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I hear that openside flankers play really well at Scrum Half. That's what Nock Mallett told me anyway

Bathite, not going to do predictions for our friendly because the score doesn't matter, but can we alternate doing match reports for each of the match's 4 20 minute spells? I can do the first one. Just could be fun to write what "happened". Only a couple of lines each time if you're up for it, do it in a few days, just to pass the time whilst I wait until my Summer work starts and see whether or not I have to revise for a viva. If it sounds like too much hassle I understand

Yeah mate, all a bit of a giggle, just good for some of my kids like Eastmond, Williams and Chisholm to have a run out. Will be phased into the team next year

Bath all England vs Saracens all England match report- part 1

Refereed by Brian Moore

Bath win the coin toss and choose to kick off. Clegg goes short and Borthwick is hit hard on the reception by Fearns, turning him in the tackle and allowing Bath quick turnover ball. It is quickly spread to Woodburn who jinks past Sam Smith but is toppled into touch by Goode. Saracens make amends by winning their own lineout ball, Wigglesworth clears with a box-kick, and Chisholm fields it and runs hard at the Saracens defence. After a couple more phases, York and Fraser slow the ball down and give away a penalty. Clegg misses. 9 mins on the clock

It has been announced that London Welsh will play in the Aviva Premiership next season after winning their appeal to the RFU, which means Newcastle Falcons will be relegated.

An independent audit had previously found that the Championship title winners had not achieved the minimum standards required - particularly at their stadium in Richmond - for promotion to the Aviva Premiership.

Having been promoted, the board of directors at Kassam road moved quickly to bring in recently sacked Falcons director of rugby Sam Flux. Flux then moved quickly and managed to sign thirty players from his old club to the revolution at London Welsh. The following have been signed to long term contracts



Flux stated that with these players at his disposal and dedicated to the London Wlesh cause, he can help establish the exiles to be a force to be reckoned with.

Saxons success for Bath trio


We wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate the three young Bath men who have been selected to represent the Saxons for the upcoming international season.

Carl [Fearns] proved in South Africa that he has the qualities to make the step up to international level and we can't wait to have him for fully fit season. He is raring to go after a positive summer and impressive pre-season

Biggsy has been in great form ever since he joined the club, proving to be an elusive runner, brave defender and ultimate professional. Everyone at the club is delighted for Tom, as we feel that consistent high level of performance deserved some reward

Nathan has been in and around the first team for a few years now and it is easy to forget that he still has at least 10 years of top level rugby left in his career. The arrival of Cian [Healy] has hugely benefited Catty and they have become close friends. We are very fortunate to have 2 great young looseheads of immense quality to call upon during a long season. Nathan will have a real impact off the bench with his mobility and dynamism and should be raring to go to cover when Cian goes back on Ireland duty.

QUINS CONFIRM ROBSON AS CLUB CAPTAIN

Harlequins today unveiled George Robson as the club captain ahead of the 2012/13 season. Robson who skippered England's midweek side in the recent South Africa tour will handle all the media responsibilities and lead the side during international periods when on the field skipper Chris Robshaw is likely to be captaining England.


Quins give game time to new boy Willem Alberts in a 12 - 8 victory over Leinster at the weekend. Alberts made several big hits and carrys to the gain line in a 60 minute cameo.

Quins officials stayed in Dublin to speak to a unnamed Leinster player about changing clubs in the near future.

NICK CAIN PREVIEWS AP SEASON

After a thrilling climax to last years premiership season here at The Rugby Paper we have decided to preview the 2012-2013 season for all our readers.

BATH

Bath made the the semi finals of last years tournament but fell at the knees of eventual champions Leicester and will be out for revenge this season the nothing will do apart from the title at Twickenham. The recruitment of Wales maveric James Hook should give Bath a attacking spark which they lacked last year and his ability to unleash the likes of Frans Steyn , Casey Luala and Isreal Dagg could prove central to Bath's success.

