New Edinburgh and Glasgow Teams Thread - 2013/2014

[George Carlin]

First topic message reminder :

We exhausted the other thread, so here we go with a new one for all of your pre-season banter needs.
 
1. Edinburgh   
 
Chairman: Jim Calder
CEO: Craig Docherty
Coach: Alan Solomons  
Captain: Greig Laidlaw
 
(a) Squad:
 
Props
Geoff Cross, WP Nel, Lewis Niven, Alasdair Dickinson
 
Hookers
Ross Ford, Steven Lawrie, Aleki Lutui, Alun Walker,
 
Locks
Sean Cox, Grant Gilchrist, Perry Parker, Izak van der Westhuizen, Robert McAlpine,
 
Loose Forwards
Dimitri Basilaia, David Denton, Roddy Grant, Stuart McInally, Ross Rennie, Hamish Watson,
 
Half Backs
Alex Black, Greig Laidlaw, Chris Leck, Harry Leonard, Piers Francis,
 
Centres
Ben Atiga, Ben Cairns, Nick De Luca, John Houston, Matt Scott,
 
Back Three
Tom Brown, Lee Jones, Greig Tonks, Tim Visser, Nikki Walker, Dougie Fife, Jack Cuthbert
 
(b) Transfers 2013/2014:
 
Players In
 
Nikki Walker from Worcester Warriors
Jack Cuthbert from Bath Rugby
Aleki Lutui from Worcester Warriors
Alasdair Dickinson from Sale Sharks
 
Players Out
 
Richie Rees to Newport Gwent Dragons
Netani Talei to Newport Gwent Dragons
Sep Visser released
Mike Penn to Moseley
Andy Titterrell to London Welsh
John Yapp to London Irish
Allan Jacobsen retired
James King retired
Steven Turnbull retired
 
(c) Elite Development Players 2013/2014:
 
Alex Allan (Edinburgh Accies)
Chris Auld (Gala)*
Magnus Bradbury (Boroughmuir)*
Phil Cringle (Heriot’s)
Bruce Dick (Melrose)*
Jamie Farndale (Edinburgh Accies)
Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (Heriot’s)
Neil Irvine Hess (Watsonians)*
Ewan McQuillin (Gala)*
George Turner (Heriot’s)
Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Accies)
 
* = new EDP player 
 
2. Glasgow  
 
Chairman: Charles Shaw
CEO: Nathan Bomrys
Coach: Gregor Townsend
Captain: Alastair Kellock
 
(a) Squad:
 
Fraser Brown, Hooker
Finlay Gillies, Hooker
Dougie Hall, Hooker
Pat MacArthur, Hooker
Michael Cusack, Prop
Ryan Grant, Prop
Ed Kalman, Prop
Moray Low, Prop
Gordon Reid, Prop
Jon Welsh, Prop
Jerry Yanuyanutawa, Prop
 
Jonny Gray, Lock
Alastair Kellock, Lock
Tom Ryder, Lock
Tim Swinson, Lock
Leone Nakarawa, Lock
 
James Eddie, Flanker
Chris Fusaro, Flanker
Rob Harley, Flanker
Tyrone Holmes, Flanker
 
Ryan Wilson, Number 8
Richie Vernon, Number 8
Josh Strauss, Number 8
 
Chris Cusiter, Scrum-half
Nikola Matawalu, Scrum-half
Henry Pyrgos, Scrum-half
 
Ruaridh Jackson, Fly-half
Duncan Weir, Fly-half
Scott Wight, Fly-half
 
Gabriel Ascarate, Centre
Mark Bennett, Centre
Alex Dunbar, Centre
Peter Horne, Centre
Byron McGuigan, Centre
 
Sean Lamont, Wing
Sean Maitland, Wing
Tommy Seymour, Wing
D.T.H. van der Merwe, Wing
 
Stuart Hogg, Fullback
Peter Murchie, Fullback
 
(b) Player Transfers 2013/2014:
 
Players In
 
Richie Vernon from Sale Sharks
Tyrone Holmes from Petrarca Rugby
Jerry Yanuyanutawa from London Irish
Gabriel Ascarate from US Carcassonne
Leone Nakarawa from Fiji Barbarians
 
