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 dragon999 Thu 20 Jun 2013, 1:43 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:
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.

Thanks Dave, i thought that was how it worked

by Jhamer25 Thu 20 Jun 2013, 4:10 pm

Stone Motif wrote:

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, :picard: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.

I knew that he wasn't going to be a great team changing singing but my point is that from his previous record I assumed he could have at LEAST been given a start for the Dragon's to show what he had. I knew he wasn't going to be the answer to the Dragons' problems but come on he wasn't even given a shot. Yes he was third choice for Munster but I thought he played good when I did see him, he was really good against the All Blacks around the pitch and that was what caught the eye of Toulon. Just thought he deserved more of a chance that's all.

by international197 Thu 20 Jun 2013, 5:44 pm

Stone Motif wrote:Wrong, wrong, wrong. There is no growth room left in the international calendar, the growth in rugby needs to come at club/provincial level.

I agree with you, I would like to see rugby grow in Wales at club/provincial level.

by dragon4life Thu 20 Jun 2013, 6:05 pm

Link to any other good forums?

by Guest Thu 20 Jun 2013, 6:16 pm

http://draggedup.co.uk/chat/

by dragon4life Thu 20 Jun 2013, 6:23 pm

Thanks

by Cardiff Dave Fri 21 Jun 2013, 10:46 am

dragon4life wrote:Link to any other good forums?

"good" is a matter of opinion of course, but here's a few which may float your boat;

http://www.scarletfever.org/forum/scarlets-general_forum1.html
http://www.ospreysrugby.com/forum/
http://www.ponty.net/terracetalk
http://www.nowrugby.com/mb/forumdisplay.php?f=11
http://forum.gwladrugby.com/
http://www.scumv.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=1

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 21 Jun 2013, 11:48 am

Scarletfever is pretty good, but has a real issue with poster being one extreme or the other. Scarlets could lift the HEC, Rabo and LV= with our youth team, to not a single Scarlets player or coach is fit to be involved in the welsh prem. That said good source of info (not quite as good as pioden though).

Scrum V seems a bit fast paced IMO, if you don't post for a day the thread you were on has totally changed direction and is on a completely different subject. And the banter is not as tame as it is on here.

Not sure about the others mind, never really tried them, but I assume the Ospreys, Ponty and Dragged Up are similar to Scarletfever.

by pioden gorllewin Fri 21 Jun 2013, 11:57 am

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Scarletfever is pretty good, but has a real issue with poster being one extreme or the other. Scarlets could lift the HEC, Rabo and LV= with our youth team, to not a single Scarlets player or coach is fit to be involved in the welsh prem. That said good source of info (not quite as good as pioden though).

Scrum V seems a bit fast paced IMO, if you don't post for a day the thread you were on has totally changed direction and is on a completely different subject. And the banter is not as tame as it is on here.

Not sure about the others mind, never really tried them, but I assume the Ospreys, Ponty and Dragged Up are similar to Scarletfever.

thanks buddy:OK:

by Cardiff Dave Fri 21 Jun 2013, 11:59 am

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Scarletfever is pretty good, but has a real issue with poster being one extreme or the other. Scarlets could lift the HEC, Rabo and LV= with our youth team, to not a single Scarlets player or coach is fit to be involved in the welsh prem. That said good source of info (not quite as good as pioden though).

I was going to mention this. It's great though. Good humour too.
From full-on elation to utter despair and back again at the drop of a hat and apparently, the Scarlets have already been knocked out of next season's HEC.

by pioden gorllewin Fri 21 Jun 2013, 12:22 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Scarletfever is pretty good, but has a real issue with poster being one extreme or the other. Scarlets could lift the HEC, Rabo and LV= with our youth team, to not a single Scarlets player or coach is fit to be involved in the welsh prem. That said good source of info (not quite as good as pioden though).

