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

by wales606 Mon 21 Oct 2013, 4:33 pm

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

by Cardiff Dave Fri 29 Nov 2013, 9:15 pm

wales606 wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote: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?

A 78th minute consolation from fresh off the bench Breeze.
We're going to get munched up front I reckon.

by wales606 Sat 30 Nov 2013, 4:43 pm

9 - 20 Blues after 34 minutes

Doing pretty well considering the Treviso team is full of internationals!

Hope they keep it up in the second half, or the Dragons will be pulling away from us :/

by wales606 Sat 30 Nov 2013, 6:01 pm

FT

26 - 26

by wales606 Sun 01 Dec 2013, 9:08 am

From a reliable source on the Blues forum

Leigh has told club he will sign for Toulon in new year Warburton has told them he will join Northampton a sad day for cardiff blues sad smiley

..................

If true, then I pretty much give up on this bullsh*t.

Time to start supporting the All Blacks and Toulon...

FFS

by doctor_grey Sun 01 Dec 2013, 9:51 am

Warburton to Northampton?
Never heard that rumour on the Saints side. Besides one area of strength for Saints is back row. Doesn't matter how good Warburton is, the incremental improvement he might bring doesn't make sense to me. The money would be better spent improving areas of need.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon 02 Dec 2013, 9:42 am

wales606 wrote:From a reliable source on the Blues forum

Leigh has told club he will sign for Toulon in new year Warburton has told them he will join Northampton a sad day for cardiff blues sad smiley

..................

If true, then I pretty much give up on this bullsh*t.

Time to start supporting the All Blacks and Toulon...

FFS

Contradiction in terms surely.

That is very sad news, but I guess not unexpected. I have a feeling that the regions will resemble the welsh side of the early 2000s soon, a few welsh lads that are good, but not outstanding, and a few south Africans/new Zealanders etc, that are just not good enough to play for their own team.

by Luckless Pedestrian Mon 02 Dec 2013, 10:08 am

Like that ginger full back, Matt Cardle. Wink

by maestegmafia Mon 02 Dec 2013, 10:10 am

Mate this is just the start of it, it will get worse and worse. There is only a matter of time before even our under 20s are signed abroad.

And it will be the same for everyone else in Rugby.

by wales606 Sun 08 Dec 2013, 9:22 am

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_9063401,00.html

by Coleman Sun 08 Dec 2013, 9:31 am

We've still got Josh!!!! On a serious note, Halfpenny is irreplaceable.

by bedfordwelsh Sun 08 Dec 2013, 10:03 am

Where are Saints getting the money from? We all know French pricing most out of market

by The Saint Sun 08 Dec 2013, 2:37 pm

I can understand if they go to French teams. The lifestyle is amazing and they can earn up to £1M within three years. English teams are overhyped, don't have that much money and the lifestyle in England is worse than it is in Wales...

The rumours about Gats and the WRU encouraging players to leave their Regional teams must be true.

by Golden Sun 08 Dec 2013, 2:43 pm

The Saint wrote:I can understand if they go to French teams. The lifestyle is amazing and they can earn up to £1M within three years. English teams are overhyped, don't have that much money and the lifestyle in England is worse than it is in Wales...

The rumours about Gats and the WRU encouraging players to leave their Regional teams must be true.

Thats disgraceful if true. Whats the long term plan from the WRU? Are they trying to replace the regions with teams they control? Or do they just want these players off their books?

by The Saint Sun 08 Dec 2013, 2:54 pm

It is disgraceful. I think that came about during the whole European Rugby rubbish. That seems to be sorted out now so not sure why they're continuing to leave. I lay the blame solely at the WRUs feet here and I'm usually the one to stick up for them, but time and time again they've shown they can't run Rugby in this country. They're driving the regions away and then convince their top internationals to leave, hoping that the Regions will come running back and be more subjective. It's just like watching a play where the genre is domestic issues between partners. AWJ is our future captain. His contract is up and if he leaves then just about every other Wales player (regardless of age or ability) will probably follow.

by SecretFly Sun 08 Dec 2013, 3:35 pm

Nevermind the rumours. Some journalist from some Welsh TV or newspaper, ring the WRU or Gatland up and put the question to them/him - directly.

This is the kind of leaked pseudo propaganda that is put out there specifically to get the frosty responses this one is getting. Who actually is leaking the rumours?