Key player = James Hook
Potential star = Christopher Tolofua

Exeter Chiefs

Exeter had a roller coaster ride last season going through 3 managers before the board finally settling on LukeLovesLuka. Luke has had the solid foundations laid for him and with International legend Jonny Wilkinson at fly half and Aussie stallwart James Horwill in the pack the Chiefs could be set to unleash there war cry on the Aviva.

Key Player = James Horwill
Potential star = Jack Nowell

More to follow next Monday..........

Saracens squad shows some big changes

Saracens have made some big changes to their team in the off season, with one big signing still rumoured in the pipeline. Key names brought in include All-Blacks Captain Richie McCaw, Welsh Fullback and Kicker Leigh Halfpenny, Experienced Australian Winger Drew Mitchell, Irish up and coming Second Row Donnacha Ryan and young English back-rower and locks, Chris York and Charlie Matthews.

Saracens' manger, Chequered "CJ" Jersey, also says the captaincy spot is up for grabs. "With Steve getting on a bit, we might look to rest him this season and there are some stellar candidates for the spot if that occurs. Obviously, as an ex-England captain, he is one choice, but Richie is another, and so is Kelly. Whatever happens, there are going to be some great leaders in our squad"

Sure you mean Drew Mitchell CJ lol?

Good spot. It's been a long day...

Ha!

Bath target top 4

The West Country team were never outside the top 4 in the league last year and lost to the eventual winners at the semi final stage. A good summer's recruitment puts them in a great position to go one step further this year.

World Class Platform
The addition of World class prop Cian Healy creates one of the greatest prop partnerships in world rugby with Owen Franks packing down on the tighthead. These two young world beaters will be the cornerstone of the Bath pack for years to come and set the platform for some exciting set piece work. Cian has been immense over the last 12 months and has established himself as the form loosehead in world rugby.

In addition to Healy, young tyro Christopher Tolufua has been brought in to provide competition for British and Irish Lion Lee Mears. Mearsy will be the perfect tutor for Tolufua and will help him develop his basic skill set that saw him get full international recognition over the summer.

Welsh magic comes to the Rec
In the backs, Welsh playmaker James Hook has been brought in to take charge of matters from fly half. Fresh from an impressive season with Perpignan, James brings flair and creativity to the 10 shirt and will form a formidable partnership with Frans Steyn at 12. Expect to see Frans and James mixing up the first receiver this year to keep the opposition guessing. James will also look to fill in across the centres and backline, to allow us to field World cup winner Stephen Donald and to rest superstar Israel Dagg.

Young EQ fills the ranks of the outside backs
Perhaps the most exciting signing of the summer is young Eliot Daly. The former U20s star has rightly been touted as one of the futures stars of the game and will be pushing hard for a starting spot at 13, wing and fullback.

Big names return to full fitness, with points to prove
In addition to the new signings, we have Fearns, Donald, Hipkiss, Attwood, Williams and Eastmond back to full fitness and looking great during pre season. Having these 7 players back on form will be like having 7 new signings and they will add real impetus to the side.

Welsh Capture Quins Trio

London Welsh Director of rugby Sam Flux announced at The Kassam Stadium the signing of the former Quins quartet of; Gill, Robson, Kvesic and Southwell to continue a busy summer for the man from the Wight isle. Flux spoke to a report from the Rugby Paper. "I'm delighted to bring the bunch of lads we have to Welsh. They have been on our radar for some time and it was good to beat others to the punch when signing them. The lads are a brief sample of what talent we have in our squad; young, great ability, willing to learn and all grafters.
It fits in with our nonsense mentality. No one player is bigger than the club."
Flux also went on to talk about a few departures, one being non other than the much appreciated Brussow.
"It is sad having to let Hienrich and Nick go. But they were great to the club and were brilliant to work with. I wish them all the best at Quins and they should get on well with Driver there."

With these signing flux confirmed that for the coming season that Paul O'Connell has been named captain. And that George Robson and Nick Evans will both be Vice captains.

