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

Bringing them through is fine, but to do that you need some experience in that position to act as a mentor, and we don't have anyone there to do that.

2ndtimeround wrote:Inter197.
I think you need to realise though that the only reason the Scarlets look elsewhere is because there is no one in the pipeline either ready or good enough to bring through. Its no good to either the player selected or the rest of the team that have to carry them to put a player that is not capable of stepping up to the required standard in the regional team.

Yes, and the rest of the team should bring that player forward.
And how do you know a player is not good enough or not capable of stepping up if they don't get an opportunity to play at a higher level?

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Bringing them through is fine, but to do that you need some experience in that position to act as a mentor, and we don't have anyone there to do that.

How about Aaron Shingler, Rob McCusker and Josh Turnbull?

All the players you name are experienced 6's. The Scarlets have an excellent record of bringing young players through from the Academy, if the coaches at the club dont believe we have anyone good enough yet then we quite clearly dont have anyone good enough yet.
If you know different then please feel free to name your potential 7's and 8's that are currently with the semi-pros.

None of them are opensides though. There are subtle differences in the positions, attitude etc. Dan Thomas is going to be, fingers crossed, our future at openside, but will still need an experinced out and out openside to help him fine tune the skills he already has. Dan has had a few games this season (Munster away in the league), and will most likely get a fair amount more next season, although if he had a player like Braclay to learn from then he will not be in the position of sink or swim, but rather do well and oust an international, do poorly and have time to work on your flaws.

international197 wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Bringing them through is fine, but to do that you need some experience in that position to act as a mentor, and we don't have anyone there to do that.

How about Aaron Shingler, Rob McCusker and Josh Turnbull?

Also there is uncertainty if turnbull will be offered a contract. it's up for renewal this summer.

Pioden, on the press release about the centres renewals it says

"Add the eight players that we have signed going forward so far this season to a squad list that includes international class players like Jon Davies, Rhys Priestland, Liam Williams, Gareth Owen, Rob McCusker and Josh Turnbull plus a group of very talented young emerging players and we have a lot to be positive about."

So I would assume that means Josh is staying put for now, but I am suprised that they have not made a fuss about him renewing, as any positive news coming out of the region over the last few weeks would have been good.

to be fair we are pretty rubbish at confirming contract renewals. all media outlets seem to report it weeks before we do.

thought turnbull would have been one of the casualties of our summer squad overhaul. with Shingler, Gog, Rawlins and Earle all being able to cover 6. Thought we might use his salary elsewhere. Emlyn boy so glad he's staying with the region.

I assumed with him dropping from the team recently that it meant he was going to be leaving too, especially, like you said, with plenty of cover for the position he plays in, and his Team Wales duties (holding tackle bags or something). That said I am a big fan of Josh as he definately brings a heap of heart to the shirt.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:None of them are opensides though. There are subtle differences in the positions, attitude etc. Dan Thomas is going to be, fingers crossed, our future at openside, but will still need an experinced out and out openside to help him fine tune the skills he already has. Dan has had a few games this season (Munster away in the league), and will most likely get a fair amount more next season, although if he had a player like Braclay to learn from then he will not be in the position of sink or swim, but rather do well and oust an international, do poorly and have time to work on your flaws.

They are all familiar with the openside position. I'm sure Shingler has played for Wales at 7. They know the position and I think they can all cover 7 for the Scarlets next season. Dan Thomas can stand on his own two feet, he doesn't need Barclay to hold his hand. He has experience playing against Munster, for Wales U20s, he's been around the blocks for a young man. I don't feel the need for the Scarlets to sign Barclay, because I think they have an abundance of options in the back-row already, who are all welsh qualified.