The truth is out there - let the media do its work and go put the direct questions to those that have direct answers.

by Coleman Sun 08 Dec 2013, 3:44 pm

I got this from the CBSC today.

"Dear Member,

No doubt you will have seen the reports this last week of the WRU actively encouraging players not to re-sign with RRW clubs.

We sincerely hope that there is no truth in this but comments from Gwyn Jones earlier this week and of others since don't sit comfortably with us. Yesterday we have had conversations with the Blues which confirm that the 'top up' payments promised by the WRU to help us retain Sam Warburton and Leigh Halfpenny have not been forthcoming, and have therefore stalled contractual discussions with these players, with the Blues being able to do or offer no more.

You'll recall that we (along with other SCs) requested a meeting with WRU to discuss the future of regional rugby - if there's nothing to hide why would they decline to meet with us- representatives of those who turn up and watch club and regional rugby across the country week in, week out. We are still ready and keen to meet. We are meeting with the other supporters organisations to discuss next steps this week and will keep you updated.

As usual the real supporters in Wales will lose out - It's an absolute disgrace that this is being allowed to happen and even more so if it is being encouraged by those 'in charge' of our game.

The future generation of rugby players and supporters deserve to be able to see their idols such as Sam and Leigh, play in Wales.

We want to see the game we love and all heavily invest our own time and money in, protected and we'll need your support in whatever actions we take."

Nothing ground breaking in it but it shows the WRU are reluctant to discuss this situation with anyone. The CBSC along with the other regional supporters bodies have tried on a few occasions to arrange a meeting with the WRU to put their thoughts and feelings forward and have so far been ignored. If a vote of no confidence is called, I wonder how far it will get. Can’t see many of the club teams backing the regions. Some might see this as their way back to the top (Ebbw, Poller, Ponty, Neath. . . )

by Sin é Mon 09 Dec 2013, 1:02 pm

Copeland to Munster.
By Simon Thomas

Cardiff Blues star Robin Copeland agrees Munster move
9 Dec 2013 11:50

Irish forward will return home at the end of the season after a two-year stay at Cardiff Arms Park

Robin Copeland will join Munster at the end of the season Robin Copeland will join Munster at the end of the season

Cardiff Blues star Robin Copeland is to leave the Arms Park to join Munster at the end of this season.

The Irish No 8 has proved a major success since arriving at the region from Rotherham in the summer of 2012.

He has become a firm fans’ favourite over the last 18 months with his athleticism, pace and wholehearted attitude.

The 26-year-old from Wexford was named Man of the Match after the Blues’ famous Heineken Cup victory over European champions Toulon in October.

And he produced an outstanding defensive performance in Friday’s 29-20 Euro defeat of Glasgow at the Arms Park.

The Blues had made him a new contract offer in the hope of retaining his services.

But Copeland’s desire to play for Ireland has proved a key factor in his decision to sign up with Munster.

It’s a big blow for the Blues, who also look set to lose Bradley Davies to Wasps and are facing a real battle to hold on to Lions stars Leigh Halfpenny and Sam Warburton in the face of big money offers from French clubs.

by Coleman Mon 09 Dec 2013, 1:56 pm

This is the worst news we could have had. . . Best of luck to him though. Very classy player and a top bloke.

by Impossible Standards Mon 09 Dec 2013, 2:04 pm

Sinking ship springs to mind. Run

To me it's clear the WRU are going for hostile takeovers of all the regions. I don't normally agree with Gwyn Jones but I think what he says about the WRU waiting for the regions to hit rock bottom before introducing a new all encompassing structure run by the union is correct. It's clear they want to rid themselves of the debt and I believe this is when they will make the move unless the situation becomes too dire and they have to bring this forward. It's a shame for all the people who (like myself) just want to watch some good competitive rugby and enjoy the game without having all this political, civil war, nepotism, backstabbing and egotistical gesturing going on.

by Guest Mon 09 Dec 2013, 3:14 pm

Damn, Copeland has been outstanding for us, hope he gets the recognition he deserves in Ireland.

by SecretFly Mon 09 Dec 2013, 3:18 pm

IronMike wrote:Damn, Copeland has been outstanding for us, hope he gets the recognition he deserves in Ireland.

