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SA news reporting Eddie Jones has agreed a release deal with his club, set to be announced tomorrow. Well, there certainly could be worse! Just get rid of Farrell and I'll be happy.
Sad to see the Lomu news, can't beleive he was so young still.
McCaw off, fair play. What else could he possibly achieve.
Let's see if Eddie Jones makes it through by the RFU BS. No doubt he's told them he'll have none of it, they may not like that.
So are you happy with Jones? Sounds welsh to me!
He's as good a choice as any of those that stayed in the running. Sooner him than White. He ain't gonna put up with any of Farrells shit that's for sure!
Shame that he'll likely take Borthwick from Bris though.
I'm reasonably happy with Jones. It was hardly an inspiring short list that was drawn up though :/
Odds on him picking Robshaw?
Interesting times in english rugby, as has been said he will certainly ruffle some feathers. A few players might find out some harsh lessons. Will he cope with RFU interfering? let's wait and see.
McCaw what can you say, what a career. Hope he has a long happy productive life.
Odds on him picking Robshaw?
Possibly, at 6.
Confirmed this morning.
I expect Robshaw to get into the team. He's a tackling machine, grafts all day long and without the captaincy, he'll get into his stride again. Just not at bloody 7!
Interesting times ahead. Looking forward to seeing the next squad announcement.
Will Eddie Jones change the style of rugby that England play? I can't see him continuing the heavy forward, 10 man style?
Jones is a great coach and will certainly improve England. (He can hardly make them worse.)
I still feel the RFU have totally ****ed up though. Ritchie should have gone along with Rob Andrew yet they're absolving themselves of any blame. Furthermore, a director of rugby should have been appointed first who could have then led the search for the new coach.
Campo givin' it straight on the radio this morning...
" It just looks like that you guys have no idea what you are doing.
"Where is your structure? Where are your young coaches who want to be the best in the world? It looks you are desperate, and you just go out and pay the money for somebody who you think will help you. Good luck..."
"Where is your structure? Where are your young coaches who want to be the best in the world? It looks you are desperate, and you just go out and pay the money for somebody who you think will help you. Good luck..."
Erm....doesn't every home nation team have a foreign coach at present?
Has he forgotten about Robbie Deans?
Campo dislikes english rugby so much he could be Welsh 😆
I wonder if Borthwick will go? Jones demanded lesson plans from coaches and was a workaholic with a frightening attention to detail. Times says Borthwick was looking forward to Bristol for a rest!
Looking forward to seeing the next squad announcement
Likewise. I'd expect JJ, Burrell, Watson, Brown and possibly Ford to make the 6N, but I've no idea about the rest. Launchbury, Parling, Kruis, Attwood & Lawes m& Slade all have a chance depending on form.
I reckon he'll go looking for 1,2,3, 7 & 8 and reshape the pack. I do think we've seen the last of Barrit, Haskell, possibly Wood although he could bench for Robshaw.
I'll stick my neck out and go Hartley for Captain 🙂
Tweet from Ben Foden 😀
Have I ever said how much I like Eddie Jones as a Coach #gettinginthereearly
Always thought Eddie Jones looks a bit like Brian Moore's long lost brother, or is just that all hookers get their heads squished into the same shape over time?*
EDIT: *Not a new patio related comment
I'm liking Eddie Jones' appointment..
Would like to see Brian Ashton involved at some point though.
Anyone willing to guess the elite England squad?
^^ that was funny. My wife asked me why I was giggling watching the end of the match. I had to explain what he was doing. (You'd think a girl from Llanelli would have a vague understanding of the game? 🙄 )
The Scarlets did a good job of killing themselves against Racing, despite a Racing player being sent off for a stamp early in the second half. (He deserved the red imo even though it was a pathetic little kick/stamp.)
Strange there isn't an Englishman good enough to be coach but we have two good enough for CEO and Director of Rugby. Agreed with @namaste there should have been a clear out. Also how does an English coach get international experience so they can be a candidate in the future ?
