Welsh Regions Signings/Departures/Rumours 2013 (Scarlets link with Blues winger Albert Nikoro)

by pioden gorllewin Wed 29 May 2013, 9:52 am

First topic message reminder :

n Harris arrives at Ospreys

In

Tito Tebaldi (Zebra) – Confirmed
Rhodri Williams (Scarlets) - Rumour
Tyler Ardron (Ontario Blues) - Confirmed
Jamie Murphy (Bridgend) - Confirmed
Jeff Hassler (Prairie Wolf Pack) - Confirmed
Mathew Dwyer (Bridgend) - Confirmed
Sam Williams (Aberavon)- Confirmed
Chris Gibbes ( Waikato/ Assistant Coach) - Confirmed
Zac Guilford (Crusaders) -Rumour
Aisea Natoga (Nadroga) - Confirmed

Out

Kahn Fotuali'i (Northampton Saints) - Confirmed
Jonathan Thomas (/Worcester Warriors) - Confirmed
Jonathan Humphries (Scotland Forwards Coach) - Confirmed
Campbell Johnstone ( Russian Club) - Confirmed
George Stowers (Tasman) - Confirmed
Cai Griffiths (London Welsh)- Confirmed
Ian Gough (Dragons) - Rumour

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) - Confirmed
Jamie Cub Davies (Carmarthen Athletic) - Confirmed
Josh Lewis (Ebbw Vale) - Confirmed
William Helu (Rugby Roma Olimpic) - Rumour
Lachlan McCaffery (Western Force)- Rumour
Rodnet So'oialo (Honda Heat) - Rumour
Frazier Climo (Taranaki) - Rumour
Albert Nikoro (Blues) -Rumour

Out

Tomas vallejos cinalli (Pampas XV) – Confirmed
Gareth Maule (London Irish/Munster) – Rumour
Adam Warren (Cardiff)- Rumour
Scott Williams (Cardiff) – Rumour
Rhodri Williams (Ospreys) – Rumour
Tavis Knoyle ( Gloucester) – Confirmed
Gareth Davies (Blues) –Rumour
Owen Williams (Leicester Tigers) – Confirmed
Jonathan Edwards (Cardiff RFC) – Confirmed
Andy Fenby (London Irish) - confirmed
Morgan Stoddart (Retired) - Confirmed
Dan Newton (London Scottish) - Confirmed
Kieron Murphy (Brive) - Confirmed
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 (Gloucester) - Rumour
Peter Edwards (London Welsh) -Confirmed
Craig Hawkins (Released) - Confirmed
Craig Price (Leicester Tigers) -Rumour
Lee Williams (Carmarthen Quins)- Confirmed

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
Lyn Jones (London Welsh) -Confirmed
Kingsley Jones (Russia National Team) - Rumour
Mathew Screech (Cardiff Blues) - Confirmed
Franck Montanella (London Welsh) - Rumour
Hudson Tonga’uiha (London Welsh) - Rumour
Jason Tovey (Cardiff Blues)- Confirmed
Ian Gough (Ospreys) - 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
Tim Ryan (Coventry) - 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
Rodney So'oialo (Honda Heat) - Rumour

Out

Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro) - 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
Corry Hill (Cornish Pirates) - Confirmed
Andy Kyriacou (Retired)- Confirmed
Xavier Rush (Leaves) - Confirmed
Mathew Screech (Bedwas/Dragons) - Confirmed
Nathan Trevett (London Welsh) - Confirmed
Jason Tovey (Dragons) - Confirmed

by wales606 Mon 17 Jun 2013, 10:37 pm

Stone Motif wrote:Welsh Under-20 Cap Matthew Screech signs for Bedwas and is reportedly training with the regional side:

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/10489124.Bedwas_boosted_by_raft_of_signings/

Bit irritated by this,

I guess he was fairly way down of the Blues pecking order, especially with Ellis Jenkins in the development squad.

by pioden gorllewin Tue 18 Jun 2013, 8:57 am

Ospreys have signed Aberavon's lock Sam Williams. I guess with Ianto & Alun Wyn rested after the Lions tour & then away again with with Team Rog, needed to add some depth in their lock dept. Ian Gough isn't getting much younger (not sure how much gas he has left in the tank to be truthful) it only leaves impressive youngsters Lloyd Peers & Rhodri Hughes left.

