Pro 14 2019/2020 Season

First topic message reminder :

From a Dragons fan perspective looking ahead into the new season and which sides I would like to catch early in the Pro14 due to players having gone to the World Cup.

Obviously Hill, Dee & Moriarty will be big misses for us during this period. I think we may have Wainwright available (if they end up picking Shingler to cover Lock/Blindside). Think Brown probably wont make the cut either.

So hopefully our starter lineup will look like this:
1. Bevington 2. Hibbard 3. Brown/Fairbrother 4. Nansen 5. Screech 6. Wainwright 7. Griffiths 8. Evans
9. Williams 10. Davies 11. Rosser 12. Dixon 13. Morgan 14. Howells 15. Williams

Now looking at the other sides in the competition it would be great if we could catch some of the league powerhouses early. My Breakdown of the other teams:-

1. Scarlets - Look weak in the front 3. Possibly a weakness at outside centre as well. Would imagine they will be playing Asquith at 12 during this period. McNicholl will probably be the star man on this team opening rounds.

2. Blues - On paper even without the internationals they look a seasoned well rounded team. Probably dangerous for any team in the league during the opening rounds. Halaholo is my star man pick but the entire Blues 8 are extremely experienced (although I don't rate Gill much). Also unclear if Ellis will recover from injury or if he will end up parachuted into Wales WC Squad. If not he will just add to that fairly experienced pack.

3. Ospreys - Will have a fairly competitive pack assuming Bradley doesn't make the cut for the World Cup. The real weakness for them is in the backline. At 9 currently they will be playing rookies and 13 potentially as well unless they opt to play Hook at 12 and move Allen to 13. Giles will probably end up on the wing as well and while he has potential - defensively they may struggle against experienced backlines. That said they probably have enough upfront to power over most teams in the league. Star Man will be Bradley Davies if he doesn't make the world cup.

4. Munster - Probably going to missing around 11 players on World Cup duty. To me Tighthead and at 8 they look particularly weak. To me the backline also looks a little short on quality although granted they do have some potential in the backline.Personally I would like to catch them at Rodney Parade early. I'm still not sure away would be a banker for us. Reckon their key man will be Bleyendaal in the opening part of the season for his experience.

5. Leinster - Now I don't know if they still have the rule of not being able to select 2 non irish players in their starting 15's or if they are allowed exceptions in the early part of this season. Even taking into consideration that they can start Fardy, Gibson-Park, Lowe and Tomane the real problem for them is in the pack. They look seriously underpowered and inexperienced. They probably are hoping Smidt doesn't take Ruddock to the WC. Personally getting these in R2 or R3 away would be perfect. I think we can take them early doors before the return of their internationals. Star Man: Lowe

6. Ulster - For me probably the biggest Irish threat early. Only place they might be a little short on experience will be at 5 and 14. Pack on paper looks extremely strong and along with Cardiff both these sides should be fairly confident into the early rounds. Star Man: McCloskey
Would like to avoid these early doors altogether.

7. Connacht - Not really disrupted to much for internationals like us. Good experienced team. Always going to be dangerous at home. Star Man: Roux Another side I would like to see us avoid early doors but if we have to a home draw that wouldn't be the worst fixture start for us.

8. Edinburgh - Cockerill has done a amazing job with them. Surely even he can't cover 14 players at the world cup. Still managed to assemble a big pack for this period though so it's clear they wont be beaten upfront easily. 9, 10 and 15 look like the real problem area for him. Getting them at home would suit me fine. Star Man: Socino

9. Glasgow - Probably losing at least 13 players if not more. They still have a lot of experience in that squad. On paper probably have to much for us home or away. If we have to though a home draw would be better. Star Man: Lee Jones

10. Treviso - Backline looks very experienced for the league. Upfront a different story altogether. Can see them taking a bit of a battering upfront early doors. Star Man: Ioane
Don't mind if we get them early home or away

11. Zebre - Same story with them. Losing key personnel to the WC. Upfront looks very inexperienced. Backline will also be inexperienced. Can they get Boni back in time for the start of the season. The Centre was a powerhouse before his long term injury and would also have made the Italian squad if he wasn't out of action. Star Man: Walker (reckon he's going to surprise a few in the Pro14)

12. Kings - Not going to be missing any internationals. But they still lack quality for compete at this level. No signings of note in the off season. Could be a long season for them again? Personally I expect us to beat them home and away. Would be a waste to draw them during the World Cup period. Star Man: Catrakilis

13. Cheetahs - Same story as the Kings. To many lost star after their first season in the Pro14. They do have a better record than the kings and at home they will win games. Prefer to not draw them either in the opening rounds. Star Man: Nche

How do you fancy your teams chances and what teams would you like to draw early or avoid during the World Cup?

