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ShortyinBurnham
ShortyinBurnham
03 January, 2018 12:45
I thought that Max Wright was recovering from injury and therefore not available for selection? Could be wrong though.

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
03 January, 2018 13:03
Quote:
Worcester Way
Wuss fan in peace. The noises coming out of warriors from people who work at the club is that not only is Jackson Willison staying for the season, but he has indeed signed up for next term. Whether this is posturing I don’t know but they’re not usually wrong. Interesting to see what happens.

and yet a couple of re-signings announced today but not Jackson Willison (or T'eo)...

[warriors.co.uk]

Keeping Mills is massive for them, he has been great.

usa warrior
usa warrior
03 January, 2018 21:54
Teo is contracted through next season.

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
03 January, 2018 22:13
Ah, thought he was off which is why we had been linked with him...Mills is better anyway, good re-signing there.

usa warrior
usa warrior
03 January, 2018 22:20
It is, yes. Mills is huge for us and I expect we’ll begin to see a few following him.

That’s not to say that Teo won’t be off though!! Just that you won’t see him re-signing.

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
04 January, 2018 13:32
Jackson Willison still seemingly on the cards.

[www.worcesternews.co.uk]

by
by
04 January, 2018 17:34
The rumour was that he was signing from January, sounds as though thats never going to happen. Would still be happy to see him brought in over the summer although I'm sure most will be disappointed we haven't thrown the cheque book at someone better.

Clark, Willison, Tapuai, JJ.
Decent midfield strength

dannyf2
dannyf2
04 January, 2018 19:41
T'eo still on the cards

usa warrior
usa warrior
04 January, 2018 20:04
If I’m honest, Teo is probably the more likely of the two!

MESSAGES->author
OutsideBath
04 January, 2018 20:10
Quote:
dannyf2
T'eo still on the cards

Not sure he would offer good value for money, poor injury record and when fit off with England.

How many times has he actually played for Worcester in the last couple of seasons?

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
04 January, 2018 20:15
T’eo? No thanks. I don’t even think he is that good even when he is fit...he is a crash, bash not gonna pass merchant. For me, he isn’t even the best 12 at Worcester, despite Eddie knowing infinitely more about rugby than I do and thinking the sun shines out of his butt. As for buying him out of his £366k a year contract? Don’t think so.

[www.punditarena.com]

DanWiley
Dan Wiley
04 January, 2018 20:16
I think Te'o would be another example of how we get transfers wrong, then lament about how well Exeter have done. Going straight for the big, expensive name with moments of brilliance over a solid, cohesive squad that the star dust can, carefully, be added to.

Bring Te'o in and we'll have another gap somewhere else within a season.

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
04 January, 2018 22:14
Exeter have more than 15 players out of contract at the end of this season, including captain Gareth Steenson and internationals such as Lachie Turner, Greg Holmes, Michele Campagnaro and Ian Whitten.

I would happily take Lachie, Campagnaro or Whitten tbh. Campagnaro has been so unlucky with injuries but is a a really good centre IMO.

by
by
04 January, 2018 22:26
Would love to have Campagnaro, can't see Exeter letting him go though.

Boldangrey
Boldangrey
04 January, 2018 22:39
Campagnaro's been for a slipper fitting at Farleigh Towers.

Or is that fake news?

Bathovalballer
Bathovalballer
04 January, 2018 22:47
Campagnaro is a class act if a little injury prone, will be resigned as he is a favourite of Ali Hepher.
Lachie Turner is OK but the man I would take is Whitten. Defensively he is a rock. Great carrier and gain line battering ram and is rarely injured. Can pass as well. But again he is liked by the coaches and is unlikely to be free.

Forget Holmes, we have better tight heads.

bathleds
bathleds
05 January, 2018 08:47
After seeing the BBC article this morning before seeing this, I 100% agree we should be breaking the bank to Get Campagnaro in, can play 12 & 13 and is very physical and quick.

Boldangrey
Boldangrey
05 January, 2018 09:04
Quote:
Bathovalballer
Campagnaro is a class act if a little injury prone, will be resigned as he is a favourite of Ali Hepher.
Lachie Turner is OK but the man I would take is Whitten. Defensively he is a rock. Great carrier and gain line battering ram and is rarely injured. Can pass as well. But again he is liked by the coaches and is unlikely to be free.

