RUGBY MATTERS
A weekly look at the game’s other talking points
BRENDAN GALLAGHER

TALK about playing catch-up. The Netherlands claimed a famous 23-21 against Belgium at Waterloo last weekend to book their place in REC 1 and earn a shot at World Cup qualification but there was precious little time for a celebration.And the Dutch, as we know, normally enjoy a good gargle.

Various Covid lockdowns and travel restrictions have badly disrupted the Dutch who won the REC Trophy last season to earn a promotion/ relegation play-off against the Belgians who had finished bottom of Division O...