Welsh Regions Signings/Departures/Rumours 2013 (Scarlets set to offer James "cub" Davies a contract)

First topic message reminder :

Ospreys

In

Tito Tebaldi (Zebra) – Confirmed
Rhodri Williams (Scarlets) - Rumour

Out

Kahn Fotuali'i (Northampton Saints) - Confirmed
Jonathan Thomas (Bayonne/Worcester Warriors) - Rumour
Jonathan Humphries (Scotland Forwards Coach) - Confirmed
Campbell Johnstone ( Russian Club) - Confirmed
George Stowers (Tasman) - Confirmed

Scarlets

In

Steven Shingler ( London Irish) –Confirmed
Ed Jackson (London Welsh ) – Rumour
Andrew Coombes (Dragons) - Rumour
Gareth Delve ( Melbourne Rebels) - Rumour
Serge Lilo (Wellington Lions) - Rumour
John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors) - Confirmed
Nick Cummins (Western Force) - Rumour
Farid Sid (Perpignan)- Rumour
Opeti Fonua (Agen) - Rumour
Brett Deacon (Leicester Tigers) - Rumour
Regan King (Backs/Skills Coach) - Rumour
Genesis Mamea (Wellington) - Rumour
Darran Harris (Pontypridd) - Rumour


Out

Tomas vallejos cinalli (Pampas XV) – Confirmed
Gareth Maule (London Irish/Munster) – Rumour
Adam Warren (Cardiff)- Rumour
Scott Williams (Cardiff) – Rumour
Sione Timani (Agen) – Confirmed
Rhodri Williams (Ospreys) – Rumour
Tavis Knoyle ( Gloucester) – Confirmed
Gareth Davies ( Cardiff) –Rumour
Owen Williams (Leicester Tigers) – Confirmed
Jonathan Edwards (Released) – Confirmed
Andy Fenby (London Irish) - confirmed
Morgan Stoddart (Retired) - Confirmed
Dan Newton (London Scottish) - Confirmed
Kieron Murphy (London Welsh/Edingburgh) - Rumour
George North ( Northampton Saints)- Confirmed
Rheon James (Cornish Pirates)- Confirmed
Richie Pugh (Released) -Confirmed
Rhys Jones (Released) - RumourConfirmed
Dale Ford (Released/Bristol) - Confirmed
Samson Lee (Glouceste) - Rumour
Peter Edwards (Released) -Confirmed
Craig Hawkins (Released) - Confirmed
Craig Price (Leicester Tigers) -Rumour


Dragons

In

Ross Wardle (Bedwas) - Confirmed
Richie Rees (Edinburgh) - Confirmed
Luciano Orquera (Zebre) -Rumour
Martin Muller (Cheetahs) - Confirmed
Juan Gomez (Pampas XV) - Rumour
Netani Talei (Edingburgh) - Confirmed
Francisco Chaparro (Stade Francias) - Confirmed
Kris Burton (Treviso) - Confirmed
Rhys Thomas (Wasps)- Confirmed
Malakai Fekitoa (Auckland) - Rumour



Out

Andrew Coombes (Scarlets) – Rumour
Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro)- Confirmed
Steve Jones (Retired)- Confirmed
Tom Brown (Released/Jersey) - Confirmed
Tondi Chavhanga (Released) - Confirmed
Iestyn Thomas (Retired) - Confirmed
Josh Tyler (Released) - Confirmed
Hywel Stoddart (Released) - Confirmed

Blues

In

Filo Paulo (North Harbour) - confirmed
Matthew Rees (Scarlets) Confirmed
Liam Davies (confirmed - until end of season)
Gethin Jenkins (Toulon) - Confirmed
Rhys Gill (Saracens) - rumoured
Adam Warren (Scarlets) - rumoured
Scott Williams –(Scarlets) – rumoured
Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets) – rumour
Gareth Davies ( Scarlets) - rumour