Wasps are hammering Toulon....massively.
Ashley Johnson is playing hooker rather than 8, and is playing really well. Strong scrum and 100%from his 7 lineouts 😯
The Ospreys were beaten by Clermont's home advantage. (Oh, and the ref not awarding an obvious penalty try, not awarding a borderline try, not giving a card for Tipuric being tripped, not giving a card or penalty for Arhip being neck-rolled...)
IJ, I was screaming at the radio at that game! So many bad decisions!
A very good comeback, though.
WTF?
Wasps 32 - 6 Toulon
WTACTUALF?
Wow.
Was happy with Ospreys result before reading that Idle, going to sulk now. 😆
Tbh, as soon as George Clancy appeared on the pitch I expected the Os to lose, so business as usual I guess. A weak referee.
They need to put a video dossier together and get it over to EPRC.
French sides having a rough start to the competition. Certainly opening the door for the cup to come back. Reckon we could see an English side lifting it this season. Leinster are pretty bolloxed already and Munster will struggle to get out of their group, let alone any further. Ulster had a terrible start against Saracens. So can't see it going to one of the provinces. Strong opening weekends from English clubs should see lots of home advantages in the QFs.
Dad - what's your opinion on (if you have one) on the likes of Keith Wood stating that Leinster in particular are suffering from post World Cup physical and mental fatigue?
Dad?!? 😯
Do I need to see a solicitor?
EDIT: It's no surprise tbh. Leinster beat Bath last season because their set piece worked. Bath were probably better at everything else. Their scrum was shoved all over the field yesterday. Hard to believe with the personnel they have. Added to this you have the likes of Kearney and a post-Racing-somehow-become-a-bit-average Sexton misfiring. I dunno how these things work post world-cup ie re-focusing etc, but it seems there's a malaise over them at the moment. They provided the majority of Ireland's squad for the RWC so if the players are affected by it, Leinster would suffer more than most I guess.
deadlydarcy - Member
They need to put a video dossier together and get it over to EPRC.
Just like whispering the devils name three times or whatever it is - criticise an Irishman and darcy arrives in a puff of indignant smoke. 😛
Sorry DD - blooming autocorrect!! I just find it hard to believe that this type of mental & physical fatigue happens when Ireland really only had 2 big games in the World Cup against France and Argentina. How much rugby have the likes of heaslip, Healy, sexton, kearneys etc actually play since the end of last season? I'd imagine not a huge amount although the training camps can obviously be pretty brutal. some of the sections have been a bit strange too...not selecting an international full back in Kerchner (sp?) and playing Madison who is at best a utility 10/12 and has limited experience in he back 3.
Coach isn't a job for life,thats why.jambalaya - MemberStrange there isn't an Englishman good enough to be coach but we have two good enough for CEO and Director of Rugby.
I won't comment on Rob Andrew as I am not sure of his role. But as far as the CEO is concerned his remit ranges far wider than just the performance of the English team. The RFU have just held one of the best World Cups, this is a significant achievement. Likewise much in English Rugby has improved during his tenure, the friction between club and country is much reduced, the Women's game is on a much stronger footing and Ritchie was instrumental in ensuring that the European Club Game didn't split. I think he has sufficient credit in the bank to offset England's very disappointing World Cup performance.
Ritchie's is an administrative role, and one he's bloody good at.
Well in respect of my dealings with him regarding RWC tickets he's a worthless arse coverer.
Wasps 32 - 6 Toulon
CFH any side with Quade Cooper at 10 is capable of a spectacular loss 🙂 to be totally fair I haven't seen the game. As an aside given they have signed him that makes the chances of Cipriani going there look slimmer.
Jonah Lomu likely to have died as a result of a blood clot on his lung formed when flying back from the RWC. Doctor said he was more suseptable to clots as a resukt of his condition. Doubly sad.
Read an article about Creatine and whether its use was linked to Lomu's illness. A lot of supposition and lack of any hard evidence but interesting nontheless.
