Hurry up Bath!!

And find a 10 that's worthy of the news.... (as promised)!

We've speculated to death, but the waiting is pointless. I reckon both 1st and 2nd choices are no longer available.

Well I reckon the 10 we were chasing that was 'newsworthy' was Dan Carter. Now thats come to nothing I presume they are having to go to their backups, which presumably will be slightly less newsworthy!

I heard the other day that Bath were sounding out Cipriani but moved on from him after the senior players made it known he wasn't wanted at the club.

Have the club backed themselves into a corner by promising a big name rather than just the best available 10?

Have the club backed themselves into a corner by promising a big name rather than just the best available 10?.


Absolutely. They were hedging on Carter/Steyn/Michalak etc, none of which are options anymore!

They should keep an eye on the financial situation with Stade Francais. Paul Warwick could be up for grabs if the deal falls through due to the financial trouble.

Cipriani looks another option. Stephen Donald is another possibility.

Stephen Donald is one I've seen mentioned...

That's the wrong way with Cipriani. Apparently it was his agents who sounded out Bath, in response to his being left behind by the Rebels when they went to South Africa. The response from Bath was allegedly non-committal, and then the Rebels made it clear that they'd expect him to honour his two-year contract, so scotched any potential move.

A shame in my view. He'd be perfect for Bath.

Look to Wales and a youngster.

Stephen Donald and Francois Steyn are the 2 rumours which seem to be doing the rounds at the moment. Either of them would be very good in the premiership and HC I think.

I like the idea of Stephen Donald proving himself if thats the right phrase. He probably wouldnt be the player that makes the world sit up and take notice, but I think he would do a good job.

I'd take Donald he'd be head and shoulders better than anything else in the Prem

Except for Nick Evans Bath!

funnyExiledScot wrote:That's the wrong way with Cipriani. Apparently it was his agents who sounded out Bath, in response to his being left behind by the Rebels when they went to South Africa. The response from Bath was allegedly non-committal, and then the Rebels made it clear that they'd expect him to honour his two-year contract, so scotched any potential move.

A shame in my view. He'd be perfect for Bath.

Double checked where I read it - you are right, it was his agent... though it did say it was the players who said they didn't want him which was why Bath were non-committal.
There might still be a chance of it happening if the club ignore the players - he's in some sort of dispute with the Rebels over refusing to sign a good behaviour clause so he could be on his way out soon. I'm not sure how well he'd be selling himself to other clubs though if he's kicked out of one for refusing to promise he'll behave himself, hardly a good message about his attitude.

His attitude and "previous" is why I think Bath is the perfect club for him. McGeechan knows him well and rates him. Geech is highly skilled at eeking out talent from underperforming players and very good at dealing with "personalities". His key has always been not to come down too heavy, or be too disciplinarian. He gets his players enjoying their rugby, gives them responsibility and allows them to express themselves. Ultimately, his players want to do well for him. At times he's been overrated as a coach, but as a motivator, I think he's one in a million.

If Cipriani didn't knuckle down and sort himself out under Geech, then I'd hold no hope for him.

You can have Ryan Lamb if you want him.

I actually like Lamb, but he seems like a really odd replacement for Geraghty who is a very similar but, in my opinion, better player.
I think we'd have been far better off with a more consistent, mature FH: someone to set the backs loose, kick for points, and defend well with little flashiness but minimal error. I REALLY hope Lamb proves me wrong though.