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 dragon4life Mon 22 Dec 2014, 3:41 pm

We have Faletau out so about even

by dragon4life Mon 22 Dec 2014, 3:42 pm

We have Faletau out so about even

by Cardiff Dave Mon 22 Dec 2014, 8:12 pm

Coleman wrote:This is good news. Be good to see the Merthyr Express back at the Arms Park. Really hope we can some how keep both of the Argies. Tuculet's kicking was great on friday. Roll on Boxing Day!

Like the Duracell Bunny; just needs pointing in the right direction.

by Coleman Tue 23 Dec 2014, 7:43 am

Hopefully we can get him pointed in the right way. His scoring record for Exe isnt great though. Not sure what to believe about all these rumours. Cuthbert and Patch leaving. Roberts coming back on a DC. I wonder what next.

by maestegmafia Tue 23 Dec 2014, 9:39 am

The Saint wrote:Seems like a good gain given the contrasting form of both players. If Cuthbert is going to play for someone outside of Wales then I hope he gets dropped from team Wales.

Why would you hope that?

Most welsh rugby fans would hope that a player improves his form, finds his best not that he moves abroad and gets dropped.

by Coleman Tue 23 Dec 2014, 9:57 am

Aye i'd much rather keep Cuthbert. Sure his form hasn't been great but he always plays and he shows he cares when he gets frustrated. Once we've sorted out our issues of getting the ball past 13 he'll be scoring tries again.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue 23 Dec 2014, 10:22 am

Coleman wrote:Aye i'd much rather keep Cuthbert. Sure his form hasn't been great but he always plays and he shows he cares when he gets frustrated. Once we've sorted out our issues of getting the ball past 13 he'll be scoring tries again.

His problem is that he can let a call that he didn't agree with annoy him for ages. I saw him at PYS, the ref gave a knock on or forward pass, and Cuthbert was ranting and waving his arms around at himself for about five to ten mins.

by The Saint Tue 23 Dec 2014, 1:15 pm

maestegmafia wrote:
The Saint wrote:Seems like a good gain given the contrasting form of both players. If Cuthbert is going to play for someone outside of Wales then I hope he gets dropped from team Wales.

Why would you hope that?

Most welsh rugby fans would hope that a player improves his form, finds his best not that he moves abroad and gets dropped.

Because he's clearly off form and still getting picked for team Wales. We have other wingers that are getting overlooked. I'd like to see Gats stick to his word, afterall he did say that from this day forth that anyone leaving to play outside of Wales will not be picked unless in extenuating circumstances. Not so sure you speak for most rugby fans either.

by Guest Tue 23 Dec 2014, 4:13 pm

To be honest, who would you rather have in the Welsh squad over North and Cuthbert? Our options are not great..

Eli Walker if he ever stays injury free?
Hallam Amos?
Harry Robinson?
Kristian Phillips?

Honestly cant name many wingers who I would say definitely deserve a chance in the national squad.

by wales606 Tue 23 Dec 2014, 4:17 pm

IronMike wrote:To be honest, who would you rather have in the Welsh squad over North and Cuthbert? Our options are not great..

Eli Walker if he ever stays injury free?
Hallam Amos?
Harry Robinson?
Kristian Phillips?

Honestly cant name many wingers who I would say definitely deserve a chance in the national squad.

Tom James!

Whistle

by The Saint Tue 23 Dec 2014, 6:23 pm

IronMike wrote:To be honest, who would you rather have in the Welsh squad over North and Cuthbert? Our options are not great..

Eli Walker if he ever stays injury free?
Hallam Amos?
Harry Robinson?
Kristian Phillips?

Honestly cant name many wingers who I would say definitely deserve a chance in the national squad.

If they're not injured; Eli Walker, Hanno Dirksen, Hallam Amos, Tom Prydie, Jordan Williams (don't know why Scarlets have dropped him for erm...Robinson). Some of those have had long lay-offs with injury but let's face it they were pushing for honours before that. Walker and Dirksen were and now they're back playing they still look capable. If that's not many that deserve a chance, how many is many?

by Cardiff Dave Tue 23 Dec 2014, 6:30 pm

Coleman wrote:Hopefully we can get him pointed in the right way. His scoring record for Exe isnt great though. Not sure what to believe about all these rumours. Cuthbert and Patch leaving. Roberts coming back on a DC. I wonder what next.

