Welsh Regions Signings/Departures/Rumours 2013 (Scarlets link with Blues winger Albert Nikoro)

First topic message reminder :

n Harris arrives at Ospreys

In

Tito Tebaldi (Zebra) – Confirmed
Rhodri Williams (Scarlets) - Rumour
Tyler Ardron (Ontario Blues) - Confirmed
Jamie Murphy (Bridgend) - Confirmed
Jeff Hassler (Prairie Wolf Pack) - Confirmed
Mathew Dwyer (Bridgend) - Confirmed
Sam Williams (Aberavon)- Confirmed
Chris Gibbes ( Waikato/ Assistant Coach) - Confirmed
Zac Guilford (Crusaders) -Rumour
Aisea Natoga (Nadroga) - Confirmed


Out

Kahn Fotuali'i (Northampton Saints) - Confirmed
Jonathan Thomas (/Worcester Warriors) - Confirmed
Jonathan Humphries (Scotland Forwards Coach) - Confirmed
Campbell Johnstone ( Russian Club) - Confirmed
George Stowers (Tasman) - Confirmed
Cai Griffiths (London Welsh)- Confirmed
Ian Gough (Dragons) - Rumour

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) - Confirmed
Jamie Cub Davies (Carmarthen Athletic) - Confirmed
Josh Lewis (Ebbw Vale) - Confirmed
William Helu (Rugby Roma Olimpic) - Rumour
Lachlan McCaffery (Western Force)- Rumour
Rodnet So'oialo (Honda Heat) - Rumour
Frazier Climo (Taranaki) - Rumour
Albert Nikoro (Blues) -Rumour


Out

Tomas vallejos cinalli (Pampas XV) – Confirmed
Gareth Maule (London Irish/Munster) – Rumour
Adam Warren (Cardiff)- Rumour
Scott Williams (Cardiff) – Rumour
Rhodri Williams (Ospreys) – Rumour
Tavis Knoyle ( Gloucester) – Confirmed
Gareth Davies (Blues) –Rumour
Owen Williams (Leicester Tigers) – Confirmed
Jonathan Edwards (Cardiff RFC) – Confirmed
Andy Fenby (London Irish) - confirmed
Morgan Stoddart (Retired) - Confirmed
Dan Newton (London Scottish) - Confirmed
Kieron Murphy (Brive) - Confirmed
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 (Gloucester) - Rumour
Peter Edwards (London Welsh) -Confirmed
Craig Hawkins (Released) - Confirmed
Craig Price (Leicester Tigers) -Rumour
Lee Williams (Carmarthen Quins)- Confirmed


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
Lyn Jones (London Welsh) -Confirmed
Kingsley Jones (Russia National Team) - Rumour
Mathew Screech (Cardiff Blues) - Confirmed
Franck Montanella (London Welsh) - Rumour
Hudson Tonga’uiha (London Welsh) - Rumour
Jason Tovey (Cardiff Blues)- Confirmed
Ian Gough (Ospreys) - 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
Tim Ryan (Coventry) - 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
Rodney So'oialo (Honda Heat) - Rumour

Out

Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro) - 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
Corry Hill (Cornish Pirates) - Confirmed
Andy Kyriacou (Retired)- Confirmed
Xavier Rush (Leaves) - Confirmed
Mathew Screech (Bedwas/Dragons) - Confirmed
Nathan Trevett  (London Welsh) - Confirmed
Jason Tovey (Dragons) - Confirmed

international197 wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:Watched the Samoa game today, any other Scarlets fans like that Bulldozer I mean Samoan number 8.
I have never heard or seen him before, anyone seen him before.
I know I am just throwing a name about but i'm desperate for a signing.
He was exactly what I would want in an 8 for the scarlets. Your views anyone

I think the Scarlets have plenty of competition for the number eight position for next season; Rob McCusker, Craig Price and Sion Bennett. I want them to not sign another eight, especially a NWQ number eight. I believe they also have the option of calling up a number eight from Llandovery RFC, Llanelli RFC, Carmarthen Quins RFC, Narberth RFC, RGC1404 and other clubs/region within the Scarlets region if needed at any point next season.

