As an Ex England International and current Chairman of European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), Simon has a unique insight into the world of rugby on and off the field. His blog discusses the big issues of the moment and offers frank opinions – within reason!
It is always the same with a post-World Cup Six Nations. Some are in rebuild mode and others seek continuity with a little change to prepare for the next one! With the domestic and European weekends just finished, no end of talking points but mainly one which will reverberate for a while. I have plenty […]
On Sunday, two of England’s most successful teams of the decade Saracens and Exeter played out an error strewn contest rendered surreal by their relative positions in the league. Approaching a new decade, we are left to ponder seismic yet positive shifts in the game which we all love. Here are an appropriate ten thoughts […]
The euphoria of a defining Rugby World Cup was fresh in the mind and the stunning win by the Springboks was resonating across every level of society reminding us of the power of sport, let alone rugby. Suddenly we wandered into a proper crisis which has sent clubs, players and administrators into a state of […]
Sometimes themes and people converge to make a wonderful and memorable time. Scarlets v Benetton on Nov 9th was one such moment. Two of Europe’s top teams contesting in the Pro 14, only a last minute penalty separating them at the end. Scarlets committed to the Armed Forces Covenant in the presence of senior military […]
Last weekend, Sporting Wine Club was once again displaying Drew Bledsoe’s wonderful wines from Walla Walla Valley. This time the Doubleback, Flying B and Elizabeth Chardonnay were enjoyed at Wembley for the Houston Texans/Jacksonville Jaguars game. On this occasion, Houston ran away with the game but it was all about quality – as with the […]
Gut-wrenching it is to lose a Rugby World Cup Final anywhere at all, but Twickenham 1991 wasn’t much fun when our hopes evaporated on a deliberate Campese try-saving knock on, as well as a phenomenal defensive performance by an Aussie team which contained some of the best names who ever pulled on the jersey. Throw […]
As you know we have a wonderful relationship with M Restaurant, and many of you have spent time in their venues in the city, Victoria and also Twickenham. If you are wondering where you can watch the RWC final with an amazing atmosphere and then move on into town, hopefully to celebrate a great wine, […]
As an Englishman who played in a winning Rugby World Cup Semi-Final (1991 v Scotland ), the overall feeling then was relief and then excitement. Twickenham awaited us after beating the Auld Enemy to avenge the 1990 defeat. In Yokohama, you can add supreme satisfaction I would imagine although this England squad will try to […]
Although we await a possible double act by the England Rugby team we cannot forget the cricketing triumphs of a few months ago. Some members and friends of SWC came together at the Chinese Cricket Club Restaurant last week to reminisce and taste some wine. We had former England Captain Adam Hollioake visiting from Australia […]
England v France World Cup Quarter Final 1991 au Parc des Princes, the near impregnable citadel of French Rugby. Brian Moore fixed everyone with a glare before the match – ‘we lose this and it’s back to work on Monday – or else there’s another week off. A dramatic win in a cauldron of emotion was […]