I was going to mention this. It's great though. Good humour too.
From full-on elation to utter despair and back again at the drop of a hat and apparently, the Scarlets have already been knocked out of next season's HEC.

seems like a lot of regulars are off their at the moment, and over in oz for the series. think at the moment their is a few wum on their with topics like ball to 8, Jordan 9 etc.....just to bait a few regulars. see some old 606v2 regulars there though smirnoffpriest, dreamer etc.....not many of us scarlets fans left on here anymore unfortunately.

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 21 Jun 2013, 12:25 pm

You do see some old faces (well sort of) but people use different names, so you can only be sure by their style and comments etc.

I must be honest I do like the way the topics on the wums their take a total nose dive, like Jake Ball to 8 has ended up with someone pimping his cat for our new lock, and Barclay wanting to convert to hooker etc.

by Cardiff Dave Fri 21 Jun 2013, 12:31 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
Scrum V seems a bit fast paced IMO, if you don't post for a day the thread you were on has totally changed direction and is on a completely different subject. And the banter is not as tame as it is on here.

Not sure about the others mind, never really tried them, but I assume the Ospreys, Ponty and Dragged Up are similar to Scarletfever.

ScumV also appears to have an anti-regional bent. The Os forum and Dragged Up are both a poor mans Scarletfever and Ponty.net is one of a kind.
Anyway, they're all a bit different and it's good to gauge other opinions.

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 21 Jun 2013, 12:33 pm

I tried ScrumV, and found myself wumming and being rather offensive. It really shocked me how quickly I took a dislike to certain posters, and their comments about anything futher west than Swansea etc. Never tried the others, as I think I would stand out if I used my online name there.

by Cardiff Dave Fri 21 Jun 2013, 12:49 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:I tried ScrumV, and found myself wumming and being rather offensive. It really shocked me how quickly I took a dislike to certain posters, and their comments about anything futher west than Swansea etc. Never tried the others, as I think I would stand out if I used my online name there.

Get it right, it's ScumV not ScrumV. I know what you mean though.
The fact is there are several posters on there who support Wales, but do not buy into regional rugby at all because of the way it was/is set up and I can understand that. This explains why there always seems to be a fight going on in some shape or form. Read, but don't get involved is the best bet.

(Edit: I would like to add that ScumV also has some very knowledgeable posters and for this reason alone the forum is well worth a vist.)

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 21 Jun 2013, 1:32 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:Get it right, it's ScumV not ScrumV. I know what you mean though.

So it is, I only just noticed that, as I had a link to it given to me and have always used it picard

by pioden gorllewin Fri 21 Jun 2013, 1:41 pm

on the gossip side of things looks like scarlets have got their irons in many fires at the moment. asking about GBE status (Government Body Endorsements) contract situations on various players. Asked about a Tongan winger recently. Not sure where we will use our remaining NWQ spot. But it does look like we will strengthen on wing and 8.

At present I'm not too worried about time scales as NZ contracts tend to run until October. Guess it's just a case of getting the signings over the finishing line.

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 21 Jun 2013, 2:39 pm

I am happier that we have not made any snap signings yet, as they tend to be useless (Mr Vallejos take a bow). If we take our time and sign a quality player, brilliant, if we fail to sign anyone well that is better than signing a waster.

by Scrumdown Fri 21 Jun 2013, 3:11 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:I tried ScrumV, and found myself wumming and being rather offensive. It really shocked me how quickly I took a dislike to certain posters, and their comments about anything futher west than Swansea etc. Never tried the others, as I think I would stand out if I used my online name there.

One of the strengths of scumv compared to this site is the fact that the moderator is extremely knowledgable about rugby which is probably the reason you found yourself resorting to wumming!

by pioden gorllewin Fri 21 Jun 2013, 4:20 pm

scarlets confirm development contracts:

Here: http://www.scarlets.co.uk/eng/news/5871.php

Aaron Warren (Wing); Llandovery

Dion Jones (Full Back); Llanelli

Gareth Thomas (Prop); Carmarthen

Carwyn Jones (Second Row); Carmarthen

Sion Bennett (Backrow); Carmarthen

Lewis Rawlins (Backrow); Llanelli

Steffan Hughes (Centre), Llanelli, will move into his 2nd Year in the Scarlets Senior Academy; with Jordan Williams and Rhodri Williams on senior regional contracts and Daniel Thomas, Lewis continuing on his development contract.

