Ospreys 2015/16 Season

by wayne Thu Feb 18, 2016 3:31 pm

First topic message reminder :

True Raven wrote:I'm sure King said he's happy to play anywhere in the back row he just won't play anymore in the 2nd row so hopefully that experiment has come and gone.

It looks like Fia will be starting tomorrow if the training session was anything to go by as he was doing reps with the first team so Jarvis should be planted on the bench

So much for what King wants then TR, ridiculous selection, as for your second sentence correct hope we don't see Jarvis until at least the 70th minute.

by **RiscaGame** Mon Apr 18, 2016 5:50 pm

I don't need to rectify or answer anything either. I'm not on the NGD board. But if you're so concerned, raise it with them. People are free to support whoever they like. That's why most teams are now known as Pro Teams.

by wayne Mon Apr 18, 2016 7:24 pm

RiscaGame wrote:
True Raven wrote:I think there are a lot of fairweather fans in Wales and wouldn't suprise me that when Ospreys were in their 'golden period' starting gaining more fans. People prefer winning teams, its why there are loads of Liverpool , Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal fans living in Wales when they have two decent teams closer to home to support

I'm glad some of you are able to talk sensibly. I'm sure the pull of Henson, Shane etc pulled a few supporters in from a few places. Like I said, hardly worth the hard on.

Your age is relevant Wayne, as all you've done is act ridiculously childishly. For a man of your age, I'd expect you to be a bit more mature, but then I suppose a man of your age has to celebrate every hard on they get too. I'll let you have your moment.

Actually TR when we were in probably the best period (the final year that we were in the QF of the HC, lost because of an incompetent Irish Ref) our average home gate and that was without any Italian teams, who are not the greatest draw in the Magners League was 8608, this year with the Italians in our average gate is the massive amount of 134 less, with the possibility of the final match against Ulster having a bearing on top 4 and 6, that average is likely to be surpassed, so no, very few fairweather fans for us, we are not well supported but pretty consistent through the best and worst period.
Rev I'm starting to get worried about you, the continual use of these sexual expressions says a lot more about you than me.

by wayne Tue Apr 19, 2016 9:25 pm

Ashley Beck signs a 2 year extension, he would have been out of contract at the end of this season, the battle for the centre spots for us next season will be very competitive, Beck, Watkin, Matavesi, Fonotia possibly Engelbrecht, should keep everybody on their toes, and with the last 2 also able to play on the wing, we really only need cover for Full Back to have a viable full compliment for at least the first few games before injury strikes again Rolling Eyes

by True Raven Tue Apr 19, 2016 9:30 pm

Some more good news out of the ospreys. Personally I think when injury free, the guy is quality and can break tackles and has done good hands. Maybe not international quality although I think he's a better player than Cory Allen but is definitely good enough for pro12 level. A couple of years ago was superb for us before injury struck.

Get Bradley Davies and a quality NWQ full back and well be sorted for next year

by wayne Tue Apr 19, 2016 9:41 pm

True Raven wrote:Some more good news out of the ospreys. Personally I think when injury free, the guy is quality and can break tackles and has done good hands. Maybe not international quality although I think he's a better player than Cory Allen but is definitely good enough for pro12 level. A couple of years ago was superb for us before injury struck.

Get Bradley Davies and a quality NWQ full back and well be sorted for next year

Just before his latest injury it was mentioned that he played in a trial match against TW, and he ran rings round the centre partnership of TW, so not sure he's not International class, but as you say better than Allen.

by ScarletSpiderman Wed Apr 20, 2016 8:48 pm

Wayne, I know it's not strictly an Ospreys topic, but I have just read Dan Lydiate is an official ambassador for Heiniken, and AWJ has signed a similar ambassadorial role with Brains. What the flip is that all about? Seeing as you guys seem to have your fingers on the pulse I was wondering if you had a clue what on earth that means.

by mikey_dragon Wed Apr 20, 2016 9:11 pm

Players that get contracted to union's often get additional top-ups IE sponsorship. It's purpose is to match the wages on offer elsewhere and keep that player playing in that country. Happens mostly in NZ and SA - never heard of it in Wales but maybe that's the reason for it?

by ScarletSpiderman Wed Apr 20, 2016 9:20 pm

I understand player sponsorship, it's nothing new even here. I believe most regions have their players individually sponsored (Scarlets have been doing it for years, it in the programme/website and tannoy end "sponsored by" if they score). And it makes sense NDC players would be sponsored by a union-partner, but I have never heard of a beer ambassador before, well except Duffman.

by wayne Wed Apr 20, 2016 9:25 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Wayne, I know it's not strictly an Ospreys topic, but I have just read Dan Lydiate is an official ambassador for Heiniken, and AWJ has signed a similar ambassadorial role with Brains. What the flip is that all about? Seeing as you guys seem to have your fingers on the pulse I was wondering if you had a clue what on earth that means.

