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Anscombe Set to be Confirmed


Anscombe in action

By Andrew Collins
July 11 2014

Gareth Anscombe’s well documented potential transfer to the Cardiff Blues looks set to be given the go ahead as part of the new WRU and RRW participation agreement.

It’s been the most distressing and damaging 12 months of Welsh rugby since regionalism or even professionalism, but it finally looks as though an agreement is near.

The details of the agreement are still unclear, though it’s believed there will be a significant increase to each region’s income totalling around £1million. The move would also see the regions change their current stance of Centrally Contracted players – at current, that would only affect the Cardiff Blues and Sam Warburton, however there are plans to negotiate with several other key players, including Ospreys’ prop Adam Jones.

Another bonus which looks likely to come from the new PA being signed would be the confirmation of Gareth Anscombe’s proposed transfer from the Chiefs. It’s believed that the move is currently being held up while the region awaits permission from the WRU, a position the Dragons also find themselves in as they attempt to bring in South African prop Brok Harris. EDIT - as pointed out by CardiffSteve, the Dragons need permission to sign him as he's nWq, wheras Blues need WRU funding confirmation, something which won't be agreed long before the PA is done and dusted. Thanks to CS! -ADMIN

Speaking of the new PA deal, Peter Thomas recently told WalesOnline,

“We have to stop this infighting and we must declare peace in our time once and for all. We can’t go on as we are or else Welsh rugby will be destroyed and never come back to where it should be.”

“We have got to have the proper funding going forward to be able to compete. Our wage cap is £3.5m. The Toulouse front row costs more than that!”

When asked about the regions’ outlook towards Centrally Contracted players, he added,

“We are not opposed to central contracts. We are very keen to pursue them. We have reached the point now where they have got to be introduced. Jamie Roberts wouldn’t have gone to France if there had been a central contract on the table for him. I doubt if Leigh Halfpenny would have gone either.

“England are talking about £5m for their squads. With the support of central contracts, we would be able to get up to between £3.5m and £4.5m here in Wales. That would certainly help. An extra £500,000 a year into the team would enable you to bring in some real quality.

“We just hope the Union will come back with a positive response.”

Anscombe’s transfer is expected to be announced shortly, with the WRU and Head Coach Warren Gatland themselves keen on the youngster being made available to the national team.

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Anscombe Set to be Confirmed
Discussion started by theArmsPark.co.uk , 11/07/2014 10:55
theArmsPark.co.uk
11/07/2014 10:55
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cardiffsteve
11/07/2014 11:21
He plays for the Chiefs not the Highlanders.

I dont think its like the Brok Harris situation. We dont need permission to sign him because he wont need a work permit. Its just a joint deal so there needs to be a PA sorted first.

cardifflose
11/07/2014 13:37
it's just sorting out who pays him, if a certain wing is taken off our wage bill the Blues will pay him until he earns a CC

ATTR
11/07/2014 14:47
Sadly the PA seems as far away as ever judging by the latest RRW statement.

Cardifflose
11/07/2014 16:00
Yep, kind of settles who is paying him then

binman
11/07/2014 17:52
As someone who's only recently started following welsh rugby... this statement from the RRW today.... Is this normal?!

I mean it could just be the RRW playing hardball to get the WRU to settle on a deal but it does read rather aggressively and with a clear indication that a plan is being put together to carry on without the WRU's money.

Can the blues actually afford to pay the wages next season without WRU funding?

Cardifflose
11/07/2014 18:20
It is being made out to be worse than it is, yes they can afford it, they will only lose 1.7m from not signing a RSA, which will almost be covered by BT deal and RCC, income will be done by a few thousand but they will just need to find other investment.
WRU are now rubber ducked, they have no player release outside of IRB, and if they don't enter regions into Pro 12 they need to expel them which mean they would be free to play in any comp they want.
This is actually very well played by RRW

robin58
11/07/2014 18:57
It seems that the rugby side of things was agreed between Gatland and the 4 regions if I was him I would resign he will not have access to the players he wants or even the players themselves ( for the 4th AI )

Cardifflose
11/07/2014 19:03
I think he will

binman
11/07/2014 19:31
Thanks for the response, not as gruesome for the blues as I initially thought then!

