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

[funnyExiledScot]

We need to take a closer look at Duncan Taylor.

[Weegie Wizard]

I'm not sure if this link will work but here goes

http://files.pitchero.com/clubs/35555/scottishrugbyclubyouthupdateapril2015-2-_135729.pdf


If you can open that it will show you the SRU plan for the new youth rugby structure. The headline is that ‘Tier 1-3’ school pupils will not be allowed to play for the clubs – only their schools.

Tiers 1&2 – Heriots, Glasgow High, Hutchie, Kelvinside, St Al’s, Glasgow Academy, Dollar, Watsons, Merchie, Stew Mel, Strathallan, Ed Academy, Bell Baxter, Fettes, Glenalmond, Dundee HS, Loretto, RGs

Tier 3 – Carrick, Jordanhill, Lenzie, Lomond, Marr, Morrisons, Q Vic, St Columbas, Wellington, Boroghmuir, Knox, Lasswads, Linlithgow, Musselburgh, Ross HS, Trinity, Dunbar, North Berwick, Preston Lodge, Royal High, Berwick, Earlston, Gala HS, Hawick HS, Jed Grammar, Kelso HS, Peebles HS, Selkirk HS.

All other schools are tier 4 which is where the clubs can draw players from. Not sure what I think about this. These schools will all get regular games against each other in league structure which is good as it will mean fewer 75 point humpings but it will kill off club youth rugby, especially in the borders.

[RDW]

Ah, you are beginning to see the light.
So  9. Henners
    10. Dancer
    12 Hornee Furra
    13.
    14. Tennessee Tam
    15. Hogg
You are right we might have a decent three quarters line for the world cup yet.

Matt Scott and Visser tackle like Schalk Burger in comparison to Horne.

Sounds like Scott has been carrying a niggle for a while - maybe explains his poor form and (out of character) defencive failings in the 6N.

[RDW]

I'm not sure if this link will work but here goes

http://files.pitchero.com/clubs/35555/scottishrugbyclubyouthupdateapril2015-2-_135729.pdf


If you can open that it will show you the SRU plan for the new youth rugby structure. The headline is that ‘Tier 1-3’ school pupils will not be allowed to play for the clubs – only their schools.

Tiers 1&2 – Heriots, Glasgow High, Hutchie, Kelvinside, St Al’s, Glasgow Academy, Dollar, Watsons, Merchie, Stew Mel, Strathallan, Ed Academy, Bell Baxter, Fettes, Glenalmond, Dundee HS, Loretto, RGs

Tier 3 – Carrick, Jordanhill, Lenzie, Lomond, Marr, Morrisons, Q Vic, St Columbas, Wellington, Boroghmuir, Knox, Lasswads, Linlithgow, Musselburgh, Ross HS, Trinity, Dunbar, North Berwick, Preston Lodge, Royal High, Berwick, Earlston, Gala HS, Hawick HS, Jed Grammar, Kelso HS, Peebles HS, Selkirk HS.

All other schools are tier 4 which is where the clubs can draw players from. Not sure what I think about this. These schools will all get regular games against each other in league structure which is good as it will mean fewer 75 point humpings but it will kill off club youth rugby, especially in the borders.

I'd maybe agree with Tier 1&2 not being able to play for their clubs, but there are a lot of tier 3 clubs in there (mine included) who are really going to struggle if the school players can't play for them. Given the club is pretty much entirely made up of school players it essentially means there will no longer be an under 18 team, which is a shame.

And it did me nothing wrong having to train 3 times a week and play 2 games on the same day!

[VinceWLB]

That midfield lining up against the South African and Samonan beasts would come with an 18 rated certificate.

Ha, my thoughts as well! Imagine the likes of Jamie Roberts or Bastareaud running at them, that wouldn't even be funny.. wait there is always Fusaro to fill the gaps.. lol

[Weegie Wizard]

Some of the bigger clubs in Glasgow & Edinburgh won’t be affected too much by this.

I would be very worried if I was involved in some clubs. How will Ayr be able to field a team? No players from Carrick, Wellington or Marr College. Who is left? Also, almost every school in the borders is on that list. Eyemouth secondary will need to fill Melrose, Gala, Kelso, Jed, Selkirk & Hawick youth teams!  

