Welsh Regions Signings/Departures/Rumours 2013 (Scarlets set to offer James "cub" Davies a contract)

First topic message reminder :

Ospreys

In

Tito Tebaldi (Zebra) – Confirmed
Rhodri Williams (Scarlets) - Rumour

Out

Kahn Fotuali'i (Northampton Saints) - Confirmed
Jonathan Thomas (Bayonne/Worcester Warriors) - Rumour
Jonathan Humphries (Scotland Forwards Coach) - Confirmed
Campbell Johnstone ( Russian Club) - Confirmed
George Stowers (Tasman) - Confirmed

Scarlets

In

Steven Shingler ( London Irish) –Confirmed
Ed Jackson (London Welsh ) – Rumour
Andrew Coombes (Dragons) - Rumour
Gareth Delve ( Melbourne Rebels) - Rumour
Serge Lilo (Wellington Lions) - Rumour
John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors) - Confirmed
Nick Cummins (Western Force) - Rumour
Farid Sid (Perpignan)- Rumour
Opeti Fonua (Agen) - Rumour
Brett Deacon (Leicester Tigers) - Rumour
Regan King (Backs/Skills Coach) - Rumour
Genesis Mamea (Wellington) - Rumour
Darran Harris (Pontypridd) - Rumour


Out

Tomas vallejos cinalli (Pampas XV) – Confirmed
Gareth Maule (London Irish/Munster) – Rumour
Adam Warren (Cardiff)- Rumour
Scott Williams (Cardiff) – Rumour
Sione Timani (Agen) – Confirmed
Rhodri Williams (Ospreys) – Rumour
Tavis Knoyle ( Gloucester) – Confirmed
Gareth Davies ( Cardiff) –Rumour
Owen Williams (Leicester Tigers) – Confirmed
Jonathan Edwards (Released) – Confirmed
Andy Fenby (London Irish) - confirmed
Morgan Stoddart (Retired) - Confirmed
Dan Newton (London Scottish) - Confirmed
Kieron Murphy (London Welsh/Edingburgh) - Rumour
George North ( Northampton Saints)- Confirmed
Rheon James (Cornish Pirates)- Confirmed
Richie Pugh (Released) -Confirmed
Rhys Jones (Released) - RumourConfirmed
Dale Ford (Released/Bristol) - Confirmed
Samson Lee (Glouceste) - Rumour
Peter Edwards (Released) -Confirmed
Craig Hawkins (Released) - Confirmed
Craig Price (Leicester Tigers) -Rumour


Dragons

In

Ross Wardle (Bedwas) - Confirmed
Richie Rees (Edinburgh) - Confirmed
Luciano Orquera (Zebre) -Rumour
Martin Muller (Cheetahs) - Confirmed
Juan Gomez (Pampas XV) - Rumour
Netani Talei (Edingburgh) - Confirmed
Francisco Chaparro (Stade Francias) - Confirmed
Kris Burton (Treviso) - Confirmed
Rhys Thomas (Wasps)- Confirmed
Malakai Fekitoa (Auckland) - Rumour



Out

Andrew Coombes (Scarlets) – Rumour
Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro)- Confirmed
Steve Jones (Retired)- Confirmed
Tom Brown (Released/Jersey) - Confirmed
Tondi Chavhanga (Released) - Confirmed
Iestyn Thomas (Retired) - Confirmed
Josh Tyler (Released) - Confirmed
Hywel Stoddart (Released) - Confirmed

Blues

In

Filo Paulo (North Harbour) - confirmed
Matthew Rees (Scarlets) Confirmed
Liam Davies (confirmed - until end of season)
Gethin Jenkins (Toulon) - Confirmed
Rhys Gill (Saracens) - rumoured
Adam Warren (Scarlets) - rumoured
Scott Williams –(Scarlets) – rumoured
Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets) – rumour
Gareth Davies ( Scarlets) - rumour

Out

Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro) - not confirmed
Tom James (Exeter Chiefs) -confirmed
Richard Mustoe (retirement) -confirmed
Fau Filise - (retirement) rumour
Ceri Sweeney (Exeter Chiefs) - Confirmed
Leigh Halfpenny (Clermont) - Rumour
Michael Paterson (Sale Sharks) - Confirmed
Campese Ma'afu (Nottingham) -Confirmed

Whenever I have seen Jonathan Thomas I was always impressed. Not sure why he has not featured more in a Wales jersey in terms of starts and regular holder of the blindside jersey regardless of who and who isn't injured. Same with Gareth Delve.... perhaps the particular coach never took a shine to them.

