Glasgow and Edinburgh: Ongoing Banter Thread VII

[George Carlin]

First topic message reminder :

Ye Olde Banter:

https://www.606v2.com/t48240-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread
https://www.606v2.com/t51313-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-ii
https://www.606v2.com/t53119-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-iii
https://www.606v2.com/t54519-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-iv
https://www.606v2.com/t55409-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-v-the-fun-continues
https://www.606v2.com/t56913p950-glasgow-and-edinburgh-ongoing-banter-thread-vi-banter-boogaloo

A. Edinburgh
   

1. League Results

Fri 5 Sep: Munster Rugby 13 - 14 Edinburgh Rugby

Fri 12 Sep: Edinburgh Rugby 13 - 14 Connacht Rugby

Sun 21 Sep: Ospreys 62 - 13 Edinburgh Rugby

Fri 26 Sep: Edinburgh Rugby 20 - 20 Scarlets

Fri 3 Oct: Ulster Rugby 30 - 0 Edinburgh Rugby

Sat 11 Oct: Edinburgh Rugby 24 - 10 Newport Gwent Dragons

Fri 31 Oct: Leinster Rugby 33 - 8 Edinburgh Rugby

Sun 23 Nov: Edinburgh Rugby 28 - 13 Cardiff Blues

Sat 29 Nov: Zebre 18 - 10 Edinburgh Rugby

Fri 19 Dec: Edinburgh Rugby 48 - 0 Benetton Treviso

Sat 27 Dec: Glasgow Warriors 16 - 6 Edinburgh Rugby

Fri 2 Jan: Edinburgh Rugby - 20 - 8 Glasgow Warriors

Fri 9 Jan: Connacht Rugby 13 - 16 Edinburgh Rugby

Fri 13 Feb: Edinburgh Rugby 24 - 16 Ospreys

Fri 20 Feb: Edinburgh Rugby 17 - 20 Ulster Rugby

Sun 1 Mar: Cardiff Blues 21 - 15 Edinburgh Rugby

2. European Results

17/10/14: Bordeaux-Begles 13 - 15 Edinburgh Rugby

24/10/14: Edinburgh Rugby 25 - 17 Lyon

7/12/14: Edinburgh Rugby 25 - 13 London Welsh

14/12/14: London Welsh 6 - 24 Edinburgh Rugby

17/01/2015: Lyon 21 - 19 Edinburgh Rugby

23/01/2015: Edinburgh Rugby 38 - 20 Bordeaux-Begles

B. Glasgow


1. League Results

Sat 6 Sep: Glasgow Warriors 22 - 20 Leinster Rugby

Sun 14 Sep: Cardiff Blues 12 - 33 Glasgow Warriors

Sat 20 Sep: Newport Gwent Dragons 13 - 33 Glasgow Warriors

Fri 26 Sep: Glasgow Warriors 39 - 21 Connacht Rugby

Sun 5 Oct: Benetton Treviso 23 - 40 Glasgow Warriors

Sat 11 Oct: Ulster Rugby 29 - 9 Glasgow Warriors

Fri 31 Oct: Glasgow Warriors 17 - 9 Benetton Treviso

Fri 21 Nov: Scarlets 19 - 9 Glasgow Warriors

Sun 30 Nov: Glasgow Warriors 19 - 15 Newport Gwent Dragons

Sat 20 Dec: Glasgow Warriors 21 - 18 Munster Rugby

Sat 27 Dec: Glasgow Warriors 16 - 6 Edinburgh Rugby

Fri 2 Jan: Edinburgh Rugby 20 - 8 Glasgow Warriors

Fri 9 Jan: Glasgow Warriors 22 - 7 Scarlets

Sun 15 Feb: Zebre 10 - 54 Glasgow Warriors

Sat 21 Feb: Glasgow Warriors 19 - 16 Ospreys

Sat 28 Feb: Munster Rugby 22 - 10 Glasgow Warriors

2. European Results

18/10/14: Glasgow Warriors 37 - 10 Bath Rugby

25/10/14: Montpellier 13 - 15 Glasgow Warriors

7/12/14: Toulouse 19 - 11 Glasgow Warriors

13/12/14: Glasgow Warriors 9 - 12 Toulouse

18/01/2015: Glasgow Warriors 21 - 10 Montpellier

25/01/2015: Bath Rugby 20 - 15 Glasgow Warriors

[madmaccas]

Yeah nice one Maj, been skiving work and watching their highlights. From the limited amount I saw Coombs and Carmichael look particularly talented and definitely physically ready for the step up.

Coombes has a size and running style that reminds me of Visser. Having watched him a couple of times at LS he's definitely a better tackler, in fact he seems to like the rough stuff.

Some very positive signs for the future.

[tigertattie]

Robbie nairn looks a very good prospect. Scored some cracking tries for currie this season.
He's a winger who is pretty big, 6ft 3 and about 100kg and very quick. Think he has only just turned 18 and is still at school.
Disappointed he hasn't gone to edinburgh or more preferably glasgow.
Despite him being very young still I think he is one who could step up to senior pro rugby pretty quickly similar to the way hogg stepped up.