Seems the queue of players hoping for recognition they deserve is getting longer and longer in Ireland. He'll just have to slide in there at the back of the queue and wait his turn.

by Bluedragon Wed 18 Dec 2013, 6:09 pm

My dad told me that Andrius Pretorius is leaving to go to England, with Halfpenny going to France.

Blues to sign as replacements josh turnbull from scarlets and Lee Byrne from Clermont.

by Jhamer25 Wed 18 Dec 2013, 6:17 pm

Bluedragon wrote:My dad told me that Andrius Pretorius is leaving to go to England, with Halfpenny going to France.

Blues to sign as replacements josh turnbull from scarlets and Lee Byrne from Clermont.

And Bradley to Wasps

Turnball,on from would be a good recruit for you. Lee would would be great as well but you really need an 8, 10, lock and tighthead more than anything at the moment.

by XR Wed 18 Dec 2013, 7:12 pm

Pretorius to England? What a waste of time if that's true

by Guest Thu 19 Dec 2013, 1:25 pm

Team announced for the Ospreys game, I'm assuming Patchell is injured? No flyhalf cover on the bench

15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Richard Smith, 12 Dafydd Hewitt, 11 Harry Robinson, 10 Gareth Davies, 9 Lloyd Williams; 1 Sam Hobbs (c), 2 Kristian Dacey, 3 Benoit Bourrust, 4 Macauley Cook, 5 Filo Paulo, 6 Andries Pretorius, 7 Rory Watts-Jones, 8 Robin Copeland.

Replacements: 16 Rhys Williams, 17 Thomas Davies, 18 Scott Andrews, 19 James Down, 20 Josh Navidi, 21 Lewis Jones, 22 Gavin Evans, 23 Chris Czekaj

by Cardiff Dave Thu 19 Dec 2013, 10:20 pm

IronMike wrote:Team announced for the Ospreys game, I'm assuming Patchell is injured? No flyhalf cover on the bench

15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Richard Smith, 12 Dafydd Hewitt, 11 Harry Robinson, 10 Gareth Davies, 9 Lloyd Williams; 1 Sam Hobbs (c), 2 Kristian Dacey, 3 Benoit Bourrust, 4 Macauley Cook, 5 Filo Paulo, 6 Andries Pretorius, 7 Rory Watts-Jones, 8 Robin Copeland.

Replacements: 16 Rhys Williams, 17 Thomas Davies, 18 Scott Andrews, 19 James Down, 20 Josh Navidi, 21 Lewis Jones, 22 Gavin Evans, 23 Chris Czekaj

Beep, Beep, scrum reversing!
The Rags fly half our only 10? Is Humblestone back with Ponty?

by Bluedragon Thu 19 Dec 2013, 11:30 pm

Apparently lee byrne is going to either Blues or Scarlets, and Halfpenny isn't going to Toulon as they don't think that they will get value for money from him. They are looking at Flood instead as their kicker.

by XR Fri 20 Dec 2013, 8:17 am

Wilko's re-signed so they don't need a kicker.

by wales606 Mon 20 Jan 2014, 9:29 am

Blues have apparently signed Isaia Tuifua from Taranaki - he is a centre/utility back apparently

https://twitter.com/TaranakiRugby/status/425094143493165056/photo/1

by XR Mon 20 Jan 2014, 10:10 am

i think i suggested him in one of our threads. i believe i even tweeted the blues to sign him.

where's my finders fee?

by XR Mon 20 Jan 2014, 10:16 am

https://www.606v2.com/t39202p550-cardiff-blues-season-thread-toulon-fall-in-cardiff

Top scout.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon 20 Jan 2014, 10:28 am

gcBlues wrote:https://www.606v2.com/t39202p550-cardiff-blues-season-thread-toulon-fall-in-cardiff

Top scout.