Really, sorry got to dis agree with you in this one.
I mean Sion Bennett is really a 6 (every time I have seen him play anyway), he won't have much game time I don't think apart form a few cameo appearances in the rabo and the LV Cup. Mccsusker is good and he is growing into the role but he is not the type of player we need. As we saw today with him with Wales' he was descent but that's it (nothing more than ok really), he isn't that go to forward that the ospreys and even the Dragons have. We will have Barclay and Shingler so players who can do all the hard graft and get around the pitch. We don't have that go forward in our pack which we desperately need and can' get with Rob. I would prefer rob as a 6 or a utility player for the bench.
Again Craig price is a lot like shinlger and we don't need another fast back rower, we need a big lump who can get us those yards.

If we want to get better we have to make foreign signings, that's that's. Wales isn't a big country and even though I would love it if every player in the regions were welsh and successful but the fact is we can't be.
Look at ulster they have afoa and pienar who are the core of that team
Leinster have/ had Brad thorn, Elsom, Nacewa,
Leicester have Ayerza, julien salvi,
Saracens have Brown, Brits, Hargreaves
Munster have BJ Botha and Caseyy Laulala
god Glasgow have strauss and DTH van der merwe.
All these Foreign player add so much to their team and we need those type of players at 8 and wing for us because we already have a good team, we just need those 2 foreign exports in to take us that bit further in the bigger games.

I think it's a shame that Ben Morgan left the Scarlets and opted not to play for Wales. I believe he fits the go forward number eight you're describing, and he was WQ. I disagree with you, I think there's no need for foreign signings. For example, the Scarlets have WQ Stuart Leach from Llanelli RFC, who I believe is another potential competitor for the number eight jersey at the Scarlets next season and might offer a different dynamic to Rob McCusker, Craig Price or Sion Bennett. I understand that Ulster have Afoa and Pieenar, and I believe they help Ulster in the Heineken Cup and the RaboDirect Pro12. However, I believe they aren't helping the Irish National Side; Ireland lost to South Africa last November* (Ruan Pieenar starting for South Africa). They also lost twice** against John Afoa's native country, New Zealand, last summer and I believe having John Afoa at Ulster didn't help the Irish cause. I also think having Australian Julien Salvi at Leicester Tigers did not help the English National Side when they played Australia last November*. Saracen Brit came off the South African bench to help South Africa beat England in November 2012*. I believe there's a pattern and I think the likes of Wales, Ireland, England and Scotland need to be more resilient to foreign players at their clubs/regions if they want to be more competitive with the likes of New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20260835
*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/18350937
*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/18526474
*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20347064
*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20446815

I agree

Surely we have players in all positions developing via the Academies.

If not they are not serving their purpose.

International, do you think the sole reason that Ireland lost to South Africa and New Zealand is because Pieenar and Afoa are playing in Ulster? I really don't think that makes too much of a difference. In IReland they have a limit of one NIQ player per position spread amongst the three top provinces. That way they are certain to have a minimum of two HEC quality players playing in each position every week.

The Scarlets need a physically dominating number eight to give the right ballence to our backrow, and sadly we don't seem to have any of them in our region, and there seem very few WQ number eights in that mold, so we should be looking at getting in an NWQ (ideally who is uncapped) and look at using them to help develope our younger WQ number eights (tips in training etc).

ScarletSpiderman wrote:International, do you think the sole reason that Ireland lost to South Africa and New Zealand is because Pieenar and Afoa are playing in Ulster?

I think not the sole reason, I believe they were contributing factors.

international197 wrote:I think it's a shame that Ben Morgan left the Scarlets and opted not to play for Wales. I believe he fits the go forward number eight you're describing, and he was WQ. I disagree with you, I think there's no need for foreign signings. For example, the Scarlets have WQ Stuart Leach from Llanelli RFC, who I believe is another potential competitor for the number eight jersey at the Scarlets next season and might offer a different dynamic to Rob McCusker, Craig Price or Sion Bennett. I understand that Ulster have Afoa and Pieenar, and I believe they help Ulster in the Heineken Cup and the RaboDirect Pro12. However, I believe they aren't helping the Irish National Side; Ireland lost to South Africa last November* (Ruan Pieenar starting for South Africa). They also lost twice** against John Afoa's native country, New Zealand, last summer and I believe having John Afoa at Ulster didn't help the Irish cause. I also think having Australian Julien Salvi at Leicester Tigers did not help the English National Side when they played Australia last November*. Saracen Brit came off the South African bench to help South Africa beat England in November 2012*. I believe there's a pattern and I think the likes of Wales, Ireland, England and Scotland need to be more resilient to foreign players at their clubs/regions if they want to be more competitive with the likes of New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20260835
*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/18350937
*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/18526474
*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20347064
*http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/20446815