Some really good players there, with a few future internationals. Keeping hold of them long term will be the problem.

by Jhamer25 Fri 21 Jun 2013, 4:23 pm

pioden gorllewin wrote:scarlets confirm development contracts:

Here: http://www.scarlets.co.uk/eng/news/5871.php

Aaron Warren (Wing); Llandovery

Dion Jones (Full Back); Llanelli

Gareth Thomas (Prop); Carmarthen

Carwyn Jones (Second Row); Carmarthen

Sion Bennett (Backrow); Carmarthen

Lewis Rawlins (Backrow); Llanelli

Steffan Hughes (Centre), Llanelli, will move into his 2nd Year in the Scarlets Senior Academy; with Jordan Williams and Rhodri Williams on senior regional contracts and Daniel Thomas, Lewis continuing on his development contract.

Some really good players there, with a few future internationals. Keeping hold of them long term will be the problem.

Good Good let's keep these stars coming through. Great news

by Cardiff Dave Fri 21 Jun 2013, 4:48 pm

Scrumdown wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:I tried ScrumV, and found myself wumming and being rather offensive. It really shocked me how quickly I took a dislike to certain posters, and their comments about anything futher west than Swansea etc. Never tried the others, as I think I would stand out if I used my online name there.

One of the strengths of scumv compared to this site is the fact that the moderator is extremely knowledgable about rugby which is probably the reason you found yourself resorting to wumming!

I would wager that the knowledge of the ScumV moderator had nowt to do with it.

by international197 Fri 21 Jun 2013, 5:09 pm

pioden gorllewin wrote:

Aaron Warren (Wing); Llandovery

Dion Jones (Full Back); Llanelli

Gareth Thomas (Prop); Carmarthen

Carwyn Jones (Second Row); Carmarthen

Sion Bennett (Backrow); Carmarthen

Lewis Rawlins (Backrow); Llanelli

I'm glad that the Scarlets have signed 2013 U20 JWC semi-finalist Aaron Warren; he was the only player in the Wales U20s squad that was not originally tied to a region* so I'm glad the Scarlets have signed him. I think he'll compete with the likes of Jordan Williams, Liam Williams, Kyle Evans, Kristian Phillips, Gareth Maule, Dion Jones, Adam Warren, Iolo Evans, Nick Reynolds and possibly others, like 2013 Wales Sevens World Cup squad member Jason Harries, of Carmarthen Quins RFC (joint top try scorer* in the 2012-2013 Principality Premiership) and Wales U20 JWC squad member* Harri Evans of RGC, for a wing berth at the Scarlets next season.

*http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/wales/news/u20/27231.php#.UcRzbju-rXA
*http://www.blackandambers.co.uk/News/Article/24873
*http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/matchcentre/squads_wales_u20.php?player=112127&includeref=dynamic

I'm also glad that the Scarlets have signed Dion Jones, who has been compared to Morgan Stoddart, I think he'll compete with the likes of Jordan Williams, Liam Williams, Kyle Evans, Kristian Phillips, Gareth Maule, Aaron Warren, Adam Warren, Iolo Evans, Nick Reynolds and possibly others, like Wales 2013 Sevens World Cup squad members* Chris Knight of Llandovery RFC and Lee Williams of Carmarthen Quins RFC, for the wing berths at the Scarlets next season, and the likes of Jordan Williams, Liam Williams, Rhys Preistland, Steven Shingler, Gareth Owen, Aled Thomas and possibly others, like Lee Rees of Llandovery RFC (named in the 2012-2013 Principality Premiership team of the season*), for the fullback berth at the Scarlets next season.

*http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/wales/news/sevens/27261.php#.UcR-NDu-rXA
*http://www.llandoveryrfc.co.uk/News/Article/29462

I'm happy that the Scarlets have signed 2013 U20 JWC semi-finalist* Gareth Thomas to compete with the likes of Phil John, Rhodri Jones, Rob Evans and possibly others, like Wyn Jones of Llandovery RFC, who is deemed 'hugely promising'* by journalist Huw S Thomas, for the loose head prop berth at the Scarlets next season.