To be fair, the laddie is still in school so perhaps he's waiting to finding out what he's going to do after (exam results and the like) before he commits to playing pro rugby!

[funnyExiledScot]

Robbie nairn looks a very good prospect. Scored some cracking tries for currie this season.
He's a winger who is pretty big, 6ft 3 and about 100kg and very quick. Think he has only just turned 18 and is still at school.
Disappointed he hasn't gone to edinburgh or more preferably glasgow.
Despite him being very young still I think he is one who could step up to senior pro rugby pretty quickly similar to the way hogg stepped up.

To be fair, the laddie is still in school so perhaps he's waiting to finding out what he's going to do after (exam results and the like) before he commits to playing pro rugby!

Silly idea. He should just get on with playing rugby.

[Majestic83]

Robbie nairn looks a very good prospect. Scored some cracking tries for currie this season.
He's a winger who is pretty big, 6ft 3 and about 100kg and very quick. Think he has only just turned 18 and is still at school.
Disappointed he hasn't gone to edinburgh or more preferably glasgow.
Despite him being very young still I think he is one who could step up to senior pro rugby pretty quickly similar to the way hogg stepped up.

To be fair, the laddie is still in school so perhaps he's waiting to finding out what he's going to do after (exam results and the like) before he commits to playing pro rugby!

He is away to harlequins to join their academy it's been reported in the evening news.

[RDW]

Some good news to end the week - Gregor Hunter is returning to action this weekend after a long term knee injury.

Let's hope that's the end of his troubles.

[VinceWLB]

Some good news to end the week - Gregor Hunter is returning to action this weekend after a long term knee injury.

Let's hope that's the end of his troubles.

Yep it is, and good on Glasgow to give him another chance.

[funnyExiledScot]

I think Horne's performances at 10 have probably had something to do with it.

I wish him well though, we're not overrun with strong candidates at 10.

[tigertattie]

I think Horne's performances at 10 have probably had something to do with it.

I wish him well though, we're not overrun with strong candidates at 10.

We really are struggling for decent 10s!

Russell still has a long way to go yet and the other boys are just meh!

wonder if we can convert Ickkle Jonny to being a 10...........................

[funnyExiledScot]

I think Horne's performances at 10 have probably had something to do with it.

I wish him well though, we're not overrun with strong candidates at 10.

We really are struggling for decent 10s!

Russell still has a long way to go yet and the other boys are just meh!

wonder if we can convert Ickkle Jonny to being a 10...........................

Jade Te Rure is SQ. Just saying.

[RDW]

I think Horne's performances at 10 have probably had something to do with it.

I wish him well though, we're not overrun with strong candidates at 10.

We really are struggling for decent 10s!

Russell still has a long way to go yet and the other boys are just meh!

wonder if we can convert Ickkle Jonny to being a 10...........................

Jade Te Rure is SQ. Just saying.

[BigGee]

Robbie nairn looks a very good prospect. Scored some cracking tries for currie this season.
He's a winger who is pretty big, 6ft 3 and about 100kg and very quick. Think he has only just turned 18 and is still at school.
Disappointed he hasn't gone to edinburgh or more preferably glasgow.
Despite him being very young still I think he is one who could step up to senior pro rugby pretty quickly similar to the way hogg stepped up.

To be fair, the laddie is still in school so perhaps he's waiting to finding out what he's going to do after (exam results and the like) before he commits to playing pro rugby!

He is away to harlequins to join their academy it's been reported in the evening news.

This is no bad move for him, a bit like Bennett going to Clermont. He will get good development there and probably some game time with a championship side. We might see him getting a run out for London Scottish.

Not always a bad thing getting away from home, it may well toughen him up a bit and be the making of him. More of the youngsters are choosing the go away option now, which given the obvious lack of opportunity at home with only 2 pro sides, is only sensible. Hopefully like Bennett, he will come back a much better player.

[funnyExiledScot]

Robbie nairn looks a very good prospect. Scored some cracking tries for currie this season.
He's a winger who is pretty big, 6ft 3 and about 100kg and very quick. Think he has only just turned 18 and is still at school.
Disappointed he hasn't gone to edinburgh or more preferably glasgow.
Despite him being very young still I think he is one who could step up to senior pro rugby pretty quickly similar to the way hogg stepped up.

To be fair, the laddie is still in school so perhaps he's waiting to finding out what he's going to do after (exam results and the like) before he commits to playing pro rugby!

He is away to harlequins to join their academy it's been reported in the evening news.

This is no bad move for him, a bit like Bennett going to Clermont. He will get good development there and probably some game time with a championship side. We might see him getting a run out for London Scottish.

Not always a bad thing getting away from home, it may well toughen him up a bit and be the making of him. More of the youngsters are choosing the go away option now, which given the obvious lack of opportunity at home with only 2 pro sides, is only sensible. Hopefully like Bennett, he will come back a much better player.

