Leicester Tigers 2014/15 Thread.

[Welly]

Current Tables Positions:
 AP: 5th
 CC: 2nd in Group 3
 LV: 1st in Pool 3 

Last Game: V Bath @ Welford Road (Won 17 - 8) (Att: 24,000)
Next Game: V Harliquins @ Twickenham Stoop (15:15 KO) Sat 10 January 2015, (Live on BT Sport)


Official 1st XV squad 2014/15: ( Injured, Internationals, Suspension, "Knocked", )
 Head Coach/DoR: Richard Cockerill
 Assistant coaches: G. Murphy, R. Blaze, P.Blake,
 Captain: Ed Slater
 Props: Ayerza, Balmain, Bristow, Brugnara, Cole, Mulipola, Pasquali, Rizzo

 Hookers: Briggs, Ghiraldini, Thacker, Youngs .

 Locks: Deacon, De Cheves, Kitchener, Parling, Price, Slater, Thorn, Peterson

 Back Row: Barbieri, Crane, Croft, Gibson, Matera, Pearce, Salvi, Whetton

 Scrum Half: Harrison, Mele, Youngs

 Fly Half: Burns, Williams

 Centres: Allen, Bai , Heptema, Loamanu, Pohe, Roberts, Smith, Tuilagi ,

 Back 3: Benjamin, Camacho, Goneva, Hamilton, Morris, Scully, Tait, Thompstone, Bell

Development Players 2014/15:
 Oliver Bryant, George Catchpole, Jake Farnworth, Tom Hudson, Ed Milne, Will Owen, Aniseko Sio, George Tresidder, Rhys Williams.


 New Deals 2014/14
 Dan Cole (Long term)
 Marcos Ayerza (3 years)
 Tom Youngs (Long Term)
 Owen Williams
 Graham Kitchener
 Fraser Balmain
 Tiziano Pasquali
 Harry Thacker
 Riccardo Brugnara





 Transfers in 2014/15:
 Brad Thorn (Highlanders)
 Tommy Bell (Jersey)
 Jack Roberts (Rotherham Titans)
 Aaron Mauger (Canterbury Crusaders)
 Jack Whetton (ACT Brumbies)
 Greg Peterson (Manly)

 Transfers Out 2014/15:
 Paul Burke (N/A)
 Neil McCarthy (N?A)
 Mathew Tait (Bayonne)

 Rumours:
Nyanga -----> Leicester, Touion or Metro(http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,2588 ... 29,00.html)
Fonua ------> Leicester
Dusautoir ----> Leicester, Irish, Bath Saracens
Albacete -----> Leicester, Irish, Bath Saracens
(both https://twitter.com/pauleddison)
Liam williams -> Leicester (Rugby Paper)
Jerome Kaino --> Leicester
Willem Alberts --> Leicester (Gillingham)
Mike Williams ---> Leicester (Fissler)
Justin Tipuric --> Leicester (TRP)
 

Home tickets can be brought Here:

[b]Premiership rugby 7's[/b]:

Leicester Finish as Plate winners of the 2014 Premiership Sevens!!!!!!!!!

Pre-season games 2014 + friendlies:
 Sat Aug 16th 15:00: Nottingham v Leicester Tigers @ Lady Bay Sports Ground, Nottingham's training ground, in West Bridgford (Lost 26-19)
 Sat Aug 23th 14:00: Edinburgh V Leicester Tigers @ Melrose. (Won 10 -11)
 Fri  Aug 29th 19:30: Leicester Tigers V Cardiff Blues @ Welford Road (Won 21 - 17)
 Tues Nov 4th 19:30: Leicester Tigers V Barbarians @ Welford Road (Lost 26 - 59)

