Martyn Thomas joins gloucester

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17524143?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

knew he was leaving just didnt know where. Best of luck to him! Sad to see him go, think the mgmt have made a mistake in letting him go...

on a side note not happy bout our region being referred to as newport by the beeb

He's been a very good player for us, even if he does run up blind alleys at times. Best of luck to him, especially as I've heard Gloucester are quite well covered at full back as it is.

Have they confirmed that we're getting Dan Evans from the Scarlets? He's a talent, no question about that, but he's not the most consistent full back in the world either.

At last another FB!! Contrary to what you have heard luckless, Glaws have only had one specialist FB for about 5 years! We have the outstanding Olly Morgan (who is injured for a very long time) and we have made do with wingers or FH playing there. Recently the very promising Jonny May has been playing at FB and long term this may still be his position, but having the extra specialist with help him and provide other options. From what I've seen of Thomas I think he'd fit our game quite well, the only thing I'm don't know is how good he is under the high ball?

But in general a decent signing. Now it's time for Halfpenny to join...

Good signing for Gloucester, they are recruiting rather well ahead of next season. If they can make that tight five a tad meaner then they really could be in the top 4 next season. Thomas should enjoy himself in the Glaws backline, plenty of running options in attack and a mobile backrow that doesn't leave the back three isolated.

He's decent under the high ball, HKC, and his instinct is to run the ball.

He'll be missed. Just hope we don't lose Will as well

He's fine under the high ball, not a bad kicking game but like Luckless said - running is always his first choice. Very, very fast and a skilful player. He will be missed. Not sure how good a move it is for him although if he reaches his potential with a better team then who can blame him.

All the best martyn

Gutted he has left the Dragons. He formed part of the successful back 3 of Brew, Thomas and Harris/Hughes last season.

Glos fans will enjoy his electric pace and his willingness to run most things back. He's average under the high ball but he is under 6'. He doesn't have a big boot on him hence why he runs mostly.

Best of luck to him, hope Glos get the best out of him

The only problem with Thomas is that he does run everything, and whilst that works for certain clubs, it doesn't necessarily work for others.

Looks like Glaws are putting together a real good side for the coming year.

I've noticed him kicking a bit more recently, Spiderman. Maybe Gloucester have already had a word with him about it!

luckless_pedestrian wrote:I've noticed him kicking a bit more recently, Spiderman. Maybe Gloucester have already had a word with him about it!

Could be, it would be a bit weird to start shifting your game plan for your next side, whilst your still being feilded for your current side though.

Doubt it, Gloucester's backs love to run the ball they are certainly not a kick happy side. In fact I've seen Johnny May step his way out from his own try line rather than kick.

I think that the majority of Dragons supporters will be sorry to see him go, I certainly will. He overcame some pretty horrendous injuries over the past two seasons and was showing some good form this term. My Glaws workmates will keep me updated on his progress.

He's got the one thing you can't coach - pace. Bloody quick he is, and a big loss for NGD

Thanks for everyone's input about his ability under the high ball

HongKongCherry wrote:At last another FB!! Contrary to what you have heard luckless, Glaws have only had one specialist FB for about 5 years! We have the outstanding Olly Morgan (who is injured for a very long time) and we have made do with wingers or FH playing there. Recently the very promising Jonny May has been playing at FB and long term this may still be his position, but having the extra specialist with help him and provide other options.

Hmmmm. Morgan should be back 9 months after his cruciate. Meanwhile I think May's best position is FB, he's just about to turn 22 and I never buy the argument that the best way to help a player in his early 20s develop is bring someone in to play in front of him.

Next season should have been the season May nailed down a regular starting position, dropped the utility-back tag and pushed hard to play for the senior England side. Looks less likely now, and if it does happen it will be as a winger which I think is a waste of his footballing talents.

It's actually been announced that Morgan will be out until November, which will mean 11 month lay off. It seems most Glaws fans see him as a 13, but I agree that FB could be the best position for him as he can find the space and pick the besat lines from there.