Dragons Season Thread 2017/18 - New Beginnings

[munkian]

First topic message reminder :

Their backs. Wow.

Jackman really can't settle on a hooker mind.

Just saw Simon Thomas tweet Leon Brown has suffered a second concussion. If that's so, I wonder if that means the first wasn't really dealt with properly?

Are you sure ? I've read it that he suffered a concussion so he hasn't been picked INCASE he suffers another.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I see the Blues have stolen Jason Strange from under our noses.


https://www.pro14rugby.org/2018/04/09/cardiff-blues-confirm-jason-strange-appointment/


It's not as if we needed a backs coach for next season....

[munkian]

I see the Blues have stolen Jason Strange from under our noses.


https://www.pro14rugby.org/2018/04/09/cardiff-blues-confirm-jason-strange-appointment/


It's not as if we needed a backs coach for next season....

Defence mun, DEFENCE !

[Luckless Pedestrian]

No, I mean we don't have a replacement for Shaun Connor yet. Unless I missed the announcement.

[munkian]

No, I mean we don't have a replacement for Shaun Connor yet. Unless I missed the announcement.

Gavlar - super player/coach.

[Guest]

Every season you lot are on here, mocking me, every season you lot are on here moaning about how crap your team is, it's the same every season with you lot, and you pay decent money for the privilege yet I am the clueless one.

It's not even worth debating with most of you on here anymore, Dragons have been an embarrassment for over a decade now, and still here we are. The WRU need to seriously  consider where they are going next with this failed enterprise. They are a waste of good money that could be spent elsewhere.

Are you suggesting we stop supporting the Dragons through the tough times??? You pathetic troll. And even worse fan. No-one likes a glory supporter.

[LordDowlais]

That record emoticon could quite easily be used to describe you and the team you support, every year for the past decade or so it's been failure, followed by it not being the regions fault, to blaming the WRU.

But I am now a pathetic troll for saying it as it is ? Oh, and I'm a glory supporter just for demanding more.

OK then.

[LordDowlais]

Are you suggesting we stop supporting the Dragons through the tough times???

Please explain "tough times", Dragons have been like this for over a decade, but these are just tough times ?

Seriously, you need to get a grip on reality. These are not tough times, this is the WRU throwing good money after bad.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Are you suggesting we stop supporting the Dragons through the tough times???

Please explain "tough times", Dragons have been like this for over a decade, but these are just tough times ?

Well we did get to two consecutive Challenge Cup semi finals, which is suddenly a big deal now the Blues have done it. (Yes, I know they've won it before.)

[munkian]

Are you suggesting we stop supporting the Dragons through the tough times???

Please explain "tough times", Dragons have been like this for over a decade, but these are just tough times ?

Well we did get to two consecutive Challenge Cup semi finals, which is suddenly a big deal now the Blues have done it. (Yes, I know they've won it before.)

Did the Blues get to the Semis ? They haven't said...

[LordDowlais]

Hi LP.

Look, I would not have even bothered with this thread, but I have come on here after giving this place a wide berth for a bit, and what do I read ? Members on this thread taking pot shots at me, how would you expect me to retaliate ?

Two league wins all season, come on, that's pathetic where do we lay the blame for all this ?

The region is failing, even with the intervention of the WRU. What would you suggest should be changed going forward ?

[LordDowlais]

Are you suggesting we stop supporting the Dragons through the tough times???

Please explain "tough times", Dragons have been like this for over a decade, but these are just tough times ?

Well we did get to two consecutive Challenge Cup semi finals, which is suddenly a big deal now the Blues have done it. (Yes, I know they've won it before.)

Did the Blues get to the Semis ? They haven't said...

The Blues should be worrying more about where they will be based next season.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

It's a bit rich to be asking for more time, but if Jackman doesn't get results sharpish next season, then everyone, from the top down, the press, fans, needs to hammer him for it. It's one thing doing a bad job with someone else's players, but if you do a bad job with a group of players you've either brought in yourself or chosen to keep, then the conclusion has to be that you're not a good coach. If you're happy to dish it out in the press about the players not being up to scratch, you'd better be prepared for the same treatment.

