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

by IanBru Wed 20 Jan 2016, 7:15 pm

First topic message reminder :

A Brief History of Time-Wasting
Glasgow and Edinburgh: Ongoing Banter Thread XI - The Undiscovered Country - Page 20 EsZNtP0

Glasgow and Edinburgh: Ongoing Banter Thread XI - The Undiscovered Country - Page 20 EsZNtP0

Glasgow and Edinburgh: Ongoing Banter Thread XI - The Undiscovered Country - Page 20 MitlgiA

1872 Champions

Glasgow
Glasgow and Edinburgh: Ongoing Banter Thread XI - The Undiscovered Country - Page 20 Cg1RGJa

1872 Runners-up

Ladies and Gentlemen, it's THE RUN IN!

by Hazel Sapling Sun 17 Apr 2016, 5:14 pm

3 recent Scots internationals in Cowan, Maitland and Tonks, and 1 potential in the future in Steele. Maitland surely would have to go simply because of the salary and I expect Tonks to stay, but what about Cowan and Steele? Newcastle could do with both and I imagine there must be interest in Cowan from someone like Gloucester.

by **RDW** Sun 17 Apr 2016, 5:23 pm

Maitland played well today and has come into some form lately. Cowan would be a decent squad player for any team.

The rest I suspect will remain in the championship.

Saying that, Cowan strikes me as the kind of player who would stick with them out of loyalty. He's fallen down the pecking order with Scotland anyway

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Sun 17 Apr 2016, 6:01 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Saying that, Cowan strikes me as the kind of player who would stick with them out of loyalty. He's fallen down the pecking order with Scotland anyway

They were saying during the match that Cowan has made it clear he has international aspirations and won't be hanging around in the championship. Also, that match was miserable. Like watching Edinburgh play.

by **BigGee** Sun 17 Apr 2016, 6:06 pm

Its not turned out to be a good career move for Maitland both in terms of how the season has turned out and the questions about his attitute down there as well as the issues around him getting dropped by Scotland.

He needs to think about his next move very carefully. I can't see him coming back to Scotland, France may well be where he may head now.

Steele and Williams (if he could be persuaded to sign up for the cause) are the two most interesting SQ players down there. Both have got a full sesson of Premiership rugby under their belts and neither have disgraced themselves for the cause unlike a few in the team. Both are young though and might well be persuaded to stay on, they will almost certainly come straight back up. Assuming Bristol come up this time, there is really no-one else to challenge in the championship.

by **BigGee** Sun 17 Apr 2016, 6:08 pm

TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:Saying that, Cowan strikes me as the kind of player who would stick with them out of loyalty. He's fallen down the pecking order with Scotland anyway

They were saying during the match that Cowan has made it clear he has international aspirations and won't be hanging around in the championship. Also, that match was miserable. Like watching Edinburgh play.

It is true, if Cowan falls off the international radar at this stage in his career, he is not going to get back on it, there are plenty of other back row players coming through for Scotland, CDP, Bradbury and Ritchie to name but a few.

by **George Carlin** Sun 17 Apr 2016, 7:40 pm

BigGee wrote:
TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:Saying that, Cowan strikes me as the kind of player who would stick with them out of loyalty. He's fallen down the pecking order with Scotland anyway

They were saying during the match that Cowan has made it clear he has international aspirations and won't be hanging around in the championship. Also, that match was miserable. Like watching Edinburgh play.

It is true, if Cowan falls off the international radar at this stage in his career, he is not going to get back on it, there are plenty of other back row players coming through for Scotland, CDP, Bradbury and Ritchie to name but a few.

Yes, it's hard to see where he will fit back in.

We have a real openside in Hardie and Hamish Watson is making a lot of noise as his understudy. Barclay is the best 6 and a half that you could want and more importantly the mighty shadow of Cornel du Preez is looming over the 6 shirt if you just want a brutal carrier and defensive brick wall. Cotter has shown that he likes Denton and has also found it in him to give Strauss a chance, something that was starting to pay dividends in the later rounds of the 6N.

