This is the first in an occasional series of reports that ANdrew will be sending back throughout the season.

So far we have had two pre-season games the first of which I played fairly well, the second not so much. I can't really explain why, maybe it had a little to do with the sun being in my eyes or something like that.

Right now the team has me playing on the wing which in all honesty is quite new to me. The pace isn't that much of a problem to deal with (Gio by now you have probably unleashed your dull sarcastic comments, do our country a favor though and spare us of them) so I've been alright for the most part.
Come this Thursday we have a game against the Estonian National team which should prove to be a good match.

Training sessions are quite competitive with a lot of technical work, everyone competing for a spot on the 1st team squad. Out of roughly 35-40 fellas they only select 18 for the 1st XV and the rest will make up the 2nd and 3rd team. We have one Kiwi fella who has trained at the Hurricanes Academy and apparently played just one division under Super14. We have a South African fella who has played National 1 over here.

Its great though, because I am learning quite a bit from these guys and have been keeping up with everything they are teaching me. So far for both pre-season matches I have made the starting team which sort of tells me that I have somewhat secured a spot during regular season, but only time will confirm that. We will find out tonight if we made the squad for the Estonian game.

Can't really complain about the weather, since I have been here, which has been for about 3 weeks roughly, we have had an average temperature of 80-85 degrees with clear skies, but I've been told not to get too comfortable. I think next week we are going to watch a double header at Twickenham so that should be interesting.

Hope all is well at home and from what I've heard things seem to be going fairly well with the 7's training. Keep up the good work guys and hopefully get the chance to see you all in Mexico.
Take it easy
Kempy