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

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

Seagultaf wrote:

pioden gorllewin wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:If rumoured signings (McCaffrey, Timani and Tongan wing) are true, 8 in all 4 capped, 3 one year into residency

if we do go over quota i think we'll try and get around it but getting Manu & Timani placed at one of our feeder clubs like carmarthen quins. castell howell foods who are quins main sponsors would be able to fund both players - and the scarlets would benefit from  be being able to get them in on permit if/when needed. manu only has a year of his contract remaining, but seems pretty settled in the area. can't see him moving too far once his contract expires at the end of next season.

I thought that the Scarlets had announced that Timani had been relased. Or are you talking about another Timani?

I agree that Scarlets have a problem recruiting quality Welsh players as the French and English are going to out bid them. So bringing in players like Delve and maybe Aled Brew to fill in obvious weaknesses at 8 and wing will be beyond them.

I am like the rest of you I don't understand the WRU NWQ player rule, particularly how "project players" are dealt with. Its a pity that the WRU did not come up with the £1M of extra funds to keep Welsh players in Wales before; North, Roberts and Lydiate left!

I thought that, but maybe know that extra 1 mill can help keep alyn wyn, adam jones, sam warbs and leigh who are all out of deals at the end of this season. If any of the above players leave then there is not point in trying to keep our players anymore. This money is going to be vital for the future of welsh rugby

Griff wrote:

My controversial statement for the night: I don't think it's any coincidence that the Ospreys are the most successful region in terms of silverware and recent HC progression, and probably have produced the most/best (arguably) players for Wales, and happen to be the team that has brought in the most high profile overseas signings - perhaps proof that overseas signings can bring on homegrown players (or certainly not limit them).

With the O's I think it comes down to the quality Welsh players they have in the front row - although they certainly have been helped in the backrow and backs with the likes of Collins, Holah, Fotuali and Januarie.

The Blues have gained a huge amount from quality overseas signings. Bradley Davies has learnt a lot from Paul Tito, Halfpenny from Ben Blair, Andrews loose work is modelled a lot of Filise. Not to mention the best signing, Xavier Rush who managed to inspire the entire team and brought experience to the whole forward pack.

People complain about one regions having 2 quality players in 1 position - but the truth is, that it is how you get the best out of both.

Moving on young talent too early hinders their development under an experienced better player - even if they get more gametime.

Warburton under Williams
Roberts under Shanklin
Owens under Rees
Davies under King
Halfpenny under Blair
etc
etc
etc

doctornickolas wrote:

Stone Motif wrote:

doctornickolas wrote:Problem is with most of thes eproject players is that they ar enever going to be good enough to play for Wales. If they were good enough to play for their own country then they wouldn't  be here. So they are just effectively taking up a space that a Welsh youngster could be using. The classic being the NZ who was at the Blues, second row, forgot his name. Qualified to play for Wales so wasn't taking up a NWQ spot but was never ever going to be good enough and when the time came said he didn't want to play for Wales anyway. So there you have someone who was still useless to club Wales but was great for the Blues because he was never going to be called up and they didn't breach the rules.

It needs tightening up. I don't mind 2 or 3 real quality internationals, but the regions have manipulated the project player thing to their advantage and the WRu were weak in the negotiations.

More utter frickin nonsense

With all due respect Stone Motif you are the biggest idiot on these boards so I won't lose any sleep over your comments. I suggest you try getting out of Newport now and again, the world doesn't end there you know. Now go back to shouting at the pigeons or arguing with your reflection in the mirror.

Whatever you say "Doc". It ain't me writing the utter frickin' nonsense.

Gareth Delve has signed for NEC Green Rocket in Japan.

TONGAN forward Sione Timani looks set for an extended stay at Parc y Scarlets.
The 28-year-old lock- cum-back-rower was one of eight players released by the West Wales region at the end of last season and looked poised for a move to French side Agen.
However, following Agen's relegation from the Top14, Timani's move fell through and he has been back training with Simon Easterby's squad ahead of the coming campaign with a new deal in the pipeline.
Timani joined the Scarlets in 2011 after being elevated from Premiership side Carmarthen Quins.