Honestly I believe that losing Ben Morgan was the worse player we have lost in years. He is exactly what we need and I was gutted to see him go. I honestly believe he is the bets 8 in Britain, I know there is Toby but he is the sort of player that suits the game I like and what an 8 should be (a big powerful and skilful 8). We really really miss him, we haven't had much luck with 8's in the past few years with both Lyons and Ben going.

You do make a good pint about Ulster really, I guess that Afoa and Pienar are blocking the path for Fitzoartick and Marshell, Alsop Ireland do have a real problem with tight heads, so you can be on to something there.
But I would like Dan Baker from the Ospreys but he is young and thats' why I think if we could sign Dan and an experienced 8, so he coud do a good job for us for a few years and help Dan break threw as a player.

in the same way that xavier rush marty hollah and others hindered wales for years, the reason wales national side is doing so well is because the regions are skint and cant afford foreign stars meaning welsh lads get game time and get noticed

GavinDragon wrote:in the same way that xavier rush marty hollah and others hindered wales for years, the reason wales national side is doing so well is because the regions are skint and cant afford foreign stars meaning welsh lads get game time and get noticed

Well they didn't really hinder wales, we did win 2 grand slams when they were at the regions. Just saying
And look at Tips now has come of age and matured, i'm sure he got a few tips and lessons from Marty Hollah.

Allty wrote:I agree

Surely we have players in all positions developing via the Academies.

If not they are not serving their purpose.

That would be the same Academies Chairman Rog has stated time and again the WRU provide on the region's behalf, yes?

international197 wrote:I hope Jeff Hassler will provide competition for the likes of Richard Fussell, Hanno Dirksen, Ross Jones, Eli Walker and Dafydd Howells on the Ospreys wings next season. Also, the likes of Jonathan Spratt, Tom Isaacs, Andrew Bishop, Ashley Beck, Ben John, Nathan Edwards and Will Price in the centre. The only shame I feel is he's not WQ. I hope the Canadian Rugby Union are contributing to his wage, especially if he's regularly on sevens duty.

I would enjoy seeing Gavin Henson in a Newport Gwent Dragons training shirt, competing with the likes of Steffan Jones and Kris Burton for the fly-half berth, the likes of Lewis Robling, Ross Wardle, Ashley Smith, Adam Hughes, Patrick Leach and Andy Tuilagi in the centre, and the likes of Dan Evans, Tom Prydie, Hallam Amos and Jamie Smith at fullback. I'm happy to see a WQ player from abroad linked with a Welsh region, I hope more will follow, such as James Hook, Mike Phillips, Dwayne Peel, Eifion Lewis-Roberts, Rhys Gill, Aled Brew, Alix Popham, Nicky Robinson, George North, Daniel Lydiate, Jamie Roberts, Luke Charteris, Craig Mitchell, Gareth Delve, Huw Bennett, Lee Byrne and Darren Allinson (to strengthen the already strong squads at the Welsh regions), and maybe a few quality overseas players, like Jeff Hassler, as long as they're affordable, provide good competition for WQ players and treated equally to WQ players.

You shouldn't feel shame though just because he aint Welsh. We've always had foreigners playing in Wales and some of them have been damn good too. Long may it continue.

.......

So the Dragons have brought in Lyn Jones as director of rugby. At least he's Welsh, eh Allty?

Pete 'The Meat' Edwards has left the Scarlets for London Welsh, not really a loss on the feild as such with Adiaanse, Lee and Manu in that position, but another of those characters gone.

[quote="Luckless Pedestrian"]So the Dragons have brought in Lyn Jones as director of rugby. At least he's Welsh, eh Allty?[/quote]

What on earth has being Welsh to do with coaching?

