1. On a personal note it’s heartening to hear of Abi Tierney’s step-by-step return to work as CE of Wales Rugby. As before, she won’t have her troubles to seek.
2. The Imperfect Pyramid
The structure of women’s rugby in England remains far from perfect. While the PWR board plots its path through the undergrowth, its relationship to the leading clubs below the elite grows ever wider. The efforts of famous names like West Park Leeds, Waterloo, Cheltenham, Lichfield, Richmond, Thurrock and Wasps go almost unnoticed. Yet they carry on regardless.
3. After three rounds of the PWR it would be fun to select your choice XV of uncapped players; so many possibilities.
4. The RFU and PWR’s announcement of a Champions Ball at Grosvenor House Park Lane on 14 January is a reminder of how seldom English rugby can celebrate a world cup win.
Prices vary from £375 each (+VAT) to £12,950 each (+VAT). Take your pick.
You must assure me that this isn’t a bit over the top.
How do the Black Ferns celebrate?
5. And what do BFs make of England’s elite league, now they’ve tasted it for themselves?
6. Talking of the PWR, Nick Heath has referred to the “Bye-week Curse”. Can we assume the term is official and use it every time our club is denied a match?
7. John Mitchell
The England head coach is now so underemployed that he can take on a role of advisor to Gloucester men’s team. It is unpaid.