SS, Mikey in the following post has it about right, I don't know about your lot, but most of our squad is also sponsored by Independant Companies and private individuals, as Mikey said if it keeps them in our Region or within Wales every little helps.

by wayne Wed Apr 20, 2016 9:27 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:I understand player sponsorship, it's nothing new even here. I believe most regions have their players individually sponsored (Scarlets have been doing it for years, it in the programme/website and tannoy end "sponsored by" if they score). And it makes sense NDC players would be sponsored by a union-partner, but I have never heard of a beer ambassador before, well except Duffman.

SS, you can see how fast I type I started my last post before you and yet you got it online 5 minutes before me.

by ScarletSpiderman Wed Apr 20, 2016 9:33 pm

wayne wrote:
ScarletSpiderman wrote:I understand player sponsorship, it's nothing new even here. I believe most regions have their players individually sponsored (Scarlets have been doing it for years, it in the programme/website and tannoy end "sponsored by" if they score). And it makes sense NDC players would be sponsored by a union-partner, but I have never heard of a beer ambassador before, well except Duffman.
SS, you can see how fast I type I started my last post before you and yet you got it online 5 minutes before me.

Ah, I have youth on my side. It just the word Ambassador that kind of surprised me, if it was sponsored that would have made clear sense. To me an Ambassador is more of a spokesperson.

by mikey_dragon Wed Apr 20, 2016 10:31 pm

Wasn't Halfpenny sponsored by Jaguar-Land Rover whilst in Cardiff? He was given a new Jag... It didn't work that time, obviously. Carter was a Jockey brand ambassador throughout his playing career in NZ and I believe he set up a store during his first sabbatical in France with Perpignan, McCaw done something similar in NZ. The big SA players playing for Stormers usually get money, cars, phones, etc from Vodacom. Maybe it's just bigger over there.

SS I'm also not sure why the beer companies would be doing it, seems counterproductive as you can't advertise it in parts of Europe. And how exactly is an athlete meant to represent something that causes ill health...

by True Raven Fri Apr 22, 2016 8:17 am

Sam Davies picked up players' player of the year and OSC player of the year at last night awards and James King won coaches player of the year whilst Owen watkin picked up young player of the year.

Also announced were that the following players are to be released: Richard Fussell, Kristian Phillips, Rhodri Hughes, Jordan Collier, Aled Jenkins, Marc Thomas, Matthew Dwyer and Lloyd Evans

by ScarletSpiderman Fri Apr 22, 2016 9:30 am

Raven, so that is Hughes gone and Bernardo staying? Seems a bit odd, I thought Hughes and Thornton were the next Ianto and AWJ.

by True Raven Fri Apr 22, 2016 9:49 am

I hope Bernardo isn't staying, we need his NWQ spot to keep Engelbrecht (unless Leonard or matavesi go).

Hughes has fallen begin Ashley, Thornton and beard and Matthew Dodd is getting game time at Swansea and James ratti will be looking to get premiership games next year not to mention weve been heavily linked with Bradley Davies so I'm not too bothered about Hughes going (doesn't seem to have the same ceiling as beard or Thornton) plus another region,maybe the blues, could offer him game time which we cant

by mikey_dragon Fri Apr 22, 2016 10:25 am

Hughes always seemed too soft for a big lad, that's not the type of lock you'd want on your books! Bernardo offers good cover while at AWJ and BD are away.

by PhilBB Fri Apr 22, 2016 11:19 am

True Raven wrote:I hope Bernardo isn't staying, we need his NWQ spot to keep Engelbrecht (unless Leonard or matavesi go).

Isn't Bernardo a time server whereas Engelbrecht and Leonard are not?