I think if turnball leaves it isn't a bad thing, it would acully be a good idea. I'm sure that an English club would like to have him and if he does leave we have great cover in shingler,earle and rob.
Another would be Timani who i think is a great player but we have never used himas much as we should have. He also might as well leave know with deacon manu to allow us to bring in 2 good foreign wingers.
Also who are the scarlet NWQ players because i can only seem to count 5 whicha re timani, adriannse, manu, snyman and earle . Jake ball is welsh qualified, so who is the 6th, please don't say it is peter edwards becasue that would be the biggest joke i have ever heard.
We need to look at our team sheet and see where we can get rid of players in storng area to strengthen in others so like hooker, matthew rees is going, scrum half is another strength so i think that tavis will leave (we dont really need him), turnball becasue we already have good cover, manu and timani to make space for new NWQ in areas they are needed (but if peter edwards is that 6 NWQ keep manu and he can go).

6th was Vallejos, Pete the meat is wq now.

Oh yea of course, i was jsut thnking what a waist peter edwards would be for a NWQ. That's alright then I think manu has had his day know anyway.
We have samson and andriannse, rhodri if something bad happens and dare i say peter if the worst happens.

Dan Thomas learned to play the piano on his i -pad in during the six nations, he can now play it perfectly apparently, now that takes some doing.

LordDowlais wrote:Dan Thomas learned to play the piano on his i -pad in during the six nations, he can now play it perfectly apparently, now that takes some doing.

Christ thats pretty impressive, considering that would have been between training sessions and playing for the under 20s too.

looks like Brown will be looking for a new region after all. Possibly could do a job at the Scarlets? We don't have any recognised 8's there.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/10356371.Brown_left_to_rue_his_bad_luck/

He is a decent player, but he is not as good, and older than, Murphy, so personally I would rather see us keep Keiron.

spider: he's a bigger ball carrier though, but know what you mean. keiron seems to have more potential and a wider skill set. interestingly he's been playing well at 7 for the drovers.

other news aaron Jarvis has signed a new contract at the ospreys.

also will the blues recruit a centre to fill the void from Roberts departure. phill davies is implying that there is possibly plenty of cover there:

http://www.espnscrum.com/wales/rugby/story/180620.html

Cardiff Blues - We can cope without Roberts

Cardiff Blues coach Phil Davies is certain they have enough strength in depth within the region to fill the void left by the departing Jamie Roberts.

Roberts bid an emotional farewell to the Arms Park faithful on Saturday when he played his final home match for the Blues ahead of his summer switch to France with Racing Metro his expected destination.

He marked the occasion with a try but Blues director of rugby Davies is confident they can pose a threat in the centres next term despite losing the British & Irish Lion.

"Jamie's loss is disappointing but it will give others an opportunity here to fill the void," Davies told Wales Online. "Opportunities open up for other and that is professional sport.

"Cory Allen and Owen Williams are two young centres who have huge futures in the game. Along with Dafydd Hewitt and Gavin Evans, we also have experience to play alongside them."

Allen has shone for the Wales Sevens team this year and scored a memorable solo effort in the Hong Kong final. Williams has played the bulk of his rugby on the flank this season but Davies is hopeful of utilising the pair in the centres next term.

"We see Owen as a 13 in the future and he has played well for us this season," added Davies. "It is a case of needs must for us this season but playing on the wing has been a good experience for him.

"He came in at 13 against Toulon with only half an hours notice and did exceptionally well. I would have thought he would be in with a shout of the Japan tour."

pioden gorllewin wrote:

also will the blues recruit a centre to fill the void from Roberts departure. phill davies is implying that there is possibly plenty of cover there:

http://www.espnscrum.com/wales/rugby/story/180620.html

From reading that possibly not, but an Alfie type utility player would be handy.

think if I was a blues fan I would prefer to go with owen Williams & cory allen rather than look at a short term solution in an ashley smith type signing.

auckland blues utility back rene ranger would be a good shout. plays in the centre and covers the back three. did hear he was looking to move to europe this summer. Cardiff blues seem to have a good relationship with Auckland Blues...so who knows.

Rene ranger is out of our league, i reckon. But I agree with you pioden, we don't really need a marquee signing in the centre but maybe someone who can cover a few positions to rotate.

Although if they're looking to save money they could turn Czekaj in to a centre as he already covers wing and full back. With Tom James leaving and Harry Robinson & Cuthbert the only other 'first team' wingers, i imagine him getting more game time next season (if he stays injury free) as wing/fullback.

