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

by pioden gorllewin Fri 8 Mar - 10:12

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

by wales606 Tue 21 May - 13:34

No names, just an "interested in" comment

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 21 May - 13:47

pioden gorllewin wrote:Saint: Rob is still with us, and trained against the Lions last week at the Vale. Will got a few promising LH's coming through with Rob Evans, Rhodri Jones & Gareth Thomas.

Yeah Rob is still with us, he was injured/had an op, most of last season, but played (off the bench, I believe) against Sale in the LV=. I think we will probably end see more of him next season. However things are starting to look up for the Scarlets tight-five, a traditionally weak area for us, as we seem to have a fair bit of WQ talent there now

LH - Phil John (getting old, but still capable), Rhodri Jones, Rob Evans, Gareth Thomas
Hk - Ken Owens, Emyr Phillips, Kirby Myhill (all have welsh squad experience now)
TH - Samson Lee
Lk - Jake Ball, Richard Kelly, Carwyn Jones (Llewelyn Jones??)

With the exception of tight-head we are looking pretty good there now. And I have a sneaking suspicion that with Rhodri going to Japan as a tighthead that we may not be through with the changing sides experiment there.

by international197 Tue 21 May - 14:23

Glad to see that Sion Bennett, an eight, and Dion Jones, a winger/fullback, have been promoted to the Scarlets senior squad. I think it will provide competition for the likes of Rob McCusker and Craig Price at eight, the likes of Liam Williams, Kyle Evans, Kristian Phillips, Jordan Williams and Lee Williams on the wings, and the likes of Rhys Preistland, Aled Thomas, Steven Shingler, Gareth Owen, Liam Williams and Jordan Williams at fullback. Also, I think Carwyn Jones and Lewis Rawlins* will be good competition for Joe Snyman, George Earle, Jake Ball, Richard Kelly, Aaron Shingler* and Josh Turnbull* at second row. I think there will be intense competition for a starting berth at the loosehead prop position for the Scarlets next season. I believe Phil John, Gareth Thomas, Rob Evans and Rhodri Jones are all able to do a good job there. I think competition breeds a healthy squad, I believe things are already looking good for the Scarlets for next season. I feel the sad thing is, sometimes there's so much competition for a shirt that two, or even, three different players deserve to start in that position for a match. Unfortunately, only one can start and the other players who have been competing well in training have to make with a place on the bench, or outside of the match squad altogether. It's unfortunate for the players who get left out, but in terms of the squad, I believe it's very healthy when that happens. I can see it happening in a number of positions at the Scarlets next season.

*primarily flankers but I believe they are capable of playing second row

by Jhamer25 Tue 21 May - 18:12

Ok i'm glad about Sion, dion, carwyn.
Don't need another flanker in Lewis Rawlins though, yes he can play lock but he is way to skinny for a lock. Didn't really impress me when he played in the LV cup.
Gareth Thomas is a big boy and has potential but what is the point in bringing up another youngster into the senior team when we already have 2 in Rhodri and rob who aren't being used. Instead we favour an older mediocre loosehead in Phil John (a descent player but not getting any younger and not going to improve).
Also also those questions about rob, yes he is but he has bee injured and been behind phil, rodri and shaun Hopkins since he came back (dont know why most promising prop in all the regions I believe). he did have one appearance of the bench against sale in the LV. He came on and destroyed the much talked about tight head Henry Thomas who is currently in the English set up. And I mean he shoved his head up his ar$e.
Hope he is given more of a chance next season.

Also

Blues rumoured to be in for a centre and tight head prop.

Then again, saying that we'll probably get a flanker thumbsup

Castro by any chance, could be Whistle

by wales606 Tue 21 May - 18:28

Jhamer25 wrote:

Castro by any chance, could be

Would be amazing, but very unrealistic at the moment

by Jhamer25 Tue 21 May - 18:37

wales606 wrote:
Jhamer25 wrote:

Castro by any chance, could be

Would be amazing, but very unrealistic at the moment

Shame he would help scott along very well in development.

by pioden gorllewin Wed 22 May - 7:32

Looks like Deleve is heading to Japan - Shame there was an offer on the table by the Scarlets. Sure the Japan offer would be significantly higher, but coming to the Scarlets would have helped his international career. Here's the link:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/rugby/melbourne-rebels-confirm-departure-of-gareth-delve-ged-robinson-and-richard-kingi/story-fnibc6qy-1226648356160

by XR Wed 22 May - 8:22

shame if he turned down the scarlets for japan, shows he doesn't really have any desire to add to his wales caps. He could have given Faletau a run for his money at 8.

by pioden gorllewin Wed 22 May - 8:48

think he's gone to japan possibly 2 years too early. he could have gone to the scarlets or france for two years won international honours or HC and then gone for the pay day....shame.

easterby still talking about recruiting:

http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/Scarlets-head-coach-Simon-Easterby-positive/story-19055778-detail/story.html#ixzz2U0PzqwT1

On Friday, term officially ends, but with 13 players heading out the door, another busy summer of recruitment awaits.