Great news, finally official. I've just renewed (if you can call it that after a one year hiatus) my season ticket off the back of this. Fickle bugger that I am:

NEWPORT Gwent Dragons’ new chief Lyn Jones has outlined his vision to realise the region’s potential as the “sleeping giant of Welsh rugby”.

The former Ospreys and London Welsh boss was today unveiled as the new director of rugby at Rodney.

The former incumbent of that role was Robert Beale and he reverts to his former job as team manager.

Darren Edwards remains as head coach but assistant coach Rob Appleyard has left Rodney Parade by “mutual consent”.

Jones is no stranger to the region, working as a consultant when Paul Turner was in charge four years ago.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, he outlined his plans for the Gwent region.

“The Dragons are the sleeping giants of Welsh rugby and it’s about opening up that potential, but it takes time," he said.

“I am looking to build relationships – what’s gone on in the past, I just don’t know.

“It’s about making a regional side that people can be proud and part of but there’s a lot of work to do.

“I see no reason why we can’t be the better region in Wales. I think anybody who has been here realises what a good region it can be.

“Friday nights at Rodney Parade can be a difficult place to come and play. For me, the challenge is to take that spirit and hwyl away from home to other venues as well.”

Dragons chairman Martyn Hazell is excited by Jones' appointment.

“This is a crucial appointment for the Dragons," he said. "Last season was a difficult one for us at the region, but having brought our finances under control, we are looking to build our team for the future.

“With some key signings made during the off-season, we are confident that Lyn has the experience and expertise to support our coaching team and ensure that we get the very best out of our group of young, talented players.

Dragons chief executive Chris Brown added: "Having stabilised the business and now strengthened the rugby, we believed we have a sustainable product that will secure the future of rugby at Rodney Parade for years to come.”

Only pulling your leg, Allty.

It's a great appointment. I liked how Chris Kirwan said Lyn created a positive environment in the conference etc. I think there will be a better buzz about the place now and that can only be a good thing.

I love the fact he acknowledges Rodney Parade and how we need to get our old hwyl we had there and also start taking it on the road.

I think we could be in for an interesting few weeks. I think we may see a few more players come in (I know of one possible signing) and it's good to have something to look forward to after last season's massive disappointment.

[quote="Luckless Pedestrian"]Only pulling your leg, Allty. [/quote]Phew thanks for that LP...I was working up to a very gentle anger.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Only pulling your leg, Allty.

Phew thanks for that LP...I was working up to a very gentle anger.

Not sure how much truth there is in rumor. But apparently Keiron Murphy has signed for newly promoted French side brive. Think that makes it roughly 15 players who have left the scarlets this season.

Dragons seem on the up, fair play to hazell & board have invested heavily this summer in players and LJ. Appleyard gone? Will they replace him as defensive coach? Or will jabba be forwards and Kinsley possibly defensive coach?

Not sure Pioden. Is Kinglsey confirmed yet? Only a rumour so far I think. But I can see it as something that Lyn announces himself now that he's in position. Saying that, it would be great to have Kinglsey there too but would have thought he'd want to be a DoR himself. If Darren is still head coach what role would be left for Kingsley???

Be be great to see Jabba involved in some way. Not sure what his coaching credentials are but his Dragons credentials are certainly up there!

New Dragons boss Lyn Jones today revealed he intends opening talks with Gavin Henson's agent about bringing the mercurial talent back to Wales.

We revealed a week ago the double Six Nations Grand Slam winner could be on his way to the Gwent region.

Former Wales flanker Jones was Henson's coach at the Ospreys and London Welsh, and consistently managed to get the best out of the outside-half, centre or full-back.

The Dragons director of rugby, whose appointment at Rodney Parade was confirmed today, told Walesonline: "I will speak to Gavin's agent."

Henson, 31, had been in talks with Bath about a move to the west country following London Welsh's relegation from the Aviva Premiership but nothing concrete has materialised.

Jones, who outlined a bold ambition to transform the Dragons from Wales' worst-performing region to its best, said: "A squad keeps turning over for 12 months of the year.

"Players will always come in and others will leave. It's about improving your strength and keeping a squad sharp.

"I want to create the best environment so players improve. If that happens, the knock-on effect is the team improves.

"I'm not ruling out or ruling in any player. I haven't spoken to Gavin but he played quite well for London Welsh and he has certainly still got a lot to offer the game of rugby."

