Lydiate, Roberts and Philips could leave Racing in the next few days

by Guest Tue Oct 14, 2014 9:54 am

Wales stars Jamie Roberts, Mike Phillips and Dan Lydiate could leave Racing Metro in the coming days, according to reports in France.

The trio joined the exodus of some of the nation's leading players ahead of the 2013-14 season.

Racing Metro coach Laurent Labit is quoted in L'Equipe as saying: "We have raised the subject with them.

"They have never really been that effective since their arrival." Racing declined to comment officially.

Lydiate and Roberts' agents have also been asked to comment.

Roberts and Lydiate joined the Paris-based club ahead of the 2013-14 season while Phillips moved there in December, 2013 after being dismissed for disciplinary reasons by former club Bayonne.

If they want to play for potential new teams in this season's European competitions, the trio must move ahead of the tournament start this week.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/29610121

Thoughts? The WRU would help buy them out of their contracts

by LordDowlais Tue Oct 14, 2014 10:05 am

What is it with these French Billionaires, they gave these players the contracts, so they should honour them, saying that though, I would love to see these players come back, the Blues could do with Roberts along side Cory Allen, and the Scarlets could do with some one like Lydiate, but, these French clubs and their owners are doing more to ruin rugby than people can see. What have these three players done to warrent such a public bashing ?

by TightHEAD Tue Oct 14, 2014 10:09 am

"What have these three players done to warrent such a public bashing ?"

Nothing (on the pitch anyway), that is the problem!

by **LondonTiger** Tue Oct 14, 2014 10:10 am

LordDowlais wrote:What have these three players done to warrent such a public bashing ?

Add in Gatland publicly slating their fitness - and they will be feeling victimised.

by maestegmafia Tue Oct 14, 2014 10:18 am

Great news..! Get them home, get them fit and get them back in welsh teams...

Unfortunately i fear all three will likely get snapped up in the AP which means almost zero availability.

Hopefully the WRU will see the sense in fishing them out.

More likely though this is just the same BS coming out of L'Equipe as usual.

by wales606 Tue Oct 14, 2014 10:27 am

WRU due to sign Roberts and Lydiate apparently, nothing on Phillips

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/wales-rugby-stars-jamie-roberts-7930451

by Guest Tue Oct 14, 2014 10:28 am

The Blues sure could use a fit Roberts right now, him and Allen in the centre, yeah buddy.

by wales606 Tue Oct 14, 2014 10:30 am

IronMike wrote:The Blues sure could use a fit Roberts right now, him and Allen in the centre, yeah buddy.

Just hope he doesnt end up at the Ospreys Erm

by whocares Tue Oct 14, 2014 10:35 am

TightHEAD wrote:"What have these three players done to warrent such a public bashing ?"

Nothing (on the pitch anyway), that is the problem!

there is no public bashing and those players shoudl see that as an opportunity to go back to Wales.
Roberts in particular has been disapointing and is now even behing rookie Dumoulin in the pecking orders. Lydiate average at best. wont be missed for sure.

by wayne Tue Oct 14, 2014 11:09 am

wales606 wrote:
IronMike wrote:The Blues sure could use a fit Roberts right now, him and Allen in the centre, yeah buddy.

Just hope he doesnt end up at the Ospreys

Yes I'll second that, we don't want or need him, with his injury and availability record and we have somebody with a much better skillset for our needs, kicking, passing and gainline power whether in defence or attack, if Gatland has the power to tell us when and where he plays, he's not worth the bother, if it's true what the Fail says and they want these 3 players to go to either us or the Scarlets, because we are in the RCC, the Scarlets can have Roberts and Phillips and we will have Lydiate, although the one player playing in France we could do with is Charteris, he would be a good addition to our squad.

by LordDowlais Tue Oct 14, 2014 11:25 am

The Ospreys do not need Lydiate, they have a very handy player in King who can play there, I would say the Scarlets need him more than the Ospreys.

by TightHEAD Tue Oct 14, 2014 11:41 am

The modern Rugby player is just a slave to money these days, whoever coughs up enough will land these guys whether they need they or not.

by wayne Tue Oct 14, 2014 11:42 am

LordDowlais wrote:The Ospreys do not need Lydiate, they have a very handy player in King who can play there, I would say the Scarlets need him more than the Ospreys.