My preference would be to keep the 4 centres we have in Hewitt, Evans, Williams & Allen and look to strengthen front row and our back 3. Halfpenny and Cuthbert will be knackered after lions and then straight in to wales duty - we need to either bring in someone from the academy/WP or look to sign a NWQ player who can cover FB/Wing

pioden gorllewin wrote:think if I was a blues fan I would prefer to go with owen Williams & cory allen rather than look at a short term solution in an ashley smith type signing.

auckland blues utility back rene ranger would be a good shout. plays in the centre and covers the back three. did hear he was looking to move to europe this summer. Cardiff blues seem to have a good relationship with Auckland Blues...so who knows.

Agreed and centre is not a concern at present. As gcblues has alluded to, strength in depth in the back 3 is more of a concern especially when the big boys are away. Need a scrum half though.

gcBlues wrote:Rene ranger is out of our league, i reckon. But I agree with you pioden, we don't really need a marquee signing in the centre but maybe someone who can cover a few positions to rotate.

Although if they're looking to save money they could turn Czekaj in to a centre as he already covers wing and full back. With Tom James leaving and Harry Robinson & Cuthbert the only other 'first team' wingers, i imagine him getting more game time next season (if he stays injury free) as wing/fullback.

My preference would be to keep the 4 centres we have in Hewitt, Evans, Williams & Allen and look to strengthen front row and our back 3. Halfpenny and Cuthbert will be knackered after lions and then straight in to wales duty - we need to either bring in someone from the academy/WP or look to sign a NWQ player who can cover FB/Wing

Yep and Czekaj had a bash at centre for CRFC during his rehab where he shone. Saying that, he's better at FB/wing.

Cardiff Dave wrote:

pioden gorllewin wrote:think if I was a blues fan I would prefer to go with owen Williams & cory allen rather than look at a short term solution in an ashley smith type signing.

auckland blues utility back rene ranger would be a good shout. plays in the centre and covers the back three. did hear he was looking to move to europe this summer. Cardiff blues seem to have a good relationship with Auckland Blues...so who knows.

Agreed and centre is not a concern at present. As gcblues has alluded to, strength in depth in the back 3 is more of a concern especially when the big boys are away. Need a scrum half though.

Tavis Knoyle would be a good option - However not sure PD would risk having two 9's within the national set-up holding tackle bags for a large part of the season.

Cardiff Dave wrote:

gcBlues wrote:Rene ranger is out of our league, i reckon. But I agree with you pioden, we don't really need a marquee signing in the centre but maybe someone who can cover a few positions to rotate.

Although if they're looking to save money they could turn Czekaj in to a centre as he already covers wing and full back. With Tom James leaving and Harry Robinson & Cuthbert the only other 'first team' wingers, i imagine him getting more game time next season (if he stays injury free) as wing/fullback.

My preference would be to keep the 4 centres we have in Hewitt, Evans, Williams & Allen and look to strengthen front row and our back 3. Halfpenny and Cuthbert will be knackered after lions and then straight in to wales duty - we need to either bring in someone from the academy/WP or look to sign a NWQ player who can cover FB/Wing

Yep and Czekaj had a bash at centre for CRFC during his rehab where he shone. Saying that, he's better at FB/wing.

Czekaj had a few cracks at centre at regional level too at 13, and his trial really reminded us all of that great attempt to convert Rhys Williams to 13

Until Czekaj can learn to take contact without his eyes closed, turning his back or kicking the ball away and screaming mummy he'll never be a pro player, before the leg break he was average enough trying to get shoehorned into the international setup (rather like Lloyd Williams) but since he's been laughable!!!

I heard a rumour of a crowded pub in Cathays watching the summer tour and when it was announce that Czekaj had broken his leg the whole pub cheered, sad times from a bunch of Blues fans to do that to one of their own. That said he hasn't been missed at all, well except for that hairdo, convertable and missus...

thebluesmancometh wrote:

Czekaj had a few cracks at centre at regional level too at 13, and his trial really reminded us all of that great attempt to convert Rhys Williams to 13

Until Czekaj can learn to take contact without his eyes closed, turning his back or kicking the ball away and screaming mummy he'll never be a pro player, before the leg break he was average enough trying to get shoehorned into the international setup (rather like Lloyd Williams) but since he's been laughable!!!