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Sam-Williams-wins-professional-contract-Ospreys/story-19316415-detail/story.html#axzz2WSPzkoVz

Screech seems astute signing for the dragons. Sidoli and Adam Jones aren't getting any younger. I'm guessing depending on what season he has next season Nimmo might not have his contract renewed. Josh Tyler has been released, so that only really leaves Muller/Groves/Coombes as the longer term locks. Wouldn't be surprised in a season or two Ashley Sweet from Ebbw Vale coming into the region. Bit small for a modern day lock, but plenty of aggression & heart.

by Guest Tue 18 Jun 2013, 9:34 am

The only thing that lets Ashley Sweet down is that due to the WRU farce, he's a championship player. I think he'll have to move to the Keys or somebody first (unless Ebbw finally get allowed into the Prem)

by international197 Tue 18 Jun 2013, 12:49 pm

I'm feeling satisfied with the Ospreys for recruiting within their region. I believe Sam Williams will provide good competition for the likes of Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Evans, James King, Ryan Jones, Lloyd Peers, Rhodri Hughes and Ian Gough for a second row berth at the Ospreys next season.

I'm also happy with the Dragons for signing Matthew Screech from the Blues. I feel disappointed that the Dragons did not sign a player from within their own region, but I'm happy that they've signed a Welsh qualified player. I believe Matthew Screech will provide competition for the likes of Adam Jones, Jevon Groves, Ian Nimmo, Rob Sidoli and Andrew Coombs for a second row berth at the Dragons next season.

However, I don't understand why the Ospreys and the Dragons have signed new second rows considering all the competition they have in those positions already. Headscratch

Maybe, as pioden says, Alun Wyn Jones and Ian Evans will be tired after the Lions tour, but the Ospreys would still have Ryan Jones, James King, Lloyd Peers, Ian Gough and Rhodri Hughes which I think is enough second rows to start off the season, Sam Williams will only make them stronger in a position they're already strong in. Is it really cost-effective to sign another second row? No wonder WQ players are leaving Wales, only fifteen players can start for a region and there are a lot more than fifteen players competing for those starting berths, there's going to be a hell of a lot of competition for game time at the Ospreys next season, maybe too much competition. I believe there will be so much competition that less competitive players may start to turn their heads elsewhere and look for contracts in England or France. If every WQ player played in Wales, I believe there's enough WQ talent for a fifth, or even sixth, Welsh region, unfortunately we struggle (financially) to sustain four regions, let alone five.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 18 Jun 2013, 3:48 pm

Guys lets keep it all polite and friendly here (and ideally religion free)

by Stone Motif Tue 18 Jun 2013, 4:25 pm

Gott in himmel, where have all my posts gone? Is sarcasm banned on yur now?

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 18 Jun 2013, 6:19 pm

Stone, check your pms boss, just sent an explaination.

Watching the U20s playing at the moment there should be a fair few of them looking to capitalize on the Welsh Lions needing rest at the start of the season.

by pioden gorllewin Tue 18 Jun 2013, 9:34 pm

NZ media reporting Waikato head coach Chris Gibbes joining Ospreys as assistant coach. Seems a really decent signing.

by international197 Tue 18 Jun 2013, 10:11 pm

Where there Welsh assistant coaches available?

by Allty Tue 18 Jun 2013, 10:24 pm

A good coach is worth his weight in gold.

by Jhamer25 Tue 18 Jun 2013, 10:41 pm

First of all Wales U20's, just wow. Have good generation of players coming through here:D

Anyway I take my hat of to Ospreys they have done really good in recruitment this year, they knew they already had the big players but they just needed those little signings for decent cover which they have done brilliantly.
We need more coaches like Chris in Wales, not these players who have been chucked into the a coaching role because they have no other option. Yes that's aimed at the blues with Andy kyrigbjfvkdfbvdvd

by Stone Motif Tue 18 Jun 2013, 11:07 pm

You can develope players, or you can develope coaches. Developing both at the same time, as is expected of the regions, is a nonsense.

by maestegmafia Wed 19 Jun 2013, 12:26 am

Good work by the Ospreys looks like we have a very talented man to replace Humphreys.