Maybe Jonathan Thomas wants to leave because, I think, there's a lot of competition for the six shirt at the Ospreys, for example, the likes of Ryan Jones, James King, and Tom Smith. Maybe he thought he wouldn't get much gametime at the Ospreys next season. He also has to compete with the likes of Joe Bearman and Morgan Allen at eight, Justin Tipuric and Sam Lewis at seven. Also, the likes of Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Evans, Ian Gough and Lloyd Peers at lock.

pioden gorllewin wrote:during steve hansens reign as welsh coach he said the two welsh players he though were good enough to play for the all blacks were gethin Jenkins & jon thomas. shame that JT never really kicked on from the potential he showed in the early part of his career.

Ok Steve was right about at least one thing during his time in charge (Gethin by the way).

Anyway,
Would this move affect the Ospreys? =No
Is it a good idea to pay in on him now while they can?= stupid question really, of course

Ok Jonathan Thomas is a great player but it's not like they will need him next season. Jonathan can cover 6, 8 and lock and Ospreys all have strength in depth at those positions anyway. Just look at the talent they have
Blindside flanker = James King, Ryan Jones, Dan Baker, Sam Lewis
Number 8 = Bearman, Allen, Dan Baker, Ryan Jones
Lock = Alyn Wyn, Ian evanc, Ian Gough, Lloyd Pears, Ryan Jones
Look at
Selling Johnathan is a very good idea, I feel Ospreys need to sign a centre. Not a world Class one but not just anyone. They need a another Scott Williams or Casey Laulaula

Oh yeah, I forgot about Dan Baker, plus Ryan Jones, James King, and Sam Lewis can cover two or three positions.

Ponty.net rumour - Cory Hill to Cornish Pirates.

dan baker is rumoured to be heading to the scarlets this summer. not convinced the ospreys would allow him to leave, but don't know his contract status.

dan baker is rumoured to be heading to the scarlets this summer. not convinced the ospreys would allow him to leave, but don't know his contract status.

Would make me a very happy man, love to steal a star of the future like they did with Mike to us.

Llandovery centre Jack Roberts has joined Rotherham Titans. Exeter Chiefs were reported to be interested too. Talented centre, it's just the shame that he had Jon Davies, Scott Williams, Maule, adam warren ahead of him at the Scarlets.

http://www.rotherhamrugby.co.uk/news/878/titans-add-to-their-backline/

Jhamer25 wrote:

dan baker is rumoured to be heading to the scarlets this summer. not convinced the ospreys would allow him to leave, but don't know his contract status.

Would make me a very happy man, love to steal a star of the future like they did with Mike to us.

Mike Phillips?

He was already a very established scrum half and he moved to Ospreys from the Blues.

Scarlets took Tavis Knoyle, Kristin Phillips from the Ospreys.

maestegmafia wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:

dan baker is rumoured to be heading to the scarlets this summer. not convinced the ospreys would allow him to leave, but don't know his contract status.

Would make me a very happy man, love to steal a star of the future like they did with Mike to us.

Mike Phillips?

He was already a very established scrum half and he moved to Ospreys from the Blues.

Scarlets took Tavis Knoyle, Kristin Phillips from the Ospreys.

Both Knoyle and Phillips were fringe players unable to get into the Ospreys match day squad. I am surprised that the Ospreys did not take Knoyle back this Summer, he is surely a better prospect than Tibaldi, perhaps they could not afford him. Phillips on the other hand is unlikely to make the grade and I an surprised that he has not been released.

I hope that the Regions can unite in adversity, and not poach any of each other's players but instead agree to transfer's of players such as Dan Baker to a region where he may get the chance of some regular rugby.

Seagultaf wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:

dan baker is rumoured to be heading to the scarlets this summer. not convinced the ospreys would allow him to leave, but don't know his contract status.

Would make me a very happy man, love to steal a star of the future like they did with Mike to us.

Mike Phillips?

He was already a very established scrum half and he moved to Ospreys from the Blues.

Scarlets took Tavis Knoyle, Kristin Phillips from the Ospreys.

Both Knoyle and Phillips were fringe players unable to get into the Ospreys match day squad. I am surprised that the Ospreys did not take Knoyle back this Summer, he is surely a better prospect than Tibaldi, perhaps they could not afford him. Phillips on the other hand is unlikely to make the grade and I an surprised that he has not been released.

I hope that the Regions can unite in adversity, and not poach any of each other's players but instead agree to transfer's of players such as Dan Baker to a region where he may get the chance of some regular rugby.

Haha I knew that was going to wind someone up. No It was a joke before, I new an ospreys fan would bite at it.
Also if you are really upset about us taking Kristian, please try and take take him back. I though we were doing you a favour really.