Forget Holmes, we have better tight heads.

And what size slippers does Whitten take?

benjbath
benjbath
05 January, 2018 14:48
Campagnaro injury free would be fantastic, but I would take whitten any time he was offered. Solid in defence, deceptively quick, can get over the gain line and holds defenders because of that as well which enables the faster runners like JJ to have some realistic space. Also as at home at 12 as at 13 so can effectively fill in during 6N etc. A seriously good club player, but I highly doubt exe will let him go or be happy to see him leave... he's the sort of player we want.

HMilner
Big Dog
05 January, 2018 15:16
Quote:
benjbath
Campagnaro injury free would be fantastic, but I would take whitten any time he was offered. Solid in defence, deceptively quick, can get over the gain line and holds defenders because of that as well which enables the faster runners like JJ to have some realistic space. Also as at home at 12 as at 13 so can effectively fill in during 6N etc. A seriously good club player, but I highly doubt exe will let him go or be happy to see him leave... he's the sort of player we want.

I agree would really like to have Whitten here! Hell of a player. Not sure he'll be allowed to go though as he's a favourite of Baxter and made himself invaluable for Exeter when they've had injuries to Devoto, Hill and Campagnaro.
They are very strong in the centres though with Sam Hill, Campagnaro, Devoto, Slade and Whitten all excellent options at 12 or 13. Would be happy to take one of them off them! Personally I'd have back Devoto but others on here don't see what I saw in him perhaps!



Adopted players:
2018-19 Jonathan Joseph
2017-18 Shaun Knight

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
05 January, 2018 15:24
One of the issues with Devoto is that he was talked up so much when he was very young (with us) that he was always going to find it tough to match up to the expectation. I am one of those who was disappointed that he didn't develop as the soothsayers were predicting. If he had just come in as a young kid and played a bit I think that I would probably have thought he was better. Harsh but true.

Bathovalballer
Bathovalballer
05 January, 2018 17:32
Devoto's going had much to do with a certain previous DofR, who basically told him he was not considered good enough to start regularly and was offered a derisory new contract, although he often did due to injuries.

The man we want from Exe is Slade who is a class act all round. Highly unlikely we would ever get him but definitely we should go for Whitten if he becomes free.

MESSAGES->author
Which Tyler
05 January, 2018 18:33
I'd happily take any of Exeter's 5 centres.

Devoto though, was messed about by never being given a position, and overhauled too early.
At Exeter, he was considered an IC who can fill in at OC, and stole the shirt off Hill - against the expectations of most Ex fans. He quickly established himself as first choice IC for the Prem wining team - the only thing he hasn't done yet is to play for England - for whom he was called up 1-2 years too early in his development, and seems to have discarded for not being ready by then (and Fazlet being undroppabke with Te'o in the wings).

Given the free choice of any player to steal from Exeter, I'd take Ollie back; yes ahead of Slade, but that's largely because Slade's few appearances at IC show that he's emergency cover there only, and he wouldn't oust JJ. Devoto can do everything you want of an IC very well, but nothing exceptionally, just the sort of player you want to glue your team together.



A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Boldangrey
Boldangrey
05 January, 2018 21:58
Devoto is one of Baxter's failures.

He left us highly regarded as a potential Eng player. Baxter's influence has taken him right out of the ratings.

MESSAGES->author
joethefanatic
06 January, 2018 06:57
Quote:
Which Tyler
Given the free choice of any player to steal from Exeter, I'd take Ollie back; yes ahead of Slade, but that's largely because Slade's few appearances at IC show that he's emergency cover there only, and he wouldn't oust JJ. Devoto can do everything you want of an IC very well, but nothing exceptionally, just the sort of player you want to glue your team together.

I think it is entirely possible Slade will oust JJ for England. His passing game is better, his kicking game is better, he's more creative and he defends well. True, he doesn't have JJs outside break but that is increasingly rarely seen.



... IMHO, of course.

Now in Honolulu

MESSAGES->author
hemington
06 January, 2018 08:49
Quote:
joethefanatic
I think it is entirely possible Slade will oust JJ for England. His passing game is better, his kicking game is better, he's more creative and he defends well. True, he doesn't have JJs outside break but that is increasingly rarely seen.

Not sure he is as good a defensive 'captain' as JJ and can he do all those things at International level on a regular basis?