Lord, if they are BOTH in the Wales squad, I'd agree with you, if it is only one of them then we could do with say King, we have Ardron the Canadian and he has been a good signing but he is injured at the moment, do you know we play Ulster and Leinster IIRC away DURING the AIs we will need some of these top players at that time, we definetly do not need Roberts or Phillips. I have it on good authority that Andrew Hore would leave if we ever signed Phillips back and IMO the Scarlets do not need him.

by XR Tue Oct 14, 2014 12:02 pm

Scarlets will get both of them, Ospreys don't need either.

Although if this does happen, i look forward to what players Gatland deems should be at the Dragons and Blues. You can't just overload the two teams in the ECC with wales squad players because the other 2 teams will suffer and then bring in NWQ to add the quality.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue Oct 14, 2014 12:08 pm

No disrespect but the Scarlets don't need Lydaite, we have two welsh capped blindsides at the moment. And I'm not too sure that we would want/need Roberts either, as we have Scott Williams at inside centre already.

I could understand the Ospreys getting Lydiate and/or Roberts as IMO their need is greater, and they are more likely to progress in the new European comp, and Pro12.

But personally I think this is a chance for the union to show they have matured passed the bunch of !!"£$"$ that we are used to, and instead of placing the players where the union want them, maybe the union could sort out for the player to return 'home'. Lydiate would surely be a boast for the Dragons (even though they have plenty of good players int he back row), and Roberts would do a job for the Blues.

Also tbh I think there is no mention of Phillips, as he is not expected to have much longer to go, and why waste a dual contract on him.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue Oct 14, 2014 12:11 pm

TightHEAD wrote:The modern Rugby player is just a slave to money these days, whoever coughs up enough will land these guys whether they need they or not.

Not sure they are slaves, more like 'ladies of the night' as it is a decision that they have to make for themselves, money or dignitary (well games time, playing where they like etc).

by lostinwales Tue Oct 14, 2014 12:29 pm

maestegmafia wrote:Great news..! Get them home, get them fit and get them back in welsh teams...

Unfortunately i fear all three will likely get snapped up in the AP which means almost zero availability.

Hopefully the WRU will see the sense in fishing them out.

More likely though this is just the same BS coming out of L'Equipe as usual.

I guess LW could do with some more players

by XR Tue Oct 14, 2014 12:37 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:No disrespect but the Scarlets don't need Lydaite, we have two welsh capped blindsides at the moment. And I'm not too sure that we would want/need Roberts either, as we have Scott Williams at inside centre already.

Gatland may wish to see what williams/roberts are like so that could be one view on it.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue Oct 14, 2014 12:45 pm

gcBlues wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:No disrespect but the Scarlets don't need Lydaite, we have two welsh capped blindsides at the moment. And I'm not too sure that we would want/need Roberts either, as we have Scott Williams at inside centre already.

Gatland may wish to see what williams/roberts are like so that could be one view on it.

He may want to see that, but I would still think at some point the regional bosses would have a say in whether or not a player joins them (seeing as they need to pay 40% of the wages).

by maestegmafia Tue Oct 14, 2014 1:07 pm

TightHEAD wrote:The modern Rugby player is just a slave to money these days, whoever coughs up enough will land these guys whether they need they or not.

I would disagree and say modern rugby is a slave to rugby players agents increasing the cost of the game beyond the means of the sport...