Irish Londoner wrote:

Brendan wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:B and I league is a pipe dream. Unlikely to generate more money for the english clubs plus giving up power and plus it would lead to less interest and this money in Europe.

I also don't see why CVC and sponsors wouldn't want the Italian and South African markets to be part of it.  I don't see also why CVC would pay for the Pro14 and then discard two unions when they could just go to the three unions they want and give them the money.

Surely three strong European leagues raises the rugby profile then only have two leagues in a smaller market.

If it is going to happen (unlikely, Anglo Welsh at best) it is more likely to be an American Football type set up of small conferences and play x number of other teams.

I'd have no problems with the Italians staying in, it would kill the game in Italy if they were dropped, however I can't imagine the RFU or the English clubs being overly happy with the SA teams - a Saffer team playing in a B & I league would probably be much more popular in SA than the teams competing in the SANZAR competition.

The real problem would be with the size of the leagues and their structure - logic dictates a "conference system" based on geography, but in turn that would deny the Welsh clubs their fixtures with the English top clubs which they seem to believe is their route to financial salvation and world domination however a league based on performance would probably see at least two of the Welsh teams in the second tier which again pits them against the likes of Worcester, London Irish, and Newcastle rather than the glamour of Saracens, Bath and Exeter.

I think the only way to bring PRL to the table on this is by offering them maximum financial and commercial benefits from the deal. For that, we'd need the Irish for sure, and if the big SA teams were possible I think that would be very attractive. The issue there would be that SANZAR would not be happy at all if the likes of the Sharks and Stormers left Super Rugby

Irish Londoner wrote:The real problem would be with the size of the leagues and their structure - logic dictates a "conference system" based on geography, but in turn that would deny the Welsh clubs their fixtures with the English top clubs which they seem to believe is their route to financial salvation and world domination however a league based on performance would probably see at least two of the Welsh teams in the second tier which again pits them against the likes of Worcester, London Irish, and Newcastle rather than the glamour of Saracens, Bath and Exeter.

How would this league lead to world domination ? We are not doing too badly now, Wales 2nd in the world rankings, a recent grand slam, 14 game unbeaten run, and that is without this new league.

Why are all these snide swipes allowed on here ?

I was thinking about some of the comments under the WOL article you quoted, in particular this gem:
"Look at an old fixture list from the 70s
We played all the welsh clubs and most of leading English ones of their day - Bath Bristol Leicester and Quins plus London welsh
We played the Jocks over New Years day and Xmas who were on Tour
Newport Cardiff and Swansea also played the Ba baas
we never played the Irish - well Pontypool used to go on a pre season tour and beat up Munster every now and again .
The problem is not the Irish but our pampered players who only play about 4 times a season for their regions. That won't be allowed."

I believe that's what they call living in the past.

I think it could work out. Add the 2 big SA teams, for 16 Pro 14(16) teams, England get to ringfence with 14 teams which should Prem/RFU happy. Make it a rule each team can only have max 3/4 NQ players, to ease SH player drain and keep Unions happy.

3 conferences of 10, play home and away (forget the inter pro and inter region, 1872 cup games for now). 18 game regular season will, mean best players on show more and add player wellfare.

Top 2 in each go to quarter finals, 3rd in each three of the three go though based on points like HCup.

Groups rearranged each year based on points and not geography to make sure they are as balanced as possible.

For the interpros, inter regions 1872 cup etc these are seperate and arranged as mini cups.

Eg 1872 cup is not part of League but Glasgow and Edinburgh can play home and away for it (or one off game)
Regions/Provinces may arrange their own cup as a double header. Winners of each game play again at later date for the cup.

English teams group in three or fours based on geogaphy and rivalries maybe even with a champion ship club and play for a cup for each group
Eg maybe North Cup - Newcastle Falcons, Sale, Yorkshire Carnegie and Doncaster?
London Cup - LI, Saracens, Harliquins play each other home and away, top of mini league gets cup? or add 4th championship team?
South east cup - Exeter, Bristol, Bath Gloucester.
Mid lands cup, Tigers, Saints, Wasps, Worcester.