Boldangrey
Boldangrey
06 January, 2018 09:22
Quote:
hemington
Quote:
joethefanatic
I think it is entirely possible Slade will oust JJ for England. His passing game is better, his kicking game is better, he's more creative and he defends well. True, he doesn't have JJs outside break but that is increasingly rarely seen.

Not sure he is as good a defensive 'captain' as JJ and can he do all those things at International level on a regular basis?

+1

Defensive qualities these days are hugely important and this is where JJ has it.

JJ might have a quiet game, but he rarely has a bad one, whereas Slade is capable of howlers.

by
by
06 January, 2018 10:37
I dunno, EJ was talking about players being good at club level but struggle internationally, personally I think EJ believes this applies to Slade.

seatonian
seatonian
06 January, 2018 11:00
I thought that JJ and Taps were brilliant against Wuss. Taps is a must to keep. Has he signed a new contract yet? After last night a lot of clubs will be sniffing for his signature.

MESSAGES->author
OutsideBath
06 January, 2018 11:15
For a little guy Taps tackling is really impressive, will be gutted if we don't hang on to him.

JimDaff
Jimbo
06 January, 2018 11:34
Quote:
joethefanatic

I think it is entirely possible Slade will oust JJ for England. His passing game is better, his kicking game is better, he's more creative and he defends well. True, he doesn't have JJs outside break but that is increasingly rarely seen.

I think EJ wants to get to the point where he can have a horses for courses approach to selection with a couple of contrasting players in each position. JJ and Slade are very different players, if England play with Farrell and Ford as duel playmakers then playing a third in Slade doesn’t work, for me you need someone with JJ’s pace and elusiveness or someone physical like Tuilagi to balance. If you play T’eo at 12 to crash it up then Slade at 13 works. They are very different players I can’t see Slade scoring a hat trick like JJ’s against Scotland but then JJ’s distribution and kicking game is nowhere near as good as Slade’s...

MESSAGES->author
shipwrecked
06 January, 2018 13:44
Quote:
JimDaff
Quote:
joethefanatic

I think it is entirely possible Slade will oust JJ for England. His passing game is better, his kicking game is better, he's more creative and he defends well. True, he doesn't have JJs outside break but that is increasingly rarely seen.

I think EJ wants to get to the point where he can have a horses for courses approach to selection with a couple of contrasting players in each position. JJ and Slade are very different players, if England play with Farrell and Ford as duel playmakers then playing a third in Slade doesn’t work, for me you need someone with JJ’s pace and elusiveness or someone physical like Tuilagi to balance. If you play T’eo at 12 to crash it up then Slade at 13 works. They are very different players I can’t see Slade scoring a hat trick like JJ’s against Scotland but then JJ’s distribution and kicking game is nowhere near as good as Slade’s...

Agree with the "horses for courses" bit, what I like about JJ is his desire to break the line, either with footwork or more recently with his grubbers for wingers running on to. Add to that his partnership with Anthony Watson and his solid defence I think it puts him in front of Slade, if you want tactical kicking then there are Ford and Farrell to do that.

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
06 January, 2018 14:04
Slade remains a top bench option for me because of his versatility.

MESSAGES->author
Which Tyler
06 January, 2018 19:56
Dom Barrow (lock) has supposedly left Tigers with immediate effect.

I thought punch-ups were considered standard practice in training for most teams, and actively encouraged at Tigers. If too much for them, then I'd have to assume things got out of hand (or an excuse was being looked for)



A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
06 January, 2018 20:09
I quite like Dom Barrow actually, quite ‘Stookey’ in his no nonsense approach, which is what I assume got him into this position? I would imagine that he will find a new home pretty quickly...still very young too.

BathBurger
BathBurger
06 January, 2018 20:18
Sounds like BoB would take him in a heartbeat...

Bathovalballer
Bathovalballer
06 January, 2018 20:38
I would especially in our present position with second rows. Must be worth a temporary contract to see whether he fits in and what he can do. Only 24 and a big experienced unit.

BathOtter
BathOtter
06 January, 2018 20:50
Quote:
BathBurger
Sounds like BoB would take him in a heartbeat...

Stooke and Barrow with Phillips on the bench are what BoB dreams are made of!!

