Cardiff Blues Season Thread 2 - Rey Lee-Lo signs long term at centre

[wales606]

First topic message reminder :

Prop
Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Taufa'ao Filise, Craig Mitchell, Sam Hobbs, Scott Andrews, Thomas Davies, Dillon Lewis

Hooker
Matthew Rees, Kristian Dacey, Marc Breeze, Rhys Williams, Ethan Lewis

2nd Row
Jarrad Hoeata, Filo Paulo, Lou Reed, Chris Dicomidis, Miles Normadale

Flanker
Sam Warburton, Josh Turnbull, Macauley Cook, Ellis Jenkins, Josh Navidi, Rory Watts-Jones, Jevon Groves, Ben Roach

Eight
Manoa Vosawai, Ieaun Jones

Scrum half
Tavis Knoyle, Lloyd Williams, Lewis Jones, Tomos Williams

Fly half
Rhys Patchell, Gareth Anscombe, Gareth Davies, Simon Humberstone, Jarrod Evans, Will Thomas

Centre
Cory Allen, Dafydd Hewitt, Gavin Evans, Richard Smith, Tom Pascoe, Adam Thomas, Garyn Smith (Ray Lee-Lo)

Wing
Alex Cuthbert, George Watkins, Lucas Amorisino, Harry Davies, Owen Jenkins, Chris Knight, Tom Williams (Tom James)

Full back
Joaquin Tuculet, Dan Fish, Geraint Walsh, Aled Summerhill

[XR]

Who on earth is Richard Kelly? We are apparently after 2 'experienced' players, one a second row and a fly half.

I'd be very disappointed if we sign some no name second row from the scarlets, with myhill i think we already have some hookers i don't see why we need more?

[ScarletSpiderman]

Kelly is an athletic lock, was stuck in the Ospreys, came to us but lost out to the larger lumps.

Anyhow, so it looks like it is just talk down in the west, and not actually set in stone stuff. Cheers.

[XR]

All rumours i'd imagine, if this has any truth in it i'd be very disappointed.

[Coleman]

We could do with another lock. Still waiting to see what the adventure down under brings up. No need for Myhill as Dacey and Breeze are good enough. Dacey is actually on fire at the moment. Taking his chance with both hands.

[Jhamer25]

You can even keep Kelly if you want, we need Myhill though

[Cardiff Dave]

All rumours i'd imagine, if this has any truth in it i'd be very disappointed.

Understandable though I suppose what with all the uncertainty surrounding european rugby and our very own PA.

[ScarletSpiderman]

All rumours i'd imagine, if this has any truth in it i'd be very disappointed.

Understandable though I suppose what with all the uncertainty surrounding european rugby and our very own PA.

From the natterings about it in the west it is meant to be a short term 2/3 month loan, and they will come back afterwards, as opposed to it being 'real' signings, so the participation agreement and the HEC/RCC/Whatever shouldn't really matter too much.

[XR]

Well this is what's been said:

“We are looking to bring a couple of players in on loan if we can,” he said.

“We have been busy with that over the last couple of weeks. Hopefully we will have some news this week and we can bolster the squad a bit.

“We need some cover in the back-line and we need some front five cover with Brad and Lou going down. We need some quality to put in there and what’s we’ve looked at.

“We’ll hopefully get things finalised by the middle or end of this week and have a few additions which will boost the numbers.”

Myhill and this kelly bloke are not what i would say is the quality we need. We already have capable hookers and Dacey is doing well, we need a second row and a fly half. If we do loan this kelly with all the SH players currently on off season til next year i'd be very disappointed.

[Cardiff Dave]

Well this is what's been said:

“We are looking to bring a couple of players in on loan if we can,” he said.

“We have been busy with that over the last couple of weeks. Hopefully we will have some news this week and we can bolster the squad a bit.

“We need some cover in the back-line and we need some front five cover with Brad and Lou going down. We need some quality to put in there and what’s we’ve looked at.

“We’ll hopefully get things finalised by the middle or end of this week and have a few additions which will boost the numbers.”

