Gwent Dragons 2015/16 thread

[Luckless Pedestrian]

First topic message reminder :

With Warburton, I can only conclude that they like him as captain because of how he deals with referees. He's very respectful towards them.

[Steffan]

I don't think you will either - but  I think the whole 'semi pro' thing confuses things and gives false ideas of entitlement  - in my opinion obvs

Maybe it does, but if some guy wants to put a load of money into a club like Merthyr RFC or any other club then he should be entitled to

And as I say what what happen to all the decent established players in the Premiership who have never quite made "regional" level or are now considered too old for it (Dafydd Lockyer and Ceri Sweeney if I was to use Ponty as an example)

Surely these players are entitled to earn a living or a few extra quid if the club is willing to pay?

Either that or they go and try to make a few in England and how would that help the already struggling club game in Wales?

Rugby life still exists outside the Fab Four believe it or not

[munkian]

You do realize the only team I have ever supported at Rodney Parade are the Dragons and the occasional 7s team ?

Im basing keeping Newport in the name being vital on when the 'Gwent Dragons' sold 70 season tickets.

[GavinDragon]

Well on the basis that 84 year ago the Nazi's came to power and dragged Europe into war, should be insist Germany have no standing army today?

[munkian]

Well on the basis that 84 year ago the Nazi's came to power and dragged Europe into war, should be insist Germany have no standing army today?

So we've gone from actual debate to involving the Nazis ? Riiiight, I'll leave you too it.

[Steffan]

Im basing keeping Newport in the name being vital on when the 'Gwent Dragons' sold 70 season tickets.

When you're basing something on a situation that happened 13 years ago your arguement is pretty weak to be honest

[munkian]

Im basing keeping Newport in the name being vital on when the 'Gwent Dragons' sold 70 season tickets.

When you're basing something on a situation that happened 13 years ago your arguement is pretty weak to be honest

What's changed exactly ? Are there now investors from outside Newport queuing up to put their money in ? Is there now the required infrastructure throughout South/South East to support a fully professional rugby team outside of Newport.

Again, not a Newport RFC fan, just a realist and going on facts.

[GavinDragon]

Im basing keeping Newport in the name being vital on when the 'Gwent Dragons' sold 70 season tickets.

When you're basing something on a situation that happened 13 years ago your arguement is pretty weak to be honest

Hence my hyperbolic analogy!!! Wits end with banging my head against a small group of people who (not you Munkian) who cannot seem to fathom that a team which represents a county of close to half a million people, and is successful, is more likely to pull in more fans than a team representing a town of 150k, and is successful.

[GavinDragon]

Im basing keeping Newport in the name being vital on when the 'Gwent Dragons' sold 70 season tickets.

When you're basing something on a situation that happened 13 years ago your arguement is pretty weak to be honest

What's changed exactly ? Are there now investors from outside Newport queuing up to put their money in ? Is there now the required infrastructure throughout South/South East to support a fully professional rugby team outside of Newport.

Again, not a Newport RFC fan, just a realist and going on facts.  

13 years of changing attitudes. Regions bedding in, brands, even weak ones like the dragons, bedding in. Younger fans having no clue about the old club rivalries from which the obstinate attitudes to progress derived. The cost of the pro game increasing beyond measure. I could go on.

[Steffan]

I never said the team should play outside of Newport

As for the name...I guess it's all up to the new investors

I am looking forward to reading the 'Great Name Debate' on here though whatever the new people decide to go with

Personally I would want 'Gwent' if they were my team but obviously they are not so I hope the people decide to go with 'Newport Dragons' if a name change does come about

[munkian]

Successful is the keyword here mind - you could call them the Dildos and still get more fans if they are competitive.

[GavinDragon]

Okay two team both equally successful, same players, same amount of money, same coach. One brand a city team. One brand a regional team fully representing, and perceived to be representing, each individual in its player development catchment area - who has more fans?

[munkian]

Does it matter if they both sell out the 8000 seater stadium though ?

I still think you are much more likely to get investment with just Newport in the name than just Gwent but will happily be proved wrong - as I said - I've only ever supported the Dragons and have no affiliation with any club team.