Good work by Gatland too in helping the Ospreys sign him.

by pioden gorllewin Wed 19 Jun 2013, 9:01 am

maestegmafia wrote:Good work by the Ospreys looks like we have a very talented man to replace Humphreys.

Good work by Gatland too in helping the Ospreys sign him.

Totally agree. Admire Hore who said a while ago he had interviewed the young coaches within the organisation (seems the buzz word that they use) and none had the relevant experience. Great that he's realised that and gone and looked to see who was most suited for the job.

Just noticed on the Dragons thread Tim Ryan to Coventry....is that confirmed?

Lyn Jones has stated he will assess the squad before looking to bring more in. Losing a NWQ player would allow French prop Franck Montanella or Tongan centre Hudson Tonga’uiha. Although would you need both Tonga'uiha and Tuilagi? Especially with young Dixon showing up well.

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 19 Jun 2013, 9:07 am

I'm pretty sure Andy Tuilagi has gone.

by pioden gorllewin Wed 19 Jun 2013, 9:18 am

Tuilagi has gone too? His name wasn't mentioned on the released players. But his contract was up for renewal, and he was on a fair bit apparently.

Must admit replacing Montanella & Tonga'uiha for Ryan & Tuilagi would be an upgrade to the squad.

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 19 Jun 2013, 9:25 am

With Dixon, Adam Hughes, Lewis Robling and Ross Wardle - and Ashley Smith - we're not doing too badly for centres. Then again, if this Tonga'uiha is a class act, I wouldn't be upset if he came to us.

I think we need some strength on the wings. Mike Poole will be back hopefully sooner rather than later, but other than him we have Tom Prydie and Will Harries, and I think that's it.

by ScarletSpiderman Wed 19 Jun 2013, 9:34 am

Lucky - I would assume that if you get another centre that Hughes would end up being stuck back out on the wing, as he is too good a player not to feild. As Dan Evs is a pretty good option on the wing, and Amos could go there too. At a guess if you feilded Dan Evs, Amos, and Prydie in the back three you could more or less rotate the fullback to suit as the game goes on, a bit like when Graham Henry played the left/right/centre fullbacks for Wales.

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 19 Jun 2013, 9:38 am

I keep forgetting about Hallam Amos (even after yesterday's JWC game!).

I hope Lyn Jones sees Adam Hughes as an outside centre. He's good on the wing but he's much better in midfield.

by pioden gorllewin Wed 19 Jun 2013, 12:50 pm

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/dragons/10494078.Tim_Ryan_makes_Dragons_exit/

surprised he featured 8 times for the dragons, can't remember any.

by LordDowlais Wed 19 Jun 2013, 12:57 pm

How refreshing was it to see Lyn Jones speaking after the U20's game yesterday ? Especially when he said that he hopes the other coaches in Wales will have the courage to play some of these youngsters, as he will. Well done Lyn, I hope you stick to your words.

by munkian Wed 19 Jun 2013, 3:13 pm

Yeah, good seeing him on there and 'Dragons coach' underneath his name Very Happy

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 19 Jun 2013, 3:38 pm

LordDowlais wrote:How refreshing was it to see Lyn Jones speaking after the U20's game yesterday ? Especially when he said that he hopes the other coaches in Wales will have the courage to play some of these youngsters, as he will. Well done Lyn, I hope you stick to your words.

I hope that's not the sound of knives being sharpened for when (as is bound to happen at some point) Lyn Jones selects Kris Burton at ten instead of Steffan Jones, or Netani Talei at number eight instead of Ieuan Jones.

by Stone Motif Wed 19 Jun 2013, 3:38 pm

LordDowlais wrote:How refreshing was it to see Lyn Jones speaking after the U20's game yesterday ? Especially when he said that he hopes the other coaches in Wales will have the courage to play some of these youngsters, as he will. Well done Lyn, I hope you stick to your words.