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
06 January, 2018 20:50
Levi Douglas put in some solid crunching tackles when he came on yesterday as well tbh. With Attwood back soon we should be reasonably furnished in the 2nd row dept for this season? As we all know, centre remains the position of concern despite the return of Tapuai (and didn’t he make a difference again).

B4thB4ck
B4thB4ck
06 January, 2018 20:56
What position would we consider as really well covered if we needed to send out someone to create cap space?

If Barrow came in we will need his shoe size....

Boldangrey
Boldangrey
06 January, 2018 21:12
A while ago we had a discussion about the merits of nos 4 and 5.

The balance was 4 the enforcer and 5 the mobile jumper.

With Attwood, Stooke Philips and Douglas I'd say we are well covered for 4s.

With only Ewells and Charteris sadly for BoB we might need another 5!

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
06 January, 2018 21:38
Quote:
Boldangrey
A while ago we had a discussion about the merits of nos 4 and 5.
The balance was 4 the enforcer and 5 the mobile jumper.

With Attwood, Stooke Philips and Douglas I'd say we are well covered for 4s.

With only Ewells and Charteris sadly for BoB we might need another 5!

Got your 4s and 5s swapped BnG - The 5 is the tighthead lock? Ewels plays both.

(Barrow is also a 4, so would be competition for Charteris)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/01/2018 21:42 by BathMatt53.

MESSAGES->author
Which Tyler
06 January, 2018 21:39
B&G - I think you got them the wrong way around there.
Quite honestly, I think we're fine for locks right now, but we may be looking to replace Attwood this summer, and Charteris before too much longer, so might be worth a look at Barrow - though it also depends on how bad the punch-up.
If it's bad enough to release him without notice, a mark must have been overstepped somewhere - which wouldn't bode well.



A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
06 January, 2018 21:43
Barrow doesn’t seem to have been first choice with Kitchener and Fitzgerald taking the lock spots recently?

Boldangrey
Boldangrey
06 January, 2018 21:49
Apologies.

As a 2 I never really knew whose head was up my backside.

I think the previous concensus was that an exact match was not necessary.

Dom Barrow is listed as 6' 7" and 19stn 2lbs so he's probably a 4 1/2! I would say more 'enforcer' than 'jumper'.

Hamptonite
Hamptonite
07 January, 2018 08:39
Today’s TRP suggests that Willison is on his way to us......and maybe Chudley from Exeter.

The Fissler headline is that Banners is going to Glos.

No mention of Taps who is becoming a ‘must re-sign’ IMHO

MESSAGES->author
CountryMike
07 January, 2018 08:42
It's also says that we're looking to get first dibs on Cokanasiga (sp?) if / when Irish get relegated.

Boldangrey
Boldangrey
07 January, 2018 08:51
Fissler probably heard me say that!

As a pensioner in East Dorset my sources are about as reliable.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/01/2018 08:52 by Boldangrey.

MESSAGES->author
Which Tyler
07 January, 2018 09:44
Talking about Leicester departures, it looks like they need another new coach. Doesn't sound like many happy camp at the moment.

Tigers 2018/19 with Jim Mallinder as DoR and Mike Ford as HC?



A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/01/2018 09:47 by Which Tyler.

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
07 January, 2018 09:53
Cockerill back ‘home’ more likely IMO! Tigers without Cockerill just just seem right to me.

Boldangrey
Boldangrey
07 January, 2018 14:19
Leics are like Bath 2 seasons ago.

Is Ford a Jonah?

BBandW
BBandW
07 January, 2018 14:53
Must be very tough for players like Banners to make the decision to go - but for a professional sportsman its a short career and a very uncertain future.

Good luck Banners - 250 starts in the BB and W.

southgate
southgate
07 January, 2018 17:12
Campagnaro would be a good signing although I think he may be a little injury prone

MESSAGES->author
roywalker
08 January, 2018 13:33
Cuthbert has opted not to renew his deal with the Blues. Not saying he’d be good for us as he always seems to fall of tackles for a big lump but he’s available for next season. Wonder where he’ll end up. Anyone heard anything?

Boldangrey
Boldangrey
08 January, 2018 14:05
Well, Brew picked up with us so why not?

dcsh
dcsh
08 January, 2018 14:14
We could end up being London Irish West combined with Wales East! 😉

Boldangrey
Boldangrey
08 January, 2018 14:29
You mean the Not-Not-Not-Nots?