But props to Cowan for having ambition. That's what being a professional athlete is all about. Although Russell might tell you he's really just there for the opportunity to get his hands on Miss Scotland...

by **RDW** Sun 17 Apr 2016, 8:08 pm

On Denton, I don't think he's actually started for Bath since before the 6N.

He's getting regular gametime off the bench but it isn't ideal, and with Faletau joining next season I think he might struggle.

Another bad move for a Scotland player? It's a shame because he was in barnstorming form at the world cup then has completely lost it at Bath.

by TJ Sun 17 Apr 2016, 8:10 pm

I suspect Denton will be back north sometime soon.

by **RDW** Sun 17 Apr 2016, 8:16 pm

TJ wrote:I suspect Denton will be back north sometime soon.

We don't really need him at Edinburgh, and his departure has allowed Ritchie and Bradbury to come through.

I wonder if he would have signed if he knew faletau was coming too!

by TJ Sun 17 Apr 2016, 8:26 pm

I doubt it - and it seems a bit daft for bath to have two internationals - they can't cover if they both are away on international duty - or were Bath expecting Denton to lose his place?

by **RDW** Sun 17 Apr 2016, 8:29 pm

Worth noting they've signed the Japan number 8 Mafi too, although I think it is primarily just for this season.

Funny thing is though that they've stuck with their established 6/8 combo instead of the new stars!

by **BigGee** Sun 17 Apr 2016, 10:17 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Worth noting they've signed the Japan number 8 Mafi too, although I think it is primarily just for this season.

Funny thing is though that they've stuck with their established 6/8 combo instead of the new stars!

and that has really worked well for them!

Perhaps they should have given Dents more game time. He is going to have to stay and fight for his place next season, which may be no bad thing for him. If it does not work out, then he will move on, but I can't see him coming back up north, out of our price range now, he won't fancy a pay cut at this stage in his career.

Thinking about the number of head knocks he has already had, it may not do him any harm in the longer term to have had a quieter year in any case.

by **George Carlin** Mon 18 Apr 2016, 1:00 pm

If I was Toonie I would seriously contemplate trying to get Maitland and Matawalu back to Chateau Soapdodger.

I don't buy all this guff about stars not performing - Bath don't seem to understand how best to utilise the players that they have. When you look at the whole squad there's no way they should be losing matches.

And can we have Francois Louw please?

by **RDW** Mon 18 Apr 2016, 1:07 pm

George Carlin wrote:If I was Toonie I would seriously contemplate trying to get Maitland and Matawalu back to Chateau Soapdodger.

I don't buy all this guff about stars not performing - Bath don't seem to understand how best to utilise the players that they have. When you look at the whole squad there's no way they should be losing matches.

And can we have Francois Louw please?

I'd agree about Bath - when you watch Denton play for them he makes hardly any ball carries. That's what he's good at!

by Hazel Sapling Mon 18 Apr 2016, 1:25 pm

Maitland definitely. With Bryce gone and Murchie struggling to stay healthy, there is a need for a FB.

by **BigGee** Mon 18 Apr 2016, 1:37 pm

Hazel Sapling wrote:Maitland definitely. With Bryce gone and Murchie struggling to stay healthy, there is a need for a FB.

Doubt if we could afford him now and I am happy to stick with Sarto, who will be a lot cheaper and likely score more tries!

We are not that badly off in the back three, with Jonsey really starting to come into the reckonning and Hughes there or there abouts as well. Add Lamont and Junior, one of whom is probably likely to go and i just can't see a space for him, even if we could match his wage demands.

I suspect that he will be off to France.

by funnyExiledScot Mon 18 Apr 2016, 2:13 pm

Agreed on Lee Jones - looks a completely different player these days.