It is crazy though, I thought English football was the biggest self-harmer in the withheld of sports but welsh rugby may have nicked it!

So realistically, if nothing was agreed.. We may not be in the pro12 next season?

Cardifflose
11/07/2014 19:47
We will be in Pro 12 next season because it will get sorted within next couple of weeks, this is just airing dirty laundry......well maybe filthy laundry

Rich.
11/07/2014 21:56
Not sure it'll be sorted quickly myself but sure there'll be money coming in just to secure international player release if nothing else

cardiffsteve
12/07/2014 00:01
Quote:
binman
As someone who's only recently started following welsh rugby... this statement from the RRW today.... Is this normal?!

In a sense, yes. Its perfectly normal. I can remember about four years of relative sanity in the past two decades.

Bluepragmatist
12/07/2014 13:03
im a tad confused, bbc ceefax says that the 4 welsh regions have written to the wru indicating that it could take them over, which does seem to contradict the statement -obviously intended for public consumption-on the cardiff blues website.
does this indicate that the situation is not as negative as the statement suggests and that the whole thig is 1 giant negotiating technique?

Cardifflose
12/07/2014 16:15
No it means the regions were trying to get Roger to bite to show his true colours and intentions but also to show him it would cost more than stadium debt to buy the 4 teams, strange that a letter to a man that keeps his council have found it's way into public domain!

binman
14/07/2014 22:38
Well at least the drama doesn't seem to have put off Anscombe

[www.walesonline.co.uk]

capsgon
15/07/2014 07:16
Quote:
binman
Well at least the drama doesn't seem to have put off Anscombe
[www.walesonline.co.uk]

Nothing new in that article

capsgon
15/07/2014 07:16
Quote:
binman
Well at least the drama doesn't seem to have put off Anscombe
[www.walesonline.co.uk]

Nothing new in that article

Cardifflose
15/07/2014 08:03
Odd that NZ Hearld yesterday reported he had all but resigned for Chiefs, more bullsh*t from andy

bloogoo
17/07/2014 07:11
So is there any truth in this?

Cardifflose
20/07/2014 08:48
Taken from this mornings or last nights which ever way you look at it NZ Hearld "Anscombe who will link up with the Cardiff based Blues in the coming weeks" so done deal then smiling smiley

cardiffsteve
20/07/2014 17:21
Seems that maybe he's made his mind up.

Possibly they're just waiting to announce it at the right time.

Or possibly the dispute is holding it up.

Cardifflose
20/07/2014 19:32
I hope we sign him out right, think it would be wrong of him to walk into a CC or duel deal, having said that he is playing at a top top level playing in finals and until this season winning, I imagine it's either he was waiting until S15 season for chiefs was done, or as you say the dispute which hopefully is sorted this week is holding it up

Yup
24/07/2014 10:01
Has signed according to blues twitter feed

Yup
24/07/2014 10:05

ATTR
24/07/2014 10:46
From another angle, let's hope this is a sign of peace breaking out between RRW and the WRU.

cardiffsteve
24/07/2014 12:05
Media saying we're spending our own money. Not a WRU contract or joint contract. At the moment anyway.

ATTR
24/07/2014 13:09
Indeed, My point is that it may be a sign that things are settling down. After all would you sign a contract to Wales with all the upheaval that has been going on? Let's hope that the player and Cardiff see a future. That's the point, not who is paying.

Chief_at_eight
24/07/2014 13:20
Where does this leave Fish and Priestland?