[GavinDragon]

Does it matter if they both sell out the 8000 seater stadium though ?

I still think you are much more likely to get investment with just  Newport in the name  than just  Gwent but will happily be proved wrong - as I said - I've only ever supported the Dragons and have no affiliation with any club team.

Okay so split the difference and be just Dragons.

[munkian]

Does it matter if they both sell out the 8000 seater stadium though ?

I still think you are much more likely to get investment with just  Newport in the name  than just  Gwent but will happily be proved wrong - as I said - I've only ever supported the Dragons and have no affiliation with any club team.

Okay so split the difference and be just Dragons.

Its too generic though, especially in Wales.

[Steffan]

The team has to be in Newport

This is what happens when you try to build something in Ebbw Vale...ain't that right Bedford Welsh?

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/circuit-wales-project-tatters-after-11148776#ICID=FB-Wales-main

[Cardiff Dave]

Does it matter if they both sell out the 8000 seater stadium though ?

I still think you are much more likely to get investment with just  Newport in the name  than just  Gwent but will happily be proved wrong - as I said - I've only ever supported the Dragons and have no affiliation with any club team.

Okay so split the difference and be just Dragons.

I getchya. Anything, but Newport then.

[Cardiff Dave]

I predict a sh!tstorm followed by a mish-mash.

[Guest]

I predict a sh!tstorm followed by a mish-mash.

I haven't heard many/any rumblings so far, which is surprising. The Dragons seem to be all for it; Newport RFC seem to be for it; the WRU seem to be all for it too. Crumbs, did something just happen in Welsh rugby where there was agreement between the Union, club and region?!

From which direction do predict this sh!tstorm will hit, Dave?!

[GavinDragon]

Obviously feeling slightly vulnerable as his beloved kerdiff may be the odd ones out

[Cardiff Dave]

Obviously feeling slightly vulnerable as his beloved kerdiff may be the odd ones out

No need of that mun.

[Cardiff Dave]

I predict a sh!tstorm followed by a mish-mash.

I haven't heard many/any rumblings so far, which is surprising. The Dragons seem to be all for it; Newport RFC seem to be for it; the WRU seem to be all for it too. Crumbs, did something just happen in Welsh rugby where there was agreement between the Union, club and region?!

From which direction do predict this sh!tstorm will hit, Dave?!

From Newport, most probs.

[Stone Motif]

Its not 'according to me' - the whole regional thing has changed and adapted since their inception.

Well I am not getting into a debate over the Dragons name, I have given my opinion and I'll leave the debate up to you supporters of the club/region/pro team as I don't care anyway

But as a Welsh club supporter (and not just Ponty) who has links with my village club, I can assure you now that you will never be able to stop payment of players at Premiership level or even below that with a lot of clubs. Just the way the game is

I don't think you will either - but  I think the whole 'semi pro' thing confuses things and gives false ideas of entitlement  - in my opinion obvs

WRU should hammer any Poopie club paying players. What a colossal waste of money. They should be obliged to spend cash on community facilities not paying players not food enough to play professionally. You can have the ambition to fly around the world but if all you have is a rocket pack made out of some old bog roll all the ambition in the world won't make it lift off.

[Stone Motif]

Bloody entitlement. You know what entitlement is? Newport fans thinking they deserve their seat at the top table by right, when in fact you owe it to three wealthy men who, as of today, are looking to step down. I would advise that people with the view that Newport must remain in the name or the world will collapse to club together and buy the business because if not, I feel they may lose the very thing they hold most dear.

Shameless ingratitude. Akin to your mealy-mouthed remarks about FONR on Dragged Up.

That Newport were able to attract investment from wealthy backers willing to flush their cash down the Hazell bogs is testament only that there are very few teams in Wales able to gather and sustain the kind of investment that pro rugby in Wales relies on. How that equates to your warped view of entitlement is crack pipe stuff.

[Stone Motif]

Well on the basis that 84 year ago the Nazi's came to power and dragged Europe into war, should be insist Germany have no standing army today?

Ironic from someone who touts the myth of regional rugby as fervently as Hitler banging on about the stab in the back.

