Glasgow and Edinburgh: Ongoing Banter Thread XI - The Undiscovered Country

by IanBru Wed 20 Jan 2016, 7:15 pm

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Ladies and Gentlemen, it's THE RUN IN!

by funnyExiledScot Tue 12 Apr 2016, 2:38 pm

Thank you. Life is hard on the breadline.

by Nematode Tue 12 Apr 2016, 7:18 pm

Does anyone know if Glasgow are bringing in any marquee signings in the back division?

With Big T heading off and Lamont nearing the end of his career (though still a useful player for when the international games are played), it looks like Rory Hughes or Lee Jones will be the first choice winger.

They are not bad options, just not quite the caliber of Maitland or DTH (at least yet).

With Johnny McNicholl's name being bounded about, should (or maybe are) Glasgow approaching him?

If he is SQ then I see no reason why he wouldn't slot into the starting XV or at least 23. Wales cannot offer that.

by demosthenes Tue 12 Apr 2016, 8:03 pm

Nematode wrote:Does anyone know if Glasgow are bringing in any marquee signings in the back division?

With Big T heading off and Lamont nearing the end of his career (though still a useful player for when the international games are played), it looks like Rory Hughes or Lee Jones will be the first choice winger.

They are not bad options, just not quite the caliber of Maitland or DTH (at least yet).

With Johnny McNicholl's name being bounded about, should (or maybe are) Glasgow approaching him?

If he is SQ then I see no reason why he wouldn't slot into the starting XV or at least 23. Wales cannot offer that.

Seymour and Sarto as first choice; Hughes and Jones as back-up; and Lamont covering. Probably need one more, maybe a young SQ player, so I'd keep Bulumakao and give him a few more games.

by nickj Wed 13 Apr 2016, 9:47 am

McNicholl's move to Scarlets has been confirmed:

http://www.planetrugby.com/news/mcnicholl-confirms-move-to-scarlets/.

If the SRU were ever interested, its a bit annoying to be outbid by Scarlets.

I can't see him plumping for the Scots now. Indeed did we ever know whether he was actually SQ?

by **RDW** Wed 13 Apr 2016, 9:50 am

Big signing for the Scarlets - maybe this means DTH is off as rumoured?

I don't know the source but from memory he was confirmed as SQ.

In a way I'm glad he didn't come to Edinburgh - his career would have been ruined!

by nickj Wed 13 Apr 2016, 9:54 am

Maybe Lineen has taken his eye off one of the many balls he's juggling for the SRU?

Unless the flaming galah or Atiga are now in charge of overseas scouting?

by Hazel Sapling Wed 13 Apr 2016, 9:57 am

McNicholl is a good player and would be worthy of Scotland consideration. If Edinburgh had not signed Scholes (and had a better game plan) or Glasgow did not sign Sarto, you could fit him in. He is definitely used to an open game style with the Crusaders and Glasgow would a good place for him.

Problem is, as Demosthenes said, there really is no need for him at Glasgow if he is on a fair chunk. Maybe he starts ahead of Sarto or rotates with Sarto and Seymour to keep them fresh with occasional doses of Hughes and Jones. With Glasgow's limited budget, they probably need to be looking at where to strengthen and wing is not where I would be looking. At Edinburgh, he would start but would be wasted as long as Solomons is coach. Solomons can coach forwards well but he is awful for backs and for rotations. Never should have got next season.

by nickj Wed 13 Apr 2016, 10:18 am

I see what you're saying, but I'd suggest McNicholl is better than any of the current options at Edinburgh or Glasgow and while he might have been expensive, its critical we keep pace with the likes of Scarlets. Its also worth noting that he can also play 15 and none of our teams (Scotland, Glasgow or Edinburgh) are exactly overloaded with talent or options at fullback. If he was actually SQ, this is kick in the balls.

by Hazel Sapling Wed 13 Apr 2016, 10:46 am

If he is willing to play FB a third of the time at Glasgow (Hogg gets a break) and then he plays the wing carousal for the rest, it may make sense. Depends on the money though. If Naka is off, maybe they want a big signing in the forwards (not Flynn btw). Be interesting to see what happens with big signings after the Big T disaster.

Edinburgh do not have a plan in the backs at the moment and he would be wasted there based on how he has played at Crusaders (fun team to watch by the way, Damien McKenzie is as electric as Hogg in open field with better place kicking to boot). Also imagine McNicholl wants to play ERCC and in front of at least a half full stadium, things Edinburgh can't guarantee.