 Fixtures AP 2014/15:
R1: Saturday 06 /09/14, 15.00 – Newcastle Falcons (H) – Welford Road (Won 36 -17)   (Att: 22,639)
R2: Saturday 13/09/14, 15.15 – Exeter Chiefs (A) – Sandy Park (BT Sport) (Won 20 - 24)  (Att: 9,721)
R3: Saturday 20/09/14, 15.15 – Bath Rugby (A) – The Rec (BT Sport) ( Lost 45-0)  (Att: 12,817)
R4: Saturday 27/09/14, 15.00 – London Irish (H) – Welford Road (Lost 19-22)  (Att: 21,682)
R5: Saturday 04/10/14, 15.15 – Gloucester Rugby (A) – Kingsholm (BT Sport) (Lost 33 - 16)  (Att: 15,127)
R6: Friday 10/10/14, 19.45 – Harlequins (H) – Welford Road (BT Sport) (Won 22 - 16)  (Att: 21,510)
R7: Saturday 15/11/14 – 15.00 – Saracens (H) – Welford Road (BT Sport) (Draw 21 - 21) (Att: 21,680)
R8: Sunday 23/11/14 – 14.30 – London Welsh (A) – Kassam Stadium (BT Sport) (Won 5 - 26) (Att: 3,249)
R9: Saturday 29/11/14, 15.00 – Wasps (H) – Welford Road (Won 18 - 16) (Att: 21,907)
R10: Saturday 20/12/14 15.00 – Northampton Saints (A) – Franklin's Gardens (Lost 23 - 19) (Att: 13, 362)
R11: Saturday 27/12/14, 14.00 – Sale Sharks (A) – AJ Bell Stadium (Won 30 - 32) (Att: 11, 247)
R12: Saturday 03/01/15, 15.00 – Bath Rugby (H) – Welford Road (Won 17 - 8) (Att: 24,000)
R13: Saturday 10/01/15, 15.15 – Harlequins (A) – Twickenham Stoop
R14: Saturday 14//02/15, 15.00 – Gloucester Rugby (H) – Welford Road
R15: Saturday 21/02/15, 15.00 – London Irish (A) – Madejski Stadium
R16: Saturday 28/02/15, 15.00 – Sale Sharks (H) – Welford Road
R17: Sunday 08/03/15, 15.00 – Newcastle Falcons (A) – Kingston Park
R18: Saturday 28/03/15, 15.00 – Exeter Chiefs (H) – Welford Road
R19: Saturday 11/04/15, 15.00 – Saracens (A) – Allianz Park
R20: Saturday 25/04/15, 15.00 – London Welsh (H) – Welford Road
R21: Sunday 10/05/15, 14.00 – Wasps (A) – Adams Park
R22: Saturday 16/05/15, tbc – Northampton Saints (H) – Welford Road
Fixtures in Rounds 1-6 are confirmed. From Round 7 onwards they are subject to television selections.

 Champions Cup pool + Fixtures 2014/15:
 Pool 3
 Toulon
 Leicester Tigers
 Ulster
 Scarlets.

European Champions Cup fixtures
Round 1: Saturday, October 18 (7.45pm) Leicester Tigers v Ulster Rugby (Won 25 -18) (Att: 19,943)
Round 2: Saturday, October 25 (7.45pm) Scarlets v Leicester Tigers (Lost 15 - 3) (Att: 8,235)
Round 3: December 5/6/7 Leicester Tigers v RC Toulon (Won 25 - 21) (Att: 22,114)
Round 4: December 12/13/14 RC Toulon v Leicester Tigers (Lost 23 - 8) (Att: 15, 045)
Round 5: January 16/17/18 Leicester Tigers v Scarlets
Round 6: January 23/24/25 Ulster Rugby v Leicester Tigers

 
LV Cup

 Pool 3
Leicester Tigers
Wasps
Newcastle Falcons
Scarlets

 LV Cup fixtures
 Round 1: Saturday, November 1 (3:00PM) London Irish V Leicester Tigers (Won 16 - 17) (Att: 5,131)
 Round 2: Sunday, November 8 (3:10PM)  Leicester Tigers V Sale sharks ((Won 29 - 13)) (Att:)
 Round 3: 30/31 Jan/ 1 February Leicester Tigers V Northampton Saints
 Round 4: 6/7/8 February Cardiff blues V Leicester Tigers

 
Fixtures
Round 1 - 31 October/01/02 November: London Irish v Leicester Tigers
Round 2 - 07/08/09 November: Leicester Tigers v Sale Sharks - Sunday, November 9, KO 15:15. Live on Sky Sports
Round 3 - 30/31 January/01 February: Leicester Tigers v Northampton Saints
Round 4 - 06/07/08 February: Cardiff Blues v Leicester Tigers
Semi Finals - 13/14/15 March
LV= Cup Final - 22 March (venue to be confirmed)

 

[b]A League Fixtures[/b]:

 
 Academy Squad 2014/15:
 

Spoiler:

[Geordie]

Ok ....So...starter for 1
 
Will it be Pohe and Tuilagi in the midfield? Thats a painful combo to face!