Players Out
 
John Barclay to Scarlets
Nick Campbell to Jersey
Ofa Fainga'anuku to Worcester Warriors
Taylor Paris to Agen
Graeme Morrison retired
Rory Lamont retired
 
(c) Elite Development Players 2013/2014:
 
Gavin Lowe (Ayr)
Rory Hughes (Stirling County)
Jack Steele (Dundee)
Finn Russell (Ayr)
Ali Price (Bedford Blues)
Adam Ashe (Stirling County)
Will Bordill (Sale Sharks)
Andrew Redmayne (Dundee)
Fergus Scott (Currie)
George Hunter (Ayr)
Darcy Rae (Ayr)

[RuggerRadge2611]

When are the new Edinburgh and Glasgow kits released?

[tigertattie]

Think there is a delay as Solomons needs to give the shirt a once over when he gets here!

[RDW]

It was meant to be last Thursday at the open evening but they put it off until this Thursday so that Solomons could be there, which is fair enough.

[madmaccas]

According to the Herald they've been brought in on apprenticeship contracts so shouldn't make much of a dent to the BT cash, which is a relief!

Feeling more positive about them being signed now. Should they prove themselves at club level, get a few pro games and then get capped in an Scotland A game, we may have a couple of future internationals on our hands. At 21 anything is possible.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

According to the Herald they've been brought in on apprenticeship contracts so shouldn't make much of a dent to the BT cash, which is a relief!

Feeling more positive about them being signed now. Should they prove themselves at club level, get a few pro games and then get capped in an Scotland A game, we may have a couple of future internationals on our hands. At 21 anything is possible.

Did they play for Australia U20 or any other age group sides?

[madmaccas]

Did they play for Australia U20 or any other age group sides?

Apparently the played for the Australia national academy in the 2013 IRB Pacific Rugby Cup but think that's about it.

[RDW]

They took time out a couple of years ago to play top level volleyball so that probably affected their chances of playing for Aus under 20s

[madmaccas]

They took time out a couple of years ago to play top level volleyball so that probably affected their chances of playing for Aus under 20s

That does bode well though, Scott Murray accredited his supreme handling at restarts and lineouts on his basketball experience so hopefully they'll have similar skills.

Doesn't bother me too much that they didn't play junior rep rugby, lots of top players only starting playing seriously post 18. I'd rather a committed adult than a junior rep who drifts out of the game (as so many do).

[funnyExiledScot]

The two young locks will improve depth in the long run, but I certainly hope they are not assigned to Edinburgh purely to eat our budget at the expense of signing players in positions we actually need.

We sorely need a blindside flanker and a centre. Two more players in those positions and we are well set. It's a shame Robbie Ferguson is affiliated to Glasgow. Edinburgh could really have used him as an option at 12 and 13.

With us now having so many locks, and so few flankers, I strongly suspect that we'll see VDW playing a fair bit at 6 next season, with Gilchrist and Atkins in the boiler room. Pretty meaty.

[RDW]

I agree that they are definitely good signings – apprentice contracts are 16k a year or something like that – I’m just wondering about resource allocation from the SRU again.

Edinburgh now has 8 2nd rows in the main squad and EDP, Glasgow 6 I think.

[funnyExiledScot]

They took time out a couple of years ago to play top level volleyball so that probably affected their chances of playing for Aus under 20s

Great. Volleyball. A real mans sport......

If they score at Murrayfield I'd expect a rousing rendition through the tannoy of "playing with the boys" a la Top Gun.....

[funnyExiledScot]

I agree that they are definitely good signings – apprentice contracts are 16k a year or something like that – I’m just wondering about resource allocation from the SRU again.

Edinburgh now has 8 2nd rows in the main squad and EDP, Glasgow 6 I think.

Careful - if Lineen reads this he'll probably send Gilchrist and Atkins to Glasgow, just to even things up.....

[RDW]

They took time out a couple of years ago to play top level volleyball so that probably affected their chances of playing for Aus under 20s

Great. Volleyball. A real mans sport......