Thus making your post non-sensical.

by wayne Fri Apr 22, 2016 1:22 pm

Not really surprised with the players that are being released, more surprised with whom we are NOT releasing, why is Bevington staying, unless his payments are drastically reduced, Delve what a disastrous signing he has turned out to be, it must obviously cost more to release him than the amount even the exorbitant wages it is reported he is on. Spratt being retained?, it appears Engelbrecht cannot be staying otherwise there would be no need for Spratt.

by wayne Mon Apr 25, 2016 11:08 am

Already posted on Dragons thread, poster has said we have signed Alex Jeffries from Newport RFC, as a tight head option, seems very tall for a Tight head 6'4", then if it stops Rhodri Jones from being embarrassed in that position it can only be good news.

by LordDowlais Tue Apr 26, 2016 4:27 pm

Feck me, I have just here'd some shatty news, wayne I am looking for you to confirm on this, but AWJ might retire from rugby all together, apparently he has a problem with his left foot and an achilles problem with his right foot, all I could find was this article in the French news paper l'equipe:-

Alun-Wyn Jones vers la retraite
Le deuxième ligne international gallois des Ospreys, Alun-Wyn Jones (30 ans, 98 sélections) va-t-il mettre un terme à sa carrière dans les prochaines semaines ? Absent en raison d’une blessure à un pied, il n’avait pas pu terminer le Tournoi des 6 Nations et n’est toujours pas revenu à la compétition. Il ne devrait pas postuler à la tournée du pays de Galles au mois de juin en Nouvelle-Zélande. Sa carrière est aujourd’hui compromise a-t-il confié ce dimanche à WalesOnline : « J’ai un problème à la voûte plantaire du pied gauche et une tendinite au talon d’Achille au pied droit. C’est dû à l’usure, je pense. Je ne sais pas où j’en suis, physiquement parlant. Je n’ai qu’un mince espoir de rejouer un jour. » Le joueur des Ospreys, approché par Toulon à l’automne dernier, était pressenti pour être le capitaine des Lions Britanniques et Irlandais en 2017. Sa retraite anticipée constituerait un véritable coup de tonnerre pour la Principauté et Warren Gatland.

Translated:-

Lun-Wyn Jones to Retirement
The second line Welsh international Ospreys, Alun-Wyn Jones (30 years, 98 selections) va-t-it put an end to his career in the next few weeks? Absent due to an injury to a foot, he had not been able to complete the 6 Nations Tournament and is still not income to the competition. It should not apply to the tour of the country of Wales in the month of June in New Zealand. His career today is compromised a-t-he entrusted this Sunday in WalesOnline: "I have a problem to the plantar arch of the left foot and a tendinitis of the Achilles heel to the right foot. This is due to the wear, I think. I do not know where I am, physically speaking. I have a slender hope to replay a day. "The Player Ospreys, approached by Toulon in the autumn of last year, was approached to be the captain British and Irish Lions in 2017. His early retirement would constitute a real coup of thunder for the principality and Warren Gatland.

by LordDowlais Tue Apr 26, 2016 4:28 pm

I have also found this on WOL:-

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/alun-wyn-jones-brutally-honest-11230923

by wayne Tue Apr 26, 2016 5:07 pm

LordDowlais wrote:Feck me, I have just here'd some shatty news, wayne I am looking for you to confirm on this, but AWJ might retire from rugby all together, apparently he has a problem with his left foot and an achilles problem with his right foot, all I could find was this article in the French news paper l'equipe:-

Alun-Wyn Jones vers la retraite
Le deuxième ligne international gallois des Ospreys, Alun-Wyn Jones (30 ans, 98 sélections) va-t-il mettre un terme à sa carrière dans les prochaines semaines ? Absent en raison d’une blessure à un pied, il n’avait pas pu terminer le Tournoi des 6 Nations et n’est toujours pas revenu à la compétition. Il ne devrait pas postuler à la tournée du pays de Galles au mois de juin en Nouvelle-Zélande. Sa carrière est aujourd’hui compromise a-t-il confié ce dimanche à WalesOnline : « J’ai un problème à la voûte plantaire du pied gauche et une tendinite au talon d’Achille au pied droit. C’est dû à l’usure, je pense. Je ne sais pas où j’en suis, physiquement parlant. Je n’ai qu’un mince espoir de rejouer un jour. » Le joueur des Ospreys, approché par Toulon à l’automne dernier, était pressenti pour être le capitaine des Lions Britanniques et Irlandais en 2017. Sa retraite anticipée constituerait un véritable coup de tonnerre pour la Principauté et Warren Gatland.