Interesting that it is a 2.5 year deal. If he is not already WQ, maybe he has an eye on returning to NZ and is not interested in playing for Scotland or Wales. In which case he is NSQ by default.

by demosthenes Wed 13 Apr 2016, 11:57 am

Hazel Sapling wrote:If he is willing to play FB a third of the time at Glasgow (Hogg gets a break) and then he plays the wing carousal for the rest, it may make sense. Depends on the money though. If Naka is off, maybe they want a big signing in the forwards (not Flynn btw). Be interesting to see what happens with big signings after the Big T disaster.

Edinburgh do not have a plan in the backs at the moment and he would be wasted there based on how he has played at Crusaders (fun team to watch by the way, Damien McKenzie is as electric as Hogg in open field with better place kicking to boot). Also imagine McNicholl wants to play ERCC and in front of at least a half full stadium, things Edinburgh can't guarantee.

Interesting that it is a 2.5 year deal. If he is not already WQ, maybe he has an eye on returning to NZ and is not interested in playing for Scotland or Wales. In which case he is NSQ by default.

That is the main weakness in the Glasgow backs at present. With Bryce leaving, it only leaves Hogg, Murchie, and Seymour. And I don't really expect to see TS in that position except in a real emergency.

by EST Wed 13 Apr 2016, 12:12 pm

I'm not all that fussed about McNicholl actually, if he is SQ and plays well for the Scarlets then we could always try and cap him, without him having to wait the three years to qualify for Wales (who might not need him anyway). When I have seen him play, I would classify him as somewhat similar to Maitland - I don't think he is as good as Seymour or DTH.

Glasgow need to recruit well, and will be able to spend a bit following Big T's departure and the likely loss of Naka. The backs are generally covered, but investment is needed in the forward pack. I would like to see the following:

1. A scrummaging Loosehead. Grant has totally lost his mojo, Jerry has improved but is still not top class,Reid is a good Pro 12 player, but as his international appearances have shown he is not good enough to make an impression at the top table and Allan doesn't seem to get many chances. The Canadian might be a diamond in the rough, but either way I would like to see this area strengthened.

2. A big, athletic lock to cover the loss of Naka. We are never going to replace him like for like, so I would like to see somebody with a hard edge who can give us more physicality, especially in Europe.

7. Despite Favaro being completely demented and a fans favourite, I actually think our options at 7 are relatively poor. I would be surprised to see a new signing here, but I am looking forward to see if Matt Smith can make the step up. In my eyes he was the best player for the U20's this year. Great athlete, big enough to carry, and a menace over the ball.

by EWT Spoons Wed 13 Apr 2016, 1:15 pm

Nothing we didn't probably already know (that said I wasn't aware Clark Laidlaw was at LI, but I might be in a minority here), but interesting enough read:

Scotland Rugby News wrote:Over half a dozen Scottish internationals and qualified players are facing next season in the English 2nd division unless Aviva Premiership bottom dwellers London Irish can avoid relegation.

The Irish Exiles club have had a disastrous season and currently prop up the Aviva Premiership table with a paltry 4 wins from 19 games played. To stand any chance of survival they’ll have to beat Newcastle Falcons, who are 4 points above them, this Sunday.

They've only got 3 games to overtake Newcastle and avoid the drop

Their only hope is to overtake the Falcons

Even then Irish would need at least a bonus point win to leapfrog them and hope that Dean Richard’s men lose their remaining fixtures without picking up any bonus points themselves. Should they fail this weekend they’ll need a miracle with high flying Harlequins and Wasps their penultimate and final opponents respectively.

Normally this wouldn’t elicit must interest from many of us but, considering how many kilted players are at the club, there will be a lot of nervous Scotsmen casting their eyes south over the following weeks – none more so than Vern Cotter.

In total the club have four Scottish internationals in Blair Cowan, Sean Maitland, Greig Tonks and Geoff Cross, as well as promising 22 year old Scottish age grade scrum half Scott Steele.

There are also a number of Scottish qualified players at the Exiles like bullocking back rower David Sisi, the hugely exciting dual qualified centre Johnny Williams and Scottish born scrum half Brendan McKibbin (although there seems to be uncertainty about whether or not he may already be tied to the Wallabies).