*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22938124
*http://www.llandoveryrfc.co.uk/News/Article/25066

I believe 2013 U20 JWC semi-finalist* Carwyn Jones will provide competition for the second row berths at the Scarlets next season, alongside the likes of Joe Snyman, George Earle, Richard Kelly, Jake Ball, Josh Turnbull, Aaron Shingler, Lewis Rawlins and possibly others, like Llanelli RFC captain Adam Powell*.

*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22938124
*http://www.llanellirfc.co.uk/

Likewise, I think Lewis Rawlins will provide competition for the second row berths at the Scarlets next season, alongside the likes of Joe Snyman, George Earle, Richard Kelly, Jake Ball, Josh Turnbull, Aaron Shingler, Carwyn Jones and possibly others, like Llewelyn Jones* of Llandovery RFC and Adam Powell of Llanelli RFC. I also believe he will provide competition for the blindside flanker berth, competing against the likes of Rob McCusker, Aaron Shingler, Josh Turnbull, Jon Barclay, Sion Bennett, Craig Price and possibly others, like Duane Eager* of Llanelli RFC.

*http://www.llandoveryrfc.co.uk/Teams/Player?PersonId=156421
*http://www.llanellirfc.co.uk/

I think 2013 U20 JWC semi-finalist* Sion Bennett is an important signing because I believe the Scarlets are lacking depth at eight. I suspect he will provide competition for the likes of Rob McCusker, Craig Price and possibly others, like Stuart Leach* of Llanelli RFC, for the number eight shirt for the Scarlets next season. I also think he will compete for the blindside flanker berth for the Scarlets next season, against the likes of Rob McCusker, Aaron Shingler, Josh Turnbull, Jon Barclay, Lewis Rawlins, Craig Price and possibly others, like Aidan Laxton* of Carmarthen Quins RFC.

*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22938124
*http://www.llanellirfc.co.uk/
*http://www.carmarthenquinsrfc.co.uk/News/Article/29696

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 21 Jun 2013, 8:05 pm

Scrumdown - it had more to do with cinstantly being called an incestuous turk, even though I am not from Llanelli, and being told that a league table isn't a true way to gauge a teams real position in the pecking order. To be fair the mods seemed pretty decent.

Anyhow, looking at those lads on development and full regional contracts the future looks better. With Sanjay, Jordan, McShingler and Co. fullback and wings seem pretty well stocked again. Whilst we will obviously miss George and Fenby, my fears about being left short out wide have been set at ease.

Any news on Kyle Evans signing on full time?

by Cardiff Dave Fri 21 Jun 2013, 8:36 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Scrumdown - it had more to do with cinstantly being called an incestuous turk, even though I am not from Llanelli, and being told that a league table isn't a true way to gauge a teams real position in the pecking order. To be fair the mods seemed pretty decent.

And there we go. I knew it.
Scarlet bashing is what they call it by the way.
I await Scrumdown's response, but I very much doubt he will bother because I reckon he's a geezer.

by international197 Fri 21 Jun 2013, 8:37 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Any news on Kyle Evans signing on full time?

I think he has:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22335265

by ScarletSpiderman Fri 21 Jun 2013, 8:42 pm

international197 wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:Any news on Kyle Evans signing on full time?
I think he has:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22335265

Cheers, I thought he had/would sign but heard nothing, that will teach me to read th full article in future.

by Cardiff Dave Fri 21 Jun 2013, 9:01 pm

international197 wrote:
pioden gorllewin wrote:

Aaron Warren (Wing); Llandovery

Dion Jones (Full Back); Llanelli

Gareth Thomas (Prop); Carmarthen

Carwyn Jones (Second Row); Carmarthen

Sion Bennett (Backrow); Carmarthen

Lewis Rawlins (Backrow); Llanelli

I'm glad that the Scarlets have signed 2013 U20 JWC semi-finalist Aaron Warren; he was the only player in the Wales U20s squad that was not originally tied to a region* so I'm glad the Scarlets have signed him. I think he'll compete with the likes of Jordan Williams, Liam Williams, Kyle Evans, Kristian Phillips, Gareth Maule, Dion Jones, Adam Warren, Iolo Evans, Nick Reynolds and possibly others, like 2013 Wales Sevens World Cup squad member Jason Harries, of Carmarthen Quins RFC (joint top try scorer* in the 2012-2013 Principality Premiership) and Wales U20 JWC squad member* Harri Evans of RGC, for a wing berth at the Scarlets next season.