Translated:-

Lun-Wyn Jones to Retirement
The second line Welsh international Ospreys, Alun-Wyn Jones (30 years, 98 selections) va-t-it put an end to his career in the next few weeks? Absent due to an injury to a foot, he had not been able to complete the 6 Nations Tournament and is still not income to the competition. It should not apply to the tour of the country of Wales in the month of June in New Zealand. His career today is compromised a-t-he entrusted this Sunday in WalesOnline: "I have a problem to the plantar arch of the left foot and a tendinitis of the Achilles heel to the right foot. This is due to the wear, I think. I do not know where I am, physically speaking. I have a slender hope to replay a day. "The Player Ospreys, approached by Toulon in the autumn of last year, was approached to be the captain British and Irish Lions in 2017. His early retirement would constitute a real coup of thunder for the principality and Warren Gatland.

Lord most of what is posted above was in the interview with the Fail in the last few days, there is nothing on our website or Forum that can be added to that, I spoke to AW in the Ospreys shop before the last game and asked him if he would be playing on Judgement Day, he answered he hoped so, BUT it was out of his hands, there is a lot of scathing talk on our Forum about Gatland selecting him when he knew he wasn't 100% fit.

by **George Carlin** Sun May 01, 2016 9:19 pm

https://www.606v2.com/t62986-super-saturday-ospreys-v-ulster-rugby

by wayne Mon May 02, 2016 2:30 pm

Couple of relevant points to disclose
1)On Saturday we play Ulster in an extremely important game, and for this one game ANY steelworkers (iirc from Port Talbot) have free entry to this game and can also fetch an U16 also free, now there is talk on our Forum about offering other people the same, including people that attended Judgement Day, there are a number for and against this offer, and it is finally explained by an Ospreys Official that for every ticket that we sell we have to pay into Stadco (Stadium Management Company) and Swansea AFC £5, for this Steelworkers offer both of the other organisations kindly waived this fee. This would not happen for any other offer.
It got to me for the absolute thousands of Ospreys supporters that were there on Saturday and paid £10 for the ticket.
Next season we play 11 matches in the Guinness Pro12, 3 Games in one of the European Competitions and already a pre season game against Leicester Tigers, plus probably at least 2 games in an Anglo Welsh Competition. So that is a guaranteed 15 games but probably 17 games included in the ST.
ST ticket prices for NEW members for seating in at least 70% of the Liberty before July is Adults £149, Senior Citizens £109, Students £99, Kids Plus £65, U16 £29, a year later those prices would drop by £40, £30, £30, £20 and £9 respectively. So for an adult you would guarantee paying less than £10 for every game. So basically I wouldn't offer these extra deals, unless they were special cases like the Steelworkers or Armed Services Staff.

2) When in the ground last Saturday got to speaking to a very influential member within Ospreys Rugby, there is a groundswell of opinion that Steve Tandy is either over his head or needs a steadying hand, for example a DOR, when I asked this person are we signing somebody for this position, he said we are talking to somebody at the moment, he gave me a name and what club he was with, the person he named wasn't correct, but there is somebody within this English clubs hierarchy that would fit the bill, and funnily enough he played in exactly the same position in his playing days as the named person, when I asked would Tandy be staying, the answer was in the affirmative.
This is all rumour, but this person has given me information before and has always been basically correct.