“We are going to have a smaller squad next year, whatever happens,” he added.

“We are going to rely on some development players but we also want to bring two or three quality players in as well.

“You can take young players to a certain point, but to see the best of them you have got to keep them for five, six, seven years and you have got to add quality and experience into the group to bring up their performances.

“Ulster have shown that in their recruitment; the Ospreys did it with Marty Holah working with Justin Tipuric, and the same with Filo Tiatia who came in and would no doubt have had a massive impact on someone like Ryan Jones.

“I think someone like John Barclay will be that type of player. He will be fighting for his place with Dan Thomas, but Dan will also be able to learn a lot from John and the things he does on the field.”

by Kingshu Wed 22 May - 8:49

Don't see why Delve would go to Japan, he could have gone there is 2/3 years time. He's wasting his talent there, to be fair its a highly paid semi retirement home.

A player that would have really added to the Scarlets, goes into semi retirement instead. Sad.

by Guest Wed 22 May - 8:52

I think Delve nailed his colours to the mast a few years ago. By all accounts he's had plenty of offers to come home over the years, or back to play in England, and he constantly says he'd like to, but then he never takes up the offer.

by ScarletSpiderman Wed 22 May - 10:30

Griff wrote:I think Delve nailed his colours to the mast a few years ago. By all accounts he's had plenty of offers to come home over the years, or back to play in England, and he constantly says he'd like to, but then he never takes up the offer.

Has he ever really been home? I can only really remember Bath, Glaws, and Rebels.

It is a shame he chose Japan, but then again like I said if he has never really been in Wales, so I assume he has always been on decent money, and it is pretty hard to take a pay cut (or not take a big raise that is on offer elsewhere) to come back on a gamble that Gats will decide to let bygones be bygones and give him a chance. After all Gats has apparently decided that there is no place for him (Byrne, Hook, Peel, Thom James, etc) and when Gats makes that decision he rarely changes his mind.

by international197 Wed 22 May - 12:00

I think the Scarlets have good competition at eight. I feel Gareth Delve would have been a good signing to add extra competition, but we already have 3 players battling it out for the number eight shirt for next season (Rob McCusker, Craig Price, Sion Bennett), so I believe a fourth number eight would have been unneccessary and unthrifty for the Scarlets. If he [Delve] does go to Japan, he's still only 30*, I believe he may return to Wales to finish his career (possibly on a lower wage) after a season in Japan, especially with the World Cup coming up in 2015. Maybe he wants a season in Japan to give his body a breather before finishing his career at a Welsh region and battling for a place in the Welsh 2015 RWC squad.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gareth_Delve

by pioden gorllewin Wed 22 May - 12:16

bizarrely rebels facebook page is stating delve is coming back to wales Headscratch

blues maybe?

From the Rebels Facebook site:

NEWS | Gareth Delve, Ged Robinson, Richard Kingi and James King will all depart the Rebels at the end of the season.

Gareth will return to Wales, Ged to New Zealand in the hopes of playing for the All Blacks, Richard heads to Stade Franca...is and James King also heads abroad.

"Playing for the Rebels has made my career. The players and the stadium are the best I have ever played in, or in front of, and I don't know if I will ever realise that again," said Ged.

Leave your messages of support here, and we'll make sure the boys get them.See More

by munkian Wed 22 May - 12:25

Where does it say he's heading to Japan - all the news I've read has sauid hes going to Racing and also hopes to play for Wales again

by international197 Wed 22 May - 12:38

pioden gorllewin wrote:bizarrely rebels facebook page is stating delve is coming back to wales blues maybe?

