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Just when there are signs of a squad coming coming together a row erupts between the Rugby Players Association (RPA) and the RFU with regards to player wages for the forthcoming summer tour of Australia.

Rightly so, Martin Johnson wants to take an enlarged squad to Oz to give some of the youngsters playing in the Saxons squad an experience of touring and playing downunder in light of the forthcoming Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next year. 

Rob Andrew in his negotiations with Damian Hopley, CEO of the RPA wants to pay the midweek squad a lower rate than the 22 that will be in the test squad - an outrageous idea! I have never heard of a touring squad where the players are paid different amounts. This will definitely creat an us and them divisive group in the squad at a a time when all need to be bonding together. I am amazed that for two chaps that played together at Wasps, Rob could not have had a quiet word with Damian explaining that the plan is to take an enlarged squad and that however, there is a budget issue.  I am sure that Damian would not want to deny the youngsters the chance of going on the senior tour and between them could have come up with the solution of all receiving a lower basic, but the same sum, and a win bonus for the 22 involved in the test match before actually reaching the formal negotiation table.

Instead we find ourselves in a situation where the factions are at loggerheads at a time when unity is called for. There isn't much time left to build a team capable of competing at the next world cup and that is where all energies should be channelled.

For those interested in going to the world cup next year, we will have packages available soon so do register with us to receive information when they become available - to register, click here.

Going to Paris last weekend, I wanted England to really do well and was optimistic that they might spoil the party for the French. England put on their best performance this season though lost to a well drilled french team who truly deserved their Grandslam.

Post match drowned my sorrows at VIP Room with Mark Regan, Steve Ojomoh and other friends with Simon Shaw the only player surprisingly out in town - the french team were there en masse! I am sure the other England players would have enioyed the ambience and fat Joe rapping live on stage. A night cap at Poussey Creme with the french players still in full flow ended my night out!

We're delighted to announce the winner of our October draw competition as Richard Turpin. Richard wins a fantastic weekend away in Paris for France vs England. Some great rugby hospitality!

For November we have two tickets to the highly anticipated six nations clash of England vs Wales. All you have to do is make your booking one for any of the events listed on VU's calendar before the end of November.

England themselves are hoping for some luck as Martin Johnson finds that eleven players in his original squad are on the injured list. He will therefore hold of announcing the final 22 until mid-week. Players like Richard Blaze and Mike Tindall look doubtful leaving Johnson with a squad headache.

However Johnson still believes he can put a squad together that can challenge the Wallabies and with a fully fit Jonny Wilkinson to use we can still give Australia a run for their money.