“We’re trying to create an environment (of playing freedom) all the time. It’s difficult when you’re in the situation we are.”
CLARK LAIDLAW

And it’s not just the playing ranks that contain Scottish talent. Clark Laidlaw, son of Roy and cousin of Greig, signed on as their Assistant Coach following successful stints in New Zealand coaching skills to their national 7’s side and as Chris Boyd’s assistant at the Hurricanes.

Not much has been made of his quiet but impressive ascent up the coaching pecking order, but there are many who think he could be in the frame for major coaching honours in the not too distant future.

It’s also worth mentioning that Newcastle also have a clutch of Scottish players in the form of Ally Hogg, Scott Lawson, Jon Welsh and Scott MacLeod. However, with the possible exception of Welsh, most of those players are effectively reaching the end of their careers and won’t be featuring for Scotland again.

So for everyone involved at London Irish relegation could have a disastrous effect on their Scotland careers. Life in the English Championship would more than likely put them in the international wilderness and, even if they could secure a transfer to another top flight club in England, Scotland or France, they wouldn’t have long to do it. They also wouldn’t have the luxury of choice with most clubs having already completed their recruitment for next season.

You can only hope that at least some of them had the foresight to put release clauses in their contracts, if not there’s nothing to stop the club’s management from forcing them to spend next year aiding in the fight to come back up. Whilst that may sound unlikely, it’s worth remembering what happened in the 6 Nations when Bair Cowan and Sean Maitland returned to the Exiles following the Wales game under the pretence of injury, only to turn out for their club that very weekend against Leicester.

It appears on the face of it that either London Irish pulled a fast one, Vern Cotter wanted to save their blushes or the magic sponges at Irish are doused in holy water. Either way you wouldn’t count on the kindness of their coaches when it comes to putting a player’s international ambitions before their day job.

There have also been quite a few rumours that Sean Maitland, in particular, is very unhappy at the club and is looking to leave ASAP.

Could that mean a return to Scottish rugby? It’s certainly possible that Gregor Townsend may be keen to bring him back in, especially now he has money to spare following the premature return of Taqele Naiyaravoro to Australia. He’d also be a big boost to Edinburgh’s backline, which would be ironic considering they reputedly turned down the opportunity to sign the fast man back in 2012.

When it comes to back rowers both Glasgow and Edinburgh seem pretty well stocked, so the likelihood of Cowan coming up seems reasonably remote. As for Tonks, a move back to Edinburgh would be more than a little embarrassing considering he only left the club last month.

“I’m enjoying being part of the club and set up, but obviously I’ve arrived at a tough time”
GREIG TONKS

The signing of Williams, Steele and Sisi would be hugely beneficial for either of the Scottish clubs and for the Scotland team itself, but we don’t yet know if any of them intend to plump for England or Scotland yet.

At this point we can only speculate what may happen, especially as this is may all be academic should the results go their way, but one thing’s for sure, there are more than a few Scotsmen who’ll be wishing for the luck of the Irish this weekend.

If you want to look at the fancy pictures and stuff (didn't work in the quote, but you can view Ally Hogg with a pair of boots, Cowan looking perplexed, Tonks getting double teamed....not in that way, and Clark Laidlaw looking very relaxed and warm, guessing not taken during his time at LI), here is the link - http://www.scotlandrugbynews.com/2016/04/scottish-internationals-fighting-careers-london-irish/

by True Raven Wed 13 Apr 2016, 1:32 pm

I think its highly unlikely Johnny Williams will be playing for Scotland or in Scotland anytime soon. If he were to leave, I'm sure there would be a host of English clubs (let alone Welsh clubs) trying to sign him up.

by Nematode Wed 13 Apr 2016, 1:38 pm

I had forgotten about Sarto joining. If Jackson joins from Wasps (he's not getting gametime atm, even from the bench) then he could cover FB as well, which would be enough cover in the back 3.

I actually think the problem area for Glasgow is 10. Russell is a good 10 but a tad overrated in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, he is Scotland's best 10, but he is not a reliable goal kicker and he is prone to making a few careless mistakes that are unaffordable in Champions Cup games. He's still young and I'm sure that will fade away though.

I think what could have put Glasgow off putting a high bid in for McNichol is his past injuries.

BBC wrote:Blackadder added: "His speed and ability to break through tackles has never been on better display than in the last couple of games, and we are loving seeing Johnny back to his best after a frustrating run with injuries over recent years."