Anyway can someone please tell me the situation with Rhys Gill, it he out of conrtact with the Saracens or what?

To be honest I don't want to see pllayers moving from one region to another, although I fully understand it for players who are getting zero game time (like Dan Evans moving to the Dragons) or if they have been released (like Gareth Owen moving to the Scarlets). That way it doesn't harm their original region but strengthens their new region.

Not sure what the situation is with Baker or Hewitt (or whatever the winger in the welsh squad is called) but IF they are good enough and not being used/wanted by the Ospreys then I fully understand and support them moving to another region where they will get game time.

pioden gorllewin wrote:Llandovery centre Jack Roberts has joined Rotherham Titans. Exeter Chiefs were reported to be interested too. Talented centre, it's just the shame that he had Jon Davies, Scott Williams, Maule, adam warren ahead of him at the Scarlets.

http://www.rotherhamrugby.co.uk/news/878/titans-add-to-their-backline/

I suspect Gareth Owen, Steven Shingler and Nic Reynolds will also be competing for a centre berth at the Scarlets next season. I believe 7 players competing for 2 berths at the centre at the Scarlets generates a lot of competition for starting berths in that position at that region, so I can understand why another player in that position would want to leave.

Jhamer25 wrote:

Seagultaf wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:

dan baker is rumoured to be heading to the scarlets this summer. not convinced the ospreys would allow him to leave, but don't know his contract status.

Would make me a very happy man, love to steal a star of the future like they did with Mike to us.

Mike Phillips?

He was already a very established scrum half and he moved to Ospreys from the Blues.

Scarlets took Tavis Knoyle, Kristin Phillips from the Ospreys.

Both Knoyle and Phillips were fringe players unable to get into the Ospreys match day squad. I am surprised that the Ospreys did not take Knoyle back this Summer, he is surely a better prospect than Tibaldi, perhaps they could not afford him. Phillips on the other hand is unlikely to make the grade and I an surprised that he has not been released.

I hope that the Regions can unite in adversity, and not poach any of each other's players but instead agree to transfer's of players such as Dan Baker to a region where he may get the chance of some regular rugby.

Haha I knew that was going to wind someone up. No It was a joke before, I new an ospreys fan would bite at it.
Also if you are really upset about us taking Kristian, please try and take take him back. I though we were doing you a favour really.

Anyway can someone please tell me the situation with Rhys Gill, it he out of conrtact with the Saracens or what?

Try reading the post before replying!

Seagultaf wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:

Seagultaf wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:

dan baker is rumoured to be heading to the scarlets this summer. not convinced the ospreys would allow him to leave, but don't know his contract status.

Would make me a very happy man, love to steal a star of the future like they did with Mike to us.

Mike Phillips?

He was already a very established scrum half and he moved to Ospreys from the Blues.

Scarlets took Tavis Knoyle, Kristin Phillips from the Ospreys.

Both Knoyle and Phillips were fringe players unable to get into the Ospreys match day squad. I am surprised that the Ospreys did not take Knoyle back this Summer, he is surely a better prospect than Tibaldi, perhaps they could not afford him. Phillips on the other hand is unlikely to make the grade and I an surprised that he has not been released.

I hope that the Regions can unite in adversity, and not poach any of each other's players but instead agree to transfer's of players such as Dan Baker to a region where he may get the chance of some regular rugby.

Haha I knew that was going to wind someone up. No It was a joke before, I new an ospreys fan would bite at it.
Also if you are really upset about us taking Kristian, please try and take take him back. I though we were doing you a favour really.

Anyway can someone please tell me the situation with Rhys Gill, it he out of conrtact with the Saracens or what?

Try reading the post before replying!

Not you seagultaf, maestegmafia

Try reading my post before replying

Jhamer, I read your post and you quite clearly quoted Segualtaf.

The Saint

Jhamer, I read your post and you quite clearly quoted Segualtaf

What are you on about now.
Why would I say that to seagultaf when it was Maesteg who replied first.
It might look like it was aimed at seagultaf but if you think about it logically why would it be quoted to seagualtaf

Anyway who cares, I don't

people on ponty.net are reporting darran harris has signed his 1st pro contract with the scarlets.

also looks like the blues have been busy scouting players. hope the scarlets don't regret missing out on jack maynard & ollie smythe further down the line.

http://www.cardiffblues.com/news/6393.php

pioden gorllewin wrote:people on ponty.net are reporting darran harris has signed his 1st pro contract with the scarlets.

I very much doubt it, we already have 2 youngsters coming through in Emyr and Kirby, not to mention the class of ken Owens. He would be cheap but I just don't see why we would spend money on another hooker when we already have strength in depth their.