[url= http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/neil-francis-on-jonah-lomu-a-life-lost-needlessly-34222682.html ]Jonah Lomu - A Life Lost Needlessly[/url]
Ritchie's is an administrative role, and one he's bloody good at.
Yes he is but how does that qualify him to appoint a coach?
ON the evidence of the last four years it doesn't.
[url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/34931298 ]Shouldn't laugh, but.....[/url]
Sam Burgess's move back to South Sydney Rabbitohs has stalled as it will take the club over the NRL's salary cap.
.....
The deal was confirmed earlier this month but the Rabbitohs have been told [b][i]they must release players in order to register Burgess[/i][/b], who helped them win the NRL title in 2014.The club are yet to comment.
(My italics).
So, in essence, someone else is going to have to make way for him. Again.
Yes he is but how does that qualify him to appoint a coach?ON the evidence of the last four years it doesn't.
He has a team around him to help with the decision. Remember, it was a very popular appointment at the time, with near unanimous approval.
RE: Burgess & that salary cap, it didn't stop his last club did it? 😆
Ospreys put it to the piemen
Exeter are a solid team, been down there a few times, apart from them trying to charge £6.50 for a pasty it's always been fun.
Finally caught up on the Wasps v Toulon game, worth 15 mins to watch these highlights I'd say. Wasps made and took their chances well. Toulon have had a mixed start generally but had a good win away at Clermont today. Having their game against Bath pushed back has probably helped them.
Piece in the Telegrapgh today where reades have selected their choice for the next England captain - something like
3. Brown
2. Hartley 😯 😯
1. Launchberry
Launchberry looks to have a bright future but doesn't seem to be a leader. In my view it should be Brown or possibly Ford
Brown 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆
Spikey Mikey is hanging up his boots.
I'm sure Ireland supporters will wish him well....!
Despite his record, Hartley has a long period of experience as Captain, and Saints don't do too bad...
Kyrton having been at the Heineken final where he called Barnes a cheat and then seeing he has binned his chance of being on the Lions tour I wouldn't want to see that rewarded with the captaincy. Hes a bit old too (?) doesn't feel like the future.
Pigface, Brown is the least worst choice, plus I think he'll bring a certain calmness to our decision making 🙂 I am struggling to see other candidates who are likely to be guaranteed starters.
Yes he looks like a calming influence 😆
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The nasty kiwi biter is also getting good pundit reviews. Buggered if I can work out why - he should be nowhere near an England shirt!
I suspect Launchberry may get it and if not, I'm going for Ed Slater.
Not Brown, he'll loose his spot to Watson and he's not good enough on the wing to get another spot. Sub would be my place for Mr Angry.
Ireland supporters
Strange turn of phrase that.
Spikey Mikey is hanging up his boots.
Not quite just retired from internationals. Looking for a last pay day I expect. Quality player who will be much missed. With Davies and Webb his international career was pretty much over unless a big run of injuries took out those 2 and Lloyd Williams. Apparently he sent Williams a text when he was left out of the world cup congratulating him and saying "well done you have retired a legend!"
well done you have retired a legend!"
Priceless, even if it turns out not to be true 🙂
Anyone know why England are playing Wales on 29th May 2016, seems rather bizarre timing for a fixture ?
Its a warm up game for England's summer tour .
Anyone know why England are playing Wales on 29th May 2016, seems rather bizarre timing for a fixture ?
A couple of days after the AP and pro12 finals? What do you mean bizarre? 😉
It's a money spinner, which is why they haven't called it a saxons vs wales A game.
I doubt the welsh will be taking part in any finals even the crappy pro12 one!
It's likely that the saracens and either exeter or wasps players won't be available.
Thanks, got a mailing about the match £82 a ticket so money spinner is clearly what they are hoping for ! Crazy. Can't say I'd pay more than £30 for a summer friendly, I can watch Dan Carter for £10 in competitve Top 14 game.