*http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/wales/news/u20/27231.php#.UcRzbju-rXA
*http://www.blackandambers.co.uk/News/Article/24873
*http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/matchcentre/squads_wales_u20.php?player=112127&includeref=dynamic

I'm also glad that the Scarlets have signed Dion Jones, who has been compared to Morgan Stoddart, I think he'll compete with the likes of Jordan Williams, Liam Williams, Kyle Evans, Kristian Phillips, Gareth Maule, Aaron Warren, Adam Warren, Iolo Evans, Nick Reynolds and possibly others, like Wales 2013 Sevens World Cup squad members* Chris Knight of Llandovery RFC and Lee Williams of Carmarthen Quins RFC, for the wing berths at the Scarlets next season, and the likes of Jordan Williams, Liam Williams, Rhys Preistland, Steven Shingler, Gareth Owen, Aled Thomas and possibly others, like Lee Rees of Llandovery RFC (named in the 2012-2013 Principality Premiership team of the season*), for the fullback berth at the Scarlets next season.

*http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/wales/news/sevens/27261.php#.UcR-NDu-rXA
*http://www.llandoveryrfc.co.uk/News/Article/29462

I'm happy that the Scarlets have signed 2013 U20 JWC semi-finalist* Gareth Thomas to compete with the likes of Phil John, Rhodri Jones, Rob Evans and possibly others, like Wyn Jones of Llandovery RFC, who is deemed 'hugely promising'* by journalist Huw S Thomas, for the loose head prop berth at the Scarlets next season.

*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22938124
*http://www.llandoveryrfc.co.uk/News/Article/25066

I believe 2013 U20 JWC semi-finalist* Carwyn Jones will provide competition for the second row berths at the Scarlets next season, alongside the likes of Joe Snyman, George Earle, Richard Kelly, Jake Ball, Josh Turnbull, Aaron Shingler, Lewis Rawlins and possibly others, like Llanelli RFC captain Adam Powell*.

*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22938124
*http://www.llanellirfc.co.uk/

Likewise, I think Lewis Rawlins will provide competition for the second row berths at the Scarlets next season, alongside the likes of Joe Snyman, George Earle, Richard Kelly, Jake Ball, Josh Turnbull, Aaron Shingler, Carwyn Jones and possibly others, like Llewelyn Jones* of Llandovery RFC and Adam Powell of Llanelli RFC. I also believe he will provide competition for the blindside flanker berth, competing against the likes of Rob McCusker, Aaron Shingler, Josh Turnbull, Jon Barclay, Sion Bennett, Craig Price and possibly others, like Duane Eager* of Llanelli RFC.

*http://www.llandoveryrfc.co.uk/Teams/Player?PersonId=156421
*http://www.llanellirfc.co.uk/

I think 2013 U20 JWC semi-finalist* Sion Bennett is an important signing because I believe the Scarlets are lacking depth at eight. I suspect he will provide competition for the likes of Rob McCusker, Craig Price and possibly others, like Stuart Leach* of Llanelli RFC, for the number eight shirt for the Scarlets next season. I also think he will compete for the blindside flanker berth for the Scarlets next season, against the likes of Rob McCusker, Aaron Shingler, Josh Turnbull, Jon Barclay, Lewis Rawlins, Craig Price and possibly others, like Aidan Laxton* of Carmarthen Quins RFC.