If Glasgow don't want Matawalu back then I'd take him at Edinburgh, mainly just to watch Solomons tear out his remaining hair as Matawalu turns down every opportunity to put boot to ball.

by **George Carlin** Mon 18 Apr 2016, 2:45 pm

Surely if there is one player that we need to keep, it's Nakarawa.

I go back and forth but fundamentally he is an irreplaceable player and is key to making opportunities. If we were to break club salary records to keep him, then it would be absolutely worth it. I don't want another big stodgy lump, fond though I have become of Oscar/Jeff/Gregory Peterson. Naka and IckleJon is the future. Hopefully this club's future.

by **RDW** Mon 18 Apr 2016, 3:09 pm

I thought he was already off?

by **NeilyBroon** Mon 18 Apr 2016, 3:30 pm

George Carlin wrote:Surely if there is one player that we need to keep, it's Nakarawa.

I go back and forth but fundamentally he is an irreplaceable player and is key to making opportunities. If we were to break club salary records to keep him, then it would be absolutely worth it. I don't want another big stodgy lump, fond though I have become of Oscar/Jeff/Gregory Peterson. Naka and IckleJon is the future. Hopefully this club's future.

Cummings has been making a good case for himself this season. I think he could be a very good dynamic second row player over the next couple of seasons, hence I'm not too worried, our coverage isn't bad by any stretch of the imagination.

by **NeilyBroon** Mon 18 Apr 2016, 3:32 pm

*your coverage, I forget I'm a Wasps supporter! Though as long as Glasgow aren't playing Wasps I'll support them Whistle

by **BigGee** Mon 18 Apr 2016, 3:55 pm

Its interesting that Toonie benched Naka in the Scarlets game last saturday in a game that you would have thought he would have started. Maybe that is a sign that he is experimenting about life without him. They did not to badly while he was off.

I would love to be wrong, but I think he is already gone, to many rumours not to be true and we would only have kept him one more year in any case. If JG, FR and Hoggy stay on their current tradgectories then that money would be better spent on them down the line.

by demosthenes Mon 18 Apr 2016, 4:05 pm

I think that if anyone is 'coming home' to Glasgow it will be Jackson. Covering 10 & 15 fits the current requirements more than a pure back three player, which is what Maitland is.

by Hazel Sapling Mon 18 Apr 2016, 4:27 pm

Jackson makes far more sense as a back-up FH/FB option but does Jackson really want to be a second banana? Can see Sale or Quins making phone calls.

Naka is almost surely off. Glasgow need to invest in a top player in the pack but my preference would be a prop and/or a true 6. I am not convinced Yanny is the answer as a benching prop at the top level and Allan is always injured at the moment. Someone to push Harley to his best (Holmes and Eddie are squad players, Ashe, Wilson and Strauss are 8's) would be good as well. Harley for me has stagnated even if he has shown flashes of his peak these past few months. Is Holmes contracted for next season?

by funnyExiledScot Mon 18 Apr 2016, 5:40 pm

demosthenes wrote:I think that if anyone is 'coming home' to Glasgow it will be Jackson. Covering 10 & 15 fits the current requirements more than a pure back three player, which is what Maitland is.

I'd be annoyed if Glasgow got Jackson back and we had to settle for Weir!! Jackson is exactly what we need at Edinburgh.

by EST Mon 18 Apr 2016, 5:42 pm

I would take Maitland back at Scotstoun, with Bryce leaving we could do with cover at 15. That being said, if the choice is between a back three player and players to strengthen the pack (assuming Naka is off), then I would rather go down that route.

by **George Carlin** Mon 18 Apr 2016, 6:01 pm

I wonder if Naka is "off" in the same way that Gilchrist was "off" to Toulon. One can only hope so.

A very Scottish thing to dream and sing about being away from home when they haven't bloody gone anywhere.

by EWT Spoons Tue 19 Apr 2016, 11:13 am

Edinburgh official site wrote:

Continuing the aim of integrating young Scottish players into the professional set-up, Edinburgh Rugby confirm the signing of lock Lewis Carmichael on a two-year deal.

