Things are also looking up for the 800m boys and you never know, Michael Rimmer, Sam Ellis and Michael Hill could all reach the European final, which would be the first time in a long time for British athletes.

BBC: PULLING IN THE PUNTERS

Gareth Ellis and Sam Burgess have been strutting their stuff in the Australian NRL, and James Graham and Sam Tomkins are highly regarded.

BBC: England await stern Melbourne examination

The biggest cheers from the 24, 000 sell-out crowd were reserved for Harry Ellis and Sam Vesty, two England backs returning from long-term injuries, when they came on as second-half replacements for Leicester.

BBC: Leicester 32-6 Sale