I'm sure the team drew some confidence from the two wins in the summer. Obviously, we still need results under our belt because we haven't had results for the last 18 months or so, but looking realistically at the fixtures, there's the chance for two wins. The knack to success is getting a few victories and then building from there. |
It is hugely satisfying to see so many of our players receiving international recognition for their efforts at club level this season, but their absence will nevertheless prove a testing time for the squad. |
It was a very disrupted game, with no flow to it, |
It was frustrating to watch the quarter-finals last weekend and not be part of them. We had a hard look at ourselves at the end of that particular group phase of the competition. |
Josh has been in full training for the last two weeks, and everything has gone very well, |
Lawrence is one of the giants of the English and world game and we are, of course, delighted that he is remaining with us for a further 2 years. |
Matt has been a huge part of English rugby for the past decade. One of the big characters in rugby is leaving the game. |
Phil's talent and experience will be a significant loss to the club, |
Saracens are my 'dark horse' team of this season, and I think they will do very well over the year. We are anticipating a very tough contest, and know they will challenge us in every department, |
Stuart is a good player. He is back in the England mix, and he is an option for them. |
The best time would appear to be as soon after the end of the season as possible. |
The enthusiasm and experience he can share with other players has already had an impact since he returned to full training a couple of weeks ago, and his leadership and physicality on the pitch will be a massive plus. |
The five-day turn-around after Boxing Day is very tight, and we wanted to allow some players to recover fully from the Gloucester game. |
The impact that he has, and will continue to have on the teams that he plays with, cannot be underestimated, |
The three games have a nice balance to them, |