Hmmm, I don't agree with that example. I don't think the move to Clermont did Bennett any good at all. Fact is he went over there, barely played any meaningful rugby and came back. It was only with Glasgow that he actually progressed and got any meaningful game time. I think he should have stayed at Glasgow and had he done so, I firmly believe he'd have made both the Glasgow and the Scotland side sooner, and with no detriment to his playing abilities, which were always there for people to see.

Where it does make sense is when the opportunities in Scottish rugby are not there (which wasn't the case for Bennett, who despite an offer from Glasgow actually chose to leave).

I'm not saying our players can't learn a lot from playing in other environments, but I don't think it's always the best move. Depends on the player I think, and the point in their careers.

[madmaccas]

Robbie nairn looks a very good prospect. Scored some cracking tries for currie this season.
He's a winger who is pretty big, 6ft 3 and about 100kg and very quick. Think he has only just turned 18 and is still at school.
Disappointed he hasn't gone to edinburgh or more preferably glasgow.
Despite him being very young still I think he is one who could step up to senior pro rugby pretty quickly similar to the way hogg stepped up.

To be fair, the laddie is still in school so perhaps he's waiting to finding out what he's going to do after (exam results and the like) before he commits to playing pro rugby!

He is away to harlequins to join their academy it's been reported in the evening news.

This is no bad move for him, a bit like Bennett going to Clermont. He will get good development there and probably some game time with a championship side. We might see him getting a run out for London Scottish.

Not always a bad thing getting away from home, it may well toughen him up a bit and be the making of him. More of the youngsters are choosing the go away option now, which given the obvious lack of opportunity at home with only 2 pro sides, is only sensible. Hopefully like Bennett, he will come back a much better player.

Hmmm, I don't agree with that example. I don't think the move to Clermont did Bennett any good at all. Fact is he went over there, barely played any meaningful rugby and came back. It was only with Glasgow that he actually progressed and got any meaningful game time. I think he should have stayed at Glasgow and had he done so, I firmly believe he'd have made both the Glasgow and the Scotland side sooner, and with no detriment to his playing abilities, which were always there for people to see.

Where it does make sense is when the opportunities in Scottish rugby are not there (which wasn't the case for Bennett, who despite an offer from Glasgow actually chose to leave).

I'm not saying our players can't learn a lot from playing in other environments, but I don't think it's always the best move. Depends on the player I think, and the point in their careers.

Wasn't he injured for a large swathe of his time there though?

[BigGee]

Robbie nairn looks a very good prospect. Scored some cracking tries for currie this season.
He's a winger who is pretty big, 6ft 3 and about 100kg and very quick. Think he has only just turned 18 and is still at school.
Disappointed he hasn't gone to edinburgh or more preferably glasgow.
Despite him being very young still I think he is one who could step up to senior pro rugby pretty quickly similar to the way hogg stepped up.

To be fair, the laddie is still in school so perhaps he's waiting to finding out what he's going to do after (exam results and the like) before he commits to playing pro rugby!

He is away to harlequins to join their academy it's been reported in the evening news.

This is no bad move for him, a bit like Bennett going to Clermont. He will get good development there and probably some game time with a championship side. We might see him getting a run out for London Scottish.

Not always a bad thing getting away from home, it may well toughen him up a bit and be the making of him. More of the youngsters are choosing the go away option now, which given the obvious lack of opportunity at home with only 2 pro sides, is only sensible. Hopefully like Bennett, he will come back a much better player.

Hmmm, I don't agree with that example. I don't think the move to Clermont did Bennett any good at all. Fact is he went over there, barely played any meaningful rugby and came back. It was only with Glasgow that he actually progressed and got any meaningful game time. I think he should have stayed at Glasgow and had he done so, I firmly believe he'd have made both the Glasgow and the Scotland side sooner, and with no detriment to his playing abilities, which were always there for people to see.

Where it does make sense is when the opportunities in Scottish rugby are not there (which wasn't the case for Bennett, who despite an offer from Glasgow actually chose to leave).

I'm not saying our players can't learn a lot from playing in other environments, but I don't think it's always the best move. Depends on the player I think, and the point in their careers.

Wasn't he injured for a large swathe of his time there though?

Yes, did his ACL which may well have stalled his development.

I bet he came back a much more mature and rounded individual than he went away though. It is not just about rugby ability.

[George Carlin]

Bennett has already said that he learned so much just being around great players like Fofana and Rougerie. Living abroad when you're that young must have been a big cultural shift and being in that set up would have been a real education.

Sure, he got more first team game time at Glasgow but that didn't happen immediately. I would say that the Clermont experience was a good thing for him.

[George Carlin]

Whoof - 34-34 at the RDS. A 3 pointer for the great unwashed.