Perhaps, with the Pro12 being more physically intensive, it was just too much of a gamble?

by EWT Spoons Wed 13 Apr 2016, 2:18 pm

Looks like McNicholl is throwing his hat in for Wales

JM wrote:Therefore it did not come as too much of a surprise to read Johnny McNicholl state that he is attracted to the possibility of playing for Wales, after signing for the Scarlets.

"I would much like to play for Wales. But three years is a long time, so it isn’t at the forefront of my mind at the moment."

He might just have been politely answering a direct question such as "would you play for Wales", but who knows.

Full chat here, but to be honest it's 6-7 paragraphs building up to that quote.
http://www.punditarena.com/rugby/adrumm/kiwi-winger-announces-intention-play-wales/

by Nematode Wed 13 Apr 2016, 3:10 pm

Bit of a change of topic, but I don't suppose anyone knows if there are any 7's leagues/teams that just play 7s in Edinburgh/Lothians?

I've not played rugby in a long time and, quite frankly, I don't think I'd be able to get to the size required to play 15s. I do think I could get the fitness for 7s as it seems to benefit fitness over power (?).

If anyone knows of any info it'd be great.

by **RDW** Wed 13 Apr 2016, 4:04 pm

Nematode wrote:Bit of a change of topic, but I don't suppose anyone knows if there are any 7's leagues/teams that just play 7s in Edinburgh/Lothians?

I've not played rugby in a long time and, quite frankly, I don't think I'd be able to get to the size required to play 15s. I do think I could get the fitness for 7s as it seems to benefit fitness over power (?).

If anyone knows of any info it'd be great.

7s season is about to kick off and the teams playing will be a mixture of clubs and 'invitational' teams - i.e. teams that you have to be invited to play for. As far as I know there's no regular 7s league in Edinburgh/Scotland, and no 7s only teams other than the invitational ones. 7s is absolutely brutal in terms of fitness too - it is a completely different form of fitness to XVs with a hell of a lot of running and agility.

As for your comment on being too small for XVs, rugby is a game for all shape and sizes and as you go down the lower leagues then you don't get many big guys. Or if they are big they are incredibly unfit! The best 2nd row in my 2nd XV is around 5ft 10 and 14 stone!

If you've been out of it for a while I'd say find a club and get down to pre-season. It will give you the conditioning required to get back into the game so you don't just jump straight into a game and get injured. Rugby is far more fun if you are a bit fitter too! My club does a really good pre-season that isn't just about running until you're sick - it is rugby related conditioning mixed in with a lot of skills. Pre-season is my favourite time of the year strangely! There will be plenty 2nd XV / social games to get you back into things from September onwards.

What position do you play and what part of Edinburgh are you looking at?

by Nematode Wed 13 Apr 2016, 4:49 pm

It's been a looooong time since I played and it was only really at mini level - I was probably drifting into the back row then.

I'm not sure if right now I have the time to really commit to 15s regularly (quite a lot of my weekends and evenings are tied up now) although it's something I'd like to at least try in a few years time.

It would be any area in Edinburgh/Lothians - really just somewhere where rugby was played for fun and there was a low skill level.

by **RDW** Wed 13 Apr 2016, 4:55 pm

Nematode wrote:It's been a looooong time since I played and it was only really at mini level - I was probably drifting into the back row then.

I'm not sure if right now I have the time to really commit to 15s regularly (quite a lot of my weekends and evenings are tied up now) although it's something I'd like to at least try in a few years time.

It would be any area in Edinburgh/Lothians - really just somewhere where rugby was played for fun and there was a low skill level.

I'd definitely recommend against 7s then! It is usually played by those who take their rugby a bit more seriously as you need to be pretty fit to enjoy it. The fatty forwards usually call it a day for the season by the time the 7s come around.

As I said 2nd XV / social rugby would be the best way to get into it - you just need to find your local club and see what they do.