2

Is Price the 6'9 or 6'10 beanpole at lock. He's going to be doing well to get some gametime this season with your stable of locks.

[lostinwales]

Is Pohe staying now? I thought there was talk of a move to France (possibly a loan)

[Welly]

Is Pohe staying now? I thought there was talk of a move to France (possibly a loan)

 Pohe staying for now.

 Talk of Clermont as tigers and swap young players for a season. But he does have a good chance this season of game time imo.

 Price has a good chance of game time, not this season but next season.

 With Slater, Parling and possibly Kitchener getting looks by England, and deacon coming to the end of his Tigers career I reckon next season will be price's best chance for game time.

[Welly]

Good Luck to the following:

 New Zealand V England KO: 08:35 (BST) @ Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
 Parling, Youngs, Burns & Tuilagi

 Japan V Italy KO: 06:00 (BST) @ Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, Tokyo
 Ghiraldini & Barbieri

 Will update if Scully and Mulipola are in there teams this weekend.

[formerly known as Sam]

Price and Pohe will be on loan at Nottingham again this season. Price is being groomed for when Parling heads to France after the next RWC. De Chaves is being groomed to replace Deacon.

With Bowden gone and Bai in a mentoring role as much as a playing role Tigers will be looking for Pohe and Hempetema to step up.

We're likely to send one or two of the young props on loan to Nottingham as well as probably Catchpole.

I'm hoping to see the Williams boys (unrelated) get some LV game time this season. They have pace to burn and Rhys has great footwork.

[Guest]

Despite a disappointing season I'm much more optimistic this year. All the new signings improve the squad for me and the team still has a good young core. While the injury plague was definitely a big blow the main problem for me was having to overplay the props - apparently down to Mr Boudjellal refusing to pay what he had agreed to in person. I've heard it mentioned that Tigs lost out on their top 3 targets to replace Castro while being strung along by Toulon.

Still, at least this year's Euro group is looking like an easy one. Thankfully we've dodged Ulster this year too.

Oh wait, nvm

[yappysnap]

So what's Tigers strongest team at the moment and can we expect to see it at the start of the season?

[Welly]

So what's Tigers strongest team at the moment and can we expect to see it at the start of the season?

 Strongest team would be
 !. Ayerza, 2. Youngs/Ghiraldini 3. Cole, 4. Parling, 5. Slater, 6. Croft, 7. Salvi, 8. Barbieri/Crane, 9. Youngs, 10. Burns/Williams, 11. Goneva, 12. Allen, 13. Manu, 14. Morris, 15. Tait,  Bench: 16, Ghiraldini/Youngs, 17, Rizzo, 18, Mulipola, 19. Kitchener, 20. Mafi/Gibson/Crane/Barbieri, 21.Mele, 22. Williams/Burns, 23. Scully/Loamanu

 start of the season with injuries and internationals.

 1. Ayerza, 2. Youngs/Ghiraldini, 3. Mulipola, 4, Parling, 5. Slater, 6. Croft, 7. Salvi, 8. Barbieri/Crane, 9. Youngs, 10. Burns/Williams, 11. Morris, 12. Allen, 13. Manu, 14. Goneva, 15. Tait.  Bench: Ghiraldini/Youngs, 17. Rizzo, 18. Balmain, 19. Kitchener, 20. Mafi/Gibson/Crane/Barbieri, 21.Mele, 22. Williams/Burns, 23. Scully/Loamanu.

 Ayerza not in the 4N championships so we have him which is great for us.

 Hopefully no more injuries to come.

