Nine articles and one video worth investigating, ranging from Ireland to Canada to Australia to Scotland. Bad weather, bad scrums, bad refereeing, potential Wallabies, potential Eagles, and life after rugby.

The Time Has Come – by Sean Diffley

The last piece written by the esteemed Irish writer before his passing ten days ago. Never one to mince his words, he joined the chorus of calls for Declan Kidney’s head.

Turbulent Ireland Need Some Harmony – by Hugh Farrelly

A somewhat apologetic piece about the state of the Irish side that nonetheless concedes that Kidney’s days are all but numbered.

Aussie Team Of The Week – by Matt Rowley

Not much to read here, but it’s a useful feature to keep tabs on who might be facing the Lions in a few short months.

US Players Key For Trinity College – by Alex Goff

An informative look at five American players spending time with Tony Smeeth’s Trinity side in Dublin.

Diary Of An Immigrant – by Juliet Sullivan

A fun read about teenage rugby in Canada from a mother’s point of view.

Only In Sorrow Bad Weather Masters Us – by Rory Lawson

The Newcastle scrumhalf maintains an interesting blog. Here he opines about the Scots’ relative comfort in dodgy weather.

Summer Rugby Anyone? – by Mike Blair

Meanwhile another Scottish halfback doesn’t quite feel the same way.

Joubert May Have Done Everyone A Favour – Allan Massie

The constant bellyaching about referees is getting old fast, but it’s hard to argue with Mr. Massie’s points here, though he does have a couple odd suggestions. His take on Scotland’s issues are probably pretty fair.

Ref Cam – by Sean Maloney

In case you haven’t seen this yet, check out the new camera being used in Super Rugby.

Life After Rugby – Alison O’Riordan

From several months back but an excellent piece about the long term perils of a professional rugby career, not unlike that of other physically brutal sports. If you only check out one of the articles here, this should be it.