Thirty-four times capped - 33 with Wales and once with the Lions in New Zealand in 2005 - Henson was plagued by calf and back problems and his game-time was restricted as the Exiles made a valiant but ultimately unsuccessfully bid to stave off an immediate return to the English Championship.

But Jones was impressed with the contribution of Henson, stressing: "When Gavin was on the field he was one of the best outside-halves who played in the Premiership.

"It's a pity he wasn't on the field a bit more!"

Jones has signed a three-year deal with the Newport-based Dragons and talks with the Russian Federation have began in a bid to bring Kingsley Jones on board as forwards guru.

Gwent product Jones is coach of Russia but believes a similar tie-up to last season, when he spent long stints with London Welsh outside the international window, would continue to improve him as a coach.

"When you’re coaching international rugby, you can quickly blunt your tools because you’re not always coaching," said Lyn Jones.

"It’s a good idea that guys like Kingsley are looking to have an active role in week to week rugby. We will see what transpires in the coming weeks."

The new set-up at the Dragons has seen last season's coach Darren Edwards stay on board, working with the backs, forwards specialist Rob Appleyard leave and director of rugby Rob Beale revert of his previous job of team manager.

Lyn Jones, Wales’ most successful regional coach with two Celtic League titles and Anglo-Welsh EDF Cup glory with the Ospreys against Leicester Tigers at Twickenham, is adamant the Dragons can compete at the highest level.

"When the Gwent region started in 2003, it was consistently knocking at the door but it has faded away over the years," he said.

"I'm not going to say we are going to win the European Cup but Gwent is a sleeping giant and it's about creating the environment to maximise that potential.

"If you think small, you will be small. I want to change that mindset. We need to freshen our attitude here and be a little more positive.

"There will be lots of trials and tribulation throughout the next year and it's how we react to them but I'm excited about the possibilities that exist in Gwent with the Dragons."

Only Italian minnows Zebre finished below them in last season's RaboDirect Pro12, while they also exited Europe's second-tier Amlin Challenge Cup at the group stage.

That's from the Wail. I was speaking to somebody and they think that Kingsley is kind of in a Dean Ryan role for now. I think he'll be involved properly soon.

pioden gorllewin wrote:Not sure how much truth there is in rumor. But apparently Keiron Murphy has signed for newly promoted French side brive. Think that makes it roughly 15 players who have left the scarlets this season.

Dragons seem on the up, fair play to hazell & board have invested heavily this summer in players and LJ. Appleyard gone? Will they replace him as defensive coach? Or will jabba be forwards and Kinsley possibly defensive coach?

Really some good news if both Kieran and Pete the waist of space Edwards. Ok Kieran is a descent player but he it too much like Craig price, josh Turnball and crag price so we don't need him. As I have said before we need a big 8 to give us go forward and Kieran isn't that type of player.
Good for him though signing for Brive, will give him a bit of experience but i'm scared the big boys in France might prove a bit too much for him.

I have to take my hat of to the dragons this year, they have had a tuff season but they shave sorted out their money problems and have recruited some good names including bringing welsh players back to wales. Players like Rees, Rhys thomas and Natanei Talei will improve their team, will they beat champions ? No but they can have a good go next year in the Amlin Cup.
So glad to see Lyn has teamed up with the Dragons as he will bring a lot of experience with him to a struggling inexperienced coaching set up.
Gavin and Kinsley would be the perfect fit now for them, wold arguably bring Kinsley in as head coach not forwards coach, but either way they should get his services.

I also think if we do sign Gav, he will be as a 12 more than anything. But I guess that depends who else Lyn wants to sign.

I can't purchase a season ticket this season, but I will attend as many games as I can. I hope this buzz sets us up for a better season.

You wil enjoy Lyn

Not sure for how long

I'm a massive LJ fan, I think he's just the sort if personality we need at the Dragons. With him and the signings made we will hopefully be a much tougher outfit next season. At times it got embarrassing this year but there seems to be an air of optimisim around us at the moment.

We are still a long way off but we've taken a few steps in the right direction this season.

... I'd take Henson as a 12. We lack creativity in the centre. Him and Hughes/Dixon/leach could be deadly.