[Stone Motif]

Im basing keeping Newport in the name being vital on when the 'Gwent Dragons' sold 70 season tickets.

When you're basing something on a situation that happened 13 years ago your arguement is pretty weak to be honest

That'll be the last time you witter on about Ponty's right to pro rugby then

[Stone Motif]

Im basing keeping Newport in the name being vital on when the 'Gwent Dragons' sold 70 season tickets.

When you're basing something on a situation that happened 13 years ago your arguement is pretty weak to be honest

Hence my hyperbolic analogy!!! Wits end with banging my head against a small group of people who (not you Munkian) who cannot seem to fathom that a team which represents a county of close to half a million people, and is successful, is more likely to pull in more fans than a team representing a town of 150k, and is successful.

That's because you're talking get agenda driven toss

[Stone Motif]

Okay two team both equally successful, same players, same amount of money, same coach. One brand a city team. One brand a regional team fully representing, and perceived to be representing, each individual in its player development catchment area - who has more fans?

Irrelevant as the catchment is still the number of people in a reasonable travel time from the ground who have an appetite for and income to afford paying to watch pro rugby. The majority of which will be in Newport, Cwmbran and Risca regardless of how inclusive the Gwent Dildos are.

[Stone Motif]

Does it matter if they both sell out the 8000 seater stadium though ?

I still think you are much more likely to get investment with just  Newport in the name  than just  Gwent but will happily be proved wrong - as I said - I've only ever supported the Dragons and have no affiliation with any club team.

Okay so split the difference and be just Dragons.

Its too generic though, especially in Wales.

Not to mention tarnished with the toxic miasma of a decade of being sh9te

[Stone Motif]

The team has to be in Newport

This is what happens when you try to build something in Ebbw Vale...ain't that right Bedford Welsh?

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/circuit-wales-project-tatters-after-11148776#ICID=FB-Wales-main

Contrast that if you will with the £250 million Newport had brought in over the past five years, not counting the £80m for the Convention Centre or its share of the £1.2bn City Deal.

I know where I'd choose if I was an investor.

[GavinDragon]

Bloody entitlement. You know what entitlement is? Newport fans thinking they deserve their seat at the top table by right, when in fact you owe it to three wealthy men who, as of today, are looking to step down. I would advise that people with the view that Newport must remain in the name or the world will collapse to club together and buy the business because if not, I feel they may lose the very thing they hold most dear.

Shameless ingratitude. Akin to your mealy-mouthed remarks about FONR on Dragged Up.

That Newport were able to attract investment from wealthy backers willing to flush their cash down the Hazell bogs is testament only that there are very few teams in Wales able to gather and sustain the kind of investment that pro rugby in Wales relies on. How that equates to your warped view of entitlement is crack pipe stuff.

I am grateful to messrs Brown and Hazell for supplying the money and facilities to keep pro rugby in Gwent afloat.

Edit: Never knew what mealy-mouthed meant until I just looked it up. You learn something new every day, thanks

And I am not afraid to say that I think. There is a difference in pointing out the hypocrisy of a Newport fan castrating a Ponty, or any other, fan over a sense of entitlement, and me suggesting that a Newport supporters trust may want to buy the Dragons.

[Stone Motif]

Bloody entitlement. You know what entitlement is? Newport fans thinking they deserve their seat at the top table by right, when in fact you owe it to three wealthy men who, as of today, are looking to step down. I would advise that people with the view that Newport must remain in the name or the world will collapse to club together and buy the business because if not, I feel they may lose the very thing they hold most dear.

Shameless ingratitude. Akin to your mealy-mouthed remarks about FONR on Dragged Up.

That Newport were able to attract investment from wealthy backers willing to flush their cash down the Hazell bogs is testament only that there are very few teams in Wales able to gather and sustain the kind of investment that pro rugby in Wales relies on. How that equates to your warped view of entitlement is crack pipe stuff.

I am grateful to messrs Brown and Hazell for supplying the money and facilities to keep pro rugby in Gwent afloat.