Myhill and this kelly bloke are not what i would say is the quality we need. We already have capable hookers and Dacey is doing well, we need a second row and a fly half. If we do loan this kelly with all the SH players currently on off season til next year i'd be very disappointed.

We're used to disappointment though.
I suspect however they'll be an announcement soon to include a sprinkling of quality plus stocking fillers.

[XR]

Haha i know, just when i think i can't be disappointed any more by the blues i hear they have been on a scouting trip to NZ. Getting my hopes up only to let me down!

[wales606]

Haha i know, just when i think i can't be disappointed any more by the blues i hear they have been on a scouting trip to NZ. Getting my hopes up only to let me down!

That's for next season, not this

[Cardiff Dave]

Haha i know, just when i think i can't be disappointed any more by the blues i hear they have been on a scouting trip to NZ. Getting my hopes up only to let me down!

and Ponty, since it looks as though Humberstone will be covering OH for the rest of the season, as required.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Haha i know, just when i think i can't be disappointed any more by the blues i hear they have been on a scouting trip to NZ. Getting my hopes up only to let me down!

and Ponty, since it looks as though Humberstone will be covering OH for the rest of the season, as required.

Has the chief helped smooth relations between Ponty and the Blues?

[XR]

There's probably going to be more of a working relationship but the relations will never be 100% fine.

[LordDowlais]

Something needs to be done down at the Arms Park, they way the Blues are spiralling downwards they are going to end up as the worst Welsh region next year and they will be playing in the Amlin cup, there is only one person to blame for the demise of the Blues and that is the man who does the hiring and firing, Phil Davies has to go, and Peter Thomas needs to see this, unless drastic changes are made down at the cap the Blues will be the biggest laughing stock in northern hemisphere rugby.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Something needs to be done down at the Arms Park, they way the Blues are spiralling downwards they are going to end up as the worst Welsh region next year and they will be playing in the Amlin cup, there is only one person to blame for the demise of the Blues and that is the man who does the hiring and firing, Phil Davies has to go, and Peter Thomas needs to see this, unless drastic changes are made down at the cap the Blues will be the biggest laughing stock in northern hemisphere rugby.

With the qualification rules looking like being top 6 (min. 1 welsh), it could be only the Ospreys in the top flight.

[LordDowlais]

Something needs to be done down at the Arms Park, they way the Blues are spiralling downwards they are going to end up as the worst Welsh region next year and they will be playing in the Amlin cup, there is only one person to blame for the demise of the Blues and that is the man who does the hiring and firing, Phil Davies has to go, and Peter Thomas needs to see this, unless drastic changes are made down at the cap the Blues will be the biggest laughing stock in northern hemisphere rugby.

With the qualification rules looking like being top 6 (min. 1 welsh), it could be only the Ospreys in the top flight.

This new competition that the PRL want will not happen, all the unions have said that the HC will be there next season, weather the PRL sides are in it though is anybody's guess. 

[Cardiff Dave]

Something needs to be done down at the Arms Park, they way the Blues are spiralling downwards they are going to end up as the worst Welsh region next year and they will be playing in the Amlin cup, there is only one person to blame for the demise of the Blues and that is the man who does the hiring and firing, Phil Davies has to go, and Peter Thomas needs to see this, unless drastic changes are made down at the cap the Blues will be the biggest laughing stock in northern hemisphere rugby.

Who's that then?

[LordDowlais]

Something needs to be done down at the Arms Park, they way the Blues are spiralling downwards they are going to end up as the worst Welsh region next year and they will be playing in the Amlin cup, there is only one person to blame for the demise of the Blues and that is the man who does the hiring and firing, Phil Davies has to go, and Peter Thomas needs to see this, unless drastic changes are made down at the cap the Blues will be the biggest laughing stock in northern hemisphere rugby.

Who's that then?

Peter the pieman Thomas. 

[Cardiff Dave]

Haha i know, just when i think i can't be disappointed any more by the blues i hear they have been on a scouting trip to NZ. Getting my hopes up only to let me down!

and Ponty, since it looks as though Humberstone will be covering OH for the rest of the season, as required.