Heard we are after the Tongan centre from L Welsh, also the loose head? Anyone heard anything?

Nah, not heard anything of that.

[quote="youngguns6"]I'm a massive LJ fan, I think he's just the sort if personality we need at the Dragons. With him and the signings made we will hopefully be a much tougher outfit next season. At times it got embarrassing this year but there seems to be an air of optimisim around us at the moment.

We are still a long way off but we've taken a few steps in the right direction this season.

... I'd take Henson as a 12. We lack creativity in the centre. Him and Hughes/Dixon/leach could be deadly. [/quote]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Beware of Lyn Jones who remains a very poor coach at the top level

Failed big time with the O's he had a Slam squad that failed every year in the HC

He went to the Gulf as an assistant in a PE department and it looks like he did not have a second contract

He failed in the Prem big time.

As long as he stays to the East of Wales I'm happy

To be honest, Allty, after the last few seasons I'll be happy if we just qualify for the Heineken. Considering where we are, to end the coming season third best-placed Welsh region or better in the Pro12 would do me.

Did anyone watch Wales Today yesterday? Did they mention Lyn Jones coming on board? I was in and out of the kitchen, so either they mentioned it before going on to talk about Wales and the Lions or they didn't mention it at all.

Allty wrote:

youngguns6 wrote:I'm a massive LJ fan, I think he's just the sort if personality we need at the Dragons. With him and the signings made we will hopefully be a much tougher outfit next season. At times it got embarrassing this year but there seems to be an air of optimisim around us at the moment.

We are still a long way off but we've taken a few steps in the right direction this season.

... I'd take Henson as a 12. We lack creativity in the centre. Him and Hughes/Dixon/leach could be deadly.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Beware of Lyn Jones who remains a very poor coach at the top level

Failed big time with the O's he had a Slam squad that failed every year in the HC

He went to the Gulf as an assistant in a PE department and it looks like he did not have a second contract

He failed in the Prem big time.

As long as he stays to the East of Wales I'm happy

Show me a coach who's really achieved anything at the O's in the HC??? HE had 5 years at the O's and won 2 leagues (half of all of their league wins to date), an EDF cup and got to the final of the EDF another time. He took the O's the the HC 1/4s for the first time, which no coach since has bettered. I'm not saying that this is amazing stuff, but the current coaches and the ones before have had just as strong a squad (currently almost a whole international pack) and have not done any better.

youngguns6 wrote:Heard we are after the Tongan centre from L Welsh, also the loose head? Anyone heard anything?

That could be good, but the WRU put the kibosh on the signing of a centre from NZ so not sure they'd allow this one (if the rumours are to be believed)???

If anything sums up the logical fallacies that run through the mind of your average Team Wales February Fan it's this nonsense that because the team they support is good enough to win a 6N tournament must be good enough to win a much tougher competition such as the Heineken Cup. That's before we get into the differences in access to players etc.

I'm kind of in agreement with people saying lyn Jones isn't all that as a coach. Neither is Kingsley come to think of it - haven't exactly seen Russia flying up the world rankings. Don't confuse a half decent pundit with a good coach!

And don't confuse a coach with a magician. You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

No one is expecting us to top the table next season, but if Lyn Jones can get the best out of the players we have - and we have some talented players - then I'll be happy.

Lyn Jones may not be able to walk on water, but if you don't expect him to, and compare him to what the Dragons have had in his position previously, I would say he is a huge step forward. Much the same for Kingsley, if he joins.

If say the Ospreys were competing against England in the form of Leicester or whatever, then the point about Grand Slam players not performing in the Heineken Cup might hold up. It's completely different.

Lyn Jones oversaw one of our better periods for our backs when he was coach and has proven that he can get players playing well for him. Anything is also a vast step up in quality on Edwards and Appleyard.

Other rugby news is ospreys are looking at bedwas hooked Rhys hutcherson. Also former neath, Glasgow &,cross keys hooker has gone to league with south Wales scorpions. Wales seem reasonably blessed in the 2 jersey at the moment.

I think Gerwyn Price is only playing league in the summer isn't he? That's the impression I got.

Would make sense. Glasgow have asked to have another look at him.

