Glasgow and The Disapproving Neighbours 18 At Last! Whose Round is it?

by jimbopip Thu 07 Sep 2017, 1:42 pm

First topic message reminder :

I'll Put A Funny Sub-Title Here

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Insert an image summing up the pretentiousness of Luvviedom. Grant Gilchrist in a kilt eating shortbread?

Add some statistics; time elapsed, in decades, since Ickle Jonny missed a tackle. Time elapsed, in eons, since someone stayed awake for the whole 80 minutes at the Library.

Make some witty banterish comment to start the ball rolling.

See! How hard was that? Hug

by **BigGee** Sun 19 Nov 2017, 2:45 pm

Welly wrote: not sure if it has been mentioned couldn't see anything on the edinburgh forum but the rugby paper is saying edinburgh have signed TighHead Elliot Millier-Mills from Yorkshire with immediate effect. His sisters plays international rugby with his sister bridget playing for Scotland

Nothing from Edinburgh about that, but they are not the best about spreading the news. They have just gone off to South Africa on a two week tour, with only two TH props, Bryce and McCallam left on their books still fit. He will likely have gone down there with them as they will need the cover. Longer term, Nel has broken his arm and is likely to be out for a while as well.

Is he any good?

The last prop Edinburgh picked up from nowhere, Daryl Marfo, is now a two cap international and looks pretty comfortable at that level! They will be pretty happy if this guy is a chip off that block.

by cakeordeath Sun 19 Nov 2017, 8:29 pm

Finn Russell confirmed as leaving Glasgow at the end of the season
http://www.glasgowwarriors.org/news/17/11/19/russell-leave-end-season

by **RDW** Sun 19 Nov 2017, 8:39 pm

Great for him but not ideal for Glasgow or Scotland - there's not many players that go to the French leagues and become better for their countries (usually worse)

by **BigGee** Sun 19 Nov 2017, 8:48 pm

I think that there has been an inevitability about this, so it won't have come as a great surprise to the Glasgow or Scottish management. I am sure they have been planning for it for some time already. It has only been released tonight as it was being leaked by other sources in any case.

The French club, assuming it is one, won't confirm it until the end of the season.

As to whether it is going to improve him as a player or not, that remains to be seen. He is given a free rein at Glasgow and maybe learning to control it a bit more in a more structured environment may actually help to develop him. He has had 5 years with us and probably is ready to move on.

Our challenge now is to find the next cab in the rank!

by cakeordeath Sun 19 Nov 2017, 9:02 pm

Rumours are Racing 92 or Wasps, but from what's been said before Russell seems to have a preference for France. Who can blame him, careers are so short, and could end at anytime through injury.

Hopefully Hastings will come on. The one thing I am not sure about, has be been bought out of his contract, or will it have ended.

by **BigGee** Sun 19 Nov 2017, 9:52 pm

cakeordeath wrote:Rumours are Racing 92 or Wasps, but from what's been said before Russell seems to have a preference for France. Who can blame him, careers are so short, and could end at anytime through injury.

Hopefully Hastings will come on. The one thing I am not sure about, has be been bought out of his contract, or will it have ended.

No his contract was up this year. He was always likely to go, was hinting at it in interviews last year. You can't blame him as it will be a shed load of money and a new experience. Paris is not such a bad place to live for a few years!

I can see Horne being developed into a full time FH now, he does seem to have the game for it and we are not short of centres at Glasgow. Hastings will back him up and hopefully overtake him in time.

Maybe we can throw a few more quid JGs way now to get him to stay for a few more years. He is a bit younger than Finn, so maybe won't be in such a rush.

by TJ Sun 19 Nov 2017, 10:03 pm

RDW - Townsend?

by **RDW** Sun 19 Nov 2017, 10:04 pm

.....in the modern professional era I should have said!

by **BigGee** Sun 19 Nov 2017, 10:09 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:.....in the modern professional era I should have said!