The players just want to play.

by wayne Tue Oct 14, 2014 1:30 pm

There is an update in the Fail, saying Lydiate is coming to us, and that we have been interested in signing him for a while.
Cannot do the link, perhaps somebody else can.
Thanks in advance.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue Oct 14, 2014 1:33 pm

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/ospreys-lead-race-wales-star-7932954

by wayne Tue Oct 14, 2014 1:39 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/ospreys-lead-race-wales-star-7932954

Good Lad SS

by LordDowlais Tue Oct 14, 2014 1:39 pm

If the Ospreys sign Lydiate, their back row would have some serious firepower, Tipuric, Baker, Lydiate. That is a seriously good back row.

by wayne Tue Oct 14, 2014 1:46 pm

LordDowlais wrote:If the Ospreys sign Lydiate, their back row would have some serious firepower, Tipuric, Baker, Lydiate. That is a seriously good back row.

Don't forget Lord this is the Fail reporting this, if it did happen we would have a back up of Lewis, Allen, King with Ardron behind them, not too shabby eh.

by rainbow-warrior Tue Oct 14, 2014 1:56 pm

It's obvious these lads went to France to earn a tastier salary and let's be honest which one us wouldn't if we had the chance. I just feel France is a place for SH has beens or sulkers who can not get into their respective nations side. Let's hope it is the case of them returning to Wales and I hope Halfpenny does the same soon. A good Pro12 league with cracking Irish provincial sides is just as good as the English league and we get to pick them rather than been dominated by the English prem.

Can only be better for Wales in the long run. Those whinging about their motives and if it is money need to reel their heads in these lads have a short career and deserve to get what they can.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue Oct 14, 2014 2:01 pm

I am glad I did read the bit saying that the region that the player left gets first refusal to sign the player upon their return (if the player is happy too). I know that does not mean that every player will return 'home' as such, but it does make it more likely.

As for Lydiate to the Ospreys, it makes prefect sense to me. The Blues have an international first choice back row (Turnbull, Warbs, Italian Dude), and they have some good young players behind. The Scarlets let Turnbull go because they were packed with blindsides already. And the Dragons have a pretty fierce backrow too. The Ospreys are the only ones with a 'weaker' blindside, so Lydaite should add to their already decent pack.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue Oct 14, 2014 2:07 pm

It is funny, there was the MYTH that going to France turned good players into very good player because Stephen Jones and Alfie enjoyed their time out there. People were even saying that it is good for our boys to head out there and 'develop' their game and become even better. It looks like that MYTH has been truly busted now once and for all.

by Guest Tue Oct 14, 2014 2:12 pm

Probably because the Top14 is an awful league now, its too long and sides don't take their away games seriously. And its also full of foreign imports as well now thanks to the latest trend of buying every international under the sun.

by lostinwales Tue Oct 14, 2014 2:15 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:It is funny, there was the MYTH that going to France turned good players into very good player because Stephen Jones and Alfie enjoyed their time out there. People were even saying that it is good for our boys to head out there and 'develop' their game and become even better. It looks like that MYTH has been truly busted now once and for all.

No. It just goes to show that its the sort of thing that suits some a lot more than others. All 3 seem to fall into the category of keeping their best performances for international level. Roberts never seemed to play many domestic games and Phillips is at a funny stage in his carreer.

by Guest Tue Oct 14, 2014 2:19 pm

LordDowlais wrote:If the Ospreys sign Lydiate, their back row would have some serious firepower, Tipuric, Baker, Lydiate. That is a seriously good back row.

Thought you said they didn't need him. I'm confused.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue Oct 14, 2014 2:23 pm

lostinwales wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:It is funny, there was the MYTH that going to France turned good players into very good player because Stephen Jones and Alfie enjoyed their time out there. People were even saying that it is good for our boys to head out there and 'develop' their game and become even better. It looks like that MYTH has been truly busted now once and for all.

No. It just goes to show that its the sort of thing that suits some a lot more than others. All 3 seem to fall into the category of keeping their best performances for international level. Roberts never seemed to play many domestic games and Phillips is at a funny stage in his carreer.

And James Hook, Luke Charteris, Aled Brew also fall into that category. Oh and Alix Popham and.......................

by LordDowlais Tue Oct 14, 2014 2:26 pm

Risca Rev wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:If the Ospreys sign Lydiate, their back row would have some serious firepower, Tipuric, Baker, Lydiate. That is a seriously good back row.