 Really happy with the depth of this years squad. we have 2 top class front rows when all fit which will be nice to have again.

[yappysnap]

How come no Ayerza in the Argentina squad? Injury or better players?

Oh and that's a really good looking team, no excuses for this season right???   

[Welly]

How come no Ayerza in the Argentina squad? Injury or better players?

Oh and that's a really good looking team, no excuses for this season right???   

 Apparently


 "One underlying reason why Albacete and Ayerza have been cut from the Rugby Championship squad could be internal. Albacete was the vice-captain in 2012, but it was the Toulouse lock that led the supposed coup d’etat which caused the lack of unity in the Pumas squad and the sudden resignation of Santiago Phelan as Pumas head coach in October.
Moreover, Ayerza and Santiago Fernandez were reported to be part of the Albacete camp who were displeased by Phelan’s conservative methods.
Hourcade is known for his ruthlessness and is not afraid to make wholesale changes if needed, adopting a zero tolerance on those players that do not adhere to his standards."

 Considering he was in most SH news 4N championship team of the competition, it would considered harsh.

 Also another theory is he is wanting to blood younger players in big games ahead of the WC. (I am leaning more to this but who knows with argies).

 And no there shouldn't be any excuses, but there is still time.

[Welly]

Good read on Cockers and player management.

 http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Leicester-Tigers-flanker-Steve-Mafi-repay-faith/story-21267410-detail/story.html

 some key bits.

 On Mafi:

  The 24-year-old Tongan flanker had a year to forget as personal problems surrounding the birth of his first child back in Australia saw him make just four starts for Leicester.

Other clubs could have looked into cancelling the popular blindside's contract because of the amount of time he spent away from the club, but Cockerill gave Mafi plenty of time to sort himself out.

 Now he hopes the former Player's player of the year will push on next season, put any problems behind him and remind everyone of the qualities that made him such a success after moving to the East Midlands in September 2010.

"I like to think that I treat players well at this club and they get well looked after," said Cockerill. "I expect loyalty to the club in return.
"The board allow me that free will to look after players how I see fit – and that includes those with injuries as well."

 and on injuries
 
 You have to be philosophical about it. When all things are considered, this is just a game of rugby and we have to deal with the problems that come our way.

"If Dan Cole has a bad injury, then we will work hard to get him fit.
"In the long-term, that is my responsibility. I want him fit and Camacho fit and Crofty fit.
"We have to do the right thing by our players and stand by them.

"Losing these guys in the short-term is a huge blow both for the team and financially but, in the long-term, that is what sets us apart from the majority.
"We do not rush guys back, we don't play them injured and that will continue to be our policy."

[formerly known as Sam]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Ayerza as a late call up to the Argentina squad. It's understandable that they want to give some of their European stars rest time ahead of the Four Nations. Hope politics won't keep him sidelined as he was unlucky enough to play second fiddle to Roncero for so log. Any other nation and he'd be on around 100 caps by now.

Certainly is a good team for next season with added physicality up front which we desperately needed last season.

[Welly]

Added 21 year old Samoan Loosehead Aniseko Sio

 Who recently made his first Test cap against Japan.

[formerly known as Sam]

Hope Sio is another Mulipola. Don't think he's as big but if he can have half the impact he'll be doing Ok. Sounds like he's a development option in the short term.

[Welly]

Added fixtures list, to the OP.

 not to tot my own horn but I am very please with thread.

[king_carlos]

Cheers for getting the tread started Welly!   

It's always near impossible to judge fixture runs prior to knowing how players and sides performing etc but Round 2-7 early season could be brutal with Sandy Park, the Rec and Kingsholm all tough places to visit. Followed directly by visits from Saracens and Harlequins in big fixtures we need to be winning to solidify WR as the fortress it will have to be in our Champions Cup group.

It will be interesting to see how the pecking order works out with new arrivals and injury returns.

T Youngs vs Ghiraldini

Parling vs Kitchener

Croft vs Gibson vs Mafi

Crane vs Barbieri

Youngs vs Mele

Williams vs Burns

As Matera keeps improving I reckon he will push Salvi as well but may be a season too soon. Also Benjamin and Camacho could both put real pressure on Scully and Morris if they find form when fit.

