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Boldangrey
Boldangrey
16 January, 2018 22:29
T B-Clewes re-signed for LI today.

opti
Optimist
17 January, 2018 10:18
While Lewington has signed for Saracens.

MESSAGES->author
Rawce
17 January, 2018 10:55
Quote:
Optimist
While Lewington has signed for Saracens.
Did you see how they gave out a teaser before they announced it? [twitter.com]

Sadly trying the same with Bath’s latest tweets produce gibberish and only read C O C K O F F B O B, so no hidden messages there I’m afraid.

opti
Optimist
17 January, 2018 11:00
Ha ha. Very good Rawce. I think you'll find the same hidden message if you read the first letter of recent posts on here too!

MESSAGES->author
Which Tyler
17 January, 2018 12:15
Quote:
Hugo.LI
Hands off!
I'm still hoping for a hat-trick of TBC, JW and JC.
Buy two get one free? It worked well for us last time after all. smiling smiley

(Yes, I know is TBC and JC have contracts standing, but surely they have release clauses in the event of relegation)



A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 17/01/2018 12:15 by Which Tyler.

MESSAGES->author
Rawce
17 January, 2018 12:35
Quote:
Optimist
Ha ha. Very good Rawce. I think you'll find the same hidden message if you read the first letter of recent posts on here too!
Wow, harsh but fair, though some of those claims could be libelous.

Hugo.LI
Smudge21
17 January, 2018 14:14
Quote:
Which Tyler
Quote:
Hugo.LI
Hands off!
I'm still hoping for a hat-trick of TBC, JW and JC.
Buy two get one free? It worked well for us last time after all. smiling smiley

(Yes, I know is TBC and JC have contracts standing, but surely they have release clauses in the event of relegation)

I think Joe definitely has a release clause in his contract so if the worst is to happen it would be difficult to convince him to stay
TBC on the other hand I would be very surprised if he left and johnny is a complete unknown! Think he signed a contract 2 years ago so depends how long the contract was worth

by
by
17 January, 2018 14:54
So more news, Perenise re-signs with the club, really unexpected IMO and definitely confirms the departure of Knight or KPN, although the length is unspecified.

Delmas is confirmed to join Bath for next season.

[www.bathrugby.com]

by
by
17 January, 2018 15:04
The chronicle says that KPN and Knight have not received new contracts.

[www.bathchronicle.co.uk]

Tough one, KPN showed some real promise but his scrummaging never seemed to consistently reach a premiership standard, shame IMO as his work around the loose was brilliant. Knight was unlucky to pick up a long injury.

Delmas is an unknown and a real gamble for the club, he looks very slender and tall for a tight head.

MESSAGES->author
Griff
17 January, 2018 15:20
Quote:
by
The chronicle says that KPN and Knight have not received new contracts.
[www.bathchronicle.co.uk]

Tough one, KPN showed some real promise but his scrummaging never seemed to consistently reach a premiership standard, shame IMO as his work around the loose was brilliant. Knight was unlucky to pick up a long injury.

Delmas is an unknown and a real gamble for the club, he looks very slender and tall for a tight head.

Sad to see KPN will be off, have to agree by he never KPN showed real promise in his early days, but with injuries and Mike Ford pretty much ignoring him. He never developed as we and he probably hoped. Good luck Kane we'll miss the beard!



"It's all right, Andy! It's just bolognaise!"

Arthur Cordwell Adopted Player 2023/24

gaz59
gaz59
17 January, 2018 16:15
Would have KPN as a contender for try of the season, nifty footwork for a porp

Rolfs_Cartoon_Club
@Hydor18
17 January, 2018 16:23
KPN just a tad lightweight in my opinion. Needs to add a stone and grow a couple of inches. Always a shame to lose a Bath born and bred stalwart though.

Bath Hammer
Bath Hammer
17 January, 2018 17:31
Nice at least to see one old timer retained.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 17/01/2018 23:55 by Bath Hammer.

HMilner
Big Dog
17 January, 2018 17:46
Seem to be a solid decision to extend Perenise given his experience and he was really good I thought when getting game time early on this year. A wise old professional head for the younger guys to learn off of given his vast experience at AP, Super Rugby etc.

Don't know anything on Delmas but I am presuming if we are happy to let KPN and Knight go that the club have scouted him fully and see something good in him. Never thought either KPN or Knight bad players to be fair but like the rest of our front row at times, both injury prone! Wish them both the best of luck in getting deals elsewhere!



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

Mike the Taxi
Mike the Taxi
17 January, 2018 17:59
Victor Delmas' arrival

Oops did not see earlier link



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 17/01/2018 18:00 by Mike the Taxi.

sid the seagull
sid the seagull
17 January, 2018 21:32
V pleased re AP.
Didn’t realise he was 35 though. Ok for a TH apparently whereas 31 too old for a winger.
Just saying.