Alternatively, there is a lot of touch rugby played over the summer - socially and competitively - that anyone can get involved with. That would be a good way to build up fitness and skills. Search Google - I think there is a website for it in Edinburgh/Scotland

by Nematode Wed 13 Apr 2016, 5:02 pm

Thanks for the advice

by Imperialbigdave Wed 13 Apr 2016, 6:43 pm

I cant recommend touch rugby enough. Its getting my cardio, skills and most importantly understanding back up to an acceptable standard in a way more relaxed environment without having to worry about the physical side. After a season of Touch and gym work on the side, my aim is to get back into 15s. I tried returning straight to 15s about 4 years ago after a few years out with persistent injuries, but id lost so much ground on everyone else, and the only club in the area I was in at the time werent the most accomodating to new players who had catching up to do ( I wasnt the only one) that it didnt really work out.

by MacKnocked-on Wed 13 Apr 2016, 7:16 pm

EWT Spoons wrote:Nothing we didn't probably already know (that said I wasn't aware Clark Laidlaw was at LI, but I might be in a minority here), but interesting enough read:

Scotland Rugby News wrote:Over half a dozen Scottish internationals and qualified players are facing next season in the English 2nd division unless Aviva Premiership bottom dwellers London Irish can avoid relegation.

The Irish Exiles club have had a disastrous season and currently prop up the Aviva Premiership table with a paltry 4 wins from 19 games played. To stand any chance of survival they’ll have to beat Newcastle Falcons, who are 4 points above them, this Sunday.

They've only got 3 games to overtake Newcastle and avoid the drop

Their only hope is to overtake the Falcons

Even then Irish would need at least a bonus point win to leapfrog them and hope that Dean Richard’s men lose their remaining fixtures without picking up any bonus points themselves. Should they fail this weekend they’ll need a miracle with high flying Harlequins and Wasps their penultimate and final opponents respectively.

Normally this wouldn’t elicit must interest from many of us but, considering how many kilted players are at the club, there will be a lot of nervous Scotsmen casting their eyes south over the following weeks – none more so than Vern Cotter.

In total the club have four Scottish internationals in Blair Cowan, Sean Maitland, Greig Tonks and Geoff Cross, as well as promising 22 year old Scottish age grade scrum half Scott Steele.

There are also a number of Scottish qualified players at the Exiles like bullocking back rower David Sisi, the hugely exciting dual qualified centre Johnny Williams and Scottish born scrum half Brendan McKibbin (although there seems to be uncertainty about whether or not he may already be tied to the Wallabies).

“We’re trying to create an environment (of playing freedom) all the time. It’s difficult when you’re in the situation we are.”
CLARK LAIDLAW

And it’s not just the playing ranks that contain Scottish talent. Clark Laidlaw, son of Roy and cousin of Greig, signed on as their Assistant Coach following successful stints in New Zealand coaching skills to their national 7’s side and as Chris Boyd’s assistant at the Hurricanes.

Not much has been made of his quiet but impressive ascent up the coaching pecking order, but there are many who think he could be in the frame for major coaching honours in the not too distant future.

It’s also worth mentioning that Newcastle also have a clutch of Scottish players in the form of Ally Hogg, Scott Lawson, Jon Welsh and Scott MacLeod. However, with the possible exception of Welsh, most of those players are effectively reaching the end of their careers and won’t be featuring for Scotland again.

So for everyone involved at London Irish relegation could have a disastrous effect on their Scotland careers. Life in the English Championship would more than likely put them in the international wilderness and, even if they could secure a transfer to another top flight club in England, Scotland or France, they wouldn’t have long to do it. They also wouldn’t have the luxury of choice with most clubs having already completed their recruitment for next season.

You can only hope that at least some of them had the foresight to put release clauses in their contracts, if not there’s nothing to stop the club’s management from forcing them to spend next year aiding in the fight to come back up. Whilst that may sound unlikely, it’s worth remembering what happened in the 6 Nations when Bair Cowan and Sean Maitland returned to the Exiles following the Wales game under the pretence of injury, only to turn out for their club that very weekend against Leicester.

It appears on the face of it that either London Irish pulled a fast one, Vern Cotter wanted to save their blushes or the magic sponges at Irish are doused in holy water. Either way you wouldn’t count on the kindness of their coaches when it comes to putting a player’s international ambitions before their day job.

There have also been quite a few rumours that Sean Maitland, in particular, is very unhappy at the club and is looking to leave ASAP.

Could that mean a return to Scottish rugby? It’s certainly possible that Gregor Townsend may be keen to bring him back in, especially now he has money to spare following the premature return of Taqele Naiyaravoro to Australia. He’d also be a big boost to Edinburgh’s backline, which would be ironic considering they reputedly turned down the opportunity to sign the fast man back in 2012.