Has the chief helped smooth relations between Ponty and the Blues?  

I honestly don't know what you mean.
Anyway, the Chief is far too busy improving our defence. Only 31 points conceded last week. Ole!

[The Saint]

I'd say that's exactly what the Chief is doing, considering Blues have just signed a long-term deal with a Ponty 2nd row. He's a big guy, has a greek surname too.

[Cardiff Dave]

Something needs to be done down at the Arms Park, they way the Blues are spiralling downwards they are going to end up as the worst Welsh region next year and they will be playing in the Amlin cup, there is only one person to blame for the demise of the Blues and that is the man who does the hiring and firing, Phil Davies has to go, and Peter Thomas needs to see this, unless drastic changes are made down at the cap the Blues will be the biggest laughing stock in northern hemisphere rugby.

Who's that then?

Peter the pieman Thomas. 

Have a Scooby snack.

[LordDowlais]

Your happy with the way things are at the Blues at the moment then I take it CD ? 

[Cardiff Dave]

I'd say that's exactly what the Chief is doing, considering Blues have just signed a long-term deal with a Ponty 2nd row. He's a big guy, has a greek surname too.

Flipping eck, not their captain surely?

[ScarletSpiderman]

Dai - what I meant is that Ponty were more or less looking at themselves as a stand alone region playing in the prem. Has that attitude died down a bit with the full time appointment of McIntosh? Judging from what others have said, it does look like Ponty are being a bit more co-operative now.

[Guest]

Just signed Chris Dicomidis, glad to see we're making some big name signings and spending money wisely.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Dicomidis represented Wales at Under-19 and Under-21 levels as well as the Barbarians and has played for Cyprus.

Does that mean he is official an NWQ?

[Coleman]

Yes, he is NWQ. I don't blame him either. 27, playing for Ponty and he decided that he'd have a pop with Cyprus. He must have thought he'd never have got a chance. Hope he does well. He is a massive bloke.

[Cardiff Dave]

Dai - what I meant is that Ponty were more or less looking at themselves as a stand alone region playing in the prem.  Has that attitude died down a bit with the full time appointment of McIntosh?  Judging from what others have said, it does look like Ponty are being a bit more co-operative now.

I know what you meant mun and i'm not going there.
Anyway it seems like Ponty are taking over control from within, what with the signing of their head coach, their first choice fly half and now their revered captain.

[Cardiff Dave]

Your happy with the way things are at the Blues at the moment then I take it CD ? 

Aye, i'm over the moon mun.

[Bluedragon]

Blues have got to get the commercial side sorted and I have got to say i am quite impressed. Some improved marketing finally and looking to run a sustainable business.

Once the Blues stop leaking money then we can hire a good coach and sign a few quality players. Until we got some NZ dollars in the bank we won't be signing anyone decent.

Unfortunately poorly performing teams don't attract crowds and sponsorship.

When's the other new assistant coach supposed to be appointed ? Not sure about iestyn harris now after Wales RL crashing abysmally

[wales606]

Until we got some NZ dollars in the bank we won't be signing anyone decent.

Apparently we had quite a few NZ dollars in the bank for Holland's shopping trip - and we will be adding a fair amount of quality to the side next season.

[XR]

The reaction from ponty fans with us signing their captain is ridiculously funny. They moan, whinge and bleat that their players never get a chance, that the blues don't represent ponty and never will etc. So we bring in their head coach to bring his influence and with that has come the opportunity for some ponty players to play for the side and now they're whinging that we're ruining their club by signing their players.

There's even this classic:

(About the cheif) "BEST WAY TO DESTROY ANY ORGANIZATION IS FROM WITHIN, HE HAS CHANGED HIS ALLEGANCE 100 M.PH. WE ALWAYS COMPLAIN ABOUT PUNDITS LOKING AFTER THEMSELVES, BY DAM HE JOINED THEM RAPID, THAT 30 PIECES OF SILVER MUST BE GOOD"

And this one from someone else, also about the cheif:

"I think someone should have a word with Dale the next time he comes to a Ponty game and tell him he's not wanted at OUR games"

They're even turning on him now, what a pathetic couple of individuals. Bet they are still crying in to their cornflakes this morning.  

