Another NQ Scot for Glasgow?

A few rumors are doing the rounds that Glasgow are in the market for a Scrum Half and are in talks with Nikola Matawalu who played against Scotland on Saturday for the Flying Fijians. Nikola (23) currently plays his club Rugby in Fiji and has 3 international caps, he is also in and around their 7s squad.

From a Glasgow point of a view of a decent Scrum Half to provide cover for and hopefully challenge Cusiter would be idea. Even if he is fit all season, Cusiter will miss a large portion of the Rabo Season, while playing and resting for Scotland, so we really need more than just Pygros in our squad if we are to challenge. McConnell is still a year away I think and Gregor will miss almost the entire season with the 7s.

From a Scotland point of view it really is concerning though that at the Pro teams, that excluding Cusiter the only Scottish Qualified 9's are going to be 3rd Choice. With Lawson and Blair playing outside Scotland, I don't have a major problem with another import coming in as it makes the youngsters fight more for their place and from if there is no Scottish qualified players available good enough then no point in picking one just for the sake of it.

Of course the rumors may be a lot of rubbish!

The guy was absolutely rapid! Didn't see a great deal of kicking or passing though to comment.

I think it really is just rumours just now - think someone made a joke about it and now it has sprouted wings.

I agree that Glasgow need another scrum half as you can't jsut have Cusiter ( away a lot) Pyrgos and McConnell.

Is getting a bit worrying for Scotland in 3/4 years time though!

I actually think this guy would really add something to Glasgow's squad, and on that basis I could live with it.

It'll mean that Pyrgos and McConnell have to work for it. Neither for my money are quite there yet, so an injury to Cusiter leaves Glasgow slightly exposed.

Matawalu could be quite a star draw if he develops his basics. Certainly on the break he'd be a real handful, and could open up some space for Weir/Jackson Dunbar et al if the opposition feel they need to keep numbers around the ruck to handle him. On a tap and go he could be devastating, and get Glasgow playing a more spontaneous game.

As Dot says though, probably nonsense.

Signing news soon... Could this be the slowest burning scoop in 606 v2 history?

If there isn't a talented young Scottish player coming through (McConnell is already the best of the bunch, Iain Ross at Gala is good but not in the same league yet), then how can anyone object to this?

I remember pooing myself a little every time Nikola touched the ball because he seemed to be incredibly quick. Would be very happy with this.

George Carlin wrote:If there isn't a talented young Scottish player coming through (McConnell is already the best of the bunch, Iain Ross at Gala is good but not in the same league yet), then how can anyone object to this?

I remember pooing myself a little every time Nikola touched the ball because he seemed to be incredibly quick. Would be very happy with this.

+1

PS There's also Scott Steele (?) at Leicester

Confirmed now that Nikola Matawalu has been signed. Looked ok against Scotland and with Cuister missing for large parts of the season, we needed some good cover and competition for Pygros.

Dorothy_Mantooth wrote:Confirmed now that Nikola Matawalu has been signed. Looked ok against Scotland and with Cuister missing for large parts of the season, we needed some good cover and competition for Pygros.

Makes a lot of sense imo

PS Any news on the venue for the friendly vs Exe yet?

That's gonna be quite a culture shock for the guy - Fiji to Glasgow!

Great signing I think. Electric runner and his passing and game management will improve with good coaching.

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

Dorothy_Mantooth wrote:Confirmed now that Nikola Matawalu has been signed. Looked ok against Scotland and with Cuister missing for large parts of the season, we needed some good cover and competition for Pygros.

Makes a lot of sense imo

PS Any news on the venue for the friendly vs Exe yet?

Still awaiting a venue. Club say they hope to have the venue announced soon!

RDW_Scotland wrote:That's gonna be quite a culture shock for the guy - Fiji to Glasgow!

Great signing I think. Electric runner and his passing and game management will improve with good coaching.

Pity that Toonie has arrived then...

Hooray. Some Scots rugby news!

Another way of looking at this signing could be that Glasgow could make a nice little transfer fee out of this signing if he turns out to be a cracker. I realise its not wendy ball but uncovering little gems can be a good earner for clubs.

Good back up for Cus for the time being though and competition has to be good for the youngsters

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

Dorothy_Mantooth wrote:Confirmed now that Nikola Matawalu has been signed. Looked ok against Scotland and with Cuister missing for large parts of the season, we needed some good cover and competition for Pygros.

Makes a lot of sense imo

PS Any news on the venue for the friendly vs Exe yet?

Game is confirmed for Ayr.

Thursday 23rd August, 7.30pm Kick Off. £5 on the gate and free for Under 16s.

Ayr, FFS, that's feicin miles from Glasgow!

Thanks, Dot

I'm disappointed with this. I think Colin Gregor is a real talent and he should be developed into the 15s game. He's exactly the sort of scrum half who can change a game and that is what Glasgow need. shame

Ayr miles from Glasgow. funny

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Ayr, FFS, that's feicin miles from Glasgow!

Thanks, Dot

48 minutes from Weegie Central to Ayr. Taken that train about 1000 times.

mckay1402 wrote:I'm disappointed with this. I think Colin Gregor is a real talent and he should be developed into the 15s game. He's exactly the sort of scrum half who can change a game and that is what Glasgow need. shame

Ayr miles from Glasgow. funny

I always liked the "Glasgow's miles better" slogan!

I have happy memories of Ayr beach as a child. I remember purple jelly fish...
Still think Gregor should be playing 15s...

As above, pleased with this signing. This guy could be a real game changer with his pace from the base of the scrum, and could really assist Glasgow in trying to play a more positive brand of rugby, assuming that's the objective this season.

I like Gregor, skillful ball player, and I agree that he could be a useful option for Glasgow, however I think the SRU have taken the view that he isn't going to cut it as an international 9, and that he's integral to the Scotland 7's team and bringing through young players on that circuit, so I don't expect to see him playing much 15's going forward.

mckay1402 wrote:I'm disappointed with this. I think Colin Gregor is a real talent and he should be developed into the 15s game.  He's exactly the sort of scrum half who can change a game and that is what Glasgow need.  shame

Ayr miles from Glasgow.  funny

Suppose comments like this show that you've got to let players play some games before commenting on them!

My comment of Monday 16th July 2012 was pretty spot-on.

Where's the gloating emoticon when you need it......