Out

Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro) - not confirmed
Tom James (Exeter Chiefs) -confirmed
Richard Mustoe (retirement) -confirmed
Fau Filise - (retirement) rumour
Ceri Sweeney (Exeter Chiefs) - Confirmed
Leigh Halfpenny (Clermont) - Rumour
Michael Paterson (Sale Sharks) - Confirmed
Campese Ma'afu (Nottingham) -Confirmed

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Wales-Scarlets-wing-George-North-target/story-18451353-detail/story.html#axzz2NuUShS5a

Northampton Chronicle are now running with the story:

http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/saints/saints-to-make-move-for-wales-winger-north-1-4909244

Wales and Scarlets wing George North could be set to make a move to Saints this summer.

The King’s Lynn-born 20-year-old, who helped Wales beat England 30-3 on Saturday to claim the Six Nations title, has one year remaining on his deal at Scarlets.

But the RaboDirect PRO12 outfit are understood to be willing to let North leave in exchange for a fee rather than losing him for nothing next summer.

Saints have already raided Wales for a key signing, completing a deal for Ospreys scrum-half Kahn Fotuali’i, and North could become the latest player to move across the border.

Northampton boss Jim Mallinder was asked at a recent fans’ forum which player in world rugby he would most like to sign, replying ‘a big, strong winger’.

And at 6ft 4in and 17st North would certainly fit the bill, with his bulldozing style seeing him score 12 tries in just 31 Test appearances for his country.

When asked to comment on the possibility of the player moving to Franklin’s Gardens, a Saints spokesperson said: “Northampton Saints does not comment on speculation.”

I wonder about those sort of stories, wasn't Foxy going there last season? That said Easters said that he would be open to offers for North, cannot remember where i saw it mind.

I doubt george will go anywhere, but this will ensure any contract renewal on the table will be the best we can offer.

think saints did put a formal offer to foxy, however he decided to stay with us.

i can understand why the region would consider selling george now, rather than losing him for nothing next summer. but it wouldn't be showing much ambition right? think ticket sales would decrease significantly if north left this summer.

really do hope the regions can come to some type of compromise with the wru to keep it's best players in wales.

It would be a nail in the coffin if we lost him, Fenby and Stodds all in one season. May as well flog Sanjay on too, do the same with our back 3 as we did with locks last season. On the plus side I guess we haven't really used our backs too much in recent games.

Topsy Ojo has been linked and is more likely given Saints are losing three first team props this summer. North would be pricey and not really add much to a team needed front five depth and a quality playmaker.

Can't see any AP teams coughing up a fee for a winger. Particularly Saints who have reasonably good wing options in Artmyev, Elliott and Pisi. They also have an absolute pace merchant on their academy as well as SH utility man Wilson.

Bath are about the only team likely to throw cash at North but they are too busy trying to plunder LI.

Steffan jones signed a two year contract with the dragons.
Very happy we've kept hold of him. A very talented lad.

Sam think there might be something in this rumour for a few reasons:

1)The Scarlets know they will be unable to compete with other French/English teams when his contract comes up for renewal next summer. I'd imagine he would be looking at a salary of £250k -£350k I think the Scarlet's could only offer him half of that at best. Next season will the Scarlet's see much of North after the Lions tour, Autumn Ints and 6 Nations? Might be worth cashing in on him now.

2)The Scarlet's are possibly playing a dangerous game and calling Roger Lewis bluff, and allowing Wales main assets leave Wales. Hoping that the WRU will realise that this will only damage the Welsh game in the long term and offer financial support. Saying this the WRU have already allowed Jamie Roberts, Lydiate etc leave Wales this summer. But the Scarlets do seem to now realise that spending a significant amount of it playing budget on Welsh players does not make financial sense - hence the rumours that Scott Williams, Tavis Knoyle and George North will be leaving this summer.

3) George North's girlfriend World cycling champion Becky James is based in Manchester and George is seen a lot up there. Northampton is a lot closer to Manchester than Llanelli I'm guessing.

4) Jim Mallinder recently told Saints fans on their rugby forum that top of his shopping list in a big powerful Winger. North definitely fits into that category.