Jhamer25 wrote:

pioden gorllewin wrote:people on ponty.net are reporting darran harris has signed his 1st pro contract with the scarlets.

I very much doubt it, we already have 2 youngsters coming through in Emyr and Kirby, not to mention the class of ken Owens. He would be cheap but I just don't see why we would spend money on another hooker when we already have strength in depth their.

At a guess with Ken, Kirby and Emyr all having been involved with team Wales this year, and with Smiler probably disappearing from the national squad soon, we could realistically lose two hookers to Wales call ups, leaving us pretty short handed.

with craig hawkins being released i guess this is a straight swap. plenty of strength there at hooker. also wales u20 thomas ball who's at llandovery.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:

pioden gorllewin wrote:people on ponty.net are reporting darran harris has signed his 1st pro contract with the scarlets.

I very much doubt it, we already have 2 youngsters coming through in Emyr and Kirby, not to mention the class of ken Owens. He would be cheap but I just don't see why we would spend money on another hooker when we already have strength in depth their.

At a guess with Ken, Kirby and Emyr all having been involved with team Wales this year, and with Smiler probably disappearing from the national squad soon, we could realistically lose two hookers to Wales call ups, leaving us pretty short handed.

Yes but lets not all forget about Huw Bennett as well mind. he has been left out all season because of a bad injury that he has only just started to come back from. He was one of the stars in my eye in the World Cup and didn't get enough praise. I think he and smiler still have a few years left in them. I though Matthew played really good against England. Only him and Ciciero really stepped up in the pack. Best I've seen him play in a good while really so he is still up to it. In order I would say it is Hibbard, Ken, Huw, Matthew, then emyr. So even though Emyr might have a chance of a call up kriby is quite behind.
But if he is a talent (which iv have heard a lot of people praising him)and he comes cheap, why not give him a shot, I just think he will get more game time at another region and we don't really need him

Jhamer25 wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:

pioden gorllewin wrote:people on ponty.net are reporting darran harris has signed his 1st pro contract with the scarlets.

I very much doubt it, we already have 2 youngsters coming through in Emyr and Kirby, not to mention the class of ken Owens. He would be cheap but I just don't see why we would spend money on another hooker when we already have strength in depth their.

At a guess with Ken, Kirby and Emyr all having been involved with team Wales this year, and with Smiler probably disappearing from the national squad soon, we could realistically lose two hookers to Wales call ups, leaving us pretty short handed.

Yes but lets not all forget about Huw Bennett as well mind. he has been left out all season because of a bad injury that he has only just started to come back from. He was one of the stars in my eye in the World Cup and didn't get enough praise. I think he and smiler still have a few years left in them. I though Matthew played really good against England. Only him and Ciciero really stepped up in the pack. Best I've seen him play in a good while really so he is still up to it. In order I would say it is Hibbard, Ken, Huw, Matthew, then emyr. So even though Emyr might have a chance of a call up kriby is quite behind.
But if he is a talent (which iv have heard a lot of people praising him)and he comes cheap, why not give him a shot, I just think he will get more game time at another region and we don't really need him

Bennett has had a career threatening injury this season, and when he gets fit he will be playing in the french second division - he will need to lucky to get looked at by Gatland

It's a real shame as his performances at the World Cup were some of the best hooker performances I have seen for Wales.

Ospreys go global in search for coach to replace Jonathan Humphreys

THE Ospreys could look overseas to replace Jonathan Humphreys as their forwards coach.

They completed their first round of interviews this week and several foreign applicants were among those spoken to.

Eight to ten coaches were interviewed, with chief operations officer Andrew Hore impressed by the quality of the candidates.

"We've unearthed some good people," he said

"There are some overseas guys in there and local coaches as well.

"Everyone we spoke with had something positive to offer.

"We have a policy of developing our own coaches but at this point the people who are being brought through in the region, who are shaping up to be talented coaches, are still acquiring the experience and knowledge for this kind of role.

"It is a big job, requiring the successful candidate to not only bring through the next generation of Ospreys forwards but also get the best out of a senior group that includes five Lions.

"The most important thing is that we find the right man.

"We're excited about it now. It will be good for Steve Tandy and Gruff Rees because the man we appoint will bring fresh ideas into the operation."

Humphreys left the Ospreys after seven years to take up a forwards coach role with Scotland.

He departed with his stock high at the Liberty, having blended the region's pack into a strong unit and overseen the development of numerous internationals.

"He leaves big shoes to fill," said Hore.

"He took a lot of flak at one point, but turned around people's perception of him through hard work and results.

