Congratulations Ireland!

Ireland beat Wales 15-17 this weekend to win the Six Nations Championship, also winning the Triple Crown and completing the Grand Slam in the process.

I grew up with Rugby in the 1990's when Ireland's showing on the international stage was at a real low ebb, and it has been great to see Welsh and Irish Rugby once again take centre stage in the N. Hemisphere. This years' Grand Slam builds on the great work by the Irish RFU over the last decade and is nothing less than they deserve. Hopefully the other nations, including my beloved England, will step up to the plate in 2010 and reach or surpass the standards Ireland set this year. Until then, roll on the Lions Tour of 2009.