HOP

BathBurger
BathBurger
17 January, 2018 21:45
Quote:
sid the seagull
V pleased re AP.
Didn’t realise he was 35 though. Ok for a TH apparently whereas 31 too old for a winger.
Just saying.

HOP

He's seriously fit for a 35 porp. He's been a real workhorse in defence. Glad he's resigned.

DanWiley
Dan Wiley
17 January, 2018 22:11
The attributes you need as a porp and those you need as a winger are very different.

MESSAGES->author
shipwrecked
17 January, 2018 23:25
Agree, porps make excellent wingers, however, wingers in scrums is another matter entirely as proven by Jonny May!


MESSAGES->author
Toast and Marmite
18 January, 2018 08:10
The response on here to KPN and Knight is a pleasant contrast to the absolute meltdown on the Bath Facebook page!!



"No sprinkles. For every sprinkle I find, I shall kill you."

JimDaff
Jimbo
18 January, 2018 08:38
Quote:
Toast and Marmite
The response on here to KPN and Knight is a pleasant contrast to the absolute meltdown on the Bath Facebook page!!

Exactly! Whilst it’s sad to see a Bath boy through and through leave, he’s never really made the most of the opportunities- albeit somewhat limited. Some of them make him sound like the worlds greatest prop.

MESSAGES->author
jayeatman
18 January, 2018 09:06
Yes there was a bit of hysteria on the FB page.

wrt to TH porps, it's good to see 4 signed and settled. If only the same could be said for every other position on the park.
I'm pleased we retained Perenise but don't really see the logic of bringing in an older French D2 player in preference to KPN, unless they know KPN's prognosis is not good.

As for the other losses, you can't blame people getting emotional about the loss of Banners. Until we see who they get in as replacements for Auterac and Tapuai, I will reserve judgement.



BATH supporter since 1975

Adopted players:
2015/6 Tom Homer
2016/7 Matt Banahan
2017/8 Jeff Williams
2018/9 Victor Delmas
2019/20 Semesa Rokoduguni
2020/21 Will Stuart

westondave
WestonDave
18 January, 2018 10:21
It would be nice to keep a local lad in the team but in reality KPN hasn't really quite cut it. I suspect the number who'd pick him before Thomas or Lahiff would be pretty small, and whilst maybe a few more might pick him ahead of Perenise its clear that in the present selection of TH's that we have on the books he's probably 4th in the pecking order when all fit and on form. He might have done better to have been loaned out somewhere, get some more game time and learn a few more dark arts, but its almost as if he's been content to stay at home, pick up what scraps of game time are going and not really push on - and ultimately that may have been his downfall. Roll back a few years - him and Chris Cook were probably on the same knife edge of whether they'd make it or not. Cookie went to London Welsh for a season and came back a much better (still not perfect) player who can challenge for first choice selection on his day.

Bathovalballer
Bathovalballer
18 January, 2018 10:25
Very well put Weston Dave.Fully agree.

MESSAGES->author
Rawce
18 January, 2018 12:56
Quote:
jayeatman
Yes there was a bit of hysteria on the FB page.
wrt to TH porps, it's good to see 4 signed and settled. If only the same could be said for every other position on the park.
I'm pleased we retained Perenise but don't really see the logic of bringing in an older French D2 player in preference to KPN, unless they know KPN's prognosis is not good.

As for the other losses, you can't blame people getting emotional about the loss of Banners. Until we see who they get in as replacements for Auterac and Tapuai, I will reserve judgement.
I believe Paz is Auterac's replacement for next season and Catt's injury cover for this season. Obano, Paz and Catt is a great set of LHs, with Lahiff and maybe an academy product covering the 4th spot. Apologies if I've forgotten someone obvious.

Boldangrey
Boldangrey
18 January, 2018 21:08
Catt is a favourite, but I worry about his long term prospects, given the number of injuries he is picking up.

MESSAGES->author
jayeatman
19 January, 2018 13:03
Quote:
Rawce
I believe Paz is Auterac's replacement for next season and Catt's injury cover for this season. Obano, Paz and Catt is a great set of LHs, with Lahiff and maybe an academy product covering the 4th spot. Apologies if I've forgotten someone obvious.

I think you're right although I think only having 3 senior LHPs going into next season would be a mistake. Maybe one of the many academy props will the big step up required.

Pie-Half
Pie-Half
19 January, 2018 15:11
[t.co]

Earle's isn't coming to us... Quins doing a major revamp.



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

BathBurger
BathBurger
19 January, 2018 15:14
Quote:
Pie-Half
https://t.co/koiSdMvcmA
Earle's isn't coming to us... Quins doing a major revamp.

