England face the Barbarians at Twickenham on Saturday but if you think we've eased up because it's the summer time, then think again.
The work we've done this week has been as hard as I've know it, and it's been great training alongside the likes of Jordan Turner-Hall from Quins who I think will be starting against the Baa-Baas.
Saturday's tie at Twickenham will be the swansong for the legendary Martin Corry, of course, who will lead the Barbarians and there's no way he will be happy to sign off on a losing note. So they are going to be massively up for this game in front of more than 40,000 fans.
The BaaBaas also boast possibly the best player of this European season, the Australia international back row Rocky Elsom, Mike Catt of London Irish, Doug Howlett - they really are packed with class.
I'll see if I can get hold of Catt after he did so well against Quins for Irish in the Premiership semi-final - a bit of revenge is in order I think!
And that brings me on nicely to matters at Quins, who have been busy sorting out the squad for next season.
Personally I was sorry to see all the lads go, but particularly my fellow scrum-half Andy Gomarsall. He's been a fantastic character to have around the place and lift the mood - not only on matchdays but even when it's pouring down with rain and we're heading out for training - his enthusiasm has always been infectious.
We all hoped he'd stay for another year but unfortunately that's not the case. The prop Mike Ross, in my opinion, was unlucky not to win the Player of the Season award at Quins and we all understand why he's decided to head back to Ireland to play for Leinster, and have a better shot at playing for his national side. Good luck to him.
As for the players that have come in - the Argentine prop Gonzalo Camacho arrives at centre and I'm pretty sure I've played sevens against him - he's a top player, along with the young fly-half Rory Clegg from Newcastle who looks to be a great talent. So I think all the lads who've joined will add something next year.
Cheers,
DC