[George Carlin]

It's a good thread, Welly.

Don't know what to expect from this new Tigers squad. Lots of quality and depth, the key thing for Cockers will be finding out what combinations work the best.

[Welly]

It's a good thread, Welly.

Don't know what to expect from this new Tigers squad. Lots of quality and depth, the key thing for Cockers will be finding out what combinations work the best.

 Yep hopefully our main centre combo Allen and Manu will get more games together but with Loamanu we have a similar style player to cover Manu and it should leave Goneva where he is best on the wing. imo there is less risk and more stability in the signings than last season although that being said Mele, Williams, Gibson and Scully all proved very good signings and Hepetema and De Cheves look like they have potential. 

 The forwards should go well the 2 new front row signings have played like over 80 games together so will know each other very well.

 I like the contrasting styles we have now. and also we have pretty much 2 international class/capped players in each position.

[Hound of Harrow]

You look like you should get off to a flier. Given Tigers' home record when fielding a full team (or close to), I reckon Bath away is the only toughie in the first 9 rounds.

Sure, Quins and Sarries at WR won't be easy, but you won't expect to lose.

My lot have Sarries, Quins and Saints first up.

[LondonTiger]

While we do have the makings of a pretty good EQP XV*** I cannot be the only Tigers fan dreading the following potential line-up:

Ayerza, Ghiraldini, Mulipola, De Chaves, Mafi, Matera, Salvi, Barbieri
Mele, Williams, Camacho, Loamanu, Goneva, Morris, Scully



*** Balmain, Youngs, Cole, Parling, Slater, Croft, Gibson, Crane, Youngs, Burns, Benjamin, Allen, Manu, Thompstone, Tait

[Welly]

Put bai in for camacho at 12 and move goneva to the wing and I wouldn't mind the first squad.

For the 2nd squad would be between Bristow or balmain for LH Bristow is an out and out LH and has more primiership game time so would lean to him.

Honestly both those teams are very good IMO not many othe better EQP XV in the league that I can think of maybe saints.

Hopefully injuries will be down form what they were in last season but we have this season 2 very good players in each position. Majority internationally capped.

Will also add in A League fixtures to the OP when I get back to the computer.

[formerly known as Sam]

There's a lot of young talent coming through which I'll be interested to see y his season. I can't be the only one hoping to see a Pohe and Manu centre partnership at some point. Especially if Loamano and Benjamin are on the wings that would be bags of pace and power if not that much footballing ability.

Be interesting to see of Pasquali goes on loan TO Nottingham and how he gets on. He looks like he'll be an international tight head in three or four years time a real beast at only 19. Seems to have good technical skill in the scrum considering his age as well.

[Welly]

Oh lord imagine the size of a backline of
10) Bai (16.6 stone)
11) Benjmain (16.2 Stone)
12) Pohe (16.9 Stone)
13) Manu (17.3 Stone)
14) Goneva (15.4 Stone)
15) Loamanu (17 Stone)

Wow that is one big ass backline imagine nearly a forward back there.

[LondonTiger]

Put bai in for camacho at 12 and move goneva to the wing and I wouldn't mind the first squad.

I am sure that Non EQP team would do well, just highlighting how close we could be to fielding a team where EQPs are outnumbered by non.

[formerly known as Sam]

It is becoming difficult for any club to hoard English talent these days. You don't need to play for a top team to be selected for England you just need to be playing. As such players like Ford and Twelvetrees won't wait to come through like they used to they'll move and look to advance. Non EQ players are a safe investment in that they can be picked up either very cheaply and developed (ala Mafi) or with experience ready to be dropped straight in (ala Barbieri).

Having said that I'd like to see us throw in plenty of academy players during the LV as it would be nice to see a couple emerge into the first team occasionally.

[Welly]

The experianced journeymen internationals that we sign the likes of Loamanu, bai etc you can't get the EQP versions of them as they are either at the same club ala deacon or in France.

Having said that I don't think it is that much difference since the last 8 or so years.