There seems to be a lot of players leaving their regions?

Unfortunately LF4L we are unable to compete with the offers coming from French and English teams. Without "Gatlands Law" there is no reason why the Welsh players can't take up these offers outside of Wales.

George North's agent has confirmed talks are taking place over a possible transfer from the Scarlets to Northampton.

The 31-times capped Wales wing North, 20, has one year to run on his contract with the Welsh region.

His agent Christian Abt says North doesn't want to leave the Scarlets, but confirmed talks had begun.

"There has been an approach between the two clubs to discuss a possible transfer," he said.

North and Fotuali'i....

What a time to be a saints fan!

So his agent says he doesn't want to leave us, but we are in talks with saints. George and his agent could decide to be akward, and turn down saints, leaving us either pay him off end of the season to reduce wages, knowing George will pick up a contract elsewhere easily.

apparently saints aren't the only team interested in george. the worrying thing is, it looks like that possibly the scarlet's are the ones initiating the sale of the player.

1)The Scarlets know they will be unable to compete with other French/English teams when his contract comes up for renewal next summer. I'd imagine he would be looking at a salary of £250k -£350k I think the Scarlet's could only offer him half of that at best. Next season will the Scarlet's see much of North after the Lions tour, Autumn Ints and 6 Nations? Might be worth cashing in on him now.

That would make him one of the best paid players in the league. £350k is Castro and Evans territory and they are in more valuable positions. I doubt another winger is on close to £350k.

I'd doubt many AP teams would have that level of cash available under the cap. Saints are unloading three big money props and so have some cap available but other than them only Sale will have offloaded enough wage cap to afford him this summer.

I think it's more likely Saints have had som informal talks and either his agent or the Scarlets are trying to talk up the situation.

Re the Becky James thing a move to Saints would have about two hours in travel. A move to Sale, well he could live in Manchester with her then.

Scarlets would be foolish to no end to actually TRY to offload North. His agent has already also confirmed North wants to stay, he's still freakishly young for all he's already done and he's capable of developing further with the right coaching I have no doubt.

As far as I know North hasn't given any indication that he's not happy with what he's on now. This is what riles me about the regional attitude towards other clubs expressing interest in their players, half the time they haven't got the cojones to straight up say no.

formerly known as Sam wrote:I doubt another winger is on close to £350k.

Sarries made Ashton the highest paid winger in the AP. Reports said £250k. Allowing for typical agent inflation etc he is probably paid £200k.

apparently toulouse offered a substantial transfer fee and a 5 year contract around £300k a year for north which we apparently turned down. this is the ballpark figure that's being banded about. but like LT mentions how much of this is agent talk i don't know.

pioden gorllewin wrote:apparently saints aren't the only team interested in george. the worrying thing is, it looks like that possibly the scarlet's are the ones initiating the sale of the player.

It is more than worrying, it is the start of a slippery slope, towards the way football is where a player signs a new 3yr deal and then leaves en of the next season. Looks like we got a taste for it after shifting Morgan on last season.

Rugby agent Derwyn Jones has tweeted something similar- as someone who seems to know what's going on I find his words worrying

"Crazy that George North is being forced out of Wales because a lack of funding. @welshrugbyunion need to meet RRW urgently"

I know the hard realities of running a business in these hard economic times lead to pragmatic hard decisions. But without the likes of north, foxy, scott etc for the people (especially children) of west wales to follow - I can only see regional rugby failing in the area. Most 50-50 fans have already gone to follow the swans at football, I'd imagine it be worse when cardiff are in the premiership. I'm pretty convinced the wru will not intervene until regional rugby is broken, so they can manipulate it for their own liking. When does the current participation agreement end?

pioden gorllewin wrote:Rugby agent Derwyn Jones has tweeted something similar- as someone who seems to know what's going on I find his words worrying

"Crazy that George North is being forced out of Wales because a lack of funding. @welshrugbyunion need to meet RRW urgently"

Surprise, surprise.
If the WRU decide to put more cash into the Welsh game then i'm sure some of it will find its way into Derwyn's pockets.

youngguns6 wrote:Steffan jones signed a two year contract with the dragons.
Very happy we've kept hold of him. A very talented lad.

