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

red_stag wrote:

Kingshu wrote:I don't think the regions should be signing 6 nations NWQ players, I think its a bit of a waste.

Barclay is a good player same as T Bowe was at Ospreys, but I felt while they are top players they wasted part of what a NWQ role is at the club.

For me a big part of a NWQ players role is to provide the experience, winning mentality and leadership to the younger players while the internationals are away on international duty and in training camps.

The NWQ players help turn a team of youngests into a team with experience mixed in, that can turn a close loss into a win.

Signing a NWQ player that will also be missing when the internationals are missing (playing for another 6 nations country) means the team mill miss the experience a southern Hemp player would have given them durning this time.

Personally from my point of View another 6 nations NWQ player only forfills a part of what I believe a NWQ role should be.

What about Pienaar? He is both away a lot and a leader/teacher.

Yes but he's not missing durning the 6 nations when Jackson, Bowe etc are away, and hes available when these players are in th echristmas training camp and rest period.

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Jonathan-Thomas-radar-leading-clubs-France/story-18778124-detail/story.html#axzz2RH6NFkum

JONATHAN Thomas is attracting interest from Stade Francais and Bayonne, as well as from the Aviva Premiership.

The 30-year-old has been with the Ospreys since their inception and is the region's joint-appearance record holder with Andrew Bishop.

He has a year left on his contract but has been attracting covetous glances from France and England amid suggestions the Ospreys might not stand in his way should the right suitor come in.

The Post understands there have only been discussions at this point, with a complicating factor being that Thomas's long service puts him in line for a testimonial season with the Ospreys, and he may hesitate before passing up such an opportunity.

He is potentially of added value to the Ospreys because Wales no longer pick him and so he is available throughout the season, but the cash crisis in Welsh rugby means that for the regions almost every player has his price.

Capped 67 times, he is one of only four of the Ospreys originals still playing for the region, with Adam Jones, Duncan Jones and Cai Griffiths also around at the region's launch.

Thomas underlined his ongoing worth with a big display against the Blues at the Millennium Stadium last month, carrying more ball than any other forward on either side.

Meantime, Bath have confirmed they are in talks with Gavin Henson over a possible move to The Rec.

The club have said they see the former Osprey "as a great player and kicker who could be a mature No. 12".

Henson is under contract at London Welsh, who have been relegated from the Premiership. Should the move go through Bath would be Henson's seventh club after spells at Swansea, the Ospreys, Saracens, Toulon, the Blues and London Welsh.

Ash Smith in the Centre mix - has another year

Mentioned on here for a while. But looks like Tavis is off to Glaws:

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Tavis-Knoyle-leaving-Scarlets-Gloucester/story-18778167-detail/story.html#axzz2RH6NFkum

TAVIS Knoyle has become the latest Wales international to finalise a move out of regional rugby.

The powerful Scarlets scrum-half, who started for Wales ahead of Mike Phillips at the start of the 2012 autumn series, will play for Gloucester in the Aviva Premiership next season.




​


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One of the most genial characters on the Welsh scene, Knoyle has penned a contract with the Cherry and Whites and will link up with his former coach at the Scarlets, Nigel Davies, who is director of rugby at Kingsholm.

The youngster becomes the third Scarlet to sign for an English club in recent weeks, with Owen Williams bound for Leicester and George North heading for Northampton Saints.

And with Dan Lydiate and Jamie Roberts departing for France, the exodus of leading players from the regions shows no sign of slowing.

Knoyle will be looking for a fresh start. Capped nine times, he has been blighted by injuries since the last World Cup and hasn't played for the Scarlets since the Heineken Cup date with Clermont Auvergne in January.

Aled Davies has risen to prominence during that period, with the Llanelli-based side also having Gareth Davies on their books as well as the highly promising Rhodri Williams, who shone for Wales Under-20s during the Six Nations.

Knoyle will hope his move over the Bridge revitalises his career, correctly feeling that at 22 he still has plenty to offer.

Really disappointed with this news, I know Tavis Knoyle has not been pulling up trees as late, but I think Nigel Davies is being a bit naughty taking players from his former club. This is what does my nut in though, the Scarlets have invested a small fortune bringing Tavis to the level he is at and now Gloucester are going to get his best years out of him. Surely it is about time the IRB brought in some rule where compensation must be given to a club who brought the player through their academies only to be poached by clubs offering more money. If the player was in his late twenties early thirties then fair enough, but players like Tavis Knoyle and Dan Lydiate are not easily replaced and the vultures are now circling over Welsh rugby more than ever.

