With the Autumn inter hemisphere tests coming to an end there has been a real shake-up amongst the ranks.  This means that those looking to get in for some early odds with a good return, should think about talking to their local bookies now ahead of the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

Dateline: November 15th, 2009

Going into the last round of the 2009 Shuto League the TGRFC were on equal footing with All Jin Jan and Tento Mushi – both teams they had beaten earlier in the competition. And both these teams were going head to head later in the day. Only problem was that All Jin Jan was ahead on bonus points – just the one – and were a big chance of getting another against Tento Mushi.

Dateline: 25th October, 2009

The Tokyo Gaijin turned up at Yanokuchi Field out near Chofu to play Fuji Club. Despite having beaten them over the past few years Fuji Club always gave the Gaijin a close game. Today was to be a real Litmus Test as the Gaijin were missing both Captain Murray Clarke and Vice Captain Matt Downer. They were also missing two of their best players in Toby Gallagher and Paulo de Berriozabal to injury.

18th of October 2009.

A love story normally ends happily, alas this was to be a story of lost opportunity with heartbreak, headaches,  flashing lights (not from love hotels), and at some stages no lights at all.  And like some love stories it finishes with two groups going hard at it before a premature finish, and one team getting told to go home early.

However I should hasten to add that this is a love for rugby story; and not the steamy, sweat inducing romance novel that Andy Ballard has been very busy with lately.