He said: “I’m a local boy, I grew up in East Lothian and Edinburgh’s the club I‘ve always wanted to be involved in. It’s great that Alan’s seen the potential and has belief in me.”

The Edinburgh-born, former North Berwick HS pupil represented the city of his birth at under-17 and under-18 levels before being drafted into the Scotland under-18 squad, making his debut against England in March 2013.

He said: “I played with North Berwick all through school level, joined from minis and when I left school went to Melrose, which is where I’ve been playing my club rugby.”

In 2014, with the Borders club, he was in the starting XV who secured the RBS Premiership title at the Greenyards, in the win over Currie.

Carmichael's first try for Scotland under-20 secured the side's 36-34 victory over Wales in February 2015, and he crossed the line to score Scotland's sole try in the World Rugby under-20 Championship opener against New Zealand, last June.

He said: “I was awarded a BT Sport Scottish Rugby Academy contract last summer though, since coming for pre-season, I’ve actually been training with Edinburgh for the whole year now.

“I remember coming to Edinburgh games a lot when I was much younger and seeing Ross Ford, Chris Paterson and Alasdair Dickinson play. I was watching these players when I was ten years old and coming to the games with my mates – now I’m training with them, it’s pretty surreal.

“Grant Gilchrist is my mentor. We’ve been over a few of my Melrose games, he’s helping me with my confidence calling the lineout and giving me tips about carrying ball – it’s great.”

Carmichael came through the age grades with young Edinburgh professionals Magnus Bradbury, Blair Kinghorn and Jamie Ritchie. Though he and Bradbury are just the wrong side of 20 to take part in this year’s Junior World Championship, he’s looking forward to a full pre-season as a professional player.

“Pre-season in a professional environment is great and I’ve come on so much this year. I’ve loved working with people like Grant Gilchrist, Anton Bresler – it takes you up a level. These guys are world-class second rows so it’s fantastic to be in that environment.

“The club is great. Everyone speaks to everyone, there are no egos, all the players are down to earth and welcoming which makes you be yourself.”

Head coach Alan Solomons said: "Lewis is a talented young Scottish lock who has made good progress this season and shown that he has what it takes to be a pro player.

“We are pleased that he has decided to remain with us and look forward to continuing to play a role in his development."

Edinburgh Rugby signings for the 2016/17 season

Carmichael’s commitment to the club brings the total to 24 signings to the club for next season, additional to those already committed to Edinburgh until the end of May 2017 and beyond. The list kicked off in early December 2015 with Scottish age grade back row Jamie Ritchie extending his contract for another three years.

Lewis Carmichael *
George Turner *
Grant Gilchrist **
Fraser McKenzie •
Solomoni Rasolea
Sean Kennedy *
Nathan Fowles *
Glenn Bryce *
Rory Scholes 
Ross Ford ** 
Allan Dell * 
Simon Berghan *
Tom Brown ** 
Phil Burleigh 
Cornell Du Preez
Neil Cochrane *
Duncan Weir **
Damien Hoyland **
Stuart McInally **
Sam Hidalgo-Clyne **
Chris Dean *
Alasdair Dickinson **
Ben Toolis ** 
Jamie Ritchie *

* Scottish qualified ** Scotland internationalist

On loan until 31 May 2016
Jason Tovey

by CraigS1874 Tue 19 Apr 2016, 11:25 am

I have played my fair share of rugby with Lewis Carmichael over the years so will give my expert view of him and why he made it and I didn't. He has been training with Edinburgh most of this year and had basically been full time even though they didn't announce it.

His biggest strength is his line out ability, very light and athletic and is good at getting up early infront of his jumper. He also posses big hands and at school aged group he reminded me a lot of nakawara with his ability to pick up balls from rucks with one hand then off load. Like nakawara he also has good pace for a second row once he gets into his stride and is deceptively quick.