"It's a crying shame we in Wales have lost him to another country.

"But maybe one day he'll return, either at the Ospreys or helping to coach his country.

"I think he is that good.

"In the past couple of years with us, he developed into an outstanding coach."

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Ospreys-consider-going-foreign-replace-Humph/story-19111213-detail/story.html#axzz2UZUrRjty

I would prefer it if the Ospreys appointed a former WQ coach to replace Humphreys. Ideally, someone who has been loyal to the regions and not gone over to France or England. I want the Ospreys to appoint someone like Robin McBryde, who stayed in Wales until the end of his career*. I feel disappointed that Humphreys has gone abroad to Scotland, because he played for Wales and stayed in Wales for the majority of his career*. I wish he would have stayed with the Ospreys or moved to another region, I think he'll be a loss to Welsh rugby. I imagine this will only benefit Scotland when they come to the Millennium Stadium in March 2014*. Would Rowland Phillips* want to come back to the Ospreys? Also, do the Ospreys really need another coach (especially in this economic climate)? They have Steve Tandy as head coach who played in the pack. I also think the likes of Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones and Ryan Jones are experienced enough to act as players and coaches next season.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_McBryde
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Humphreys
*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22169516
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowland_Phillips

I believe Darran Harris* of Pontypridd RFC has signed a contract with the Scarlets*. I think this is a bit unneccessary, I suspect Ken Owens, Emyr Phillips and Kirby Myhill are more than enough hookers for the Scarlets for next season. However, I assume the Scarlets can somehow afford, despite their debts and their struggle to break even, to add extra strength in depth to their already strong depth in that position, or otherwise they wouldn't have signed him. Maybe he'll be an asset to Llandovery RFC or Llanelli RFC now that Emyr Phillips and Kirby Myhill seem to be getting more gametime for the Scarlets. I believe Llandovery RFC have a lot of money; 'Prince' Charles is an 'honorary royal patron' of the club (he has a house in Myddfai), so maybe they (he) have subsidised the Scarlets for this signing. I think Darran Harris could prove useful in the forthcoming season, he used to be a prop so I imagine he has some scrum power, and I think he will add more competition to an already competitive position at the Scarlets. I'm surprised the Blues don't want him, he came through the junior ranks with Brecon RFC, then signed for Pontypridd RFC, two clubs within the Blues region*. I think the Scarlets have plundered the Blues here, and should have signed a hooker from their own region if they really wanted a hooker; someone like Ryan Williams of Llandovery RFC, Tom Wilson of Llanelli RFC or Ricky Guest of Carmarthen Quins RFC.

*http://www.ponty.net/harris-darran
*http://www.scarletfever.org/forum/darran-harris-signed-from-ponty_topic37297.html
*http://www.cardiffblues.com/community/regional_clubs_map_of_the_blues_region.php

I wonder is EOS one of them?

he went for the Connacht job, and to be fair he is a top quality coach, and it looks like he won't have any chances in Ireland.

It's been confirmed that Jon Thomas has signed for the Worcester Warriors.

other news on the coaching side of things. steve jones will replace the departing iestyn thomas as forwards coach of the dragons next season:

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/steve-jones-replace-scrum-coach-4012446

international197 wrote:I think the Scarlets have plundered the Blues here, and should have signed a hooker from their own region if they really wanted a hooker; someone like Ryan Williams of Llandovery RFC, Tom Wilson of Llanelli RFC or Ricky Guest of Carmarthen Quins RFC

Or the Blues decided they would rather sign an experienced hooker from another region (Matthew Rees), rather than giving a youngster a shot from their own region?

The Scarlets are going to be missing atleast one hooker (Ken Owens), during the AIs and 6Ns, and possible another if there are squad injuries for team Wales (Emyr Phillips/Kirby Myhill), so seeing as a match day squad needs to have 2 hookers in there then it makes logical sence to sign another one, especially give that we have had problems in the past when we have had a few hookers missing through injury at the same time.

The Blues wouldn't go near Darren Harris with a barge pole, after all he plays for Pontypridd.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

international197 wrote:I think the Scarlets have plundered the Blues here, and should have signed a hooker from their own region if they really wanted a hooker; someone like Ryan Williams of Llandovery RFC, Tom Wilson of Llanelli RFC or Ricky Guest of Carmarthen Quins RFC

Or the Blues decided they would rather sign an experienced hooker from another region (Matthew Rees), rather than giving a youngster a shot from their own region?

