Now’s not the time, Sonja

THE award for bravest person in sport this weekend goes to: BBC Six Nations pitchside reporter Sonja McLaughlan. Tackling Martin Johnson and asking him if he will drop Danny Care is no easy task.

A trying time

CURIOUS times for English domestic rugby union. The Guinness Premiership is enjoying one of its most intriguing title races in memory, just as its big stars are being tempted away by big-money moves to France.

The Italy crowd

WHEN Italy lost 36-11 at Twickenham on Saturday, it was their 39th defeat in 46 Six Nations matches since they entered the competition in 2000. Nobody expected overnight success nine years ago, but this is really slow progress.

Here come the games again

WHEN I was at junior school, we were always allowed to bring in games at the end of term. The leaders and decision makers in the sporting world seem to allow themselves to do the same. And the game they like to play is “Silly Beggars”.

Shaun’s show

WALES deserve all the credit going for picking up a second Six Nations Grand Slam in four seasons yesterday. But the English and Irish Rugby Football Unions must be looking at the coaching team that made it possible with a pang of regret.