However he was a bit of a late bloomer and is probably not the biggest 2nd row in the world so he may struggle to make carries in the pro game. At under 20 level he complemented Andy crammond(Toulon) very well as they were quite different players.

by EWT Spoons Tue 19 Apr 2016, 11:31 am

Do you think he will be able to make the step up?

by **RDW** Tue 19 Apr 2016, 11:36 am

CraigS1874 wrote:I have played my fair share of rugby with Lewis Carmichael over the years so will give my expert view of him and why he made it and I didn't. He has been training with Edinburgh most of this year and had basically been full time even though they didn't announce it.

His biggest strength is his line out ability, very light and athletic and is good at getting up early infront of his jumper. He also posses big hands and at school aged group he reminded me a lot of nakawara with his ability to pick up balls from rucks with one hand then off load. Like nakawara he also has good pace for a second row once he gets into his stride and is deceptively quick.

However he was a bit of a late bloomer and is probably not the biggest 2nd row in the world so he may struggle to make carries in the pro game. At under 20 level he complemented Andy crammond(Toulon) very well as they were quite different players.

You didn't cover this bit! Very Happy

He looks like an absolute beanpole - makes Al Kellock look like Bakkies Botha. Will he really be able to pack on enough muscle to make him a pro lock?

by CraigS1874 Tue 19 Apr 2016, 11:44 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:
CraigS1874 wrote:I have played my fair share of rugby with Lewis Carmichael over the years so will give my expert view of him and why he made it and I didn't. He has been training with Edinburgh most of this year and had basically been full time even though they didn't announce it.

His biggest strength is his line out ability, very light and athletic and is good at getting up early infront of his jumper. He also posses big hands and at school aged group he reminded me a lot of nakawara with his ability to pick up balls from rucks with one hand then off load. Like nakawara he also has good pace for a second row once he gets into his stride and is deceptively quick.

However he was a bit of a late bloomer and is probably not the biggest 2nd row in the world so he may struggle to make carries in the pro game. At under 20 level he complemented Andy crammond(Toulon) very well as they were quite different players.

You didn't cover this bit!

He looks like an absolute beanpole - makes Al Kellock look like Bakkies Botha. Will he really be able to pack on enough muscle to make him a pro lock?

The last 15s game I played with him I was captain we were 7-5 down with a penalty in front of the posts final play of the game Lewis had a morgan para moment and took the quick tap and we subsequently lost the game, therefore I am blaming him for me not making it !

I do wonder if he will played as a 6 to test his physicality, technically he can make the step up but seeing players like Bradbury coping so well gives him hope of being physically ready.

by **RDW** Tue 19 Apr 2016, 11:45 am

Bradbury has always been naturally a big lad though has he not? Certainly in comparison to Jamie Ritchie who is also a bit of a beanpole.

Bradbury looks completely physically ready for Pro rugby - Ritchie doesn't (although noting he is younger).

by CraigS1874 Tue 19 Apr 2016, 11:53 am

Yeah Bradbury has but I think Edinburgh will be looking at Ritchie and Carmichael to bulk out with age as they currently have the frame and will grow into it.

by demosthenes Tue 19 Apr 2016, 2:06 pm

CraigS1874 wrote:I have played my fair share of rugby with Lewis Carmichael over the years so will give my expert view of him and why he made it and I didn't. He has been training with Edinburgh most of this year and had basically been full time even though they didn't announce it.

His biggest strength is his line out ability, very light and athletic and is good at getting up early infront of his jumper. He also posses big hands and at school aged group he reminded me a lot of nakawara with his ability to pick up balls from rucks with one hand then off load. Like nakawara he also has good pace for a second row once he gets into his stride and is deceptively quick.

However he was a bit of a late bloomer and is probably not the biggest 2nd row in the world so he may struggle to make carries in the pro game. At under 20 level he complemented Andy crammond(Toulon) very well as they were quite different players.