by exile jack Mon May 02, 2016 6:14 pm

wayne wrote:Couple of relevant points to disclose
1)On Saturday we play Ulster in an extremely important game, and for this one game ANY steelworkers (iirc from Port Talbot) have free entry to this game and can also fetch an U16 also free, now there is talk on our Forum about offering other people the same, including people that attended Judgement Day, there are a number for and against this offer, and it is finally explained by an Ospreys Official that for every ticket that we sell we have to pay into Stadco (Stadium Management Company) and Swansea AFC £5, for this Steelworkers offer both of the other organisations kindly waived this fee. This would not happen for any other offer.
It got to me for the absolute thousands of Ospreys supporters that were there on Saturday and paid £10 for the ticket.
Next season we play 11 matches in the Guinness Pro12, 3 Games in one of the European Competitions and already a pre season game against Leicester Tigers, plus probably at least 2 games in an Anglo Welsh Competition. So that is a guaranteed 15 games but probably 17 games included in the ST.
ST ticket prices for NEW members for seating in at least 70% of the Liberty before July is Adults £149, Senior Citizens £109, Students £99, Kids Plus £65, U16 £29, a year later those prices would drop by £40, £30, £30, £20 and £9 respectively. So for an adult you would guarantee paying less than £10 for every game. So basically I wouldn't offer these extra deals, unless they were special cases like the Steelworkers or Armed Services Staff.

2) When in the ground last Saturday got to speaking to a very influential member within Ospreys Rugby, there is a groundswell of opinion that Steve Tandy is either over his head or needs a steadying hand, for example a DOR, when I asked this person are we signing somebody for this position, he said we are talking to somebody at the moment, he gave me a name and what club he was with, the person he named wasn't correct, but there is somebody within this English clubs hierarchy that would fit the bill, and funnily enough he played in exactly the same position in his playing days as the named person, when I asked would Tandy be staying, the answer was in the affirmative.
This is all rumour, but this person has given me information before and has always been basically correct.

Wayne,now that my euphoria has died down after Saturday I took three things from the game.Tandy makes too many questionable selection decisions(three blindsides),the performance of our front three needs a big improvement(particularly Smith and Arhip),and losing Bernardo would be a mistake(Beard and Thornton will play for Wales).Hope the boys end the season on a high note and that Beard and Dirksen are not ruled out.Should also add that James King's stellar performance must convince even Tandy he is not a lock.

by wayne Mon May 02, 2016 6:45 pm

Wayne,now that my euphoria has died down after Saturday I took three things from the game.Tandy makes too many questionable selection decisions(three blindsides),the performance of our front three needs a big improvement(particularly Smith and Arhip),and losing Bernardo would be a mistake(Beard and Thornton will play for Wales).Hope the boys end the season on a high note and that Beard and Dirksen are not ruled out.Should also add that James King's stellar performance must convince even Tandy he is not a lock.

Jack, I don't know about the 3 blindsides starting was totally wrong, yes they took a few breakdowns, but would we have held onto so many if Underhill was started, as they showed on Scrum V, there was a lot of good technique displayed by that triumvirate and fetching on Underhill when we did was the straw that broke the Camels back, there has been a bit of talk about Nicky's scrummaging for a few months now, it's just a pity Assey had to have this eye problem now. I totally agree with you about Bernardo and the 2 kids, from what I've read it's too late for Rynier, he has not been treated very well IMO. He was fit to play a month before he was selected, yet they kept on selecting undersize locks and Back rows in the boilerhouse, and again agree with you about King, he's been outstanding for us when selected at either 6 or 8 and not bad as a 7

by ScarletSpiderman Mon May 02, 2016 9:31 pm

This final round of games is going to feel pretty unnatural to both Scarlets and Osprets fans. Both of us are in a position where we will be hoping the others get a result for us.

by wayne Tue May 03, 2016 10:47 am

ScarletSpiderman wrote:This final round of games is going to feel pretty unnatural to both Scarlets and Osprets fans. Both of us are in a position where we will be hoping the others get a result for us.

Yeh, it's a matter of I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine SS.

by international198 Tue May 03, 2016 3:51 pm

Ospreys wing Hanno Dirksen ruled out of action with 'significant' knee injury:

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/ospreys-wing-hanno-dirksen-ruled-11275000#rlabs=17%20rt$category%20p$4

by exile jack Tue May 03, 2016 5:04 pm

ScarletSpiderman wrote:This final round of games is going to feel pretty unnatural to both Scarlets and Osprets fans. Both of us are in a position where we will be hoping the others get a result for us.

Turks and Jacks,Jacks and Turks! As natural as salt and vinegar,fish and chips,lavabread and bacon,cockles and mussels,y and fronts.Long may it continue.Best wishes to both teams for Saturday.

by international198 Wed May 04, 2016 9:49 am

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36201023 wrote:Ospreys wing Dafydd Howells has signed a two-year deal at the region, tying him to the west Wales side until at least summer 2018.