To be fair, not many have gone at the top of their games like FR is.

I would say that RG has not done to badly down in the South of France. He is a different player now than before and probably a better second row than he was, much more physical and less show pony

by TJ Sun 19 Nov 2017, 10:18 pm

Laidlaw when he moved to England?

by Hazel Sapling Sun 19 Nov 2017, 11:50 pm

Finn Russell leaving is no shock. I hope it is Montpellier to continue learning from Cotter but sounds like Racing who do not seem the most stable of clubs. This should push Rennie to put a bit more time into Hastings and Thomson. Horne or Jackson to start next season at number 1?

Positive
Visser learned to tackle at Quins
McGuigan has gotten to the point where he is being capped
Heathcote seems to play better for Worcester and Bath beforehand than with Edinburgh

Neutral to Negative
Low has failed at Exeter
Maitland is no better
Has Matt Scott improved?

by **George Carlin** Mon 20 Nov 2017, 7:44 am

BigGee wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:.....in the modern professional era I should have said!

To be fair, not many have gone at the top of their games like FR is.

I would say that RG has not done to badly down in the South of France. He is a different player now than before and probably a better second row than he was, much more physical and less show pony.

The best comparator has to be Jonny Sexton's tenure with Racing in 2014 where essentially he was played to death, which all expensive foreign 10s have to accept that they will be.

I thought that Russell had signed a pre-contract with Montpellier earlier in the year and so I am assuming that its there or Racing. If you read the release, there's no way that it's Wasps.

With Cruden already signed up by Pelly, it may made more sense for Russell to go to Racing, albeit that I am assuming Cotter will break the bank to try and get him over to his side.

by **George Carlin** Mon 20 Nov 2017, 7:44 am

Hazel Sapling wrote:Finn Russell leaving is no shock. I hope it is Montpellier to continue learning from Cotter but sounds like Racing who do not seem the most stable of clubs. This should push Rennie to put a bit more time into Hastings and Thomson. Horne or Jackson to start next season at number 1?

Positive
Visser learned to tackle at Quins
McGuigan has gotten to the point where he is being capped
Heathcote seems to play better for Worcester and Bath beforehand than with Edinburgh

Neutral to Negative
Low has failed at Exeter
Maitland is no better
Has Matt Scott improved?

Let's not talk about Chris Paterson to the Cherries or Gray to Sale.

by **NeilyBroon** Mon 20 Nov 2017, 10:10 am

Hazel Sapling wrote:Finn Russell leaving is no shock. I hope it is Montpellier to continue learning from Cotter but sounds like Racing who do not seem the most stable of clubs. This should push Rennie to put a bit more time into Hastings and Thomson. Horne or Jackson to start next season at number 1?

Positive
Visser learned to tackle at Quins
McGuigan has gotten to the point where he is being capped
Heathcote seems to play better for Worcester and Bath beforehand than with Edinburgh

Neutral to Negative
Low has failed at Exeter
Maitland is no better
Has Matt Scott improved?

Matt Scott was tearing it up at Glous until his injury, he's actually improved his all round game but unfortunately for him we're blessed with an abundance of talented centres (a bizarre concept for a Scotland fan to swallow). Low I'll admit is atrocious but he never really was that high up the pecking order - especially as he was around at the tail end of Jacobsens career in the loose and Cross's ascendence in the tight.

Maitland, again, I'd say has a better all round game from his time at Sarries. He's a regular scorer and is a regular starter for their key fixtures. I think to say he's not changed is harsh.

John Welsh is another example of a player on fire south of the border, thankfully he's finally been recognised, but yet to see how he does in a Scotland jersey. I'm sure the opposition will be confused when they see Kevin Bridges in a Scotland shirt.

by Welly Mon 20 Nov 2017, 10:11 am

BigGee wrote:
Welly wrote: not sure if it has been mentioned couldn't see anything on the edinburgh forum but the rugby paper is saying edinburgh have signed TighHead Elliot Millier-Mills from Yorkshire with immediate effect. His sisters plays international rugby with his sister bridget playing for Scotland

Nothing from Edinburgh about that, but they are not the best about spreading the news. They have just gone off to South Africa on a two week tour, with only two TH props, Bryce and McCallam left on their books still fit. He will likely have gone down there with them as they will need the cover. Longer term, Nel has broken his arm and is likely to be out for a while as well.