So that means that the run-in now is:
Fri 10 Apr - Glasgow Warriors   v   Cardiff Blues
Sat 25 Apr - Connacht Rugby   v   Glasgow Warriors
8, 9 or 10 May 2015 - Ospreys   v   Glasgow Warriors
Sat 16 May - Glasgow Warriors   v   Ulster Rugby

Not easy fixtures, but only 2 games in the entire month of April has to give this team a good break. You would hope that there are at least 2 good wins in those last 4 fixtures.

Even a LBP against Spreys and Ulster may be enough for a top 2 finish.

[VinceWLB]

Glasgow looking very good for a home final, oh wait!

[George Carlin]

Glasgow looking very good for a home final, oh wait!

I know. If Ulster come second and basically get a home final I really will be livid.

[RDW]

Would be gutting if Glasgow finished at the top the year it wouldn't lead to a home final!

[Notch]

Glasgow looking very good for a home final, oh wait!

I know. If Ulster come second and basically get a home final I really will be livid.

Would be gutting if Glasgow finished at the top the year it wouldn't lead to a home final!

Not the first time that would have happened. You'll feel like Ulster in 2013, basically. We'll feel like Leinster! Thats precisely what happened to us against Leinster and they didn't seem too bothered by it after they won. Hard not to feel like the situation you've described wouldn't just be karma rebalancing itself in a sense.

No, I'll have a very hard time feeling guilty if we do finish 2nd and get a home Final. It already happened to us under the old system and even if the system was the same this year and Glasgow hypothetically finished first- the exact same thing that happened to us in 2013 could have happened to them because their own ground is too small and they'd have a week to organise an alternative venue.

[RDW]

Probably for the best that Glasgow never qualified for the European QF - the squad is absolutely threadbare just now, more injuries picked up tonight and there would probably be even more picked up next week if they had a high intensity knock out game.

As such they've got 2 weeks to recover and hopefully get some players back.

Jonny Gray and Bennett seriously need a rest too - two young guys played a hell of a lot of rugby this year.

[George Carlin]

Glasgow looking very good for a home final, oh wait!

I know. If Ulster come second and basically get a home final I really will be livid.

Would be gutting if Glasgow finished at the top the year it wouldn't lead to a home final!

Not the first time that would have happened. You'll feel like Ulster in 2013, basically. We'll feel like Leinster! Thats precisely what happened to us against Leinster and they didn't seem too bothered by it after they won. Hard not to feel like the situation you've described wouldn't just be karma rebalancing itself in a sense.

No, I'll have a very hard time feeling guilty if we do finish 2nd and get a home Final. It already happened to us under the old system and even if the system was the same this year and Glasgow hypothetically finished first- the exact same thing that happened to us in 2013 could have happened to them because their own ground is too small and they'd have a week to organise an alternative venue.

Two wrongs, Notch...

But seriously, it's not Ulster's fault but there was nothing stopping a neutral venue be chosen. I would rather have the Milleneum Stadium, Hampden or Twickers. Why on earth choose a club venue where that club always had a good chance of making the final? I have never heard this explained.

[Majestic83]

Just catching up on the glasgow game tonight. Watching the first half glasgow looked very impressive.

Could richie Vermont be a possible "bolted" for scotland for the World Cup? Looked very good in the first half at 12.

[EWT Spoons]

Just catching up on the glasgow game tonight. Watching the first half glasgow looked very impressive.

Could richie Vermont be a possible "bolted" for scotland for the World Cup? Looked very good in the first half at 12.

If he continues to play like he did last night then he has to be in with a shout

[cakeordeath]

Decided not to post this question in the other thread, just incase it opens a can of worms, but there are quite a few people complaining about the AR's for last nights game. I only managed to see the first half, and didn't see any issues.

[RDW]

Well there were two instances where the touch judge alerted the referee to have a look at something.

The first one ended up being nothing - Kellock patted the guy on the back, and the 2nd one lead to Niko's yellow.

Healy hit Niko late then held onto his jersey not letting go off the ball. Niko (foolishly) struck out with his arm  and hit Healy in the face. Healy (twice Nikos size) then crumpled like a sack of spuds. Ref said pen against Healy for the original offence then reversed for retaliation. Yellow only for Niko. Stupid from Niko, but doesn't sit right that it only happened because of Healy's off the ball antics and he got away with it and even gained penalty!

So two main interventions against Glasgow - one justified, one not.

I'm sure the touch judges were looking for Leinster off the ball incidents as much as Glasgow!

[cakeordeath]

Well there were two instances where the touch judge alerted the referee to have a look at something.

The first one ended up being nothing - Kellock patted the guy on the back, and the 2nd one lead to Niko's yellow.

Healy hit Niko late then held onto his jersey not letting go off the ball. Niko (foolishly) struck out with his arm  and hit Healy in the face. Healy (twice Nikos size) then crumpled like a sack of spuds. Ref said pen against Healy for the original offence then reversed for retaliation. Yellow only for Niko. Stupid from Niko, but doesn't sit right that it only happened because of Healy's off the ball antics and he got away with it and even gained penalty!

So two main interventions against Glasgow - one justified, one not.

I'm sure the touch judges were looking for Leinster off the ball incidents as much as Glasgow!