Hear hear. Really good news!

heared aaron coundley also extended his contract with the dragons. there was a lot of hype about this player when he first came on scene, but haven't heard much about him recently. has he struggled with injuries, or just be learning his trade in the premiership?

He hasn't played much for us this season, certainly not starting, but they must see something in him. Maybe he's been injured, I don't know.

A Coundley has had loads of injures. Off the top of my head he had a serious knee injury then on return he tore a bicep and then after a game or two in the prem he had another big set back.
He's still relatively young so he could still make it but he needs some luck.

Really hope our front row and lock signings turn out to be decent.. Doesn't matter what's behind when the front 5 are smashed.
Steffan will flourish behind a good pack.

Been more or less constantly injured since he left the academy.

There was talk of Clermont offering to buy out Halfpenny's contract a while ago.

Look like the Blues are under pressure

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3825_8578929,00.html

When you have a team already struggling to compete, it is always going to be difficult to keep what will be 4 Lions on the payroll

cuthbert signs a 3 year extension in december...western mail ignores this when they run story about blues being hard pressed to hold on to him...

to be fair w606 it's an option for all regions at the moment. if the figures are right the scarlets have been offered in the region of £400k to release north out of his contract a year early. sure clermont could offer something similar to the blues. if peter thomas thinks he won't be in a position to renew halfpenny's contract in a years time. he might think it's better to take the money and invest it into possibly 2 marqee SH players who he will get value for money from (whole season). the regions have realised the wru are more focused on the international game than regional rugby. why should peter thomas pay for roger lewis "team wales"?

pioden gorllewin wrote:to be fair w606 it's an option for all regions at the moment. if the figures are right the scarlets have been offered in the region of £400k to release north out of his contract a year early. sure clermont could offer something similar to the blues. if peter thomas thinks he won't be in a position to renew halfpenny's contract in a years time. he might think it's better to take the money and invest it into possibly 2 marqee SH players who he will get value for money from (whole season). the regions have realised the wru are more focused on the international game than regional rugby. why should peter thomas pay for roger lewis "team wales"?

Hallelujah, people are starting to get it. Just the 'Welsh rugby public' to convince now, if they're not already tuned in to Saes Premiership footie

gcBlues wrote:cuthbert signs a 3 year extension in december...western mail ignores this when they run story about blues being hard pressed to hold on to him...

It was planetrugby not the WM, and the focus was more on Halfpenny with his contract up next season.

I don't expect him to leave this year, even with Clermont offering.

Next year might be different if Clermont REALLY want him (especially if he does well on the Lions tour), Halfpenny seems like he will want to stay in Wales and is very loyal to the Blues - but if he has the offer to double his money, and more importantly for him - to develop his game (no doubt he will want to take the kicking tee off Parra) then I don't see how the Blues can compete

While Scarlets wing George North is in talks about a possible move to Northampton despite having a year left on his contract, the Blues also have fellow Wales back-three stars Cuthbert and Halfpenny attracting the attentions of Europe’s finest.

Cuthbert signed a 12-month contract extension earlier this year, but, like Halfpenny and North, his deal runs out at the end of next season.



Read more: Wales Online http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2013/03/20/cardiff-blues-admit-battle-to-keep-stars-leigh-halfpenny-and-alex-cuthbert-91466-33021815/#ixzz2O5plDgVT

peter thomas will know from previous experience (jamie roberts) what the wru will not offer financial support to keep THEIR internationals in wales. how much rugby will the regions get out of north and halfpenny in the final year of their contracts? they'll probably come back tired from a hard lions series and get eased back into the rabo. maybe a handful of games then they'll be back on international duty for the autumn internationals (has roger squeezed another game in outside the international window this time?) then probably another handful of games before back to the 6 nations. so do mark davies (scarlets ceo) or peter thomas turn down £400k for a tired international player who will play very little rugby for them next season?

gcBlues wrote:While Scarlets wing George North is in talks about a possible move to Northampton despite having a year left on his contract, the Blues also have fellow Wales back-three stars Cuthbert and Halfpenny attracting the attentions of Europe’s finest.

