In addition, work is now well underway in respect to putting up the new North stand at the Stoop, which will help increase the capacity to 9,500 in time for the new Zurich Premiership season starting in September.

At the training ground, following a break-in over the weekend, something of a tidying up operation has been in place. Although only a little damage was done, it is perhaps a brave pair of burglars that enter a guarded military site to commit a theft!

Following the announcement of the signing of back row Maama Molitika last week, he and his wife visited the training ground on Monday to complete his medical and also to start the search for a new home in the Fleet area. With Maama on board, we still have to finalize the signings of a scrum half and second row to complete the squad for next season, and we will of course let you know once these negotiations have been completed.

We are still looking to organise a pre-season fixture for the weekend of 27th August, although there are only one or two options available. We will not be able to finalize this until a decision has been made as to when the Celtic League is to commence, which should be known in the next two weeks.

On the injury front, Ugo Monye has withdrawn from the England Under 21 squad competing in the World Championships in Scotland due to a muscle injury he picked-up playing for England in the sevens competition at Twickenham the other week. All our other representatives with England remain fit and healthy, and congratulations are due to both Cameron Dott and Chris Cracknell who made their debuts for England at Under 21 level last Friday against New Zealand.

In the A squad, Mike Worsley came through the game against Canada in one piece and is looking forward to facing the New Zealand Maoris in the final of the Churchill Cup this weekend. Pat Sanderson, off to Worcester after the tour, picked-up a hip injury and may miss the final.

I am sure you will have all been disappointed by England's performances at the weekend in both codes; football and rugby. Both teams have the opportunity later this week to put in improved performances in their respective codes and I am sure both will be looking to give all English supporters something to cheer.

I am off on annual leave next week, so I will speak to you again on 6th July. In the meantime, enjoy the summer and all the sport that goes with it.