He made 25 appearances last season, including an outstanding display in the Heineken Cup defeat to Leinster in Dublin, but the majority of those came off the replacements bench.
Timani will be part of a well-stocked second row cupboard that includes South Africans George Earle and Joe Snyman, Australian-born Jake Ball and former Osprey Richard Kelly.
The Scarlets are still looking to bolster their squad for next season with Easterby having already indicated that back-three and No. 8 are priority areas.
Meanwhile, Lions hero Jonathan Davies returned home from Australia yesterday and is not expected to link up with his regional colleagues until the start of August.
Davies, one of the stars of the Lions' series win Down Under, will be present at the Scarlets official kit launch at the Delme Thomas Centre on Tuesday, August 13.

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Timani-returns-French-switch-called/story-19504626-detail/story.html#axzz2YimHHp6F

pioden gorllewin wrote:TONGAN forward Sione Timani looks set for an extended stay at Parc y Scarlets.
The 28-year-old lock- cum-back-rower was one of eight players released by the West Wales region at the end of last season and looked poised for a move to French side Agen.
However, following Agen's relegation from the Top14, Timani's move fell through and he has been back training with Simon Easterby's squad ahead of the coming campaign with a new deal in the pipeline.
Timani joined the Scarlets in 2011 after being elevated from Premiership side Carmarthen Quins.

He made 25 appearances last season, including an outstanding display in the Heineken Cup defeat to Leinster in Dublin, but the majority of those came off the replacements bench.
Timani will be part of a well-stocked second row cupboard that includes South Africans George Earle and Joe Snyman, Australian-born Jake Ball and former Osprey Richard Kelly.
The Scarlets are still looking to bolster their squad for next season with Easterby having already indicated that back-three and No. 8 are priority areas.
Meanwhile, Lions hero Jonathan Davies returned home from Australia yesterday and is not expected to link up with his regional colleagues until the start of August.
Davies, one of the stars of the Lions' series win Down Under, will be present at the Scarlets official kit launch at the Delme Thomas Centre on Tuesday, August 13.

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Timani-returns-French-switch-called/story-19504626-detail/story.html#axzz2YimHHp6F

Ridiculous, we have strength at lock now and he is just going to take up a NWQ place. Stupid call here by the Scarlet's
We releasd him for a reason in the first place or can't they remember that. Idiots

Jhamer - there is a possiblity, given his size, he could be seen as a possible back up number 8.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Jhamer - there is a possiblity, given his size, he could be seen as a possible back up number 8.

You can't just do that though it's not that simple, he needs at least a season to get into the role. He ha the size and power for an 8 so you are right i guess but he doesn't have the skill really. He hasn't got the speed either to get around the pitch like a back rower should. Look at Ben morgan he had everything the skill, speed power just it really.
I can see where your coming from but look at Rob he only just started to get use to the role at the end of the season and that still wasn't really good enough. Timani hasn't got the rugby brain lets just say that Rob.
He wouldn't be used anyway because both Nigle and easterby have never favored him, i would rather Sion bennett to be personally honest than timani at 8. Timani is a good LOCK not really an 8 though. He would be a waist of a NWQ sorry to say and we have to aim to sign an out and out 8 not any of this converting crap because that didn't work as we wanted last season really.

I was just trying to be a glass half full. In truth if we were thinking of using him at 8 he would have played there at some point in the last two years.

THREE regions are heading a pack of clubs interested in securing the services of a 6ft 5in, 17st 11lb youngster who cut his rugby teeth in Spain.
Jack Davies, 17, is a Wales-qualified back-five forward whose parents emigrated in 2008.

Davies made a big impression in age-grade rugby in Spain, being part of the Marbella side that won a European trophy at under-18 level as well as three domestic titles, and after returning to Wales he is attracting interest at home and abroad.
He is on the radar of the Scarlets, Blues and Dragons, plus Gloucester and Bristol, with Clermont Auvergne and Toulon also on alert.