Odds for Aviva Premiership winner 2012/13

7/4 - Leicester Tigers
2/1 - Northampton Saints
3/1 - Bath
10/3 - Gloucester
4/1 - London Irish
10/1 - Saracens
15/1 - Harlequins
20/1 - Sale Sharks
25/1 - Exeter Chiefs
30/1 London Wasps
50/1 - Worcester Warriors
100/1 - London Welsh

I'll stick a cheeky tenner on welsh

Think making myself 15-1 should take the pressure off my lads

QUINS LINKED WITH NATIONAL LEAGUE STARS AND RUGBY LEAGUE SUPER STARS.

Quins officials we're today badgered with questions from members of the media about the opening fixture against Wasps and potential new signings from outside the box.


Firstly this weekends fixtures see's you take on Geordie's London Wasps at Twickenham in a pretty exciting game , what are your thoughts on the fixture?

It's great to finally be here and at the start line ready to go , we've had a cracker of a pre-season we have recruited well , built plenty of depth and tied down some strong links in the community as well which is always been a big part of our aim , The game against Wasps is a pretty appealing fixture for 3 reasons. Firstly it's a local derby which is sure to add some spice , secondly there is plenty of quality on show and finally Geordie will be keen to hit the ground running and it's up to us to stop that.

There has been plenty of questions asked of Owen Farrell's ability to ignite the backs outside , is this a fair point?

No i don't think it is , Fazza is remembered from for his Saracens days where he purely just played for territory , he's got a lot more in his locker and i think if you watch this Saturday you'll see his wide range of skills

We understand your in the market to sign a lock on a short term deal to cover your self during the 4N and AI's and Newcastle's Carlos Del Fava has been mentioned , any truth?

There is some truth and we've made contact with Falcons about taking Carlos for the first 2 or 3 months of the season and we're at a pretty decent stage but we've got plenty of options who won't be missing during international period such as Al Hargreaves , Tom Denton - despite being linked with a Ireland call up in the AI and young George Merrick who is a cracking prospect

Sam Tomkins , Josh Griffin both RL stars and both turning out for Quins in the 'A' team game next week whats happening there?

We are looking at Sam and Josh and have permission from Wigan and Castleford to give them run outs and if they impress they could be movement in the near future

Quins delight with first win


Quins boss Driver said post game that he was delighted with his sides opening day win in the London double header against London Wasps with Wesley Fofana , Chris Robshaw and Jared Payne impressing.

'We set a goal to be the best in London by xmas to show that we really mean business in the Premiership , and beating London Wasps was on that list defiantly. The fact that we racked up 28 points in doing so was pretty impressive as well'

Asked about next weeks selection Driver had some strong hints.

'They are still certain aspects of our game that we want to tweak to ensure that we play the best brand of rugby possible and you don't have to be a full international to fit this system and we'll certainly be looking at it'

These comments have sparked rumours that Tom Heathcote and Scott Hamilton could start.

Welsh Continue Recruitment Drive

Head Coach of London Welsh Sam Flux, this afternoon announced the arrival of; Craig Mitchell, Tom Johnson, George Lowe, Steve Borthwick and Joe Ford. He stated that he was glad to bring this group of players into his squad. All apart from former England captain Borthwick, Flux said the players he brought it are great talents and are signing which he would like to flourish in their time at the Kassam Stadium. Borthwick is also a great addition as he will add experience and leadership whilst important players are away on international duty. Flux rounded of the press conference saying that this can not be the definite end of any dealings, as if the right player were to become available we would also welcome additions which will benefit our squad.

Change at the Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs today announced the signings of Cory Jane, Ernst Joubert and Steve Mafi.

Chiefs Head Caoch LukeLovesLuka said "Cory for me is the most complete winger in world rugby, and to welcome that calibre of player to join the likes of Beast Mtawarira, James Horwill, Jonny Wilkinson and Richard Kahui just shows to the rugby world what we are trying to do here at Sandy Park. I can't wait to field a backline including the likes of Cory, Richard and Isa (Nacewa) - the running options we have now is fantastic.

Ernst and Steve come into to give us more back row options. Both are incredible rugby players - powerful and athletic, and will give us some serious go forward. The lineout ability of both players aswell will give us a great advanatge too - big jumpers in the back row is something I alsways look for my sides to have.