Indeed, couple of astute signings for next season.

MESSAGES->author
Toast and Marmite
19 January, 2018 16:08
Quote:
BathBurger
Quote:
Pie-Half
https://t.co/koiSdMvcmA
Earle's isn't coming to us... Quins doing a major revamp.

Indeed, couple of astute signings for next season.
Aside from retaining Kingston....


"No sprinkles. For every sprinkle I find, I shall kill you."

dannyf2
dannyf2
19 January, 2018 16:59
We can keep our fingers crossed for the lad cokanasiga

by
by
19 January, 2018 18:14
Quote:
jayeatman
Quote:
Rawce
I believe Paz is Auterac's replacement for next season and Catt's injury cover for this season. Obano, Paz and Catt is a great set of LHs, with Lahiff and maybe an academy product covering the 4th spot. Apologies if I've forgotten someone obvious.

I think you're right although I think only having 3 senior LHPs going into next season would be a mistake. Maybe one of the many academy props will the big step up required.

Lahiff can play both sides.

Danchinho
Danchinho
19 January, 2018 18:55
Quote:
by
Quote:
jayeatman
Quote:
Rawce
I believe Paz is Auterac's replacement for next season and Catt's injury cover for this season. Obano, Paz and Catt is a great set of LHs, with Lahiff and maybe an academy product covering the 4th spot. Apologies if I've forgotten someone obvious.

I think you're right although I think only having 3 senior LHPs going into next season would be a mistake. Maybe one of the many academy props will the big step up required.

Lahiff can play both sides.

Blimey, I wouldn't say that to his face (Sm100)

MESSAGES->author
Rawce
19 January, 2018 22:21
But he doesn’t want to. It’d be nice to have kept KPN and have The Beef as an option for either side but primarily Loose.

Sir Redneck
Sir Redneck
20 January, 2018 07:57
Quote:
Rawce
But he doesn’t want to. It’d be nice to have kept KPN and have The Beef as an option for either side but primarily Loose.

Lahiff has no interest in playing or even covering LH. He sees himself as a specialist TH these days. I suspect the club will be looking for Sam Nixon to step up to the plate over the next season or 2.

Sirengco
Sirengco
20 January, 2018 09:30
Just seen Bristol are due to announce 9 new signings today... I wonder if anyone in that list will be a missed opportunity for us?

JimDaff
Jimbo
20 January, 2018 10:06
Quote:
Sirengco
Just seen Bristol are due to announce 9 new signings today... I wonder if anyone in that list will be a missed opportunity for us?

Who do we think they’ve signed? A few we’ll know like Afoa but are we expecting any surprises?

MESSAGES->author
shipwrecked
20 January, 2018 10:12
Where is this announced then? Doesn't seem to be anything obvious.

Bath Hammer
Bath Hammer
20 January, 2018 10:14
I suspect we are restraining our expenditure whilst the ground development proceeds. All the indications are that we are very cost conscious compared to other clubs who seem to be splashing the cash & are instead focusing on good value deals. I hope I am proved wrong as whilst we must constantly seek value if we go too far down that road, with just a few stand out players, we will be left behind by the likes of Gloucester & Quins.

MESSAGES->author
shipwrecked
20 January, 2018 10:20
That's a really good point if true of course, question would be what do Bath fans want, shinny stadium or shinny trophies. Silly question really it will be both!

sirtidychris
sirtidychris
20 January, 2018 10:24
Need a decent stadium solution as part of the puzzle for long term success and viability, if Exeter are the bench mark what they did at Sandy Park laid the platform for much of what has come since. Rec solution first over trophies for me. Used to no trophies anyway

Substitute
Substitute
20 January, 2018 10:35
Quote:
JimDaff
Quote:
Sirengco
Just seen Bristol are due to announce 9 new signings today... I wonder if anyone in that list will be a missed opportunity for us?

Who do we think they’ve signed? A few we’ll know like Afoa but are we expecting any surprises?

Up to 13 now apparently...

Substitute
Substitute
20 January, 2018 10:43
Quote:
Bath Hammer
I suspect we are restraining our expenditure whilst the ground development proceeds. All the indications are that we are very cost conscious compared to other clubs who seem to be splashing the cash & are instead focusing on good value deals.

I think that's only a part of it because I imagine we'll still be up to the cap.

Our recruitment has been poor for a number of years and we're paying for that. These last minute deals and maybe, the contracts handed out in a previous coaching era, will have cost this club a fortune.

It's like an NFL team getting stuck with the salary cap. The only way out is to lose players to get cheaper ones. Cheaper is usually not 'big-name'.