Maybe he wants to come back to Wales, but no region can offer him a satisfactory wage so he's going to Japan/Racing Metro for a season instead. Looking forward to hearing where he's actually going Headscratch

, seems to be either Japan, Wales or France at the moment.

by pioden gorllewin Wed 22 May - 13:35

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Gareth-Delve-set-Welsh-rugby-return-confirming/story-19056149-detail/story.html#axzz2U1KeeIVT

local papers says he's heading back to wales?

by Jhamer25 Wed 22 May - 17:49

Well he is being linked to a lot of places.
I never got my hopes up of him coming to the Scarlet's because of other big money offer. I don't think he will move to japan though because I would think he wants to stay on the radar a bit. More likely to go to a English teams.
Some links say wales, some japan, some England but we will just have to wait and see.
Not sure Scarlet's can afford him anyway, but i'm sure if Peter Thomas put's his hand in his pocket at the blues they could have a shot at bringing him back to Wales. Which is clearly where he want's to be but we aren't offering good enough offers.
Hey Blues fans Castro and Gareth wouldn't be bad huh.
We need more competition at 8 because Ryan Jones is classed as a flanker now and a sub for lydiate mainly (when fit).

by wales606 Wed 22 May - 18:03

From the Blues forum

"There is only 2 uk clubs he wants to join us or Bath and only one of them is interested"

by thebluesmancometh Wed 22 May - 19:54

wales606 wrote:From the Blues forum

"There is only 2 uk clubs he wants to join us or Bath and only one of them is interested"

Spoke to his sister monday at a nursery sports day, and she knows little except their dad says he is itching to angle back to Cardiff, apparently his agent is in talks with the Blues first or foremost, but is listening to offers from Bath, Glos as well as 2 french clubs.

The bigger money is in Japan, and the offers will be there, but how many times must this guy throw himself at the blues before they stump up?!

by wales606 Wed 22 May - 21:03

thebluesmancometh wrote:
wales606 wrote:From the Blues forum

"There is only 2 uk clubs he wants to join us or Bath and only one of them is interested"

Spoke to his sister monday at a nursery sports day, and she knows little except their dad says he is itching to angle back to Cardiff, apparently his agent is in talks with the Blues first or foremost, but is listening to offers from Bath, Glos as well as 2 french clubs.

The bigger money is in Japan, and the offers will be there, but how many times must this guy throw himself at the blues before they stump up?!

The Blues threw themselves at him last time! Now they have Copeland on the wage bill

by Cardiff Dave Wed 22 May - 21:52

Ed Siggery (Pontypridd) joins Ealing Trailfinders;

http://www.ealingrugby.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2940:ealing-trailfinders-add-five-more-to-their-squad-for-season-1314&catid=26:ealing-trailfinders-1st&Itemid=57

by Jhamer25 Wed 22 May - 23:13

wales606 wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:
wales606 wrote:From the Blues forum

"There is only 2 uk clubs he wants to join us or Bath and only one of them is interested"

Spoke to his sister monday at a nursery sports day, and she knows little except their dad says he is itching to angle back to Cardiff, apparently his agent is in talks with the Blues first or foremost, but is listening to offers from Bath, Glos as well as 2 french clubs.

The bigger money is in Japan, and the offers will be there, but how many times must this guy throw himself at the blues before they stump up?!

The Blues threw themselves at him last time! Now they have Copeland on the wage bill

What's wrong with the Scarlets, we need an 8 more than the Blues, but if Scarlet's have no chance then I rather him go to the Blues as we need him back in Wales.
All this speculation over number 8's is driving me mad, hurry up Simon it's driving me mad. There is a new rumour every week mad

by munkian Thu 23 May - 9:04

Iestyn Thomas leaves as Dragons scrum coach

Its a pity, we were actually improving. Hope they take on Jabba - experienced and knows the players well.

by Guest Thu 23 May - 9:10

Cardiff Dave wrote:Ed Siggery (Pontypridd) joins Ealing Trailfinders;

http://www.ealingrugby.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2940:ealing-trailfinders-add-five-more-to-their-squad-for-season-1314&catid=26:ealing-trailfinders-1st&Itemid=57

I was expecting big things of Siggery when he first came on the scene. It's a name that stuck in my head after seeing a few good performances. Wasn't he at the Scarlets but then left for London Irish? I guess that must not have worked out so he went to the Welsh Prem, but Ealing have just been promoted to the Championship which is a step up from our Welsh Prem IMO so maybe it's another career move?

by pioden gorllewin Thu 23 May - 10:12

noticed Iestyn has left the Dragons, is that the start of a "shake up" within the Dragons coaching set up?

