I’ve long admired Rugby World magazine, and it’s always a pleasure to see my name – even briefly – in roughly the same arena as thoroughly excellent rugby journalists like Sarah Mockford and Alan Dymock.
It may only be a broad strokes, brief introduction to the new Top 14 season, but I’m in there!
There’s a reckoning coming in the Top 14, due to kick off with Stade Francais-Bordeaux on September 4. And not just because clubs are tightening their belts and cutting salary budgets. The reckoning is on the pitch in a highly competitive league. Eight or nine clubs have their eyes on the six-team play-offs, and Champions Cup rugby in 2021/22.
James Harrington: Freelance sports journalist 