Ospreys 2019/20 Season thread

by maestegmafia Fri 10 May 2019, 12:56 pm

Carl Hogg joins the Ospreys as forwards coach.

He seems to have done a good job with the Scottish u20s.

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/ospreys-appoint-ex-scotland-flanker-16251565

by **BigGee** Fri 10 May 2019, 6:36 pm

He has probably done as well as anyone could have done with them. Like all Scotland age grade teams, they struggle for size and power but definitely improved throughout the season, including beating a decent Welsh team. Usually we do better in the JWC than the 6N as our players gain more experience at this level, we will see.

Hogg has been around the tracks though, with Worcester and with Gloucester and with Scotland last summer, it will be good to see how he does with a decent pack of forwards that can potentially be very competitive.

by maestegmafia Fri 10 May 2019, 10:00 pm

I don’t know much about him other than remembering he was the u20 coach.

by maestegmafia Sun 23 Jun 2019, 10:27 pm

Pre-Season training starts tomorrow at Llandarcy. Another season upon us and hopefully a better one.

by **BigGee** Mon 24 Jun 2019, 12:13 am

Hope he does better with the ospreys than he has done with Scotland u20s!

by maestegmafia Mon 24 Jun 2019, 8:34 am

BigGee wrote:Hope he does better with the ospreys than he has done with Scotland u20s!

I am not 100% sure he has been at the JRWC? Ospreys start pre season training today. I would imagine there would have been a call to start the new job.

Not been a great year for the Scots u20s considering how well they were playing before.

by **BigGee** Mon 24 Jun 2019, 8:37 am

He was there, but maybe his mind was on the new job!

by maestegmafia Mon 24 Jun 2019, 9:37 am

Maybe..! I didn’t see any of the Scots games to be honest.

by maestegmafia Fri 28 Jun 2019, 11:22 am

Hanno Dirksen just renewed his contract.

by mikey_dragon Sat 29 Jun 2019, 8:05 pm

The signing of the SA 9 from Kings is an interesting one. He’s getting on a bit, so this tells me that the Ospreys do not see Aled Davies as a long-term 9. He is there while they progress Harri Morgan, whilst I guess they also hope Webb will come back. Good to see Dewi Lake getting a contract too, he looks like he has great potential.

by maestegmafia Sat 29 Jun 2019, 8:13 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:The signing of the SA 9 from Kings is an interesting one. He’s getting on a bit, so this tells me that the Ospreys do not see Aled Davies as a long-term 9. He is there while they progress Harri Morgan, whilst I guess they also hope Webb will come back. Good to see Dewi Lake getting a contract too, he looks like he has great potential.

I am inclined to agree regarding the scrum half situation

by maestegmafia Sun 30 Jun 2019, 7:11 am

Biggest worry is flyhalf we are currently a bit thin on the ground.

by mikey_dragon Sun 30 Jun 2019, 4:55 pm

For that reason I thought you’d have kept Davies. You seem light at 15 too but Dan Evans doesn’t ever seem to get injured. Anscombe can play there too but then that would leave you even lighter at 10...

by maestegmafia Sun 30 Jun 2019, 5:30 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:For that reason I thought you’d have kept Davies. You seem light at 15 too but Dan Evans doesn’t ever seem to get injured. Anscombe can play there too but then that would leave you even lighter at 10...

Yes if Price, Anscombe and Evans were injured at the same time we would be in dire straits

by maestegmafia Wed 10 Jul 2019, 3:52 am

Great news for ospreys and wales

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/alun-wyn-jones-stay-wales-16554167

by TightHEAD Wed 10 Jul 2019, 9:43 am

Surely the Ospreys would be better off getting someone who would play more games for them?

by maestegmafia Wed 10 Jul 2019, 9:57 am

TightHEAD wrote:Surely the Ospreys would be better off getting someone who would play more games for them?

Let’s assume this deal pays £600k to AWJ. The Ospreys are paying only £200k of that. Yes they get a limited number of games where they can use him. I think it is ten per season, but they also get him for three more years. The Ospreys wouldn’t get the equivalent player Retalick, Whitelock or Etzebeth for that.

