The 2007 RBS Six Nations Championship is well under way, and the Guinness Premiership can take enormous pride in the depth of its contribution to the tournament. Across the six competing nations, more than 90 players based at Premiership clubs have been involved in squads or match-day selections through the opening two rounds — a figure that reinforces the competition's position at the summit of club rugby worldwide.
England, under new head coach Brian Ashton, have made an encouraging start with back-to-back victories — a 42–20 win against Scotland at Twickenham on 3 February, followed by a 20–7 success against Italy in Rome last Saturday. Ashton's squad is overwhelmingly Premiership-based, with players drawn from all twelve top-flight clubs.
London Wasps are the most heavily represented club, providing the likes of Lawrence Dallaglio, Joe Worsley, Simon Shaw, Phil Vickery, Raphael Ibanez and Tom Voyce. Leicester Tigers contribute Tim Hicks, Martin Corry and Harry Ellis, while Gloucester's Olly Morgan and Luke Narraway have both featured prominently. Bath's Steve Borthwick has been solid in the England lineout, and Sale Sharks' Andy Sheridan has made a powerful impact at loosehead prop.
Ireland, meanwhile, are drawing on London Irish and Leinster connections, with Saracens' Ronan O'Gara — on loan from Munster — and London Irish pair Peter Hewat and Steffon Armitage adding quality to Brian O'Driscoll's squad. Wales have benefited enormously from the development programmes at their Premiership-based players at clubs including Saracens, Leeds Carnegie and Bristol.
Mark McCafferty, Chief Executive of Premier Rugby, said: "The Six Nations is the world's greatest annual international rugby competition, and the fact that the Guinness Premiership is its primary feeder league is testament to the investment clubs have made in players and coaching. We're proud to see so many of our players on the international stage."
The international window does, of course, present a scheduling challenge for clubs. Round 15 — the first since the Six Nations break — takes place this weekend, with six matches on Saturday and Sunday. Clubs will be hoping their returning internationals are refreshed and ready, as the push for play-off positions intensifies.
Gloucester, who lead the table on 44 points, face a tricky visit to Vicarage Road to take on Saracens, who have beaten them before this season. Leicester Tigers travel to Sixways to face Worcester Warriors, knowing a win would put them level at the top. London Wasps host Sale Sharks at Adams Park in a match that has genuine top-four implications.
"Having our players involved at the highest level is what the Guinness Premiership is all about," added McCafferty. "We look forward to the return of all six nations' players to their clubs this week and to a thrilling second half of the season."