I have recently returned from the Bermuda Rugby Classic, where I helped the Classic Lions beat USA and France to reach the final.

Unfortunately, we lost to New Zealand in the final, but it was a great experience and I can now say I have ticked off the final rugby challenge on my list.

It was a tough and competitive tournament, with three games in six days. The first two games were 30 minutes each way, with the final being 35 minutes each way.

I wasn't even given the chance to work on my tan, because it rained a lot over there. I must have taken the weather with me from here.

While I was away, Bristol Rugby chalked up another impressive bonus-point win, with the forwards laying the foundations for that 35-11 victory against Nottingham and it is great to see confidence growing.

Instead of taking easy three points, the boys are prepared to kick to the corners and back their catch-and-drive game.

There has been a massive turnaround since that defeat at Doncaster last month and the boys are going from strength to strength.

The last few weeks have really re-ignited Bristol's challenge to top the table.

I think Bristol Rugby went down to the Championship thinking it would be easy. It has not been, but now they have started playing well and started silencing their critics.

And it has been great to see players such as James Phillips and Iain Grieve playing such a key role in the turnaround. They are local lads and it means a lot for them to be playing for Bristol's first team.

There are pros and cons about tonight's game at Neath – but it is clear that certain players in the team need and deserve a rest.

And the young guys come into a side that will be full of confidence after three fine wins.

I am interested to see how Darren Barry goes in the second row. I gave him the responsibility of being the main line-out forward at Clifton last season when he was 18 – and that gave him great confidence. I hope he does well tonight, but I know Neath won't be easy opponents.

Finally, it is my Strictly Come Dancing retirement ball in Bristol next Friday. A few tickets are still left – call 0871 8715300 for details.