Thanks,

So we can pretend we are Welsh and take the moral victory

[21st Century Schizoid Man]

Nice to see the Peter Horne haters on here (from the East) getiing it rammed back at them last night.   Superb show by Horneee and The V Man

As to the TJ (Wilkinson ?). Not only did he draw attention to the Niko incident (probably fair tbh) in the 1st 40 he called Hoggy's massive touch finding penalty to within 5 m as long. Big Al had to get Nige to review via TMO. A homer TJ but well reffed by Nige throughout and good use of TMO.

[Totalflanker]

Nice to see the Peter Horne haters on here (from the East) getiing it rammed back at them last night.   Superb show by Horneee and The V Man

As to the TJ (Wilkinson ?).   Not only did he draw attention to the Niko incident (probably fair tbh) in the 1st 40 he called Hoggy's massive touch finding penalty to within 5 m as long.  Big Al had to get Nige to review via TMO.       A homer TJ but well reffed by Nige throughout and good use of TMO.

That was the most inexplicable of the Assistant descisions for me. Without Nige in the middle, we would have been marched back to our own 10m for a Leinster scrum. On the replay wasn't even close to being wrong side of the flag.

[George Carlin]

Result of the season so far for Edinburgh this evening.

So their run-in looks like this:
- Munster at home
- Zebre at home
- Dragons away
- Leinster at home

Currently level with points from the men of Galway and if Munster stuffs them tonight at Thomond (and they've already scored a try), then it's going to be very interesting. Connacht's run in looks like this:
- Ulster at home
- Glasgow at home
- Zebre away
- Ospreys at home

Hard to pick a winner but the anal bleachers have given themselves every chance.

[Scottish White Line Fever]

Result of the season so far for Edinburgh this evening.

So their run-in looks like this:
- Munster at home
- Zebre at home
- Dragons away
- Leinster at home

Currently level with points from the men of Galway and if Munster stuffs them tonight at Thomond (and they've already scored a try), then it's going to be very interesting. Connacht's run in looks like this:
- Ulster at home
- Glasgow at home
- Zebre away
- Ospreys at home

Hard to pick a winner but the anal bleachers have given themselves every chance.

Scarlets probably remain favourites to finish 6th. Their run in is:

Zebre (a)
Dragons (a)
Cardiff (h)
Treviso (a)

[BigGee]

Just watching Munster v Conaught. The Galway men's pack is giving the Munster one (full of Irish internationals) a real good go. You can see why their forwards coach may well be an attractive proposition to Toonie and Glasgow.

[RDW]

Scarlets have the easier teams but mainly away, Connacht the tough teams but mainly at home and us pretty much the same.

Will certainly be tight!

[Notch]

Glasgow looking very good for a home final, oh wait!

I know. If Ulster come second and basically get a home final I really will be livid.

Would be gutting if Glasgow finished at the top the year it wouldn't lead to a home final!

Not the first time that would have happened. You'll feel like Ulster in 2013, basically. We'll feel like Leinster! Thats precisely what happened to us against Leinster and they didn't seem too bothered by it after they won. Hard not to feel like the situation you've described wouldn't just be karma rebalancing itself in a sense.

No, I'll have a very hard time feeling guilty if we do finish 2nd and get a home Final. It already happened to us under the old system and even if the system was the same this year and Glasgow hypothetically finished first- the exact same thing that happened to us in 2013 could have happened to them because their own ground is too small and they'd have a week to organise an alternative venue.

Two wrongs, Notch...

But seriously, it's not Ulster's fault but there was nothing stopping a neutral venue be chosen. I would rather have the Milleneum Stadium, Hampden or Twickers. Why on earth choose a club venue where that club always had a good chance of making the final? I have never heard this explained.

I think that Belfast City Council were the only local government to throw their weight behind an application with the intention of promoting it city-wide rather than it being just another game. The Pro12 could use the free publicity and promotion. I also think those national stadiums would be very hard to sell-out, especially if Glasgow or Ospreys make the Final. Choosing the city with the brand-new purpose built rugby stadium, the local government willing to cater for (as yet unspecified) events city wide, the biggest recent rise in attendances of any Pro12 side and good transport links to every part of the UK... not ideal from a neutrality perspective, but from a business perspective you feel it had to be a no-brainer.

I feel like we missed out on a home final because we were investing in the infrastructure thats partly responsible for making it so easy for us to put forward the best bid this year. The prospect of us securing a home Final therefore fills me with precisely zero guilt.

[George Carlin]

Glasgow looking very good for a home final, oh wait!

I know. If Ulster come second and basically get a home final I really will be livid.

Would be gutting if Glasgow finished at the top the year it wouldn't lead to a home final!

Not the first time that would have happened. You'll feel like Ulster in 2013, basically. We'll feel like Leinster! Thats precisely what happened to us against Leinster and they didn't seem too bothered by it after they won. Hard not to feel like the situation you've described wouldn't just be karma rebalancing itself in a sense.