[cp10]

I don't think Borders Semi-Junior League is Scottish Rugby controlled which would mean they are free to play for the club. When I was at one of these schools half the club team was made of guys who had left at 4th or 5th year for trades.

The Borders Clubs will play as part of the Schools and Clubs town vs town Borders
integrated conference

[21st Century Schizoid Man]

Ah, you are beginning to see the light.
So  9. Henners
    10. Dancer
    12 Hornee Furra
    13.
    14. Tennessee Tam
    15. Hogg
You are right we might have a decent three quarters line for the world cup yet.

Matt Scott and Visser tackle like Schalk Burger in comparison to Horne.

Not exactly the most physical defensive line up.

Oh really ! Pete Horne put in the most tackles (Warriors) in the game v Leinster last week - yes more than Big Bad Bob. He may not be the biggest centre around but he flattens most who come his way. Hornee does not shirk them unlike the 2 Luvvies you mentioned.

[RDW]

https://youtu.be/4NUJqCdk88U

[Imperialbigdave]

https://youtu.be/4NUJqCdk88U

Not to mention every other Scotland game where hes been little more than a speedbump. I like him, but hes been nothing but a dissapointment at international level.

[BigGee]

He does have some work to do to prove that he can bring his club form to the international arena. I actually think he is a fantastic player, but you only get so many international chances and he has used up quite a few of his. Still, am willing to give him one more chance and happy to be proved wrong.

[jimbopip]

It's also worth remembering that the match against Wales in the 6N was his first international start. He's still got a way to go yet. However, without Dunbar and Scott(12) we don't really have too many options.

[RDW]

Did he not have a few starts in the summer tournament in south Africa? Fairly sure he did the game he knackered his knee.

[BigGee]

Matt Scott tweeted this afternoon that he was confident that he would be fit in time for the WC. Lets hope he is and Dunbar as well, we will just have to see how that plays out a lot nearer the time.

He has not looked the player we know he can be, this season Matt Scott. Maybe he has been carrying an injury and hopefully this operation can get him back to where we know he can be.

[jimbopip]

You could be right RDW, but on the Warriors web site he refers to the Wales match as his first start.
That said , he could mean; at Murrayfield, 6 Nations, before family, sober or even "since Bru's stones became a lost cause".

[funnyExiledScot]

If Dunbar and Scott are out then Horne is next in line. Good footballer, but he has the big occasion capabilities of Devon Loch. As above, I'd like to see Taylor again. Not such an accomplished footballer, but a beast in defence and his basics aren't bad. Seems to be developing at Sarries.

[RDW]

SRU website says he's got 4 starts in 7 caps.

[funnyExiledScot]

I love how none of us even remember him playing!! World class!

[GLove39]

It's been a pretty rough introduction to international rugby for Horne!

2013:
Samoa (r) Steamrollered by Tuilagi - lost
Boks(r) Knee collapses - lost

2014:
Canada - won by the skin of teeth
Argentina - won
Boks - entire team hammered. - lost

2015:
France(r) - lost
Italy that kick -lost

[BigGee]

With Dunbar injured it seems likely that Horne will get to play at 12 in Glasgow's high profile games towards the end of the season, against the big beasts, in matches which should be close to international intensity.

These matches should give us a clue as to whether he really can cut it at that level. Looking brilliant against Zebre and the Blues is not the same as impressing against Ulster, Ospreys and Munster. If he looks good in those games then surely he is an international class centre!

[funnyExiledScot]

Well he's international class as far as we're concerned because with the main two options injured he's the best we have!

[Prothero]

Some of the bigger clubs in Glasgow & Edinburgh won’t be affected too much by this.

I would be very worried if I was involved in some clubs. How will Ayr be able to field a team? No players from Carrick, Wellington or Marr College. Who is left? Also, almost every school in the borders is on that list. Eyemouth secondary will need to fill Melrose, Gala, Kelso, Jed, Selkirk & Hawick youth teams!  

Eyemouth High School haven't had a squad with that amount of quality since me and the boys were tearing it up in my glory days back in 99.

