Last laugh for donkies

IT COMES as no great surprise that on average across the three major leagues in Europe, outside-halves command the biggest salaries. They are the thoroughbreds, after all.

But who expected second place to be claimed by the donkeys? Yes, latest statistics tell us that lock forwards are the financial runners-up in both England and France, and earn even more than the No.10s among the PRO14’s Celtic contingent.

What’s that metallic sound we hear, above the general hee-hawing? The clinking pockets of Alun Wyn Jones and James Ryan.