The Official English Rugby Thread

[Raggs]

Anyone care about us going back to England A for the Saxons?

I'm quite happy, always thought it was a bit naff, especially when everyone else was just [Insert nation] A.

Not sure tagging it as being for the sake of diversity and inclusion was necessary. Primarily because RFU community cuts will have done far more damage there than the name of the national men's second team who barely play and about whom only the most ardent rugby fans will be aware.

Pointless name with zero history, that may be seen as racist by some, and divisive by others. Basically being kind, even if only to a small number, for zero cost. No problem with the change whatsoever. No problem with it being backed as a "diversity" move either, as long as it doesn't stop there.

EDIT - So far the person I've seen arguing against the name change the most, with "woke" and "pc" comments, isn't even English, and claim to have no attachment. All the English commenters are at worst saying they don't care either way.

[Kawazaki]

Anyone care about us going back to England A for the Saxons?

I'm quite happy, always thought it was a bit naff, especially when everyone else was just [Insert nation] A.

Not sure tagging it as being for the sake of diversity and inclusion was necessary. Primarily because RFU community cuts will have done far more damage there than the name of the national men's second team who barely play and about whom only the most ardent rugby fans will be aware.

Pointless name with zero history, that may be seen as racist by some, and divisive by others. Basically being kind, even if only to a small number, for zero cost. No problem with the change whatsoever. No problem with it being backed as a "diversity" move either, as long as it doesn't stop there.

EDIT - So far the person I've seen arguing against the name change the most, with "woke" and "pc" comments, isn't even English, and claim to have no attachment. All the English commenters are at worst saying they don't care either way.

I actually prefer England 'A' anyway although I think England 'B' is better. Technically, the England team is England 'A'. Many clubs follow this format for their Second XV's name and then below that more esoteric and fun names tend to be used for the lower XVs. At my old club the Third XV are called the 'Sinners' and the Fourth XV are the 'Saints'. On the rare occasions they played, the Fifths were the 'Quakers' and the Sixth XV were the 'Bishops'.

Those were the days!

[sockwithaticket]

Anyone care about us going back to England A for the Saxons?

I'm quite happy, always thought it was a bit naff, especially when everyone else was just [Insert nation] A.

Not sure tagging it as being for the sake of diversity and inclusion was necessary. Primarily because RFU community cuts will have done far more damage there than the name of the national men's second team who barely play and about whom only the most ardent rugby fans will be aware.

Pointless name with zero history, that may be seen as racist by some, and divisive by others. Basically being kind, even if only to a small number, for zero cost. No problem with the change whatsoever. No problem with it being backed as a "diversity" move either, as long as it doesn't stop there.

EDIT - So far the person I've seen arguing against the name change the most, with "woke" and "pc" comments, isn't even English, and claim to have no attachment. All the English commenters are at worst saying they don't care either way.

I think that's the main thing. It has the whiff of a stand alone 'what can we do without spending any money' measure about it.

Which I get, given the RFU's fiscal position at the moment, but if the intention is to actually effect some change, more will need to be done and will require resources.

[sockwithaticket]

Anyone care about us going back to England A for the Saxons?

I'm quite happy, always thought it was a bit naff, especially when everyone else was just [Insert nation] A.

Not sure tagging it as being for the sake of diversity and inclusion was necessary. Primarily because RFU community cuts will have done far more damage there than the name of the national men's second team who barely play and about whom only the most ardent rugby fans will be aware.

Pointless name with zero history, that may be seen as racist by some, and divisive by others. Basically being kind, even if only to a small number, for zero cost. No problem with the change whatsoever. No problem with it being backed as a "diversity" move either, as long as it doesn't stop there.

EDIT - So far the person I've seen arguing against the name change the most, with "woke" and "pc" comments, isn't even English, and claim to have no attachment. All the English commenters are at worst saying they don't care either way.

I actually prefer England 'A' anyway although I think England 'B' is better. Technically, the England team is England 'A'. Many clubs follow this format for their Second XV's name and then below that more esoteric and fun names tend to be used for the lower XVs. At my old club the Third XV are called the 'Sinners' and the Fourth XV are the 'Saints'. On the rare occasions they played, the Fifths were the 'Quakers' and the Sixth XV were the 'Bishops'.

Those were the days!

I quite like that, once you dip below B in the alphabet it can be a little bit of an ego hit if you're in one of the other XVs. Being part of the Quakers is much better than belonging to the E team or 5ths

Suppose it reflects the more casual nature of that level of rugby too.

[Kawazaki]

Pointless name with zero history, that may be seen as racist by some, and divisive by others. Basically being kind, even if only to a small number, for zero cost. No problem with the change whatsoever. No problem with it being backed as a "diversity" move either, as long as it doesn't stop there.

EDIT - So far the person I've seen arguing against the name change the most, with "woke" and "pc" comments, isn't even English, and claim to have no attachment. All the English commenters are at worst saying they don't care either way.

I actually prefer England 'A' anyway although I think England 'B' is better. Technically, the England team is England 'A'. Many clubs follow this format for their Second XV's name and then below that more esoteric and fun names tend to be used for the lower XVs. At my old club the Third XV are called the 'Sinners' and the Fourth XV are the 'Saints'. On the rare occasions they played, the Fifths were the 'Quakers' and the Sixth XV were the 'Bishops'.

Those were the days!

I quite like that, once you dip below B in the alphabet it can be a little bit of an ego hit if you're in one of the other XVs. Being part of the Quakers is much better than belonging to the E team or 5ths

Suppose it reflects the more casual nature of that level of rugby too.

