At 6ft 4 inches and 15st 8lb, Caluori is an imposing figure. He has breathtaking acceleration and speed. A bonus is his ability to leap high and catch kicks to the corner, making life very difficult for his opposing winger or fullback. With the World Cup still two years away, Caluori will surely figure in Steve Borthwick’s plans.
Meanwhile, an existing Saracens player, Tom Willis, has opted out of England selection by signing to play for French champions Bordeaux at the conclusion of this season. By playing overseas, he automatically makes himself unavailable. At 26 years of age, Willis was a star on England’s summer tour to Argentina. It begs the question, why? Then you see the £ signs.
Elsewhere, Leicester paid tribute to former star back rower, Lewis Moody, who last week confirmed he had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). It was an emotional moment as Moody, flanked by Martin Johnson and Geordan Murphy, addressed the crowd.
Leicester won 22-20 with the last kick of the game. In the circumstances, Bath may not linger too long over the loss.
Bristol won an entertaining game away at Gloucester, who have now lost four on the trot and share bottom spot with Newcastle.
Northampton had little trouble winning away at Newcastle Red Bull, who are still to appoint a coach to replace Steve Diamond.
Northampton lead the table by two points from Saracens, who demolished Sale, 65-14.
In the final game of the weekend, Exeter beat Harlequins 38-0. Harlequins have been plagued by inconsistency since the game turned professional. They have too many coaches, and the London set appeals to too many players, I think.
Players will be hoping for National selection as overseas teams descend on the UK soon. It all kicks off when England play Australia at the Allianz Stadium on Nov 1.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.