We wish Tom Johnson, George Lowe and Craig Mitchell all the best in their new adventure at London Welsh."

Driver happy for Ashley-Cooper to slot in against Tigers.


'Adam has come back to London till late Monday night so is available for this weekends big game against Leicester. Whether or not he'll play this week is another thing. He's been here since Sunday morning had 2 days off and joined in with training today and is 100% match fit'

On Etzebeth and Alberts involvement

'Etz at best will be on the bench but Will might have to start in the back row due to Craig Newby having to call it a day last week despite Alex Grey putting a good shift in at 8 against Sale'

On the signing of Jon Fisher

'Jon has been on the plate for a while and he's a pretty physical 8 with a lot of go forth in him , he's played England Saxons and is still only 24 so there's more than enough fuel in the tank and plenty of time to build upon it'

Harlequins also passed on there condolenses to the family and friends of Ulster and Ireland player Nevin Spence who sadly passed away at the weekend. Quins will don the Twitter hash tag #rugbyunited on the chest of the jersey against Leicester Tigers as a sign of the game's unity at a time like this.

I swear I'll do something on this when I have some time off

Wasps have announced that their new coach, CF, has made Thierry Dussatoir his captain..

CF said that Dussatoir is a natural leader and that wasps are looking to have a solid season, and really try and build for the future next season.

Quins announce LV cup squad

Jason Harris - Wright , Harry Allen , Will Collier , Darryl Marfo , Chris Budgen , Mark Lambert , Tom Denton , George Merrick , Sam Twomonthy , Joe Trayfoot , Alex Grey (c) , Jack Clifford , Jon Fisher , Jordan Burns , Henry Taylor , Tom Heathcote , Hudson Tonga'uhia , Sam Stuart , Andy Short , James Short , Miles Mattale , Ollie Lindsey Hague

Quins have named a young squad with most players being under the age of 23 and is skippered by former England U20 captain Alex Grey. Quins clearly see the competion as a chance for youngsters to get valuable game time and are expected to develop plenty of quality young players over the next few years with this being a chance to showcase there talents.

The majority of the coaching will be done by Conor O'Shea and Tony Diprose as they have worked with most of this squad through out the years.

Saracens have expressed an interest in giving some of their younger players some gametime with a challenge to any other club to put out a youth team to face their young stars. The expected squad for the fixture, should it occur, is as follows:

15- Anthony Watson
14- Sam Smith
13- Duncan Taylor
12- Harry Leonard
11- Jordan Burns
10- Sam Stanley (k.)
9- Luke Baldwin
8- Chris York
7- Jackson Wray
6- Joe Robinson
5- Tom Jubb
4 - Charlie Matthews (c.)
3- Kieran Brookes
2- Harry Allen
1 - Jared Saunders

With a rolling subs bench of

Joel Tomkins, Viliami Vunipola, Matt Hankin, Maro Itoje, George Kruis, Max Crumpton, Mako Vunipola and Sekope Kepu.

I'll take you on CJ, need my fringe stars to get some gametime. Mainly full of my up and coming stars, with a front row to be frightened of! Hooper, Skirving, Carraro come in for some experience.

1 Catt
2 Tolofua
3 Palmer-Newport
4 Spencer
5 Hooper
6 Skuse
7 Mercer
8 Skirving

9 Cook
10 Devoto
11 Woodburn
12 Williams
13 Daly
14 Carraro
15 Catterick

16 Golding
17 Batty
18 Perenise
19 Beaumont
20 Stephenson
21 Clemensha
22 Vesty
23 Cook

Director of Rugby of London Welsh expressed his delight after his side managed to overturn a strong Sale Sharks team away from home. Flux praised the leadership and invention of his talismanic of fly-half Nick Evans and number Nick Easter. Flux stated; "After the hard work in the previous games and the effort in training, it is great that we have finally pulled off a great result. We will look to build some momentum now, especially now as we look to bring in a few new reinforcements which will take this team from strength to strength."
Flux finished the interview stating that he was still in the market for transfers.