No, I'll have a very hard time feeling guilty if we do finish 2nd and get a home Final. It already happened to us under the old system and even if the system was the same this year and Glasgow hypothetically finished first- the exact same thing that happened to us in 2013 could have happened to them because their own ground is too small and they'd have a week to organise an alternative venue.

Two wrongs, Notch...

But seriously, it's not Ulster's fault but there was nothing stopping a neutral venue be chosen. I would rather have the Milleneum Stadium, Hampden or Twickers. Why on earth choose a club venue where that club always had a good chance of making the final? I have never heard this explained.

I think that Belfast City Council were the only local government to throw their weight behind an application with the intention of promoting it city-wide rather than it being just another game. The Pro12 could use the free publicity and promotion. I also think those national stadiums would be very hard to sell-out, especially if Glasgow or Ospreys make the Final. Choosing the city with the brand-new purpose built rugby stadium, the local government willing to cater for (as yet unspecified) events city wide, the biggest recent rise in attendances of any Pro12 side and good transport links to every part of the UK... not ideal from a neutrality perspective, but from a business perspective you feel it had to be a no-brainer.

I feel like we missed out on a home final because we were investing in the infrastructure thats partly responsible for making it so easy for us to put forward the best bid this year. The prospect of us securing a home Final therefore fills me with precisely zero guilt.

Okay, but that argument is equally applicable to Glasgow. Take a football mad city with 4 universities, an arts school and a performing arts college, lots of local rugby clubs dying for publicity and you would be fairly hard pressed to find a more fertile environment for growing interest in the sport. Last year, when venues were being considered, Glasgow City Council nominated Hampden Park and underwrote that they could fill it.

I have no idea what happened this year, but it seems very strange indeed that Scottish or Welsh regional assemblies decided not to bother mentioning that they could be keen to host. As I said before, not Ulster rugby club's fault at all, but the whole thing stinks to high heaven.

[21st Century Schizoid Man]

Should have been decided at the start of the season - not half way through - it really does stink !

[Notch]

Growing interest in the sport is a very different argument than capitalising on interest that is already there. And a valid one, it should be a goal in future years but I can't help but feel those factors about Glasgow would have had much more relevance to their bid if they hadn't proposed to hold the game in a football stadium in Kilmarnock. Glasgow as a city would be a brilliant place for a Final and if Hampden Park was on the table with support of the local council then it probably would have been a more competitive tender. Kilmarnock is obviously less alluring for a variety of reasons. Also, none of the Welsh sides put in a bid.

[Mad for Chelsea]

Can I butt into this thread with something (almost) completely unrelated?

I've been offered a position (Research Associate) by the University of Strathclyde. Having only very limited knowledge/experience of Scotland, and none at all of Glasgow, I'd love it if some of you could share some opinions. What's it like as a city to live in? I'm aware this one is particularly vague so I'll try to narrow it down somewhat: is it easy enough to get around (by bike or public transport, I don't drive)? Family friendly (my wife and I are thinking of trying for kids in the not-too-distant future)? Plenty of parks/green stuff? Plenty to do generally? Not too stressful? Any opinions on the university of Strathclyde itself?

Thanks a lot.

[RDW]

Easy one this -

Live in Edinburgh, commute to Glasgow!

[RDW]

Or a more helpful answers, Glasgow is a fantastic city that would do you and your family well.

If you can afford to live in the West End you'll certainly get everything you've asked about.

I'm sure some of my great unwashed brethren can elaborate!

[George Carlin]

Can I butt into this thread with something (almost) completely unrelated?

I've been offered a position (Research Associate) by the University of Strathclyde. Having only very limited knowledge/experience of Scotland, and none at all of Glasgow, I'd love it if some of you could share some opinions. What's it like as a city to live in? I'm aware this one is particularly vague so I'll try to narrow it down somewhat: is it easy enough to get around (by bike or public transport, I don't drive)? Family friendly (my wife and I are thinking of trying for kids in the not-too-distant future)? Plenty of parks/green stuff? Plenty to do generally? Not too stressful? Any opinions on the university of Strathclyde itself?

Thanks a lot.

I have visited Glasgow every year since I was about 10 and I studied law at Glasgow yoonie.
In the interests of full disclosure, I love it but also worked in London for more than a decade, so I have a clear eyed basis for comparison.

Q1. What's it like as a city to live in?
A1. I think that it is an excellent size. About 750,000 people if you include its many burbs which gives the city the sort of critical mass you need to have very good shopping and good places to eat, but without London prices. There are 4 universities plus the art school and the RSA and so at 27, it should have a lot to offer you and Mrs Madfor. It is well equipped for sports and sports viewing. Culturally, it has long been one of the best music venues in the UK and a friend of mine is writing a book right now on how good it is. I would have liked there to be a slightly more mature theatre and classical music scene, but then again having lived in London and been a card carrying member of the RSC and Donmar Warehouse, I am hopelessly spoiled in that respect. Every major comedian will play at least one night in Glasgow. And it's worth saying again, the average squadron of Glasgwegians will be some of the nicest, funniest people you could hope to meet. We like the cliches. They're funny and we like being obtuse, hard men. But don't believe it, the people are the best part about the city.

