England's Six Nations decider boosted by Battersea recruits (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Battersea Dogs Home boost for England rugby team's Six Nations decider against Wales

11:10am Thursday 14th March 2013 in News By Jamie Henderson

As England's rugby team prepare to do battle with Wales in the Six Nations Grand Slam decider this weekend, six patriotic pooches have thrown their weight behind the team.

Inka, Snickers, Azlan, Shadow, Simba and Hachi have been honing their ball skills at Battersea Dogs Home in the hope of helping the Red Roses triumph and finding themselves a new home.

The team is bound to appreciate the extra support although players such as Courtney Paws, Tom Crufts, Andy Goode-Boy, Dylan Bark-ley and Joe Snarler shouldn't need any extra canine encouragement.

However, one man who may not be feeling the full force of the Battersea brigade's cheers is backs coach Mike Catt.

Lindsey Quinlan, the charity's operations manager, said: "Our patriotic dogs would love nothing more than being in the comfort of a new home to cheer on England this Saturday and hopefully watch the boys clinch the Grand Slam title.

"Sitting down to watch Six Nations climax is a big event for many families, and we’ve got lots of dogs who would love to do just that."

To find out more about Battersea's elite squad of canines, visit: battersea.org.uk/about_us/whats_new/rugby_dogs.html