Siggery is a Carmarthenshire boi, but was released by the Scarlets. LI didn't really work out for him. Last I heard he was benching a fair bit for Ponty, so this is a positive move for him. Think he lacks the size for a modern backrower, especially as the biggest part of his game is ball carrying.

by munkian Thu 23 May - 10:38

He was only on a years contract but has left rugny to pursue a business venture.

If its part of a shake up they are getting rid of the wrong people, he seems to have done some good

by pioden gorllewin Thu 23 May - 11:47

Rebels have made a statement apologising for saying Delve is returning to Wales - it's inaccurate.

by munkian Thu 23 May - 13:01

Booooo

by pioden gorllewin Thu 23 May - 13:39

actually don't think he's made up his mind where he's going yet! From Rebels facebook page:

"The press release stipulates the departure of four of Rebels at the end of 2013, however the whereabouts for Gareth Delve was incorrectly posted on this Facebook feed.

[u]Gareth will depart at year's end and there is no truth to the suggestion he will return to his beloved country of birth Wales, however may still be a consideration.
We would like to apologise to Gareth, our followers and some media outlets that have read this post without reading the attached press release, and want to ensure all our communication to our members and supporters is consistent with the truth at all times."

by ScarletSpiderman Thu 23 May - 14:59

Dwayne wants to come home!!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22637116

I think he may be past it, however one hell of a mentor to young Aled and Rhodri.

by wales606 Thu 23 May - 15:51

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Dwayne wants to come home!!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22637116

I think he may be past it, however one hell of a mentor to young Aled and Rhodri.

COME TO THE BLUES!

by international197 Thu 23 May - 16:57

I think the Scarlets are well covered at scrum half for next season (Aled Davies, Gareth Davies, Rhodri Williams). I believe three scrum halves are enough, I think a fourth would be unneccessary.

' "Yes, definitely. My heart is obviously with the Scarlets, having spent so much time there.

"It would be great if that opportunity came up, but I'm happy at Sale." '

I want to see WQ players come back to Wales, however I feel there's 3 good WQ scrum halves in a position at a region already, so plenty of competition, I believe it's extravagant to bring another one in, despite the history and the region's relationship with that player.

by Jhamer25 Thu 23 May - 17:49

wales606 wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:Dwayne wants to come home!!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22637116

I think he may be past it, however one hell of a mentor to young Aled and Rhodri.

COME TO THE BLUES!

Scarlet's won't sign peel back now. Got 3 young talents coming through so his time at our regions was done when he left.
But I would like to see him go to the blues. They need an experienced scrum half to bring through Lloyd but obviously it wouldn't be until next season. Just have to wait and see.

Also I saw Iestyn the other day and he is a very quite guy, seems like the sort of guy who doesn't like to get involved with arguments, so on current events in the backroom at the dragons i'm not surprised he is leaving them with all the anarchy their at the moment. Best stay out iestyn. Go to the Blues they need help with their scrummaging.

by Jhamer25 Thu 23 May - 17:59

More good news for the Blues.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/cardiff-blues-receive-huge-boost-4006767

So when is it going to be our turn (Scarlets fans) to get some good news. All I seem to get is speculation over players leaving, arriving and our money troubles.
I wish someone would sponsors us half a million. Wink Wink nudge nudge if there are any millionaires on this forum Whistle

by The Saint Thu 23 May - 18:16

Jhamer25 wrote:
wales606 wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:
wales606 wrote:From the Blues forum

"There is only 2 uk clubs he wants to join us or Bath and only one of them is interested"

Spoke to his sister monday at a nursery sports day, and she knows little except their dad says he is itching to angle back to Cardiff, apparently his agent is in talks with the Blues first or foremost, but is listening to offers from Bath, Glos as well as 2 french clubs.

The bigger money is in Japan, and the offers will be there, but how many times must this guy throw himself at the blues before they stump up?!

The Blues threw themselves at him last time! Now they have Copeland on the wage bill

What's wrong with the Scarlets, we need an 8 more than the Blues, but if Scarlet's have no chance then I rather him go to the Blues as we need him back in Wales.
All this speculation over number 8's is driving me mad, hurry up Simon it's driving me mad. There is a new rumour every week

Why do we need him back here? He's been rubbish in every game he's played for Wales.

by The Saint Thu 23 May - 18:19

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Dwayne wants to come home!!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22637116

I think he may be past it, however one hell of a mentor to young Aled and Rhodri.