*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22938124
*http://www.llanellirfc.co.uk/
*http://www.carmarthenquinsrfc.co.uk/News/Article/29696

Wow, i've never seen a post with so many names and so many links.
Cut to the chase I reckon 197.

by international197 Fri 21 Jun 2013, 9:05 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:Wow, i've never seen a post with so many names and so many links.
Cut to the chase I reckon 197.

I think Aaron Warren, Dion Jones, Gareth Thomas, Carwyn Jones, Lewis Rawlins and Sion Bennett are all signings that will compete for starting places for the Scarlets next season.

by pioden gorllewin Sat 22 Jun 2013, 7:14 am

Apparently the Dragons & Scarlets are trying to sign Ebbw Vale 10 Josh Lewis. I'd imagine it would be on some type of development contract, and he would be placed within one of the regions feeder clubs.

by GavinDragon Sat 22 Jun 2013, 8:05 am

I would be dissapointed if he went to the scarlets, especially after losing lewis rawlings from cross keys last year, yet another slap in the face for the Dragons academy,

from his point of view surely it would be better to go to the dragons, my perception is he would be more likely to get chances to progress as opposed to the scarlets who appear (again my perception please correct me if im wrong) to have signed a number of players on development contracts

by pioden gorllewin Sat 22 Jun 2013, 8:49 am

GavinDragon wrote:I would be dissapointed if he went to the scarlets, especially after losing lewis rawlings from cross keys last year, yet another slap in the face for the Dragons academy,

from his point of view surely it would be better to go to the dragons, my perception is he would be more likely to get chances to progress as opposed to the scarlets who appear (again my perception please correct me if im wrong) to have signed a number of players on development contracts

know gyppo rates him highly - highly enough to allow jack maynard (rated 10 in scarlets region) leave to cardiff rfc/blues. currently there isn't really any 10's with llanelli rfc. so i guess if our region does sign him he will be placed with the rfc.......then it would be up to him to pushing his way up the pecking order of priestland, shingler, jordan williams , aled thomas etc....within the region.

i'd imagine he would be better placed at the dragons. do his apprenticeship for 2 years under burton, then fight for a starting regional place with steffan when the time comes.

by Guest Sat 22 Jun 2013, 9:11 am

I haven't really got a problem with young players being picked up by other regions, except when it happens to my own region! What I would love is a situation where the Dragons are seen as a positive, and an aspiration for our young players and not the region everyone wants to get away from as soon as another shows some interest - I guess a bit of success would help so it's something we need to work harder on.

But back to this one, I always think of the Scarlets region as having loads of 10s too. Can't speak for the club sides in the prem but you never seem short of them at regional level, so this move for Josh Lewis seems surprising. Priestland is still there, is Aled Thomas there next year? Shingler? What's-his-name just left for the Tigers - was that because he wasn't going to get a look in with Priestland back or was he just seduced by the bright lights of Leicester?

by pioden gorllewin Sat 22 Jun 2013, 9:26 am

basically owen williams agent had an offer from leicester, and advised him to sign it. the bit that upset easterby/region was they weren't told about the offer by the agent. so were unable to put a counter offer in or try and persuade owen differently. at the time owen williams was playing regularly with us, and it was our intention to offer him a new contract. personally think he would have taken the 10 jersey off priestland if he stayed around.

aled thomas has a year to run on his contract, but i assume he will mainly be playing premiership rugby. priestland hopefully injury free will fight it out with shingler for the 10 jersey. jordan williams can also play 10, but will mainly be used at 15.

so if priestland and possibly shingler get called up to the welsh squad, we would be pretty thin on 10's.

by international197 Sat 22 Jun 2013, 10:26 am

I think signing Burton was a mistake by the Dragons, it would be better I think if the likes of Steffan Jones and Josh Lewis were battling for the fly half berth at the Dragons next season, as opposed to the likes of Steffan Jones and Kris Burton. I think this proves that NWQ players in Wales can block the development of WQ players.