[quote="Stone Motif"]If anything sums up the logical fallacies that run through the mind of your average Team Wales February Fan it's this nonsense that because the team they support is good enough to win a 6N tournament must be good enough to win a much tougher competition such as the Heineken Cup. That's before we get into the differences in access to players etc. [/quote]

___________________________

Not sure what point you are trying to push.

Regarding player access the regional coaches have almost daily contact with their squads.

I dont think anyone has said the O's should/could win a HC final but with a squad like LJ had available to him he massively under achieved.

I hope he is able to help the Dragons but have my doubts

Its down to the coaching.

Allty wrote:

Stone Motif wrote:If anything sums up the logical fallacies that run through the mind of your average Team Wales February Fan it's this nonsense that because the team they support is good enough to win a 6N tournament must be good enough to win a much tougher competition such as the Heineken Cup. That's before we get into the differences in access to players etc.

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Not sure what point you are trying to push.

Regarding player access the regional coaches have almost daily contact with their squads.

I dont think anyone has said the O's should/could win a HC final but with a squad like LJ had available to him he massively under achieved.

I hope he is able to help the Dragons but have my doubts

Its down to the coaching.

The point me old mucker is this. To you Team Rog apologists, who only take an interest in rugby for 7 weeks a year, and then through a fog of booze, the natural conclusion reached is that the 6N is the paramount rugby tournament in the NH. Ergo the logical fallacy you've trotted out that because Team Wales are good enough to win a 6N, the same players are good enough to win at the knock out stages of Europe. Absurd.

Well, I bet they would at least "get" to the knock out stages stone.

LordDowlais wrote:Well, I bet they would at least "get" to the knock out stages stone.

But the Ospreys did get to the QFs of the HEC, won the league twice, and the EDF Final twice (1 win, 1 loss), before the EDF became the mickey mouse it is now.  All during Lyn's reign, since he left they have done the league twice.  SO overall better with him than without him, and i believe longer without him too but not 100% sure.

I totally agree Scarlet, I am just saying that the Welsh side of today would at least get out of the groups, could you say that of our regions ?

You can't say it for definate no. They've proved consistently they can beat the best the home nations have to offer but come up well short against the best in the world, which is who you need to beat these days to do well in Europe. This is before you factor in the gulf in resources between Team Cementball and the regions. Thanks for proving my point though.

[quote="Stone Motif"][quote="Allty"][quote="Stone Motif"]If anything sums up the logical fallacies that run through the mind of your average Team Wales February Fan it's this nonsense that because the team they support is good enough to win a 6N tournament must be good enough to win a much tougher competition such as the Heineken Cup. That's before we get into the differences in access to players etc. [/quote]





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Not sure what point you are trying to push.

Regarding player access the regional coaches have almost daily contact with their squads.  

I dont think anyone has said the O's should/could win a HC final but with a squad like LJ had available to him he massively under achieved.

I hope he is able to help the Dragons but have my doubts

Its down to the coaching.[/quote]




The point me old mucker is this. To you Team Rog apologists, who only take an interest in rugby for 7 weeks a year, and then through a fog of booze, the natural conclusion reached is that the 6N is the paramount rugby tournament in the NH. Ergo the logical fallacy you've trotted out that because Team Wales are good enough to win a 6N, the same players are good enough to win at the knock out stages of Europe. Absurd.[/quote]


Considering you know nothing about my background in sport, rugby in particular you make some extremely foolish observations.

If you think that players coached by good coaches who win Slams [b]become failiours overnight[/b] and cant get out of a HC pool when being coached by a poor coach you need to readjust your thinking.

Looks like the Ospreys have again done well for pre season ticket sales readily for next season, and still have a few months left. They had the bets attendance last year out of all the 4 regions.

What has happened with the Scarlet's. I mean in 2011 we were getting 10,000 plus for rabo games and about 12,000 for the Heineken Cup games.
What has happened?
This season attendances have been awful, about 7,000 for Rabo games and 9 for Heineken Cup. When I went down to watch the Heineken Cup match at home v Clermont, I was expecting a good crowd, but it was dead. It was awful, Clermont are one of the biggest teams in Europe yet we struggle to a crowd over 10,000.
All i'm asking is: Why have the crowds gone down? and Where have people gone?

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Ospreys-nearing-7-000-tickets/story-19259184-detail/story.html#axzz2Vx5zWSIi