They did try to use the lv cup more but the amount of injuries in the last 2 group games didnt help.

I out of the current juniors who are pushing for senior contracts I think Rhys Williams so far has the best shot, followed by Owen if Matera goes to argentina for Super rugby. Also I think David williams has a shot but not as much as Rhys.

[welshy824 (new)]

I out of the current juniors who are pushing for senior contracts I think Rhys Williams so far has the best shot, followed by Owen if Matera goes to argentina for Super rugby. Also I think David williams has a shot but not as much as Rhys.

What position does he play now? He has always been a sublime player, if he was a bit taller I think he would have made an excellent 12. I have played with him since the age of 7 and my Dad always said he is a potential future international!

[Welly]

Plays wing mainly brilliant finisher he has looked good in the limited game time for Tigs and seems to be the best finisher in the academy, he also plays 13 and 15.

I know he played with thewalesh U18.

I don't think he was loaned out last season so I suspect he will play a few games for Nottingham next season and feature in more LV cup games this season.

[Welly]

Updated OP to include the Premiership 7's fixtures now moved to Darlington's Northern Echo Arena

 and Tickets sales for the Pre season game against Edinburgh.

 Also date for the Tigers open day August 9th.

[Welly]

Updated OP to include the new kits release dates.

 Home Kit on 9th August Open Day.

 Away Kit 29th August for the Cardiff home pre season game.

 http://www.leicestertigers.com/news/19998.php#.U8aWWhEg8dV


 Also Noone ------> Jersey

[formerly known as Sam]

Good move for both Noone and Jersey that. He's a good player just wasn't ever going to be international quality and so wasn't going to get a look in at Tigers.

Be interesting to see who we have in the sevens squad. Do we know if it clashes with the squad being in France for the usual pre season camp?

[Welly]

Echo the thoughts of Tigers here RE Richard Mayne and the Malaysian Airlines Flight disaster:

http://www.leicestertigers.com/news/20179.php#.U81U_BEg8dU

Leicester Tigers are saddened by the tragic news of Richard Mayne and the loss of one of Leicestershire's rugby-playing family on the Malaysian Airlines flight.

Richard, 20, played at Market Bosworth RFC, where he was part of the club's under-17s squad that won the RFU National Cup, and at Dixie Grammar School in Market Bosworth, where he was a member of the team that won the Independent Schools Association Under 18 National Rugby 7s in 2012.

He made more than 200 appearances in Market Bosworth colours, the last of which was at a charity tournament earlier this month, and attended a Tigers Rugby Camp held at the club.

Market Bosworth RFC chairman David Shakeshaft said: "Richard was a very talented rugby player and a gifted young man in so many ways. He was immensely liked throughout the club and had many close friends here.

"Passionate about his rugby he was looking forward to playing in Australia where he was heading to continue his studies. His last game for us was in a charity match, which was so typical of his good nature, he was so willing to participate and help wherever he could."

Our thoughts are with Richard's family, friends and teammates at this most difficult time.

[Welly]

In other news

Congrats to Owen Hills, Joe Maksymiw and Charlie Beckett on being chosen for the England U18 SA summer tour all QEW lads aswell so congrats to them.

http://www.leicestertigers.com/news/20010.php#.U81WtREg8dU

Special prices for the barbarians game until end of july.

http://www.leicestertigers.com/news/20001.php#.U81VuBEg8dU

Match Tickets now on sale from ticket office.

http://www.leicestertigers.com/news/19993.php#.U81VuhEg8dU

Ghiraldini has some words on his arrival.

http://www.leicestertigers.com/news/20006.php#.U81VqBEg8dU

Last group of players arriving for pre-season today.

http://www.leicestertigers.com/news/20008.php#.U81VoxEg8dU

[formerly known as Sam]

Joe Maksymiw I look forward to Mr Jones trying to pronounce that one on Radio Leicester. Hopefully we can see something of these guys during the LV Cup.

[Welly]

Brian T joining Newcastle Falcons whilst studying at Northumbria 19 Year old back rower.