Ospreys have good depth a lock and a few good academy prospects too

by Brendan Wed 10 Jul 2019, 10:43 am

maestegmafia wrote:
TightHEAD wrote:Surely the Ospreys would be better off getting someone who would play more games for them?

Let’s assume this deal pays £600k to AWJ. The Ospreys are paying only £200k of that. Yes they get a limited number of games where they can use him. I think it is ten per season, but they also get him for three more years. The Ospreys wouldn’t get the equivalent player Retalick, Whitelock or Etzebeth for that.

Ospreys have good depth a lock and a few good academy prospects too

AWJ is as much about his presence as his playing. He might only play 10 games but will be training making sure the culture is right. Him on the field lifts the standards/belief of the players around him. Well worth it. For 200k I think most of the teams would take him

by maestegmafia Wed 10 Jul 2019, 10:47 am

Brendan wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:
TightHEAD wrote:Surely the Ospreys would be better off getting someone who would play more games for them?

Let’s assume this deal pays £600k to AWJ. The Ospreys are paying only £200k of that. Yes they get a limited number of games where they can use him. I think it is ten per season, but they also get him for three more years. The Ospreys wouldn’t get the equivalent player Retalick, Whitelock or Etzebeth for that.

Ospreys have good depth a lock and a few good academy prospects too

AWJ is as much about his presence as his playing. He might only play 10 games but will be training making sure the culture is right. Him on the field lifts the standards/belief of the players around him. Well worth it. For 200k I think most of the teams would take him

There is not a rugby director in the world that wouldn’t take him in heart beat for the full £600k plus salary let alone for £200k

by mikey_dragon Thu 11 Jul 2019, 5:07 am

You could do with lock cover though. You’re now without 4. I can’t stand it when they play average blindsides there.

by maestegmafia Thu 11 Jul 2019, 11:07 am

mikey_dragon wrote:You could do with lock cover though. You’re now without 4. I can’t stand it when they play average blindsides there.

I’d be surprised if brad Davis goes to Japan

We will only lose AWJ and Beardy. Leaves us with Ashley, Davis and another lad who’s name escapes me under 20s. We also have good backrow cover at lock in James King who probably won’t make Japan either.

This RWC creates a good opportunity for game time with the larger squad

by wayne Thu 11 Jul 2019, 7:52 pm

maestegmafia wrote:
mikey_dragon wrote:You could do with lock cover though. You’re now without 4. I can’t stand it when they play average blindsides there.

I’d be surprised if brad Davis goes to Japan

We will only lose AWJ and Beardy. Leaves us with Ashley, Davis and another lad who’s name escapes me under 20s. We also have good backrow cover at lock in James King who probably won’t make Japan either.

This RWC creates a good opportunity for game time with the larger squad

Agree with you on BBBD Maes, and the name of the youngster is Will Griffiths, just signed his first senior contract along with the likes of Lake, TTW and Harri Morgan, really pleased with the news of Kieran Williams today, just hope he has a good and full pre-season. Did you see the training session in which Ben John made an appearance, is this the end of his 2 year rest period from his HIA would be a good addition for the squad in the windows.

by mikey_dragon Fri 12 Jul 2019, 6:30 am

BD has had a very good season, he was often the best player - there were times I felt sorry for him upon seeing the disappointment in his eyes when surrounded with underperformers. He has the experience and hasn’t been injured for most the last two seasons. I would let Ball rest and take Davies.

I couldn’t find much info on Will Griffiths, except that he’s a 6’2 lock... I can’t remember the name so I’m doubtful of his capability. There were two good locks in the Scarlets academy you could have pinched.

by maestegmafia Thu 01 Aug 2019, 8:52 am

The Allen Clarke interview

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/allen-clarke-qa-gareth-anscombe-16677000

by maestegmafia Thu 01 Aug 2019, 1:42 pm

And a new stadium?

