Another week, another piece in The Rugby Paper discussing the twisty takeover of Beziers – and the latest players-to-Beziers rumours. I regret nothing.
More importantly, perhaps, there’s the salary cap discussion – and how, this time, it’s just a little more serious than it has been in the past. I even repeat the date of the expected start of the new season – which has now been confirmed, as has the discussed salary cap reduction…
Even in a normal year, this week would probably count as reasonably busy in French off-season rugby terms. Preseason – which normally begins for most clubs in early July – is now well under way, as administrators, players, coaches and fans look to an expected restart on September 4.
James Harrington: Freelance sports journalist 