I think the Scarlets are well covered at ten for next season, I believe the likes of Rhys Preistland, Steven Shingler, Jordan Williams, Gareth Owen and Aled Thomas will all be battling for the outside half berth at the Scarlets next season. I think Owen Williams leaving is a loss for the Scarlets, as is George North and Andy Fenby leaving, however, like Steven Shingler, I hope Owen Williams, George North and Andy Fenby will return to the Scarlets after a season or two in the Guinness Premiership.

by Guest Sat 22 Jun 2013, 1:50 pm

international197 wrote:I think signing Burton was a mistake by the Dragons, it would be better I think if the likes of Steffan Jones and Josh Lewis were battling for the fly half berth at the Dragons next season, as opposed to the likes of Steffan Jones and Kris Burton. I think this proves that NWQ players in Wales can block the development of WQ players.

I think the Scarlets are well covered at ten for next season, I believe the likes of Rhys Preistland, Steven Shingler, Jordan Williams, Gareth Owen and Aled Thomas will all be battling for the outside half berth at the Scarlets next season. I think Owen Williams leaving is a loss for the Scarlets, as is George North and Andy Fenby leaving, however, like Steven Shingler, I hope Owen Williams, George North and Andy Fenby will return to the Scarlets after a season or two in the Guinness Premiership.

So should the regions just be U20s development teams, and then as soon as they're 'developed' we offload them to France or England? Seriously, as a fan at the Dragons since inception I'm fed up of watching per-pubescent kids getting slaughtered by seasoned pros from other teams. If I want to watch a bunch of kids I'll go and watch Bettws U10s. Burton is a solid, experienced pro. Hell, look where Treviso finished in the league. And they've only been in a coupe of years, yet our regions (Blues and Dragons) can get no where near when we play Kids in the hope that they might come good one day. This should not be a development league. It should be fully pro.

by dragon999 Sat 22 Jun 2013, 2:01 pm

international197 wrote:I think signing Burton was a mistake by the Dragons, it would be better I think if the likes of Steffan Jones and Josh Lewis were battling for the fly half berth at the Dragons next season, as opposed to the likes of Steffan Jones and Kris Burton. I think this proves that NWQ players in Wales can block the development of WQ players.

I think the Scarlets are well covered at ten for next season, I believe the likes of Rhys Preistland, Steven Shingler, Jordan Williams, Gareth Owen and Aled Thomas will all be battling for the outside half berth at the Scarlets next season. I think Owen Williams leaving is a loss for the Scarlets, as is George North and Andy Fenby leaving, however, like Steven Shingler, I hope Owen Williams, George North and Andy Fenby will return to the Scarlets after a season or two in the Guinness Premiership.

Burton is there to bring on young Welsh talent - open your eyes & get over yourself for goodness sake!!

by international197 Sat 22 Jun 2013, 2:04 pm

Griff wrote:So should the regions just be U20s development teams, and then as soon as they're 'developed' we offload them to France or England?

No, I dislike seeing WQ players leaving Wales to play rugby abroad, what I'd like to see is, as soon as they're 'developed', that they stay to play rugby in Wales until the end of their careers.

by dragon999 Sat 22 Jun 2013, 2:10 pm

Agreed but Dragons have struggled with kids for a few seasons & need to start winning games - Do you agree that as a pro team they NEED to win games?

by international197 Sat 22 Jun 2013, 2:13 pm

dragon999 wrote: Burton is there to bring on young Welsh talent - open your eyes & get over yourself for goodness sake!!

Burton isn't there to bring on young Welsh talent, Burton is there for the money that the Dragons are offering him.

by international197 Sat 22 Jun 2013, 2:15 pm

dragon999 wrote:Agreed but Dragons have struggled with kids for a few seasons & need to start winning games - Do you agree that as a pro team they NEED to win games?

Yes, and if the Dragons kept WQ players like Daniel Lydiate, Luke Charteris and Aled Brew at their region, I believe they would be in a better position to win games.

by Stone Motif Sat 22 Jun 2013, 2:16 pm

international197 wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:Wow, i've never seen a post with so many names and so many links.
Cut to the chase I reckon 197.
I think Aaron Warren, Dion Jones, Gareth Thomas, Carwyn Jones, Lewis Rawlins and Sion Bennett are all signings that will compete for starting places for the Scarlets next season.

in other news, i think water is yet and i believe the sky is blue

by Stone Motif Sat 22 Jun 2013, 2:21 pm

international197 wrote:
dragon999 wrote:Agreed but Dragons have struggled with kids for a few seasons & need to start winning games - Do you agree that as a pro team they NEED to win games?