When it comes to back rowers both Glasgow and Edinburgh seem pretty well stocked, so the likelihood of Cowan coming up seems reasonably remote. As for Tonks, a move back to Edinburgh would be more than a little embarrassing considering he only left the club last month.

“I’m enjoying being part of the club and set up, but obviously I’ve arrived at a tough time”
GREIG TONKS

The signing of Williams, Steele and Sisi would be hugely beneficial for either of the Scottish clubs and for the Scotland team itself, but we don’t yet know if any of them intend to plump for England or Scotland yet.

At this point we can only speculate what may happen, especially as this is may all be academic should the results go their way, but one thing’s for sure, there are more than a few Scotsmen who’ll be wishing for the luck of the Irish this weekend.

If you want to look at the fancy pictures and stuff (didn't work in the quote, but you can view Ally Hogg with a pair of boots, Cowan looking perplexed, Tonks getting double teamed....not in that way, and Clark Laidlaw looking very relaxed and warm, guessing not taken during his time at LI), here is the link - http://www.scotlandrugbynews.com/2016/04/scottish-internationals-fighting-careers-london-irish/

I didn't realise the 'EJ' of the current tabloid super injunction stood for Eddie Jones..

by cakeordeath Wed 13 Apr 2016, 9:27 pm

Apparently it is the fault of the WRU and SRU that the standard of the refs in the pro 12 is so poor
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/columnists/donal-lenihan/pro-12-let-down-by-declining-standard-of-refereeing-392703.html

by Eejit Wed 13 Apr 2016, 10:57 pm

Nematode wrote:Thanks for the advice

I'm in the same position as you Nematode.

by **RDW** Thu 14 Apr 2016, 7:20 am

Well my club trains at Barnton, so if anyone wants to get involved drop me a PM.

We'll probably start some social touch rugby in May with pre-season kicking off in June.

by Hazel Sapling Thu 14 Apr 2016, 9:23 am

cakeordeath wrote:Apparently it is the fault of the WRU and SRU that the standard of the refs in the pro 12 is so poor
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/columnists/donal-lenihan/pro-12-let-down-by-declining-standard-of-refereeing-392703.html

It was a bit of a snipe but considering the WRU have produced by far the 2 best refs this season in Whitehouse and Owens, it is surprising. Clancy seems to have favourites (and I thoroughly hate) and Gibbon is inconsistent. SRU have that bloke on the 7's tour who might be ready to step up but if I was him, choice between the Pro 12 or going around the World with the 7's, he made the right call.

Need to have a collective referee board for the Pro 12 to recruit the best around the countries and create a pathway to the highest level. Should be trying to get a ref per club at a minimum.

by funnyExiledScot Thu 14 Apr 2016, 9:52 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:
Nematode wrote:Bit of a change of topic, but I don't suppose anyone knows if there are any 7's leagues/teams that just play 7s in Edinburgh/Lothians?

I've not played rugby in a long time and, quite frankly, I don't think I'd be able to get to the size required to play 15s. I do think I could get the fitness for 7s as it seems to benefit fitness over power (?).

If anyone knows of any info it'd be great.

As for your comment on being too small for XVs, rugby is a game for all shape and sizes and as you go down the lower leagues then you don't get many big guys. Or if they are big they are incredibly unfit! The best 2nd row in my 2nd XV is around 5ft 10 and 14 stone!

This is true. I've seen RDW in person and he makes Lee Jones look like Jonah Lomu.

by nickj Thu 14 Apr 2016, 9:54 am

Saw or actually engaged with? Was RDW aware of your presence and does he need an injunction of some sort?

by **RDW** Thu 14 Apr 2016, 9:57 am

nickj wrote:Saw or actually engaged with? Was RDW aware of your presence and does he need an injunction of some sort?

Through random discussion on here we discovered that we had been in a restaurant at the same time, and I knew it was him because his pram was causing chaos as they tried to get out the place!

I'm pretty sure he didn't notice me, mainly because of the woman sitting at a nearby table.

by VinceWLB Thu 14 Apr 2016, 9:59 am

Hazel Sapling wrote:
cakeordeath wrote:Apparently it is the fault of the WRU and SRU that the standard of the refs in the pro 12 is so poor
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/columnists/donal-lenihan/pro-12-let-down-by-declining-standard-of-refereeing-392703.html

It was a bit of a snipe but considering the WRU have produced by far the 2 best refs this season in Whitehouse and Owens, it is surprising. Clancy seems to have favourites (and I thoroughly hate) and Gibbon is inconsistent. SRU have that bloke on the 7's tour who might be ready to step up but if I was him, choice between the Pro 12 or going around the World with the 7's, he made the right call.