Those are just examples and RFU/Prem would arrange the groups for local cups, so that the rivaleries play out.

If this works, and the South Africans are allowed to join, I can see them leaving super rugby in a heart beat. They are propping up the SH unions as it is.

I think SA will replace the 2 that leave with Pumas and Griquas moving up to super rugby the 8 teams will also play the currie cup. Makes two bigger and two smaller teams on each comp.

Kingshu wrote:I think SA will replace the 2 that leave with Pumas and Griquas moving up to super rugby the 8 teams will also play the currie cup. Makes two bigger and two smaller teams on each comp.

The renegoations for Super Rugby will be interesting to see what is written in about teams. Super Rugby is now at best on par with the HC. Unless they up the money per team the drain will speed up.

Brendan wrote:

Kingshu wrote:I think SA will replace the 2 that leave with Pumas and Griquas moving up to super rugby the 8 teams will also play the currie cup. Makes two bigger and two smaller teams on each comp.

The renegoations for Super Rugby will be interesting to see what is written in about teams.  Super Rugby is now at best on par with the HC.  Unless they up the money per team the drain will speed up.

A little generous there. Super Rugby is nowhere near the standard of the HC. I would argue all three domestic leagues (Top 14, Pro14 and Aviva Prem) are all better leagues in terms of quality. The stand out thing I have taken from Super rugby is they just don't defend well in that league. If you put the Crusaders into the HC they wouldn't have a chance of winning it.

One thing is clear - a demise at this level will harm SH rugby at international level potentially on a permanent basis. We are already seeing this being reflected in the world rankings. Its only going to get worse moving forward as well. Top 14 are now recruiting actively at Academy level as the overseas player rules come into affect so I can see the best talent in world rugby all heading to French academies.

Irish Londoner wrote:I was thinking about some of the comments under the WOL article you quoted, in particular this gem:
"Look at an old fixture list from the 70s
We played all the welsh clubs and most of leading English ones of their day - Bath Bristol Leicester and Quins plus London welsh
We played the Jocks over New Years day and Xmas who were on Tour
Newport Cardiff and Swansea also played the Ba baas
we never played the Irish - well Pontypool used to go on a pre season tour and beat up Munster every now and again .
The problem is not the Irish but our pampered players who only play about 4 times a season for their regions. That won't be allowed."

What’s funny is that up to the late 90s the likes of little Neath and Pontypool did actually go away and beat up Munster (on the scoreboard) quite easily. Where did it all go wrong for us.

Welshmushroom wrote:

Brendan wrote:

Kingshu wrote:I think SA will replace the 2 that leave with Pumas and Griquas moving up to super rugby the 8 teams will also play the currie cup. Makes two bigger and two smaller teams on each comp.

The renegoations for Super Rugby will be interesting to see what is written in about teams.  Super Rugby is now at best on par with the HC.  Unless they up the money per team the drain will speed up.

A little generous there.  Super Rugby is nowhere near the standard of the HC.  I would argue all three domestic leagues (Top 14, Pro14 and Aviva Prem) are all better leagues in terms of quality. The stand out thing I have taken from Super rugby is they just don't defend well in that league.  If you put the Crusaders into the HC they wouldn't have a chance of winning it.

One thing is clear - a demise at this level will harm SH rugby at international level potentially on a permanent basis.  We are already seeing this being reflected in the world rankings.  Its only going to get worse moving forward as well. Top 14 are now recruiting actively at Academy level as the overseas player rules come into affect so I can see the best talent in world rugby all heading to French academies.

A team packed with ABs wouldn’t have a chance of winning the HC, really?

mikey_dragon wrote:

Welshmushroom wrote:

Brendan wrote:

Kingshu wrote:I think SA will replace the 2 that leave with Pumas and Griquas moving up to super rugby the 8 teams will also play the currie cup. Makes two bigger and two smaller teams on each comp.

The renegoations for Super Rugby will be interesting to see what is written in about teams.  Super Rugby is now at best on par with the HC.  Unless they up the money per team the drain will speed up.

A little generous there.  Super Rugby is nowhere near the standard of the HC.  I would argue all three domestic leagues (Top 14, Pro14 and Aviva Prem) are all better leagues in terms of quality. The stand out thing I have taken from Super rugby is they just don't defend well in that league.  If you put the Crusaders into the HC they wouldn't have a chance of winning it.

