Rob Andrew: You have reached the voicemail of Brian Ashton…

On this day in 1985 Robert Andrew MBE made his debut for England scoring 18 points
in the 22-15 victory over Romania. Fondly known as Squeaky, although we’re not convinced
it’s for his constant bleating about Sir Clive, Andrew went on to win 71 caps for
England, scoring a whopping 396 points, including a wonder drop-goal against Australia
in the 1995 World Cup before taking up residency at Twickenham as the RFU Elite Director
of Rugby.

On this day in 1972, US President Richard Nixon ordered the development of a space
shuttle program, and in 1914, Ford announced an eight-hour workday and a minimum wage
of $5. Ending on a positive note, on this day in 1993, the first legal hanging occurred
in America since 1965.

And it’s Humbert Wolfe! as they in Italy, to New Zealand nipper Corey Flynn (b.1981),
footballing hardman Vinnie Jones (b.1965), personal goth jesus Marilyn Manson (b.1969)
and American actress Diane Keaton (b.1946).

Tom Croft: Primed for England duty… and dancing with Geordan…

Christmas might have passed - unlike the frosty winter chill - but England’s finest
were still in present-giving mood as 2009 kicked off with a party-popping round of
Guinness Premiership action.

Take Bath. Total rugby experts, picking up their fair share of festive spoils with
last-ditch gut-busters against Sale Sharks and Sunday’s opponents, Leicester Tigers
in recent weeks.

But how in Dan Carter’s name did the Tigers manage to wangle their way out of that
one? Athletic giant Tom Croft is timing his Six Nations run to perfection with his
second and third tries in two games.

London Irish are another side that would rather lose 110-109 than scrape a 3-0 win.
As ruthless as Oliver’s nemesis, Fagan, the Exiles picked a Geordie pocket or two…
or seven come to mind with Shane Geraghty looking back to his mischievous best.

And albeit in unconvincing fashion, the fair-weather friendly Wasps ignited their
play-off charge with Messrs Haskell and Betsen’s dirty paws in predatory mood against
Harlequins while Bristol look set for a basement battle with the Falcons unless they
find a Dubai oil baron….

Will Danny make Eddie happy?

£15million for Stewart Downing! It’s times like January’s transfer window frenzy when
you thank your lucky stars that rugby union ignored football’s lead, promoting a carousel
of money-changing activity rooted with the morality of a game of tiddlywinks at Alcatraz.

From one nervous bunch to another, a West Ham United supporter might want to engage
in a ten-minute moan with a London Wasp fan down at the local boozer this week.

Danny Cipriani or Craig Bellamy, James Haskell or Matthew Upson, players get targeted.
So what? It happens all the time.

It’s the means that concerns us.

 
Tapping up is common in football. If it were a profession then Alex Ferguson would
be held in similar regard as he is behind the trench-coat.

Subtle nudging to unsettle players, whether using the tabloids or a private call to
an agent, it’s bound to get a young man thinking.

The rumour mill is rife down at Wasps’ Acton training ground with Cipriani and Haskell
the top billing.

He may have mastered the international arena but it seems loveable Aussie, Eddie Jones
is not adverse to the cute nature of domestic management.

The affection and canny complimenting of Cipriani from the Saracens boss strikes startling
comparisons with Fergie’s intelligent pursuit of Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand.

Cipriani (and more importantly his agent) is itching to get those carat-golden paws
on £350,000 a year and Jones knows it.

We already know Cipriani has a big ego. You only have to look at his stunning beau
Kelly Brook and his taste for being photographed in public.

Jones has been extremely clever in massaging Cipriani’s confidence, especially at
a time when the 21-year-old is playing well below his extravagant best.

England link up again in a couple of weeks. Perhaps Steve Borthwick will pass on a
message or two? It’s legal isn’t it?

Lesley Vainikolo: Should’ve kept his hands on the ball…

Gloucester and England wing Lesley Vainikolo has been charged with causing Grievous
Bodily Harm (GBH) following a street brawl outside a Bath nightclub on October 26
2008.

‘The Volcano’ will appear before Bath Magistrates’ Court on January 2 but will continue
playing for the Cherry & Whites.

A Gloucester statement says “Lesley vigorously contests this allegation and as demonstrated
this season remains completely focused on his rugby and will not allow this matter
to distract him from his immediate rugby commitments to both his club and country.”

Neither the player or the club will be making any further comment.