Q2. Is it easy enough to get around (by bike or public transport, I don't drive)?
A2. I didn't drive there either, but as large cities go, I don't think it's too bad. Depending on where you live, the tube is a truly excellent resource and the local train network is also very fair. Other may be able to give you more on this.

Q3. Family friendly (my wife and I are thinking of trying for kids in the not-too-distant future)?
A3. Again, I did't have my family there, so it's hard to comment. Depends on where you live, I would think. I think that it's a good city to walk around in, so that's always a good start.

Q4. Plenty of parks/green stuff?
A4. If you live west (the nicest part, I think) then yes, definitely. Spent many a time in the Botanical Gardens and Kelvingrove Park. Glasgow Green is huge. You know what the name 'Glasgow' derives from, right?  

Q5. Plenty to do generally? Not too stressful?
A5. The major advantage to Glasgow is good road networks and proximity. The jewel in the crown is the proximity to the Scottish highlands. One hour by car (and a beautiful drive too) is some of the most stunning stuff you will see outside New Zealand and Canada. Long weekend possibilities abound. if you play golf, you will be in clover. I am also duty bound to say that you can get to Edinburgh by car or train very easily and whilst this is a city largely populated by effeminate, spankychino-quaffing jessies of the kinds who frequently pollute these boards, it sure is an attractive city to visit. As with Paris, if you performed a comprehensive population transplant, it would be one of the finest cities in the world. ( )

Q6. Any opinions on the university of Strathclyde itself?
A6. It's doing well. It will always be wrestling with being the less historically grounded main university in town (Glasgow is the 4th oldest in the UK) so it has positioned itself as the modern university of business and has done so very well. It's right in the middle of town and its facilities are actually well resourced and appointed. Its MBA programme gets a fair amount of respect. A good place to work by all accounts.

Good luck.

[21st Century Schizoid Man]

Mad for Chelsea,
if I may add to my esteemed friend GC above with some 'local' Glasgow advice and correct some of GC's stranger assertions (he is from Ayrshire so really is a 'Countie bam' (that is a schiezekicker from the country).

The West End of Glasgow is a fabulous place to live and work.   It is also home (Scotstoun) to the No1 rugby team in Scotland (and presently in Ireland, Wales and Italy too   ).  Between Byres Road and the Finniestoun part of Argyle Street we are spoiled for choice for bars pubs and restaurants.    The downside of this is property prices in the WE are astronomically high - up there with Aberdeen and parts of Edinburgh.    A G12 post code is highly sought after at a price !

GC mentioned arts and lack of maturity.   While not a fan personally, Ms. Schiz. informs me that Glasgow is home to Scottish Opera and Scottish Ballet.  It has the Theatre Royal , Kings Theatre , City Halls (BBC SO) and the Royal Concert Hall (where the RSNO are based).     With the modern music scene we are second only to London in the UK.   The Hydro is one of the largest indoor concert arenas anywhere (truly awesome atmosphere and King Tuts Wah Wah Hut is our own wee music gang hut , the Carling Academy, ABC, The Garage (more of a club) - the 'club' scene is very vibrant too.    Outdoor concerts in summer at Glasgow Green and Bellahouston parks are amazing, where we get the biggest acts - eg Kings of Leon,  Eminem, Stone Roses (yeah!) and of course local boy Calvin Harris.

GC mentions 'The Tube' re transport.   We do not have a'tube' in Glasgow we have an Underground system - it involves nice wee trains going clockwise and anticlockwise around the circle taking in the West End, South Side and City Centre.  A 'tube' in Glasgow is, a- hem,  a "w*nker".  

Sport - Rugby as above with some decent amateur sides too - Glasgow Hawks, West of Scotland, Cartha Queens Park, Whitecraigs, Hutchie , Allan Glens etc etc etc.
- wendyball well catered for (or used to be ).   3 footbal lteams in Glasgow .   Celtic (best of a bad lot), Rangers (hopefully will go out of business asap), and Partick Thistle (in the North of the WE tbh - Glasgow Warriors used to groundshare with them 3 seasons ago).    The knuckle dragging, moronic behaviour of their respective fans (except PT an especially Rangers) is legend but I guess you have this in spades down south ?
- I am a keen runner and running is a joy around the city - a myriad of routes - The Kelvin Walkway is my favourite but Pollok Park (south Side of the River Clyde) is the most beautiful setting anywhere in the UK for a early Saturday jog.  Cycling and cycle commuting  is very well catered for too - I have started commuting on bike from the WE to the East end on a daily basis - 6-7 miles - all cycle path.  
-walking /hiking /climbing - a 40 minute drive from Glasgow is Ben Lomond - Munro and a damn good walk (SW face) or climb (North face) - still snow covered well into May - June.