One thing is clear - a demise at this level will harm SH rugby at international level potentially on a permanent basis.  We are already seeing this being reflected in the world rankings.  Its only going to get worse moving forward as well. Top 14 are now recruiting actively at Academy level as the overseas player rules come into affect so I can see the best talent in world rugby all heading to French academies.

A team packed with ABs wouldn’t have a chance of winning the HC, really?

The sheer quantity of top players leaving super rugby has had a huge effect, as it would in any league. Money is the defining factor of the modern game and the three wealthiest leagues (Japan, France and England), have a huge amount more cash than anyone else.

I don’t think wealth separation is good for the game, e have an opportunity to address this before it really does kick in and dramatically change rugby for ever.

I would say the crusaders don't have more internationals than teams like Sarries and Leinster.  Add in that the two NH teams also have a few NQ players of equal standard while the SH team doesn't. So I don't think it's a stretch to say they wouldn't win it.  When you consider that nearly half the Lions team, if Billy had been fit would now be Sarries players.  Add in that they have added Daly this year their squad is much better then the crusaders squad.

It is ironic that the Crusades probably are the team that relies most on defence so is already playing NH rugby. As we are seeing inn the championship the jaguar were great but Argentina not so much, so super rugby is not almost test level. In HC you can have teams that are 75+% international players regularly. Also look at the stars of SA rugby who are based up north.

Brendan wrote:I would say the crusaders don't have more internationals than teams like Sarries and Leinster.  Add in that the two NH teams also have a few NQ players of equal standard while the SH team doesn't. So I don't think it's a stretch to say they wouldn't win it.  When you consider that nearly half the Lions team, if Billy had been fit would now be Sarries players.  Add in that they have added Daly this year their squad is much better then the crusaders squad.

It is ironic that the Crusades probably are the team that relies most on defence so is already playing NH rugby.  As we are seeing inn the championship the jaguar were great but Argentina not so much, so super rugby is not almost test level.  In HC you can have teams that are 75+% international players regularly.  Also look at the stars of SA rugby who are based up north.

No but it is a stretch to say they’d struggle, as they would beat most. Crusaders are probably up there with Saracens and Leinster.

Brendan wrote:I would say the crusaders don't have more internationals than teams like Sarries and Leinster.  Add in that the two NH teams also have a few NQ players of equal standard while the SH team doesn't. So I don't think it's a stretch to say they wouldn't win it.  When you consider that nearly half the Lions team, if Billy had been fit would now be Sarries players.  Add in that they have added Daly this year their squad is much better then the crusaders squad.

It is ironic that the Crusades probably are the team that relies most on defence so is already playing NH rugby.  As we are seeing inn the championship the jaguar were great but Argentina not so much, so super rugby is not almost test level.  In HC you can have teams that are 75+% international players regularly.  Also look at the stars of SA rugby who are based up north.

What makes you say Argentina haven't been great in the RC? They could have beaten the ABs in week one if it wasnt for that incredibly stupid intercept try they gave away.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

Brendan wrote:I would say the crusaders don't have more internationals than teams like Sarries and Leinster.  Add in that the two NH teams also have a few NQ players of equal standard while the SH team doesn't. So I don't think it's a stretch to say they wouldn't win it.  When you consider that nearly half the Lions team, if Billy had been fit would now be Sarries players.  Add in that they have added Daly this year their squad is much better then the crusaders squad.

It is ironic that the Crusades probably are the team that relies most on defence so is already playing NH rugby.  As we are seeing inn the championship the jaguar were great but Argentina not so much, so super rugby is not almost test level.  In HC you can have teams that are 75+% international players regularly.  Also look at the stars of SA rugby who are based up north.

What makes you say Argentina haven't been great in the RC? They could have beaten the ABs in week one if it wasnt for that incredibly stupid intercept try they gave away.

Considering what was expected and also when you take into account all the players NZ left out of the 23.

mikey_dragon wrote:

Welshmushroom wrote:

Brendan wrote:

Kingshu wrote:I think SA will replace the 2 that leave with Pumas and Griquas moving up to super rugby the 8 teams will also play the currie cup. Makes two bigger and two smaller teams on each comp.

The renegoations for Super Rugby will be interesting to see what is written in about teams.  Super Rugby is now at best on par with the HC.  Unless they up the money per team the drain will speed up.