Thought you said they didn't need him. I'm confused.

They don't need him, they have King and Alderon, but, come on, they would be mad to say no, he is a Wales and Lions player, any team in Wales could do with him.

by Guest Tue Oct 14, 2014 2:45 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
lostinwales wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:It is funny, there was the MYTH that going to France turned good players into very good player because Stephen Jones and Alfie enjoyed their time out there. People were even saying that it is good for our boys to head out there and 'develop' their game and become even better. It looks like that MYTH has been truly busted now once and for all.

No. It just goes to show that its the sort of thing that suits some a lot more than others. All 3 seem to fall into the category of keeping their best performances for international level. Roberts never seemed to play many domestic games and Phillips is at a funny stage in his carreer.

And James Hook, Luke Charteris, Aled Brew also fall into that category. Oh and Alix Popham and.......................

The only thing that developed for Brew over there was his body fat %

by whocares Tue Oct 14, 2014 3:38 pm

Brew started well, got injured and like the rest of the team fell into mediocrity.
Charteris spent 50% of his time injured, had a few good games in between.
Hook must be the exception that confirm the rule , probably Perpignan most important player when he was there.
Roberts got found out a bit but I suspect it was his inability to communicate that let him down in the end. Lydiate never quite played at the level we know he can for Wales but I suspect that it might be down to the backrow combo that wasnt quite the same.
The foreigners that perform the best in France are usually from South Africa, guys that know what it takes and dont complain if they play more than 30 games a year.

Racing president just denied the rumour ... which probably make it true Smile

(like he did prior Sexton annoucing his return to ireland)

by The Saint Tue Oct 14, 2014 6:19 pm

Looks like the French are echoing my sentiments RE Wales exiles in France. I left the 3 said players out of my choice Wales 23. I also left out Halfpenny, but he could get on the bench or starting wing if he picks up. If the WRU have their way, all 3 will go to the Blues. Realistically speaking I think every region could do with those players.

Why can't the WRU help bring Lydiate back to his home region? We're also pretty light in the centre right now...it's the logical choice. And I know the challenge cup gets less attendance figures but is it really a bad competition? There's some tough teams in that comp. Do we want 2 good teams in Wales (we only have one right now) or 4 good teams?

by quinsforever Tue Oct 14, 2014 6:31 pm

Will be interesting to see which, if any, if then would go into dual contracts, if they are genuinely surplus to Racing's requirements

by The Saint Tue Oct 14, 2014 6:35 pm

quinsforever wrote:Will be interesting to see which, if any, if then would go into dual contracts, if they are genuinely surplus to Racing's requirements

Two are already said to be. Doesn't mean they walk into any regional starting team though. France is a bad move mid-career IMO, especially to Racing who seem to be an erratic team. Toulon wouldn't be so bad as that's basically a baa-baa's team.

by wayne Tue Oct 14, 2014 6:45 pm

The Saint wrote:
quinsforever wrote:Will be interesting to see which, if any, if then would go into dual contracts, if they are genuinely surplus to Racing's requirements

Two are already said to be. Doesn't mean they walk into any regional starting team though. France is a bad move mid-career IMO, especially to Racing who seem to be an erratic team. Toulon wouldn't be so bad as that's basically a baa-baa's team.

If the Fail is correct and Lydiate does come to us and Gatland wants us to give him match time, before this years AI I would think he will be disappointed, James King is an integral part of our team, be it lineout or loose play, and I anticipate him being blindside for the RCC, he would have to learn our systems before he would be allowed near our first team.

by The Saint Tue Oct 14, 2014 7:00 pm

I don't know much but isn't it against the rules as Ospreys have already named their European squad? I think it's the reason why Armitage isn't going back to Bath. Neither the Ospreys or Scarlets are guaranteed to be in the RCC next year either, so I don't see the WRU's logic on this as surely it would be better to help strengthen the weaker Regions. I agree that the King/Tipuric combo is the best option, Lydiate would have to settle for bench at best.

by bedfordwelsh Tue Oct 14, 2014 7:09 pm

I am a huge Lydiate fan and would still have him in my team but like Jenkins before him the moves just hasn't worked out for him.