Yes, and if the Dragons kept WQ players like Daniel Lydiate, Luke Charteris and Aled Brew at their region, I believe they would be in a better position to win games.

I'm sorry, but your disregard for the relative financial position of the regions (imposed by the wru let's not forget) is verging on the cretinous

by Stone Motif Sat 22 Jun 2013, 2:22 pm

international197 wrote:
dragon999 wrote:Agreed but Dragons have struggled with kids for a few seasons & need to start winning games - Do you agree that as a pro team they NEED to win games?

Yes, and if the Dragons kept WQ players like Daniel Lydiate, Luke Charteris and Aled Brew at their region, I believe they would be in a better position to win games.

I'm sorry, but your disregard for the relative financial position of the regions (imposed by the wru let's not forget) is verging on the cretinous

by dragon999 Sat 22 Jun 2013, 2:23 pm

So Dragons have the money to compete with the French? - You really are being unrealistic or plain pedantic:roll:

by international197 Sat 22 Jun 2013, 2:41 pm

The reality is the Welsh regions don't have the money to compete with the big French/English clubs and that's why WQ players are leaving Wales; they are being offered higher salaries by foreign clubs. The WRU don't have the authority to print money out of thin air, and even if they did, they would run the risk of catastrophic hyperinflation, so I can't see the Welsh regions ever competing with the big French/English clubs financially.

by dragon999 Sat 22 Jun 2013, 3:17 pm

international197 wrote:The reality is the Welsh regions don't have the money to compete with the big French/English clubs and that's why WQ players are leaving Wales; they are being offered higher salaries by foreign clubs. The WRU don't have the authority to print money out of thin air, and even if they did, they would run the risk of catastrophic hyperinflation, so I can't see the Welsh regions ever competing with the big French/English clubs financially.

Agreed - you have just totally contradicted what you said previously:roll:

by Guest Sat 22 Jun 2013, 6:21 pm

international197 wrote:
dragon999 wrote:Agreed but Dragons have struggled with kids for a few seasons & need to start winning games - Do you agree that as a pro team they NEED to win games?

Yes, and if the Dragons kept WQ players like Daniel Lydiate, Luke Charteris and Aled Brew at their region, I believe they would be in a better position to win games.

Ever considered that the few stars are leaving the Dragons because of the dross around them? If you're a grand slam winner, star of international rugby, would you be happy being paired up with 16 and 17 year olds and constantly being asked to bring them on, and constantly on the end of big losses??? No wonder they leave to play in teams with ambition, surrounded by pros of equal standing. That's perhaps a reason why the Ospreys manage to keep hold of theirs - they're surrounded by fellow champions, international stars, and not just 1 or 2 stars in a team of kids. Must be demoralising for the 2 or 3 genuine international class players at the dragons. However, by bringing in a couple of seasoned pros may convince some players to stay and play with them.

by wales606 Sat 22 Jun 2013, 10:39 pm

Jason Tovey has apparently asked to be released to return to the Dragons.

From a very reliable source on the Blues forum

Waste of money at the Blues then, barely played, and was awful when he did.

More rumours of Hook to the Blues - I guess we will need a new FH cover, but I doubt it will be Hook (not with Patchell the first choice 10 at least :/)

by Guest Sun 23 Jun 2013, 2:05 am

wales606 wrote:Jason Tovey has apparently asked to be released to return to the Dragons.

From a very reliable source on the Blues forum

Waste of money at the Blues then, barely played, and was awful when he did.

More rumours of Hook to the Blues - I guess we will need a new FH cover, but I doubt it will be Hook (not with Patchell the first choice 10 at least :/)

Funny to see the know it all blues fan say one of us made the rumour up mind. Wonder if he'll backtrack.

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