Howells, 21, has scored two tries in 12 appearances for Ospreys and won two senior Wales caps in Japan in 2013.

He has missed the last five months of rugby after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury suffered in November.

"I'm really excited. I just want to get into next season now and hopefully have a great season, injury free," he said.

"I'm still young, I'm still learning, and I've got plenty of time ahead of me to continue developing, but I want to kick on from where I am now and really get some game time under my belt.

"It's not going to be easy as there are good players here in my position but that's the challenge I've got to take on over the next two seasons."

by international198 Wed May 04, 2016 10:02 am

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/ospreys-wales-wing-dafydd-howells-11279767 wrote:The Ospreys have confirmed Wales wing Dafydd Howells has become the latest to commit his future to the region.

The former YGG Ystalyfera pupil has signed a two-year deal, tying him to the Ospreys until at least summer 2018.

Having celebrated his 21st birthday just six weeks ago, he has played 12 times for the Ospreys, scoring two tries.

“I’m really excited and I just want to get into next season now and hopefully have a great season, injury free,” said Howells, who has been out injured since last November with a hamstring problem.

“If I can pick up where I left off against Exeter, that’ll be a good starting point for me.

“I’m still young, I’m still learning, and I’ve got plenty of time ahead of me to continue developing, but I want to kick on from where I am now and really get some game time under my belt.

“It’s not going to be easy as there are good players here in my position but that’s the challenge I’ve got to take on over the next two seasons.”

by **RiscaGame** Thu May 05, 2016 12:12 am

Same links Dowlais mark II

by wayne Wed May 11, 2016 4:13 pm

Ospreys Rugby announce the signing of Brad Davis as Defence Coach for next season, he has left Wasps to join Os, previous to that he was defence coach at Bath, a former RL player and coach he has vast experience of NH Rugby, in the Os article it says after an extensive review it has been identified a number of individuals will be needed and more appointments will be announced.

by VinceWLB Wed May 11, 2016 9:22 pm

You had me for a second, thought it was Bradley Davies signing from Wasps!

By the way, what happened to Bradley Davies and Bernardo respective moves?

by wayne Wed May 11, 2016 9:48 pm

VinceWLB wrote:You had me for a second, thought it was Bradley Davies signing from Wasps!

By the way, what happened to Bradley Davies and Bernardo respective moves?

To your question Vince I wouldn't have thought you will have too long to wait for your answer, and I think both will happen

by VinceWLB Wed May 11, 2016 9:56 pm

Cheers Wayne, i hope he does sign for you.

by wayne Fri May 13, 2016 2:12 pm

Ospreys Rugby announce today that Gareth Delve has been released from his contract immediately, this along with the De Kock Steenkamp has been the lowest of the low as far as signings have been, it was mentioned last night that Delve had not missed any matches because of injury for the previous 3 seasons, so yet another unfortunate signing for us.
Good luck for the future Gareth.

by mikey_dragon Fri May 13, 2016 9:02 pm

Ospreys can't really be criticised for those signings, that was just a bit unlucky.

by True Raven Sat May 14, 2016 11:41 am

Ospreys have handed out development contracts to four of their brightest talents in Reuben morgan-Williams - a scrum half (18 yo), Phil jones - a fly half (18 yo), will jones - openside flanker (18 yo) and Charlie Davies - no 8 (17 yo)

by wayne Sat May 14, 2016 6:52 pm

True Raven wrote:Ospreys have handed out development contracts to four of their brightest talents in Reuben morgan-Williams - a scrum half (18 yo), Phil jones - a fly half (18 yo), will jones - openside flanker (18 yo) and Charlie Davies - no 8 (17 yo)

TR, do you know of any of the others other than RM Williams, I thought he was exceptional when he came on as a sub in the 6N, and stayed as first choice thereafter, I think Will Jones captained the Wales U18, but don't know anything about him otherwise, they are very complimentary on our website but don't know anything about them personally.

by wayne Mon May 16, 2016 3:24 pm

Just announced Bradley Davies has signed a NDC with us and the WRU through until after the 2019 World Cup, a very interesting signing that personally I would not have endorsed, he will be away with TW at the same time as AWJ, does that mean that the very promising Beard and Thornton not getting the game time that they will need to step up to the next level?

