So this week’s track blog is being written from the balcony of a hotel overlooking the old port in Marseille, after a somewhat surreal couple of days.
I took off from Manchester on Thursday knowing I was being met and looked after by someone during my stay in Marseille because my friends knew I would not go alone. Little did I know that I was going to be met at the airport by a blast from my past…
The sight of the familiar face stopped me in my tracks; is this for real? Isn’t it funny how with some people, you can just pick back up where you left off. It’s been over six years and we just slotted back into 2018 and it’s been the best of times.
For anyone who hasn’t been to Cassis, I can thoroughly recommend La Villa Madie; it’s an exquisite location, the food was out of this world and we were truly spoilt. Yes you lads will need a MacD on the way home !
Fast forward to the match at the Velodrome: it was the best of times, it was the worst of times! I’ve always watched the 6 Nations at the Stade de France, but as we all know, it’s not being used this year because of the Olympics. The Velodrome didn’t disappoint in any way; it’s bright and noisy and the atmosphere is amazing!
The Irish were outstanding; I’ve watched them play on the TV, but it cannot even begin to describe what I saw last night. The physicality and intensity of their match play was incredible; I’ve seen Chabal thunder down the pitch at Edgeley Park, but this was on another level. Look no further for your 2024 Grand Slam winners – I really don’t see anyone coming near to beating them with the form they have shown last night.
I’m watching the sun rise, there are two empty bottles of Krug on the side and I’m on the San P now. Next stop Toulouse and I really can’t wait !!