"Jack's a wanted young man," said Peter Underhill, who is acting as his agent.
"The Scarlets, Blues and Dragons are keen on him and over the Bridge Gloucester and Bristol have also expressed an interest — plus Clermont and Toulon.
"He and his parents are going to think the decision through because he wants to make sure he ends up at the right place.
"What I would say is he looks a big talent.
"You can never be certain how far a teenager will go, but this boy is built to play rugby and has impressed all who have come across him so far.
"I have had confidence in all of the guys I have represented and feel as confident about Jack as all of them."
Davies's father is from Llanelli but the family are now living in Cardiff, while the teenager has been offered a place at Hartpury College in Gloucester. "He's going to make a decision imminently," said Underhill.
"He wants to commit to someone and then crack on with playing rugby."

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Scarlets-hunt-teenage-talent-Spain/story-19511780-detail/story.html#axzz2YimHHp6F

He certainly doesn't look like a 6ft5 monester in that picture!

ScarletSpiderman wrote:I was just trying to be a glass half full.  In truth if we were thinking of using him at 8 he would have played there at some point in the last two years.

Yes I think ye has once or twice but mainly as a cover or blindside. Can see where your coming from but for me he wouldn't really be a good option. If he does sign and converts there and does play well, I will be more than happy to bite my tongue

pioden gorllewin wrote:THREE regions are heading a pack of clubs interested in securing the services of a 6ft 5in, 17st 11lb youngster who cut his rugby teeth in Spain.
Jack Davies, 17, is a Wales-qualified back-five forward whose parents emigrated in 2008.

Davies made a big impression in age-grade rugby in Spain, being part of the Marbella side that won a European trophy at under-18 level as well as three domestic titles, and after returning to Wales he is attracting interest at home and abroad.
He is on the radar of the Scarlets, Blues and Dragons, plus Gloucester and Bristol, with Clermont Auvergne and Toulon also on alert.

"Jack's a wanted young man," said Peter Underhill, who is acting as his agent.
"The Scarlets, Blues and Dragons are keen on him and over the Bridge Gloucester and Bristol have also expressed an interest — plus Clermont and Toulon.
"He and his parents are going to think the decision through because he wants to make sure he ends up at the right place.
"What I would say is he looks a big talent.
"You can never be certain how far a teenager will go, but this boy is built to play rugby and has impressed all who have come across him so far.
"I have had confidence in all of the guys I have represented and feel as confident about Jack as all of them."
Davies's father is from Llanelli but the family are now living in Cardiff, while the teenager has been offered a place at Hartpury College in Gloucester. "He's going to make a decision imminently," said Underhill.
"He wants to commit to someone and then crack on with playing rugby."

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Scarlets-hunt-teenage-talent-Spain/story-19511780-detail/story.html#axzz2YimHHp6F

Sign him up and lets develop him into an 8 he must have been 12 in that picture though. Anyway I think if the regions sign him up and cap him next year for the U20's because Iauen Jones is too old now. I hope we can get him, if not us then at least Cardiff. If he lives in Cardiff I hope he will go there rather than Gloucester but Bristol could be an easy option for him to. Have to wait and see I guess

I think for one the Dragons should not be an option for this lad (never been able to say that before!). With Faletau here for at least 1 more year and the emergence of Ieuan Jones, plus Talei being able to play 8, I think we're well stocked.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:International do you honestly believe half the stuff you say?  Of those 11 player vying for 2 wing berths you mentiined 1 has left the region, a number are not contracted to the Scarlets per ce, and a few of them are fullbacks, centres and fly halves.  You obviously do your research to be able to list all these names, so surely you should have already known that though.

The same goes for your list of openside flankers.  There is a big difference between being able to fill in at a push, and a specialist in a skilled position.  Rob McGog proved that this season, the Scarlets satanic (666) backrow was shown up a few times.

?