Pie-Half
Pie-Half
08 January, 2018 14:36
"Former England and Saracens winger David Strettle was connected with an unlikely move to Bristol Rugby next summer earlier this year, but rumours have resurfaced after he revealed his future is still not decided. – Bristol Post"

Would be a much better choice than Cuthbert



Andy Goode's body double.

Bring back rucking and speed up the game. Simples, for rucks sake.

Anyone.But.Tiggers.

Charlie Ewels - Adopted player 2018/19
Levi Douglas - Adopted player 2017/18
Tom Homer - Adopted player 2016/17

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
08 January, 2018 14:57
Strettle will be 35 by then - good player but not sure he's a long term option for anyone.

Pie-Half
Pie-Half
08 January, 2018 15:08
Id rather have Strettle at 35, than cuthbert at 35seconds for the hundred



Andy Goode's body double.

Bring back rucking and speed up the game. Simples, for rucks sake.

Anyone.But.Tiggers.

Charlie Ewels - Adopted player 2018/19
Levi Douglas - Adopted player 2017/18
Tom Homer - Adopted player 2016/17

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
08 January, 2018 15:25
I will take neither thanks!

by
by
08 January, 2018 15:28
Wouldn't mind Cuthbert, but the main rumours for a wing replacement are Sarto, Cokanasiga or Earle.

I think I'd rather we'd just keep Banahan.

HMilner
Big Dog
08 January, 2018 15:38
Quote:
shipwrecked
Quote:
JimDaff
Quote:
joethefanatic

I think it is entirely possible Slade will oust JJ for England. His passing game is better, his kicking game is better, he's more creative and he defends well. True, he doesn't have JJs outside break but that is increasingly rarely seen.

I think EJ wants to get to the point where he can have a horses for courses approach to selection with a couple of contrasting players in each position. JJ and Slade are very different players, if England play with Farrell and Ford as duel playmakers then playing a third in Slade doesn’t work, for me you need someone with JJ’s pace and elusiveness or someone physical like Tuilagi to balance. If you play T’eo at 12 to crash it up then Slade at 13 works. They are very different players I can’t see Slade scoring a hat trick like JJ’s against Scotland but then JJ’s distribution and kicking game is nowhere near as good as Slade’s...

Agree with the "horses for courses" bit, what I like about JJ is his desire to break the line, either with footwork or more recently with his grubbers for wingers running on to. Add to that his partnership with Anthony Watson and his solid defence I think it puts him in front of Slade, if you want tactical kicking then there are Ford and Farrell to do that.

I personally was all for Slade getting a shot at one point but I do think JJ has really proven he is the best option at 13 for England. Slade for me seems a more natural fit at 12 but for some reason does not play that well there for Exe or England. JJ has also this season been showing signs that he's been working quite a lot on his distribution and kicking - the supposed parts of the game that differentiate Slade. He has thrown a couple of dodgy passes but then I also remember he threw an absolutely beautiful long pass to Brew to release him in one of those Toulon games that even Dan Carter would have been proud of.

As for Barrows - I think he has had a neck injury has he not? Doubt he's been fighting anyone if he does as can't imagine getting lumped in the face with a neck injury is too pleasant! He strikes me as a player with good potential but is very subject to brain fart/donkey moments like charging into a ruck through the side in front of the ref etc when I have seen him play. I agree with above as well - 2nd row we are fine for once Attwood, Ellis back fit and then you have Douglas, Charteris, Ewels and Stooke all there too.

TAPS HAS TO BE RE-SIGNED. He's been brill for us at times this year and seems better now he is more settled. Get it official so nobody (Quins) start trying to turn his head!



Adopted players:
2018-19 Jonathan Joseph
2017-18 Shaun Knight

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
08 January, 2018 15:43
Barrow tweeted positive things about Tigers and getting back involved etc so it may all just be a mountain out of a molehill.

Ian E
Ian E
08 January, 2018 18:15
I heard a rumour that Haskell is off to Bristol

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
08 January, 2018 18:28
That one has been reported for some time (mid December)

[www.ruck.co.uk]

The latest is that YBY could be on his way out, but it sounds like agent talk to me

[www.ruck.co.uk]

With his Leicester contacts (brother, father) and family illness concerns I can't see it. I'm sure threatening it is all good for the new contract though £££.