I hope not.

by wales606 Tue 23 Dec 2014, 6:37 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:
Coleman wrote:Hopefully we can get him pointed in the right way. His scoring record for Exe isnt great though. Not sure what to believe about all these rumours. Cuthbert and Patch leaving. Roberts coming back on a DC. I wonder what next.

I hope not.

He isnt

by Cardiff Dave Tue 23 Dec 2014, 6:41 pm

wales606 wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
Coleman wrote:Hopefully we can get him pointed in the right way. His scoring record for Exe isnt great though. Not sure what to believe about all these rumours. Cuthbert and Patch leaving. Roberts coming back on a DC. I wonder what next.

I hope not.

He isnt

Glad to hear it.

by Coleman Tue 06 Jan 2015, 2:49 pm

Any ideas of who we may be signing? I read on the Cardiff forum that a Kiwi center is inbound. No names there though.

by wales606 Tue 06 Jan 2015, 2:55 pm

Nope, only guesses and rumours.

by Coleman Tue 06 Jan 2015, 3:25 pm

Seems really quiet on the Welsh front. It's pretty upsetting to see big names linked with clubs in Eng and France but nothing here. Can't we just sign the Whitelock brothers?

by Cardiff Dave Tue 06 Jan 2015, 5:14 pm

Coleman wrote:Seems really quiet on the Welsh front. It's pretty upsetting to see big names linked with clubs in Eng and France but nothing here. Can't we just sign the Whitelock brothers?

Always is quiet though isn't it for us and the mad French swap shop hasn't really begun yet.

by Cardiff Dave Wed 07 Jan 2015, 9:03 pm

I hear on twitter that we're getting a new centre, to be announced tomorrow. Is this true?

by wales606 Wed 07 Jan 2015, 9:08 pm

Apparently

by Cardiff Dave Wed 07 Jan 2015, 9:24 pm

wales606 wrote:Apparently

Jamie Roberts is it?

by wales606 Wed 07 Jan 2015, 9:28 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:
wales606 wrote:Apparently

Jamie Roberts is it?

New Zealander apparently,

Quality player but not a big name apparently

by Cardiff Dave Wed 07 Jan 2015, 10:00 pm

wales606 wrote:
Cardiff Dave wrote:
wales606 wrote:Apparently

Jamie Roberts is it?

New Zealander apparently,

Quality player but not a big name apparently

Any Welsh connections/complications?

by Coleman Wed 07 Jan 2015, 10:03 pm

Could it be Ice again?

by wales606 Wed 07 Jan 2015, 10:30 pm

Doubt it. Someone a bit more established.

Tuculet has apparently been offered a contract by us and the new Argentina super rugby team. He says he will make a decision in the next few weeks

by Cardiff Dave Wed 07 Jan 2015, 10:50 pm

wales606 wrote:Doubt it. Someone a bit more established.

Tuculet has apparently been offered a contract by us and the new Argentina super rugby team. He says he will make a decision in the next few weeks

Blydi ell! I'm intrigued.

by wales606 Wed 07 Jan 2015, 10:51 pm

It isn't Conrad Smith, that's about all that has been ruled out

by The Saint Wed 07 Jan 2015, 10:57 pm

Was Roberts deemed not worth it because his game time with Blues would be limited, or is he still on the cards as well as the Kiwi centre? Got to be honest, Allen seems to have stagnated after showing a lot of potential early in his career. Morgan has shown slightly more potential IMO, but neither of these two should be on a DC just yet.

by Cardiff Dave Wed 07 Jan 2015, 11:11 pm

wales606 wrote:It isn't Conrad Smith, that's about all that has been ruled out

"established" and "New Zealander" sounds good.
Hope the Argentine Exocet decides to stay too.

by Cardiff Dave Wed 07 Jan 2015, 11:21 pm

The Saint wrote:Was Roberts deemed not worth it because his game time with Blues would be limited, or is he still on the cards as well as the Kiwi centre? Got to be honest, Allen seems to have stagnated after showing a lot of potential early in his career. Morgan has shown slightly more potential IMO, but neither of these two should be on a DC just yet.

I'm sure that Shove and Jaw will be back at CAP after they've finished their holidaying abroad.

by wales606 Wed 07 Jan 2015, 11:34 pm

Roberts might not be next season

by Coleman Thu 08 Jan 2015, 8:28 am

Ray Lee-Leo. I've not seen a lot of Super Rugby in the past few years. Anyone got any info?

by LordDowlais Thu 08 Jan 2015, 8:40 am

"Cardiff Blues have swelled their international contingent by signing Super 15 ace Rey Lee-Lo on a long-term deal.