Dave, some of international's 11 Scarlets wingers are in the feeder teams not the regional squad, I know it is just a technicality but that list was so in accurate I needed to vent.  (also my french might be cack, not too sure)

Edit: Just re-read his post, 2 not contracted to the Scarlets, 3 centres, 3 fullbacks, 3 wings. Not really the 11 men fighting for 2 shirts as claimed.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Dave, some of international's 11 Scarlets wingers are in the feeder teams not the regional squad, I know it is just a technicality but that list was so in accurate I needed to vent.  (also my french might be cack, not too sure)

?,?.

Dave, you can class every team within regional boundaries as part of the region, in which case then you can say that the nipper on the wing for Milford Haven is battling for a regional place. The Scarlets have announced whi has come up on development contracts already. These are players considered to have the potential to step up, if a player doesn't get a development contract and is at a feeder then they are just not up to standards. If we are going down the route of calling feeder team players as regional players, then International197 is right none of the regions EVER need to sign a player again as they have a minimum of 3-4 players per shirt on their doorstep.

Also on my last post I just put a breakdown of the claimed 11 wings. 1 has left the regional boundaries, 1 is on a feeder contract, 3 are centres, 3 are fullbacks. So that leaves only 3 wings on that list. Of them only 1 has played more than once.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Dave, you can class every team within regional boundaries as part of the region,

Ole.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Dave, you can class every team within regional boundaries as part of the region, in which case then you can say that the nipper on the wing for Milford Haven is battling for a regional place.  The Scarlets have announced whi has come up on development contracts already.  These are players considered to have the potential to step up, if a player doesn't get a development contract and is at a feeder then they are just not up to standards.  If we are going down the route of calling feeder team players as regional players, then International197 is right none of the regions EVER need to sign a player again as they have a minimum of 3-4 players per shirt on their doorstep.

Also on my last post I just put a breakdown of the claimed 11 wings.  1 has left the regional boundaries, 1 is on a feeder contract, 3 are centres, 3 are fullbacks.  So that leaves only 3 wings on that list.  Of them only 1 has played more than once.

Yes Kristian Phillips. God were screwed  

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Dave, you can class every team within regional boundaries as part of the region, in which case then you can say that the nipper on the wing for Milford Haven is battling for a regional place.  The Scarlets have announced whi has come up on development contracts already.  These are players considered to have the potential to step up, if a player doesn't get a development contract and is at a feeder then they are just not up to standards.  If we are going down the route of calling feeder team players as regional players, then International197 is right none of the regions EVER need to sign a player again as they have a minimum of 3-4 players per shirt on their doorstep.

Also on my last post I just put a breakdown of the claimed 11 wings.  1 has left the regional boundaries, 1 is on a feeder contract, 3 are centres, 3 are fullbacks.  So that leaves only 3 wings on that list.  Of them only 1 has played more than once.

Explain it to 197 not me. I prefer to deal with reality.

Well done Dave, two sets of posts comprising of ?, and then two posts celebrating you got a bite. Bored at all?

Jhamer, yep we need a real wng, or two, who understand that attacking is good but so is tacklingm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:International do you honestly believe half the stuff you say? Of those 11 player vying for 2 wing berths you mentiined 1 has left the region, a number are not contracted to the Scarlets per ce, and a few of them are fullbacks, centres and fly halves. You obviously do your research to be able to list all these names, so surely you should have already known that though.

Centre Gareth Maule starts on the wing for the Scarlets; http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20691782.

Fullback Liam Williams starts on the wing for Wales; http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20455372.

Centre Nick Reynolds starts on the wing for the Scarlets; http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21588899.

Wingers Lee Williams and Jason Harries look contracted with the Scarlets (if not the Sevens) for next season; http://www.carmarthenquinsrfc.co.uk/News/Article/29696.

Winger Aaron Warren and winger/fullback Dion Jones are defenitely contracted with the Scarlets for next season; http://www.scarlets.co.uk/eng/news/5871.php.

Winger Kyle Evans is defenitely secured for the Scarlets for next season; http://www.scarlets.co.uk/eng/5735.php.