Edit: Never knew what mealy-mouthed meant until I just looked it up. You learn something new every day, thanks

And I am not afraid to say that I think. There is a difference in pointing out the hypocrisy of a Newport fan castrating a Ponty, or any other, fan over a sense of entitlement, and me suggesting that a Newport supporters trust may want to buy the Dragons.

It's not entitlement, it's economic reality

It ain't fair, and not everyone gets the same bite of the cherry. Y'know, like life.

[Cardiff Dave]

GTWHMOG!

[Luckless Pedestrian]

There is a difference in pointing out the hypocrisy of a Newport fan castrating a Ponty, or any other, fan over a sense of entitlement, and me suggesting that a Newport supporters trust may want to buy the Dragons.

I think that would be taking things a bit too far!

[munkian]

There is a difference in pointing out the hypocrisy of a Newport fan castrating a Ponty, or any other, fan over a sense of entitlement, and me suggesting that a Newport supporters trust may want to buy the Dragons.

I think that would be taking things a bit too far!

Would stop all moaning after this current generation

[GavinDragon]

ha

[Stone Motif]

There is a difference in pointing out the hypocrisy of a Newport fan castrating a Ponty, or any other, fan over a sense of entitlement, and me suggesting that a Newport supporters trust may want to buy the Dragons.

I think that would be taking things a bit too far!

Would stop all moaning after this current generation

We need to be very careful on this issue, castrate the wrong bloke at Dave Parade and that's our recruitment strategy fwcked

[munkian]

There is a difference in pointing out the hypocrisy of a Newport fan castrating a Ponty, or any other, fan over a sense of entitlement, and me suggesting that a Newport supporters trust may want to buy the Dragons.

I think that would be taking things a bit too far!

Would stop all moaning after this current generation

We need to be very careful on this issue, castrate the wrong bloke at Dave Parade and that's our recruitment strategy fwcked

Or sorted

[GavinDragon]

GTWHMOG!

OK David, I will bite. What does that mean?

[Cardiff Dave]

GTWHMOG!

OK David, I will bite. What does that mean?

"Go the whole hog Mog".
Thought everyone knew that.

[LordDowlais]

Well done Dragons, a good win without a backward step taken. Well done.

[GavinDragon]

The shed was rocking. Suftmog still ringing in my ears.

[GavinDragon]

Looking ahead, I would keep and let go the following from the set up

Phil Price - keep (his scrummaging has improved beyond measure this year and, as props are expensive, I don't think we can afford any better - or our money is more needed elsewhere)
Boris Stantovich - let go (would like to keep on as a scrum coach if we had the budget)
Lloyd Fairbrother - let go (has spent more time playing in WP)
Luke Garrett - keep on a one year deal. Jury is still our for me. I think he has found it tough in his first year at seniors. Perhaps one more year to take a look. Don't get me wrong, Phil Price struggled until this year, but I am not sure as a region we can afford to cary too many project players.

Elliot Dee - keep and sign to a long term deal
Rhys Thomas - let go (as a former international, I imagine he is on a good wage which could be freed up foor other areas)
Rhys Buckley - keep

Brok Harris - keep (a very good import)
Shaun Knight - keep (has held his own when I have seen him this year. Unless there is a better signing available, I would keep him)
Leon Brown - keep
Alex Jeffries - Keep

Rynard Landman - keep
Matthew Screech - Unless there is a better player on offer keep
Cory Hill - as above
Joe Davies - keep (not had too much opportunity, but the lad is bigger than landman so I would like to see him given a go)
Nick Crosswell - let go (a good, skillful player, but I think there may be better players out there)

Lewis Evans - keep (such an underrated player)
Nic Cudd - keep
Ollie Griffiths - sign up on a long term deal
Ed Jackson - let go (not overly impressed. He spills too much ball in contact and I think Keddie could be better)
Andrew Coombs - keep if we can get him back from injury
James Thomas - keep
James Benjamin - let go (not as good as griffiths)

Sarel Pretorious - keep
Charlie Davies - keep
Luc Jones - LET GO

Dorian Jones - let go (IMO - he is not up to it)
Angus O'Brien - keep

Hallam Amos - sign up to a long term deal
Ashton Hewitt - sign up to a long term deal
Nick Scott - let go
Tom Prydie - Keep

Jack Dixon - long term deal
Tyler Morgan - long term deal
Adam Warren - keep
Adam Hughes - keep (underated)
Pat Leach - let go

Carl Meyer - long term deal
Geraint Rhys Jones - let go

[RiscaGame]

Doubt we will get much better than Nick Crosswell.