Amused to hear that E Jones doesnt have a visa. Omens for ERU organisation??
Turned on the Pro 12 game last night and managed to utter the previously unheard of words, "Ooh, Blues v Connacht. This could be good." 🙂
I've been enjoying watching Connacht this season but who knew that there were so many South Sea Islanders living in the west of Ireland? 😆
Chapeau Dusautoir. This season has looked a struggle but a fabulous player and leader. A slice of luck or a referring decision from lifting the RWC
Did Munster send the under 11's to Rodney Parade? Great win by the Dregs 😆
Ospreys win in Italy, will take any win we can.
Yes Dusautoir a brilliant player, seemed to be able to keep it together when all around him in French rugby were going mad.
Pigface - MemberDid Munster send the under 11's to Rodney Parade? Great win by the Dregs
It was an interesting game, if not a classic. Dregs played to a limited game-plan and then realised that Munster just weren't very good so opened up a little. Then realised that they themselves weren't very good so went back to plan. 🙂
Another game with some interesting ref contributions including the game being stopped deep in first half injury time because of safety concerns to a Dregs player. Problem was that at that point the Dregs were attacking a metre out from the Munster line, had control of the ball, looked certain to score and the Dregs player in question was just lying awkwardly. The ref got booed off the pitch for the interval.
Very pleased to see the Leicester re-signings today. Almost all out good players get approaches from the stupid money brigade, just surprised that Worcestet were included in the Manu hunt. No surprise that nobody else was linked with Burns though!
Not Toby to Bath
Looks that way, dragons not happy.
I see another Gatland law exception coming on...
he's out of contract at end of season so can't do anything about it
I meant the "you have to play in in Wales to be selected"
Unless you're an established international
Or could be good
Or once went to wales on holiday
Or just want to move for more money
Actually, what the hell is the rule now?
Daft rule. Welsh club/province rugby needs to get its act together as otherwise players are asked to give up too much to stay. Bath is just over the Bridge so Faletau can make any training/get togethers
I suspect it's more a player release issue, asking and English club to allow a valuable player to be released to train and play against the English national side - I'd like to think Bath would be fair about that.
Understood but there are agreed dates and England have to prepare too
Well Jamie Roberts got to play in a Varsity Match but only until half time and Cambridge went on to lose.
It was a pretty boring game but Roberts was taking 3 or 4 players with him every time, injured the Oxford captain with his first run. I watched the whole thing in the hope my mate would get on the pitch for Oxford but although he was warming up at about the 70minute mark he was never brought on. Guess I should have just watched the 3 games he played for Cambridge in previous years ha.
Also won his first marathon at the start of the year. After two weeks training. And by first I mean it was his first ever marathon, and he won it.
Not jealous me, no way!
Kryton57 - Member
I suspect it's more a player release issue, asking and English club to allow a valuable player to be released to train and play against the English national side - I'd like to think Bath would be fair about that.
It depends on the players contract. North has a clause in his that allows him to come and go as and when he feels like it if Wales call. Others have had more restrictive contracts. But the the RPA have muddied the waters with "allowing their members" to respond to international call ups, as long as its for England. And the RPA gets a backhander.
Gatlands only counts for players in Wales when it was made so Francis, North, Roberts, 1/2p dont count. Priestland and Faletau will count but Gatland can make exceptions. I doubt Priestland will play for Wales again though.
Daft rule. Welsh club/province rugby needs to get its act together as otherwise players are asked to give up too much to stay.
They are regions you ignorant pillock and the rule is no more daft than the one England havecre France based players. At least Wales have won the odd cup in the last 10 years or so.
What's daft is that Gatland keeps asking about exceptions. Completely reasonable for any Union to want its best players, playing in their country. You can't stop them moving away, but you can make it less appealing
Ulster - Toulouse. 😯
Ulster - Toulouse.
DAFUQ? Just looked at the score! What the hell happened there? Did Toulouse just not bother to turn up or something?