(as for Bath being a suitable destination, that's nuts - his best mate just left because he hated it here, not the best reference...)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/01/2018 18:30 by BathMatt53.

Knipm
Knipm
09 January, 2018 04:42
Part of me is thinking no news is good news on Taps given players can start agreeing moves officially from Jan 1 onwards (I think?). If the Quins move I heard was a done deal then you’d hope it would have been announced... same wishful thinking on Banners really.

That said, this started out at as a thread about Auterac and again nothing announced there...!

Does anyone know if Chudley is meant to be end of season or in season?

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
09 January, 2018 07:25
Moves can be agreed but announcements are often later, for example only after the teams have played. I don’t think that no news is necessarily good news, look at the Stooke early announcement.

- With obano and Paz I think that we can assume auterac is off.
- Sounded like taps could be staying.
- Willanson sounds increasingly like coming here.
- Banners to glos (but again not officially announced).
- Chudleys contract is up end of season.

BathOtter
BathOtter
09 January, 2018 09:31
Agree with others that Taps is the absolutely crucial one here.

The interesting one for me is Chudley. I think he would prove a very canny and astute signing. Cook at 26 viewed increasingly as the future, and Kahn is probably going to be rolling 1 year contracts for the foreseeable future, until he clearly starts to wane. With Kahn at 35 there is perceivably that gap for a 29 or 30 year old with lots of experience but still plenty of gas left. He for me is that man, but whether he comes or not is a different matter. Wouldn’t be huge bucks either presumably.

If he does come, would probably mean another year away for Homer as I think Allinson signed a 2 year deal last year IIRC? Then when Allinson contract up bring Homer back as a young and keen 24 year old (or however young he is) and we have 3 great 9’s, and maybe Kahn if he is still going. Decent planning for the future in my opinion!

DanWiley
Dan Wiley
09 January, 2018 09:43
"Decent planning for the future in my opinion!"

That feels like an optimistic view to me.

I think at 26 Cook should be the now. If we have to bring in a senior 9 to him I think its suggesting he's always going to be the reserve. he played well against Wuss, but I'm not convinced he plays consistently to a level at you'd want to see as a "top 4" starter. Khan to me already looks on the wane, no shame in that at his age. Homer needs to get back to us next season and start playing, if he's not playing AP rugby by his next birthday I think he's going to struggle, but if he's the reserve then what's Cook? I think Chudley would be our first choice for a season, maybe 2, feels to me like a stop gap. I don't know what the thinking behind Allinson is, do we think he's -really- cheap?

Being brutal, we let Allinson go this season, pay him out off so he's not in next year's cap. You bring Chudley in as that stop gap. Bring Homer back as his understudy. Cook fills in the gaps and start looking for the next Homer.

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
09 January, 2018 09:50
Quote:
DanWiley

Being brutal, we let Allinson go this season, pay him out off so he's not in next year's cap. You bring Chudley in as that stop gap. Bring Homer back as his understudy. Cook fills in the gaps and start looking for the next Homer.

Interesting point to which I don't know the answer, but wouldn't this mean that his next years salary would be in this years cap (which is already maxed we assume)? I guess that's where loans come in, or mutually agreed contract termination, such as Bowden.

Bathovalballer
Bathovalballer
09 January, 2018 10:18
What about young Clark who we brought in from Leeds and who was very good at England age group levels? Surely he must be considered as a number one in a few years time. Hope we see some of him in the AWC Fixtures coming up

MESSAGES->author
Which Tyler
09 January, 2018 13:00
On Scrum Halves...
Some weeks/months, Cook looks plenty good enough to be our starter going forwards, but he really seems to struggle keeping that form up, Kahn is on the wane this season, burning think is still our best SH, but needs to be managed well (or could be carrying a niggle)
The two youngsters both look decent prospects, and both look better than the likes of Cook or Robson did at their age; but time will tell on that, Allinson just isn't a Prem standard SH IMO, even as 3rd choice, I'd rather be giving Homer/Clark their shot.

If I were Todd, I'd be looking to bring in a starting SH for 2-3 years, with Cook as 2nd choice, challenging for the starting shirt when on form. Kahn in a mentoring role bringing on the kids in the A-league and AWC, and probably in his last contract, though if he's interested and showing ability, look at a coaching role going forwards.
However, with Allinson on the pay role for next season, and Kahn having re-signed before particularly showing his age, having 6 SHs kicking around is just too many, even with a view to reducing that to 4 in 12 months time.