by True Raven Mon May 16, 2016 3:38 pm

Reading millwards statement, it seems like the match day locks will be AWJ, Bradley Davies and Lloyd Ashley whereas Dodd, Beard and Thornton will be intended as back ups. In happy with the signing, adds extra weight to a creaking scrum and I'm sure that Thornton and beard will get game time this year to develop. Just need a back three player now.....

by wayne Mon May 16, 2016 5:00 pm

TR, I read that and hope to god Lloyd Ashley is nowhere near the first team squad, the only time it would be ok, is when the big 2 are away with TW, my brother in law was talking to both Lloyd and Scott Baldwin in the Bridgend Rec a couple of months ago and said he is at the most 1 inch taller than Scott, and with Balders down as 6'3", Ashley is nowhere near big enough for this level of Rugby, he is a genuine hard grafting individual who I have a lot of time for, but he should not be playing at this level.

by True Raven Mon May 16, 2016 6:10 pm

Just read Wayne that the WRU paid £125,000 and the ospreys nothing to secure the release of bradleys contract.....that's going to urine off a lot of blues and scarlets fans who think we have far too many NDC atm

by True Raven Mon May 16, 2016 6:12 pm

True Raven wrote:Ospreys have handed out development contracts to four of their brightest talents in Reuben morgan-Williams - a scrum half (18 yo), Phil jones - a fly half (18 yo), will jones - openside flanker (18 yo) and Charlie Davies - no 8 (17 yo)

Yes was impressed with both will and Phil jones when they played for the under 18s. Phil scored a classy try against France and will scored three tries (I think) from the back of rolling mauls but both looked pretty good

by wayne Mon May 16, 2016 6:56 pm

True Raven wrote:Just read Wayne that the WRU paid £125,000 and the ospreys nothing to secure the release of bradleys contract.....that's going to urine off a lot of blues and scarlets fans who think we have far too many NDC atm

Where did you read that TR? because it's been mentioned a number of times that the Blues wouldn't pay the required amount to see him come back to them, and we would.
I think I've found where you read it, the Eastern Fail, an article by Delme Parfitt, the ONLY attributable part of that article is the comment by Cardiff Blues CEO, Richard Holland stating they were not prepared to pay the Transfer Fee, all the rest is supposition and from where it comes it says it all

by Cardiff Dave Mon May 16, 2016 9:09 pm

True Raven wrote:Just read Wayne that the WRU paid £125,000 and the ospreys nothing to secure the release of bradleys contract.....that's going to urine off a lot of blues and scarlets fans who think we have far too many NDC atm

2 is two too many for Cardiff as far as i'm concerned.
Find it intriguing that The One WRU Region now have 9 on DCs. There we are.

by ScarletSpiderman Tue May 17, 2016 9:14 am

wayne wrote:
True Raven wrote:Just read Wayne that the WRU paid £125,000 and the ospreys nothing to secure the release of bradleys contract.....that's going to urine off a lot of blues and scarlets fans who think we have far too many NDC atm
Where did you read that TR? because it's been mentioned a number of times that the Blues wouldn't pay the required amount to see him come back to them, and we would.
I think I've found where you read it, the Eastern Fail, an article by Delme Parfitt, the ONLY attributable part of that article is the comment by Cardiff Blues CEO, Richard Holland stating they were not prepared to pay the Transfer Fee, all the rest is supposition and from where it comes it says it all

The article also says

"It’s understood the financial agreement is a complex one, and that parties other than the WRU may have contributed to the amount paid. But WalesOnline has been told the Ospreys did not pay any share towards a transfer fee and were not party to negotiations to free Davies contractually.

I think it is a case of people assuming the Union have stepped in and played the hero, as opposed to the Ospreys doing it themselves. Personally I don't see too much of a problem with it, even if it does turn out the union has paid the transfer fee. I am a bit annoyed by the Ospreys tactics surrounding the NDCs etc, but it is business and to be honest they are the most professional business of the four of us.

by mikey_dragon Tue May 17, 2016 11:16 am

I would hope for your sake that Lloyd Ashley isn't being considered the third lock, flanker yes but not lock. The third lock should be one of Beard, Thornton or Bernardo. If you don't see it this way then give one of them away to the other welsh teams...

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