Cuthbert signed a 12-month contract extension earlier this year, but, like Halfpenny and North, his deal runs out at the end of next season.



Read more: Wales Online http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2013/03/20/cardiff-blues-admit-battle-to-keep-stars-leigh-halfpenny-and-alex-cuthbert-91466-33021815/#ixzz2O5plDgVT

Cuthbert signed a 2 year deal apparently

pioden gorllewin wrote:peter thomas will know from previous experience (jamie roberts) what the wru will not offer financial support to keep THEIR internationals in wales. how much rugby will the regions get out of north and halfpenny in the final year of their contracts? they'll probably come back tired from a hard lions series and get eased back into the rabo. maybe a handful of games then they'll be back on international duty for the autumn internationals (has roger squeezed another game in outside the international window this time?) then probably another handful of games before back to the 6 nations. so do mark davies (scarlets ceo) or peter thomas turn down £400k for a tired international player who will play very little rugby for them next season?

Exactly,

If a Halfpenny is on say 200k a year, Clermont come an offer you 200k to buy out his remaining year - then you suddenly have 400k to replace a player who would be unlikely to play much outside the HC next year.

I want players to stick to their regions, I don't want players moving from region to region. If you're from West Wales, you play for the Scarlets, Swansea - Ospreys, Cardiff/Valleys - Blues, Gwent - Dragons. I feel tired of watching players move, I think players should be loyal to one region and stick to that region.

Point proved

Cuthbert is out for 4 weeks with a hamstring injury. Not exactly good value for money for the Blues

http://www.cardiffblues.com/news/6310.php

international197 wrote:I want players to stick to their regions, I don't want players moving from region to region. If you're from West Wales, you play for the Scarlets, Swansea - Ospreys, Cardiff/Valleys - Blues, Gwent - Dragons. I feel tired of watching players move, I think players should be loyal to one region and stick to that region.

Not sure place of origin works too well, but staying with the side that gave them their first real chace at first team rugby could work, providing that the french or english money turned their heads.

Sadly I think the wru/regional power struggle just isn't working, and is going to end up with some high profile casualties before either side will be willing to back down. The regions wil be screwed if they let the likes of north, halfpenny and co. go as we still have nwq limits etc. And likewise the wru will struggle to sell the 4th AI to international fans if the stars are not going to available because their in england or france. It is going to end up costing the wru and regions dearly.

think former international gareth davies sums up what welsh rugby has become a nursery for other nations in europe. here's the article:

"The loss of George North to Northampton Saints would further strengthen the impression that Welsh regions cannot compete at club level, says former Wales captain Gareth Davies.
North's agent has revealed that Scarlets are in talks with the Saints.
Davies says the Welsh regions are almost admitting they are just breeding grounds for Europe's top clubs.
"If we're going to be nurseries then we are almost throwing the towel in on the domestic front," he said.
"If we want to compete, let's do so. If we don't, let's say so and not lead anybody up the garden path."
North, 20, has a year left on his Scarlets contract and is not actively seeking a transfer, according to his agent.