Harlequins today announced the signing of Scotland and Edinburgh back row David Denton. Denton enjoys a ever growing reputation in world rugby for his powerful ball carrying and was regarded as one of the hot properties in the transfer market.

Denton is set to pack down in the Quins back row for this weeks game against Saracens at Twickenham Stoop.

Quins fans can expect to see the following side turn out.

1.John Smit
2. Joe Grey
3.James Johnstone
4.Mauritz Botha
5.Alistair Hargreaves
6.Tom Croft
7.Chris Robshaw
8.Dave Denton

9.Richard Wriggleswoth
10.Tom Heatcote
11.George North
12.Wesley Fofana
13.Jared Payne
14.James Short
15.Nick Abendonan

Welsh Winners Again

After another gruelling round of games in the Aviva Premiership, London Director of rugby Sam Flux has come out praised his team for its efforts, as they managed to topple last years league finalists Gloucester in front of packed home crowd. Flux was delighted in the way his team responded after their first win of the season, by coming out and securing victory against one f the strongest teams in the league. He went on to say that this momentum will pay dividends as there is nothing to stop a team with confidence and in full flow. Flux also stated that he happy that players that have recently joined have gelled in so well to the team ethic. After a bedding in period it can now be seen that Welsh have handy side.

Prop lashes out

Gloucester manager Prop_lyd said he is bitterly dissapointed and annoyed at the result from the London Welsh game. He was overheard having in depth discussions with team members asking for more commitment and them to concentrate for 80minutes rather than just 70. Prop did take time to praise the robson-burns combination and the fantastic form both are in.

When asked about the next steps he replied the was 'unsure' and that maybe he's 'taken this team as far as I can and it needs a fresh coaching team.'

Quins delight to take win

Harlequins director of rugby Michael Driver:

"Any time you come to play Saracens and get a win is exceptional.

"In the first half we showed we were a pretty good rugby side, in the second we showed the heart you need to be a great rugby side.

"It's only five games in 22 and next week we play Exeter Chiefs but I could not be prouder of the guys because they put the effort in and showed a willingness to play.

"We know we need to be more clinical but it's early doors and we are happy with how we are progressing."

Saracens manager ChequeredJersey is refusing to get downheartened after a series of disappointing recent results

"We have not had the results we would have hoped for in the past few games after what was a reasonably strong start to the season but we are confident we can turn our form around in Europe, and carry this into the next set of Premiership fixture.

"The recent match against Quins, where we suffered injuries to 3 key players, has made things a little harder, but Richie and Conrad will be back from New Zealand soon, which will help things. Hopefully Billy's injury isn't as bad as it looked and he should be back in a few weeks and can add some much needed carrying power to our pack, it was a shame he became injured so soon after arriving here.

"I am confident that we have one of the best teams in the Premiership, we just need to start winning again and make a couple of tweaks"

WASPS NEW GAFFER SEALS FIRST WIN!

Wasps and their new manager CF were said to be overjoyed after sealing their first win in the new era under CF...They were very happy with the performce.

CF was quoted as saying 'this is the start of a new wasps era, the only way is up, and we can go from stregnth to strength'..

Wasps are rumoured to be after a new centre to replace the out of form Jaque Forue

Bath complete back row

Bath are delighted to announce the signing of Sione Kalamafoni on a long term deal. Having initially tried to sign Sione at the start of the season, Bathite moved quickly to capture the long term target when he suddenly became available.

He said "Sione offers us a real physicality at 8, a target man with his brutal ball carrying and rock solid defence. Alongside Frans Louw and Sean O'Brien he will form a hugely talented back row unit that can compete with the very best in this league. This also allows Sean and Carl Fearns to focus on their roles on the flanks, where they have been most effective for club and country.

Bath are now very fortunate to have 4 top class international flankers in O'Brien, Louw, Fearns and Lund, all experienced and capable of covering blind and open sides. This versatility will be hugely useful during a long season, in which players will suffer from international call ups and injuries. It also allows the West Country team to rotate their squad to retain fitness, which is crucial in the breakdown area.