I don't think any of the Regions need scrum half. Blues could probably do with his services the most.

by glamorganalun Thu 23 May - 18:54

The O's may go for Peel, they seem to collect SH's and play them anywhere along the backline.

I can't see Peel getting back to any of the regions, none of the teams are short of SH's although the Blues may benefit with Williams being called into team Wales (not sure why). Peel will never get back into the Wales squad with Gatland around, nor will Delve.

by Jhamer25 Thu 23 May - 19:54

The Saint wrote:
Jhamer25 wrote:
wales606 wrote:
thebluesmancometh wrote:
wales606 wrote:From the Blues forum

"There is only 2 uk clubs he wants to join us or Bath and only one of them is interested"

Spoke to his sister monday at a nursery sports day, and she knows little except their dad says he is itching to angle back to Cardiff, apparently his agent is in talks with the Blues first or foremost, but is listening to offers from Bath, Glos as well as 2 french clubs.

The bigger money is in Japan, and the offers will be there, but how many times must this guy throw himself at the blues before they stump up?!

The Blues threw themselves at him last time! Now they have Copeland on the wage bill

What's wrong with the Scarlets, we need an 8 more than the Blues, but if Scarlet's have no chance then I rather him go to the Blues as we need him back in Wales.
All this speculation over number 8's is driving me mad, hurry up Simon it's driving me mad. There is a new rumour every week

Why do we need him back here? He's been rubbish in every game he's played for Wales.

Who. Are you on about delve
If so you must be mad, here is a list or reasons why:
He is Welsh qualified
He can bring a bit more competition to the number 8 spot for the national team
He has been regarded as one of the best 8's playing in super rugby for the past 2 years
Bring experience and leadership into the team
Strong ball carrier which is what we are looking for
First welsh person to captain a southern hemisphere team

Surprise surprise saint but some people gain experience and knowledge from more experience which over the past few years he has gained. If he is so rubbish why have or are big spending teams like Toulon and racing been trying to sign him. I'm pretty sure Toulon were going to sign him last season but he turned them down to stay on as captain and then the signed Masoe.

Anyway what do you suggest we do, stay with Mccucker or craig. Mccusker can cover 8 but he is a natural 6 and craig isn't really going to help us win Heineken cups is he. Delve would be a great addition to our team, if he did come to us (probably won't) I wouldn't hesitate in putting him into the captains jersey. We need a big number 8 who can lead from the front and get over the gain line. Delve couldn't be more suited to what we need. Doh

by The Saint Thu 23 May - 20:12

I'm not saying he would not be a great addition to any of the 4 Regions, because he would. I took issue with someone insinuating it was fundamental he played in Wales; the reason for that being he could be fast-tracked into the Wales team. Your reasons aren't very good to me. Most of us who watch rugby regularly have seen that he wasn't at all good when he played for Wales and that includes when he last played for us against NSW.

by pioden gorllewin Thu 23 May - 20:29

think peely will come home eventually to wales. him & jess are expecting their 2nd child and want to be closer to their families. think peel would be an ideal signing for the blues personally. he'll have the experience to guide patchell outside of him. he'd be able to mentor both lloyd williams and lewis jones who both still have a lot to learn. doubt he'd be involved with wales again, him and gatland haven't got the greatest of relationships. so he wouldn't be away too much.

by ScarletSpiderman Thu 23 May - 20:34

IF either Peel or Delve signed for a welsh region I really doubt it would make any difference to their hopes for Wales caps to add to their collection, both have been classed as unrequired by Gats. So that would probably make them even more logical signings as they should be available more to their region.

by wales606 Thu 23 May - 21:13

ScarletSpiderman wrote:IF either Peel or Delve signed for a welsh region I really doubt it would make any difference to their hopes for Wales caps to add to their collection, both have been classed as unrequired by Gats. So that would probably make them even more logical signings as they should be available more to their region.

Experience quality players who won't be called up for Wales and are not NWQ - sign me up...

I would love to see either/both at the Blues, Delve would be the perfect replacement leader for Rush and Peel would bring experience to a (hopefully) young backline

by Jhamer25 Thu 23 May - 23:20

The Saint wrote:I'm not saying he would not be a great addition to any of the 4 Regions, because he would. I took issue with someone insinuating it was fundamental he played in Wales; the reason for that being he could be fast-tracked into the Wales team. Your reasons aren't very good to me. Most of us who watch rugby regularly have seen that he wasn't at all good when he played for Wales and that includes when he last played for us against NSW.