Lord - the Scarlets wanted to get shot of Tavis, rightly or wrongly, because they have too many scrum halves. Tavis has been the one to go, if I am correct, because of his tackle back holding duties for Team Wales meaning he is the lest cost effective of the four scrum halves we have on our books. That said I am suprised the Ospreys didn't sign him, after all they were willing to have a court case with us over him signing for the Scarlets to begin with, and they could probably do with another scrum half or two to fill their slots at full back and fly half

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Lord - the Scarlets wanted to get shot of Tavis, rightly or wrongly, because they have too many scrum halves. Tavis has been the one to go, if I am correct, because of his tackle back holding duties for Team Wales meaning he is the lest cost effective of the four scrum halves we have on our books. That said I am suprised the Ospreys didn't sign him, after all they were willing to have a court case with us over him signing for the Scarlets to begin with, and they could probably do with another scrum half or two to fill their slots at full back and fly half

Nah they would rather have Tibaldi.

Oh dear another young player going North well sort of.

Tav had a year remaining on his contract - we dictated to him to leave. As spider mentions we thought he didn't represent value for money, and wanted to strengthen other areas in our team. Though blues might have come in for him, not entirely convinced with their current stable of 9's

All to do with money and little to do with anything else. This is one huge indictment on the pro game in Wales.

Oh well, at least he is still playing I suppose, and he has already been capped so he is tied to Wales, I just would not want to see another Shingler dabacle though.

I feel disappointed that the Scarlets are signing Barclay. It think it's unneccessary. Richie Pugh, Dan Thomas, Aaron Shingler, Rob McCusker, and Josh Turnbull are all wq options at 7. I believe 2 players competing for one shirt is enough, let alone 5. Now there is at least 6 and the region's debts haven't gone down.

I think they should have used the money to help pay off their debts*.

*http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-15581439

I don't think they needed to sign another openside*, I think they needed to offload an openside.

*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22255677

London Scottish can announce that fly-half Phil Godman is to depart London Scottish and join Newcastle Falcons. Scottish have also signed fly-halves Lee Millar from Gala and Dan Newton from Scarlets.

Godman, a 23-time Scotland international, arrived at the Richmond Athletic Ground last summer from Edinburgh Rugby and has played a key role in the side's second season in the RFU Championship, appearing in 23 matches in both the league and the British and Irish Cup.
He has been a regular starter in the fly-half role and he scored a try in his first appearance, coming off the bench against Doncaster in September. He also kicked a dramatic last minute penalty to defeat Cornish Pirates at the Athletic Ground in October in one of his first starts for the Club.

Director of Rugby Simon Amor: "We're obviously sad to be losing a player of Phil's ability and character. He has had a positive influence on the entire squad both on and off the field this season. We thank him for his contributions to the team and we wish him all the best for the next stage in his career."

Scottish have moved to replace Godman by signing both Millar and Newton. 21 year old Millar will make the move to London having kicked over 300 points in the RBS Premier One competition in Scotland this season. He starred in Gala's victory over Scottish at Netherdale in the British and Irish Cup in October 2012 and is a product of Moray RFC in Elgin.

He has spent three years developing his game at Gala and was a key figure in helping the club return to the top flight in Scotland. He has also represented the Scotland Club international side. His primary position is fly-half but Millar also offers a sound option at centre and full-back and his versatility will see him add plenty to an exciting looking back line ahead of the 2013-14 RFU Championship season.

Scottish have also added 23 year old Newton to their ranks. The Carmathen-born fly-half has played eight times for the Scarlets this season, in both the RaboDirect Pro 12 competition and the Heineken Cup. He has been with the Scarlets since 2008 and has made 30 appearances for them since.

The Welshman made his league debut in 2009 against Connacht, scoring a conversion. He is a former pupil of Ysgol Gyfun Dyffryn Tâf in Whitland and has previously played rugby for Whitland RFC and Llanelli RFC. He can play at both fly-half as well as full-back.

Been looking at 8 and winger options for the scarlets to sign next season hear is what i have both heard and come up with.
Numbers 8's
Gareth Delve
Andrew Coombs - lots of people on scarlet fever have thought of the matter but i dont think he will be coming to us
Simon Taylor
Ed jackson
Morgan Allen or dan baker - both great talents coming through but I would rather Allen, ospreys are rich with back row players anyway
George Stowers - the ospreys dont use him and he is expercienced and an full international, really good player

Wingers
Cummins
Aarron Warren
Will harries - would help us with the exodus of wingers we are losing
Chris Czekaj
Jack Cuthebert
JJ Engelbrecht/Travis Ismaiel - we seem to get quite a few players from world artisits and is the company we look at first to look at players on the market in the southern hemisphere
Davis smith - fallen out of favour at toulon, with the likes of habana and mitchell going there it isn't going to help his case there

What are your thoughts?