Boldangrey
Boldangrey
20 January, 2018 11:54
Quote:
shipwrecked
That's a really good point if true of course, question would be what do Bath fans want, shinny stadium or shinny trophies. Silly question really it will be both!

Quins got relegated after spending on their stadium.

Balance in all things.

MESSAGES->author
Which Tyler
20 January, 2018 12:39
Sorry, but I don't believe that's the case at all, after all, saving a few hundred grant isn't going to make all that much difference to a £70M+ stadium, and one of those things is limited by the salary cap.

I suspect that we're more trying to rearrange our squad after the MFord days. Mike spent up to the cap on a small squad, meaning that when we got lucky with injuries, we had the talent to beat anyone.
We all complained that the squad was too small, Todd complained that the squad was too small, the cap hasn't increased since Todd arrived.

The only way to increase the playing pool is to reduce the average wage, the only realistic way to do that whilst remaining competitive is to hunt out players who's talent deserves a wage larger than what they'll accept. So we look for quality player languishing in lower teams/leagues (and complain that they can't be much cop), or we take a risk on an historic sicknote and give them one last shot at the big time (and complain that they'll inevitably be injured), or we seek out youngsters who haven't fulfilled their potential yet (and complain that were over-paying them initially, whilst everyone else complains about us raiding the academies).
Longer term, you do that by growing your own from the academy, which MFord seems to have de-emphasised, and naturally limits your scouting area. Even this option puts you in trouble a few years later as those academy graduates become first choices and attract interest from other teams, and are no longer willing to accept being under-paid.

This is just an example of the salary cap doing its job, and is paying the price for MFord's desire for a high quality, low manpower squad; and it takes 3 contract seasons to work through and establish a new base-point. This is Todd's second contract season, and quite honestly, the first he's actually making changes.

Of course, if you believe certain posters from certain clubs, we have to actively reduce our salary spend over the course of 3-4 seasons as our small squad was allegedly paid above the salary cap. I didn't believe that at the time, and see no reason to believe it now.



A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD




Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 20/01/2018 13:01 by Which Tyler.

Substitute
Substitute
20 January, 2018 12:55
Quote:
Which Tyler
This is just an example of the salary cap doing its job, and is paying the price for MFord's desire for a high quality, low manpower squad; and it takes 3 contract seasons to work through and establish a new base-point. This is Todd's second contract season, and quite honestly, the first he's actually making changes.

Of course, if you believe certain posters from certain clubs, we have to actively reduce our salary spend over the course of 3-4 seasons as our small squad was allegedly paid above the salary cap. I didn't believe that at the time, and see no reason to believe it now.

I couldn't (and I tried and failed) put it any better!

dcsh
dcsh
20 January, 2018 12:55
Quote:
Substitute
Quote:
JimDaff
Quote:
Sirengco
Just seen Bristol are due to announce 9 new signings today... I wonder if anyone in that list will be a missed opportunity for us?

Who do we think they’ve signed? A few we’ll know like Afoa but are we expecting any surprises?

Up to 13 now apparently...

9 according the the Bristol twitter feed. Afoa was the first to be confirmed, Shaun Malton (Exeter hooker) was second.

Substitute
Substitute
20 January, 2018 12:56
Quote:
dcsh
Quote:
Substitute
Quote:
JimDaff
Quote:
Sirengco
Just seen Bristol are due to announce 9 new signings today... I wonder if anyone in that list will be a missed opportunity for us?

Who do we think they’ve signed? A few we’ll know like Afoa but are we expecting any surprises?

Up to 13 now apparently...

9 according the the Bristol twitter feed. Afoa was the first to be confirmed, Shaun Malton (Exeter hooker) was second.

Ah, 9 senior and 4 academy players making the step up...

So far John Afoa and Shaun Malton... No, me either.

JimDaff
Jimbo
20 January, 2018 17:12
Quote:
Substitute
Quote:
dcsh
Quote:
Substitute
Quote:
JimDaff
Quote:
Sirengco
Just seen Bristol are due to announce 9 new signings today... I wonder if anyone in that list will be a missed opportunity for us?

Who do we think they’ve signed? A few we’ll know like Afoa but are we expecting any surprises?

Up to 13 now apparently...

9 according the the Bristol twitter feed. Afoa was the first to be confirmed, Shaun Malton (Exeter hooker) was second.

Ah, 9 senior and 4 academy players making the step up...

So far John Afoa and Shaun Malton... No, me either.

Well that was pretty underwhelming, Afoa, Mulldowny and Thacker are the only ones I think would add anything to our squad... I was expecting some bigger names if I’m honest!

CABris
CABris
20 January, 2018 18:39
Quote:
JimDaff
Quote:
Substitute
Quote:
dcsh
Quote:
Substitute
Quote:
JimDaff
Quote:
Sirengco
Just seen Bristol are due to announce 9 new signings today... I wonder if anyone in that list will be a missed opportunity for us?