Phillips has floated between clubs now so its no great shakes and with Roberts what you see is what you get, if you can tackle him straight up early on you negate his threat.

by wayne Tue Oct 14, 2014 7:21 pm

The Saint wrote:I don't know much but isn't it against the rules as Ospreys have already named their European squad? I think it's the reason why Armitage isn't going back to Bath. Neither the Ospreys or Scarlets are guaranteed to be in the RCC next year either, so I don't see the WRU's logic on this as surely it would be better to help strengthen the weaker Regions. I agree that the King/Tipuric combo is the best option, Lydiate would have to settle for bench at best.

Saint, in the pool stages you can alter 2 players from your original squad, one of them HAS to be a front row forward. Does the Dual Contracts last for more than 1 year? If it changes every year Lydiate could be with us until the end of this season and then passed onto 1 of the 2 Regions that qualify for the RCC next year, I cannot see that applying but you never know, it could be in the Dodgers masterplan

by The Saint Tue Oct 14, 2014 7:41 pm

wayne wrote:
The Saint wrote:I don't know much but isn't it against the rules as Ospreys have already named their European squad? I think it's the reason why Armitage isn't going back to Bath. Neither the Ospreys or Scarlets are guaranteed to be in the RCC next year either, so I don't see the WRU's logic on this as surely it would be better to help strengthen the weaker Regions. I agree that the King/Tipuric combo is the best option, Lydiate would have to settle for bench at best.
Saint, in the pool stages you can alter 2 players from your original squad, one of them HAS to be a front row forward. Does the Dual Contracts last for more than 1 year? If it changes every year Lydiate could be with us until the end of this season and then passed onto 1 of the 2 Regions that qualify for the RCC next year, I cannot see that applying but you never know, it could be in the Dodgers masterplan

I'm not sure on any of it. But I think dual contracts should be long-term (obviously a player can switch region under extenuating circumstances), otherwise how will the teams get better.

by wayne Tue Oct 14, 2014 7:53 pm

The Saint wrote:
wayne wrote:
The Saint wrote:I don't know much but isn't it against the rules as Ospreys have already named their European squad? I think it's the reason why Armitage isn't going back to Bath. Neither the Ospreys or Scarlets are guaranteed to be in the RCC next year either, so I don't see the WRU's logic on this as surely it would be better to help strengthen the weaker Regions. I agree that the King/Tipuric combo is the best option, Lydiate would have to settle for bench at best.
Saint, in the pool stages you can alter 2 players from your original squad, one of them HAS to be a front row forward. Does the Dual Contracts last for more than 1 year? If it changes every year Lydiate could be with us until the end of this season and then passed onto 1 of the 2 Regions that qualify for the RCC next year, I cannot see that applying but you never know, it could be in the Dodgers masterplan

I'm not sure on any of it. But I think dual contracts should be long-term (obviously a player can switch region under extenuating circumstances), otherwise how will the teams get better.

Saint I agree with the DC, it should be long term and the point they want them to come and only play for RCC teams is wrong, Ireland are upgrading Connacht to get 4 into the RCC, why are we not doing the same thing?
Just to add it is to late for this weeks matches as I've just read on BBC, to play this week they had to be registered by today

by Luckless Pedestrian Tue Oct 14, 2014 8:28 pm

The Saint wrote:Do we want 2 good teams in Wales (we only have one right now) or 4 good teams?