How does he compare with Scott Cummings, the Glasgow lock?

by **BigGee** Tue 19 Apr 2016, 2:24 pm

For someone who does not look as if they are physically ready, Ritchie has played quite a bit of Pro rugby already this year! He seems to have come through it just fine, he has looked better the more he has played and is probably a bit more solid than he looks.

Cummings also looks perfectly ready to play pro rugby and has looked very comfortable in the games he has played as well. He really does look like a big lad!

Carmichael maybe has a bit to do still on the conditioning front and he has no doubt been spending a lot of time in the Gym. A two year contract at this stage, they must be pretty confident that he is ready. Hopefully we will get to see next season.

by cakeordeath Wed 20 Apr 2016, 5:11 pm

McFadden got himself a 3 week ban, they actually handed him down a 2 week ban the added a week because of his record.

by **RDW** Wed 20 Apr 2016, 5:13 pm

Well I'm glad he got a ban.

No point commenting on the length because, as Glove will tell you, that is a random number generator!

So I am assuming that is stating that it should have been a red card?

by funnyExiledScot Wed 20 Apr 2016, 5:26 pm

BigGee wrote:For someone who does not look as if they are physically ready, Ritchie has played quite a bit of Pro rugby already this year! He seems to have come through it just fine, he has looked better the more he has played and is probably a bit more solid than he looks.

Cummings also looks perfectly ready to play pro rugby and has looked very comfortable in the games he has played as well. He really does look like a big lad!

Carmichael maybe has a bit to do still on the conditioning front and he has no doubt been spending a lot of time in the Gym. A two year contract at this stage, they must be pretty confident that he is ready. Hopefully we will get to see next season.

The key for Ritchie, as well as keeping up the work in the gym, will be to become a bit cleverer. He needs to sit down with someone like Kelly Brown or, closer to home, John Hardie and discuss how to be more effective. That's not doing more work on the pitch necessarily, just being smarter about what he does. George Smith was interviewed in the Sunday Times the other week and he talked about exactly that - comparing himself now to how he used to play when he broke through. Ritchie is never going to be a monster in international rugby, but a really good blindside doesn't necessarily need to be. He's given away a few silly penalties this season which is completely understandable for an enthusiastic youngster trying to make an impression, but that's where the experienced players need to step in and help.

by **George Carlin** Wed 20 Apr 2016, 5:29 pm

Did Burleigh get a ban for the alleged gouge?

by **RDW** Wed 20 Apr 2016, 5:34 pm

No mention yet - maybe still being debated

by **George Carlin** Thu 21 Apr 2016, 9:16 am

Anyone who has not yet done so fancy taking a swing at a new banter thread?

by 21st Century Schizoid Man Thu 21 Apr 2016, 9:36 am

GC, not sure you would really want me to carry this out ! Shocked

by **RDW** Thu 21 Apr 2016, 9:48 am

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:GC, not sure you would really want me to carry this out !

I see this as a fitting comparison!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJhbP4q32vs

by **RDW** Thu 21 Apr 2016, 10:09 am

Glasgow Warriors scrum-half Mike Blair has retired from playing with immediate effect and will take up a new coaching role at the club next season.

The 35-year-old will remain with Scottish Rugby as an assistant coach at the Warriors.

Blair joined Glasgow this season and has made 12 appearances for the club and was voted Player of the Month in October.

The 85-capped former Scotland international has had an illustrious career, representing Edinburgh Rugby, Brive, Newcastle Falcons and the Warriors.
Mike Blair has announced his retirement from rugby
Blair enjoyed ten years with Edinburgh Rugby, playing his first professional game in 2001. Highlights included being runners up in the Magners League in 2009 and reaching the semi-finals of the European Cup in 2012.

Scotland's most capped scrum-half captained his country on 14 occasions before retiring from international rugby at the start of 2013, aged 31.