A little generous there.  Super Rugby is nowhere near the standard of the HC.  I would argue all three domestic leagues (Top 14, Pro14 and Aviva Prem) are all better leagues in terms of quality. The stand out thing I have taken from Super rugby is they just don't defend well in that league.  If you put the Crusaders into the HC they wouldn't have a chance of winning it.

One thing is clear - a demise at this level will harm SH rugby at international level potentially on a permanent basis.  We are already seeing this being reflected in the world rankings.  Its only going to get worse moving forward as well. Top 14 are now recruiting actively at Academy level as the overseas player rules come into affect so I can see the best talent in world rugby all heading to French academies.

A team packed with ABs wouldn’t have a chance of winning the HC, really?

Look at all the crusader roster that's leaving this season. Can you honestly tell me the side Crusaders will be fielding next Super Rugby campaign would get anywhere close to winning the HC. By my count the only seasoned capped players they will have left is Moody, Taylor, Barrett, Romano, Todd, Mo'unga, Goodhue and Havili. That's 8 players. Of those guys only a couple of those guys are really ripping up trees at the moment.

The rest of their capped players (Drummond, Bridge, Ennor, Reece) have not even been able to establish themselves as proper all blacks.

Now if we had this conversation a few years ago I wouldn't have argued with you on the fact Crusaders had a damn good team. But my point still stands. Aside from Crusaders who in my view aren't as good as the general opinion of them is, who else is actually a descent team in that tournament? My point is part of the reason I think SH rugby was so dominant for so long in the past is they had a competition with all the best players in it. Fast forward to today and that just isn't the case any longer.

And before you tell me how great Crusaders are again I want you to look at Saracens pool. Look at each teams roster for next season. Then tell me how Crusaders are on par with Saracens. Like it or not Saracens probably have got the current title of best club side in world rugby and most of it is down to the fact they have proven it against descent teams. Crusaders have not.

Kings are playing so games against Namibia in preparation for the league and WC.

Does anyone else know any other Pro 14 teams playing national sides

Brendan wrote:Kings are playing so games against Namibia in preparation for the league and WC.

Does anyone else know any other Pro 14 teams playing national sides

Leinster are playing Canada soon enough.

Welshmushroom wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

Welshmushroom wrote:

Brendan wrote:

Kingshu wrote:I think SA will replace the 2 that leave with Pumas and Griquas moving up to super rugby the 8 teams will also play the currie cup. Makes two bigger and two smaller teams on each comp.

The renegoations for Super Rugby will be interesting to see what is written in about teams.  Super Rugby is now at best on par with the HC.  Unless they up the money per team the drain will speed up.

A little generous there.  Super Rugby is nowhere near the standard of the HC.  I would argue all three domestic leagues (Top 14, Pro14 and Aviva Prem) are all better leagues in terms of quality. The stand out thing I have taken from Super rugby is they just don't defend well in that league.  If you put the Crusaders into the HC they wouldn't have a chance of winning it.

One thing is clear - a demise at this level will harm SH rugby at international level potentially on a permanent basis.  We are already seeing this being reflected in the world rankings.  Its only going to get worse moving forward as well. Top 14 are now recruiting actively at Academy level as the overseas player rules come into affect so I can see the best talent in world rugby all heading to French academies.

A team packed with ABs wouldn’t have a chance of winning the HC, really?

Look at all the crusader roster that's leaving this season.  Can you honestly tell me the side Crusaders will be fielding next Super Rugby campaign would get anywhere close to winning the HC.  By my count the only seasoned capped players they will have left is Moody, Taylor, Barrett, Romano, Todd, Mo'unga, Goodhue and Havili.  That's 8 players.  Of those guys only a couple of those guys are really ripping up trees at the moment.

The rest of their capped players (Drummond, Bridge, Ennor, Reece) have not even been able to establish themselves as proper all blacks.  

Now if we had this conversation a few years ago I wouldn't have argued with you on the fact Crusaders had a damn good team.  But my point still stands.  Aside from Crusaders who in my view aren't as good as the general opinion of them is, who else is actually a descent team in that tournament? My point is part of the reason I think SH rugby was so dominant for so long in the past is they had a competition with all the best players in it.  Fast forward to today and that just isn't the case any longer.  

And before you tell me how great Crusaders are again I want you to look at Saracens pool.  Look at each teams roster for next season.  Then tell me how Crusaders are on par with Saracens.  Like it or not Saracens probably have got the current title of best club side in world rugby and most of it is down to the fact they have proven it against descent teams.   Crusaders have not.

