The weekend ahead

Weather and player availability permitting most of us will hopefully be playing Norfolk Nomads and Suffolk Sabres in Wymondham this weekend (pronounced "Windham", incidentally!). However one of our number, Jess, should be off to Old Albanians with East Region for their rearranged game against Thames Valley - and it is this rearranged fixture that is probably the greatest threat to our game as it is taking away alot of players from both of our U15 and U18 opponents.  More details as soon as they are available. 

Its also going to be a busy weekend in adult rugby. Hitchin have a crucial league game, and England will be playing in Wales and California... at the same time.

In the Six Nations England travel to Taffs Well, near Cardiff, to play Wales. It will be the 26th international between the two teams, and all 25 previous games have gone to England. This year should not be any different, but - due to the Sevens - England are not quite at full strength (though there is only one change from last week) and Wales have probably never been stronger so this should be closer than previous years.

Elsewhere Ireland should have no problems in Italy - and may even break a record as they (remarkably) have never previously scored more than 22 points in Six Nations international. However, as they showed against France, though Ireland can dominate games actually putting points on the board does remain a weakness. And on Sunday Scotland play France in Arras, which should see France record their opening win in this year's championship.

Meanwhile starting today England will also be playing in the San Diego Sevens, their final warm-up before the World Cup, where they will take on other World Cup qualifiers New Zealand, USA, Canada and Japan. Other qualifiers France, Spain and Italy will also be playing in another tournament in Spain.

And slightly closer to home Hitchin have a must-win league game against Slough. The Hayley fan club might wish to visit Hitchin agains as she has been invited to play in this game if our games do not go ahead.