 Have to say haven't seen much of him he has the Tuliaigi style but I personally am unsure if he will make it, considering he is 19 and hasn't really made it with the "A" league games or isn't involved in the national setup unless he wants to play for Samoa like his dad.

 But I guess if he shows promise under deano and Newcastle we can try and get him back sometime. but with players like Mafi, Gibson, Pearce, Matera all 24 or under and then with the likes of Hubbart, Owen and Milne who have either been playing already in the Leicester tigers "A" team and have international call ups to there name it may be a good move for all counts.

 (unless he becomes like henry and decides to stay @ Newcastle but who would)

[thebandwagonsociety]

Two quick questions from an Irish POV;

1 - Will Niall Morris hold on to his place this season?

2 - Is Geordan Murphy assuming more responsibilities within the coaching set up?

[Welly]

Two quick questions from an Irish POV;

1 - Will Niall Morris hold on to his place this season?

2 - Is Geordan Murphy assuming more responsibilities within the coaching set up?

 ! - Tough to say with Scully having a great season and scoring for fun with USA Benjmain coming back from injury hopefully and Loamanu being a beast. Although he personally from what I gather when I have talked to him/from others views himself more as a Full Back which imo is a position he could take as al;though I rate Tait as a top 3 full back in the league on his day he is just to prone to injuries, personally I think our strongest most balanced back 3 is Tait, Morris, goneva with Scully, Loamanu or Benjmain on the bench. But all can change with injuries he was unlucky with the timing of his injury last season.

 For example if Tait becomes injured which isn't extacly a stab in the dark guess then the back 3 could look like this
 15) Morris
 14) Scully/Loamanu
 11) Goneva

 Which is just as good imo. but I highly rate Morris as he is very stable player who has brilliant awareness, a good kick and a good turn of pace.

 
2 - Definitely think he will even with Blake there, Blake's main priority imo should be getting the defence sorted which will allow Murphy to give more focus on what his strength is and that is attack. still think he will be at least a couple of season imo many even 3/4 seasons off before he will become the main go to coach Ala O'Connor type coach. But with each season he will get more experience and imo more responsibilities.

[Geordie]

Brian T joining Newcastle Falcons whilst studying at Northumbria 19 Year old back rower.

Have to say haven't seen much of him he has the Tuliaigi style but I personally am unsure if he will make it, considering he is 19 and hasn't really made it with the "A" league games or isn't involved in the national setup unless he wants to play for Samoa like his dad.

But I guess if he shows promise under deano and Newcastle we can try and get him back sometime. but with players like Mafi, Gibson, Pearce, Matera all 24 or under and then with the likes of Hubbart, Owen and Milne who have either been playing already in the Leicester tigers "A" team and have international call ups to there name it may be a good move for all counts.

(unless he becomes like henry and decides to stay @ Newcastle but who would)

Why not? The problem has always been the standard of rugby yo-yoing up and down the leagues...or consistantly at the bottom of the league. Not very appealing...but now there looks to be a very different period coming in.

If we can build a good squad (as we are) then the whole area is very appealing....FAR more than the midlands.

We have the Northumbrian countryside, the top class beaches, a vibrant, modernising, bouncing city with everything you would need for good life experience...1st class travel links.

And surprisingly for such a small family style club....we have a rich history in some of the best players...Inga Tuigamala, Carl Hayman, Matt Burke,  Johnny, etc etc etc.

Theres actually a hell of a lot to attract and keep people here...IF we can get the on field situation sorted.

[Welly]

Why not? The problem has always been the standard of rugby yo-yoing up and down the leagues...or consistantly at the bottom of the league. Not very appealing...but now there looks to be a very different period coming in.

If we can build a good squad (as we are) then the whole area is very appealing....FAR more than the midlands.

We have the Northumbrian countryside, the top class beaches, a vibrant, modernising, bouncing city with everything you would need for good life experience...1st class travel links.

And surprisingly for such a small family style club....we have a rich history in some of the best players...Inga Tuigamala, Carl Hayman, Matt Burke,  Johnny, etc etc etc.

Theres actually a hell of a lot to attract and keep people here...IF we can get the on field situation sorted.

 You forgot one thing and that is your not Tigers.