A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

MESSAGES->author
BathSalmon
09 January, 2018 14:06
Clark = Green right? As in Max Green the scrum half in our academy?

Too many Max's!

MESSAGES->author
Which Tyler
09 January, 2018 14:35
Quote:
BathSalmon
Clark = Green right? As in Max Green the scrum half in our academy?
Too many Max's!
Sorry, yes; saw BoB posting about Clark the scrum half and confused myself.


A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Bathovalballer
Bathovalballer
09 January, 2018 15:16
Apologies guys, yes I meant Max Green.

I met someone who watches Leeds on a regular basis 3 months ago, and he was positively effusive over how much talent the lad has and IHO was nailed on for a very successful first class career. Apparently rated by the Leeds coaches as well. Hope so.

ken_jnr
ken_jnr
10 January, 2018 07:51
This may annoy those with the view “if it ain’t Bath I ain’t listening” but this is a serious bit of business from Wasps if it turns out to be true:

[www.nzherald.co.nz]

They do like a marquee player!

gaz59
gaz59
10 January, 2018 08:02
"Sopoaga has prioritised banking £500,000 to 600,000 ($1.13 million NZD) per season at Wasps over furthering his international career.

That's his prerogative.

He may eventually return from England, but history tells us two-and-a-half years abroad will not enhance his skills, and others quickly step into the void."

Miaow!

But if true how the FN 'eck does it get inside the salary cap?

HugoBoss
HugoBoss
10 January, 2018 08:37
Very good question, they must be bang on the limit now with the names they have and squad size! Sopoaga is hell of a successor to Gopperth long term too-and Gopperth is a fine player to have as it is. I wonder if this will see him move into a coaching role at the end of the season; that's a pretty damn fine addition to their set up if so.

Going back, I fail to see the need for Chudley myself, however good he may be. I hope Todd has seen enough in the raw talent of Homer to see he has a future here, added to Cook, and the talent of Green coming through as well. I'd rather those wages went into strengthening our wings-Cokanasiga as I said months ago would be a fine addition and I hope those rumours are true. I also rate Heem at Worcester-quietly solid for them since he arrived, wouldn't be away for international duty and has the skill set Todd seems to like.

And for Christ's sake lets sign Taps up! The way he straightens up an attack instead of drifting is such a strength of his, as is the way he goes low in the tackle and brings his man down instead of hitting high as the trend has been for a while and risking being bounced off. He has really stepped up a gear this season, great to see

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
10 January, 2018 09:13
If that really is the salary then it puts him on less than Dan Biggar at Saints - relative bargain.

MESSAGES->author
CoochieCoo
10 January, 2018 09:14
Quote:
gaz59
"Sopoaga has prioritised banking £500,000 to 600,000 ($1.13 million NZD) per season at Wasps over furthering his international career.
That's his prerogative.

He may eventually return from England, but history tells us two-and-a-half years abroad will not enhance his skills, and others quickly step into the void."

Miaow!

But if true how the FN 'eck does it get inside the salary cap?

Marquee player



Adopted player 2023/24 Matt Gallagher
https://uploadscdn.sportnetwork.net/upload/105/105_0_1694105203.jpg

http://v4admin.sportnetwork.net/upload/105/105_0_1597330055.jpghttp://v4admin.sportnetwork.net/upload/105/105_0_1597330111.jpg

Pie-Half
Pie-Half
10 January, 2018 12:47
Quote:
gaz59
"Sopoaga has prioritised banking £500,000 to 600,000 ($1.13 million NZD) per season at Wasps over furthering his international career.
That's his prerogative.

He may eventually return from England, but history tells us two-and-a-half years abroad will not enhance his skills, and others quickly step into the void."

Miaow!

But if true how the FN 'eck does it get inside the salary cap?

Cips is off and he is going to be on a decent wedge, haskell off and he wont be cheap. big gap in wage bill.



Andy Goode's body double.

Bring back rucking and speed up the game. Simples, for rucks sake.

Anyone.But.Tiggers.

Charlie Ewels - Adopted player 2018/19
Levi Douglas - Adopted player 2017/18
Tom Homer - Adopted player 2016/17

opti
Optimist
10 January, 2018 13:25
Where's Haskell off to? Seems like a similar bit of business to Banners to Glos - DoR taking a punt that they are likely to deliver diminishing returns from hereon in.