Who do we think they’ve signed? A few we’ll know like Afoa but are we expecting any surprises?

Up to 13 now apparently...

9 according the the Bristol twitter feed. Afoa was the first to be confirmed, Shaun Malton (Exeter hooker) was second.

Ah, 9 senior and 4 academy players making the step up...

So far John Afoa and Shaun Malton... No, me either.

Well that was pretty underwhelming, Afoa, Mulldowny and Thacker are the only ones I think would add anything to our squad... I was expecting some bigger names if I’m honest!

To be honest, I think this is exactly what we needed. Apparently this is the first batch of announcements but these are all solid prem performers whilst not being head turning names. This is the level of player that we were desperately missing last season whereby we had a largely championship squad with a handful of good players that might have started for certain other prem teams.

We have a couple of big names in Luatua and Charles Puitau, both of whom would walk into any prem team, but bringing in 9 solid players is absolutely key.

B4thB4ck
B4thB4ck
20 January, 2018 21:57
There is also the fact that some players will never be happy remaining as 3rd choice in a big squad so whilst having depth sounds great from the clubs view it doesn't mean the players are content to sit it out.

sid the seagull
sid the seagull
21 January, 2018 03:07
Those questioning squad v stadium (cos of £) barking up an empty tree IMO.
Cup winning team slash global thing would be hard to say no to in a Planning Commitee room.
Be a thing that wins is all.

XFLUTTER

Beergoggles
Beergoggles
21 January, 2018 06:20
I’ve been watching Bath for 20+ years and I understand the club was around for a few years before that. Securing our future at the Rec by developing the stadium should be our number one priority by a long chalk. If we can keep the team competitive and entertaining in the meantime then that will do for me.

gaz59
gaz59
21 January, 2018 07:48
Overall that looks a pretty shrewd squad Briz are assembling. Not looking to splash n crash but solid, competent generally with a couple of very high quality players mixed in. Certainly something for a decent coaching set up to work with and aim for a mid table finish to year 1 then build from there

Means there will be no obvious candidate for the drop next season which will add a bit of spice to the life of a few DoRs

airdog
airdog
21 January, 2018 09:29
dont forget the Bristol signing announced yesterday will not be the last as St. Pat made it clear there will more players , presumably backs revealed in the near future .
As Bob Dylan once sang The times they are a changing .

Boldangrey
Boldangrey
21 January, 2018 09:47
What does signing all these players for next season do to the current season's squad.

They play their socks off all this season to win promotion and can look forward to a P45.

MESSAGES->author
OutsideBath
21 January, 2018 10:53
Quote:
sirtidychris
Rec solution first over trophies for me. Used to no trophies anyway

Definitely not for me, would much rather have a trophy winning side (or even one that's actually capable of competing) instead of a shiny new stadium.

I've got used to sitting in the rain so it doesn't bother me, but really getting fed up watching a losing team.

MESSAGES->author
shipwrecked
21 January, 2018 11:04
No research on this but Exeter, Sarries, Wasps all have new stadiums, 1,2,3 in the table, any connection?

MESSAGES->author
OutsideBath
21 January, 2018 11:07
Quote:
shipwrecked
No research on this but Exeter, Sarries, Wasps all have new stadiums, 1,2,3 in the table, any connection?

They also have better balanced squads and are better coached.

gaz59
gaz59
21 January, 2018 12:17
Quote:
Boldangrey
What does signing all these players for next season do to the current season's squad.
They play their socks off all this season to win promotion and can look forward to a P45.

The smart ones will keep training and playing their socks off - best chance of being retained as some will and if not then best chance of getting a deal with a decent championship club for next year

MESSAGES->author
Which Tyler
21 January, 2018 12:56
Quote:
gaz59
Quote:
Boldangrey
What does signing all these players for next season do to the current season's squad.
They play their socks off all this season to win promotion and can look forward to a P45.

The smart ones will keep training and playing their socks off - best chance of being retained as some will and if not then best chance of getting a deal with a decent championship club for next year
exactly. Bristol are likely to need a larger squad than the dozen or so players they'll recruit for the Prem, so a good 2/3 of the squad will expect to stay - hell, a good 2/3 of then squad will already have contracts for next season regardless.
Those whomsoever leave. Bristol will still want to play rugby and speaking a new contract. Players don't stop bothering just because they know they're moving on, even if they've already signed that new contract; if they haven't they'll be trying even harder (though possibly at the risk of going for glory instead of putting their team-mate through)



A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 22/01/2018 17:16 by Which Tyler.