Well Roger's on record as saying his ideal number is three, so I'd be amazed if either Lydiate or Roberts come to the Dragons. We're okay in the back row anyway, but we've almost run out of fit centres and if Jamie Roberts is actually available, we could really do with him. But we all know it won't happen. The WRU with this CEO in charge puts short-term glory ahead of sustainable long-term success every time. They'll never spread the player wealth around the regions.

by The Saint Tue Oct 14, 2014 9:04 pm

wayne wrote:
The Saint wrote:
wayne wrote:
The Saint wrote:I don't know much but isn't it against the rules as Ospreys have already named their European squad? I think it's the reason why Armitage isn't going back to Bath. Neither the Ospreys or Scarlets are guaranteed to be in the RCC next year either, so I don't see the WRU's logic on this as surely it would be better to help strengthen the weaker Regions. I agree that the King/Tipuric combo is the best option, Lydiate would have to settle for bench at best.
Saint, in the pool stages you can alter 2 players from your original squad, one of them HAS to be a front row forward. Does the Dual Contracts last for more than 1 year? If it changes every year Lydiate could be with us until the end of this season and then passed onto 1 of the 2 Regions that qualify for the RCC next year, I cannot see that applying but you never know, it could be in the Dodgers masterplan

I'm not sure on any of it. But I think dual contracts should be long-term (obviously a player can switch region under extenuating circumstances), otherwise how will the teams get better.
Saint I agree with the DC, it should be long term and the point they want them to come and only play for RCC teams is wrong, Ireland are upgrading Connacht to get 4 into the RCC, why are we not doing the same thing?
Just to add it is to late for this weeks matches as I've just read on BBC, to play this week they had to be registered by today

Makes it even more pointless then, could turn out to be another famous WRU blunder. Both to the Dragons, or at least Lydiate. I know we have a settled back-row combo but we've let Talei go (without explanation) so that frees up a spot. Guess we might get Iuean Jones back if it's true he is leaving the Blues. Roberts could go to anyRegion bar Scarlets, Scott Williams is No.1 Scarlets and Wales centre IMO. Blues and Dragons would probably be the most desperate for his services.

by The Saint Tue Oct 14, 2014 9:07 pm

Racing Metro centre Jamie Roberts said he was "baffled" by the rumours linking him with a move away from the Top 14 club.

Reports from France suggested regions in Wales were keen to bring Roberts back home in time to be registered for this weekend's Rugby Champions Cup. While ESPN understands Dan Lydiate could yet return, Roberts seems set to stay put for the time being.

"I was as baffled as anyone this morning," Roberts told Sky Sports. "I got up and got a lot of text messages off my mates saying 'you're coming home, are you?' It was the first I heard of it and I haven't got a clue. I'll raise the issue with the coaches either today or tomorrow."

The rumours of Roberts' exit were furthered when Racing Metro coach Laurent Labit was quoted in L'Equipe as saying the Welsh duo "never really performed since their arrival".

"I've seen a few quotes and it's interesting to say the least," Roberts added. "Agents deal with that sort of stuff. I'll move on and focus on things in the gym and on the training field and hopefully make the team for the weekend."

Racing Metro face Northampton at the weekend and Roberts is hoping to get back into the starting line-up. "First and foremost the team have been going well. I got injured three weeks ago with a nasty dead leg and I couldn't play the following week. The boys were playing well so the coaches stuck with those players. I can't expect just to walk back into the team, I have to work hard like any set-up. I'll bide my time, train hard and see what comes of it."

http://www.espn.co.uk/wales/rugby/story/244217.html

Roberts has said that, so not sure how true it is. The Lydiate rumour seems to have more substance.

As for Phillips, he'll probably go to Harlequins or Bath.

by BigTrevsbigmac Tue Oct 14, 2014 10:20 pm

Bath & Quins want quick ball can't see Phillips going there, though maybe it was a throwaway comment Wink

Bristol maybe?

by The Saint Tue Oct 14, 2014 10:49 pm

Hook line and sinker.

Bristol isn't a bad shout.

by Hound of Harrow Wed Oct 15, 2014 6:32 am

The Saint wrote:Hook line and sinker.

Bristol isn't a bad shout.

Why would Bris want Phillips when they've got Peel?
Headscratch

I know who I would rather have to get a backline going quickly.

I get the feeling this story has started in Wales and then comments from France have been sought. Possibly to generate some talking points in Wales ahead of the 1st round of
European games. Any coincidence that this story has come hard on the heels of the 'Steffon Armitage to Bath' story?

Anyhow it seems like any potential transfers have missed the boat.

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