[Guest]

Are you suggesting we stop supporting the Dragons through the tough times???

Please explain "tough times", Dragons have been like this for over a decade, but these are just tough times ?

Seriously, you need to get a grip on reality. These are not tough times, this is the WRU throwing good money after bad.

You're the one who said this: "and you pay decent money for the privilege yet I am the clueless one." That implies that you think we are clueless for paying decent money to watch the Dragons. But that's the thing with support, you do it even when the chips are down. By suggesting we are clueless for doing this, it in turn suggests that you are not the sort to support your own side when the times are tough or the chips are down. About right? Actually, thinking back you only seem to have been championing Merthyr RFC since the big money investment and 'glory days' of the past 2 years or so. Did you only start following when things were looking up? You used to follow the Blues before that didn't you?

[LordDowlais]

Did you only start following when things were looking up? You used to follow the Blues before that didn't you?

I follow Welsh rugby, as a whole. My region was taken away from me, so I just used to follow the regions around, sometimes I would try and get to two games per weekend. The thing is, I have just lost the stomach for most of it, watching Merthyr is far more satisfying, although I still used to watch them pre-money times.

Blues were the most convenient team for me, the old man still goes down there, but I don't as much now. My nephew has just broke into the regional U16's. He was representing Blues North, but he is now in the actual set-up. So I still have some interest there.

But to be honest, I am just fed up of the whole regional debacle. At least Scarlets are giving it a go, even though they are in all sorts of debt. When you look at things on face value, would you honestly say the regions are a success ?

Before you go accusing me of all sorts, I was more enthusiastic about regionalism than most from my part of the world, where there are thousands of neglected, disenfranchised rugby supporters. But for me to keep travelling 30+ miles every weekend to watch one of the regions play like a team of chumps takes it out of you, and that is the story of it all, how people can expect somebody from Merthyr a very deprived area, to pay good money to watch Cardiff Blues, who, lets be honest are not very good, or Ospreys who again are not very good, then you can see why things are where they are.

We are a determined bunch here in Wales though, over a decade of this in-fighting, under achieving and sometimes humiliating rugby, yet here we still are, fighting the good fight, hoping that things will get better.

Einsteins definition of insanity has never been more apt on this topic, that doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is insanity, because this is what we have been doing here in Wales with regionalism, the same thing for 10+ years, and expecting things to get better, are we all insane ? Albert Einstein would say we are.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

I've got 'Talent is an Asset' by Sparks in my head now, thanks Dowlais!

[Cardiff Dave]

I've got 'Talent is an Asset' by Sparks in my head now, thanks Dowlais!

Merthodynamics, mun.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Very good!

[Cardiff Dave]

Very good!

Alternatively, Planck's constant or constant plank?

[Stone Motif]

Did you only start following when things were looking up? You used to follow the Blues before that didn't you?

I follow Welsh rugby, as a whole. My region was taken away from me, so I just used to follow the regions around, sometimes I would try and get to two games per weekend. The thing is, I have just lost the stomach for most of it, watching Merthyr is far more satisfying, although I still used to watch them pre-money times.

Blues were the most convenient team for me, the old man still goes down there, but I don't as much now. My nephew has just broke into the regional U16's. He was representing Blues North, but he is now in the actual set-up. So I still have some interest there.

But to be honest, I am just fed up of the whole regional debacle. At least Scarlets are giving it a go, even though they are in all sorts of debt. When you look at things on face value, would you honestly say the regions are a success ?