Is he any good?

The last prop Edinburgh picked up from nowhere, Daryl Marfo, is now a two cap international and looks pretty comfortable at that level! They will be pretty happy if this guy is a chip off that block.

Gets a good report from the champ.

Also apparently Edinbrugh looking at Simon Hickley guessing a 3 year contract will only be 24 start of next season.

by **BigGee** Mon 20 Nov 2017, 10:20 am

Glasgow have mined Yorkshire before for a prop forward and came up with the great Mike Cussack, who was a legend at Scotstoun. An old fashion sort of prop, who ate Looseheads for breakfast and became an honorary jock.

If any of these guys are hewn from the same rock, they will be a good addition.

by **RDW** Mon 20 Nov 2017, 11:49 am

Ben toolis signs on for another 2 years. Can't imagine he would have gone anywhere given he's just broken into the Scotland team but still good news! Can't believe he's still only 25.

by EWT Spoons Mon 20 Nov 2017, 12:03 pm

Delighted he's signed up for another 2 years.

This Simon Hickley rumour is fair spreading on twitter. If it's true it seems like he's a cracking player and is going to make a huge difference to the club. Only 23 and not capped by NZ, so if Edinburgh sign him, hopefully it'll be before the end of the year so he'll still fall under the 3 year qualifying period.

by tigertattie Mon 20 Nov 2017, 12:04 pm

whatever happened to the other Toolis brother?

by EWT Spoons Mon 20 Nov 2017, 12:07 pm

Went back to Oz to play for the rebels, however is apparently injured and is going to miss the whole season.

Thanks Wikipedia for that one.

by **RDW** Mon 20 Nov 2017, 12:14 pm

Did a bit googling for Simon Hickey - he was yet another next big thing at 10 in New Zealand and played for The Blues but ended up moving to Bordeaux, where he's been a bit of a squad player.

Still a good pedigree though and given our weakness is at 10/15 it is good to sign a 10 and a 10/15!

Our squad has a high number of SQ players now (helped by residency) so I'm not too concerned that they're NSQ.

by Mad for Chelsea Mon 20 Nov 2017, 12:15 pm

Sad news about Russell, but not surprising. From the club's release it seems he was offered money well beyond what they could match. I would certainly say R. Gray is a much improved player from his spell in France, but I would also argue that France was a good fit for him as it forced him to work on the grittier stuff, which was his weak point. I'm not sure it will help Russell in the same way, and I think people are rightfully concerned about a repeat of Sexton's experience (especially if it is confirmed to be Racing. Wishing him all the best anyway. On the plus side, it will hopefully allow Hastings the opportunity to develop at Glasgow: from what I've seen he has plenty of potential.

by EWT Spoons Mon 20 Nov 2017, 12:19 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Did a bit googling for Simon Hickey - he was yet another next big thing at 10 in New Zealand and played for The Blues but ended up moving to Bordeaux, where he's been a bit of a squad player.

Still a good pedigree though and given our weakness is at 10/15 it is good to sign a 10 and a 10/15!

Our squad has a high number of SQ players now (helped by residency) so I'm not too concerned that they're NSQ.

He seems to be highly rated by a number of journalists who I assume have seen him play a bit. He's also only 23 (I think) so still time to improve.

Weir & Tovey are both out of contract this season (or so I'm told) so probably for the best we get a few 10s in, if one/both of them are let go. Personally I'd like to keep Tovey as he's a decent player.