[jimbopip]

With Dunbar injured it seems likely that Horne will get to play at 12 in Glasgow's high profile games towards the end of the season, against the big beasts, in matches which should be close to international intensity.

These matches should give us a clue as to whether he really can cut it at that level. Looking brilliant against Zebre and the Blues is not the same as impressing against Ulster, Ospreys and Munster. If he looks good in those games then surely he is an international class centre!

Gee, I would suggest that the recent Leinster match was as close as you will get to a full Test for intensity. Horne was superb in that. His vision to see the floated miss-pass to Bryce at the end, and his skill in executing it- not to mention his cojones in attempting it- at that stage in such an intense match says a lot not just about his ability but also his temperament : Devon Loch my erse.

You have touched on an interesting topic though: how many matches do the Scottish sides play which come close to "international intensity"?
Glasgow's play off semi with Munster last year springs to mind, as does this year's Leinster 34 all draw. Did the Luvvies have any in the Diddy Cup?

Devon Loch, Fes behave.

[funnyExiledScot]

Well we did have to face a World Class team over two legs at Christmas....

[jimbopip]

Aye Fes, occasionally you get to sit with the grown ups. However, hearing the words spoken is not the same as being part of the conversation.

[RDW]

I wouldn't say there were many club games that had the same level of intensity as internationals - I'm sure the players would say the same too.

The Leinster game was certainly fast and furious but it didn't have the physical brutality of say the 6N games - that's where Horne has been lacking in the past for Scotland.

[tigertattie]

I'm not sure if this link will work but here goes

http://files.pitchero.com/clubs/35555/scottishrugbyclubyouthupdateapril2015-2-_135729.pdf


If you can open that it will show you the SRU plan for the new youth rugby structure. The headline is that ‘Tier 1-3’ school pupils will not be allowed to play for the clubs – only their schools.

Tiers 1&2 – Heriots, Glasgow High, Hutchie, Kelvinside, St Al’s, Glasgow Academy, Dollar, Watsons, Merchie, Stew Mel, Strathallan, Ed Academy, Bell Baxter, Fettes, Glenalmond, Dundee HS, Loretto, RGs

Tier 3 – Carrick, Jordanhill, Lenzie, Lomond, Marr, Morrisons, Q Vic, St Columbas, Wellington, Boroghmuir, Knox, Lasswads, Linlithgow, Musselburgh, Ross HS, Trinity, Dunbar, North Berwick, Preston Lodge, Royal High, Berwick, Earlston, Gala HS, Hawick HS, Jed Grammar, Kelso HS, Peebles HS, Selkirk HS.

All other schools are tier 4 which is where the clubs can draw players from. Not sure what I think about this. These schools will all get regular games against each other in league structure which is good as it will mean fewer 75 point humpings but it will kill off club youth rugby, especially in the borders.

Hold on a min!

Can youngsters opt to play for one team or the other? Do you say "I'm not playing for my school, I'm playing for my club"?

Or is it a case of you need to play for your school and only your school? If so then dear lord, the old school tie brigade will be coming back with a vengence!

[cakeordeath]

He does have some work to do to prove that he can bring his club form to the international arena. I actually think he is a fantastic player, but you only get so many international chances unless you are Laidlaw/Hamilton/Ford/... and he has used up quite a few of his. Still, am willing to give him one more chance and happy to be proved wrong.

Fixed that for you

[MacKnocked-on]

Horne does generally look good at club level but I don't remember anyone particularly praising him when he's played for Scotland, international rugby may be a step too far unfortunately but given time who knows? If both Dunbar (disaster) and Scott were out of the World Cup then I think Cotter would likely opt for Taylor at 12 as a solid defender and straight runner. He seems to be coming back from injury and has more experience than, say, Vernon. Obviously the choice for Cotter is between defensive solidity or more attacking flair and ,all things considered, he'll probably decide on defensive solidity.
If we were to get one or two more injuries to potential centres then we really will be down to leftfield selections; Lyle? recall for De Luca/Grove? call up for Kevin Sinfield (joking)...
Unfortunately the current lack of SQ options playing centre at Edinburgh could become a big problem for Scotland going in to the WC.