I fail to see what the big deal is here being as Dixon, Amos and Jones have all played many times for their region already...

by pioden gorllewin Wed 19 Jun 2013, 4:03 pm

don't think lord was directing that post directly at the dragons. think a lot of those u20 boys will see plenty on game time next season with the regions. especially as the lion boys will be rested at the start of the season, then the autumn ints and finally the 6n's.

by Jhamer25 Wed 19 Jun 2013, 4:11 pm

Not a loss really though becuase Dragons Never played him, i think i can rcall him on the bench twice. I thought he was a decent signing the first time i heard of him and looked at his experience i thought that he could have a good go for the Dragons. But they didn't even really give him a chance.
Anyway didn't know Montanella and hudson were being linked with the dragons, really good singigns if they did but aren't the NWQ players full at the Dragons?

by Stone Motif Wed 19 Jun 2013, 4:15 pm

Jhamer25 wrote: I though he was a decent signing the first time i heard of him and looked at his experience i though that he could have a good go for the Dragons. But they didn't even really give him a chance.

and indeed Laugh

by Cardiff Dave Wed 19 Jun 2013, 4:20 pm

LordDowlais wrote:How refreshing was it to see Lyn Jones speaking after the U20's game yesterday ? Especially when he said that he hopes the other coaches in Wales will have the courage to play some of these youngsters, as he will. Well done Lyn, I hope you stick to your words.

As Cardiff Blues have done and more so in recent seasons. I guess Lyn wouldn't really know this as he's been out of the Welsh limelight for a while.

by LordDowlais Wed 19 Jun 2013, 4:58 pm

pioden gorllewin wrote:don't think lord was directing that post directly at the dragons. think a lot of those u20 boys will see plenty on game time next season with the regions. especially as the lion boys will be rested at the start of the season, then the autumn ints and finally the 6n's.

Yes you are correct, I was not aiming it directly at the Dragons, I just found his words refreshing to hear, I have always liked Lyn Jones, he has always spoke his mind, and he is not afraid to tell it how it is, it's just a shame a few people on here take a victim mentality when I was only complimenting what a Dragons coach had said on tele. thumbsup

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 19 Jun 2013, 5:28 pm

Dowlais, it was the 'I hope you stick to your words' at the end of your post.

by Stone Motif Wed 19 Jun 2013, 5:32 pm

...and indeed the wholly spurious notion that youngsters in Wales struggle for game time. Now who's playing the victim card?

by international197 Wed 19 Jun 2013, 5:32 pm

pioden gorllewin wrote:don't think lord was directing that post directly at the dragons. think a lot of those u20 boys will see plenty on game time next season with the regions. especially as the lion boys will be rested at the start of the season, then the autumn ints and finally the 6n's.

I wouldn't be surprised if several players of the current Wales U20s squad are to be announced in Wales' autumn and Six Nations squads for next season. I believe they will have game time at the beginning of the season for their regions, but come the autumn and Six Nations I think quite a few could be involved with Wales.

by international197 Wed 19 Jun 2013, 5:49 pm

I hope the Dragons don't sign a NWQ prop to replace Tim Ryan, I think they should either save some money and not replace him or sign a WQ prop from one of the Dragons feeder clubs, such as Cross Keys RFC, Bedwas RFC, Newport RFC or Ebbw Vale RFC to replace him.

Also, can anyone tell me whether Tim Ryan is a loose head or a tight head? (my knowledge of Dragons props isn't as good as I would like it to be)

by Luckless Pedestrian Wed 19 Jun 2013, 5:57 pm

You'd seriously prefer us to sign no prop at all than sign a NWQ prop?

by international197 Wed 19 Jun 2013, 6:01 pm

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:You'd seriously prefer us to sign no prop at all than sign a NWQ prop?

I wouldn't want the Dragons to sign a NWQ prop. I think there's enough WQ talent available. Also, if they decide not to sign anyone, I believe that would release money for the Dragons to pay off a fraction of their debts.

by Stone Motif Wed 19 Jun 2013, 6:23 pm

international197 wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:You'd seriously prefer us to sign no prop at all than sign a NWQ prop?
I wouldn't want the Dragons to sign a NWQ prop. I think there's enough WQ talent available. Also, if they decide not to sign anyone, I believe that would release money for the Dragons to pay off a fraction of their debts.