Boldangrey
Boldangrey
21 January, 2018 14:06
How did ,dare I say it, Exeter cope?

Old Bath Tub
Old Bath Tub
21 January, 2018 18:30
Quote:
Boldangrey
What does signing all these players for next season do to the current season's squad.
They play their socks off all this season to win promotion and can look forward to a P45.

Is there a salary cap in the championship?
By the sound of it salaries will have to be reduced if Bristol get promoted (Sm128)

HMilner
Big Dog
22 January, 2018 11:57
Some really good signing for Bristol for next season as far as I can count.. Going to comfortably secure Premiership status I'd imagine given the squad they are assembling and the coaching team now in place.

Will be interesting to see how that all fits in the cap and the extent to which they have to trim other parts of their squad. A starting lineup that is something like the below would be very AP competitive though I'd imagine, albeit I don't know Bristol's current squad that well so this is a complete guess on who'd stay and go and who's best...

Bevington
Thacker
Afoa
Tuohy
Vui
Don't know their back rows enough to suggest a 6?
Lam
Luatua

Stirzaker
Madigan
Varndell
S. Piutau
Leiua
Morahan
C. Piutau



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

Hercules Spoons
Hercules Spoons
22 January, 2018 12:26
Sam Jefferies Big Dog, home grown, described by Steve Luatua as a future international.

JimDaff
Jimbo
22 January, 2018 13:28
Ben Foden not yet offered a new contract by Saints, could be worth a punt to replace Banners as the utility/old head in the back line...

BBC Sport

MESSAGES->author
Toast and Marmite
22 January, 2018 13:33
Quote:
JimDaff
Ben Foden not yet offered a new contract by Saints, could be worth a punt to replace Banners as the utility/old head in the back line...
BBC Sport
No thanks - perma crocked


"No sprinkles. For every sprinkle I find, I shall kill you."

by
by
22 January, 2018 17:24
A few rumours flying around saying that Rohan Janse Van Rensburg could be coming back to the premiership next season on a longer contract, Sale and Gloucester are the two clubs connected with him.

Similarly Nonu is out of contract with Toulon but again Bath are not mentioned, only French clubs are speculated as potentially signing him up, Toulouse, Racing and Montpellier.

MESSAGES->author
Which Tyler
22 January, 2018 17:28
Quote:
JimDaff
Ben Foden not yet offered a new contract by Saints, could be worth a punt to replace Banners as the utility/old head in the back line...
BBC Sport
we've got plenty of utility old heads in our backline already - it was part of the problem.


A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

BathBurger
BathBurger
22 January, 2018 20:09
Few wingers on the move...

[www.rugbypass.com]

Glad to see our name next to Cokanasiga still.

BathPatriot
BathPatriot
22 January, 2018 22:11
Briss are spending big, European domination beckons.








Well , that’s what their fans are saying.

HMilner
Big Dog
23 January, 2018 10:36
Quote:
by
A few rumours flying around saying that Rohan Janse Van Rensburg could be coming back to the premiership next season on a longer contract, Sale and Gloucester are the two clubs connected with him.
Similarly Nonu is out of contract with Toulon but again Bath are not mentioned, only French clubs are speculated as potentially signing him up, Toulouse, Racing and Montpellier.

I'd love to see RVJ come to the Rec. Been a superb short term signing for Sale thus far scoring 3 tries in 8 appearances or so. A really strong ball carrier but loves to play a good expansive game back at the Lions. Could be a really top 12 options for us with Banahan leaving and Tapuai as well.
Nonu less so despite his reputation and how much I respect him as a player, I feel like signing a 35 year old who's looking more for a pay cheque to finish his career wouldn't be money well spent.

I'd also like to see us linked with Bryce Heem as a replacement on the wing for Banahan. He's a real strong carrier, big guy for a winger and excellent in the air. I was always really impressed with his input when he was at the Chiefs in NZ in a back three that included Damian McKenzie and James Lowe (now at Leinster!)



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

by
by
23 January, 2018 12:34
Heem has had interest from Saints.

by
by
23 January, 2018 12:44
Updates in the chronicle yesterday covering the latest in contract negotiations.

Leaving:
Banahan (Gloucester)
Lewis (Dragons)
Tapuai (Quins)
Auterac (Quins)
KPN
Knight

In talks:
Douglas
Philips (strong rumours he has been offered more money from other clubs - Sale)

Out of contract at the end of the season:
Will Homer
James Wilson
Charles
Williams
Vuna

Unlikely that Will Homer will be retained given that we currently have 3 senior SHs, Green in the academy and Bath are interested in Chudley.

Unlikely Charles will be offered a new contract given that we already have 4 hookers signed next season, although rumours were flying around on facebook that we were interested in signing Jack Singleton.

