Jerry Collins' untimely death along with his wife in a car accident in France has left the world of rugby - and beyond - shocked.
There's nothing like a sporting superstar who keeps his boots on the ground - and All Black great Collins did just that, as this wonderful tale of his involvement with Barnstaple 2nd XV conveys.
In the interview below another New Zealand great, Sean Fitzpatrick, reflects on Collins' life:
Friday, 5 June 2015
Monday, 1 June 2015
Rugby season ends on a downer in the West Country - Bristol, Bath and Gloucester all lose
Rather like the Liberal Democrats' recent tonking in the West Country, rugby in these parts has just taken a pasting.
First Bristol failed - again - to negotiate the Championship play-offs, then Bath were out-muscled at Twickers by a Sarries side that delivered a masterclass in negating Bath's much-vaunted handling game.
Then Gloucester were pipped by a point by Bordeaux-Begles in the final play-off for next season's European Champions Cup.
Actually, I think the result was a blessing in disguise for the Cherry and Whites, although it won't feel like that at the moment. Next season, Gloucester just need to focus on delivering in the Premiership, and the club doesn't have the depth at present to compete on two major fronts.
Any blessings in disguise for Bath or Bristol?
Nope.
Bristol face another 12 months trekking to such rugby outposts as Doncaster and Ealing, while Bath have been given something to ponder by a side that only finished fourth in the regular season.
First Bristol failed - again - to negotiate the Championship play-offs, then Bath were out-muscled at Twickers by a Sarries side that delivered a masterclass in negating Bath's much-vaunted handling game.
Then Gloucester were pipped by a point by Bordeaux-Begles in the final play-off for next season's European Champions Cup.
Actually, I think the result was a blessing in disguise for the Cherry and Whites, although it won't feel like that at the moment. Next season, Gloucester just need to focus on delivering in the Premiership, and the club doesn't have the depth at present to compete on two major fronts.
Any blessings in disguise for Bath or Bristol?
Nope.
Bristol face another 12 months trekking to such rugby outposts as Doncaster and Ealing, while Bath have been given something to ponder by a side that only finished fourth in the regular season.
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