The Samoan Test centre will come on board from the Hurricanes at the end of the Super Rugby season this summer, re-uniting him with his former coach Mark Hammett.

He re-signed for the Wellington-based Hurricanes for the 2015 campaign, having spent last year with the Crusaders down in Christchurch.

Now he has committed his long-term future to Cardiff Blues, who have been tracking him for some time.

Born in Apia in Samoa, the 28-year-old is a powerful, yet pacy midfield presence, who made his Test debut against Canada in the autumn and started against England at Twickenham.

He has played New Zealand provincial rugby for Counties Manukau since 2009, going on to make his Super 15 debut under Hammett at the Hurricanes in 2013.

The Blues’ Kiwi director of rugby is delighted to have secured the services of the 5ft 11in, 15st 6lbs centre.

“Rey is a player I know really well from our time together at the Hurricanes and I’m sure he will be a big asset to Cardiff Blues,” said Hammett.

“One of his big strengths is that he’s a powerful man while also being extremely agile and playing with real speed to his game. He’s aggressive and, like many Polynesians, enjoys the contact area.

“I coached Rey at the Hurricanes back in 2013 when he was voted the rookie of the year. That is no small feat given he was up against the likes of Conrad Smith and Tim Bateman, who are outstanding footballers in their own right, for a starting spot.

“Rey has improved every season and also learnt a great deal from his time spent with Tana Umaga at Counties Manukau. He will be determined to take this opportunity at Blues and be a big success in Wales.”

The twice-capped Lee-Lo added: “I’m excited about the move to the northern hemisphere to represent Cardiff Blues and the chance to once again play for Hammer.

“I obviously know him well from our time together at the Hurricanes and I’m delighted to be able to join him in Wales and look to bring success to the Blues.

“I’ve a big season ahead for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby and also hope to play for my country in the 2015 Rugby World Cup. I will then start a new chapter in my career at the Blues.

“There are some fantastic players at the region and I know Hammer is keen to develop that further and bring success. I look forward to playing a major part in that story over the coming years.”

Lee-Lo joins the likes of fellow overseas internationals Joaquin Tuculet, Lucas Amorosino, Jarrad Hoeata, Filo Paulo and Manoa Vosawai at the Arms Park, as well as the home grown Test stars.

The Blues management are currently working hard behind the scenes to try and extend the stays of Argentine back three duo Tuculet and Amorosino, who are contracted until the end of this season."

by Coleman Thu 08 Jan 2015, 8:43 am

If we can keep the two Argies then i'd be really excited about next season. Don't they need to be playing in Arg from the next Super Rugby season to play international rugby?

by LordDowlais Thu 08 Jan 2015, 8:50 am

how many NWQ players do the Blues want ?

by Coleman Thu 08 Jan 2015, 11:10 am

Highly-rated young fly half Jarrod Evans has pledged his long-term future to Cardiff Blues after signing a first senior contract at the region.

Evans has put pen to paper this week and stepped up from the Blues Academy set-up to join the senior ranks.

Pontypridd born and bred, Evans, 18, came through the mini and junior ranks of his local club before his precocious talents saw him called into the Blues Academy.

The talented playmaker has been capped by Wales and Youth and Under-18 level and made his debut for Pontypridd when aged just 17 in 2013.

Richard Hodges, Elite Performance Pathway Manager at Cardiff Blues, said: "Jarrod has been part of the Blues set-up since he was 14 and has progressed through the Blues North and Under-18s squads.

"He is a talented young player who many fans will remember scoring four tries as Blues Under-18s won the Regional Championship final at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park last season."

Copied from the Blues website. Sorry for the formatting. Hopefully this means we can now cut G.Davies and Humberstone loose. We really need to be providing more of a stepping stone for our Academy players. We do pretty well in the under age championships but there is a big disconnect between our junior sides and making the senior side.

by The Saint Thu 08 Jan 2015, 11:26 am

LordDowlais wrote:how many NWQ players do the Blues want ?