As far as I know winger Kristian Phillips is is contracted with the Scarlets for next season.

Maybe Adam Warren is less versatile to be put on the wing, however he is defenitely contracted with the Scarlets for next season.

However, based on the way he played in the JWC, I think Jordan Williams has more than adequate attributes to compete for a wing berth at the Scarlets next season and I believe deserves to be considered as an option there, as well as at fullback (his primary position); https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbKu534J6QU.

Looks like the Blues are putting a good shift in for the Amlin now. Hope they get it, get the crowds and have a good season. Looks like they are still in the market for players. They said a 10 a center and a tight head.
Personally I think they should be looking at Nicky Thomas from the Ospreys because he wont get much game time their I don't think. With Adam, Aaron and Joe Rees (who i haven't seen much of but apparently Adam thinks a lot of him).
10 personally think Hook would be a good option because he could cover 10 and center so then they wont need to be a center. If not they will be looking for an old English premiership player i think, which would leave a kiwi center i believe.
Good on them
Looks like the Scarlet's are the only ones not excelling of the pitch at the moment this season.

international197 wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:International do you honestly believe half the stuff you say?  Of those 11 player vying for 2 wing berths you mentiined 1 has left the region, a number are not contracted to the Scarlets per ce, and a few of them are fullbacks, centres and fly halves.  You obviously do your research to be able to list all these names, so surely you should have already known that though.

Centre Gareth Maule starts on the wing for the Scarlets; http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20691782.

Fullback Liam Williams starts on the wing for Wales; http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20455372.

Centre Nick Reynolds starts on the wing for the Scarlets; http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21588899.

Wingers Lee Williams and Jason Harries look contracted with the Scarlets (if not the Sevens) for next season; http://www.carmarthenquinsrfc.co.uk/News/Article/29696.

Winger Aaron Warren and winger/fullback Dion Jones are defenitely contracted with the Scarlets for next season; http://www.scarlets.co.uk/eng/news/5871.php.

Winger Kyle Evans is defenitely secured for the Scarlets for next season; http://www.scarlets.co.uk/eng/5735.php.

As far as I know winger Kristian Phillips is is contracted with the Scarlets for next season.

Maybe Adam Warren is less versatile to be put on the wing, however he is defenitely contracted with the Scarlets for next season.

However, based on the way he played in the JWC, I think Jordan Williams has more than adequate attributes to compete for a wing berth at the Scarlets next season and I believe deserves to be considered as an option there, as well as at fullback (his primary position); https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbKu534J6QU.

Look maybe your right about Jordan Williams but out of that list that is the only good thing you have said sorry. Gareth Maule, Nick Reynolds and Adam Warren are CENTERS NOT WINGERS so just putting them their will not benefit them or us.
Kristian Phillips was a waste of money as he probably can't tackle a toddler. Lee Williams has never really been good enough to push for a spot in the big games, to go from players like Lamont, North and Fenby to Lee Williams would be a bit more than a downgrade.
Who is Jason harries, just a club player probably and you think he can do a job in the Rabo or Heineken  
Think of it like this, in our Heineken cup pools we have CLERMONT, HARLEQUINS and RACING METRO.
Clermont potential wing partnership is: Nalaga and Sivivateu
Harlequins potential wing partnership is: Ugo Monye and Mike Brown
Racing Metro potential wing partnership is: Juan Imoff and Benjamin Fall
compare those partisanship to our leading wingers (at the moment): Kristian Phillips and Kyle Evans, they will humiliate them.
I'm saying this nicely but you have to face the facts, we don't have that depth of quality wingers in the Scarlets region to contend at a high level. Therefore we have no other option to go shopping abroad.

Jason Harries was joint top tryscorer in the Principality Premiership for the 2012/2013 season.
http://www.blackandambers.co.uk/News/Article/24873

I disagree with you. I think the wingers the Scarlets already have for the 2013/2014 season can and will compete in the Rabo and the Heineken as many have played against quality wingers on the highest level (for example, Liam Williams played against Cory Jane on the wing for Wales last November). I believe the Scarlets need not sign another winger for the 2013/2014 season, however the people who make the ultimate decision may disagree, [they] may sign a NWQ winger; there's nothing I can do about that.

