is great news for the women’s game. Out of interest under 3,000 were at Rodney Parade watching Newport County beat Gillingham in the FA Cup, whereas over 31,000 were at the Amex watching Brighton beat Leeds.

Plenty in the papers about the Tadgh Beirne red card. I know after criticising Austin Healey for his rant against the referee this will seem hypocritical but I cannot believe the five match officials came to the conclusion it was red. I’m not sure what else Beirne could have done. Let’s see if it gets upheld.

Jumping around, and going back to England v Australia, I would concur with those who are saying England’s defence on Saturday was as good as it has been for a while. It was what the victory was built on. Australia simply did not look as if they would score. A fortuitous interception by the excellent Harry Potter was their only reward.

Looking ahead, Fiji up next for England. What does Borthwick do. Rest a few, test a few. Or, does he go for consolidation. One thing is for sure Noah Caluori won’t be featuring. He has been dropped from the squad.

There is a row brewing over the Wales v South Africa clash. As it is outside the international window both sides will be shorn of key players. Money is the reason the game is due to be played but if both sides will effectively be second string outfits. Isn’t that short-changing the paying public.

Off to read the proper news now, after all, the blood pressure has to be upped at some point.

Sunday 2nd Nov: 09:40

As I was heading to bed last night so the horrors on the train was breaking news. Looking at the update this morning, it truly is a horror story. Nine people with life threatening injuries. Sport pales into insignificance when you read through the papers and see those headlines.

Life goes on and sport is a bringer of joy, unless of course you support Leicester City.

Twickenham was packed to the rafters yesterday and most present will have enjoyed a workmanlike win over the Aussies. It was far from scintillating and there are, without doubt, some areas England need to work on. Lets pick up on a couple of those right now. The centre pairing. Some of the hacks, who will know much more than me, are saying Steve Borthwick has to persist with Tommy Freeman in the centre. I for one am not sure the partnership with Dingwall worked yesterday. When you have quality and experience in Ollie Lawrence and Henry Slade, both in fine form, sat in the stands it seems a risky experiment. Then you have Immanuel Feyi-Waboso on the wing. For much of the game he was redundant. He is an amazing talent. Borthwick has to get the ball in his hands more often. George Ford did what he had to but looking ahead is it right to persist with him.

Elsewhere the game highlighted the abundance of riches now at Borthwick’s disposal. Ben Earl was man of the match, very deservedly. What an engine. The appearance of Henry Pollock lit up the stadium, and that one handed pick up and the subsequent try highlighted his immense talent. He is what the game needs but he does have to keep his feet on the ground. As expected the introduction of the bench cemented the win. Tom Curry showed why he was a test Lion. Ellis Genge was at his pugnacious best. He did overstep the mark on one occasion however. Borthwick and his vast array of coaches will look back with a degree of satisfaction. There will be a recognition that this wasn’t the strongest of Aussie outfits and improvement will be required when the All Blacks come to town. By the way, I’ll be at that game as a guest of the RFU.

Australia will be licking their wounds before heading to Rome for the clash with Italy. Harry Potter was outstanding, both in attack and defence. The fly-half Edmed more than justified his selection. Joe Schmidt will be worried by the lack of cutting edge, and praying that Rob Valetini stays fit. To be fair England’s defence was excellent yesterday.

It wasn’t a classic but a win is a win.

Now for a whinge. Austin Healey has to go. His inane comments are frustrating at the best of times. Yesterday however, he overstepped the mark in my view. Openly criticising the referee is not what the game needs, nor is the encouragement of thuggery. My view!!

Then we had Ireland v New Zealand. It wasn’t the classic we had all expected but I thought it was a decent contest. A contest up a notch from the game at Twickenham. I have to start with Tadgh Beirne’s red card three minutes into the game. Incredibly harsh in my humble opinion. That said the match officials, all five of them, were in agreement. I’m not sure what else he could have done.

This was a scrappy contest littered with mistakes. Ireland looked ring-rusty, and the All Blacks far from their best. Just the one try for Ireland versus the four for New Zealand. As the game headed to its conclusion the All Blacks turned on the style. It was a shame a try was chalked off at the death as that would have made the highlight reels for weeks to come.

The injuries to two of the Barrett boys will concern Scott Robinson, who always looked spaced out. There will be concerns for Andy Farrell too. Japan up next for him and his charges.

Didn’t bother watching Scotland’s emphatic win over USA. Way too boring and one-sided to keep me interested.

I’m popping to the club later. The Colts host a very good Hove side. After the rain this morning the pitch will be heavy.