The Scarlets are going to be missing atleast one hooker (Ken Owens), during the AIs and 6Ns, and possible another if there are squad injuries for team Wales (Emyr Phillips/Kirby Myhill), so seeing as a match day squad needs to have 2 hookers in there then it makes logical sence to sign another one, especially give that we have had problems in the past when we have had a few hookers missing through injury at the same time.

Matthew Rees* is from the Blues region. He was born in Tonyrefail*, played for Merthyr* in 1999 and 2000, and Pontypridd* in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. I think he's Blue through and through, I believe the Scarlets have been plundering the Blues for the last nine years by having Matthew Rees at the region.

Okay, the Scarlets may miss Ken Owens and Emyr Phillips to Wales, but unless both are required in the matchday squad, I assume the other will be available for the Scarlets. If both are required, I think the Scarlets could use the likes of Kirby Myhill, Ryan Williams, Tom Wilson or Ricky Guest rather than signing a Blues hooker.

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Rees
***http://www.cardiffblues.com/community/regional_clubs.php

LordDowlais wrote:The Blues wouldn't go near Darren Harris with a barge pole, after all he plays for Pontypridd.

The Blues 'region' clearly isn't working then.

http://www.ponty.net/harris-darran

"Darran Harris came up through the junior ranks with Brecon RFC. Progressing to youth level with Merthyr, Darran played at prop before converting to the hooker's role.

Making his mark as a dynamic player in tight and loose, Darran was rewarded with a call up to the Blues age grade system, and international caps at various youth level.

Nicknamed 'Mighty Mouse' by the Merthyr support, Darran broke through to the senior ranks in 2010 and gave a stand out performance in the club's Welsh Cup quarter final tie against Pontypridd.

Having already been mentored by Ponty coach Dale McIntosh at regional level, Darran was given an opportunity to join up with the Valley Commandos in the summer of 2011."

and the same bloke I believe......

"The Blues under 18s lifted the WRU Age Grade Championship at the Brewery Field yesterday thanks to a lone try from prop Darren Harris.
Blues 11 Scarlets 6.

A charge down by scrum half Lewis Jones led to a try for Brecon's Harris and though it went unconverted"

http://www.cardiffblues.com/news/2575.php

It also says in the latter, "The region is very proud of these players as they are vital for the future of the [Blues] region." But, Darran Harris gone to the Scarlets region at 20 years of age, and George North, who was playing in the same game [for the Scarlets], has gone to Northampton .

International - So you work it out as Smiler is a Blues player through and through because was born/raised in an area that was not originally part of the Blues region? If you go through region of origin, then you will end up with some pretty messed up regions. The likes of Ryan Jones are Dragons players through and through, Jonathan Thomas, Luke Hamilton, Sam Parry are Scarlets through and through, etc etc.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:International - So you work it out as Smiler is a Blues player through and through because was born/raised in an area that was not originally part of the Blues region? If you go through region of origin, then you will end up with some pretty messed up regions. The likes of Ryan Jones are Dragons players through and through, Jonathan Thomas, Luke Hamilton, Sam Parry are Scarlets through and through, etc etc.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I think, beside Tonyrefail is part of the Blues region now, I don't think it's sensible to refer to the regional boundaries of 10 years ago; they have changed. I believe it's better to refer to the regional boundaries of the present. If you want to discuss whether the regional boundaries are fair or whether the number of regions are sustainable, I believe that's another issue; I think it's perfectly clear that Matthew Rees was born in Tonyrefail, played for Merthyr and Pontypridd and all three of these settlements are part of the present Blues region. I believe he's also been living within the present Blues region for most, if not all, of his life, even when he was with the Scarlets.

International -: The likes of Rhys Priestland, Jon Davies, and a few others live in Cardiff as well, because it has far more there than living in Camarthen or Bancyfelin etc. A list of poached players at the regions, going by place of birth, is as follows-:

Blues -: Breeze (Os), G Davies (Os), Down (Os), G Evans (Os) Halfpenny (Os), Hamilton (Sc), Harford (Os), Roberts (Dr), Tovey (Dr), Watts-Jones (Dr)

Dragons -: Cudd (Sc), D. Evans (Os), W Evnas (Sc), Groves (Bl), Gustafson (Sc), Harris (Bl), A Jones (Os), Leech (Sc), Parry (Sc), Poole (Bl), Price (Os), Prydie (Os), Stoddart (Bl), Tyler (Os)

Ospreys -: Allen (Dr), Dwyer (Dr), Fussel (Bl/Dr?), Gough (Dr), Griffiths (Sc), Isaacs (Bl), Ry Jones (Dr), Peers (Dr), J Thomas (Sc), M Thomas (Bl)