It terms of being not SQ, I agree I don't mind too much considering how many SQ players we have, but Scotland have a shortfall in quality at 10, so would be nice to have him as an option.

by **BigGee** Mon 20 Nov 2017, 12:54 pm

EWT Spoons wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:Did a bit googling for Simon Hickey - he was yet another next big thing at 10 in New Zealand and played for The Blues but ended up moving to Bordeaux, where he's been a bit of a squad player.

Still a good pedigree though and given our weakness is at 10/15 it is good to sign a 10 and a 10/15!

Our squad has a high number of SQ players now (helped by residency) so I'm not too concerned that they're NSQ.

He seems to be highly rated by a number of journalists who I assume have seen him play a bit. He's also only 23 (I think) so still time to improve.

Weir & Tovey are both out of contract this season (or so I'm told) so probably for the best we get a few 10s in, if one/both of them are let go. Personally I'd like to keep Tovey as he's a decent player.

It terms of being not SQ, I agree I don't mind too much considering how many SQ players we have, but Scotland have a shortfall in quality at 10, so would be nice to have him as an option.

I would not be surprised if one of the Welsh teams was not to come back in for Tovey and he might be tempted if he still has any international ambitions. He has certainly put himself in the shop window from his last few appearances for Edinburgh. When he has some confidence and a decent pack in front of him, he is a pretty decent player.

by EWT Spoons Mon 20 Nov 2017, 1:07 pm

Yeah that's a fair point. Would be a shame to lose him, and he might be going nowhere, but I wouldn't be surprised either if he moved back.

by Hazel Sapling Mon 20 Nov 2017, 1:31 pm

If Hickey comes in, Tovey is probably gone. Good player but the SRU have a remit to get Scots players through and Weir is not going to pick up a contract elsewhere.

Burleigh and Kinghorn (at a push) cover 10 as well so no need for more than 2 fly halves in the squad unless 1 is a true youngster (would Hutchinson be tempted to come north?)

by EWT Spoons Mon 20 Nov 2017, 1:42 pm

Hazel Sapling wrote:If Hickey comes in, Tovey is probably gone. Good player but the SRU have a remit to get Scots players through and Weir is not going to pick up a contract elsewhere.

Burleigh and Kinghorn (at a push) cover 10 as well so no need for more than 2 fly halves in the squad unless 1 is a true youngster (would Hutchinson be tempted to come north?)

We've got Van Der Walt as well who is a 10/15

by MacKnocked-on Mon 20 Nov 2017, 2:15 pm

Hutchinson at Saints, Eastgate at Wasps and Lang at Quins are all starting to get some game time with their clubs but perhaps the SRU may consider bringing one of them north if possible. If Hickey is SQ then fine but I thought the SRU were focused now on their beefed up SQ scouting system so it would make sense to find players who don't need to wait 3 years to qualify.

by **George Carlin** Mon 20 Nov 2017, 2:24 pm

Hazel Sapling wrote:If Hickey comes in, Tovey is probably gone. Good player but the SRU have a remit to get Scots players through and Weir is not going to pick up a contract elsewhere.

Burleigh and Kinghorn (at a push) cover 10 as well so no need for more than 2 fly halves in the squad unless 1 is a true youngster (would Hutchinson be tempted to come north?)

I really would object to keeping an inferior player at Edinburgh to maintain a token Scottish contingent.

Sport is a meritocracy. I agree that Weir wouldn't get a look in with another side, but that's no reason to keep him on at a Scottish club.

And if I was Cockers, paid to win games, I would say so too.

by EWT Spoons Mon 20 Nov 2017, 3:45 pm

With Weir, I wonder if there is less of an issue around keeping him at Edinburgh now.

Behind Finn he was in the past really the only 10 in with a shout of playing for Scotland, however we now have Horne who seems to have overtaken him, Hastings who I would imagine will be overtaking him shortly (if he hasn’t already), Jackson who is probably 3rd choice behind Horne. He therefore is about 4/5th in the pecking order. Do Edinburgh need to keep Scotland’s 5th choice flyhalf employed?

by Hazel Sapling Mon 20 Nov 2017, 4:03 pm

Is Weir ahead of Heathcote at this point?

