English Interest In The PRO14 - Maybes Aye

WITH ALL the uncertainty about in rugby just now, it is hardly surprising the rumour mill should go into overdrive.

In Scotland, we have all the hullabaloo around Super-6 and Agenda-3, the arguments about. where the S6 core clubs will play. In Wales, there is a seemingly permanent state of war-fare between the traditionalists, who feel the clubs are more-important, and those who favour the regions. For all their public face of togetherness, there are tensions simmering away beneath the surface in Ireland. In England – we have, at one extreme, the big-money buy-into the Premiership by CVC, with rumours of a wish to ring-fence the top-flight, which has naturally brought a reaction from the second tier Championship clubs; while, at the other end of the spectrum, we have the rebel, breakaway league in North-West England.

Ealing - rumoured to be blazing a trail into the PRO14

The latest twist has seen Ealing Trailfinders, the big-money noveau riche side in England's second tier, facing the prospect of not getting into a ring-fenced top flight, letting it be known, they would consider joining a further-expanded PRO14.

The thing is, this would surely bring into play the old reliable fact – the English don't do unions, or confederations, or alliances – unless they are running it – their way. That's been most of the UK's problem with the EU, it's why it was the British (for which think English) Empire, and it is still the British (for which again think English) Commonwealth.

During all the upheaval following Rugby's decision to go open in 1995; once it became clear there was money to be made from a professional league, the obvious move for the game in the British Isles, was or a British Isles League. Of course, with their much-larger population, union and number of clubs – their greater economic muscle, England would probably have dominated such a league.

But, it never happened, because the big English clubs, many – then as now, in-thrall to billionaire owners or sugar daddies, fought back, blind-sided the RFU and got what they wanted, a strong English domestic league. With the London bias of the UK media, not forgetting the bigger English market, this domestic, English league, soon became the richest.

The PRO14 has been a brave attempt to counter this English advantage, but, it is still the poor relation. And, there is always the feeling, given the least bit of encouragement, the Welsh would probably bail-out an take England's shilling.

Personally, I would love to see the three London-based “exile” clubs – London Irish, London Scottish and a hopefully reformed and re-financed London Welsh, integrated into an extended PRO14 – say a PRO18 or PRO20, with perhaps another one or two South African clubs, or maybe well-funded teams from elsewhere in Europe. I have my doubts, however, about allowing entirely English clubs to join. For a start, the inbred English exceptionalism would mean they would seek to re-fashion the league to suit England's needs.

So, even if there is even the slightest iota of truth in Ealing interest, I would hope the PRO14's movers and shakers would tell them: “No chance.” However, I still feel, there is something to be said for getting the exiles involved in any expansion of the PRO14.

BACK TO domestic matters, however, and that lovely glow which is surrounding Scottish Rugby, in the wake of those weekend Heineken Cup wins for Edinburgh and Glasgow.

I always sensed Glasgow would beat Cardiff, but, would make it hard for themselves. They are simply not quite getting things correct, but, when they do – someone will suffer. It's a huge ask, but, would it not be nice if everything clicked at Saracens this weekend – since I sense, the Londoners, formidable side though they are, are even further from their best than Glasgow at the moment.

Meanwhile, I honestly could not see Edinburgh winning as well in Toulon as they did. I would happily have settled for them taking a couple of losing bonus points from an entertaining game – to get the win was even better than our wildest dreams.

What about that Bill Mata off-load to James Johnstone by the way – big Bill could be hearing from Leone Nakarawa's lawyers for breach of copyright on that one, incredible skill and belief.

"Bill" Mata - out Nakarawa'd Nakarawa with that off-load

Also, my favourite current Scottish player, wee Darcy Graham had another cracking game, with a splendid try – that kid oozes star quality.

Can I also put-in a word for the other D'Arcy, the Troon Rae, who continues to grow in stature with each outing in the Warriors' number three shirt. He simply does what the best tight-heads do – he anchors the scrum and, I have a feeling, once Saturday's referee at Allianz Park wakens up to the fact, Mako Vinupola is NOT a great scrummager, D'Arcy might emerge as a key man.

I suspect, whoever is on the whistle will begin from a position of: “Vinupola is an England and Lions prop, therefore, any bother on that side of the scrum has to be this Scot nobody has heard of.” But, if the official is any good, he will quickly realise – no, it's Vinupola who is having problems, and penalise accordingly.

You still have to fancy, with home advantage, Saracens will win, but, Glasgow will give them a game.

Harder to call is the Edinburgh v Montpellier game. I dare say, few things would give “Stern Vern” and “Big Wagga” greater enjoyment than to pitch up at Murrayfield and win. They will have their team up for this one, however, with home advantage, and hopefully a big crowd behind them, I can see Edinburgh doing what they have to do to ensure, we have two Scottish sides in the last eight.

A quarter-final line-up of three Irish, two French, two Scottish and one English club will not be received too-raptuously in the bars of England's rugby clubs, where they are taught that, aside from those uncouth colonials from the Land of the Long White Cloud, who takes things too-seriously anyway – the stout yeomen of England are rugby union's master race.