Jhamer25 wrote:Been looking at 8 and winger options for the scarlets to sign next season hear is what i have both heard and come up with.
Numbers 8's
Gareth Delve
Andrew Coombs - lots of people on scarlet fever have thought of the matter but i dont think he will be coming to us
Simon Taylor
Ed jackson
Morgan Allen or dan baker - both great talents coming through but I would rather Allen, ospreys are rich with back row players anyway
George Stowers - the ospreys dont use him and he is expercienced and an full international, really good player

Wingers
Cummins
Aarron Warren
Will harries - would help us with the exodus of wingers we are losing
Chris Czekaj
Jack Cuthebert
JJ Engelbrecht/Travis Ismaiel - we seem to get quite a few players from world artisits and is the company we look at first to look at players on the market in the southern hemisphere
Davis smith - fallen out of favour at toulon, with the likes of habana and mitchell going there it isn't going to help his case there

What are your thoughts?

Looking at the number eights I would be happy with Delve, or Brown if we miss out on Delve. But I would be very miffed if Sttowers came, especially after his assult on Fenby earlier in the season (imo it cost us the game, and caused this play off race). Coombs is a good player but I would rather not poach a rival regions first choice player. Simon Taylor is old, injury prone and NWQ so a bit of a risk. And I haven seen enough, or know enough, about Jackson to comment.

As for wingers I really don't know what will happen because we also have Maule, Reynolds, Warren and Jordan Williams who could cover as needed.

LordDowlais wrote:To cover your first point, when have I ever said that competition for places only applies to certain players ?

When you said that Barclay will help young 7's at the Turk, but it will not help Stef and Ieuan Jones to compete with international players for their jersey.

LordDowlais wrote: Also squad rotation has bugger all to do with it,

Don't be absurd. Rugby is a squad game more than ever. You do realise rugby players tend to pick up the odd injury here and there?

LordDowlais wrote:
Secondly, weather the Scarlets have sold North or not, the fact is they have improved their back row by signing Barcley, instead of signing somebody none of us know sod all about.

So your criteria for signing a player is that some mush in Merthyr has heard of him? Jesus wept. I bet you never heard of the likes of Bearman, TiaTia, Manu or any of the other journeymen signed by the regions who have gone on to become mainstays of their respective sides.

LordDowlais wrote:
Thirdly, what do we know about Taz Chaparro ? I do not know anything about him, except he was some project in France at tighthead that did not go to plan, at least I know Nathan Buck has potential, what the bloody hell can he learn from Chaparro though ?

So you admit you nothing about this player, yet are absolutely convinced he is a poor signing? You also think one tight head prop per squad is enough for a whole season of rugby?

LordD wrote: Mueller has hardley played this season by all accounts, but the same goes for him, what does he bring to the table ? Is he better than Nimmo ?

Dan Lydiate has hardly played this season, is he crap as well? Do you think Nimmo would get a game in top flight SH rugby?

LordD wrote:Please do not get me started on Burton, all he brings is a higher kicking percentage with him, Burton will not improve the Dragons and nothing you can say will change my mind on that

Burton is rubbish, fingers in ears, la la la I can't hear you...a higher kicking percentage would improve the Dragons, you mentalist.

LordD wrote: if they wanted experience they could have signed a better player than him, perhaps Sweeney or even Gavin Henson or anybody, Steven Donald is being released by Bath isnt he.

They tried to, but thanks to the WRU the regions are unable to compete with the wages on offer in England. Never mind, Gavlar is the answer. Really helped London Welsh out this season didn't he?

LordDowlais wrote:What do we know about Taz Chaparro ? I do not know anything about him, except he was some project in France at tighthead that did not go to plan, at least I know Nathan Buck has potential, what the bloody hell can he learn from Chaparro though ?

Chaparro has played for Argentina. They're regarded as decent scrummagers generally, correct?

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:What do we know about Taz Chaparro ? I do not know anything about him, except he was some project in France at tighthead that did not go to plan, at least I know Nathan Buck has potential, what the bloody hell can he learn from Chaparro though ?