James Wilson is likely to depend on which other centres Bath recruit.

Williams and Vuna will have to impress.

DanWiley
Dan Wiley
23 January, 2018 13:22
"Unlikely that Will Homer will be retained given that we currently have 3 senior SHs"

Really! if that's true then it makes our current 9 policy crazy, losing Will because of Kharn (36), Cook (also ran) and Allinson (Allinson).

P G Tips
P G Tips
23 January, 2018 14:10
Agreed DW.

I would want if possible to keep Homer (unless his development has stalled at Carnegie) rather than Allison. If we can bring in Chudley too then he can take over from Khan in a year's time.

PG



P G Tips


Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.

Boldangrey
Boldangrey
23 January, 2018 14:18
Maybe Homer goes to make room for Chudley?

Pity Allinson's contract is not up.

MESSAGES->author
hasta
23 January, 2018 14:28
Allinson has to be the most ridiculously pointless signing. Why haven't we actually given Homer a proper chance?

DanWiley
Dan Wiley
23 January, 2018 14:28
"Maybe Homer goes to make room for Chudley? "

Even that I would find questionable value. I can see the value in getting Chudley, but its fairly short term thinking, 2-3 years. It would be disappointing to give up on the future to secure the present. Particularly, when:

"Pity Allinson's contract is not up."

and we resigned him and Kharn recently I think. I'm not sure either move was that wise in the context of losing Homer.

The ideal would have been to let Allinson and Kharn* go and bought Will and Will in. Then we'd have a good spread of ability and age.

* Yes, people would have been up in arms at the time, but at his age we really should have expected him to quieten down.

MESSAGES->author
OutsideBath
23 January, 2018 16:27
Quote:
Big Dog
Quote:
by
A few rumours flying around saying that Rohan Janse Van Rensburg could be coming back to the premiership next season on a longer contract, Sale and Gloucester are the two clubs connected with him.
Similarly Nonu is out of contract with Toulon but again Bath are not mentioned, only French clubs are speculated as potentially signing him up, Toulouse, Racing and Montpellier.

I'd love to see RVJ come to the Rec. Been a superb short term signing for Sale thus far scoring 3 tries in 8 appearances or so. A really strong ball carrier but loves to play a good expansive game back at the Lions. Could be a really top 12 options for us with Banahan leaving and Tapuai as well.
Nonu less so despite his reputation and how much I respect him as a player, I feel like signing a 35 year old who's looking more for a pay cheque to finish his career wouldn't be money well spent.

I'd also like to see us linked with Bryce Heem as a replacement on the wing for Banahan. He's a real strong carrier, big guy for a winger and excellent in the air. I was always really impressed with his input when he was at the Chiefs in NZ in a back three that included Damian McKenzie and James Lowe (now at Leinster!)

I suspect both Heem and RVJ would be beyond our current budget.

MESSAGES->author
CoochieCoo
23 January, 2018 16:38
Quote:
OutsideBath
I suspect both Heem and RVJ would be beyond our current budget.

I thought everyone had a budget of £7m are you suggesting that we won't spend up to the cap?



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

MESSAGES->author
OutsideBath
23 January, 2018 16:41
Quote:
CoochieCoo
Quote:
OutsideBath
I suspect both Heem and RVJ would be beyond our current budget.

I thought everyone had a budget of £7m are you suggesting that we won't spend up to the cap?

No I just get the feeling we're too close to the cap limit to afford such players.

by
by
23 January, 2018 16:50
I think that's a rather pessimistic view, I believe space in the cap is being made so we are able to be competitive with signing new players over the summer, maybe a lesson learned from the previous summer. Besides we should have a marquee signing available next season, think it goes up from 2 to 3 so someone like RVJ who comes from outside the premiership would be exempt.

MESSAGES->author
CoochieCoo
23 January, 2018 16:51
Quote:
OutsideBath
Quote:
CoochieCoo
Quote:
OutsideBath
I suspect both Heem and RVJ would be beyond our current budget.

I thought everyone had a budget of £7m are you suggesting that we won't spend up to the cap?

No I just get the feeling we're too close to the cap limit to afford such players.

Hence players leaving already and a few more to come and go as reported by the Chron.



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



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 23/01/2018 16:52 by CoochieCoo.

MESSAGES->author
Which Tyler
23 January, 2018 21:17
Quote:
by
I think that's a rather pessimistic view, I believe space in the cap is being made so we are able to be competitive with signing new players over the summer, maybe a lesson learned from the previous summer. Besides we should have a marquee signing available next season, think it goes up from 2 to 3 so someone like RVJ who comes from outside the premiership would be exempt.
is it 12 or 24 months a player needs to have been outside the Prem to qualify as a big tent?


