Proper scrap, this, between two PREM Rugby play-off certainties.

Extraordinary to think that Pontypool RFC lost just two games in season 1987-88. From memory, I think they played more than 50. David Bishop and Mark Ring in their pomp. Bishop scored 143 tries in 172 games for Pooler. Remarkable.

Steve Tandy needs to seriously look at naming Rhys Carre in his autumn squad. Currently smashing Bristol to all parts.

I don’t know which god or gods Bristol have upset, but Rees-Zammit has just been helped off the field injured in the same half that Tom Jordan also departed. This, six days after losing MacGinty, Randall and Ibitoye.

TNT saying Rees-Zammit is a foot injury.

Saracens magnificent. Tom Willis immense.

Brilliant to see so many great Pontypool RFC names at David Bishop book launch today. Mark Ring, Kevin Moseley, Roger Bidgood, Goff Davies, Peter Lewis, Mike Goldsworthy among those supporting the great man. And particular congrats to maestro author Brendan Gallagher

Today’s participants

Never has there been a more appropriate nickname than ‘Mad Dog’ for a warrior as fearless as Lewis Moody. An incredible rugby player. Today’s news is shattering, but he will fight this cruel disease with everything he has. All thoughts with Lewis, his family and friends.

Two of the joys of retirement are deleting press releases without reading them, and no longer receiving emails that start with ‘Hey’.

R360 off to the tumbleweed shop.

Looking forward to the R360 opener between Papua New Guinea fourths and Lapland Legends XV in the Maldives.

Looking forward to this. In his pomp, the world’s best scrum-half. Magnificent work by the maestro ⁦Brendan Gallagher⁩

Wonderful week at the Horse of the Year Show. Huge thanks to all media team colleagues. A privilege to work with so many talented and great people.

At Kingsholm tonight for Gloucester Rugby 🍒 v Bristol Bears 🐻 Lot of players missing on both sides, but should still be a right old rumble, as usual.

Tonight’s participants.

Bonkers game at Kingsholm.

Early days, but I would be extremely surprised if Bath and Saracens don’t meet in the Prem final this season.

Noah Caluori. Wow.

Don’t blame Tom Willis one bit. Undoubtedly a sizeable deal at Bordeaux, family security, major Top 14 and Champions Cup contenders, great part of the world to live. Good luck to him.