Before you go accusing me of all sorts, I was more enthusiastic about regionalism than most from my part of the world, where there are thousands of neglected, disenfranchised rugby supporters. But for me to keep travelling 30+ miles every weekend to watch one of the regions play like a team of chumps takes it out of you, and that is the story of it all, how people can expect somebody from Merthyr a very deprived area, to pay good money to watch Cardiff Blues, who, lets be honest are not very good, or Ospreys who again are not very good, then you can see why things are where they are.

We are a determined bunch here in Wales though, over a decade of this in-fighting, under achieving and sometimes humiliating rugby, yet here we still are, fighting the good fight, hoping that things will get better.

Einsteins definition of insanity has never been more apt on this topic, that doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is insanity, because this is what we have been doing here in Wales with regionalism, the same thing for 10+ years, and expecting things to get better, are we all insane ? Albert Einstein would say we are.

Physician, heal thyself. How should the WRU have turned around a decade of stagnation in less than a season, whilst spending no additional money on playing staff?

[mikey_dragon]

Every season you lot are on here, mocking me, every season you lot are on here moaning about how crap your team is, it's the same every season with you lot, and you pay decent money for the privilege yet I am the clueless one.

It's not even worth debating with most of you on here anymore, Dragons have been an embarrassment for over a decade now, and still here we are. The WRU need to seriously  consider where they are going next with this failed enterprise. They are a waste of good money that could be spent elsewhere.

Spent where? Don't tell me it's Merthyr... If that is your answer then everyone else's answer to that will be a big F off.

[Cardiff Dave]

Did you only start following when things were looking up? You used to follow the Blues before that didn't you?

I follow Welsh rugby, as a whole. My region was taken away from me, so I just used to follow the regions around, sometimes I would try and get to two games per weekend. The thing is, I have just lost the stomach for most of it, watching Merthyr is far more satisfying, although I still used to watch them pre-money times.

Blues were the most convenient team for me, the old man still goes down there, but I don't as much now. My nephew has just broke into the regional U16's. He was representing Blues North, but he is now in the actual set-up. So I still have some interest there.

But to be honest, I am just fed up of the whole regional debacle. At least Scarlets are giving it a go, even though they are in all sorts of debt. When you look at things on face value, would you honestly say the regions are a success ?

Before you go accusing me of all sorts, I was more enthusiastic about regionalism than most from my part of the world, where there are thousands of neglected, disenfranchised rugby supporters. But for me to keep travelling 30+ miles every weekend to watch one of the regions play like a team of chumps takes it out of you, and that is the story of it all, how people can expect somebody from Merthyr a very deprived area, to pay good money to watch Cardiff Blues, who, lets be honest are not very good, or Ospreys who again are not very good, then you can see why things are where they are.

We are a determined bunch here in Wales though, over a decade of this in-fighting, under achieving and sometimes humiliating rugby, yet here we still are, fighting the good fight, hoping that things will get better.

Einsteins definition of insanity has never been more apt on this topic, that doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is insanity, because this is what we have been doing here in Wales with regionalism, the same thing for 10+ years, and expecting things to get better, are we all insane ? Albert Einstein would say we are.

Physician, heal thyself. How should the WRU have turned around a decade of stagnation in less than a season, whilst spending no additional money on playing staff?

Come to think of it, maybe that's what LD is alluding to? Possibly...

[Stone Motif]

Did you only start following when things were looking up? You used to follow the Blues before that didn't you?

I follow Welsh rugby, as a whole. My region was taken away from me, so I just used to follow the regions around, sometimes I would try and get to two games per weekend. The thing is, I have just lost the stomach for most of it, watching Merthyr is far more satisfying, although I still used to watch them pre-money times.

Blues were the most convenient team for me, the old man still goes down there, but I don't as much now. My nephew has just broke into the regional U16's. He was representing Blues North, but he is now in the actual set-up. So I still have some interest there.

But to be honest, I am just fed up of the whole regional debacle. At least Scarlets are giving it a go, even though they are in all sorts of debt. When you look at things on face value, would you honestly say the regions are a success ?

