A tragic event during an interesting weekend

Obviously, and understandably, the events that have dominated the back pages is the sudden and unexpected death of Gary Speed. There are few superlatives to describe someone who should be a true Icon of the of not just football, but any aspiring sportsman. Someone who was not gifted with extreme natural talent, he was known to spend hours on the training pitch homing in on his skills. His career spanned an astonishing 22 years (1988-2010) where he made 677 appearances at club level. On top of that he represented his country 85 times in a period spanning 14 years, rarely missing a game through injury or suspension. His managerial career was very short, however, by the time of his death Wales were heading in the right direction with his last game of 4-1 home win against Norway. Other noticeable events during his managerial career was Aaron Ramsey becoming the youngest ever Welsh captain. It is a sad loss for the world of football. It can honestly be said that they just don't make them like Gary Speed now days. 

On to more gloomy news (if your are an English rugby fan).There is seen as divide between the Northern and Southern hemisphere and England and France have traditionally provided the strongest opposition to the Tri-nation teams. However, under Martin Johnson's reign, England's only wins against the Tri-nation teams was twice (both against Australia) out of 10. Many have said that this is the lowest point in English rugby for a long time, if not ever. They should not be in this state. There are some brilliant rising stars coming through the ranks. James Gaskell, Luke Wallace, Christian Wade and Charlie Sharples to name a few. The controversy is over the management of RFU and they are possibly facing their biggest decision ever. The main contender and bookies favorite is Jim Mallinder. Yet he has said it would have to be a very tempting offer to get him away from Saints. Nick Mallet has ruled himself back into contention, but only after the 6 Nations. My two choices would have to be either Eddie Jones or Dean Richards. Eddie Jones would have to be my first choice. He led the Brumbies to their first Super  Rugby win and led Australia to their second Tri-nations win as well as taking them to a world cup final. He was part of the South African world cup coaching staff in 2007. There have been reports that he is interested in the role. Dean Richards is only an option if England are prepared to take a risky move and have a caretaker coach. He has better club honours than Mallinder but is still serving his ban. Someone who will not serve his ban is Mike Tindall who has been reinstated as an England player. Nice to see the RFU have a backbone.

That is my views for now. there will be more soon.