I heard a rumour of a crowded pub in Cathays watching the summer tour and when it was announce that Czekaj had broken his leg the whole pub cheered, sad times from a bunch of Blues fans to do that to one of their own. That said he hasn't been missed at all, well except for that hairdo, convertable and missus...

I should add i've never rated Czekaj either, but PD will have to make do with what he has I guess.

Cardiff Dave wrote:

thebluesmancometh wrote:

Czekaj had a few cracks at centre at regional level too at 13, and his trial really reminded us all of that great attempt to convert Rhys Williams to 13

Until Czekaj can learn to take contact without his eyes closed, turning his back or kicking the ball away and screaming mummy he'll never be a pro player, before the leg break he was average enough trying to get shoehorned into the international setup (rather like Lloyd Williams) but since he's been laughable!!!

I heard a rumour of a crowded pub in Cathays watching the summer tour and when it was announce that Czekaj had broken his leg the whole pub cheered, sad times from a bunch of Blues fans to do that to one of their own. That said he hasn't been missed at all, well except for that hairdo, convertable and missus...

I should add i've never rated Czekaj either, but PD will have to make do with what he has I guess.

I would prefer he throws a hissy fit and quits, or gets sacked, or retires, or gets run down outside the castle by a red volvo driven by a big bald guy with a huge grin on his face... anyting except lead the blues!!!

The real victim in all this is the hinged bar that raises and lowers to let him take his seat, it's that thing that has to take all the abuse on 75 minutes of every game as he hides behind it as the fans leave early...

oh i agree with you, bluesman, he's not my cup of tea either. He's a big tall lad, physically in good shape...just does not take people on at all.

Rumour is that Scarlet's are in discussion with Nick Cummins of Western Force. Scarlet's are looking to reinforce there wing options since losing George North to the Saints.

I did see the Cummins talk must but just assumed it would be the local rumour mill going into overdrive. Although if it isn't then we may be replacing George with a slightly lesser version who is available all year around.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:I did see the Cummins talk must but just assumed it would be the local rumour mill going into overdrive. Although if it isn't then we may be replacing George with a slightly lesser version who is available all year around.

How old is he ? Is he any good ? Aussie backs have been the best around in the last decade.

BBC reporting that Scarlets are looking to reinforce back three.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22172697


Simon Easterby says search for North's replacement has begun

Scarlets coach Simon Easterby says the process to find a replacement for Wales wing George North has already begun.

Wales wing North will leave Parc Y Scarlets in the summer and has signed a three-year deal to play for Northampton Saints in the Aviva Premiership.

North is not the only wing to leave, with Andy Fenby having signed for London Irish and Morgan Stoddart forced to retire through injury.

"It [wing] is definitely a priority at the moment," said Easterby.

Continue reading the main story


“It's something we are doing at the moment, but we have to obviously get quality there and that is not always available.”
Simon Easterby Scarlets coach
"It's something we are doing at the moment, but we have to obviously get quality there and that is not always available.

"There are one or two players we have spoken to recently and hopefully we can announce a signing very soon."

North, 20, had one year left on his Scarlets contract, but was unable to agree fresh terms.

North has scored nine tries in 10 RaboDirect Pro12 matches this season.

And he took his tally of Wales caps to 31 by featuring in all of his country's games on the way to this year's Six Nations title.

The Llanelli-based region have previously said they sought a buyer for North after he rejected a new three-year deal.

But the Welsh Rugby Union accused the region of offering North to French clubs before the start of the year.

The accusation triggered a stinging response from Scarlets , who were supported by the other three regions in condemning the WRU for discussing North's contract situation in public.

Easterby admits the loss of all three players - North, Fenby and Stoddart who was forced to retire due to a leg injury - has left a major hole in the Scarlets squad for next season.

He admits the Scarlets have already looked at the marketplace to look at prospective wing/full-back replacements.

"We have lost Andy and we have lost Stodds [Stoddard]," said Easterby.