Neath Port Talbot Council has confirmed it has held talks with Pro14 rugby union club Ospreys, along with other Welsh sports organisations such as Glamorgan County Cricket Club, over the potential development of a new multi-sport hub.

Ospreys currently have a tenancy at Liberty Stadium (pictured), the 21,000-seat venue that is also home to Swansea City and has been operated by the Championship football club since February 2018. Ospreys’ lease deal at the stadium has another 37 years to run, but the club only drew an average of 7,283 fans for its regular season Pro14 games last campaign.

https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2019/08/01/ospreys-linked-move-new-sports-hub/

by Irish Londoner Thu 01 Aug 2019, 4:25 pm

maestegmafia wrote:And a new stadium?

Neath Port Talbot Council has confirmed it has held talks with Pro14 rugby union club Ospreys, along with other Welsh sports organisations such as Glamorgan County Cricket Club, over the potential development of a new multi-sport hub.

Ospreys currently have a tenancy at Liberty Stadium (pictured), the 21,000-seat venue that is also home to Swansea City and has been operated by the Championship football club since February 2018. Ospreys’ lease deal at the stadium has another 37 years to run, but the club only drew an average of 7,283 fans for its regular season Pro14 games last campaign.

https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2019/08/01/ospreys-linked-move-new-sports-hub/

Who owns the stadium the football club or the council?

by maestegmafia Thu 01 Aug 2019, 4:35 pm

Irish Londoner wrote:
maestegmafia wrote:And a new stadium?

Neath Port Talbot Council has confirmed it has held talks with Pro14 rugby union club Ospreys, along with other Welsh sports organisations such as Glamorgan County Cricket Club, over the potential development of a new multi-sport hub.

Ospreys currently have a tenancy at Liberty Stadium (pictured), the 21,000-seat venue that is also home to Swansea City and has been operated by the Championship football club since February 2018. Ospreys’ lease deal at the stadium has another 37 years to run, but the club only drew an average of 7,283 fans for its regular season Pro14 games last campaign.

https://www.thestadiumbusiness.com/2019/08/01/ospreys-linked-move-new-sports-hub/

Who owns the stadium the football club or the council?

Its owned by Swansea Council

by Brendan Thu 01 Aug 2019, 11:41 pm

How would it be for fans to get to.
Smaller stadiums are better until the games are constantly selling out.

by mikey_dragon Fri 02 Aug 2019, 4:21 am

Swansea is the main hub, where the majority of their supporters live and work. How easy is it for them to get there? It doesn’t look easy at all at that location. I think they should leave the liberty, but are Ospreys willing to put on free coach travel to get the supporters there? It all costs money.

by maestegmafia Sat 03 Aug 2019, 8:46 am

Money is in pretty short supply in the regions fan base.

by maestegmafia Fri 13 Sep 2019, 4:25 pm

Ospreys team to play Edinburgh.

Good starting XV. And a 15 man bench to look at the larger squad later.

A few exciting selections, number 8 being the one we are going to be most interested in with new guy Gareth Evans in this season from Gloucester and Dan Baker on the bench in a first return from injury. Both are welsh qualified number 8s.
1 Gareth Thomas
2 Sam Parry
3 Tom Botha
4 Lloyd Ashley
5 James King
6 Dan Lydiate
7 Olly Cracknell
8 Gareth Evans
9 Harri Morgan
10 Luke Price
11 Keelan Giles
12 Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler
13 Cory Allen
14 Hanno Dirksen
15 Dan Evans
REPLACEMENTS
16 Scott Otten
17 Rhodri Jones
18 Gheorghe Gajion
19 Will Griffiths
20 Guido Volpi
21 Morgan Morris
22 Sam Cross
23 Dan Baker
24 Reuben Morgan-Williams
25 Matthew Aubrey
26 James Hook
27 Cai Evans
28 Kieran Williams
29 Tom Williams
30 Luke Morgan

by maestegmafia Sat 14 Sep 2019, 5:56 pm

Nice to finish the Preseason games with a win at Murrayfield 21-22 to the Ospreys.

by mikey_dragon Fri 27 Sep 2019, 10:00 pm

Good news is now I have access to premier sports. So to the bad news?