If they score at Murrayfield I'd expect a rousing rendition through the tannoy of "playing with the boys" a la Top Gun.....

You jest, but there aren’t many better sports than volleyball to develop jumping and aerial ball handling (ooh er!).

Plus they don’t exactly look soft.

[funnyExiledScot]

I appreciate that. Scott Murray played basketball as was noted above, and I've yet to see a player in a Scotland jersey crash into rucks with the same lack of regard for his own health as Scott Murray.

Still, if I were them I'd play down the whole volleyball thing.....

[Dorothy_Mantooth]

For Glasgow Rob Harely and James Eddie provide adequate 2nd row cover.

[RDW]

For Glasgow Rob Harely and James Eddie provide adequate 2nd row cover.

True, but adequate fairly well sums it up and it's not exactly ideal for a team chasing the league title to have to rely on blindsides playing out of position!

[madmaccas]

While we're talking second rows there's an interesting article over on ESPN Scrum talking about the changes the new scrum laws will have on the pack.

Obviously it primarily focusses on front row play but obviously with the the emphasis put back on pushing, it wouldn't be a surprise to see 2nd rowers getting much bigger to help the front row (and particularly the striking hooker).

At this point your Jim Hamiltons would probably become more useful than your Al Kellocks or Geoff Parlings.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

They took time out a couple of years ago to play top level volleyball so that probably affected their chances of playing for Aus under 20s

Great. Volleyball. A real mans sport......

If they score at Murrayfield I'd expect a rousing rendition through the tannoy of "playing with the boys" a la Top Gun.....

You jest, but there aren’t many better sports than volleyball to develop jumping and aerial ball handling (ooh er!).

Plus they don’t exactly look soft.

Hmm, but not actually catching the bliwdy thing!

[nickj]

Has anyone heard any rumours of more new faces in Edinburgh?

[madmaccas]

Sounds like Solomons is going to give the Edinburgh team a good old fashion South African beasting.

From all reports they definitely need it. Think it may kill poor little Lee Jones though.

Solomons takes squad into camp

[EWT Spoons]

I’m liking the sound of this, with any luck it will help make up for some of the lost time in getting the coaches in.

Is anyone going to the open evening?

[RDW]

Has anyone heard any rumours of more new faces in Edinburgh?

I certainly haven't heard any more rumours, and considering how 'secret' some of the signings have been it maybe suggests there aren't any more established players on the go - we usually find out first from the local media.

Can only hope maybe Solomons has some of his own decent players lined up.

[funnyExiledScot]

When is the open evening and what time?

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

When is the open evening and what time?

It's in a year's time, last Thursday of September - post independence celebrations

[RDW]

When is the open evening and what time?

It's in a year's time, last Thursday of September - post independence celebrations

Suspect you may have to wait more than a year for that to happen! 

For the sensible answer - Thursday, 6pm - 8pm.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

You loyal unionist chaps should enjoy this: http://www.scotsman.com/news/leaders-pollsters-should-not-write-off-salmond-1-3042614

... the basis of which is the following spoof article: http://theporridge.co.uk/post/47174608342/nate-silver-scottish-independence-referendum-outcome-a

National media with ZERO credibility. You couldn't make this stuff up!

[Dorothy_Mantooth]

For Glasgow Rob Harely and James Eddie provide adequate 2nd row cover.

True, but adequate fairly well sums it up and it's not exactly ideal for a team chasing the league title to have to rely on blindsides playing out of position!

But they are only the 5th and 6th choice locks. Apart from the odd exception, what NH side realistically has anything other than "adequate" cover once you get down to that level?

We could bring another EDP player into the squad but this point if they are not deemed good enough, what is the point? I can't see whoever it is getting any game time at all. They won't be in the HC squad and should there be a serious injury run at that position, we would either bring someone outside of Scotland on loan or an Edinburgh EDP would make a temporay switch.

[nickj]

Has anyone heard any rumours of more new faces in Edinburgh?

I certainly haven't heard any more rumours, and considering how 'secret' some of the signings have been it maybe suggests there aren't any more established players on the go - we usually find out first from the local media.

That's my fear. I was just interested to see if we are really looking for a 10?