[jimbopip]

This reminds me of when I was at secondary school in Glasgow. One of my classmates was a fairly decent footballer who went on to play for St Mirren, Hibs and the world class Partick Thistle.
One day as we were getting changed after PE the teacher was going round telling the better players they were playing for the school on Saturday morning. (The rest of us were pretending we didn't hear this and were not even the teeniest bit destroyed by being ignored yet again). Future pro-footballer says, very politely and respectfully, that he is now playing for the local amateur side on Saturday afternoons and as that is where the scouts watch players he would rather concentrate on that and would rather not play for the school thank you sir. Cue teacher throwing a massive hissy fit that leads, after an unpleasant attempt at brow beating and bullying 15 year old boy into submission, to teacher fetching SFA rule book and reading aloud relevant passage which states schools have first call on players and if he refuses to play for the school he can be BANNED from all football.
At the time I thought this was ridiculous. My mate wanted to play at a higher standard and give himself a shot at a pro career, the room was full of mediocre kids for whom playing for the school would have been the highlight of their footballing existence and bullying a child into turning out for you is not teaching him any useful life lesson.
Instead of schools and clubs presenting kids with an either/or why can't they co-operate to provide as many playing/ training opportunities as possible to as many youngsters as possible. Remember elite athletes are the very narrow pinnacle of a very broad based pyramid. Sport does play a very important part in producing well rounded individuals, but focussing primarily on producing excellence too early excludes many and , often , hinders the wider social development of the "gifted" few.

[RuggerRadge2611]

This Horne guy who is apparently Dan Carter, Jean De Villiers and Conrad Smith all rolled into one.... isn't he the same guy who missed a touch finder and cost us the game against Italy in the 6N?

[funnyExiledScot]

Aye Fes, occasionally you get to sit with the grown ups. However, hearing the words spoken is not the same as being part of the conversation.

Don't worry, most of us 1872 champions still remember what a HC semi-final sounds like..

Glasgow remind me of Dean Ryan's Gloucester. Always the bridesmaid and never the bride.

[funnyExiledScot]

This Horne guy who is apparently Dan Carter, Jean De Villiers and Conrad Smith all rolled into one.... isn't he the same guy who missed a touch finder and cost us the game against Italy in the 6N?  

Carter's injury record, De Villiers' passing skills and Smith's pace....

[George Carlin]

Aye Fes, occasionally you get to sit with the grown ups. However, hearing the words spoken is not the same as being part of the conversation.

Don't worry, most of us 1872 champions still remember what a HC semi-final sounds like..

Glasgow remind me of Dean Ryan's Gloucester. Always the bridesmaid and never the bride.

Whereas Edinburgh is more like the fringe girlfriend who was not invited to be a bridesmaid due to her tattoos, lack of common sense and the fact that she becomes teary after half a bottle of Lambrusco.

[George Carlin]

V strong rumours that Edinburgh are about to sign a young Ulster winger:
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/guinness-pro12/ulster-wing-allen-set-to-make-switch-to-scotland-31139820.html

Interesting that he fancies becoming SQ.
So Big Tacky to Glasgow, then? ( )

[nickj]

I wonder if these visa issues are holding up any announcement by Edinburgh on the Big Fijian? http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/14/visa-issues-keep-waratahs-taqele-naiyaravoro-grounded

[George Carlin]

I wonder if these visa issues are holding up any announcement by Edinburgh the relevant Scottish pro side on the Big Fijian? http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/apr/14/visa-issues-keep-waratahs-taqele-naiyaravoro-grounded

No charge.

[jimbopip]

No George, she's the girlfriend who never gets invited because she turns her nose up at the groom's mildly racist uncle, mocks the dress for being "from a high street shop" and patronises the bride's grannie- "It must have been dreadful living in a tenement and having rickets!".
Then cries all night in her Stockbridge bedsit because she can hear, in the distance, sounds of people enjoying themselves.

p.s. at the moment I am singing along to the ukulele radical, "Frak off back to Eton.." Probably the highlight of my Election so far. Cameron was not amused.

[George Carlin]

Has everyone seen the Cassette Boy - David Cameron rap?