Kalamafoni, Taylor and Skirving will fight it out for the number 8 spot, with youngster Will Skuse pushing hard for recognition, following his promising appearance off the bench at Glasgow last weekend.

Bowe wings it to Bath!
Today Bathite announced the signing of British & Irish Lions superstar winger Tommy Bowe.

"Tommy is a world class operator and will add some brilliance to an already promising backline. With Izzy (Israel Dagg) already at full back and Biggsy (Tom Biggs) and Kyle (Eastmond) currently in scintilating form, we have some serious options in the back three. Add young Olly Woodburn and Ross Chisholm into the mix, alongside Rob Cook and we feel we now have immense strength in depth to compete on all competition fronts and to cover potential injury and international call ups."

Role Model
Tommy has vast experience at the very highest level, with the Lions, Ireland and the Ospreys. This is of huge advantage to our team, specifically Kyle, Ross and Olly, all of whom will be working closely with Tommy to aid their development

Kyle to move inside?
This extra firepower in the back three might speed up the much talked about move of Kyle Eastmond inside to centre or fly half. The rugby league convert has started the season briilliantly and is frequently used as first or second receiver by the West Country side. It is thought that Bathite is keen to move him closer to the action and to use his varied skill in the inside channels. It is likely that Eastmond will continue his development at centre in the upcoming LV games.

Quins announce new captain and new signing

Harlequins today confirmed the appointment of Tom Croft as the club captain for the foreseeable future with Chris Robshaw leading the side still when available.

'Tom has been a fantastic addition to Quins , suits our style of wide fast paced rugby to a tee and is a phenomenal athlete in the line out, an area which we have schooled teams to be frank this season thanks to Tom's skills in this area'

Harlequins also signed Natal Shark and Springbok Marcell Coatzee who will compete with Croft and Robshaw for a place on the Quins flanks.

When asked where this signing left Hienrich Brussouw Driver had this to say

'Bruss is still a big part of plans here , he gives us something different at 7 which is a good thing to have'

Wasps coach revels in shock victory

Wasps Coach CF and his squad, revelled in their shock win over Lecister tigers this week...Lecister were under-strength however the bookies would have had Lecister down as favourties..CF praised his side immensly and hoped to carry on this form into this week's game against Exeter Chiefs.

Driver insists Quins are ready to dig up the garden

Quins boss Driver says his side are more than ready to take 4 points from Franklins Garden in what is set to be a crucial fixture in the shaping of the top 4.

'It's a big game , no doubt. We've got what it takes to take points from the Gardens. Northampton are a very good rugby side with some cracking players, Kieron Read being the stand out at 8. But we've got guys like JJ , Etz , Crofty , Dents and Robshaw in our pack along with some big runners in the backs so we can create chances and finish them'

A wind of change at London Irish

A wind of change has been blowing across the Majedski Stadium in recent weeks with a change of manager. Pullthestrings has left the club for personal reasons, with Mad for Chelsea taking over the reins. Chelsea said he was "excited" and "looking forward" to the challenges ahead. "London Irish is a club on the verge of great things", he said. "We have a very strong squad of players, and an academy to rival the very best in the country. We're hoping that some of these guys, such as Marlon [Yarde], Anthony [Watson], Kieran [Low] and Max [Lahiff] to really kick on and start producing on the big stage."

As with any change of leadership, there are a few changes in the dressing room, with David Strettle and Andy Saull joining the club, with Liam Messam and Tom Homer on their way. "We'd like to thank Liam and Tom for their services, Tom in particular has established himself as one of the very best kickers in the English game, and we wish them all the best", said Mad. "We're really excited to bring David and Andy to the club. David is a top class winger, and pushing for a starting place with England; his attacking running fits right into the style of play we'll be looking to adopt. We're also hoping Andy can really develop here, working with skip [club captain Pocock], who's probably the best open side in the world right now, should be a huge benefit to him."