While he's not a 10, this Hardie fella is being quoted in the NZ press a fair bit.

He seems pretty central to both Southlands and the Highlanders.

I question whether he's actually on his way here soon.

I can't wait to see Solomon's 'green shoots' though.

[funnyExiledScot]

I'm still slightly surprised Nick Campbell was allowed to go. Thought he looked a prospect.

[InjuredYetAgain]

Why does it matter if they weren't born in Scotland? If one thing defines us as a nation, it's our willingness to look outward in search of opportunity - why you'll find an 'Argyll Street' in pretty much every major western city. This willingness, as well as an attractive and easily recognizable culture, means that there are a lot of people around the world who would consider playing for Scotland as a perfectly reasonable aspiration.

Sorry, but this 'if you're weren't born in Scotland then you're not Scottish' thing gets pretty wearing.

I'm not saying that all players must be born here. In fact, I think we have to encourage the signing of top class non Scots like Blackadder, Martin Leslie and not just guys who are back up Super Rugby players at best or the likes of Dave Hewitt who pitvhed up, earned a fortune but contributed hee-haw. Our signings at first glance anyway seem mediocre. Ok, they may not be that highly paid (probably because they haven't earned a better salary) but I'm sure the SRU will have paid their travel, accomodation etc. These costs for a handful of journeyman pro's equates to a couple of real crowd pleaders (assuming anyone good would want to play for Edinburgh anyway)

[funnyExiledScot]

When is the open evening and what time?

It's in a year's time, last Thursday of September - post independence celebrations

Suspect you may have to wait more than a year for that to happen! 

For the sensible answer - Thursday, 6pm - 8pm.

I might try and get to that. Working in Charlotte Square at the moment so I can just hop on the tram to Murrayfield.....

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

When is the open evening and what time?

It's in a year's time, last Thursday of September - post independence celebrations

Suspect you may have to wait more than a year for that to happen! 

For the sensible answer - Thursday, 6pm - 8pm.

I might try and get to that. Working in Charlotte Square at the moment so I can just hop on the tram to Murrayfield.....

 

[InjuredYetAgain]

Well RDW is some sort of poncey civil engineer so given that he spends half of his "working" day on here, if he is involved in the tram project, it may just about be ready for the next time we show off the 6N trophy ie the next millennium.

[funnyExiledScot]

You loyal unionist chaps should enjoy this: http://www.scotsman.com/news/leaders-pollsters-should-not-write-off-salmond-1-3042614

... the basis of which is the following spoof article: http://theporridge.co.uk/post/47174608342/nate-silver-scottish-independence-referendum-outcome-a

National media with ZERO credibility.  You couldn't make this stuff up!

Jeez, that is impressive journalism.

Still, better to read the Scottish edition of The Times. A very credible media publication, which just so happens to think Salmond and his campaign is a load of nonsense made up on the hoof, which if successful would result in Scotland becoming a financial basketcase.

Their words (paraphrased by me). As you know, I take a neutral stance on such issues......

[RDW]

Let's not get into independence on here...

[Dorothy_Mantooth]

I'm still slightly surprised Nick Campbell was allowed to go. Thought he looked a prospect.

He never got a look in when the new coach came in, so I was not surprised to be honest when he went. Gray's excellent Under 20s performances might have done Campbell out of another years extension.

[funnyExiledScot]

Let's not get into independence on here...

Agreed. I was being neutral.....

[funnyExiledScot]

I'm still slightly surprised Nick Campbell was allowed to go. Thought he looked a prospect.

He never got a look in when the new coach came in, so I was not surprised to be honest when he went.  Gray's excellent Under 20s performances might have done Campbell out of another years extension.

Still, a big unit that seemed perfectly suited for slow Rabo winter conditions. I'd have happily taken him at Edinburgh.

Looking forward to young Gray's development at Glasgow. As 4th choice lock at Glasgow he should get a fair bit of action this season.

[madmaccas]

Has anyone heard any rumours of more new faces in Edinburgh?

Sadly not, all they said was that there will probably be players of a similar ilk coming in this week. Being plural gave me hope but signing twins nips that in bud, plus we should probably assume 'similar' means young unproven players and not the big names we may be hoping for.