[Majestic83]

V strong rumours that Edinburgh are about to sign a young Ulster winger:
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/guinness-pro12/ulster-wing-allen-set-to-make-switch-to-scotland-31139820.html

Interesting that he fancies becoming SQ.
So Big Tacky to Glasgow, then? ( )

If this happens then it is a disgrace! What on earth are the SRU taking some average winger from Ulster and trying to get him qualified through residency. We have some pretty good young wingers in the Edinburgh team already and also got some pretty talented wings in the U20s and U18s, why not give them a chance instead of this guy!

We really are starting to turn into a bit of a joke.....soon we will change our name to the Scotland barbarians!

[funnyExiledScot]

Aye Fes, occasionally you get to sit with the grown ups. However, hearing the words spoken is not the same as being part of the conversation.

Don't worry, most of us 1872 champions still remember what a HC semi-final sounds like..

Glasgow remind me of Dean Ryan's Gloucester. Always the bridesmaid and never the bride.

Whereas Edinburgh is more like the fringe girlfriend who was not invited to be a bridesmaid due to her tattoos, lack of common sense and the fact that she becomes teary after half a bottle of Lambrusco.

Two things bother me. Firstly we don't allow tattoos in Stockbridge, and secondly we would never ever drink Lambrusco. Possibly a cheap supermarket champagne if one is expected to spray as well as drink, like Veuve or Moet, but I wouldn't clean my bidet with Lambrusco.

[funnyExiledScot]

Has everyone seen the Cassette Boy - David Cameron rap?

I have. Outstanding!

[funnyExiledScot]

V strong rumours that Edinburgh are about to sign a young Ulster winger:
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/guinness-pro12/ulster-wing-allen-set-to-make-switch-to-scotland-31139820.html

Interesting that he fancies becoming SQ.
So Big Tacky to Glasgow, then? ( )

If this happens then it is a disgrace! What on earth are the SRU taking some average winger from Ulster and trying to get him qualified through residency. We have some pretty good young wingers in the Edinburgh team already and also got some pretty talented wings in the U20s and U18s, why not give them a chance instead of this guy!

We really are starting to turn into a bit of a joke.....soon we will change our name to the Scotland barbarians!

This should really hack off the likes of Hoyland and Farndale!

[Majestic83]

V strong rumours that Edinburgh are about to sign a young Ulster winger:
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/guinness-pro12/ulster-wing-allen-set-to-make-switch-to-scotland-31139820.html

Interesting that he fancies becoming SQ.
So Big Tacky to Glasgow, then? ( )

If this happens then it is a disgrace! What on earth are the SRU taking some average winger from Ulster and trying to get him qualified through residency. We have some pretty good young wingers in the Edinburgh team already and also got some pretty talented wings in the U20s and U18s, why not give them a chance instead of this guy!

We really are starting to turn into a bit of a joke.....soon we will change our name to the Scotland barbarians!

This should really hack off the likes of Hoyland and Farndale!

Exactly, bet Hoyland and Farndale wish they were on the books at Glasgow. Both probably would have had a good amount of game time by now and been a lot further on in their development. Edinburgh have the other young winger coming through Ben Robbins who is off on the McPhail scholarship to NZ. Will probably get rave reviews out in NZ and then wait 4 years to get any game time at Edinburgh!

[MacKnocked-on]

Yes, never mind the likes of Hoyland etc who need game time next season, we really should be looking to recruit SQ players and not having to wait three years for residency. Given the numbers of potentially excellent SQ players in the Southern hemisphere, Rugby League, age grade teams and elsewhere we really don't need to be following the three year path so much. In certain cases such as WP Nel who was targeted to fill a genuine problem position, fine, he will improve the Scotland team without doubt I'm sure, but in the case of wingers we do seem to have a few who could potentially be very good given half a chance. Robbie Nairn for instance is off to Quins but who's to say that if he was put in to the Edinburgh or Glasgow team he wouldn't prove himself capable of playing for Scotland within the three years it will take Allen to qualify?