I actually quite like Ed Jackson too. In the absence of Taulupe he has been the only forward that carries with purpose. Haven't really noticed many (if any) knock ons either. Certainly not enough to say it's frequent.

[mikey_dragon]

I thought Jackson was a good buy too. And I know Kingsley's sons aren't really liked but Dorian is a good player. I don't see much of GRJ these days but I don't remember him playing badly.

Interesting to see that people rate AOB and not Jones. I think the former is pretty average, and might just become a steady club level player one day - nothing more but could just as easily be far less.

[Steffan]

What a strange post.

I know. Mikey Saint has always been a strange one. And is describing players as GRJ and AOB text talk or something? You're the English expert RevGame...do you have any idea?

[Guest]

You been at happy hour down the Otley Arms this afternoon Steffan?

[Steffan]

You been at happy hour down the Otley Arms this afternoon Steffan?

I'm actually quite good friends with some of the Otley family as it goes. But recently that pub has become more like a restaurant and the beer is overpriced. So no I have not been there today. Can't afford it after blowing all my money on the national yesterday

[Stone Motif]

Looking ahead, I would keep and let go the following from the set up

Phil Price - keep (his scrummaging has improved beyond measure this year and, as props are expensive, I don't think we can afford any better - or our money is more needed elsewhere)
Boris Stantovich - let go (would like to keep on as a scrum coach if we had the budget)
Lloyd Fairbrother - let go (has spent more time playing in WP)
Luke Garrett - keep on a one year deal. Jury is still our for me. I think he has found it tough in his first year at seniors. Perhaps one more year to take a look. Don't get me wrong, Phil Price struggled until this year, but I am not sure as a region we can afford to cary too many project players.

Elliot Dee - keep and sign to a long term deal
Rhys Thomas - let go (as a former international, I imagine he is on a good wage which could be freed up foor other areas)
Rhys Buckley - keep

Brok Harris - keep (a very good import)
Shaun Knight - keep (has held his own when I have seen him this year. Unless there is a better signing available, I would keep him)
Leon Brown - keep
Alex Jeffries - Keep

Rynard Landman - keep
Matthew Screech - Unless there is a better player on offer keep
Cory Hill - as above
Joe Davies - keep (not had too much opportunity, but the lad is bigger than landman so I would like to see him given a go)
Nick Crosswell - let go (a good, skillful player, but I think there may be better players out there)

Lewis Evans - keep (such an underrated player)
Nic Cudd - keep
Ollie Griffiths - sign up on a long term deal
Ed Jackson - let go (not overly impressed. He spills too much ball in contact and I think Keddie could be better)
Andrew Coombs - keep if we can get him back from injury
James Thomas - keep
James Benjamin - let go (not as good as griffiths)

Sarel Pretorious - keep
Charlie Davies - keep
Luc Jones - LET GO

Dorian Jones - let go (IMO - he is not up to it)
Angus O'Brien - keep

Hallam Amos - sign up to a long term deal
Ashton Hewitt - sign up to a long term deal
Nick Scott - let go
Tom Prydie - Keep

Jack Dixon - long term deal
Tyler Morgan - long term deal
Adam Warren - keep
Adam Hughes - keep (underated)
Pat Leach - let go

Carl Meyer - long term deal
Geraint Rhys Jones - let go

Jesus Christ. Been topping up today have you Gav?

[Stone Motif]

Doubt we will get much better than Nick Crosswell.

I actually quite like Ed Jackson too. In the absence of Taulupe he has been the only forward that carries with purpose. Haven't really noticed many (if any) knock ons either. Certainly not enough to say it's frequent.

This. And that.

[GavinDragon]

I do like Nick Croswell, just think we may be able to pick up another NWQ player who had played a higher level.

And my little Stoney, what alterations would you make to my list above? Other than the two you already said?

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