But Christian Abt claims the region, who have refused to comment, have been talking to the Saints and "possibly a few other parties" about North's future.
He says the financial difficulties facing the Welsh regions are a factor in the North talks.
Scarlets, like the three other Welsh regions, are struggling financially and will be operating under a self-imposed £3.5m salary cap next season.
They recouped an undisclosed fee after allowing Ben Morgan to join Gloucester at the end of last season, and would expect to pocket a significant amount for North, who is rated as one of world rugby's most destructive wingers.
Should he move, North would join fellow Wales stars Jamie Roberts and Dan Lydiate in leaving the domestic game at the end of the season.
Alex Cuthbert has bucked the recent trend by extending his contract with Cardiff Blues, who have also tempted Gethin Jenkins back from Toulon.
But a steady trickle of Wales players have been lost in recent seasons, lured by the offer of significantly higher wages in England and France.
"Finances are obviously coming into play here, probably on both sides," added Davies, a former chief executive of Cardiff RFC.
"It's no secret that all the Welsh regions are struggling financially so if the Scarlets can secure a healthy return for [Saints] buying North's contract out, it's obviously of appeal to them.
"And of course in terms of George North securing his own future, if a club like Northampton comes in and doubles or triples his salary then he's obviously going to look after his own welfare.
"I don't think we can attribute blame on anybody - it's a commercial reality these days."
But Davies does fear that while Wales are flourishing on the international stage, having just clinched the Six Nations title for the fourth time in nine years, the domestic game is being left behind.
No Welsh team reached this season's quarter-finals of Europe's elite club competition, the Heineken Cup, and all four regions have called for greater financial support from the Welsh Rugby Union.
"We're almost saying as a nation that we can't or don't want to compete on the domestic front," said Davies.
"I find that quite sad. Welsh rugby should make a statement that we want to compete with the best in Europe.
"It's fine at Six Nations level - that's very important as we've seen in recent weeks - but there are still 30 other weekends in the season when I'm sure Welsh rugby supporters would love to see the Welsh regions competing with the top French and English clubs."

Blues prop has signed for Wasps.....guessing Dai Young had prior knowledge of Cooper Woolley. Remembered him from the welsh varsity match, seemed a good prospect.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3823_8579943,00.html

Wasps have announced the signing of promising young English prop Jake Cooper-Woolley, who will join Adams Park from Cardiff Blues next season.
The 23-year-old, who was involved with Harlequins at youth level before heading to University in Wales, joins from the Welsh side.
Cooper-Woolley captained Cardiff University to Welsh Varsity triumph at the Millennium Stadium in 2012, before succumbing to injury which saw him miss most of this season, where he was expected to play a strong role with Cardiff.
He has previously spent two seasons in the Welsh Premiership playing with Bedwas and the Dorking native will return to English rugby over the summer under Dai Young's guidance.


"We've got some very talented young props here with the likes of Phil Swainston and Will Taylor stepping up and doing a fine job this season," said Young.


"I saw Jake playing at Cardiff University and was very impressed and he's a young English boy who wants to improve. He's got a strong physical presence and has played at both loose and tighthead."

wales606 wrote:

gcBlues wrote:While Scarlets wing George North is in talks about a possible move to Northampton despite having a year left on his contract, the Blues also have fellow Wales back-three stars Cuthbert and Halfpenny attracting the attentions of Europe’s finest.

Cuthbert signed a 12-month contract extension earlier this year, but, like Halfpenny and North, his deal runs out at the end of next season.



Read more: Wales Online http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2013/03/20/cardiff-blues-admit-battle-to-keep-stars-leigh-halfpenny-and-alex-cuthbert-91466-33021815/#ixzz2O5plDgVT

Cuthbert signed a 2 year deal apparently

Why is it 'apparently'? read the blues website release:

Cardiff Blues are pleased to confirm that international winger Alex Cuthbert has signed a new three year contract with the region
Cuthbert took up rugby at Hartpury College at the age of 16 after previously spending his time playing football and show jumping. He burst onto the Welsh rugby scene last season and became a regular on the right wing for the Blues, which saw him picked by Wales for the 2012 Six Nations Grand Slam campaign.

http://www.cardiffblues.com/news/6159.php

So he's here for 3 years AFTER this season, no apparently 2 years about it

pioden gorllewin wrote:Blues prop has signed for Wasps.....guessing Dai Young had prior knowledge of Cooper Woolley. Remembered him from the welsh varsity match, seemed a good prospect.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3823_8579943,00.html

Wasps have announced the signing of promising young English prop Jake Cooper-Woolley, who will join Adams Park from Cardiff Blues next season.
The 23-year-old, who was involved with Harlequins at youth level before heading to University in Wales, joins from the Welsh side.
Cooper-Woolley captained Cardiff University to Welsh Varsity triumph at the Millennium Stadium in 2012, before succumbing to injury which saw him miss most of this season, where he was expected to play a strong role with Cardiff.
He has previously spent two seasons in the Welsh Premiership playing with Bedwas and the Dorking native will return to English rugby over the summer under Dai Young's guidance.


