"And Caesar crossed the Rubicon and burned his bridges!"

WHEN Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon River with his army and burned the bridge behind him, there was no way back..

He had made up his mind; the only way was forward.

"Alea jacta est," he said. "The dices are rolled. He had chosen his route to his destiny.

In much the same way, two of the brightest young talents in rugby have chosen their kismet! Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has elected to play for England over the country of his birth and Louis Rees-Zammit has chosen to explore the potential of the NFL.

In the absence of Antoine Dupont, both could have been principal superstars of the Six Nations, but have they "burned their bridges "?

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso

Feyi-Waboso has, almost certainly, got to the point where the only road leads to Twickenham. Although born and bred in Wales, it seems that his determination to complete his medical studies juxtaposed to the Welsh "25 CAP Rule" has changed his stance from a previous statement that "It would be a privilege to play for Wales."

Furthermore, Steve Borthwick, himself, chose to travel to Exeter to speak to the young man, whereas Warren Garland sent his defence coach, Mike Forshaw!

Interestingly, in a situation where many youngsters explain their pursuit of higher salary moves as the means of maximising a short term career, Feyi-Waboso is citing his future medical career as his motivation for selecting England.

It sounds very much that England made him feel more welcome, enabling him to continue his studies at Exeter, previously denied at Cardiff! Surely all rugby players hould prepare for other careers à la Jamie Roberts?

There is no doubt that Feyi-Waboso is extremely talented; quick, powerful, tenacious and hungry. He will light up the Championship, If he is selected? It is not as If England does not have the deepest reservoir of talent on the wing!

There are three or four brilliant wingers at Harlequins such as Tyrone Green, Louis Lynagh and Nick David who don't get a look in. Cockanasiga, Radwan - there are dozens of them, ll with frightening talent. What must they be thinking when they are overlooked for a new kid on the block, who is Welsh?

We sincerely hope that he doesn't become a Rokoduguni, the wonderful Fijian who sacrificed his Fijian career for a solitary England cap! Of course, if it doesn't go to plan, here is the three year stand-down rule which allows players to play for the country of their birth or where they have grand-parents!

In the meantime let's hope that the young man has the sensational career his talent deserves.

Louis Rees-Zammit is far more likely to return at some stage!

A few years ago, at the height of the pandemic depression, much was written about the arrival of the new "Sun King", Louis the 14th!

This lightning winger was going to be the new star of World Rugby with his amazing pace, side-step and spatial-awareness. One of the youngest British Lions, he already had 32 caps and was set for a stellar career and high profile move to France or Japan which would have made him one of sport's highest earners.

Then, just as Warren Gatland was about to name his squad, the incredible news that Zammit was going to America stunned a nation and sent it back into depression!

Subject of a recent documentary, the young man had stated that his ambition was to be "the greatest rugby player". Did he mean that to include playing American Football?

According to that great rugby historian, Peter Jackson, only one rugby player has ever succeeded in making the transition to NFL. Jordan Mailata made it from Rugby League all the way to the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles and has made over £50 million in four years. By contrast Christian Wade and Lawrence Okoye got close, but Wade, who had one cap for England, now plays for Racing 92 and Okoye has returned to athletics.

Zammit has to go into a ten week training camp and hope that he is picked up by a franchisel

There are several factors making his route precarious. The first is his age. At 23, Zammit is competing against young athletes who have been brought up with an in-built acuity of the game's incredible nuances and number of pre-determined "plays". Furthermore, many are huge physical specimens of behemoth proportions and Olympic sprinting ability.

Even Olympians rarely make the grade!

Renaldo Nehemiah was a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers before returning to track and field. The only athlete to win an Olympic gold medal and Super Bowl ring was Bob Hayes who played as a Split End for the Dallas Cowboys and won the 100 metres at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964.

Bob Hayes

The difference with Hayes was that he was a stand-out performer in track and field as well as American Football at Florida University!

Louis Rees-Zammit has always been a fan and the game was a great love of his father, but respected NFL commentator, Vernon Kay suggests "It will need a miracle" for the Welshman to succeed. What is certain is that he will do all that he can to make the grade and Warren Gatland, after a deep breath, has wished him well and would welcome his return one day. The smart money is on Louis Rees-Zammit making it as a personality rather than a player, much in the same way as Pelé, Best and Beckenbauer did at the end of their careers.

For many in Wales this bombshell reminded them of those desperate days in the eighties with the closing down of the industrial base, widespread unemployment and the loss of great players to Rugby League. The news of Rees-Zammit's withdrawal coincided with the devastating news of the closure of blast furnaces at Tata Steel and, once again a shroud of gloom gripped this rugby-mad nation.