With the Super 15 season now over there may be a few Southern Kings players out of contract that Solomons may call. However they're not exactly world beaters so if we're lucky we may get a Strauss like player, if unlucky another Atiga type.

[Dorothy_Mantooth]

I'm still slightly surprised Nick Campbell was allowed to go. Thought he looked a prospect.

He never got a look in when the new coach came in, so I was not surprised to be honest when he went.  Gray's excellent Under 20s performances might have done Campbell out of another years extension.

Still, a big unit that seemed perfectly suited for slow Rabo winter conditions. I'd have happily taken him at Edinburgh.

Looking forward to young Gray's development at Glasgow. As 4th choice lock at Glasgow he should get a fair bit of action this season.

It’s hard to judge how he had pro/re-gressed last year, as we never saw him last season. At least he is still playing at Pro Level, so it’s another Scottish youngster getting game time at a good level.

Can see Gray being involved a lot especially with Glasgow going to probably have 2 Locks in Scotland squad, albeit both won’t in all probability make the Matchday squad.

[IanBru]

Let's not get into independence on here...

Agreed, or at least if we do decide to discuss it, it should happen once, on a dedicated thread, sometime in late spring 2014.

Then consign the thread to the depths of Hades.

[madmaccas]

Just had a look through the Kings squad (slow day) and Kiwi Hadleigh Parkes sounds pretty useful. He's a centre/fly half, 25, has played Super 15 for the Blues and the Kings and will be captaining Auckland in the ITM cup until October. He said this week that he hasn't decided on a contract for next year and with a name like that he may just have some Scots blood in there somewhere!

[funnyExiledScot]

Let's not get into independence on here...

Agreed, or at least if we do decide to discuss it, it should happen once, on a dedicated thread, sometime in late spring 2014.

Then consign the thread to the depths of Hades.

Hades? Is that what you guys call Motherwell these days......

[Weegie Wizard]

I think if Solomons wants to bring in any players from the Kings he will look to the back row as it was their main strength and an area Edinburgh need improving.
I previously mentioned Engelbrecht but he is off to the Bulls unfortunately. The prospect of him and Strauss lining each other up in the 1872 games would have been worth the season tickets alone. One of the others, van der Walt has gone to Japan I think. That leaves Cornell du Preez who is very good as well and quite young. As far as I know, the Boks have not capped him either.

[funnyExiledScot]

That leaves Cornell du Preez who is very good as well and quite young. As far as I know, the Boks have not capped him either.

Key question for me though is whether he can cover lock. I'd hate to be short in that position.....

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

On fire today, fES

[tigertattie]

At this point your Jim Hamiltons would probably become more useful than your Al Kellocks or Geoff Parlings.

My Gran is more useful than Al Kellock!

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

From the Evening Drivel:

FORMER Scotland and Lions stand-off Craig Chalmers could be back on the market for a coaching appointment after quitting English lower league rugby side, Chinnor, without seeing them play.

Chalmers, 44, who enjoyed success at club level with Melrose but was unable to get a foot on the professional coaching ladder north of the border, moved south at the end of 
the season citing personal 
reasons.

He is understood to have 
informed Chinnor a 140-mile road trip from his home 
to training was proving 
impractical while he continues to be employed by a security firm in London with 
regular trips home to see his family. However, Chalmers told the Evening News before leaving Scotland that a clause in his rugby contract would allow him to move on if a position in the professional game was offered to him.

Chalmers, who has coached Scotland age-group and A sides, has previously been attached to the Edinburgh set-up he represented as a player in an observer capacity and many would like to see him appointed to a role reserved to allow a coach from the club scene to gain experience.

Glasgow last month appointed Ayr’s Kenny Murray and the Edinburgh place remains unoccupied.

[funnyExiledScot]

Provided he interviews with Solomons and Solomons is content that he could work with Chalmers, I'd have no issues with Chalmers at Edinburgh. Big point to prove and he'd work his socks off trying to prove the SRU wrong.

[RDW]

To be fair the one thing we're missing is backs and attack, which is Chalmers territory. Still not sure I'd want him though!

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