I suppose that in matters relating to Bath, Harlequins, Ealing Trailfinders and European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) -oh, and England Rugby! – I am partial to bias. Well why not, they all mean a lot to me for relationships past and current.

In the most recent edition of the Champions Cup, there were once again understandable questions raised on the credibility of the format but I hope that I have described before the reasons things are as they are – the pandemic drove the idea of the Round of 16 and clubs are needing to manage players and blood talent in a crowded season where their domestic leagues have become ever more important. So the format is a safety net for some top clubs… we will wait until the current agreed cycle comes to a close before real change can occur and we will go back to that ‘elite’ concept, best of the best which will be enhanced by the World Club Cup, which was in the making some years back when I was Chair.

Meantime, there was plenty of top class rugby to enjoy. Some resembled near training run outs because of mismatches, but the abiding memory of, say, Glasgow v Saracens was test-match intensity and that was not the only one. Sarries are managing change and they currently lack pace and wit in the midfield, very simple, add Elliot Daly’s waning influence into the mix and you have the answer on why 70% possession and territory led to a solitary penalty, added to a ferocious Glasgow defence which you do not often see in the Prem for example. After a long period as bridesmaid(they have caught the flowers but little else), Glasgow seem ready to challenge the best with conviction. Add in Finn Russell plus a few Edinburghians/SA project players and is Scotland now ready for a 6 Nations tilt? Murrayfield for the England clash will not be a place for faint hearts because Scotland will expect to win and England simply have to.

I have to smile as the critics line up to say that Bath has to find more than forward power to go deep in this tournament. The best sides of any era, and certainly past Bath sides, start the softening up process in the darkness of the front row and the mauls and rucks. Often, we backs would shout frustratedly for quick ball and when it eventually came we destroyed teams which is precisely what this current Bath team is doing. Remember when you are the Champion side everyone gives you their best shot and at least 20% extra. I like what I see from Bath in Europe. As other giants fade, La Rochelle in rebuild, Leinster holding on (as is the National team) and Toulouse suspiciously vulnerable and even bored of success, there is a chance to challenge the all court capabilities of Bordeaux-Bègles who showed last weekend they aren’t just a side to perform with the sun at their backs. Arguably the drenching Bristol weather suited neither side but the intensity of the French effort may mark them out as a group which could go on to achieve a Toulouse-like dominance.

For Bath, there is more than enough talent within the squad to show their attacking prowess, it is more about choice of style. Not easy to have lost Lee Blackett, to England’s benefit, and recover immediately. However, I think they need to make the decision that their banker in the key centre position is Max Ojomoh with the two other Internationals Lawrence and Redpath centres to rotate around him, what riches! He is creating so much currently and looks very considered, I would worry about him if I was a defender. Bringing Carreras and Arundell into play more often will then come naturally. With the new stadium agreed and almost in view, a powerful on and off field harmony, and a reconnection to their heritage past, the future is very bright for this giant of Northern Hemisphere rugby.

As for Harlequins, their Jekyll & Hyde season continues and they did Leicester a huge favour by beating La Rochelle away, thus handing the Cape Town Stormers an away tie at Toulon – ouch! The biggest risk is that they now imagine their world to be perfect but at least change can take place with their onfield performances showing the level of pride expected by any top club.

Away from Europe, there is a little advertised top of table clash in the Champ coming between unbeaten Ealing Trailfinders and the remarkable Chinnor who reside in the leafy environs of the South and have beaten a number of fully professional sides home and away. Former England No 8 Nick Easter is the driving force and Ealing in fact has a loan player relationship which helps both clubs and our current scrum half is the Coach! Ealing has only just shaded two of their last 3 matches and will be well aware of this challenge, it is more than a banana skin waiting. During a month when the value of this league is under debate (more on that very soon) here is a Friday night match to savour in the heartlands of English rugby, standing room only!

As for Wales, the announced and expected decision on the future of Cardiff and by implication Ospreys will have huge ramifications. In a world when communication and harnessing all elements of the game matter, the WRU has some way to go, an understatement. They are not the only ones.

Hallers