I don't quite understand all the uproar about the big story of the week after James Haskell, Tom Palmer and Riki Flutey decided to play in France next season.
I think the boys see it as an opportunity to go out there and play some top level rugby. It's not just motivated by money, despite what many are saying, and I don't see why it has to be a big issue for England.
Harlequins have played Stade Francais twice this year, where James Haskell and Tom Palmer are heading, and it will be fantastic for them to play for a team with that kind of quality.
The level of rugby is still world-class - they'll be playing in the Heineken Cup and against the top French sides, so to accuse them of just going for the money is totally wrong. It will be a great life experience to play over there too.
Fair play to them, they've decided to make the switch and they'll obviously still be on England manager Martin Johnson's radar - just like Andy Goode at Brive.
Goode, Steve Thompson and Ben Cohen have led the way by playing across the channel and it's good for us players to have those options. I wouldn't begrudge anyone who made that decision.
On the home front, the Quins lads were chuffed with a win over London Irish last weekend. It wasn't the best game of rugby you'll ever see but we got the right result, and it sets us up for the game against leaders Gloucester on Saturday.
And as for the England boys, it was a bit gutting not to win in Cardiff because we had them worried. To limit Wales to one try and score two was a great effort and showed just a little bit of what we're capable of.
If I was a betting man - which of course I'm not - Wales look the most balanced team in the tournament. They've got a good mix of strong, powerful runners and guys with quick feet but we matched them for most of the game.
Our continuity was better and there is plenty of stuff we can build on. Now it's all about taking it to another level at Croke Park.
Personally, I just can't wait to get back and play. I hate not being able to run around and chuck a ball around so I'm dying to get back out there, whether it be for Quins or for England. I just want to get a ball back in my hands and start throwing it around.
I'm planning to do some running in the next couple of days and then hopefully train with England next week. The ankle is getting better every day and hopefully I'll be in with a shout for the Dublin game.
I'll watch the Quins game this Saturday and that night I'll be off to the o2 Arena to watch the UFC, which should be a good laugh.
We had a fancy-dress party with Quins a while back when we dressed up as wrestlers. 30 rugby players in leotards running down the Fulham Road turned a few heads, but I think we'll leave it to the professionals on Saturday night!
Cheers, DC