I think you talk utter cobblers mate.

by Guest Wed 19 Jun 2013, 6:25 pm

International, I understand your sentiment but we have needed to sign the likes of Ryan in the past because we have signed welsh props from the prem and they have unfortunately lived up to what they are - prem quality, not pro. None of our welsh props have kicked on and have always struggled. Our scrum has been going backwards for years and has cost us many, many penalties. We've probably done more to promote young welsh front rowers than anyone else (but don't quote me on this), but it's got us nowhere - the likes of Phil Price, Dan Way (now welsh qualified), Sam Parry, Aaron Coundley, Dan Watchhurst, Nathan Buck, Rhys Buckley, Owen Evans, Huw Gustafson, Nathan Williams and some I'm bound to have forgotten have all been a feature of the Dragons front row for the past few years. And it's been exactly those players that have come in for the criticism for being not up to scratch. This is supported by the fact that only Parry out of all of them has had a national call up and that was only last week as 6th choice Wales hooker (Hibbard away, Rees rested, Owens injured, Emyr Phillips starting against Japan, Baldwin on the bench). That's how low ranked these players are - Former U20s players or not.

So, we've 'acquired' those players by trawling the region, Wales and overseas (English leagues) for WQ front rowers and this is what we've managed. Assuming that we haven't deliberately overlooked better players than these for some odd reason then I doubt there is better knocking around in the premiership or lower leagues just waiting for the call. Hence the need for some overseas players (notice I say some as perhaps just a very decent TH is all we need, and unless they're hidden from talent scouts' view in some welsh backwater then we need to look elsewhere).

by international197 Wed 19 Jun 2013, 7:10 pm

I disagree. I would say that I want the Dragons to sign a NWQ overseas player, as long as he's uncapped, that it is clear on his contract that he is to stay in Wales for the next 36 months* in order to become WQ, and he is to refuse a cap for his home nation if the opportunity arises. But, I think it's currently a financial risk for any Welsh region to invest in any player for 36 months, especially an uncapped, NWQ player, so I wouldn't want that (plus it's a long, tedious process to turn a NWQ player into a WQ player, but sometimes worth it in the end). I think it's much easier to invest in a WQ prop, and I think there are many quality WQ props overseas waiting to come home to Wales; the likes of Eifion Lewis-Roberts, Craig Mitchell, Paul James, Ben Broster, John Yapp, Rhys Gill and so on. I would be happy if any of these WQ props replaced Tim Ryan at the Dragons for next season.

*http://www.irb.com/mm/document/lawsregs/regulations/04/23/28/42328_pdf.pdf

However, I would like the WRU to persuade uncapped players who are playing for the likes of Gloucester, Sale, Bristol, Worcester and Bath (by the Wales-England border) to buy or rent a house in Wales. If an uncapped player lives in Wales for 36 months*, he's automatically WQ, so that would be something that I'd like the WRU to try to do. Once a Bath, Sale, Gloucester, Bristol or Worcester player is WQ, then I believe a Welsh region should try to sign him.

*http://www.irb.com/mm/document/lawsregs/regulations/04/23/28/42328_pdf.pdf

I also want a list of WQ players that have moved overseas but was himself, or has a parent or grandparent born in Wales* and I want that list made public by the WRU. If such a list was made public I doubt the likes of Rhys Llewellyn* and Jake Ball would slip through Welsh hands easily; I'm pretty sure the WRU board have that list in private. I would like to see it published in the Western Mail.

*http://www.irb.com/mm/document/lawsregs/regulations/04/23/28/42328_pdf.pdf
*https://www.606v2.com/t7685-rhys-llewellyn-what-is-the-story

by dragon4life Wed 19 Jun 2013, 7:14 pm

Wouldnt like to see NWQ players at the welsh regions unless they were world class, but im fed up of all terrible NWQ player coming into the regions because they cant afford them. Central contracting now please.

by Stone Motif Wed 19 Jun 2013, 8:46 pm

international197 wrote:I disagree. I would say that I want the Dragons to sign a NWQ overseas player, as long as he's uncapped, that it is clear on his contract that he is to stay in Wales for the next 36 months* in order to become WQ, and he is to refuse a cap for his home nation if the opportunity arises. But, I think it's currently a financial risk for any Welsh region to invest in any player for 36 months, especially an uncapped, NWQ player, so I wouldn't want that (plus it's a long, tedious process to turn a NWQ player into a WQ player, but sometimes worth it in the end). I think it's much easier to invest in a WQ prop, and I think there are many quality WQ props overseas waiting to come home to Wales; the likes of Eifion Lewis-Roberts, Craig Mitchell, Paul James, Ben Broster, John Yapp, Rhys Gill and so on. I would be happy if any of these WQ props replaced Tim Ryan at the Dragons for next season.