Aled Brew, George North, Andy Fenby are all WQ wingers that I would be happy to see the Scarlets sign/re-sign for the 2013/2014 season.

Don't forget that Iolo Evans is also a wing option for the Scarlets for the 2013/2014 season.

International 197. To clarify, lee Williams is not contracted to the scarlets next season. He was offered a 1 year contract by the scarlets but rejected it in favour of a 2 year deal with Wales 7's and will also play for Carmarthen quins when not with Wales, that comes straight from the horses mouth. As for maule, Reynolds and Adam warren they are centres who can play on the wing if we're desperate, others like Aaron warren, Dion jones and even Kyle Evans are unproven at rabbo and Heineken cup level, that leaves with Philips who lets face it is gash! So basically we need an experienced winger whether it be a Nwq or a wq, same goes for an 8, rob mccusker is best 8 we have but nowhere near good enough at 8 and players such as Craig price, Sion Bennett are again unproven and not yet good enough 2 play regularly in the the rabbo or Heineken. If we don't strengthen in both areas we will struggle next season, so lets hope we get the players we require in Nwq or not.

International, I think what I have been saying has been backed up by others. Players don't become a real wing just because they have been played there when things were tight.

Take Foxy as an example, he has played international rugby on the wing, but you will never find anyone dull enough to class him as anything else.

Artful_Dodger wrote:New signing for the Ospreys just announced, I hadn't heard this one rumoured.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/23312005

stole from another thread.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/23312005 wrote:The Ospreys have signed versatile five-times-capped Fijian back Aisea Natoga ahead of the 2013-14 season.

Natoga, 22, can play centre, wing or full-back

Really? I think the Ospreys are well covered at centre, wing and fullback for the 2013/2014 season; I believe signing NWQ Aisea Natoga is unnecessary.

Fullbacks: the likes of Matthew Morgan, Richard Fussell, Ross Jones, Jamie Murphy and others.
Wings: the likes of Hanno Dirksen, Richard Fussell, Tom Grabham, Jeff Hassler, Dafydd Howells, Eli Walker and others.
Centres: the likes of Tom Isaacs, Andrew Bishop, Ben John, Ashley Beck, Jeff Hassler, Dafydd Howells and others.  

Not needed in my opinion; just because Swansea City have signed Wilfried Bony, I believe the Ospreys feel obliged to sign someone as well but they don't have the same money amount of money in their bank account as Swansea City [have] and I think they [the Ospreys] are playing with insolvency with every new signing they make.

International197, fair enough if you want to make the same point time and time again (NWQs are unnecessary, the regions are well-covered in X position), but do you think you could vary the way you make your point? It's always, 'I think', 'I believe' and 'the likes of'.

guess that means the ospreys have hit their NWQ limit with Arhip,Ardon, Hassler, Tebaldi, Dirksen & Natoga.

How bad is Dirksen injury?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22989870 wrote:Ospreys wing Hanno Dirksen will miss the start of the 2013-14 season after suffering a setback in his recovery from a knee injury.

The South African-born wing, 22, underwent surgery in November, 2012.

Ospreys physiotherapist Chris Towers said: "Hanno is behind where we originally predicted he would be at this stage after suffering complications."

Towers says those complications "now appear to be remedied".

Towers added: "Due to those setbacks he is only just starting on the rehab process during the pre-season period.

"He is coping well, but it will be a while yet until we will see him on the field training with the rest of the squad and we will update on expected return time when appropriate."

No real dates as such, but looks like it may be a while yet. I wouldn't be suprised if he is not seen until the HEC.

Why sign NWQ Aisea Natoga in front of WQ Ashley Evans?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoqGl5K1NsM

international197 wrote:Why sign NWQ Aisea Natoga in front of WQ Ashley Evans?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoqGl5K1NsM

Is Evans on a developement contract? (I don't know and can't be balls looking it up).