"And it's pretty evident we have got a little bit of a hole in the squad there."

Meanwhile, Easterby has admitted the loss of impressive fly-half Owen Williams, who will leave for the Leicester Tigers in the summer, is a blow.

The Scarlets do have Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland who is close to returning to action after recovering from an Achilles tendon injury.

While Dan Newton, Aled Thomas and new-signing Stephen Shingler from London Irish can all play at stand-off.

"We have developed him [Williams] over the last three years and he will be a loss to the region," said Easterby.

"That's not just because of what he has done in the last three months.

"He is a quality player and we have a number of players in that position already and he is somebody we would like to have held onto."

lord: he's the aussie who scored against England in the last autumn internationals. he's not a bad player to be truthful - he's pretty big 25yr old and as spider mentioned he will be available all year.

pioden gorllewin wrote:lord: he's the aussie who scored against England in the last autumn internationals. he's not a bad player to be truthful - he's pretty big 25yr old and as spider mentioned he will be available all year.

O.k at least he has international credentials for one of the top countries in World rugby, at last we might see a decent NWQ player over here who can actually bring something to the table of Welsh rugby.

They call him the honey badger. Very good player, but I'd be surprised of he leaves Australia. I believe Drew Mitchell is leaving and this would give Cummings the chance to become a regular in the wallaby side just as he's in his prime.

The Honey Badger would be a fantastic signing, he isn't the most prolific try scorer but they guy is fearless is defence he flys in to anything, him and Liam Williams playing together would be fun to watch.

I want the Scarlets to not 'find' a replacement for George North*. I feel they already have replacements for George North. I want them to use Nic Reynolds, Kristian Phillips, Lee Williams and Liam Williams for next season, along with Llanelli, Llandovery and other clubs' wingers. The services of these players are secured for a longer period; there is less autumn test matches for Wales*.

*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22172697
*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22170464

I like Lee Bach, but he does have sevens commitments (unless his vicious handling by a Fijian makes him stop), and he is very different in shape to George, so it would require the team to totally rethink the tactcis.

international197 wrote:I want the Scarlets to not 'find' a replacement for George North*. I feel they already have replacements for George North. I want them to use Nic Reynolds, Kristian Phillips, Lee Williams and Liam Williams for next season, along with Llanelli, Llandovery and other clubs' wingers. The services of these players are secured for a longer period; there is less autumn test matches for Wales*.

*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22172697
*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22170464

Nic Reynolds - Is an outside centre not a winger. Only covers on the wing.

KP - Still hasn't shown any heart to tackle. Might be the downfall of his pro rugby career.

Lee Williams - Think is being released. Also away with 7's a lot.

With North and Fenby going it only leaves us with Liam Williams as our only recognised senior winger. Only other options are Kyle Evans and Dale Ford with the RFC. But couldn't go into the new season with only them, especially as Liam Williams will probably be away with Wales for a period of time. Recruiting an experienced winger is a must.

Dale has also gone. We only have Kyle coming through unless Aaron Warren accepts a development contract.
Neither Reynolds or KP are good enough to command places in the side. KP may improve if he dtarts to take the big hits in the tackle but Reynolds has had plenty of chances and although he has the heart hedoes not quite have the ability to make the step up.

Reynolds looked like he had the potential to step into Regan King's shoes as the silky centre but Scott and Jon nailed the starting slots and Maule and Warren work well together, so Nic has had his chances to play reduced.

LordDowlais wrote:

pioden gorllewin wrote:lord: he's the aussie who scored against England in the last autumn internationals. he's not a bad player to be truthful - he's pretty big 25yr old and as spider mentioned he will be available all year.

O.k at least he has international credentials for one of the top countries in World rugby, at last we might see a decent NWQ player over here who can actually bring something to the table of Welsh rugby.

People were saying that about SNK too though...

thebluesmancometh wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

pioden gorllewin wrote:lord: he's the aussie who scored against England in the last autumn internationals. he's not a bad player to be truthful - he's pretty big 25yr old and as spider mentioned he will be available all year.