[Coleman]

You're always going to get fans like that. They're dreadful, one eyed idiots. Simple as that. I work with a couple of Ponty season ticket holders and they said that they're dead chuffed for Dico, Dacey and Humberstone. In a few years i'd really like this to be the norm. Us using both RFC and Ponty to bring players through and lean on when we lose so many players.

[Cardiff Dave]

Let's face it, if the PA and HEC was already sorted, I doubt whether Dicomidis (Cypriot) and Humberstone (English) would have even been considered by Cardiff.

[XR]

Is he not welsh qualified (Humberstone)?

[Cardiff Dave]

Is he not welsh qualified (Humberstone)?

Dunno actually.

[ScarletSpiderman]

I am guessing he is not capped by England or the Saxons, so then it is just down to how long he has been here etc (unless he has welsh heritage), but lets face it at worst he is time serving.

[Coleman]

Is he not welsh qualified (Humberstone)?

Dunno actually.

He's English but he went to UWIC. I'd assume that under IRB rules he counts as WQ by now.

[Cardiff Dave]

Is he not welsh qualified (Humberstone)?

Dunno actually.

He's English but he went to UWIC. I'd assume that under IRB rules he counts as WQ by now.

Fair enough, but in any case he'll be bench warming when Patchell returns.

[XR]

Possibly but it's good to have 2 competent 10's battling for the 1 spot. It's probably the reason why Nicky was on fire when we got the semi's of the HEC and won the EDF, he had Sweeney competing for the same spot.

[Cardiff Dave]

Team line ups;
Chris Dicomidis doesn't make the squad, Humbers warming the bench;

http://www.espn.co.uk/rabodirect-pro12-2013-14/rugby/match/191407.html

[Coleman]

Dicomidis dosnt join until next week. He's playing for Ponty this weekend i think.

[Cardiff Dave]

Dicomidis dosnt join until next week. He's playing for Ponty this weekend i think.

I know mun. I was going to say he'd been dropped already for a laugh.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Dicomidis dosnt join until next week. He's playing for Ponty this weekend i think.

Is that so the faithful can shout abuse at him, and vent their anger at him being a judas?

[Coleman]

Interestingly, Cyprus are not a full member of the IRB. Does that mean that he is still WQ as his cap's have not been in full internation games?

[Cardiff Dave]

Dicomidis dosnt join until next week. He's playing for Ponty this weekend i think.

Is that so the faithful can shout abuse at him, and vent their anger at him being a judas?

The "dinosaurs" will give him a tidy send off. Not all Ponty fans are crazed.

[ScarletSpiderman]

Dicomidis dosnt join until next week. He's playing for Ponty this weekend i think.

Is that so the faithful can shout abuse at him, and vent their anger at him being a judas?

The "dinosaurs" will give him a tidy send off. Not all Ponty fans are crazed.

That's true, its the same with most teams, the majority are decent, but he minority with tunnel visions tend to be so loud that you forget about the rest.

[Cardiff Dave]

Dicomidis dosnt join until next week. He's playing for Ponty this weekend i think.

Is that so the faithful can shout abuse at him, and vent their anger at him being a judas?

The "dinosaurs" will give him a tidy send off. Not all Ponty fans are crazed.

That's true, its the same with most teams, the majority are decent, but he minority with tunnel visions tend to be so loud that you forget about the rest.

Yes and to clarify, the said dinosaurs will never be a blue. Can't blame them either. Looking forward to seeing the t-shirt.

[wales606]

Team line ups;
Chris Dicomidis doesn't make the squad, Humbers warming the bench;

http://www.espn.co.uk/rabodirect-pro12-2013-14/rugby/match/191407.html

No Kristian Dacey...where will our tries come from?   

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