You didn’t say that though, you said Crusaders wouldn’t have a chance of winning the HC, which is daft. We assumed you were talking about the current team. I’m not sure who else they’re losing apart from Read, but it wouldn’t be the first time they’ve had to rebuild the squad and still come out strong. Crusaders are always good.

Hurricanes and the rest of the NZ franchises look pretty good. Bulls, Lions, and Brumbies would also compete.

How many teams outside of 4 teams in Europe have a chance of winning the HC

Brendan wrote:How many teams outside of 4 teams in Europe have a chance of winning the HC

Everyone else in the HC?

Final confirmed for Cardiff. Excellent choice, well done Pro14.

Cardiff City Stadium - capacity 33k

Good news.

Be lovely to see the resurgent Dragons, just ten miles down the road from me.

RugbyFan100 wrote:Final confirmed for Cardiff. Excellent choice, well done Pro14.

Cardiff City Stadium - capacity 33k

Great choice, if a Welsh team get to the final would it be worth moving it to the Millenium ?

RugbyFan100 wrote:Final confirmed for Cardiff. Excellent choice, well done Pro14.

Cardiff City Stadium - capacity 33k

I'm not a fan of this propensity to use soccer grounds and even though a nice looking ground so I'll remain one of those in need of convincing.
It is what it is mind you and well done Cardiff, it's not as if you've not hosted the odd big rugby day out before. As it's a city I do like very much I may well visit for this

Whilst I've seen people have reservations about CCS, at least unlike Celtic Park it has had regular experience of hosting rugby games.

Also, on the upside you might get a chance to try a Grazing Shed burger.

RiscaGame wrote:
Also, on the upside you might get a chance to try a Grazing Shed burger.

I can't work out if that sounds like a positive or a negative

Can't tell you myself yet, but it always smells amazing. Hopefully next Friday will be the day I find out.

Pete330v2 wrote:

RugbyFan100 wrote:Final confirmed for Cardiff. Excellent choice, well done Pro14.

Cardiff City Stadium - capacity 33k

I'm not a fan of this propensity to use soccer grounds and even though a nice looking ground so I'll remain one of those in need of convincing.
It is what it is mind you and well done Cardiff, it's not as if you've not hosted the odd big rugby day out before. As it's a city I do like very much I may well visit for this

I presume the plan is to fill a medium sized stadium rather than not fill the Millenium?

Happy it's in Wales. But the ground capacity is less than the attendance at the last 4 finals. And WAY less than the last 3.

I believe there is a concert booked in on that date at the Principality Stadium.

St John The Enforcer wrote:Happy it's in Wales. But the ground capacity is less than the attendance at the last 4 finals. And WAY less than the last 3.

Don’t worry, they won’t fill it anyway!

The Oracle wrote:I believe there is a concert booked in on that date at the Principality Stadium.

Good night for Cardiff pub owners and hoteliers then!

Irish Londoner wrote:

Great choice, if a Welsh team get to the final would it be worth moving it to the Millenium ?

Because of their massive fanbase?

RugbyFan100 wrote:

Irish Londoner wrote:

Great choice, if a Welsh team get to the final would it be worth moving it to the Millenium ?

Because of their massive fanbase?

Well, we manage to get a decent turnout for the Judgement Day games that must include non-diehards and walk up trade. And that is for a lowly league game. Why not a decent crowd for a final? I'd go. I'd probably go if there's no Welsh team in the final too!

The Oracle wrote:

RugbyFan100 wrote:

Irish Londoner wrote:

Great choice, if a Welsh team get to the final would it be worth moving it to the Millenium ?

Because of their massive fanbase?

Well, we manage to get a decent turnout for the Judgement Day games that must include non-diehards and walk up trade.  And that is for a lowly league game.  Why not a decent crowd for a final?  I'd go.  I'd probably go if there's no Welsh team in the final too!

The Principality stadium was only 85% full when Wales beat Australia in the Autumn. So I'm not sure the Welsh public would get behind a Glasgow v Ospreys final enough to justify switching stadiums.

RugbyFan100 wrote:

The Oracle wrote:

RugbyFan100 wrote:

Irish Londoner wrote:

Great choice, if a Welsh team get to the final would it be worth moving it to the Millenium ?

Because of their massive fanbase?