The final of the Women’s ODI is today. If it is half as good as the India v Australia semi-final it will be a cracker.

Thursday 30th Oct: 09:45

Just a few words this morning as it is busy, busy, busy.

A gentle reminder for those eager to watch England v Australia on Saturday when you don’t have access to TNT. The club does. Bar opens at 14:30.

Not a great deal of new news in the rugby pages I’m afraid. A bit of hype around Fraser Dingwall’s selection alongside Tommy Freeman in the centre. Dingwall could be the knife that cuts open the Australian defence. Freeman could be the weak link in England’s defensive chain.

There’s a bit more coverage about Marcus Smith’s slow but definite move backwards in England’s pecking order.

Henry Pollock is in the papers too. He has two challenges. The first, in my opinion, is the biggest: keeping his feet on the ground. The new hairstyle, the social media posts, and other press comments would indicate he’s getting a bit up himself. There is a place for arrogance in sport but it needs to be tempered. The second is the minute he enters the fray he will have a target on his back. The opposition will see him as a threat and muster their hardest hitters to stop him getting up a head of steam.

Looking forward to watching this one. Rest assured if England don’t win I for one will be asking serious questions about the huge investment being made at the expense of the grassroots game. I think they will win, and I believe they now have a secret weapon in Lee Blackett. He made a big difference during the Argentinian tour, and Bath have been less incisive out wide since he left.

If Mal Bec doesn’t arrive too early on Saturday the Ireland v New Zealand contest is definitely one to watch. Andy Farrell is back in charge and will be wanting to stamp his mark on proceedings straight away.

Very little, if any, grassroots games this weekend. I point you in the direction of Steel Cross on Sunday at 13:00. The Colts play Hove. Hove Colts are a good side so this should be worthy of a visit. I hope to be there for this one.

I’ve just been looking at the photos of the devastation in Jamaica and across Cuba. It is horrendous.

So, Rachel Reeves has been renting out her house contrary to the regulations. What is Sir U-Turn doing about it? Nothing! Like he is doing nothing about anything else. Yep, it is a cover-up of mega proportions. You thought the Tories were sleaze bags. Think again.

I read with horror that the Israelis have resumed attacks on Gaza. Those murderous b.. people in Hamas have failed in their responsibility, AGAIN, but the Israeli response is far from proportionate. Like Putin with Ukraine, Netanyahu doesn’t want peace. He wants to totally destroy Gaza and the Palestinians living there.

On a brighter note Reeves the Hood is planning to raise income tax by 2p. Whoopy do. There goes the economy.

Wednesday 29th Oct: 09:25

I’m going to start off with a British obsession: the weather. Whilst we have woken to a wet and miserable morning here in the metropolis of Crowborough, spare a thought for those who have lost their lives, their livelihoods, and more across Jamaica and the Caribbean thanks to Hurricane Melissa. It is horrendous.

What do I know about anything? Without being a smart arse, I do know quite a bit about a number of things. It is clear however I know very little about rugby, and especially how Steve Borthwick approaches team selection.

Whilst George Ford has been exceptional I didn’t expect him to start against Australia with Fin Smith on the bench. Tommy Freeman in the centre with Fraser Dingwall wasn’t what I expected either, especially as Ollie Lawrence nor Henry Slade are in the match day squad. The forwards are definitely not where my head was at. I’m delighted for for young Guy Pepper, he has been brilliant for Bath this season, and at the back end of last. Starting with Baxter, George and Heyes seems strange but Borthwick is Head Coach, whilst I’m chief misery.

England have come unstuck on many occasions as games have headed to the final quarter. Off trot the starters and on trot the bench, all too often to underperform when the game is at a crucial stage. With a bench of Cowan-Dickie, Genge, Stuart, Coles, T. Curry, Pollock Spencer and Smith F that is unlikely to happen this time. It is a selection policy straight out of Rassie Erasmus’s magical play-book of spells. Unless there are injuries I can see seven of the bench coming on at the same time.

It seems with a 6-2 split young Henry Pollock has been training out on the wing. Good planning me thinks. However, it raises an interesting question. If hybrid players are the way forward, why do we need so many subs? The answer is we don’t. It is a very well worn, and favourite record. The game should reduce the number of players on the bench, especially if hybrid is the way forward.