2 of our most promising players and we're going to have trouble fitting them all in!!

cardiffsteve
24/07/2014 13:21
Quote:
Chief_at_eight
Where does this leave Fish and Priestland?
2 of our most promising players and we're going to have trouble fitting them all in!!

I'm assuming it leaves Priestland in llanelli?

PhillyBlu
24/07/2014 14:04
Guessing he means Patchell!? Anscombe is going to have to fight for that shirt whether it's at 10 or 15. He'll probably play at 10 with Patchell playing outside him at 12, if we are going to play the southern style game. Fullback he's going to have a massive fight on his hands with Fish, Summerhill and Geraint Walsh. Walsh is certainly the player I'd be watching this season as his footwork is up there with shane's.
Good signing overall. For me we only need one or two more signings to be competent. I'd say signing another lock and another tighthead is a must!?

cardiffsteve
24/07/2014 14:57
Probably a bit early to be comparing Geraint Walsh to Shane Williams...

Walsh was the best player in the Welsh prem. So you'd like to think he'd be at least worth a look.

But bear in mind, Fish played just 6 Welsh Prem matches last season.... and scored 7 tries. That maybe put it in context.

Patchell at 12 with Anscombe at 10 could be a really interesting combo.

Chief_at_eight
24/07/2014 15:06
Yeh sorry I did of course mean Patchell.

I really hope we don't move Patchell around the back line. He's the best young 10 we have had in years and we can't treat him the way the ospreys treated hook.

Then again it's quite clear Gatland wanted him over here to play 10.

Would it maybe be a good idea to play Anscombe at 12 or 15 (if he can beat off the competition) instead?

ATTR
24/07/2014 15:33
Patchell at 10 Anscombe at 15. I'm not totally convinced that Fish is a first choice (YET).

Hopefully Patchell and Anscombe will be away with Tim Wales quite a bit so Fish and the others will get their game time / chances to prove they are good enough.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:07:24:15:35:30 by ATTR.

wales606
24/07/2014 17:03
Agree with Patchell at 10 and Anscombe at 15. Fish is talented, but seems to blow hot and cold too much.

With Anscombe at 15 he would be able to step into the 10 channel when needed and spread the attack.

Who will be playing at 12 next season?

Chief_at_eight
24/07/2014 18:32
Agree with that. Patchell at 10 and Anscombe at 15 is our best bet. Anscombe has looked impressive at 15 for the chiefs but a bit lost when he's played 10.

Is that it for our summer signings? I still think we need more strength in depth and centre and on the wings.

robin58
24/07/2014 21:01
A couple more on their way I think we have 3 0r 4 NWQ places to fill

cardiffsteve
24/07/2014 21:06
It was suggested that if a deal was done, RRW would raise the salary cap by 500k to four million.

That'd be 2 or 3 very good players.

And, as robin says, we're well under the suggested NWQ limit.

Cardifflose
24/07/2014 23:46
Keep an eye on Smith this season I think he could force his way into 12

cardiffsteve
25/07/2014 00:13
Quote:
Cardifflose
Keep an eye on Smith this season I think he could force his way into 12

Garyn or Richard?

Laulala was a tellytuby wasn't he?
25/07/2014 01:00
Before Owen's horrific injury, i think most people would have said that the future centres of the club (and possibly country) would have been Allan at 12 and Williams at 13. Are people asking who will play 12 because they would now shift Allan to 13? This isn't something i have really thought about, as i am still in a bit of shock about the Williams injury, and i guess with the skill sets of both it's naturaully been Allan at 12 and Williams at 13 for as long as i can remember as they have come through.

With regards to Allan at 13 I think he would be very good there, but think his skill set is more suited to the 12 role. Whether with our squad makeup now we would be able to field a side that is better overall by having him at 13 is another matter though i guess.

wales606
25/07/2014 07:18
Allen has played a fair amount at 13 over the last year or two - including most of his games for Wales U20s and Wales.

He has the ability to play 12 or 13, but I don't really know where he will end up tbh

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