Need to have a collective referee board for the Pro 12 to recruit the best around the countries and create a pathway to the highest level. Should be trying to get a ref per club at a minimum.

Ian Davies, another from Wales has been my favourite ref this season, has always looked composed and never biaised. Irish refs are by far the worst ones.

by Tattie Scones RRN Thu 14 Apr 2016, 11:30 am

cakeordeath wrote:Apparently it is the fault of the WRU and SRU that the standard of the refs in the pro 12 is so poor
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/columnists/donal-lenihan/pro-12-let-down-by-declining-standard-of-refereeing-392703.html

It's this quote that drains the article of any credibility:

"Meanwhile, only a few hours earlier on the back pitch at rugby headquarters, international referee George Clancy added greatly to the enjoyment of the AIL Division 1A clash between Lansdowne and Cork Constitution, to the point where a number of the players commented after the game what a difference it made to have a top-quality official controlling matters at that level."

by 21st Century Schizoid Man Thu 14 Apr 2016, 1:31 pm

TSRRN,

saw the article on the Warriors' site. Clownshoes a top official FFS Shocked

See we have the thick one on Saturday in Llanelli picard

by A Simply Mesmeric Try Thu 14 Apr 2016, 6:02 pm

Glenn Bryce has been called up to the Scotland 7s squad for the Singapore Sevens.

I'm assuming Peter "Mr Reliable" Murchie is back to full fitness? If Hogg gets injured, it's only Murchie. Or Seymour at a push. I'd rather see Seymour TBH.

Glasgow must surely be signing another back 3 player for next season, preferably a fullback. Maybe a young padawan from the academy?

by bsando Thu 14 Apr 2016, 7:11 pm

Noticed De Villiers is leaving Leicester in the Summer.. Solomons get on the phone to his agent!! He would be an awesome player to have for playing and some coaching.

by lostinwales Thu 14 Apr 2016, 8:13 pm

bsando wrote:Noticed De Villiers is leaving Leicester in the Summer.. Solomons get on the phone to his agent!! He would be an awesome player to have for playing and some coaching.

Great experience and a great player on his day but tiggers have got 2 (not) whole games out of him this season

by **RDW** Thu 14 Apr 2016, 8:37 pm

Harlequins are supposedly chasing Gregor Townsend to be DoR next season

by yappysnap Thu 14 Apr 2016, 9:02 pm

Was just about to mention that RDW!

What's he like and would he be any good?!

by **RDW** Thu 14 Apr 2016, 9:08 pm

Well he took Glasgow from being a top 6 team to a title winning team while playing some of the most attractive rugby in the Northern Hemisphere!

I actually think quins would be a good fit for him but I'm not sure it really represents a big step up. He'd have a much bigger budget to play with though.

by yappysnap Thu 14 Apr 2016, 9:20 pm

What were/are the forwards like under him? Tough, confrontational, disciplined?

by **RDW** Thu 14 Apr 2016, 9:24 pm

yappysnap wrote:What were/are the forwards like under him? Tough, confrontational, disciplined?

Not words you'd generally use to describe the Glasgow pack, no. There are individuals like that but not as a unit. Most Glasgow fans would agree that the pack is the reason they haven't made progress in Europe.

Athletic, dynamic, skillful are probably better words to describe the Glasgow pack. They've been able to grind out wins in the past but ultimately fell short against the big boys in Europe.

I'm not sure how much that's his fault though - forwards aren't exactly his speciality! Combine him with a top forwards coach and it could work well.

by TJ Thu 14 Apr 2016, 9:36 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Harlequins are supposedly chasing Gregor Townsend to be DoR next season

I can't imagine he would go - or that he would be a good choice. He wants the scotland job infuture surely and a DOR post would not be the right thing on his CV and he still has unfinished business with Glasgow in the european cup

by **RDW** Thu 14 Apr 2016, 9:51 pm

TJ wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:Harlequins are supposedly chasing Gregor Townsend to be DoR next season

I can't imagine he would go - or that he would be a good choice. He wants the scotland job infuture surely and a DOR post would not be the right thing on his CV and he still has unfinished business with Glasgow in the european cup

True, but on the other hand I wonder if Townsend has taken Glasgow as far as he can. They struggle to hold on to their top players and lack the financial clout to replace them with like for like quality. I can't see Glasgow making the step up in Europe unless they get a very favourable group and s bit of luck.