*http://www.irb.com/mm/document/lawsregs/regulations/04/23/28/42328_pdf.pdf

However, I would like the WRU to persuade uncapped players who are playing for the likes of Gloucester, Sale, Bristol, Worcester and Bath (by the Wales-England border) to buy or rent a house in Wales. If an uncapped player lives in Wales for 36 months*, he's automatically WQ, so that would be something that I'd like the WRU to try to do. Once a Bath, Sale, Gloucester, Bristol or Worcester player is WQ, then I believe a Welsh region should try to sign him.

*http://www.irb.com/mm/document/lawsregs/regulations/04/23/28/42328_pdf.pdf

I also want a list of WQ players that have moved overseas but was himself, or has a parent or grandparent born in Wales* and I want that list made public by the WRU. If such a list was made public I doubt the likes of Rhys Llewellyn* and Jake Ball would slip through Welsh hands easily; I'm pretty sure the WRU board have that list in private. I would like to see it published in the Western Mail.

*http://www.irb.com/mm/document/lawsregs/regulations/04/23/28/42328_pdf.pdf
*https://www.606v2.com/t7685-rhys-llewellyn-what-is-the-story

You do realise why these exiles are playing abroad and not in Wales don't you? I'll give you a clue, they fold in half and they have either the queen's head on them or some mickey mouse Euro bod I can't remember. Oh, and foreign clubs have a lot more of them than the Welsh regions.

by dragon4life Wed 19 Jun 2013, 8:48 pm

My last post didnt make sense sorry

by Jhamer25 Wed 19 Jun 2013, 10:06 pm

Stone Motif wrote:
Jhamer25 wrote: I though he was a decent signing the first time i heard of him and looked at his experience i though that he could have a good go for the Dragons. But they didn't even really give him a chance.
and indeed

What, can't have an opinion now.
I've read a few things what you have said on here mind that's been absolute rubbish but that's your opinion and I have said nothing.
Don't go making stupid pathetic little comments like the above.
Why wouldn't I think he was a descent signings. He played against the All blacks for Munster and had good spells at Toulon and Newcastle. I knew he was a descent ball carrier as well as he use to be a number 8 and lock. Wasn't expecting him to do much better in the scrums but I felt he would have been the strongest option for tight head at the club. Thought de deserved more of a chance to show what he had than they gave him really.

by dragon999 Wed 19 Jun 2013, 10:08 pm

international197 wrote:
Luckless Pedestrian wrote:You'd seriously prefer us to sign no prop at all than sign a NWQ prop?
I wouldn't want the Dragons to sign a NWQ prop. I think there's enough WQ talent available. Also, if they decide not to sign anyone, I believe that would release money for the Dragons to pay off a fraction of their debts.

You are aware that the Dragons have broken even this year ?

by international197 Wed 19 Jun 2013, 10:32 pm

dragon999 wrote: You are aware that the Dragons have broken even this year ?

I wasn't aware, I am now. However, the Dragons are registered under the WRU, partly funded by the WRU and sanctioned by the WRU and the WRU have liabilities of nearly £20 million*, so I believe that relates to the Dragons as well. I think if the regions spend less, take in more monies into their accounts directly from themselves, that will put less pressure on the WRU to subsidize them and the WRU can pay off their debts quicker. Once the WRU debt is payed off, I suspect the amount of money that the regions will be able to offer to players will increase noticeably. For me, paying off the MS debt is the light at the end of the tunnel for financially stricken Welsh rugby. I hope the MS will function for hundreds of years, I don't want the WRU taking out another loan to build another stadium after they've paid off the MS debt.