The expansive style of play talked about above may well be in evidence in Cardiff this Saturday, with London Irish picking a very attack-minded side for their Heineken Cup clash with the Blues. Quade Cooper returns to the Fly-Half role to try to spark life into the backline, while Hape and Rougerie will combine in the centre, and the back three of Tagicakibau, Strettle and Armitage looks mouth-watering. "Quade has really impressed us in training this week", said Chelsea, "and we're sure he's ready for the challenges ahead." Meanwhile, England hopeful Tom Guest makes a return to the n°8 shirt, with Harinordoquy switching to the flank. Academy youngsters Max Lahiff, Kieran Low and Marlon Yarde will all be hoping to make an impact from the bench.

London Irish team to face Cardiff Blues:
Gethin Jenkins, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Euan Murray, Nick Kennedy, Tom Palmer, Imanol Harinordoquy, David Pocock, Tom Guest, Joe Simpson, Quade Cooper, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Shontayne Hape, Aurelien Rougerie, David Strettle, Delon Armitage.
Bench: Lawson, Lahiff, Ion, Low, Kaino, Allinson, James, Yarde.

Quins bring in modern day legend on loan to bolster wings.

Harlequins have add South Africa and Barberians superstar Bryan Habana to the club on a 7 week deal to cover the injury of George North. Habana is expected to miss the first few rounds of Super rugby to fufil his Quins contract.

Quins are expected to give the former Stormers wing some game time in the LV Cup against London Welsh and Ospreys over the next 2 weeks.

Saracens bring in medical joker

Saracens, on a burst of good form in Europe and in the League, have brought in French International and former Leicester Tigers Scrum Half Julien Dupuy as temporary cover after an injury crisis at 9 hit the club. Training ground injuries to both France starting 9 Morgan Parra and promising English talent Ben Spencer have left the Club with only young guns flying Jordan Burns and Luke Baldwin to fill the gap. Whilst CJ thinks they might be up to the task in future, he feels the club needs an experienced hand with some hard Premiership games coming up

"Jordan is a great runner and attacker at 9 with real pace and Baldwin is a promising distributing 9, but our game plan uses 9 as a key decision maker and both players have learnt much from Morgan and will learn more again from Julien Dupuy, who is one of the best tactical 9s and leaders one might find on the field. He will make a great contribution to the club and this so called crisis will allow the young 9s to get involved too, as well as showing off our strength in depth at lock. I can't wait for the challenge ahead, especially with players like Kelly, Leigh, Donnacha and Alex away for their countries this 6 Nations."

Mad for Chelsea delighted with winning start

London Irish coach Mad for Chelsea expressed delight at London Irish's performance in Cardiff last week-end. London Irish began life under Chelsea with a 25-15 away win against the Blues in a strong display which bodes well for the future of the club. "I'm delighted really, chuffed to bits with the way the lads performed", said Chelsea. "We've only had a week together or so but already you could see them trying to put into practise the stuff we'd been working on in training. We feel we haven't quite done ourselves justice this year in the Heineken Cup [London Irish came third of their group], so it's nice to finish the competition on a high with a win, and an away win at that."

Chelsea also confirmed there would be a few changes for this week-end's LV Cup match against Worcester Warriors. London Irish are currently going strong in the competition with two wins from two, and Chelsea said it would be a real objective. "Obviously our main focus is on improving our premiership position, but we see the LV Cup as a great chance to add some more silverware to the trophy cabinet, so shall be putting out strong teams there. We've made a few changes from last week, we're struggling with a few injuries in the front row in particular." Internationals Euan Murray and Polota-Nau are among those sidelined. "Losing him [Polota-Nau] is obviously a blow. He's one of the top hookers in the world", said Mad for Chelsea. "But Rob [Herring] has been doing so well in training and off the bench this season that we feel he's more than ready to stake his claim. We're also really excited at the prospect of Marland [Yarde, another academy player] showing the world what we know he can do."

Simon Shaw returns to the second row to add some grunt to the pack, while Jerome Kaino replaces Tom Guest in the back row. There are also starts for Brock James and Alesana Tuilagi, while another academy prospect, Kieran Low, will be looking to make an impact from the bench. "It's a good mix." said Chelsea, "We've probably got the best Academy group in the country, and we're looking for some of them to really step up to the high level." Starting this week-end?