Pie-Half
Pie-Half
10 January, 2018 13:27
Quote:
Optimist
Where's Haskell off to? Seems like a similar bit of business to Banners to Glos - DoR taking a punt that they are likely to deliver diminishing returns from hereon in.

nothing official, but rumoured to be Brizz

by
by
10 January, 2018 15:06
Haskell is opening a gym in Bath city centre, maybe he wants to be nearby.

BathBurger
BathBurger
10 January, 2018 16:11
Apologies if this is already linked anywhere, however it does contain a brief summary on our targets of Chudley, Willison and Cokanasiga.

[www.ruck.co.uk]

Suggests we have already got Willison's signature though, which you would think would have been announced with Banners' departure.

Ian E
Ian E
10 January, 2018 16:36
Bath confirm Banahan's move to Glos😥

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
10 January, 2018 16:37
Quote:
Ian E
Bath confirm Banahan's move to Glos😥

Keep up Ian!

Agreed BathBurger, especially as we have already played Worc twice this season. Unless he genuinely hasn't decided yet as he said in the Worc news the other day.

by
by
10 January, 2018 16:53
Don't understand why we are after Chudley.

Willison would be a good addition at centre although we've lost Banahan and therefore somewhat still exposed there, especially as Clark seems to regularly pick up long term injuries.

I don't think Cokanasiga is ready for the premiership yet.

A lot of Glasgow fans have said that Sarto is very injury prone and a quick look at his Wikipedia page, seems to confirm their reports with a total of 72 club appearances for Zebre and Warriors since 2012, an average of 12 club appearances per year.

Boldangrey
Boldangrey
10 January, 2018 20:53
Hope Willison doesn't mean there is doubt over taps.

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
10 January, 2018 20:56
Doubt it BnG, after all we are at least 1 centre short anyway even with Taps.

wilshd
wilshd
10 January, 2018 21:34
Wade off too apparently

opti
Optimist
10 January, 2018 21:59
Wouldn’t blame Wade for cashing in France. Eddie has never given him a sniff.

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
10 January, 2018 22:38
Wade and Bassett then? Guy Thompson to Tigers too, Dai is having a switcheroo.

Rolfs_Cartoon_Club
@Hydor18
11 January, 2018 08:31
Am I right in thinking a marquee player’s salary not only sits outside the cap, but is also limitless as to its level? If that is the case, then what (other than tax, I guess), would stop a club from paying a player 75% of a mega wage that would’ve been paid over, say, three years of a contract in year 1, and the remaining 25% in years 2 and 3?

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
11 January, 2018 08:59
Quote:
@Hydor18
Am I right in thinking a marquee player’s salary not only sits outside the cap, but is also limitless as to its level? If that is the case, then what (other than tax, I guess), would stop a club from paying a player 75% of a mega wage that would’ve been paid over, say, three years of a contract in year 1, and the remaining 25% in years 2 and 3?

The rules say that you cannot weight a contract. It is quite explicit, including examples.

dcsh
dcsh
11 January, 2018 11:16
I thInk you could weight the contract over a number of years if required, but the average over those years would be used for salary cap purposes.

DanWiley
Dan Wiley
11 January, 2018 11:39
I think you are right dcsh and it may well happen, but as you say, from the cap point of view it makes no difference.

MESSAGES->author
Which Tyler
11 January, 2018 12:46
Quote:
dcsh
I thInk you could weight the contract over a number of years if required, but the average over those years would be used for salary cap purposes.
Correct; you COULD pay somone £2M in their first year, and then nothing in years 2 & 3; and their salary would be counted as £2/3M per year for 3 years - whether marquee or otherwise.
Equally, all the obvious loopholes have been closed - payments to WAGs, parents, for coaching, via a sponsor (including "free" landrovers etc - unless it's given before the sponsorhip is finally signed) etc are all explicitly ruled out; there are even limits on what can be spent on education for the player.
Even those theoretical payments out of country are included - just far harder to prove



A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

Substitute
Substitute
11 January, 2018 13:08
Any signing fees also are only incurred in the year they are effective. So if you have cap space you could in theory use signing fees to offset salary to reduce the burden on future years.

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