He was named Scotland's Player of the Year in 2008 and was nominated for the IRB World Player of the Year that same season. He toured South Africa with the British and Irish Lions in 2009.

Blair, who is currently sidelined with concussion, made his last appearance for Glasgow Warriors in the win over Cardiff Blues at Scotstoun at the beginning of March.

Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org, Mike Blair said: "It was always my intention to move into a coaching role and although there was an opportunity to play on next year, I believe now is the right time for me to make that change.

"I had originally planned to retire at the end of last season, but I'm glad Gregor (Townsend) persuaded me to play on at Glasgow. I've really enjoyed the season and it's a brilliant environment to be part of.

"With only a few games left this season, I have unfortunately run out of time to be able to regain my fitness before the end of this campaign.

"My recent spell on the sidelines has allowed me to start coaching earlier than expected, working with scrum-halves Henry Pyrgos, Grayson Hart and Ali Price, all of whom are currently playing very well. They have been a pleasure to work with and I look forward to working with them more as the season draws to a close and extending this role to the rest of the squad as we move into next season.

"I’m lucky to have had a long career and to have played with some amazing players and made life-long friends.

"I’ll definitely miss the camaraderie on the pitch and in the changing room, but it’s time to move on and a new challenge awaits."

Glasgow Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend added: "I was delighted when Mike agreed to come to Glasgow last summer.

"He exceeded our expectations on the field with some outstanding performances and would have been in the running for player of the season before picking up his recent injury.

"In my opinion he is one of Scotland’s best ever rugby players and it was great to see him play in a Warriors jersey this season.

"It’s disappointing that he’s not able to finish his career on his own terms, but he can reflect on a brilliant career both at club and at international level.

"I didn’t play with Mike too often but I do wind him up now and again about our first game together as a half-back pairing. It was against USA in the 2003 Rugby World Cup and I ended up getting a bad back picking up some of his passes…it was a wet night so I’ll let him off!
Mike Blair joined the Warriors this season
"He developed into a very skillful and intelligent player. He always looked to put others into space but also had a very good running game. He became more creative throughout his career in terms of manipulating defences and he was one of the best nines in the game at playing at a high tempo.

"Mike’s influence off the field has already had an impact at the club, as our three scrum-halves, Ali Price, Grayson Hart and Henry Pyrgos are all playing well and that is partly down to Mike’s coaching and guidance.

"We’re looking forward to him joining us in a full-time role as a coach next season. He’s helped me with the analysis of opposition and he has some great ideas at improving our attack.

"He’ll get lots of opportunities to develop as a coach here and he’s excited about that. He’ll join our coaching group as an assistant with a primary focus on attack and skills, as well as continuing his work as a scrum-half coach."

Shame to see things end like this but his health is far more important.

What a great player he has been!

by EST Thu 21 Apr 2016, 10:58 am

That is sad news, but not unsurprising. He was a fantastic player, and the best of his generation in my opinion.

I think he is almost certainly being groomed for the Warriors head coach role when Toonie moves on.

by IanBru Thu 21 Apr 2016, 11:46 am

George Carlin wrote:Anyone who has not yet done so fancy taking a swing at a new banter thread?

I'll do it tonight, if you want.

How to top this one?

by IanBru Thu 21 Apr 2016, 11:48 am

IanBru wrote:
George Carlin wrote:Anyone who has not yet done so fancy taking a swing at a new banter thread?
I'll do it tonight, if you want.

As the bishop said to the netball team...

by **RDW** Thu 21 Apr 2016, 11:49 am

IanBru wrote:
George Carlin wrote:Anyone who has not yet done so fancy taking a swing at a new banter thread?
I'll do it tonight, if you want.

How to top this one?

Can we rely on you though given we're still waiting on your amazing thread you promised during the 6N?

by IanBru Thu 21 Apr 2016, 11:57 am

I got performance anxiety, RDW...

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