Yes but you can't judge a person from their past experience or ability. Players develop and change. And most of us who watch regularly would understand people played judged on their current form and ability, not how they played in the past.
What you are technically saying is that what would be the point in bringing delve back because he wasn't that good for Wales in the PAST.
It doesn't matter what he played like for Wales in the past, it's what he could do for Wales in the not to distant future.

by Jhamer25 Thu 23 May - 23:22

Jhamer25 wrote:
The Saint wrote:I'm not saying he would not be a great addition to any of the 4 Regions, because he would. I took issue with someone insinuating it was fundamental he played in Wales; the reason for that being he could be fast-tracked into the Wales team. Your reasons aren't very good to me. Most of us who watch rugby regularly have seen that he wasn't at all good when he played for Wales and that includes when he last played for us against NSW.

Yes but you can't judge a person from their past experience or ability. Players develop and change. And most of us who watch rugby regularly would understand people chosen in a team are judged on their current form and ability, not how they played in the past.
What you are technically saying is that what would be the point in bringing delve back because he wasn't that good for Wales in the PAST.
It doesn't matter what he played like for Wales in the past, it's what he could do for Wales in the not to distant future.

by pioden gorllewin Fri 24 May - 7:30

JONATHAN Thomas looks to be on the point of exiting the Ospreys after a decade at the region, with Worcester Warriors closing in on a deal with the 67-cap Wales back rower.

Dean Ryan, the new director of rugby at Sixways, is known to be a big admirer of the 6ft 5in, 17st 13lb forward.

If the deal goes through, it will be the end of an era, with Thomas an Ospreys original — a player who has been with the region since their inception back in 2003.

A number of French clubs have been linked to him in recent months, including Bayonne and Stade Francais, and there has been interest from several outfits in England but Worcester appear to have made their way to the front of the queue for his services.

While the Pembroke-born player has a year left on his contract at the Liberty and is entitled to a testimonial next season, the Ospreys have a surfeit of back-row players and evidently feel they can lose one.

Thomas's departure would potentially free up cash for strengthening other areas of the squad, notably the back three, where injuries have left the region exposed this season.

There would be plenty who would be sorry to see him go, however.

Hugely popular with his fellow players, he has been a key squad member, always giving everything for a region he joined from Swansea RFC after the move from the old club system in 2003.

Since losing his place in the Wales set-up, he has been available to the Ospreys during international periods and shares their all-time appearance record on 188 with Andrew Bishop.

A move at this point would only be possible if a deal could be reached that would go some way to compensating him for the cash he would lose by missing out on his testimonial year.

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Jonathan-Thomas-heading-Ospreys-exit-Ospreys/story-19077925-detail/story.html#axzz2UBm3tE2x

by Stone Motif Fri 24 May - 9:30

I wonder if all those O's fans who claimed (despite the wealth of interest to the contrary) that Joe Bearman wasn't fit to lace 'JT's' boots have reconsidered now? How on earth he got to 67 caps on the strength of one game in 2003 is beyond me. Whatever rugby club Worcester have their Christmas do in better invest in some extra buckets this year or woe betide them.

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 24 May - 9:45

JT is not the best player in the world, but he is a decent enough player still. That said he is not a lock, and not a back rower, but a utility forward. And IMO that is how he amassed so many caps.

Also aint't it funny how people seem to love utility backs (Hook, Alfie, Gitau, Lamont/s etc) but never seem to warm to utility forwards in the same way.

by pioden gorllewin Fri 24 May - 10:07

during steve hansens reign as welsh coach he said the two welsh players he though were good enough to play for the all blacks were gethin Jenkins & jon thomas. shame that JT never really kicked on from the potential he showed in the early part of his career.

by Stone Motif Fri 24 May - 10:42

ScarletSpiderman wrote:JT is not the best player in the world, but he is a decent enough player still. That said he is not a lock, and not a back rower, but a utility forward. And IMO that is how he amassed so many caps.

Also aint't it funny how people seem to love utility backs (Hook, Alfie, Gitau, Lamont/s etc) but never seem to warm to utility forwards in the same way.

In JT's case, he's not well regarded as a utility forward because he is a forward with next to no utility. It's just a nice way of saying he is bog standard at best in more than one position.

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