Ospreys were very poor. They started well but then fell apart, that seemed to be the case often last season. There was no control whatsoever from halfback, and with Aled Davies set to slot back in after the world cup I can't see that improving. The wingers weren't great in attack (constantly overrunning it), and especially defence (they seemed to be targeted a lot). No leadership, from either Lydiate or Williams and both underperformed. Ospreys didn't look like a team at all, not sure if it's a coaching issue or whether the players can't be bothered. What they had going for them is the starting front row were strong in the scrum, Ulster were pulling it down (surprise surprise...). Otten looks pretty decent. It is surprising that no lock cover has been brought it in - it was obvious they'd lose 2-3 players in that position. Always thought they needed improvement at wing and halfback, looks like I could be right.

by mikey_dragon Fri 27 Sep 2019, 10:00 pm

Also thought both yellow cards (to Luke Williams) were poor decisions by the ref. The officials seemed good overall.

by wayne Tue 01 Oct 2019, 8:59 pm

Pleased to finally announce that Shaun Venter has signed for us

by maestegmafia Wed 09 Oct 2019, 7:49 am

Another rumour that Rhys Webb could be leaving Toulon. Let’s hope he returns home to Ospreys.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 09 Oct 2019, 9:09 am

maestegmafia wrote:Another rumour that Rhys Webb could be leaving Toulon. Let’s hope he returns home to Ospreys.

The suggestions on the article I read in ruck.co.uk suggested that the regions are largely not interested. Main reason seems to be lack of finances, but also not needing a SH is mentioned. The rumour says his family failed to settle and have already returned. Exeter have apparently already made an offer with Bath interested. His preference is to return to Wales, but I refer back to my first sentence.

by mikey_dragon Wed 09 Oct 2019, 9:23 am

Webb to Dragons Wink

.

On another note, how can the regions not want him when there's still the likes of Tavis Knoyle, Lloyds Williams, Aled Davies kicking around? Awful players and nowhere near the class of Webb.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 09 Oct 2019, 9:40 am

mikey_dragon wrote:Webb to Dragons .

On another note, how can the regions not want him when there's still the likes of Tavis Knoyle, Lloyds Williams, Aled Davies kicking around? Awful players and nowhere near the class of Webb.

I guess the ones not especially interested are those with Gareth Davies and Tomos Williams.

by mikey_dragon Wed 09 Oct 2019, 10:04 am

Another two good'uns behind Davies at Scarlets, Keiran Hardy and Jonny Evans. Blues have just Tomos Williams and the rest aren't great. I can't think of a single good one at Ospreys going by recent form, and I think they let Habberfield go. There's space for him at Dragons, it would mean stalling the academy guys coming through (who look pretty good at 9) and bumping out Knoyle.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 09 Oct 2019, 10:10 am

Not sure Dragons and Ospreys have the cash?

by mikey_dragon Wed 09 Oct 2019, 10:33 am

LondonTiger wrote:Not sure Dragons and Ospreys have the cash?

I wouldn't know for sure, mostly just hopes and dreams I guess. Ospreys needed some more serious recruitment before the season started but they didn't, so you'd assume there aren't any funds. The WRU are joint-owners of the Dragons apparently, so if they wanted him back it would be the WRU's doing; Ospreys first choice (they're his old region and in the euro cup), Dragons second choice. Where there's a will, there's a way!

by No9 Sun 10 Nov 2019, 11:57 pm

Got to sack Clarke. Was critical when he was appointed and it hurts me to say I was right. He’s a waste of time and Ospreys have gone to an all time low under this muppet.

Was a hard decision not to renew my season ticket, but it looks like the lack of numbers I wasn’t the only one.

by Brendan Mon 11 Nov 2019, 11:32 am

No9 wrote:Got to sack Clarke. Was critical when he was appointed and it hurts me to say I was right. He’s a waste of time and Ospreys have gone to an all time low under this muppet.

