After rapidly and curiously tumbling down the Bristol pecking order, Nathan Hughes has made an all-action beginning to his loan spell at Bath. There were robust tackles and powerful surges during the win over Harlequins and a gorgeous grubber kick to set up Ben Spencer’s try against Wasps. Last time out, the back-rower’s wily jackal turnover sealed a 30-25 victory over Newcastle Falcons. It is a shame his loan agreement prohibits Hughes facing Bath this weekend. That would have been box office.

Elsewhere, Steve Diamond has undertaken a rebuilding mission at Worcester. Another rambunctious carrier, Sione Vailanu, would appear to be a key figure. Diamond has also earmarked Fin Smith, the 19-year-old fly-half, and Ted Hill as players to build around. His first dip into the market will be very interesting.

Speaking of the market, Leicester landed free agent Chris Ashton to legislate for the loss of Freddie Steward to England duty. The 34-year-old wing has now represented six Premiership clubs. Controversy has often tailed him, so it was appropriate that his debut would be eventful. Against Northampton, he followed a try-saving tackle on George Furbank with a second-half yellow card for offside.

There has not been a trademark finish yet, though there have been subtle signs that his instincts remain in working order and that he will not spend too long stranded on his current tally of 89 Premiership tries.

More cooperation with player release… but still not perfect

Joe Marler, it turns out, put in a pre-Six Nations request to be released to Harlequins if he was not getting too much game-time. Eddie Jones was receptive, and the loosehead prop returned to club colours in the fallow week. Wasps were the unfortunate opponents. Their scrum was demolished.

George Ford and Elliot Daly have stayed with Leicester and Saracens, respectively, ahead of Saturday’s first-versus-second encounter. This smacks of constructive, club-country cooperation, which feels more important than ever given the fixture clashes and how influential these individuals can be at Premiership level.

There have been hitches, of course. Alfie Barbeary was only able to participate in a single Wasps training session after being released from England camp ahead of the Wales game. He was named on the bench against Bristol and came on with his team 28-7 behind.