Quins are a bit of a sleeping giant of English rugby. They've got star players, a great stadium, good sized crowds and financial clout going forward to make it to the top.

So currently there's not much between the clubs, but I think quins' potential is greater - Glasgow will always be limited by resources and money.

Also, Big Vern is signed on another few seasons so the Scotland job isn't available any time soon!

by yappysnap Thu 14 Apr 2016, 9:57 pm

Quins are on the cusp of being a top4 / champions cup contender, we pretty much have the players with s backline featuring guys like Care, Evans, Roberts, Visser, Yarde and Brown. It's he final few % from the coaches and a few weaknesses in the pack that I believe hold us back.

by **RDW** Thu 14 Apr 2016, 9:59 pm

yappysnap wrote:Quins are on the cusp of being a top4 / champions cup contender, we pretty much have the players with s backline featuring guys like Care, Evans, Roberts, Visser, Yarde and Brown. It's he final few % from the coaches and a few weaknesses in the pack that I believe hold us back.

Sounds very similar to Glasgow then!

by EWT Spoons Fri 15 Apr 2016, 8:43 am

As has been stated before, Townsend was quite nomadic as a player, so there is a good chance he'll be the same as a coach. I agree he probably wants the Scotland job, but it's not likely to be available for at least the next couple of years (if not longer). After 4 years of coaching Glasgow, he might feel it's time to move on, and this would give him something slightly different on his CV.

I hope he stays with the soap dodgers and continues to develop them and their players, but I wouldn't be shocked if he does move.

Glasgow fans - Next head coach Michael Bradley? He's currently the defence coach with the Georgian national team (defence! Really?!), but I'm sure he could be tempted back to Scotland. Wink

by jimbopip Fri 15 Apr 2016, 8:58 am

I think Mike Blair is being groomed for the Glasgow job. The disquieting thing about Toonie is that he is totally committed to the Growth Mindset philosophy : while he thinks he can make improvements at Glasgow he will stay, but as soon as he thinks he has taken them as far as he can he'll leave. I think that pretty much sums up Shade Munro's departure: Toonie decided he had done as much as he could and there was no point in standing still so so long and thanks for all your hard work Shade.

I think we'll see Toonie have one more tilt at Europe and if we don't get out the group then we're not improving anymore and he'll have done all he can. Time for another challenge.

by **RDW** Fri 15 Apr 2016, 1:19 pm

BBC wrote:Head coach Gregor Townsend insists he will remain at Glasgow Warriors next season, dismissing a link to Harlequins as "a non-story".

Townsend, who led Glasgow to the Pro12 title last season, signed a new deal in December, taking him through to the summer of 2017.

"There was some speculation in the media about my future," said Townsend.

"I have a contract here for next year and I'm really looking forward to next season."

Townsend succeeded Sean Lineen in 2012, reaching the Pro12 semi-finals in his first campaign, while Warriors were runners-up the following term.

It was third time lucky last May when the trophy was delivered in style following a 31-13 victory over Munster in the final in Belfast.

Currently third in the table with three matches remaining, Glasgow travel to Scarlets on Saturday aiming to make it eight wins in a row.

"We realise how important this game is, so all our attention has been on that," added Townsend.

"It's in our hands now to get a semi-final place and potentially a home semi-final.

"If we were to win all three [of the remaining league matches] then we'd be playing here in a home semi-final, so that's a huge motivation for the players.

"We know how tough it's going to be with two tough away games against Scarlets and Connacht, teams that have been in the top four all season and Zebre in between, who will be a challenge.

"We know what's at stake but I have huge belief in this group."

by yappysnap Fri 15 Apr 2016, 5:28 pm

Oh well, didn't want Townsend anyway raspberry

by yappysnap Fri 15 Apr 2016, 5:29 pm

by **RDW** Sun 17 Apr 2016, 4:59 pm

That's London Irish's relegation all but confirmed with a defeat to the Falcons.

Grieg Tonks' interception pass ultimately the difference between the teams.

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