With Marcus Smith nowhere to be seen, and very much a bit part player on the Lions tour, is another mercurial talent going to be wasted? Stuart Barnes, Danny Cipriani, players with immense talent, outstanding on their day but all too often overlooked for the steady as you go man in the #10 shirt. It is clearly like business where the sycophantic ‘yes’ man, or woman gets the job instead of the really talented but sometimes difficult employee.

It is going to be an intriguing few weeks, especially as rankings ahead of the World Cup are crucial.

The Guardian have produced an excellent form guide ahead of the series of internationals starting. Definitely well worth reading.

As expected the England v Australia game will be available at the club from 14:30 with kick off at 15:00.

Whilst I will be watching all the games the one I’m most excited about is Ireland v New Zealand. Where are Ireland after dominating the game for a number of seasons. Are New Zealand about to rediscover their spark? Will the Irish Lions be ready? It should be a cracker.

In other sport England Women face South Africa in the 1st semi-final of the women’s ODI. Sadly I have to go out in this awful weather so will miss most of this one.

The Bard has sent me a very good article from The Times. The budget is on its way and will be a budget full of spite and envy attacking the very people who already shoulder a huge proportion of the countries tax burden, and those who create wealth, and those who drive employment. It will be the economics of a madman, or in this case a totally deranged woman. Once the well is dry you’re done for. You have to think differently. You cannot spend what you haven’t got so cuts have to be made. The fat in the civil service is a perfect target. Waste in the NHS another. The benefits system is out of control, including state and public sector pensions. Unfortunately when political dogma and the politics of hate blind you to reality we all become doomed to a life of perpetual misery.

Yes I am going to touch on the illegal immigration topic again. The Crowborough Army Camp has touched a few nerves. It is smoke and mirrors though. This Government is making a fuss to assuage those moving to Reform in their droves. It is noticeable they still do not have any sort of plan to stop the boats, or speed up the removal of illegal immigrants. This is the heart of the issue and fancy PR statements and the lettuce turning this way and that is not solving the main problem.

Have a nice day.

Tuesday 28th Oct: 09:45

Crowborough is now well and truly on the map after last night’s breaking news. More on this shortly.

First up though is a look ahead to the weekend. Does Australia’s narrow win over Japan suggest it will be a stroll in the park for England on Saturday. No I don’t think so. Japan are a good side and the Wallabies were far from full strength. I’m fairly confident a packed Twickenham will enjoy an England victory but it won’t be easy. Australia have played the best of the best in the Rugby Championship and shown they are no longer a pushover. I hope the game lives up to the hype and we see some free-flowing rugby from both sides, but especially from England. There is always the possibility that it will be kick tennis and rutting buffalo from start to finish of course.

Japan host South Africa. Interesting, but lets move on.

Scotland entertain the USA up at Murrayfield. This is likely to be a one-sided affair. Scotland continue to improve despite never fully delivering the killer blow when it counts. The USA aren’t the force they once were. This will be a good training run for the Scots before the tougher challenges that lie ahead.

Then we have the Chicago showdown. The last time this was on the agenda was in 2016 when in an amazing game the Irish triumphed. The unbeatable aura of the All Blacks is no more. They are now mere mortals like the rest of the rugby world. Will Ireland be able to repeat the feat? There are two obstacles in the way. The first being The Lions. Having supplied a significant proportion of the Lions squad to tour Australia, and despite being a victorious tour, there will still be tiredness in those legs. The second is the timing. The All Blacks have just come from the Rugby Championship. The Irish, as stated could be tired, but lacking in preparation time. Where there is hope it is from the much vaunted Irish strength in depth. Unlike many nations Ireland really does have strength in depth and this could be the difference.

Sadly for many the games are being shown on TNT Sports. I’m lucky enough to have access but if you don’t then you will miss out…. UNLESS…. you get to Steel Cross where we do have TNT Sports. England kick off at 15:00

Wales have a free weekend, which means on Sunday I won’t have to face the ignominy of writing about a humiliating defeat.

Not a great deal else to write about I’m afraid. I could touch on the fact that Red Bulls investment has made absolutely no difference to Newcastle’s results. Kingston Park is probably awash with empty cans however. I have to say, every Friday whoever does the litter pick on the roads around Steel Cross will find empty Red Bull cans.

The PWR is back and hopefully being well supported by those who went to the World Cup. By the way, the interview with Sharon Green on the website is excellent. The growth of girls rugby and the fact the ladies have their first game in a few weeks is a real success story at Steel Cross.