Chaparro has played for Argentina. They're thought to be decent scrummagers generally, correct?

And it say's Mars on the side of chocolate bars, do they come from there ?

Are you suggesting Chaparro isn't Argentinian?

No I am suggesting, that just because he is Argentinian, it does not meant that he is automatically a good scrummager. He has been brought in as a tight head, and that is exactly why he was a failed project in France, because he was no good.

I'm not saying he's a good scrummager just because he's Argentinian. I'm stating for a fact that he's played Test rugby for the Pumas, and they wouldn't cap anyone who couldn't scrummage to a high standard.

LordDowlais wrote:Anyway, lets try and not spoil pioden's thread, he is actually doing something worth while on here and keeping us all up to date with the in's and out's of Welsh regional rugby, cheers Pioden, keep up the good work.

+1

Guys I had to move posts from here before because it was derailing the original thread, if you need to vent your spleins (sp) then please can you carry on the bickering etc (and please avoid the personal insults and all that) on the following thread (as it was set up to avoid it was set up to avoid derailing this thread)

https://www.606v2.com/t42931-regional-rugby-nwqs-development-the-way-forward

LordDowlais wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

Stone Motif wrote:Lord D, I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings, but I will call BS unashamedly when I see it posted on the subject of the Dragons and rugby in Gwent.

Stone, I do not hold grudges, also my feelings have not been hurt, I just get wound up when people constantly tell me I am talking rubbish. I am not singling out Gwent rugby, it's just you and Luckless and to an extent Griff all took it as an attack on your region and as a result the Dragons and their signings were dragged into it. Look, even as a die hard Dragons fan, even you should be demanding more, surely. I have read a little about some of your signings and the Argentinian prop has not exactly been pulling up trees. He is fourth choice prop for his country at best and cannot get into a side that is closer to the bottom of the T14 than the top. He has been tried at tighthead for Stad Francias and he did not make the grade, yet you find him good enough for your region ? I am only using him as an example as he is going to your region, I could ask the same of Ospreys bound Tibaldi, or any of the front rowers the Blues have signed.

Melon and Smiler???

Signed, not signing.But I think you secretly knew what I was on about, the front rowers I was suggesting are Ma'Aufu, Borrust and Kyriachou.

You've tumbled me.
As for the 3 players mentioned, did you know beforehand that they wouldn't be up to it? I have to say I didn't and what were the alternatives anyway?

I reserved my judgment on Borrust as he was French and they like a good scrummager, on the other two my first thoughts were if Kyriachou was any good then Ulster would have kept him, and he was not a starter for them anyway, and on the Campese Ma'Aufu signing, well I was just stunned, especially when I remembered him having the shepherds crook after about 15mins against Wales in the world cup.

Burton isn't an exciting signing, I'll say that, but he's an experienced international outside half. Considering where we are, a steady ten who'll put us in the right areas and kick his goals is just the ticket.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Burton isn't an exciting signing, I'll say that, but he's an experienced international outside half. Considering where we are, a steady ten who'll put us in the right areas and kick his goals is just the ticket.

Did you not see your last game ? You already have a ten who can do that. You were outscored 4 tries to two but you still won, why, because Steffan Jines kicked his kicks.

ok

LordDowlais wrote:

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Burton isn't an exciting signing, I'll say that, but he's an experienced international outside half. Considering where we are, a steady ten who'll put us in the right areas and kick his goals is just the ticket.

Did you not see your last game ? You already have a ten who can do that. You were outscored 4 tries to two but you still won, why, because Steffan Jines kicked his kicks.

Yes I saw it, I was there, and in any case it was Tom Prydie who kicked the goals - Steffan scored a try and a drop goal.

You're not alone in this, but you need to understand that Burton won't necessarily be playing every minute of every game. What we want is competition for places.

ok, I am now going to listen SS and not bicker anymore on this thread.

Looks like Ed jackson has gone to wasps now, so all scarlets fans can cross him of the potential list.
I never really saw him play so i'm not sure whether he would be good for use. So the hunt for out number 8 continues.

Ed Jackson going to Wasps might be a good thing for the scarlets. they were also in the hunt for Delve. It's one less destination for Delve and possibly increases the likelihood that he might be coming to Parc Y Scarlets.

Robin Davey has been on twitter again to state that the Dragons will make one more signing. Looks like the Dragons will bolster their centre options with another centre. Makes sense to add some experience to the likes of Robling, Dixon, Hughes & Wardle. Here's his tweet:

Robin Davey ‏@robindavey01
Dragons 7th and final signing-a centre-will be overseas as Welsh players not available

That last bit of his tweet's going to make some waves with certain posters...

