Talking rugby

It was fun to see so many old friends at the Access Sport dinner which supports young children in their chosen activity. Chris Beetles was unable to make the occasion, something to do with some team called Tottenham, who don't appear to have a manager or a team at the present time, but his place as assistant auctioneer was taken for the evening by the former Olympic silver medalist, Alan Pascoe. We raised £37,500 for the charity, and the highlight was an interview with Josh Lewsey, England World Cup winner and finalist, who answered all the questions about Brian Ashton with as much diplomacy as he could muster. However, it now seems to have all broken out on the front pages of the sports sections, and it will be fascinating to see what decision Rob Andrew makes about the future of the England rugby coaching set-up.