Was a hard decision not to renew my season ticket, but it looks like the lack of numbers I wasn’t the only one.

While they missed to kicks at the end losing to Kings at home is a new low. Add in that Connacht did a number on them the week before also at home. I know they have a poor second team but is that the main reason. Last year once their first choice players came back from injury they went on a big run finishing as the top Region, is the same not likely to happen this year.

by LordDowlais Mon 11 Nov 2019, 11:51 am

They need to seriously get rid of Allen Clarke, he buggered Ulster up, now he is buggering Ospreys up, all the Ulster fans told us how things would go under him, they all told us he was poison, they all told us he was a bad un...

Yet here we are now, Ospreys are a laughing stock.

by mikey_dragon Mon 11 Nov 2019, 1:17 pm

Ospreys actually have/had a decent 2nd team. Recruitment and performance has gone backwards since the arrival of Clarke. Aside from Venter, 9 & 10 look below pro standard. Price and Evans make Hook look good. Ospreys lost Webb and replaced him with Aled Davies? Awful decision. No lock recruitment until it was too late. As well as Clarke going the board of directors need to go too, most of this is their doing. Dragons and Blues don’t look much better, so these are truly dark times right now.

by mikey_dragon Mon 11 Nov 2019, 1:26 pm

Brendan wrote:
No9 wrote:Got to sack Clarke. Was critical when he was appointed and it hurts me to say I was right. He’s a waste of time and Ospreys have gone to an all time low under this muppet.

Was a hard decision not to renew my season ticket, but it looks like the lack of numbers I wasn’t the only one.

While they missed to kicks at the end losing to Kings at home is a new low. Add in that Connacht did a number on them the week before also at home. I know they have a poor second team but is that the main reason. Last year once their first choice players came back from injury they went on a big run finishing as the top Region, is the same not likely to happen this year.

You sound as delusional as some of their fans. Scarlets had injuries all season, it contributed to a sense of staleness around the team - that’s why Ospreys went top of the welsh teams. Their fixture list at the end of the season included Kings, and people were celebrating a team containing the likes of AWJ, Beard, Tipuric among some other class players, not only the internationals getting wins against lowly Blues, Kings and a poor Cheetahs team were being celebrated as if all the drubbings earlier from that season didn’t happen. Ospreys with that squad should never be this poor but they’ve been on the decline for a while. Anyone who thinks otherwise needs to take another look at last season’s fixture list, the same is happening this year. Ospreys will get demolished by Munster and Saracens 2nd team.

by mikey_dragon Mon 11 Nov 2019, 2:08 pm

Crowds look as if they’re getting smaller. None of the fans even comment on their social media any more, unless it’s to air their frustration (rightfully so) after the match. The only person commenting seems to be their admin, and every other post is “ItsInOurDNA” - doesn’t that bug you too?

by LordDowlais Mon 11 Nov 2019, 2:18 pm

mikey, all four regions are in a mess.

Hardly anybody in Wales cares about the Pro14 anymore. It's on a pay per view channel that nobody wants to pay for.

This is the last decent Wales team we are likely to see for a long time, Wayne Pivoc has a lot of work on his hands.

All this has coincided with the stupid decisions the league has made, the professional game in Wales is on it's knees.

I predicted this last season, only to get railroaded out of town, now it seems the chickens have come home to roost. It gives me no pleasure in saying this, but the WRU need to look at the big picture and decide what they need to do to sort this mess, first things first, put the games back on free to air to get people watching again, lets get the Pro14 on peoples minds, lets get the interest back.

by mikey_dragon Mon 11 Nov 2019, 2:31 pm

LD, at least 3 are. Although, Scarlets still don’t get a big crowd. I wonder if that improves? You’d expect it to but not by much. They should get a full house for certain games though.

I’m not sure what you mean, or what your argument is/was? I don’t see how the current state of our teams, who have been poor for a while is the fault of the league. I’m sure it isn’t the WRU who puts this on PPV or free to air. The subscription to premier sport isn’t much, so if you’re a rugby fan then it makes sense to get it and unsubscribe to sky sports.

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