Refining a winning formula

Bath have been a Top 4 regular since the origin of the league and have built this enviable position with a core of World Class players throughout the side. The likes of Healy, Franks, Muller, Louw, Steyn and Dagg have provided quality and consistency at the highest level.

Strength in depth
In the last few weeks, we've seen the manager Bathite change his strategy slightly, with the signings of Salvi and Perenara signalling a move to improve the strength in depth in the squad. "When we heard Salvi might be available on the cheap, we moved really quickly to secure him. He's one of the best opensides in the Aviva Premiership, which is a rare breed and he's available all year round. Frans Louw has been exceptional in this position for us, but it's crucial that we have plenty of options to allow flexibility and freshness. Julian's signing means we have top class back row options throughout international windows".

Super rugby prodigy arrives
Perenera arrives from Super 15 side Wellington Hurricanes with an incredible reputation. He was core to the outstanding form of the South Island team last year and this was recognised by the All Blacks. Having been incredibly unlucky to miss out on the tour to Northern Europe, TJ will certainly be one to watch in the Bath side.

Selection conundrum
"We're now in a brilliant position at scrum half, with Michael remaining a brilliant first choice option and now TJ snapping at his heels. TJ will be a great option in the summer months when the ground is a little dryer. In addition to this, we are blessed with young Chris Cook, who we will continue to blood in LV cup. Chris stands to learn a lot from both of these players and is the future of the club."

Making way
As a result of these recent signings, the club has announced that some of the older players have indeed been released. Former internationals Sam Vesty, Simon Taylor and Mark McMillan have all been released to seek a rugby future elsewhere. Rumour has it that their departures will free up some salary cap for another high class foreign signing, with second row rumoured to be the priority for the West Country side.

Baby Blacks captain joins Harlequins

Harlequins today announced the signing of New Zealand under 20s captain and scrum half Bryn Hall from North Harbour. Hall impressed for the Kiwis in the JRWC in South Africa and had the choice of joining Quins or taking up a super rugby contract with the Auckland Blues.

Welsh bring in Springbok duo

London Welsh announced the signing of Baby Bok Frans Malherbe, following a strong break through season for the tight head prop in the Super rugby competition with the Stormers. Malrherbe had found himself being called up to the Springbok squad for the Autumn Internationals, but did not make his full debut.

Welsh also declared the signing of Springbok openside, Heinrich Brussow. With this not being the first time head coach Flux has not signed Brussow, as he originally brought the seven to the Aviva Premiership with his former team the Newcastle Falcons. Flux stated he was excited to be reunited with Heinrich and went to state that Brussow will become an integral player of his side. With these signings, welsh also announced some exits from the club as well. James Percival and Jamie Gibson move onto pastures anew with Harlequins and Welsh have found surplus to requirements; James Tideswell, Tom May, Joe Ajuwa and Adam Brown.

Quins add Chief's Steenson

Harlequins have added Dungaanon born playmaker Gareth Steenson to there side to allow Nicky Robinson to return to London Wasps and bolster there English qualified options.

Steenson is seen as a 10 who despite having a rocket of a right boot also get's the best of those around him.

MANAGER CF UNDER PRESSURE

Following a string of dissapointing performances and an overrall dissapointing performance as manager since taking over, CF finds himself under increasing pressure at Wasps. CF appears to be unhappy with the lack of funds avaliable at Wasps, whilst the owner, has brought CF in for crisis talks at the club, and demands to know how CF is going to fix the side in terms of going forward.

Driver hails Etzebeth as best in world

Following Quins victory over league champions Leicester Tigers , Quins boss Driver hailed the man of the match Eben Etzebeth as a world beater and the best in his position as a enforcer.

'Etz was fantastic vs Tigers , He showed great maturity out there and bought a physical edge to the break down area along with his usual fantastic line work. He was immense in the RC and AIs for the Boks and his bringing that form through the season which is key as we chase the treble in the LV , Amlin and League'

Romano wants a fight! Lol