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

international197 wrote:Why sign NWQ Aisea Natoga in front of WQ Ashley Evans?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoqGl5K1NsM

Is Evans on a developement contract?  (I don't know and can't be balls looking it up).

It says Natoga can play anywhere in the three-quarter line- could that be the reason?

Looking him up on YouTube, I see him playing 15 in some Fijian domestic game.

I also saw this which has to be in the top 5 bombed tries ever; Natoga scrambling across from the opposite wing is stepped by the Canadian wing (Taylor Paris who played for Glasgow iirc) yet somehow manages to recover to tackle and force a knock-on.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RbDanDsmX4

Watching that in real-time it seems impossible Canada don't score there.

pioden gorllewin wrote:guess that means the ospreys have hit their NWQ limit with Arhip,Ardon, Hassler, Tebaldi, Dirksen & Natoga.

How bad is Dirksen injury?

I thought that Dirksen was now Welsh qualified?

Natoga may struggle to get game time with a full squad to pick from:

At 15: Fussell
Wing: Dirksen & Walker
Centre: Beck, Bishop & Spratt

I suspect he is there as back 3 cover with Dirksen injured and also Walker coming back from a long injury.

sure i've heard dirksen doesn't qualify until next year. didn't he come over on the wrong visa or something?

guess when both fit dirksen and walker would be in the welsh training squad. underneath them is only youngster like daf howells, grabham . so probably needed some strengthening on the wings.

what's happened to luke morgan? is he still at the ospreys? he looked a promising winger a couple of seasons ago.

international197 wrote:Why sign NWQ Aisea Natoga in front of WQ Ashley Evans?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoqGl5K1NsM

Why would they? He'd have to be well above average to walk into a professional team and displace the established wingers. That's also why Luke Morgan and Sam Davies won't be getting a contract any time soon.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:International197, fair enough if you want to make the same point time and time again (NWQs are unnecessary, the regions are well-covered in X position), but do you think you could vary the way you make your point? It's always, 'I think', 'I believe' and 'the likes of'.

Most sensible thing you've ever wrote. I see 197's posts and think  before I let them sink in. That way I don't get let down.

Saint, I think Sam is contracted. They only have Biggar and Nipper otherwise and with Biggar being in team Wales they'll need Sam.

could he be the next Matthew Jones then?

A pretty talented player whose progress is getting blocked by two high quality welsh lads? Quite possible, but times have changed, and who knows he may end up being seen as a more cost effective option.

You make a good point but I don't think he's that talented. Apart from a couple nice touches against SA and England he's looked pretty amateur. Ospreys could have done with an experienced 10 last season. Biggar and an under-developed Morgan probably won't be good enough options if they want to compete in Europe.

The Scarlets are continuing to pursue Western Force winger Nic Cummins, who is also known as the "Honey Badger" With the lost of Fenby, North and Stoddart the Scarlets are seeking to add some experience to their wing department.

pioden gorllewin wrote:The Scarlets are continuing to pursue Western Force winger Nic Cummins, who is also known as the "Honey Badger" With the lost of Fenby, North and Stoddart the Scarlets are seeking to add some experience to their wing department.

Where did you here that from Pioden?

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Well done Dave, two sets of posts comprising of ?, and then two posts celebrating you got a bite.  Bored at all?

Jhamer, yep we need a real wng, or two, who understand that attacking is good but so is tacklingm

Bored of everything "regional".

[quote="international197"]Why sign NWQ Aisea Natoga in front of WQ Ashley Evans?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoqGl5K1NsM[/quote]

Yep

I don't think the Scarlets need to sign Nic Cummins; they already have Kristian Phillips, Aaron Warren and Kyle Evans as wing options for next season, I think they'll be fine with those three as wing options for the 2013/2014 season and I believe they ought to not sign Nic Cummins.

Cummins is a Test Wallaby.