O.k at least he has international credentials for one of the top countries in World rugby, at last we might see a decent NWQ player over here who can actually bring something to the table of Welsh rugby.

People were saying that about SNK too though...

I doubt they will be asking him to play 10!

And he is actually high in the Aus pecking order unlike SNK. He has looked pretty good from what I have seen and would be an excellent signing - along the same lines as Tommy Bowe at the O's. Can't see it happening though - the Scarlets would have to offer a lot to see him give up his Aus chances

thebluesmancometh wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

pioden gorllewin wrote:lord: he's the aussie who scored against England in the last autumn internationals. he's not a bad player to be truthful - he's pretty big 25yr old and as spider mentioned he will be available all year.

O.k at least he has international credentials for one of the top countries in World rugby, at last we might see a decent NWQ player over here who can actually bring something to the table of Welsh rugby.

People were saying that about SNK too though...

Was SNK ever capped by Australia, I thought he came over here and was going to try and get WQ.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Reynolds looked like he had the potential to step into Regan King's shoes as the silky centre but Scott and Jon nailed the starting slots and Maule and Warren work well together, so Nic has had his chances to play reduced.

I feel Nic Reynolds will have more chances. Scott, Maule and Warren are already secured*; I think he will be competing with them and Shingler* for a centre berth next season.

*http://www.scarlets.co.uk/eng/news/5713.php
*http://www.scarlets.co.uk/eng/5494.php

yeah SNK was capped with Australia. Surprisingly Cummins isn't currently in the Australian squad. So who knows might be heading to Europe possibly. Scarlets could really do with Leinster to recruit their winger (Nacewa's replacement), as I'd imagine they'd have 1st dibs on any quality winger coming to Europe (well the ones in our price range)

Do feel sorry for Reynolds a bit, has been played out of position a bit with us. Saying that Easterby did give him a couple of games at 13 at the start of the season.

Heard Ford might get released which is a shame cause he has so much potential, just been really unlucky with injuries. Forgot about Aarron Warren sure he'll play a part in the wider scarlets squad next year, possibly the LV games.

Western Fail are reporting that T Rhys Thomas is on his way to the Men of Gwent to fill the spot of the great Jabba, who retired today (boo hoo). Lord D will be happy.

I thought T Rhys Thomas was forced to retire because of injury.

Stone Motif wrote:Western Fail are reporting that T Rhys Thomas is on his way to the Men of Gwent to fill the spot of the great Jabba, who retired today (boo hoo). Lord D will be happy.

Gutted by Jabba's retirement. Really am. The only reason I logged onto this site again was I follishly hoped to see a few posts on here about it, but then I guess if it isn't an opportunity to have a Dragons bashing session, a lot of people on here don't give a monkeys really.

Good signing is TRT. Bit of experience in another key position and can assist developing our young players (that we allegedly never give an opportunity to).

Rumour is that Scarlet's are in discussion with Nick Cummins of Western Force. Scarlet's are looking to reinforce there wing options since losing George North to the Saints.

Good God Nick Cummins, John Barcley and gareth Delve. As much as i would love all 3 to sign, I think it would be a mriaccle if just one signed.
Cummins is a very young player and has only just come intot he Aussie team, Had a very good autumn series. Very much doubt he will join.
WOuld love hi to join us but i hust can't see it happening.

I want the Scarlets to not 'find' a replacement for George North*. I feel they already have replacements for George North. I want them to use Nic Reynolds, Kristian Phillips, Lee Williams and Liam Williams for next season, along with Llanelli, Llandovery and other clubs' wingers. The services of these players are secured for a longer period; there is less autumn test matches for Wales*.

You really think the likes of kristian Phillips, lee williams and nic reynolds will halp our chances in the rabo and heineken cup. Really lets be real. Pioden is spot on the money.

Western Fail are reporting that T Rhys Thomas is on his way to the Men of Gwent to fill the spot of the great Jabba, who retired today (boo hoo). Lord D will be happy.

Heared about that on Walesonline, would be another really good signing for them, he will bring experience to that team and he is a really hard old nut. I wanted him to go to them last season when he left blues last season. Sad about Steve Jones though