SUMMER 2011WWW.ESSENTIALLYGROUP.COMRUGBY UPDATEThis year's Six Nations saw England continue where they left off from the Autumn Tests as they were crowned tournament champions with only Ireland preventing an England Grand Slam in the final game of the competition. France and Ireland finished second and third respectively after both teams failed to meet expectations with a couple of lacklustre performances that ultimately cost them dear. Wales also had a mediocre campaign that could have been a lot different had they managed to get over the line in some very close encounters. Scotland failed to show the kind of progression they had done in 2010 finishing fifth, while Italy won the wooden spoon despite pulling off the performance of the tournament to beat France 22-21 in a thriller at the Stadio Flaminio. Essentially would like to congratulate all clients that featured in this year's tournament.The end of May signalled the finale of the European club season. The Aviva Premiership final proved to be a tight affair with Saracens claiming their first ever Premiership title, defeating Leicester 22-18. The final was a fitting contest given that both of these teams had occupied the top two spots after the regular season had climaxed. After a relegation battle that went down to the last minute of the final league match, it was confirmed that Leeds will be playing Championship rugby next season with Worcester taking their place in English Rugby's top tier. Our congratulations go to Jimmy Gopperth (Golden Boot) and Tom Johnson (Performance of the Season) who picked up gongs at this season's Aviva Premiership Awards. A special mention must also go to Thomas Waldrom who was named the RPA Players' ACTION IMAGES Player of the Year.