And if it is an overseas centre, I suppose that's Andy Tuilagi on his way out.

ha possibly luckless. hopefully they'll leave it for the other thread.

if another centre comes in, do you think that means tuilagi days are numbered at the dragons?

I imagine so, Pioden. He was better this season than last, but still not great.

We always knew that we were getting 'the worst of the Tuilagis' (well, apart from the one brother who's a transgender 'fa'afafine' and doesn't play rugby!). As Luckless says he was pretty bad in the first season. In fact he was pretty unplayable due to his lack of fitness. He couldn't catch a ball either - "hands like feet!" was the call from the terraces. However, this season he's shaped up a bit and is less prone to the knock on. However, he just hasn't made the impact that we would have wanted. Good at getting over the gain line but does nothing else really.

His defence is pretty poor too, he goes way too high sometimes.

Think there has definitely been a change strategy with the Dragons in the recruitment of the last back player. They were in negotiations with an SA utility back, but apparently Dragons recently dropped out. Seems if Robin Davey is to be believed they are now after a NZ centre. Not sure what positions this utility back covered, but Edwards must now feel that a specialised centre is needed. Reckon that means Tuilagi will be leaving this summer, and Tondi staying?

Tondi currently back from injury? Has any Dragon fans heard which players will be joining Tom Brown on the released list?

He played against Munster last Friday, made a horlicks of a kick in behind him which handed Munster their first try, and after his only real run of the game he conceded a penalty for not releasing. But he's back.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:His defence is pretty poor too, he goes way too high sometimes.

Isn't that the only that an Islander is allowed to tackle

I guess an out and out centre may well be of more use to the Dragons than a utility back. With Harris, Hughes, Dan Evs, Prydie, Stef Jones, and Robling all able to slot into a few shirts. Also I guess that a proper centre would be able to pass on a few more tricks of hte trade to Dixon than an odd-job-man would.

Ma'a Nonu would be my pick!

I don't think we can aim that high, Griff. I'd settle for Conrad Smith.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I don't think we can aim that high, Griff. I'd settle for Conrad Smith.

What about our Gav.

I've said gavin henson for the dragons since he left the blues. Now would have been the perfect chance for him but bath look very likely to get him.
But as for an overseas signings i think it is Malakai Fekitoa of auckland and the blues who is going to be that final signing.
Would be a very good signing for them but i think it would be better if they had gavin there.

A solid experienced centre wouldve gone a long way at the Dragons, Gav fully fit firing and comitted wouldve been just what they needed but he's way too big a risk!!!

Who needs an out and out centre though, and most importantly whats the point with Burton at 10?!

Tight 5 is where the Dragons have no quality or depth!!!

LordDowlais wrote:

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:I don't think we can aim that high, Griff. I'd settle for Conrad Smith.

What about our Gav.

Would love that Lord. I've always rated him. But like others have mentioned it is a big risk. The odds of him doing well, based on past experience, is maybe 1 in 5 (I'm basing this on him being a relative success at the ospreys but not in his subsequent 4 clubs - not the most scientific way to calculate it I admit!). Therefore it's likely that he will not succeed at the dragons, and we really haven't got the luxury of carrying any dead weight, financially speaking. Yes I know we're carrying some now, but at least they're willing to play even if they're a bit rubbish.

Gav seems like the sort of player who needs absolutely everything to be going right for him to be able to perform - no injuries, good form, being in the limelight, positive feedback from players coaches and media, good self confidence, family life going well, in a team chasing glory, etc. When one or two of these are off then he's badly affected. It's so difficult for a club to meet all of these things and manage to keep him at this level, if that makes sense. Not sure the Dragons and Henson are suited in reality.

i think if we had henson id want lyn jones to come with him as he seems to get the most out of him

Yeah definitely. And I'd love Lyn Jones to come too. Darren has had a good crack at it, under difficult circumstances mind you, but hasn't really managed much. Lyn Jones would be a bit of a step up IMO and would be good for the Dragons.

The Dragons have always seemed to have a knack of getting the best out of players that are in their last chance saloon though, they have done wonders for the likes of Brew and more recently Dan Evans, Gavin Henson would be the big fish in a small pond at the Dragons, a situation Gavin would love to be in. Surely he could not be demanding that high a wage knowing where he is at the moment, and I think he would jump at the chance of coming back to Wales.