There is no shortage of planning in the Irish rugby world. The retiring O’Mahony, Murray and Healy will forever be names to conjure with as the country contemplates their contribution in making Ireland the number one team in Europe and the World for a long period of time. What a triumph of resource allocation and clarity of thinking. I got to know all this while chair of EPCR over a period of seven years when Ireland slowly but surely built it’s ascent to the top of the pyramid. The Leinster supremo, Mick Dawson and the sadly missed Paul MacNaughton and Garrett Fitzgerald plus other names, alongside Philip Browne, departed CEO.

This weekend will be full of emotion as they attempt to cross the penultimate hurdle before yet another Grand Slam. France can definitely derail them if they can create their own bubble of focus and emotion. The men in Green no longer have the aura of invincibility but when they turn it on it is difficult to resist as England and Scotland found out. They may just have enough in the tank.

Before moving on to Rome, win or lose, a little matter of Cheltenham awaits, another Irish pot of stewing emotion, this time on the racecourse. A number of hopefuls will perform in the colours of Yotes Court, our single sporting vineyard in England (Kent to be precise) and let us see if Willie Mullins can work his magic again with their multitude of anticipated runners. Lossiemouth is one to watch and go take a look at SWC’s X and IG accounts for other fancied names – with inside knowledge to boot, as well as an opportunity to taste their wonderful themed wines, such as ‘Loose Rein‘ Pinot Gris (on show at Cheltenham), ‘On the Nod‘ Bacchus and ‘Best Turned Out‘ Rosé.

Across the Irish sea at Twickenham, the way England play may seem to be more important but it isn’t. If the Azzurrri can contain a fast start they will gather some confidence but if not it could and should be a thumping. Some frustrated England players will want to let off some steam with a statement win.

Talking of which, my club Ealing Trailfinders, another fine team in Green, took on Northampton Saints in the Premiership Cup Quarter Finals and overturned them comprehensively on their home ground. Exeter Chiefs awaits this weekend for yet another challenge against the odds – Ealing has turned over Bath, Saracens(twice) as well as Bristol and the Saints last year but inexcusably the competition will be discontinued from next season. The RFU has absolutely no excuse for failing to broker an acceptable outcome here, for a tournament which can show off the best of young talent as well as aspiring clubs. This is the most recent of many failings over which the Board and it’s executive have presided and is just one reason why the whole game is challenging the way in which they conduct themselves and make decisions. I have said before, let the game have it’s say and with full knowledge. Are we not in a world more generally where plain speaking is increasingly necessary to combat the spin and half truths.

So, a week of drama in which, come Monday, England will still be in the mix for a Championship and should prove not only to the doubters but to themselves that they can naturally mix it with the best skills on show. Italy is the ideal opposition, because they will keep England honest but if they can be cracked then perhaps Premiership form can be translated onto the International stage. It is the ultimate truism, that bringing your club form to International rugby is the real test and turns you into a world class operator.

With that said, all eyes will be on Dublin and while France will be redoubtable, I sense that the Fields of Athenry could be the song of choice post match rather than La Marseillaise but like most top team clashes, one point may be enough. Can’t wait!

Hallers