Who’d be a football manager. Here today, gone tomorrow. In a strange way politics is like that, albeit over a longer time frame. The next Government will berate everything this Government is doing, like this Government is berating everything the last lot did. Mind you they were pretty useless at the end. Has the time come for proportional representation where we have a Government that can really deliver over the long term? Worth considering. My mates Ken and Mike have me pretty much convinced.

Then of course the announcement that Crowborough Army Camp is to be used to house illegal migrants. It would be hypercritical of me to say anything other than ‘at last’. We have spent way too much on hotels and a really comfortable life for those arriving here illegally. Camps are exactly where they should be housed. The absolutely pathetic Home Office needs to process the claims quickly ensuring those genuinely fleeing persecution and horror are moved to somewhere better and given sanctuary, and those who are not are sent back. Not to France, as we already know that is a useless policy, but to whence they came. The country can then focus on legal migration where we can welcome people we need. People like those from India and Nepal and Bangladesh who are caring wonderfully for my dear old mum. Yes, yes, I know I’ll get into trouble but someone has to speak out.

Monday 27th Oct: 10:05

No rugby to watch yesterday, and no I didn’t get round to watching Dragons v Scarlets. I’ll keep that for later in the week. There were a couple of games in our region and here are the results.

From top down we find TJs losing at Rotherham 38-28. As an aside I bumped into a former TJ sponsor and we chatted about the costs being incurred in National 1. Rotherham away is an overnight stay for 30 players, plus support staff, plus the cost of the transport, plus players match fees. I can’t imagine what that adds up to but I am pretty certain it runs into thousands of British pounds.

In Nat 2 East Sevenoaks lost at high flying Barnes. It is very early days but ‘Oaks find themselves one off the bottom.

In Regional 1 Tunbridge Wells solid start to the season continues with a 29-33 win at Bracknell. Worthing also tasted victory beating Farham 33-14. TWells are 2nd behind Jersey RFC.

One further down in Regional 2 Brighton came home from Dartfordians with a 33-52 win. Horsham drew at Old Colfeians 33-33. That must have been quite some game. Brighton are top, Horsham are 5th in this league.

For the record Bridgnorth lost at Lichfield. Not the best start to the season lying in 8th spot.

The build up to the Quilter Nations Series, the Autumn Internationals, now begins. Steve Borthwick has whittled his squad down and it contains the usual suspects of course. A resurgent Henry Slade is in, as is a now fit Immanuel Fayi-Waboso. The headline of course is the inclusion of Noah Caluori. The season is just a few weeks old and already he has made a huge impression. That said he wasn’t that prominent in Friday’s game against Saracens. I expect steady as you go in the forwards but what does Borthwick do with the back line. I’m guessing Alex Mitchell will start, as will Tommy Freeman. Who plays #10? I think you have to give Fin Smith the nod despite Marcus Smith being the unpredictable livewire around the park. Ollie Lawrence surely has to be included after Saturday’s solid showing against Bristol. It is wide open after that. Who plays fullback? Does Slade come in at centre? We’ll know soon enough. One thing is certain, Borthwick has an abundance of riches at his disposal, and there should be no excuses for his side not coming through the Autumn unbeaten.

Across the Severn Bridge in the Principality of Wales things are very different. There are plenty of options, but with very few exceptions, Jac Morgan being one, none of the Welsh squad would make the England squad. You have to remember Wales has the population of half that of London. It is a very small pool to choose from, and when two of your talismen, Faletau and LR-Z are injured you know life is going to be tough. Wales have an extra week to prepare as their game v Argentina isn’t until Sunday 9th Nov.

An row has erupted between the South African URC franchises and the South African union. The game against Wales falls outside the international window. Why they do that I have no idea. As a consequence the franchises are demanding extra payments for the release of their players. It is getting very messy. It is slightly easier for Wales as they only lose their England based players but it is still a nonsense. We know why they do it…. MONEY, but nevertheless!!

The Scaletrix continued yesterday with Lando Norris enjoying a 2 hour tour of the Mexico circuit unimpeded. My mate Pricey is like a dog with two tails this morning with his beloved Bournemouth sitting 2nd in the Premier League. Another defeat for Leicester City in the Championship put a damper on the weekend. Not really. It is only football.

The Government’s incompetence continues unabated with horror stories about the lack of control over spending, the laissez-faire attitude to working from home, and a total ignorance of the desperate need to get crime under control. I could go on but it is too depressing.

Sunday 26th Oct: 09:10

A quick ‘thank you’ to start. Thank you for asking where I’ve been and why no blog. Nothing sinister, in fact something extremely pleasurable. Two weeks in the Caribbean in glorious surroundings with glorious weather, and then a week at home that was manic to say the least. I’m back now and suitably refreshed.