The limit. They have 5 now, and may lose an Argentinian. The Leo signing would take them back up to 5. I'd say a team that can lose that many internationals might need more than 5.

by Coleman Thu 08 Jan 2015, 11:37 am

We have more than five at the moment. Leo will take Filese's NWQ spot. He will almost certainly retire thise season. It will be the fourth time he has retired when he finally does. I'm not even sure what the NWQ quota is anymore. Right now we have: Filese, Hoeata, Filo, Vos, Amorosino and Tuculet.

by The Saint Thu 08 Jan 2015, 11:39 am

I forgot about Filise and he wasn't listed in the article LD posted, what a servant he's been. I'm sure it's either 5 or 6...plus the time-servers.

by Coleman Thu 08 Jan 2015, 12:01 pm

He is a legend and he took over TR Thomas as our highest capped player when he came on vs the Scarlets. Maybe if players are at the region 5+ years they should be exempt? (Joking... Kind of).

by wales606 Thu 08 Jan 2015, 12:03 pm

Apparently Tuculet at least has been offered a contract for the new super rugby team already. He will make his decision in the next few weeks.

Really hope he stays, but can't blame him or Amorisino if they leave.

by Cardiff Dave Thu 08 Jan 2015, 12:32 pm

Coleman wrote:We have more than five at the moment. Leo will take Filese's NWQ spot. He will almost certainly retire thise season. It will be the fourth time he has retired when he finally does. I'm not even sure what the NWQ quota is anymore. Right now we have: Filese, Hoeata, Filo, Vos, Amorosino and Tuculet.

The same as what it has been for years ie 6+2.

by Coleman Thu 08 Jan 2015, 12:43 pm

I wasn't sure if it had changed with the agreement on DC's. Have we not offered both contracts? If they both stay. Well it'll be better than Christmas!!

by wales606 Thu 08 Jan 2015, 12:46 pm

Yeah, we are negotiating with both.

Tuculet at least has been offered a super rugby contract

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3825_9635392,00.html

by HammerofThunor Thu 08 Jan 2015, 12:56 pm

Cardiff Dave wrote:
Coleman wrote:We have more than five at the moment. Leo will take Filese's NWQ spot. He will almost certainly retire thise season. It will be the fourth time he has retired when he finally does. I'm not even sure what the NWQ quota is anymore. Right now we have: Filese, Hoeata, Filo, Vos, Amorosino and Tuculet.

The same as what it has been for years ie 6+2.

BBC wrote:Each of the regions - Cardiff Blues, Newport Gwent Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - will be able to sign only six non-Welsh qualified players.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/28956029

Guardian had the same. Basically they have it as 4+2

by wales606 Thu 08 Jan 2015, 1:06 pm

6 NWQ and 2 time servers isn't it?

by LordDowlais Thu 08 Jan 2015, 1:17 pm

I was under the impression that it was originally 6+2, but now after this new agreement it is just 6

by Cardiff Dave Thu 08 Jan 2015, 1:52 pm

"The limit on foreign players in Regional squads has been capped at a maximum of six while each Region will be allowed two so-called time serving players who will be available for Welsh selection after three years residency."

http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/news/31045.php#.VK6LJHstFL8

by Cardiff Dave Thu 08 Jan 2015, 6:32 pm

LordDowlais wrote:I was under the impression that it was originally 6+2, but now after this new agreement it is just 6

You do a good impression LD. Is your middle name Monet?
Only kidding of course and IIRC the NWQ quota would've reduced had the original PA continued for another X years, but as we all know that didn't happen and Roger got reamed.

by Cardiff Dave Thu 08 Jan 2015, 6:55 pm

Hope Uncle Pete will be following this.....

"Cardiff City: Fans hope club meeting brings back colour blue.
Cardiff City supporters hope a meeting called by the club's owner Vincent Tan for Thursday will lead to them playing in blue again.
Tan has been at the heart of Cardiff's controversial rebrand from blue to red.
Attendances have dropped since Premier League relegation last season and Tan has invited a cross section of supporters to a "consultative meeting".
"I think there's going to be something on offer," said David Craig, vice chair of the Cardiff City Supporters Trust.
"Otherwise why call the meeting unless there is an intention to get something constructive out of it?
"The obvious issue is the one of rebranding," added Craig, who has been invited to the meeting.
Craig told BBC Wales Sport he was unaware of any agenda for the meeting, but said the Trust had sent the club a letter with suggestions for possible items of discussion.
The most popular one put forward by the group's members, he said, was the desire to see the club return to its traditional blue home shirt and badge."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30725606

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