It may be a few years since I relinquished the Chair role at EPCR but it doesn’t prevent a sense of pride at the continuation of Six Nations-like drama in the world’s top rugby club competition. For all the recent focus developing on the need for individuals to rise above the team persona, it was the collective on-field excellence which has caught the eye amid the intense commitment to this competition by leading clubs across the world.

A return to Bilbao, scene of our highly successful first effort in 2018 to go beyond the traditional rugby capitals, is highly anticipated. Not only for the fan experience in one of the culinary centres of Europe let alone Spain, but because there are some serious actors in the last eight flexing their muscles.

Chair of the competition, Dom McKay, was beaming this weekend and rightfully so. This unique tournament has more than held it’s own while domestic and International Rugby jostle for position and commercial relevance. Even if for some a focus of domestic achievement fits with their resource capabilities, this is more than ever ‘the one to win’.

As club rugby continues to explore it’s full potential especially in England, with US investors massing at the border, the gap grows ever wider for the haves against the have nots. There are not many who can manage domestic and European schedules as well as employ an A list of stardust Internationals. Those that can are providing huge entertainment as well as showcasing International style rugby in club jerseys, which was a statement I often used in an era of Saracens and Leinster dominance, with the French heavyweights Clermont, Racing and Toulouse never far away. And now Bordeaux.

Talking of, they contain at least two players who would grace a current World XV. Whoever placed George Ford in the team of the weekend in the one disappointing round of 16 at the Stoop clearly was not watching the demolition of Leicester in South West France. I believe that Jalibert is probably the Number 1 fly half in the world for his ability to spark brilliance in others as much as his own obvious individual ability. He was unplayable at times, and exudes unparalleled confidence. The so-called ‘Roadrunner’ , otherwise known as Bielle- Biarrey, remains mesmerising and adored by crowds everywhere, backing up his box office play with a lovable sense of modesty, a lesson for other youngsters in the sport. For those who love forwards playing like a centre (well we all do!), look no further than Cameron Woki who rolled back the years with a consummate performance of passing skill under pressure.

For Bordeaux and an irrepressible but clearly fallible Toulouse who on their day can destroy any opposition, their mouthwatering clash this coming weekend will be more cautiously played out because they know each other’s strengths and weaknesses so well. But they are clearly poles apart from their English competition. This is ultimately a goal for the top sides in the Prem but the squad sizes and depth simply are not yet there outside Bath and a distant second Northampton, to a lesser extent Saracens. These are streets ahead of the rest of the Prem and well….. it is all about money is it not, as we are about to find out, and whether with yet more funding our ‘super élite’ club game can make ends meet or even create value! As to it’s sustainability or a route to more England national success we will see – as one significant name in English rugby has already stated, nothing else has worked so let us try the ring-fence approach. I can understand this, and it is in fact irreversible so there are no second chances!

As for another ruling, which currently hurts the National team, the standout performance of David Ribbans, the Toulon Captain, was notable especially his passing on the run which is a deficiency of the current crop of England forwards. The return to some kind of form for Maro Itoje and of George Martin to fitness is one thing, as is the leadership and form of Ollie Chessum who could turn into an English version of Pieter-Steph Du Toit. But could someone like Ribbans could be snapped up by the soon to be enriched English clubs perhaps? Would seriously help in Australia next year…. just saying! In mentioning David Ribbans, I have to feel for my ‘home’ team, the Stormers, who will be aggrieved (rightly) at their painfully narrow defeat to Toulon. We also witnessed a stunning second half cameo from Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu who on talent sits with Jalibert, if not on experience (where was the drop goal at the end?!).

The other quarterfinal to anticipate is down at the Recreation Ground Bath, for an intoxicating match up with the league leaders Northampton. It will be tight, but on the resourcing point Bath are fully loaded. The Saints may need to cross a few fingers for fitness of key players to come right and even then with the likes of Thomas Du Toit and Underhill to wade in from the bench it is a big ask away from home. Some of Bath’s play against the Sarries was however quite vulnerable especially up front. If Sarries had possessed a midfield, either in attack or defence, then the performances of the likes of Carré, Itoje and the top No 8 in England, Willis ( as if Bordeaux need another world-class operator) would have delivered them a famous win. Instead they were shown the way by some irresistible Bath back play – the nonsense of Ojomoh and Arundell being out of England favour must be reversed. As a side however they are some way off the cross court excellence of the French, perhaps even Leinster and Glasgow. The challenge awaits and everything is possible in KO rugby!

ELSEWHERE,

I remain focused on the upcoming quarter-finals this weekend, but we cannot forget the importance of this month in English and Welsh rugby off the field. The SGM vote on the RFU Governance review has assumed a significance which threatens game unity and some, totally unnecessary because much of the change is to be applauded but not a power grab.

The review of the England coaching performance moves into its second month. Heads will likely be offered other than the one proactive departure already to the World Champions, and this will miss the point. But let us not prejudge.

In Wales, the departure of a Chair who divided opinion but united the Board in unanimous recommendation of a reduction to 3 regions may allow things to move forward. The SGM was called off but is now reinstated at WRU’s insistence which is hysterical in a way but makes some sense to develop unity.

Very lastly, kudos to my team Ealing Trailfinders who despatched a feisty Nottingham to break the record for consecutive Champ wins previously held by Red Bull Newcastle, who now breaks records of the reverse type in the Prem. As for bagging an early home semifinal in the play offs, player pride will prevail as it should when pulling on a club shirt with your mates, but outside this is somewhat bitter-sweet given recent rulings.

Postscript

As ever, never a dull moment in rugby which has to be as much a business proposition as anything at the top end. A crowdfund raise of £300k at Gloucester implies a valuation of £36m which is heroic but perfect timing as new investors arrive who have to believe in upside and must move forward from historic, eye-watering losses. Also we absolutely need to applaud the relentless support delivered by club owners who rightfully await some kind of payback and with gratitude from a game which has not always given them due credit.

I plan a series of articles featuring ‘The (Auld) Business of Rugby’, in it’s title a nod to the first ever Rugby International contested in 1871, between England & Scotland. It also happens to be the year when Ealing Trailfinders was founded, more than coincidence when you match up their history and current ambitions.

Whether featuring structure, history and heritage, commerciality, people, game wide objectives, leadership, financial sustainability… coming soon!