Full marks for your scouting.

by XR Mon 20 Jan 2014, 10:30 am

Maybe now i convince the fiance that we have to have sky sports so i can help the blues!

by XR Mon 20 Jan 2014, 11:21 am

He's here 'initially until the end of the season'. smh.

from the blues website press release, love this line:

"We feel Isaia's style of play will complement the likes of Dafydd Hewitt, Gavin Evans and Richard Smith and give us another option. It gives us depth in midfield as other players come back from injury."

complement DH & GE? Desperate times!

by Coleman Mon 20 Jan 2014, 11:34 am

gcBlues wrote:"We feel Isaia's style of play will complement the likes of Dafydd Hewitt, Gavin Evans and Richard Smith and give us another option. It gives us depth in midfield as other players come back from injury."
Desperate times!

by Guest Mon 20 Jan 2014, 11:59 am

Any news on the return of Williams, Patchell and Allen? That midfield needs game time

by wales606 Mon 20 Jan 2014, 12:07 pm

IronMike wrote:Any news on the return of Williams, Patchell and Allen? That midfield needs game time

Williams soon

Allen is out for a few more months

Patchell might make the end of the season

by XR Tue 21 Jan 2014, 12:05 pm

Craig Mitchell from exeter to the blues on a 4 year deal.

THE EXODUS IS IN REVERSE.

ahem

by wales606 Tue 21 Jan 2014, 12:06 pm

Craig Mitchell signed for next season!

We finally have a quality THP!

Just hope he isn't injured the whole time :/

by wales606 Tue 21 Jan 2014, 12:07 pm

gcBlues wrote:Craig Mitchell from exeter to the blues on a 4 year deal.

THE EXODUS IS IN REVERSE.

ahem

3 years

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 21 Jan 2014, 12:10 pm

Good signing for the Blues, but like I said with the Dragons, how can you make signings of players during the whole uncertainty?

by Comfort Tue 21 Jan 2014, 12:24 pm

waaaayooo! although Im wary as he seems to come with a sicknote (and why do I think this has something to do with the disciplinary falling out he had at exeter).

Very happy with that, the only certainty that mattered was that the blues need a starting Tighthead and have done for years, they have able back-up in Borrust imo.

Now we go get Rhys Gill back Wink

and we're starting to build a decent pack, with Ieuan Jones signing at 8 and Turnbull rumoured...

by Coleman Tue 21 Jan 2014, 1:43 pm

Comfort wrote:waaaayooo! although Im wary as he seems to come with a sicknote (and why do I think this has something to do with the disciplinary falling out he had at exeter).

Very happy with that, the only certainty that mattered was that the blues need a starting Tighthead and have done for years, they have able back-up in Borrust imo.

Now we go get Rhys Gill back and we're starting to build a decent pack, with Ieuan Jones signing at 8 and Turnbull rumoured...

If we signed Gill i'd lose my mind. Very happy to have signed Mitchell!

by Guest Tue 21 Jan 2014, 2:39 pm

Good signing, just what we needed, just need a better Loosehead than Hobbs

by Coleman Tue 21 Jan 2014, 2:51 pm

Hobbs will never be out of the team though. He's been captain this season. Really not sure what he does on the training ground but it must be amazing.

On an off note. Does anyone know why Cardiff RFC have been playing friendly fixtures against lower tier teams?

by LordDowlais Tue 21 Jan 2014, 2:59 pm

The Craig Mtichell rumour has never gone away, it was no secret down at the cap that they were trying to sign him.

by Cardiff Dave Tue 21 Jan 2014, 4:11 pm

wales606 wrote:
gcBlues wrote:Craig Mitchell from exeter to the blues on a 4 year deal.

THE EXODUS IS IN REVERSE.

ahem

3 years

by Cardiff Dave Tue 21 Jan 2014, 4:12 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Good signing for the Blues, but like I said with the Dragons, how can you make signings of players during the whole uncertainty?

Sometimes it's good to have a rich uncle.

by The Saint Tue 21 Jan 2014, 5:01 pm

Another great signing for the Blues, hope for your sake he stay injury free though. If he gets cropped your back-ups are pretty surplus... Hope you can keep hold of guys like Davies and Halfpenny, because I gotta be honest the only Welsh team capable of making it in Europe when they're on song is Cardiff Blues.

by Jhamer25 Tue 21 Jan 2014, 6:38 pm

Bluddy hell Cardiff, two good signings in two days.
It's nice to see that the regions aren't letting this whole region crisis get in the way of signing players. Yes, it is risk but at the end of the day the regions need to make signings aren't can;t put their businesses on halt because the higher authorities like playing politics.

Also Wales 606
You forgot Iauen Jones as a new signing.
So far the Blues have recruited very very well. Just need a flanker, 8 winger and 10 now, then they can finally start looking to compete again.

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