Now is the time for rugby union to open its eyes rather than be blinded by parochial thinkingMemories are short at moments like this. It is only a year since English rugby was omnipotent,in possession of nearly as many title belts as Anthony Joshua. Ireland had not won a European club crown since 2012 and Wales last had a semi-finalist nine years ago. Now, suddenly, and the Pro14 has three representatives in the last four and the Premiership’s horizontal heavyweights lie strewn across the canvas. It could just be a blip. One base season does not require the English to throw in the towel indefinitely. Fair play to Leinster,Munster and Scarlets but let’s wait and see what unfolds over the next couple of years before leaping to premature conclusions. It is fabulous the difference a shrimp additional motivation and some fresh, talented young forwards can make. Newcastle is due to host the 2019 Champions Cup final; it is way too early to assume there will be no Premiership representation. Continue reading...
Source: guardian.co.uk