The 6 Nations 2019 version was launched in the swish surroundings of the Hurlingham Club. Nolli Waterman now appeared on the other side of the camera, so to speak, introducing the honoured guests alongside Will Greenwood.
In between generous offerings of food and Guinness, the official sponsors – though not quite yet the full-time sponsors of the women’s version – the media legions were able to interrogate head coaches and captains. If they hoped to gain inside information, they probably left empty-handed.
After dramatic snippets of last year’s championship were shown on the big screen, the six captains of the women’s version – Gaëlle Hermet, Sarah Hunter, Ciara Griffin, Manuela Furlan, Lisa Thomson and Carys Phillips -.were introduced and asked for a few words.
Simon Middleton was kind enough to spare me a few moments to chat about prospects. Of course the contracts will make a crucial difference to the squad’s approach, but they know that their individual performances will be monitored throughout. On the long road to New Zealand 2021 he will need to ensure he retains the very best players available to him. No decisions have yet been about the fine detail of the run-in to that World Cup, but we can be sure of a team to be proud of.
So all Irish and English eyes will turn to Dublin for the opening blast on 1 February. Sadly, players already out of the count through injury include Lydia Thomson, Lagi Tuima and Zoe Aldcroft. Fortunately the Red Roses have strength in depth to overcome these untimely losses.