   

[Geordie]

No we're the falcons!    

[thebandwagonsociety]

Tigers?

Falcons?


There's only one way to sort this out........................FIGHT!!!!

[Geordie]

  

   

[Welly]

Deano vs Richards would make for a short but very aggressive match up.

 Mind you that is really Tigers vs Tigers who is a Newcastle coach that has played for them?   

 Mind you when was the last time Falcons beat us.

   

  I Joke.

[Geordie]

Mind you when was the last time Falcons beat us.

Maybe the first game of the season will start with a bit of a shock and go against history....   

[formerly known as Sam]

Two quick questions from an Irish POV;

1 - Will Niall Morris hold on to his place this season?

2 - Is Geordan Murphy assuming more responsibilities within the coaching set up?

1. Morris will start on the wing unless Tait is injured then he'll start at full back. As long as he's fully fit he'll start pretty much. There's competition for his starting spot so he can't be lazy but he's a grafter and Cockers always likes a winger who can play 15 on one wing.

Geordie has the same job as last season. Skills coach and assistant backs coach. He's joint head coach of the A team with Blaze and he'll be sorting the sevens team out again as well. The only change to the coaching team is that Burke no longer deals with the defence. I did hear rumours that Paul Burke's progress as head coach was being monitored across the Irish sea.

[Welly]

Uploaded the Academy official photo.

 Been told one player to look out for is son of former Samoan international (Mike) and nephew to a all black legend (Tana), Jacob Umaga.

 Apparently he is very strong, tackles like a beast and has very good handling.

 Turning 17 this coming season so we should see him playing in more academy games, then hopefully over the next 2 season after that (18/19) some games in the "A" Leagues if him can play like his relatives (Mike, Tana and Jerry Collins) we may well have something here.

 I do think are Academy is getting stronger by the season again it taken time to adjust from Hare leaving the team but I think things are back on the up.

[Geordie]

Wow thats some heritage to live up to....

What position...assuming its a back?

[Welly]

Wow thats some heritage to live up to....

What position...assuming its a back?

 He is a back believe he plays
Centre/wing.

[Jimpy]

Brian T joining Newcastle Falcons whilst studying at Northumbria 19 Year old back rower.

Have to say haven't seen much of him he has the Tuliaigi style but I personally am unsure if he will make it, considering he is 19 and hasn't really made it with the "A" league games or isn't involved in the national setup unless he wants to play for Samoa like his dad.

But I guess if he shows promise under deano and Newcastle we can try and get him back sometime. but with players like Mafi, Gibson, Pearce, Matera all 24 or under and then with the likes of Hubbart, Owen and Milne who have either been playing already in the Leicester tigers "A" team and have international call ups to there name it may be a good move for all counts.

(unless he becomes like henry and decides to stay @ Newcastle but who would)

Why not? The problem has always been the standard of rugby yo-yoing up and down the leagues...or consistantly at the bottom of the league. Not very appealing...but now there looks to be a very different period coming in.

If we can build a good squad (as we are) then the whole area is very appealing....FAR more than the midlands.

We have the Northumbrian countryside, the top class beaches, a vibrant, modernising, bouncing city with everything you would need for good life experience...1st class travel links.
And surprisingly for such a small family style club....we have a rich history in some of the best players...Inga Tuigamala, Carl Hayman, Matt Burke,  Johnny, etc etc etc.

Theres actually a hell of a lot to attract and keep people here...IF we can get the on field situation sorted.

Well, i'm from the Midlands originally, but now live in Wiltshire. To be fair, i'm not ashamed of where I come from, but would I go back to live there? No thankyou. See, you've got all that oop north, but then, so have most places bar the Midlands, which are land locked - we live in a beautiful country where beaches, scenery and good life experieince never far away. And besides all that, the majority of the country has everything there is up north, but also with better work and better pay (and that's pretty much fact) - and surely that must transpose itself onto Falcon's ability to retain players - the fact that they don't suggests that it does to a point. And as you know, i've been to the North East many times, and while I do like to put it down, I'm intelligent enough to see that my sterotypes are just that. However, would I choose to plant myself there? Not really.

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