"Teachers affect eternity."- Anatole France

Aspiration is the sequel to inspiration and there are very few people who achieve success who have not been uplifted by a teacher or role model hero figure. This assertion was highlighted to me in a conversation with an old friend just recently. This former Headteacher had retired to the Rhondda Valley area and has always helped out in the local community. With both parents working, this particular retiree volunteers to collect his friend's grandson from school. The boy is aged ten and his father still plays for a local club. The area is steeped in rugby culture and conversation in the car often revolves around sport.

Just over a week ago the young boy was waxing lyrical about a piece of writing in his journal about his hero - Louis Rees-Zammit! Then the news broke of his imminent departure and the sheer disappointment was heart breaking!

No wonder Warren Gatland postponed his squad announcement. The whole Welsh nation was in shock!

Against the background of shock departures, retirements, injuries, defections and overseas contracts, the Six Nations kicks off on Friday, 2 February with an almighty clash between the two top ranked teams Ireland and France. This competition is frequently labelled as the greatest competition of all, although the quarter-finals of the recent World Cup in France would take some beating.

With that splendid World Cup in France heralding a new four-year cycle, it might have been thought that wholesale change was in the offing, but the squad announcements this week suggest evolution rather than revolution.

Having said that, circumstances have resulted in four new captains at the launch, Italy's Michele Lamaro the only one retaining his position.

Jamie George was the players' choice for England even though he may not make Australia. Peter O'Mahony follows Johnny Sexton after a long apprenticeship, with Dafydd Jenkins stepping in for the luckless Jac Morgan. Gregory Alldritt was the obvious choice for France after Antoine DuPont's decision to prepare for a home Olympics. Scotland remain undecided. However, there is stability in senior leadership, Italy making the only change with Argentinian Gonzalo Queseda replacing Kiwi Kieran Crowley.

A few years ago as Covid 19 left us with a turgid diet behind closed doors, we were crying out for bright new stars to illuminate the game and longed for a Rees-Zammit and a Marcus Smith to set our pulses racing. Now some of the Sirius-like luminaries like Dupont, Zammit and Arundell have robbed the Six Nations of some of its most exciting players. Now much depends upon the new discoveries like Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman, maybe a Tom Pearson or Mason Grady?

The adopted style of play is also significant. For decades New Zealand have played some of the best rugby. Although they kick as frequently as most, their speed of transition is exemplary. They have long realised that they will rarely match South Africa's power game and need to attract fans with ostentatious, all-court rugby.

Although Ireland and France remain favourites, this opening encounter could open the door for other contenders and England will look to build upon their third place World Cup finish without their most experienced player and captain, Owen Farrell, plus a host of retired and unavailable team-mates.

Henry Arundell, playing in France is a huge loss, while there are few with the jackalling ability of Jack Willis, who has just renewed his contract at Toulouse. Perhaps the greatest loss is the magnificent Courtney Lawes who continues to perform at world-class levels week in week out! Manu Tuilagi is injured, but perhaps it is time to stop depending upon his occasional availability?

England certainly have a cornucopia of talent which few can compete with in terms of depth.

The outstanding domestic and European form of Harlequins and Northampton has prompted Steve Borthwick to skew his selection towards the top of the Premiership, with only Ellis Genge featuring from the lower end and the likes of Kyle Sinckler omitted because of collective failure.

Steve Borthwick

Perhaps now is the time to learn from Harlequins. For the past few seasons their performances have been almost intoxicating, but now there is a steely edge and set-piece mastery orchestrated by the understated Adam Jones.

Northampton follow the same blueprint. Both have brilliant half-backs who love to speed up the game and poach lots of tries through selfless support play. With Alex Mitchell controlling games alongside the tyro Fin Smith, Northampton can still rely on the power of Lawes and Tom Pearson. Marcus Smith is sheer genius. His attacking intent has now been allied to a pragmatism, reminiscent of Beauden Barrett, although he would struggle in a physical context! What a joy to see Danny Care playing at the top of his game as well.

With Chandler Cunningham-South and Alex Dombrandt alongside a Ben Earl and Maro Itoje, this would bring a feelgood factor to complement the solid foundation of Dan Cole, Jamie George and Joe Marler. Possibly the only weakness would be the durability of the front -row bench?

After a surprisingly good World Cup, Borthwick has the chance to put his own stamp on the England set up. Always technically supreme, will he have the tactical nous to get the best out of this exceptional group of players? Feyi-Waboso, Freeman and co. could run riot. 

We hope they don't revert to type and spend most of the time kicking for Freddie Steward (as good as he is under the high ball).Surely with this array of brilliant young players, Borthwick should give them their head to shape their own destiny?

The fact that England go to Rome first and face a ravaged Wales at Twickenham, gives them a golden opportunity, especially after Ireland and France have "softened" each other up!