Before you go accusing me of all sorts, I was more enthusiastic about regionalism than most from my part of the world, where there are thousands of neglected, disenfranchised rugby supporters. But for me to keep travelling 30+ miles every weekend to watch one of the regions play like a team of chumps takes it out of you, and that is the story of it all, how people can expect somebody from Merthyr a very deprived area, to pay good money to watch Cardiff Blues, who, lets be honest are not very good, or Ospreys who again are not very good, then you can see why things are where they are.

We are a determined bunch here in Wales though, over a decade of this in-fighting, under achieving and sometimes humiliating rugby, yet here we still are, fighting the good fight, hoping that things will get better.

Einsteins definition of insanity has never been more apt on this topic, that doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is insanity, because this is what we have been doing here in Wales with regionalism, the same thing for 10+ years, and expecting things to get better, are we all insane ? Albert Einstein would say we are.

Physician, heal thyself. How should the WRU have turned around a decade of stagnation in less than a season, whilst spending no additional money on playing staff?

Come to think of it, maybe that's what LD is alluding to? Possibly...

Except he clearly criticises the WRU for throwing good money after bad...for what, ten months? As usual, utterly confused as to what his own point even is...

[PhilBB]

Are you suggesting we stop supporting the Dragons through the tough times???

Please explain "tough times", Dragons have been like this for over a decade, but these are just tough times ?

Well we did get to two consecutive Challenge Cup semi finals, which is suddenly a big deal now the Blues have done it. (Yes, I know they've won it before.)

Did the Blues get to the Semis ? They haven't said...

The Blues should be worrying more about where they will be based next season.

That's twice I've read that from you now on consecutive threads. How odd.

As for the Dragons, nice to see how Jackman has made them even worse.

[munkian]

Why is it 'nice' ?

[PhilBB]

Why is it 'nice' ?

a) because of the propaganda
b) because of the ownership model
c) because of the waste of WRU money
d) because of Jackman preferring to preach than coach
e) because he employed his mate as a Defence coach, having been employed as a Defence Consultant originally by Grenoble, yet the defence has got worse
f) because of the way the takeover was handled
g) because of how NRFC were shafted upon takeover and how they've been treated since
h) because Buttress is playing with other people's money

That'll do for now. That's before you consider any attempt to even forge a "Cardiff v Newport" rivalry, which has been Cardiff's bread and butter for 142 years.

[LordDowlais]

That'll do for now. That's before you consider any attempt to even forge a "Cardiff v Newport" rivalry, which has been Cardiff's bread and butter for 142 years.

Why would they want to forge a rivalry ? Everyone and their dog know the WRU want to merge these two teams to make an east Wales region mun.

[PhilBB]

That'll do for now. That's before you consider any attempt to even forge a "Cardiff v Newport" rivalry, which has been Cardiff's bread and butter for 142 years.

Why would they want to forge a rivalry ? Everyone and their dog know the WRU want to merge these two teams to make an east Wales region mun.

Oh, I see that you haven't improved.

[munkian]

Why is it 'nice' ?

a) because of the propaganda
b) because of the ownership model
c) because of the waste of WRU money
d) because of Jackman preferring to preach than coach
e) because he employed his mate as a Defence coach, having been employed as a Defence Consultant originally by Grenoble, yet the defence has got worse
f) because of the way the takeover was handled
g) because of how NRFC were shafted upon takeover and how they've been treated since
h) because Buttress is playing with other people's money

That'll do for now. That's before you consider any attempt to even forge a "Cardiff v Newport" rivalry, which has been Cardiff's bread and butter for 142 years.

Ah c'mon Phil, you're still just sore that Butress didn't run any of his business decisions past you first aren't you big guy ?

[PhilBB]

Ah c'mon Phil, you're still just sore that Butress didn't run any of his business decisions past you first aren't you big guy ?

Hang on, he's made some? When did that happen?

[munkian]

Ah c'mon Phil, you're still just sore that Butress didn't run any of his business decisions past you first aren't you big guy ?