[tigertattie]

V strong rumours that Edinburgh are about to sign a young Ulster winger:
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/guinness-pro12/ulster-wing-allen-set-to-make-switch-to-scotland-31139820.html

Interesting that he fancies becoming SQ.
So Big Tacky to Glasgow, then? ( )

If this happens then it is a disgrace! What on earth are the SRU taking some average winger from Ulster and trying to get him qualified through residency. We have some pretty good young wingers in the Edinburgh team already and also got some pretty talented wings in the U20s and U18s, why not give them a chance instead of this guy!

We really are starting to turn into a bit of a joke.....soon we will change our name to the Scotland barbarians!

This should really hack off the likes of Hoyland and Farndale!

Exactly, bet Hoyland and Farndale wish they were on the books at Glasgow. Both probably would have had a good amount of game time by now and been a lot further on in their development. Edinburgh have the other young winger coming through Ben Robbins who is off on the McPhail scholarship to NZ. Will probably get rave reviews out in NZ and then wait 4 years to get any game time at Edinburgh!

Edinburgh won't play him until he gets one NZ cap after qualifing for them through residency!

[Nematode]

I reckon it's worth getting Fife some gametime at outside centre and giving Tom Brown a bit more gametime at FB.

See Sutherland has got a pro deal.

[RDW]

Agree with the comments so far - don't see why we're targeting a 24 year old Ulsterman when we have several young Scottish wingers chomping at the bit to play.

Purely looking at him as a player though, he has played for Ulster a few times and looks to have serious gas and a decent step



Skip to 1 minute on this one

[Nematode]

http://www.glasgowwarriors.org/news/15/04/13/mcfarland-join-warriors-coaching-team

Connacht assistant coach Dan McFarland will join the Glasgow Warriors coaching team in the summer.

[Weegie Wizard]

I'm not sure if this link will work but here goes

http://files.pitchero.com/clubs/35555/scottishrugbyclubyouthupdateapril2015-2-_135729.pdf


If you can open that it will show you the SRU plan for the new youth rugby structure. The headline is that ‘Tier 1-3’ school pupils will not be allowed to play for the clubs – only their schools.

Tiers 1&2 – Heriots, Glasgow High, Hutchie, Kelvinside, St Al’s, Glasgow Academy, Dollar, Watsons, Merchie, Stew Mel, Strathallan, Ed Academy, Bell Baxter, Fettes, Glenalmond, Dundee HS, Loretto, RGs

Tier 3 – Carrick, Jordanhill, Lenzie, Lomond, Marr, Morrisons, Q Vic, St Columbas, Wellington, Boroghmuir, Knox, Lasswads, Linlithgow, Musselburgh, Ross HS, Trinity, Dunbar, North Berwick, Preston Lodge, Royal High, Berwick, Earlston, Gala HS, Hawick HS, Jed Grammar, Kelso HS, Peebles HS, Selkirk HS.

All other schools are tier 4 which is where the clubs can draw players from. Not sure what I think about this. These schools will all get regular games against each other in league structure which is good as it will mean fewer 75 point humpings but it will kill off club youth rugby, especially in the borders.

Hold on a min!

Can youngsters opt to play for one team or the other? Do you say "I'm not playing for my school, I'm playing for my club"?

Or is it a case of you need to play for your school and only your school? If so then dear lord, the old school tie brigade will be coming back with a vengence!

From what I can tell, the players will have to play for their schools if it falls in tiers 1-3 with the exception of the Borders who will play some sort of town v town club/school combined thing.

It doesn't say if there will be SRU funding for additional school coaches. They might not be needed in the tier 1 & 2 schools but, having attended a tier 3 school I can say that the set up was nowhere near good enough to rely on. There was very little attention payed to rugby from the heedie (still there) and the rugby coach was one of the history teachers. That was fine as we all went and played for Hawks/Accies/GHK at the weekend but that won't be possible anymore.

I can see the benefit of ring fencing the top schools as the games will be more competitive and there is a route to move between tiers but there needs to be a vast vast improvement in the level of coaching at schools so tier 3 isn't a waste of time.

It's also really important that the club route is not ignored by the SRU people. Just in the current Warriors squad, ignoring that would have lost Weir, Dunbar, Big Al, MacArthur, Russell, Grant, Murray, Reid, Welsh, Ashe, Bennett & (I think) Welsh.

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