Weir does have games where he is solid. The problem for him is his ceiling is being a good pro player but his floor is being wholly inadequate. He would be fine as a 3rd choice at Edinburgh though his wages are going to have to reflect that. I just don't think the SRU are going to make that decision.

by tigertattie Mon 20 Nov 2017, 4:06 pm

Ahhhh but Weir masterminded the victory of Scotland A over the saxons mind!!!

by **RDW** Mon 20 Nov 2017, 4:10 pm

tigertattie wrote:Ahhhh but Weir masterminded the victory of Scotland A over the saxons mind!!!

And Glasgow last season Very Happy

by MacKnocked-on Mon 20 Nov 2017, 4:20 pm

There's also Scotland's chosen style of play to think about with whoever is Russell's backup/s, Weir isn't a running 10 so there is a need to concentrate on players who can follow that game plan.
Much like Laidlaw and Pyrgos actually, does he now fit in to our way of playing or should we be looking to a running 9 to back up Price? I was mightily impressed by Vellacott when he came on for Gloucester at the weekend and turned the game. Maybe we need to include him and even think about getting George Horne in the squad now as well.

by **BigGee** Tue 21 Nov 2017, 9:52 am

I am looking forward to this weekends two club games as well as the international.

I actually always enjoy the games during the international windows, as it gives you a chance to see how some of the fringe players or academy kids are doing. It is there chance to put down a marker and make their case. We should see a fair few of them this weekend in both squads.

Neither Edinburgh nor Glasgow really has to win these games, nor would ordinarily have been expected to. Still both have been on good form of late and will want the runs to continue.

It will be a tough one for Edinburgh though, the squad depletion, the heat and altitude and a rested Cheetahs side will probably prove to much.

Down in Swansea, it might depend on what kind of team the Spreys can get out as well, they are also going to be way short of full strength. I can't see Glasgow giving up their unbeaten run easily!

by **BigGee** Tue 21 Nov 2017, 10:09 am

Daily Fail suggesting Finn has gone to Racing on a three year deal on around 600K pa

That's probably around 200K more than what we could have offered him, so we were never in the ball park. I don't imagine we ever where, it sounds like he made up his mind some time ago and you can't blame him for that.

by EWT Spoons Tue 21 Nov 2017, 10:22 am

BigGee wrote:Daily Fail suggesting Finn has gone to Racing on a three year deal on around 600K pa

That's probably around 200K more than what we could have offered him, so we were never in the ball park. I don't imagine we ever where, it sounds like he made up his mind some time ago and you can't blame him for that.

Racing have said the same, but without the salary element. Definitely a 3 year deal though

by **RDW** Tue 21 Nov 2017, 10:32 am

BigGee wrote:I am looking forward to this weekends two club games as well as the international.

I actually always enjoy the games during the international windows, as it gives you a chance to see how some of the fringe players or academy kids are doing. It is there chance to put down a marker and make their case. We should see a fair few of them this weekend in both squads.

Neither Edinburgh nor Glasgow really has to win these games, nor would ordinarily have been expected to. Still both have been on good form of late and will want the runs to continue.

It will be a tough one for Edinburgh though, the squad depletion, the heat and altitude and a rested Cheetahs side will probably prove to much.

Down in Swansea, it might depend on what kind of team the Spreys can get out as well, they are also going to be way short of full strength. I can't see Glasgow giving up their unbeaten run easily!

I fear for Edinburgh on their South African tour, and it’s a real shame we’re having to go there in an international window, stretching an already stretched squad. The Cheetahs will be at full strength with the Currie Cup over and will be well rested and prepared – we could end up on the receiving end of a bit of a doing.

The Kings will definitely be targeting their first win against us and there’s a good chance they’ll get it. Most other teams in the league should win against them so it’s a shame we’re playing them when we’re down on resources.