"We've got some very talented young props here with the likes of Phil Swainston and Will Taylor stepping up and doing a fine job this season," said Young.


"I saw Jake playing at Cardiff University and was very impressed and he's a young English boy who wants to improve. He's got a strong physical presence and has played at both loose and tighthead."

We all know about the harsh economic realities facing the regions, so the news about North shouldn't surprise any of us. We cannot afford to keep the very best, and the sooner we accept that, the better. If the Scarlets manage to keep Andy Fenby, Liam Williams or Kristian Phillips for next season, I'm sure they'll be alright, and with the ever-present option of bringing new wingers in from lower levels of Welsh rugby they can approach next season with optimism and ambition.

international197 wrote:We all know about the harsh economic realities facing the regions, so the news about North shouldn't surprise any of us. We cannot afford to keep the very best, and the sooner we accept that, the better. If the Scarlets manage to keep Andy Fenby, Liam Williams or Kristian Phillips for next season, I'm sure they'll be alright, and with the ever-present option of bringing new wingers in from lower levels of Welsh rugby they can approach next season with optimism and ambition.

Fenby is gone, well leaving end of the season anyhow.

Since the end of last season the Scarlets have lost a pretty awesome side

Stoddart, North (if he goes), Lamont, Williams/Maule/Warren (whoever it is that goes), Fenby, S Jones, Knoyle/Davies/Williams (whoever goes);
I Thomas, Rees, R Thomas, Day, Reed, Welch, Timani (if he goes), Morgan.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

international197 wrote:We all know about the harsh economic realities facing the regions, so the news about North shouldn't surprise any of us. We cannot afford to keep the very best, and the sooner we accept that, the better. If the Scarlets manage to keep Andy Fenby, Liam Williams or Kristian Phillips for next season, I'm sure they'll be alright, and with the ever-present option of bringing new wingers in from lower levels of Welsh rugby they can approach next season with optimism and ambition.

Fenby is gone, well leaving end of the season anyhow.

Since the end of last season the Scarlets have lost a pretty awesome side

Stoddart, North (if he goes), Lamont, Williams/Maule/Warren (whoever it is that goes), Fenby, S Jones, Knoyle/Davies/Williams (whoever goes);
I Thomas, Rees, R Thomas, Day, Reed, Welch, Timani (if he goes), Morgan.

Wow, add in JD2 and that could easily be/have been the starting 15 in the HC

One of the most worrying things for me though is that our young up and coming youngsters are getting picked off, as well as our established internationals. For example Owen Williams going to Leicester - so it impacts on both sides of our development pathways. Say for example Rhys Priestland decides to go and play in France at the end of his next contract, the players that we've developed to replace him won't be there too!

from today's evening post:

Meanwhile, Easterby gave little away when he was asked about reports linking the Scarlets with a move for Wales and Melbourne Rebels No. 8 Gareth Delve.

"I think he's another one of those players who, at this stage of the season, will be bandied around," he said.

"He's gone very well since he's travelled to Australia, and he's a quality player.

"We will be looking to recruit in certain areas and it makes life easier if you can recruit Welsh-qualified players.

"But we've still got a bit to go in understanding who we can and can't go after."

pioden gorllewin wrote:"But we've still got a bit to go in understanding who we can and can't go after."

As in whether we gamble on someone who may run the risk of being involved with team wales. What a dire situation to be in

espn are now running the delve rumour. might be something in it:

http://blogs.espnscrum.com/Rumour-Mill/archives/2013/03/scarlets_to_lure_delve_home.php