Watching the French forwards charging through the opposition ranks like a bloat of hippopotamuses is enough to throw most teams into panic. Now that Fabien Galthie has added the colossus, Emmanuel Meafou to his ranks, the thought of the imminent carnage is terrifying to all, except perhaps,South Africa who do their own line in titans!

Why on earth did France kick a penalty with ten minutes remaining in their World Cup quarter final against the reigning champions instead of kicking to the corner in search of that vital victory?

It has recently been suggested that Antoine Dupont is the greatest rugby player of all time. That traditionally remains the domain of Gareth Edwards or Dan Carter and would need a longer period of brilliance from the Frenchman to challenge that particular piece of conventional wisdom. Those who have. watched footage of the great Welshman handling the heavy, wet leather balls in New Zealand in 1971 and who observed his athleticism would know why he retains his place in the pantheon of greats.

Nevertheless, Antoine DuPont's decision to target a home Olympics is laudable.

Gregory Alldritt is currently the best No.8 in the World and will prove a worthy successor to the favourite son of Toulouse. Nolan le Garrec of Racing or Bordeaux's Maxime Lucu will stand in for the irreplaceable Dupont.

Before the abortive World Cup, it was thought that the loss of Romain Ntamack would be devastating, but the emergence of Matthieu Jalibert more than made amends.

With the powerhouse that is Jonathan Danty, coupled with the World class brilliance of Damian Penaud and Tomas Ramos, their backs are the envy of all, while the power of Baille, Antonio and Marchand will be supplemented by the class of former captain ,Charles Ollivon.

With the acquisition of Shaun Edwards, there are few defensive errors and the Junior Pathways ensure massive strength in depth.

This is a French team constructed for greatness and their only danger is the psychological damage inflicted by their failure to win their own World Cup.

Ireland, having failed to get past a World Cup quarter-final once again face a daunting task in Paris to open their campaign. 

Without their talismanic captain, Johnny Sexton, Andy Farrell has opted for the no-nonsense Peter O'Mahony, to lead Ireland into this season.

There are other retirements to contend with and the loss of key wingers, Mack Hansen and Jimmy O'Brien. This has led to the restoration of Jacob Stockdale, Jordan Larmour and the introduction of Calvin Nash.

The dependable Jamison Gibson -Park will help the induction of a new 10, probably Jack Crowley or Harry Byrne. Fortunately, Bundee Aki, Garry Ringrose and Robbie Henshaw will provide the midfield stability and momentum.

The front-row of Tadhg Furlong, Dan Sheehan and Andrew Porter is one of the best in the World, while the ball-winning ability of Tadhg Beirne and James Ryan is significant. Add to that Josh van Der Flier and Caolan Doris and you realise that the collisions in the opening encounter at the Stade de France will be Herculean.

Andy Farrell is an outstanding coach, a view endorsed by his appointment to lead the British and Irish Lions to Australia.

This match could well determine the destination of the trophy and you can bet that Farrell will have something special up his sleeve as he pits his wits against old Wigan team-mate, Edwards!

Italy have shown glimpses of improvement over the last decade without really being able to sustain their development over several generations. 

They have always maintained strong Argentinian connections and the appointment of Queseda will be a boost.

Amazingly, the scrummage, a traditional Italian area of strength has been relatively weak in recent years.

What has been a point of difference has been their prodigious evolution of back play, orchestrated by half-backs Steven Varne y and Paulo Garbisi. Ango Capuozza was the scorer of the try of the Championship to beat Wales a couple of years ago. Bruno and Monty Ioane are fine attacking players, with Tommaso Allan a steadying influence.

Up front, skipper Lamaro and Sebastian Negri lead a pack still without the dynamic Jake Polledri, formerly of Hartpury College.

As ever, Italy are favourites for the "Wooden Spoon", but can spring the odd surprise in the post Parisse era.

Scotland flattered to deceive at the World Cup, unable to overcome Ireland at the pool stages. Nevertheless they appear to be the most stable of the home nations, feeling strong enough to leave out stalwarts Hamish Watson and starting Lion, Chris Harris.

With former Australian Jack Dempsey punching above his weight and Jamie Ritchie scavenging around the fringes, they will try to provide enough possession for the mercurial Finn Russell to impose his game on opponents.

Russell has Been White and Ali Price to divert attention from his multitude of tricks and can utilise the potency of Sione Tuipolotu and silky energy of Huw Jones.

Blair Kinghorn has been a revelation for Toulouse and provided the perfect antidote to the retirement of the peerless Stuart Hogg

In Duhan van Der Merwe, Kyle Steyn and Darcy Graham, the Scots have tremendous finishers and, if they can get enough possession without Jonny Gray, they could prove a match for anyone.