Ms. Schiz. is a graduate of Strathclyde Yooni and regards it as the best in the city but she would say that.

Any other 'insider ' info PM me and also get IanBru's opinion as he has just gone the other way - good guy but with Imperialist views  

Good luck

[VinceWLB]

Growing interest in the sport is a very different argument than capitalising on interest that is already there. And a valid one, it should be a goal in future years but I can't help but feel those factors about Glasgow would have had much more relevance to their bid if they hadn't proposed to hold the game in a football stadium in Kilmarnock. Glasgow as a city would be a brilliant place for a Final and if Hampden Park was on the table with support of the local council then it probably would have been a more competitive tender. Kilmarnock is obviously less alluring for a variety of reasons. Also, none of the Welsh sides put in a bid.

I actually think Kilmarnock aka Rugby Park is fine, unlike Hampden it's not too big (18k) and the artificial turf would have allowed for great rugby. It really stinks indeed and should have been decided on merit. It felt as if the league owed Ulster a home final after the 2013 debacle which was all Ulster's fault at the end of the day.

[funnyExiledScot]

Saying snotty things about Glasgow is a favourite pastime of mine, but even I will concede the West End area around the botanics is nice.

Stay clear of Govan though. Whilst the greatest football club of them all may reside there, I would not describe it as "family friendly".

Perhaps most positive of all is the fact you're only 40 minutes from Edinburgh, where you can visit the 1872 trophy.

[cakeordeath]

Can I butt into this thread with something (almost) completely unrelated?

I've been offered a position (Research Associate) by the University of Strathclyde. Having only very limited knowledge/experience of Scotland, and none at all of Glasgow, I'd love it if some of you could share some opinions. What's it like as a city to live in? I'm aware this one is particularly vague so I'll try to narrow it down somewhat: is it easy enough to get around (by bike or public transport, I don't drive)? Family friendly (my wife and I are thinking of trying for kids in the not-too-distant future)? Plenty of parks/green stuff? Plenty to do generally? Not too stressful? Any opinions on the university of Strathclyde itself?

Thanks a lot.

Mad,

I went to Strathclyde and still live very close to the university. It's not the prettiest place, and it is spread across most of the city centre, but there is some good research being carried out, with a strong emphasis on the sciences. They have excellent links with local businesses and have just opened a technology and innovation centre, which is an impressive collection of buildings
http://www.strath.ac.uk/research/technologyandinnovationcentre/

Some of the best things about Glasgow are
a) It's not Edinburgh
b) It's a decent sized city but yet if I wanted to I could walk from the West to East in a reasonable amount of time. So travelling about the place is not a problem, there are a decent number of bike routes, and this seems to be growing.

Interesting fun fact, Glasgow is gaelic for Dear Green Place, Glasgow has a good number of parks, although our current local authority seem determined to change that.

As for where to live, it really depends what you are after. The merchant city is nice, but not kid friendly. Dennistoun is slowly (by that I mean quickly) being gentrified and you can pick up a largish flat for not a great sum of money. Of course the downside is the schools in that area might be a bit hit and miss. If you want a good place to bring up a family then the South Side is your best bet. Although it tends to be expensive because of the quality of the schools in the area.

Lastly I would advise against the West End, it is populated by people who really want to live in Edinburgh, but are forced to live in Glasgow, and they will rip your wallet out through your balls for any type of property there.

[justified sinner]

Just read a post on the Warriors forum suggesting Edinburgh should offer cheap tickets for the Edinburgh Munster game to Glasgow fans. Given it's a key game for Glasgow and Edinburgh not a bad idea to grow the crowd, ten quid tickets for Glasgow ST holders might tempt a few across.

Of course it could just be soap dodgers looking for a subsidy from Edinburgh again.

[Imperialbigdave]

Just read a post on the Warriors forum suggesting Edinburgh should offer cheap tickets for the Edinburgh Munster game to Glasgow fans. Given it's a key game for Glasgow and Edinburgh not a bad idea to grow the crowd, ten quid tickets for Glasgow ST holders might tempt a few across.

Of course it could just be soap dodgers looking for a subsidy from Edinburgh again.

Theyre not getting cheaper tickets than the local fans. That'd be mental.

[RDW]

Just read a post on the Warriors forum suggesting Edinburgh should offer cheap tickets for the Edinburgh Munster game to Glasgow fans. Given it's a key game for Glasgow and Edinburgh not a bad idea to grow the crowd, ten quid tickets for Glasgow ST holders might tempt a few across.

Of course it could just be soap dodgers looking for a subsidy from Edinburgh again.

Theyre not getting cheaper tickets than the local fans. That'd be mental.

What a stupid idea - that person needs to stay off the buckie.

[justified sinner]

Good point, but as Glasgow ST holders they're already paying the SRU, so if it was was Glasgow ST holders charged a tenner and Embra ST holders take a mate for a tenner that might work. We've done the take a friend for a tenner offer before, so why not?

[RDW]

That would say that Glasgow ST holders are more important than Edinburgh fans without one!

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