Scarlets -: J Edwards (Bl), Ford (Os), P John (Os), C Jones (Dr), Kelly (Os), Knoyle (Os), Maule (Os), Owen (Os), K Phillips (Os), Price (Os), Pugh (Os), Rees (Bl), Stoddart (Bl), Li Williams (Os), O Williams (Os), Rh Williams (Os)

ScarletSpiderman wrote:International -: The likes of Rhys Priestland, Jon Davies, and a few others live in Cardiff as well, because it has far more there than living in Camarthen or Bancyfelin etc. A list of poached players at the regions, going by place of birth, is as follows-:

Blues -: Breeze (Os), G Davies (Os), Down (Os), G Evans (Os) Halfpenny (Os), Hamilton (Sc), Harford (Os), Roberts (Dr), Tovey (Dr), Watts-Jones (Dr)

Dragons -: Cudd (Sc), D. Evans (Os), W Evnas (Sc), Groves (Bl), Gustafson (Sc), Harris (Bl), A Jones (Os), Leech (Sc), Parry (Sc), Poole (Bl), Price (Os), Prydie (Os), Stoddart (Bl), Tyler (Os)

Ospreys -: Allen (Dr), Dwyer (Dr), Fussel (Bl/Dr?), Gough (Dr), Griffiths (Sc), Isaacs (Bl), Ry Jones (Dr), Peers (Dr), J Thomas (Sc), M Thomas (Bl)

Scarlets -: J Edwards (Bl), Ford (Os), P John (Os), C Jones (Dr), Kelly (Os), Knoyle (Os), Maule (Os), Owen (Os), K Phillips (Os), Price (Os), Pugh (Os), Rees (Bl), Stoddart (Bl), Li Williams (Os), O Williams (Os), Rh Williams (Os)

I believe it's not necessarily where you were born though. I was born 20 miles from my hometown, Ruthin, but I don't consider myself to be from Rhyl (where I was born). 20 miles is a long way and I think it makes no difference whether you're born in a Scarlets, Ospreys, Blues or Dragons region, or abroad, I think it's about where you're from. For example, I believe Rhodri Williams was born in Swansea, in the Ospreys region, but his hometown is Ammanford, in the Scarlets region, and he played for Ammanford RFC* and is now playing for Llandovery RFC* which are clubs in the Scarlets region. So, in my mind, Rhodri Williams is Scarlet through and through.

I would understand why Rhys Preistland or Jon Davies would sign for the Blues if they're living in Cardiff. I also would understand if they stayed at the Scarlets because they're from Carmarthenshire, but I wouldn't understand it if they signed for the Ospreys or Dragons because I don't feel they have a connection with those regions.

*http://www.scarlets.co.uk/eng/rugby/clubs.php

international197 wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:The Blues wouldn't go near Darren Harris with a barge pole, after all he plays for Pontypridd.

The Blues 'region' clearly isn't working then.

When have the Blues truley looked further North than the Radyr though ? People who support the Blues on this very forum will tell you that they do not want to have any connections to the valleys, they just want to be Cardiff.

God all this arguing of who originated from where, does it really matter.
It happens, were some player might not get a chance in one region, they will in another. Leigh Halfpenny is the best example of that. As long as they are promising players who are getting spotted by our regions and are then contributing to our national team does it really matter.

Anyway good move for Jonathan Thomas (he wasn't going to get much game time at the ospreys anyway next season), I hope the Ospreys' use that money to sign a centre. Apart form that they are set on every position for next season.

Jhamer25 wrote:God all this arguing of who originated from where, does it really matter.
It happens, were some player might not get a chance in one region, they will in another. Leigh Halfpenny is the best example of that. As long as they are promising players who are getting spotted by our regions and are then contributing to our national team does it really matter.

Anyway good move for Jonathan Thomas (he wasn't going to get much game time at the ospreys anyway next season), I hope the Ospreys' use that money to sign a centre. Apart form that they are set on every position for next season.

Agreed and well said.
In the real world it matters not a jot and the Leigh Halfpenny example was mentioned in the Cardiff Blues article which some on here probably didn't bother to read.

LordDowlais wrote:

international197 wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:The Blues wouldn't go near Darren Harris with a barge pole, after all he plays for Pontypridd.

The Blues 'region' clearly isn't working then.

When have the Blues truley looked further North than the Radyr though ? People who support the Blues on this very forum will tell you that they do not want to have any connections to the valleys, they just want to be Cardiff.

