CHESNEY TALKS

Saracens legend and now Southend Saxons captain Kris Chesney’s Echo column on all things rugby

 

WASPS' MOVE TO COVENTRY WILL HELP BRING IN THE PUNTERS

WASPS’ decision to move to Coventry has been the major talking point in rugby this week and it’s something I’m sure that has upset a few people.

Funnily enough, I had one of their former players – Simon Shaw – staying with me this weekend as we’re good friends and it’s obviously something we spoke about.

I think the bottom line is Wasps wanted to play somewhere they could attract bigger crowds and that was never really the case for them at Adams Park.

That’s what led to them having a look at alternative venues and eventually deciding to move to the Ricoh Arena.

I’ve played there myself, in a Heineken Cup semi-final for Saracens against Munster, and it really was a fantastic place to play.

It’s a big ground and there’s quite a big catchment area around there for them as well.

They’re not the first club to have done something like this before either because London Irish have done it in the past.

I also think it’s something Wasps have had to do to secure a brighter future for them financially.

But I think it’s 82 miles away from where they currently play and that’s obviously quite some distance for people to travel for every home game.

 

GRASS PITCHES TRUMP ARTIFICIAL ONES EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK

ARTICIFICIAL pitches have been in the news again this week after Exeter chose not to select winger Jack Newell for their game on Newcastle’s new 4G pitch.

I think you’re going to get more of that happening because it’s definitely not the same as playing on grass and to be honest, I hate them.

I think most other players would say the same if they were allowed to be honest, but if it’s about their club then they are told to be positive.

I can understand why it’s good for the game and sponsorship logos can be seen clearly and you won’t get matches called off.

But I really cannot stand playing on them myself.

 

ANOTHER FRUSTRATING AFTERNOON FOR SAXONS

IT WAS another frustrating day for Southend at Chinnor at the weekend.

We actually started quite well and were well in the game before we just stopped defending leading up to half-time.

That’s where we lost the game but we showed a bit of character and commitment in the second half which was pleasing to see.

We now have two home games coming up in a row – against Lydney and Worthing – and we need to get results in both of them.