I’ve been keeping an eye on the results and reading The Bard’s erudite reports. Two wins from three is ok. A win against a resurgent Charlton Park was good, as was an away win at Park House, notoriously difficult for us to come away from there with anything other than our tails between our legs. The big disappointment was being away for the Past Players Lunch, which I am reliably informed was delicious, and subsequently losing to Ashford. I understand they were big and we weren’t. They played with cohesion and we didn’t. Hey ho.

Looking at the league table The Greenies are going well, and Old Elthamians are clearly intent on regaining past glories. These are the two in-form teams currently. Still early days yet with lots of rugby to be played.

The saddest of news whilst I was basking under the sun on the pristine white beach with the crystal clear Caribbean Sea lapping gently onto the shore was the news of Lewis Moody’s MND diagnosis. As we have seen with Rob Burrows, Doddie Weir, Ed Slater and Joost ve der Westhuizen it is a devastating illness with no known cure at present. Our hearts have to go out to him and his family.

Plenty of action, for a change, at the WRU, with Steve Tandy announcing his squad for the Autumn series, and the WRU announcing the plan to go down to three regions. At present it looks like Newport, Cardiff and Swansea, the three biggest cities, which therefore makes a significant amount of sense. It won’t happen quickly and it won’t happen without a huge fight, especially over in West Wales where the battle lines have already been drawn.

Didn’t watch any rugby while I was away and really only kept up to date with Crowborough results. Now I’m back I have gorged somewhat enjoying Friday’s encounter between Saints and Saracens. Put to one side the fact he scored four tries, Tommy Freeman has to be nailed on for an England spot next Saturday. The Bath v Bristol affair was a tasty contest. I’m not sure about the punch ups, and was certainly unimpressed with how Bath butchered several try opportunities, and how despite having an amazing back line focussed on brute strength and ignorance up front way too often. It was thoroughly entertaining however. The Leicester v Sale game was a cracker, in my opinion. Some fantastic rugby with George Ford looking as good as ever. Why Tommy Reffell is not in the Welsh squad beggars belief quite frankly. He was immense yesterday.

S4C will be showing in full the Dragons v Ospreys encounter which apparently was another good game. Yep, I’ll probably succumb to temptation and watch that. Cardiff beat Edinburgh, but only just. Seeing Taulupe Faletau limping off after a few minutes was not great however.

As I’m easing myself back into the swing of things gently that’ll do for now, except to say……

Incompetence has risen to new heights with the debacle around the jailed asylum seeker being released by accident. You couldn’t make it up.

Then you have the wonderful news the first asylum seeker deported under the ‘one in, one out’ scheme was back in the UK within days.

The Plaid Cymru win in Caerphilly tells you all you need to know about how low Labour have slumped. If they can’t win in Caerphilly then the writing really is on the wall for Sir U-Turn.

Sir U-Turn’s new deputy has wasted no time in sharpening the knife. Et tu brute springs to mind.

Then of course there is the Prince Andrew saga but I’ll leave that for the likes of the Daily Fail to comment on.

Finally, the budget is looming. It would seem Rachel Reeves is set to deliver a final fatal blow to the British economy with her upcoming budget, all in the belief that supporting those who can’t be bothered is the way to success.

I leave you with a quote: artificial intelligence will never be a substitute for natural stupidity.

Thursday 2nd Oct: 09:40

The weekend is almost here. The weather looks set to disrupt proceedings unfortunately but let’s work on the basis we in the South East miss the very worst of the storms. On that basis there are some cracking ties in Kent 1. CRFC v Charlton Park for instance. The other games are Beccs v D&B, Cranbrook v Park House, Anchorians v Oaks II, The Greenies v Ashford and Old Elthamians v Dover. Still very early days but we might get a feel for how the league will progress. Who is in the running for promotion, and who might be heading south.

The game of the day is found in Surrey/Sussex 1 where Eastbourne host Hove. Both have made excellent starts. Haywards Heath host Weybridge Vandals.

Sussex 2 start their campaign on Saturday and after a ‘heated’ contest in the cup last weekend you have to pick out Crawley v Lewes as the pick of that league. Seaford v East Grinstead is another tasty clash.

In Hampshire 1 Bognor in third travel to Andover who are top, both unbeaten thus far. Chichester jet off to face Guernsey II.

The journey of the day is Brighton down to Canterbury II. The other game of note in Regional 2 is Horsham hosting Bromley. I’ll be interested to see how these two games pan out. Last season they were two leagues apart.