A cautionary note; they will need to develop more home-grown players rather than relatives from the southern hemisphere in order to achieve sustainability.

JPR Williams

The sad passing of the celebrated J.P.R. Williams highlights one of the key reasons why Wales have failed to sustain success over the last few seasons.

The Welsh team of the seventies was one of the world's greatest and Williams himself was cognisant of the fact that the team had a world-class player in every position. Moreover, almost every club in Wales had a player of International class in every position, but very few broke into the national team because of the quality, longevity and injury averse nature of the team.

Currently, Wales have only three or four players close to world class.Taulupe Faletau, Dewi Lake, Jac Morgan and Louis Rees-Zammit. The first three are injured and we know what has happened to Zammit!

In addition there is a team of injured players, overseas and unavailable and you get some measure of the problem.

The fact that Wales have exceeded expectations and won more Grand Slams than any other country over the last decade is testament to the commitment, passion and fitness of the players and the coaching regimes.

There are some fundamental structural problems that need to be dealt with alongside fiscal concerns, but that is the long term!

There was a time when Wales had an endless supply of outstanding fly-halves, a situation that inspired Max Boyce to write about the "Fly- Half Factory" producing conveyor belt loads of the national treasure. Now that factory has gone the way of many others and closed down!

With the retirement of Dan Biggar and injury to Gareth Anscombe, the cupboard is bare. Heir-apparent, Sam Costelow hasn't played since the World Cup and the onus is on Cai Evans (son of Welsh legend Ieuan) and Ioane Lloyd of Llanelli Scarlets.

At least they will be well protected by top quality scrum- halves, Gareth Davies and Tomos Williams.

The same is true at Full- Back following the retirement of Leigh Halfpenny and Liam Williams' sojourn in Japan.

The centre partnership of George North and Nick Tompkins looks secure and young Mason Grady could be a new sensation.

The forwards are led by new captain, Dafydd Jenkins partnered by Will Rowlands and Adam Beard. Aaron Wainwright had an excellent World Cup, but Gatland will be looking for a break through from the likes of Alex Mann and Teddy Williams.

It is interesting to compare the odyssey of Welsh Rugby with that of Ireland. It starts with the regions. Ireland has four proud provinces, with natural and cultural boundaries.

The regions in Wales have never really worked. According to David Moffett, the Australian CEO. of the WRU, the regions were a fiscal necessity. The people of the valley towns supported their teams with a rabid fanaticism which meant that supporters of Abertillery, Ebbw Vale, Newbridge, Cross Keys and Pontypool were never going to align themselves to the city slickers of Newport any more than the Sardis Road faithful would throw their lot in with Cardiff.

Regional rugby has never really worked and, in some ways there has been irreparable damage to the spectator base and the National team.

By contrast, Ireland's Provinces have formed natural regions which command massive support. Leinster can sell out the Aviva Stadium and us one of the most successful teams in the World. Even Connacht produces outstanding players and have won the U.R.C.!

The system delivers success and that has brought unprecedented national success by historical standards. For over a hundred years Ireland managed just one Grand Slam and no victories over New Zealand.

The last 15 years has brought three Grand Slams and five victories over the All Blacks, including a series win in New Zealand in 2022; no coincidence!

So as we try to assess the outcome of this season's tournament, it is important to consider the current situation, home advantage and player availability.

There is no doubt that the Italian regions have been improving out of sight, but will that be enough to enjoy a victory or two.

Wales have been written-off by the bookies, but that has only served to galvanise Warren Gatland's young side.

Much will depend upon the first home game against Scotland and the subsequent trip to Twickenham.

If England can throw caution to the wind and utilise a progressive game plan, then Marcus Smith could usher in a new era of English dominance.

Scotland have familiarity and continuity in their favour. Finn Russell still has maverick qualities, but now manages the game as well as anyone. Often the nemesis of England ,they are certainly worth a punt.

It is very difficult to look beyond the class and power of Ireland and France in picking a winner.

The fine margins suggest France, since they have home advantage, but one suspects that this will prove a colossal engagement, with the outcome determined by one moment of genius or a catastrophic mistake! The battle of wits between those old rugby league team - mates, Andy Farrell and Shaun Edwards should be every bit as good as the battle on the field.

Whatever the outcome of this season's Six Nations Championship, it should be a coruscating event and we should all remember those immortal words of President Theodore Roosevelt:

" It is not the critic who counts;- - - - - - - - - -.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly;- - - - -."

Thurrock feature in the latest edition of Rugby Club Magazine in a feature entitled, "Thurrock, A Club For The Future."

If you would like a copy, contact the Club through its website.