Hang on, he's made some? When did that happen?

I'm hugely saw Just Eat didn't pass you by...

[PhilBB]

Ah c'mon Phil, you're still just sore that Butress didn't run any of his business decisions past you first aren't you big guy ?

Hang on, he's made some? When did that happen?

I'm hugely saw Just Eat didn't pass you by...

Oh, when he was employed to spend Danish money.

I'm not sure what that has to do with the Dragons, mind you. Maybe you could tell us?

[Stone Motif]

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/16150925.Dragon_Jones_hoping_to_land_Worcester_move/

Speaking of good bits of business...I doubt Dorian's the only one hoping this deal goes ahead

[RiscaGame]

Every season you lot are on here, mocking me, every season you lot are on here moaning about how crap your team is, it's the same every season with you lot, and you pay decent money for the privilege yet I am the clueless one.

It's not even worth debating with most of you on here anymore, Dragons have been an embarrassment for over a decade now, and still here we are. The WRU need to seriously  consider where they are going next with this failed enterprise. They are a waste of good money that could be spent elsewhere.

Are you suggesting we stop supporting the Dragons through the tough times???  You pathetic troll.  And even worse fan.  No-one likes a glory supporter.  

That’s exactly what he is though. I’m assuming (as he’s blocked) he still shows Pontypridd as the team he supports. Since when do you do that? It’s like me supporting say Cross Keys and now I’ll support Newport. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll go back to them.

Still, this genius told us there was going to be a Merthyr region, as Stan wasn’t just going to take “Premiership dominance”. How long can we wait?

[PhilBB]

how people can expect somebody from Merthyr a very deprived area, to pay good money to watch Cardiff Blues, who, lets be honest are not very good, or Ospreys who again are not very good, then you can see why things are where they are.

Nobody sane expects that at all.

[munkian]

Getting down to bare bones again.

[RiscaGame]

I would have thought Max Williams might’ve been more effective as a six, but there we go. Even Taine Basham could’ve started somewhere there. My best guess is Jackman wanted more bulk in his starting pack.

[munkian]

I would have thought Max Williams might’ve been more effective as a six, but there we go. Even Taine Basham could’ve started somewhere there. My best guess is Jackman wanted more bulk in his starting pack.

Thinking the same myself.

[Stone Motif]

Getting down to bare bones again.

Has Landman ever played six before? As game says spose the likelihood of a good bumming up front explains the AWJ maneuver of playing a lock at six

[Luckless Pedestrian]

If it works, fair enough. Has Landman ever started at blindside before?

[munkian]

In our win against Leinster way back when I think ?

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Well there you go. Another away defeat, and what's worse, the Scarlets need a bonus-point win in a fortnight for a home semi-final (not that there's much doubt it'll be a bonus-point win anyway).

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Two league wins all season.

[RiscaGame]

This time next year and all that.

[munkian]

Adam Hughes retires from Rugby after brain injury  

[VinceWLB]

Adam Hughes retires from Rugby after brain injury  

That's terrible.. Always rated him.

All the best to him.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

He was such a wholehearted player. Really sad news, but obviously for the best.

[Guest]

The saddest thing is that he had been training to become a pilot for years, which would have been a good post-rugby career, but can't do that now either with a brain injury apparently

[Guest]

On a related note, I was reading about Ed Jackson the other day. He was paralysed after jumping head first into a pool/pond at a family BBQ. They thought he wouldn't walk again but he just walked mt. Snowdon. He's by no means healed now, and still struggles to walk, but has made huge progress.

[munkian]

The saddest thing is that he had been training to become a pilot for years, which would have been a good post-rugby career, but can't do that now either with a brain injury apparently

He's going to be a financial adviser, he'll have a good life

[munkian]

Apparently Gavlar has told Jackman he now wants to play at 12.

I think its always been his best position but surely his body isn't up to it now ?

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