Winds of change blowing as Japan plans to tackle global powerhouses

Check out this list of names in action over the weekend: Ardie Savea, Beauden Barrett, Sam Cane, Richie C Mo'unga, Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick, Shannon Frizell, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Faf de Klerk, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe and Franco Mostert. A few short weeks ago they were all starting in the Rugby World Cup final in Paris.

- Robert Kitson

And now? Here's a clue: none were involved in the opening round of the Champions Cup.

On that same theme, here's a quiz question. Which of the following rugby matches attracted a bigger crowd over the weekend? Was it: a) Racing 92 v Harlequins; b) La Rochelle v Leinster; c) Bulls v Saracens; or d) Kubota Spears Funabashi Tokyo Bay v Tokyo Sungoliath? Let's just say Europe's leading clubs and their flagship cross-border tournament are by no means the only show in town these days.

Because the respective answers are Japan and d). No fewer than 18,500 people turned up for the pick of the opening-round games in Japan Rugby League One (JRLO), compared to fewer than 10,000 in Racing's futuristic Parisian stadium. Amid all the debate over Henry Arundell choosing to stay in France rather than return home to England, dozens of players worldwide have already voted with their feet (and wallets). Every single nation in the world, France excepted, faces an increasing battle to retain their best players.

So for all the quiet English encouragement following a clutch of weekend Premiership wins over Top 14 opposition for Quins, Exeter, Sale and Bristol, the longer-term outlook is fascinating.