I really have no idea who our front row will be, with a lot coming down to who Scotland hold on to. Rory Sutherland desperately needs gametime but can’t imagine he’ll be released. Hopefully Cochrane should be released now that Fraser Brown is back – we only have one hooker otherwise.

We may end up with something like

1 Rizzo
2 Cochrane
3 McCallum
4 Bresler
5 McKenzie
6 Ritchie
7 Crosbie
8 Bradbury

9 SHC
10 Tovey
11 Hoyland
12 Burleigh
13 JJ
14 Fife (especially now Maitland is back)
15 Kinghorn

Subs – feck knows, Fenton, Bryce, Carmichael, Mata, Kennedy (if he’s fit, Charlie Shiel if he’s not), the new saffer 10/15, Dean

With that front row and replacements I think scrums should come with an 18-rated warning.

by Mad for Chelsea Tue 21 Nov 2017, 10:48 am

Yeah I think Edinburgh will struggle against the Cheetahs. Cheetahs have an excellent scrum and maul which, given injuries and international commitments, Edinburgh will I think have trouble stopping. They also have some serious pace out wide. On the other hand, their defence is rather porous, so if Edinburgh can somehow get decent ball there'll be opportunities.

by **BigGee** Tue 21 Nov 2017, 10:54 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:

We may end up with something like

1 Rizzo
2 Cochrane
3 McCallum
4 Bresler
5 McKenzie
6 Ritchie
7 Crosbie
8 Bradbury

9 SHC
10 Tovey
11 Hoyland
12 Burleigh
13 JJ
14 Fife (especially now Maitland is back)
15 Kinghorn

Subs – feck knows, Fenton, Bryce, Carmichael, Mata, Kennedy (if he’s fit, Charlie Shiel if he’s not), the new saffer 10/15, Dean

With that front row and replacements I think scrums should come with an 18-rated warning.

I would be surprised if you get Ritchie and Bradbury back, given the potential injuries in the Scotland back row. They may get flown down for the second game, but not for this one.

I know the team has been fairly decimated but in the great scheme of things it is not so bad and shows how the depth at Edinburgh has improved. Can you imagine what kind of a team they would have put out in a fixture like this a few years ago!

They may well lose the first game, but will be stronger for the second one. The Cheetahs game was never going to be easy even with a full strength team. If they come back with one win, they will probably be happy with that.

by **RDW** Tue 21 Nov 2017, 11:06 am

I’d be delighted to get one win, and to be fair losing both wouldn’t be a complete disaster. As long as the young squad gains valuable experience from it and we don’t pick up any more injuries it shouldn’t dictate our entire season.

by EWT Spoons Tue 21 Nov 2017, 11:23 am

I agree, I can't see us getting Ritchie or Bradbury back, so I think our backrow might look something like

6. Crosbie
7. Carmichael
8. Mata

by **RDW** Tue 21 Nov 2017, 12:20 pm

Double signing announcement from Edinburgh and no surprises - Simon Hickey on a 2 year deal in the summer and tighthead Elliot Millar-Mills signed for the rest of the season and is already in SA.

by **BigGee** Tue 21 Nov 2017, 12:48 pm

Blimmey Cockers is not hanging around is he. Edinburgh really look like they are putting a decent squad together for next year. They do seem to be a club on the up.

The more interesting speculation now is probably more along the lines of who is going to be leaving the club?

Surely with this guy signing and the SA who can also play FH, either one or both of Weir or Tovey is going to be for the chop. As I said before, I could easily see Tovey going back to Wales, he has redeemed his reputation up north now. I am not sure where Weir will go though?

The Kiwi seems a good signing on paper but the only concern would be the two front line FHs not being SQ. There surely needs to be a SQ one under development as well, just not sure who that is going to be?