Up one more and we find Tunbridge Wells hosting London Scottish Lions and Worthing hosting Wimbledon.

Finally in National League 2 Sevenoaks host Bury St Edmunds. In Nat 1 TJs host Birmingham Moseley.

Plenty of top flight rugby too including the final round of the Rugby Championship, more Premiership rugby including Bath v Sale tomorrow evening, the URC, and the English Championship finally kicks off. Worcester host Coventry in this one.

Talking of Coventry, it seems the pedantry of the RFU, with the uncertainty about promotion to, and relegation from the Premiership, has seen a very lucrative sponsorship deal with the House of Luxury fall through. HoL recently tied up a deal with Scarlets.

The headline in the rugby pages is the dismissal of Steve Diamond from Newcastle. The new owners haven’t wasted any time in stamping their authority on proceedings. Diamond is an abrasive, despotic figure and it would seem that doesn’t fit in with the new regimes plans. The surprise comes in that Gregor Townsend has been announced as a ‘consultant’ at the club with Neil McIlroy soon to arrive as Rugby General Manager with Alan Dickens taking on the role of Head Coach. The energy drink company are wasting no time in shaking things up at Kingston Park. The BBC Sport website for more detail.

The Fail exclusively reported yesterday that the R360 project is set to launch in 2026 as planned. WalesOnline adds more detail, stating Mike Tindall confirmed to the authorities that the funding was secure and player recruitment was on track with many top flight international having already signed agreements to join. It is suggested that players could receive £740k per season, which for many is a very lucrative deal. I still can’t see it working, but then again I am pessimism and misery personified.

As the curtain came down on the Women’s World Cup so the hype ahead of the men’s version starts. WalesOnline brings you news that the new six pool, 52 match tournament with the added jeopardy of a round of 16 knockout stage is pretty much ready to go. Due to the seedings and the format countries need to be in the top 12 places when the draw is made otherwise reaching the knockout stage is pretty much impossible….. I think.

That’s about it for today except to say it was good to read that a very short stretch of road improving links between Hastings and Bexhill opened this week after 16 years in the making. This compared with the Chinese opening the tallest bridge in the world crossing a huge ravine took just three and half years.

To frame expectations, especially for you mum, due to personal commitments this drivel is likely to be intermittent, or maybe non existent over the next few weeks. ‘Hoorah’ I hear you shout!!!!

Wednesday 1st Oct: 09:45

Good morning. The World Cup is over, we now head toward the Autumn Internationals, and sadly the depths of winter, not that winter has been that deep of late. Climate change and all that. Not a great deal to get stuck into today but I do bring you news that Steel Cross will be busy, busy, busy on Saturday.

Not only are the 1st at home v Charlton Park k.o. 15:00. Book your place for lunch. We also have the 2s at home v Burgess Hill k.o. 14:00, AND we have the 3s, yes we are getting a 3rd XV out, and they play Ditchling 2s k.o. 14:45. Three good reasons to get off the sofa and get to Steel Cross. Sadly I can’t make it.

It wasn’t so long ago that we were struggling to get a 1st XV out. Now we are getting a 3rd XV a game. It is excellent news and is a result of tireless work by Graysey, Geering, the coaches and all who do stacks of stuff in the background to make it a great place to play.

I’ll look at the other league fixtures tomorrow.

A couple of snippets that you might have missed. Aussie prop, and most capped Australian James Slipper is to hang up his international boots after this Saturday’s Australia v New Zealand clash. A great servant to the game indeed.

Following on from Mark McCall leading the charge with his comments about players not being ready for action due to mandatory rest periods, which it appears aren’t mandatory at all, two things have come to light. The finger has been pointed at Bath for finding ways around the rules by using Premiership Cup games as games missed when in truth the players would have missed them any way. It is the same ruse clubs use at discipline hearings when they find games that a player could have played in when he, or she, were never ever going to be selected for. The Garry Ringrose saga. Remember that!! Bath also, it seems, managed to get full-on contests against Worcester and others deemed as not ‘competitive’ thus allowing stars to play in them thus enhancing their season readiness. The Daily Fail for the full article.

Linking to this the All Black great Conrad Smith is leading the way to further reduce the game time played by the top players. Despite the games efforts the concussion rates are not reducing, even at grassroots level where the tackle height has been lowered. Smith argues that the number of head contacts during games and during training remains way too high, and the only way to reduce it is to limit contact time by mandatory rest periods in set blocks. In