Well, we manage to get a decent turnout for the Judgement Day games that must include non-diehards and walk up trade.  And that is for a lowly league game.  Why not a decent crowd for a final?  I'd go.  I'd probably go if there's no Welsh team in the final too!

The Principality stadium was only 85% full when Wales beat Australia in the Autumn. So I'm not sure the Welsh public would get behind a Glasgow v Ospreys final enough to justify switching stadiums.

Noticed bargain bin Ospreys shirts are becoming this season's 'must have' for many of those urban camping aficionados currently enjoying their outdoor lifestyle in the tent villages of Newport, don't underestimate the potential support in the area.

Be a good opportunity for a load of Glaswegian entrepreneurs wanting to shift some of Scotland's most famous commodity as well come to think of it.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49486830

LordDowlais wrote:https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49486830

It sounded like nonsense from day 1.

profitius wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/49486830

It sounded like nonsense from day 1.

It would be great for the PRO14 teams but there's no advantage in it for the English clubs.

From the great paper wales on-line when interviewing Martin Anayi about the move to Premier Sport.  As we all know Wales On-line always has the truth

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/wales-rugby-pro14-league-team-16824821

You don’t make the switch from mainly free to pay overnight. If you do, you will see a significant drop off. We haven’t. Overall our viewership is broadly the same from pre-Premier deal to now. We have held that viewership and we have brought in more money.

The Cheetahs win the Currie Cup. Might not mean they have improved but it's still a good sign. Winning the Currie Cup shows SA that the Pro 14 is a high standard if they can be strong in the Currie cup

https://m.sport24.co.za/Rugby/CurrieCup/cheetahs-cap-fine-season-with-currie-cup-title-20190907

Brendan wrote:From the great paper wales on-line when interviewing Martin Anayi about the move to Premier Sport.  As we all know Wales On-line always has the truth

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/wales-rugby-pro14-league-team-16824821

You don’t make the switch from mainly free to pay overnight. If you do, you will see a significant drop off. We haven’t. Overall our viewership is broadly the same from pre-Premier deal to now. We have held that viewership and we have brought in more money.

But I'm sure we were told, multiple times, that that would not happen, that fans would turn away, that rugby would be lost and become a minor sport like squash.

Cheetahs won the Currie cup. Does that mean we'll see an improved team capable making the play offs in the Pro 14?

Kingshu wrote:Cheetahs won the Currie cup. Does that mean we'll see an improved team capable making the play offs in the Pro 14?

It's is a good thing that they have won it as it's great for the fans and the team.  Not sure if there has been any issues with weakened teams but you would assume that if it was a full Rugby Championship more not less players would have been involved in SA training camps

They need to hit the ground running if they want to have any hope of a playoff spot.  There is potentially only one spot left (Leinster and Glasgow get the other two).  Ulster have lost less players than expected to the WC so should be favourites for that spot. Even if they finish 5th but close to Scarlets and Ulster I'd be happy

carpet baboon wrote:

Brendan wrote:From the great paper wales on-line when interviewing Martin Anayi about the move to Premier Sport.  As we all know Wales On-line always has the truth

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/wales-rugby-pro14-league-team-16824821

You don’t make the switch from mainly free to pay overnight. If you do, you will see a significant drop off. We haven’t. Overall our viewership is broadly the same from pre-Premier deal to now. We have held that viewership and we have brought in more money.

But I'm sure we were told, multiple times, that that would not happen, that fans would turn away, that rugby would be lost and become a minor sport like squash.

Premier Sports will have coverage of all La Liga games included in the package by the sounds of their announcement today

BamBam wrote:

carpet baboon wrote:

Brendan wrote:From the great paper wales on-line when interviewing Martin Anayi about the move to Premier Sport.  As we all know Wales On-line always has the truth

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/wales-rugby-pro14-league-team-16824821

You don’t make the switch from mainly free to pay overnight. If you do, you will see a significant drop off. We haven’t. Overall our viewership is broadly the same from pre-Premier deal to now. We have held that viewership and we have brought in more money.

But I'm sure we were told, multiple times, that that would not happen, that fans would turn away, that rugby would be lost and become a minor sport like squash.

Premier Sports will have coverage of all La Liga games included in the package by the sounds of their announcement today

Is that baby food from southern California?

No, but that would probably be more entertaining than watching the Welsh in the Pro 14

BamBam wrote:No, but that would probably be more entertaining than watching the Welsh in the Pro 14

To be fair the baby food would make a splash here and there. And it would definately leave marks all over the supporters