A man who cannot change his mind, cannot change anything

RAEBURN SHIELD

by
by
23 January, 2018 21:46
12 months and I thought that it was rising to three marquee players but its staying at two for 2018-2019, along with the £7m cap.

by
by
23 January, 2018 21:46
Chudley to Bath is a done deal - apparently.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 23/01/2018 21:55 by by.

BathBurger
BathBurger
23 January, 2018 21:49
Quote:
by
Chudley to Bath is a done deal.

Good. Pretty happy with that!

MESSAGES->author
shipwrecked
23 January, 2018 22:03
Quote:
by
Chudley to Bath is a done deal - apparently.

We await confirmation of course but that pleases me greatly!

BathPatriot
BathPatriot
23 January, 2018 22:29
Good player.

Bath Hammer
Bath Hammer
23 January, 2018 23:54
He’s looked good with Exeter but it is easier to shine in such a dynamic side. He may have a harder job with us dependant upon who else we manage to find to plug the gaps.

MESSAGES->author
shipwrecked
24 January, 2018 00:10
Quote:
Bath Hammer
He’s looked good with Exeter but it is easier to shine in such a dynamic side. He may have a harder job with us dependant upon who else we manage to find to plug the gaps.

Which gaps, the injury gaps? I'm not sure there is that much difference between a injury free Bath pack and the same Exeter version.

What happens in between may be different I accept.

DanWiley
Dan Wiley
24 January, 2018 07:54
12. We have a huge gap at 12.

More the the point though, Exeter seems to be a side that does a few "simple" things very well. We don't seem to be even aiming at that. Ours is a different strategy and it doesn't seem so complete.

Substitute
Substitute
24 January, 2018 08:29
Exeter are remarkably similar to the Northampton side a few years ago, when they were playing well. Strong forward play sucks in numbers and then the ball is efficiently distributed down the line where, invariably, the receiver makes the correct choice when to attack.

Our forwards don't have the same impact, even if individually we probably have the better names (on paper).

I'd agree we have a big gap at 12. Having uncertainty at any position likely isn't good for the cohesion of that unit and it means we keep asking players to be something that they shouldn't be (not using their strengths).

MESSAGES->author
OutsideBath
24 January, 2018 08:33
Quote:
DanWiley
12. We have a huge gap at 12.
More the the point though, Exeter seems to be a side that does a few "simple" things very well. We don't seem to be even aiming at that. Ours is a different strategy and it doesn't seem so complete.

You've actually noticed a coherent strategy?

DanWiley
Dan Wiley
24 January, 2018 10:11
I suspect we are playing a low risk defence, high risk attack strategy, though I couldn't be sure.

In defence we don't over commit to the break down and aim to absorb attacks and wait for the mistake rather than attack the attack if you will. In attack we rely on a piece of very good, high risk play beating the defence in an early phase rather than sustained pressure.

To me that would at least explain our low possession rates through a lack of desire to win it and a high occurrence of giving it away when we have it.

Supposing that it where we're going, it doesn't seem that bad a strategy. When it works it will work well but its also easy to see how it might play to other teams strengths and when it is faltering it's hard to see where you go with it.

Against Scarlet's we didn't commit to the tackle, let along the breakdown, and their (very effective) offloading game went through us like a dose. Wuss, implemented a similar idea, just less effectively. Sarries aim to grind your down then cut loose, its much harder to grind down a conservative defence.

Bit of speculation, but probably interesting what people think our strategy actually is.

by
by
24 January, 2018 12:24
I think your wrong about our defence being low risk, we really focus on getting good line speed from the forwards in the transition zone between forwards and backs, aiming to make a double tackle, the backs seem to hold off coming up in the line, in anticipation that they'll need to drift.

Personally I don't think its working because we miss too many tackles, 1 missed tackle or decent offload and we've got 3 or 4 forwards who have shot up becoming disconnected from the line when we need to drift.

Bath Hammer
Bath Hammer
24 January, 2018 13:25
Regardless of what tactics we adopt we seem incapable of offloading in the manor Scarlets employed against us or of scoring tries in the manor Sarries did against Saints. We have taken on a defence coach but we badly need an attack/backs/skills coach, whatever title you prefer, if we have any ambition to get us playing like that.

MESSAGES->author
BathSalmon
26 January, 2018 10:52
It seems the Top 14 are strongly linked with Charlie Ngatai (Lyon) and Seta Tamanivalu (Bordeaux).

Any chance Bath could get in on the act!? Either would seriously strengthen our backline.

BathMatt53
BathMatt53
26 January, 2018 11:14
I see that Matt Scott is being released by Glos - I always rated him and (cost allowing) think that we could do worse than having him as a centre option? Had a few injury issues recently admittedly.

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