*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22810302

by dragon999 Wed 19 Jun 2013, 11:10 pm

Isn't the money paid to the regions from tv revenue which they earn? they are not "funded" by the WRU - someone who knows more than me confirm or deny pls

by Guest Wed 19 Jun 2013, 11:22 pm

Jhamer25 wrote:
Stone Motif wrote:
Jhamer25 wrote: I though he was a decent signing the first time i heard of him and looked at his experience i though that he could have a good go for the Dragons. But they didn't even really give him a chance.
and indeed

What, can't have an opinion now.
I've read a few things what you have said on here mind that's been absolute rubbish but that's your opinion and I have said nothing.
Don't go making stupid pathetic little comments like the above.
Why wouldn't I think he was a descent signings. He played against the All blacks for Munster and had good spells at Toulon and Newcastle. I knew he was a descent ball carrier as well as he use to be a number 8 and lock. Wasn't expecting him to do much better in the scrums but I felt he would have been the strongest option for tight head at the club. Thought de deserved more of a chance to show what he had than they gave him really.

I don't think he was much cop at Munster, Toulon or anywhere else. To put it in context he was third choice at Munster behind scrummaging super powers like John Hayes and Tony Buckley. Also wouldn't that all blacks game have been when the two props were away on international duty?

His cv is good reading, but if you look into it properly it probably isn't worth taking any notice of. If he was any good, he'd be anchoring our scrum all the time as Buck and Way aren't very good and so if he was better, he'd have played. The fact he has become available and had to go to Coventry speaks volumes. Plus he also came from a semi pro team.

by pioden gorllewin Thu 20 Jun 2013, 7:30 am

seen him a few times in person over the last couple of season, and his physically condition isn't great to be truthful for a pro rugby player. that's why I always assumed he was injured.

by Stone Motif Thu 20 Jun 2013, 8:46 am

Jhamer25 wrote:
Stone Motif wrote:
Jhamer25 wrote: I though he was a decent signing the first time i heard of him and looked at his experience i though that he could have a good go for the Dragons. But they didn't even really give him a chance.
and indeed

What, can't have an opinion now.
I've read a few things what you have said on here mind that's been absolute rubbish but that's your opinion and I have said nothing.
Don't go making stupid pathetic little comments like the above.
Why wouldn't I think he was a descent signings. He played against the All blacks for Munster and had good spells at Toulon and Newcastle. I knew he was a descent ball carrier as well as he use to be a number 8 and lock. Wasn't expecting him to do much better in the scrums but I felt he would have been the strongest option for tight head at the club. Thought de deserved more of a chance to show what he had than they gave him really.

I repeat,

and indeed Laugh

As Rev says, if he couldn't displace scrummaging super-powers Buckles and Way (albeit Buck much improved under Iestyn) why the ffec should he have been given 'more of a chance?' It's not the under 9's where everyone gets to play, this is pro rugby we're talking about.

by Stone Motif Thu 20 Jun 2013, 8:50 am

international197 wrote:
dragon999 wrote: You are aware that the Dragons have broken even this year ?

I wasn't aware, I am now. However, the Dragons are registered under the WRU, partly funded by the WRU and sanctioned by the WRU and the WRU have liabilities of nearly £20 million*, so I believe that relates to the Dragons as well. I think if the regions spend less, take in more monies into their accounts directly from themselves, that will put less pressure on the WRU to subsidize them and the WRU can pay off their debts quicker. Once the WRU debt is payed off, I suspect the amount of money that the regions will be able to offer to players will increase noticeably. For me, paying off the MS debt is the light at the end of the tunnel for financially stricken Welsh rugby. I hope the MS will function for hundreds of years, I don't want the WRU taking out another loan to build another stadium after they've paid off the MS debt.

*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22810302

Wrong, wrong, wrong. There is no growth room left in the international calendar, the growth in rugby needs to come at club/provincial level. The other nations all recognise this, unfortunately we have a bean counter in charge who is being paid a handsome bonus for every bean counted, and is particularly pleased if those beans are someone elses not the wru's.

by Cardiff Dave Thu 20 Jun 2013, 12:16 pm

dragon999 wrote:Isn't the money paid to the regions from tv revenue which they earn? they are not "funded" by the WRU - someone who knows more than me confirm or deny pls

As I understand it, tv revenue and various competition cash (around £9m-ish in total) is paid to the WRU who then shovel it on to the 4 regions. The further £6.2m (£1.5m-ish each) is payment from the WRU for such things like player release and adhering to the agreed NWQ quota.

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