The discussions on our away performances and the goal setting for the rest of this season were very interesting and hugely beneficial to everyone involved. Although we will now have to go out at Kingston Park (against Newcastle Falcons) on 1st February and perform as we discussed.

However, as you will be aware, on Saturday 25th January we face Leicester Tigers in the quarterfinals of the Powergen Cup. Having played Leicester twice in the same competition over the last two years, we are only to well aware of the task that we face. Leicester are doing well in the Heineken Cup (again) and although their Zurich Premiership form has not been up to their usual standards, I am sure that no one would bet against them making the play-offs, and then they have every chance of being crowned Zurich Champions.

The quarterfinal at the Stoop will be a huge game, refereed by Chris White, and after the two week break that we have faced, just like you, I am sure that we will be very keen to get back into action. If you have not got your tickets already for this game, I would suggest you phone our ticket office very quickly on 0871 871 8877 to avoid disappointment.

On the injury front, Pat Sanderson will be having an operation on his injured shoulder in the next few days and will therefore be out of action probably for the rest of this season. Bruce Starr is back in full training and could well take some part in the second team game against Newport at Rodney Parade on Monday evening (20th January). Tony Diprose is recovering well from his foot injury and should return to full training next week.



With a number of players now back from injury, the U21's should put out a very strong team on Saturday (18th January) to face London Wasps at the Stoop, kick-off 2.00pm. Regular 2nd XV players such as Kai Horstmann, Andy Reay, Henry Barratt, Ugo Monye and Sam Walton will all be on show. A game worth going along to, if you do not want to watch Munster against Gloucester in the Heineken Cup on television. In fairness, that should be a cracking game at Thomond Park - one of the best venues in the world to play rugby.

Whatever you are doing this weekend, I hope you have a very enjoyable time. Take in some rugby, either live or on the television, but save your voice for a week on Saturday, so that you can do your part in encouraging the team against Leicester, as we look to move into the semi-finals of the Powergen Cup.