Cockers has been quite open about the fact that his concern is for Edinburgh and not for the national side. That is fair enough to a point, but there does need to be a little bit of strategic planning in amongst that as well.

by **RDW** Tue 21 Nov 2017, 12:50 pm

Cockers mentions him being part of the competition at 10 - suggests that we might not be losing both?

Edinburgh have secured the signing of former Blues playmaker Simon Hickey from Bordeaux Bègles on a two-year deal. The 23-year-old will join the club at the end of the season.

On signing for the capital side, Hickey said:

"After meeting with Richard Cockerill, and seeing the club’s recent results, I had no hesitation about joining Edinburgh.

“I’m really excited about the prospect of playing for the club, especially as they’re looking to play an exciting brand of rugby which will suit my style of play. Edinburgh is a team on the rise, and I have no doubt that they’re headed in a successful direction under Richard Cockerill and the rest of the coaching staff.

“I look forward to linking up with my future team mates next season and settling into what is a wonderful city and hopefully I can play a part in the club's future success."

Hickey began his career at Auckland-based King’s College, a school that has produced several All Blacks legends including Ali Williams and Ian Kirkpatrick. He captained the college's rugby and cricket 1st XV before quickly ascending into the senior rugby ranks, making his Auckland debut off the bench during the provincial side’s 59-16 win over Manawatu at Eden Park.

The New Zealander captained his country at U20 level during the 2014 Junior World Championship in his homeland, playing a pivotal role in the Baby Blacks’ trip to a third-place finish. During the tournament, the traditional powerhouse defeated a Scotland side featuring current Edinburgh team-mates Magnus Bradbury, Jamie Ritchie, Lewis Carmichael, Cameron Fenton and Damien Hoyland.

Hickey made his first appearance for the Blues in February 2014 and marked his debut for the three-time Super Rugby champions during a rousing 35-24 triumph over the Crusaders, contributing 15 points from the boot. Hickey went onto make 16 appearances for the Blues, scoring 124 points in the process, before announcing his decision to join French Top 14 side Bordeaux-Begles in October 2015. He has since notched 235 points in 28 appearances for the Stade-Chabane Delmas outfit.

Edinburgh head coach Richard Cockerill said: “Simon is a creative young playmaker that already has a lot of experience playing in Super Rugby and the Top 14. We’re developing some real competition at 10 and I believe he will be a strong edition to an exciting Edinburgh backline.

“I’m delighted that having seen the culture and environment we’re building here at Edinburgh, he’s chosen to join the club for the next two years.”

by brennomac Tue 21 Nov 2017, 3:48 pm

BigGee wrote:Daily Fail suggesting Finn has gone to Racing on a three year deal on around 600K pa

That's probably around 200K more than what we could have offered him, so we were never in the ball park. I don't imagine we ever where, it sounds like he made up his mind some time ago and you can't blame him for that.

Hope it works for Russell, but precedents aren't great. Sexton went there and wasn't a happy bunny and was more than happy to come back to Leinster.

by **RDW** Tue 21 Nov 2017, 3:51 pm

With a world cup in 2 years the last thing we need is our main (pretty much only) 10 being messed around by a move abroad. It could all work out great for him of course...

by A Simply Mesmeric Try Tue 21 Nov 2017, 5:00 pm

Ickle Jonny apparently off to Brizzle next season

Sad

With Finn and Jonny going, young Hastings and Scott Cummings have some shoes to fill.

by **RDW** Tue 21 Nov 2017, 5:01 pm

EWT Spoons wrote:I agree, I can't see us getting Ritchie or Bradbury back, so I think our backrow might look something like

6. Crosbie
7. Carmichael
8. Mata

Looking at the Scotland training pictures and video from today both have been retained. Ryan Wilson was training too.

Seems strange to keep both of them given that at best one of them will get on the bench! It really leaves Edinburgh shafted in the back row too.

by Hazel Sapling Tue 21 Nov 2017, 5:38 pm

Edinburgh could have a massive back row. Carmichael or A Miller might be the smallest (Crosbie is 6'5 apparently!)

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