Darren Harris was with Brecon RFC (then later with your home town club, Merthyr RFC) when Cardiff Blues gave him an opportunity at age grade. Brecon is sort of north isn't it? I'm sure there are plenty of other examples of Cardiff Blues looking north if you want to check.
Also Cardiff Blues have a relationship with Pontypridd if you hadn't noticed and more so now than ever with the indication that 9 academy players will be turning out for the Pont next season not that some of their fans are happy about it mind you. Have a browse on the ponty.net forum and czekout their reaction to this latest news.

international197 wrote:It also says in the latter, "The region is very proud of these players as they are vital for the future of the [Blues] region." But, Darran Harris gone to the Scarlets region at 20 years of age, and George North, who was playing in the same game [for the Scarlets], has gone to Northampton .

Maybe Cardiff Blues didn't rate Darren Harris similar to the Os not rating Halfpenny. It happens.
Decca didn't rate The Beatles. D'Oh!
As for George North, I can understand why he's a goner.

reporting in the evening post that the scarlets are set to offer james davies a contract. better known as cub, due to being jon "foxy" davies younger brother. the carmarthen quins openside tends to spend the majority of the time on the 7s circuit with wales. believe he has come in to replace richie pugh who has been replaced, on a similar contract (wales 7s pays the majority, and we then top it up) another upgrade in the squad i believe. will now have barclay, dan thomas & cub fighting for the number 7 shirt.

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/story-19120873-detail/story.html#axzz2UZ2GBGPd

LordDowlais wrote:People who support the Blues on this very forum will tell you that they do not want to have any connections to the valleys, they just want to be Cardiff.

A lot do and i don't blame them, we were a stand alone region in the beginning and the WRU saw fit to merge us with an area whose region collapsed. The blues were set up to be stand alone cardiff and there's probably a bit of resentment that were were lumped together with one of our pre-region rivals.

Me, i couldn't give a toss because after all...it's only rugby.

He's looked smart when playing 7's for Wales. Lets hope he can make the step up playing regional rugby.

think he'll do well in regional rugby to be truthful, not the biggest gamble in the world as he's not costing us much.

Ospreys are reporting that it was financial constraints which lead to releasing JT early from his contract. Looks like they are going to use his freed up salary to strengthen elsewhere in the squad:

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Financial-constraints-forced-Ospreys-allow/story-19120895-detail/story.html#axzz2UfWRPPYZ

THE Ospreys admit financial constraints meant they had no choice but to allow Jonathan Thomas to join Worcester Warriors.

Although the Welsh international back-rower had a year left on his contract at the Liberty Stadium, it was confirmed yesterday that Thomas would be moving to the English Premiership side.

The 30-year-old's switch to Sixways brings to an end a ten-year spell with the Ospreys, culminating in last month's defeat to Glasgow in which he made a record-equalling 188th appearance for the region.

With 67 caps for Wales to his name as well, Thomas was undoubtedly a valued member of the Ospreys squad.

But for a team relatively rich in back-row options — and, like their rivals, stymied by the Welsh regional salary cap — the Ospreys could not afford to hold on to the Pembrokeshire man.

"In a more politically stable environment there's no doubt that we'd be able to keep quality individuals like JT," said Andrew Hore, the region's chief operations officer "However, due to the restraints of a salary cap to ensure the regions remain sustainable, the need to bolster our squad in other positions and the developmental process creating greater depth in certain positions, extremely tough decisions like this have to be made, not only by the Ospreys but by the individual also.

"Jonathan fully understands the current position of the business and it is typical of his selfless attitude that he has opted to be released one year early from his contract, after this exciting opportunity for him at Worcester arose," added Hore.

"Jonathan has been a tremendous servant for both the Ospreys and Swansea RFC over the past 12 years and we wish him all the best at his new club.

"There will always be a welcome for him back at the Ospreys in some capacity, be that as a player, administrator or coach, and I'm sure that he looks forward to that day as much as we do."

Thomas rose to prominence with Swansea, captaining the Whites at just 19.

He secured his place in the inaugural Ospreys squad in 2003 and, less than four weeks after his birthday, he became the region's youngest ever skipper in their Heineken Cup match against Edinburgh.

Thomas's performances earned him a place in the Wales squad for the 2003 World Cup, where he shone in an entertaining 53-37 defeat to New Zealand.

The most recent of his 67 caps came against Argentina in 2011 and, although he has been on the international periphery since then, Thomas continued to play an integral role for the Ospreys.

"The Ospreys have been a huge part of my life for so long that it is going to be really strange reporting for pre-season training somewhere other than Llandarcy," he said.

"I'm really proud of everything we've achieved over the past ten years, particularly winning four league titles and an EDF Energy Cup at Twickenham.

"While sad to be leaving the Ospreys, I'm excited about the future and relishing the prospect of experiencing a new culture and playing in a new competition, although I will still be following the region from afar."