Nothing changes that stays the same Wales start the 2020 Guinness Six Nations with a New Zealander at the helm, following Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Warren Gatland is an ex policeman from Takapuna.

I write this article 30,000 feet above the Pyrenees on a rickety Easyjet tray table, whilst being buffeted by what is officially termed as a moderate breeze, directly below me on terra ferma the wind of change is also sweeping through French international rugby, new coach Fabien Galthie has selected a youthful squad, that with a fair wind, could be ready to take the 2023 Rugby World Cup by storm on home soil.

My flight path today has taken in Toulouse, Clermont-Ferrand and Paris ,where 18 out of the 42 man squad ply their trade, France opening game against England already has the pulses racing.

 As I descend into Gatwick the Wales six nations squad has been revealed at the Vale resort, near Cardiff, the abolition of the Seven bridge tolls has ignited an influx of players from the English Premiership, and I was not alone in having to “Google” one or two of the less familiar names.

Wales have an injury list longer than the speedy boarding queue at Barcelona airport, but there appears to be an impressive depth to the squad these days, and there is a genuine excitement at the thought of Wales expanding their game, and with all due respect theycouldn’t  wish for a better start to the tournament with Italy visiting the Principality stadium on February 1.

Will Wales and France be flying high come the middle of March ? like this flight there may be sime turbulence to contend with but whether you’re blue or red there are some exciting times ahead…. Fasten your seat belts !