At Irish, the home nations are well represented within the squad as our international contingent rediscover their heritage (sometimes overnight!) to play for one of our national teams.

Note to aspiring rugby players; it’s always good to have a great grandad from a different top flight rugby nation... if at first you don’t succeed, check the family tree!

Step up Kiwi Blair Cowan who joined fellow Scot Geoff Cross in Scotland’s squad to take on the French in Paris and try and achieve their first win since 1999. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen but it’s clear to see that they’re making progress and I look forward to seeing how my teammates develop in this exciting new Scottish era.

Onto the biggest game of the weekend and a clash I am always the most interested to watch in this competition. Born in Wales to English parents, I’d like to think that I could have played for either team, but thus far a coveted cap has evaded me. (Stuart Lancaster, Warren Gatland... I’m available if you need).

I was surprised to watch England come away with a win. With their team depleted by injuries, the infamous atmosphere of the Millennium Stadium against them and the familiar Welsh team high on confidence following their victory over South Africa, the odds were not in England’s favour.

However, after being on the back foot for the first half they turned it around. I was impressed by their resilience and discipline, George Ford made the 10 jersey his own and the front row showed they’re amongst the best in the world.

I was baffled why the two most in-form Welsh players in Liam and Scott Williams did not start. Gatland obviously preferred reputation over form. I expect a starting place for at least one of them against Scotland and I will watch with interest to see if Wales can bounce back and England kick on.

The Irish lads did us proud with a convincing win against Italy; they’ve had the best possible start and are favourites to retain the Championship. A tougher test awaits them against France, but with the Aviva Stadium becoming a bit of a fortress, I expect a convincing win.

If you haven’t got tickets to any Six Nations matches, the Aviva Premiership resumes this weekend. We travel up to Northampton Saints hoping to cause an upset to the league pacesetters.

Look forward to seeing you there, COYI!