Indeed. The Saints and the Bishops even had their own logo and they had a set of playing shirts made with that logo instead of the usual club badge. Those shirts were very rare even when I was still in the Colts, they would be at least 30-40 years old by now I image. Not sure if the Quakers had a team set as well.

The Thirds were called the Sinners as that is where First XV players played if they were banned after being sent off!

[Paddington Bear]

Pointless name with zero history, that may be seen as racist by some, and divisive by others. Basically being kind, even if only to a small number, for zero cost. No problem with the change whatsoever. No problem with it being backed as a "diversity" move either, as long as it doesn't stop there.

EDIT - So far the person I've seen arguing against the name change the most, with "woke" and "pc" comments, isn't even English, and claim to have no attachment. All the English commenters are at worst saying they don't care either way.

I actually prefer England 'A' anyway although I think England 'B' is better. Technically, the England team is England 'A'. Many clubs follow this format for their Second XV's name and then below that more esoteric and fun names tend to be used for the lower XVs. At my old club the Third XV are called the 'Sinners' and the Fourth XV are the 'Saints'. On the rare occasions they played, the Fifths were the 'Quakers' and the Sixth XV were the 'Bishops'.

Those were the days!

I quite like that, once you dip below B in the alphabet it can be a little bit of an ego hit if you're in one of the other XVs. Being part of the Quakers is much better than belonging to the E team or 5ths

Suppose it reflects the more casual nature of that level of rugby too.

We're running a 5th XI at my cricket club this year and getting players to play for the 5s can be a real struggle ego wise. I don't fully get it but it's a real thing.

[Happyhooker]

St Austell?

My old club ran teams 1-5, then had the wanderers and the exiles.

Although for quite a while the 4th team was better than the 2nds due to a whole bunch of kiwis who insisted on playing together but wouldn't train

[JM2K6]

Anyone care about us going back to England A for the Saxons?

I'm quite happy, always thought it was a bit naff, especially when everyone else was just [Insert nation] A.

Not sure tagging it as being for the sake of diversity and inclusion was necessary. Primarily because RFU community cuts will have done far more damage there than the name of the national men's second team who barely play and about whom only the most ardent rugby fans will be aware.

Pointless name with zero history, that may be seen as racist by some, and divisive by others. Basically being kind, even if only to a small number, for zero cost. No problem with the change whatsoever. No problem with it being backed as a "diversity" move either, as long as it doesn't stop there.

EDIT - So far the person I've seen arguing against the name change the most, with "woke" and "pc" comments, isn't even English, and claim to have no attachment. All the English commenters are at worst saying they don't care either way.

Unsurprisingly, the Quins board has plenty of people being very gammony about it. Largely because the story was linked in the daily mail, and they all think re-education camps are next.

I hate this sport sometimes.

[Raggs]

Unsurprisingly, the Quins board has plenty of people being very gammony about it. Largely because the story was linked in the daily mail, and they all think re-education camps are next.

I hate this sport sometimes.

I comfort myself in thinking that it's not everyone, and I do think things are heading in the right direction.

[JM2K6]

Unsurprisingly, the Quins board has plenty of people being very gammony about it. Largely because the story was linked in the daily mail, and they all think re-education camps are next.

I hate this sport sometimes.

I comfort myself in thinking that it's not everyone, and I do think things are heading in the right direction.

Yeah, it's true. The sort of people who post on club-specific forums are largely the old guard, too. But without being around fans at grounds, it's the only way I interact with fellow fans and urgh

[Hal Jordan]

If they can go back to "substitutes" then it's a double win.

[SaintK]

Odd weekend of fixtures in the Prem this weekend
One match tonight, two matches tomorrow, none on Sunday, two Monday night and one Tuesday night!
Not sure why?

[Margin__Walker]

Odd weekend of fixtures in the Prem this weekend
One match tonight, two matches tomorrow, none on Sunday, two Monday night and one Tuesday night!
Not sure why?

To get fans in on Monday and Tuesday. Assume the away teams on the other 3 games didn't agree to it.

[Raggs]

Odd weekend of fixtures in the Prem this weekend
One match tonight, two matches tomorrow, none on Sunday, two Monday night and one Tuesday night!
Not sure why?

To get fans in on Monday and Tuesday. Assume the away teams on the other 3 games didn't agree to it.

Exactly that with Wasps. Wuss refused to let us move.

I'd guess it's also possible that stadiums may not have been available in some circumstances too

[SaintK]

Odd weekend of fixtures in the Prem this weekend
One match tonight, two matches tomorrow, none on Sunday, two Monday night and one Tuesday night!
Not sure why?

To get fans in on Monday and Tuesday. Assume the away teams on the other 3 games didn't agree to it.

Aaah, that figures

[sockwithaticket]

Not at all impressed with the teams who refused to move fixtures.

I know Worcester pushed some bullshit line about it being a dedicated player rest week, but they weren't involved in the two recent European rounds and won't be involved in the playoffs, so they've had recent rest and there's plenty of rest in the not too distant future. Not really sure how much they think their players need...

You can bet that if the shoe was on the other foot they'd be more than happy to get some gate money and hear a bit of in person fan noise for the first time in 14 months.

[inactionman]

Odd weekend of fixtures in the Prem this weekend
One match tonight, two matches tomorrow, none on Sunday, two Monday night and one Tuesday night!
Not sure why?

Bath have got tonight's game, so will be in front of TV with beers and takeaway

Expecting us to score a few in first half and then forget how to hold or pass the ball in the second.

Sale have only managed to squeeze two Du Preez into the team - Bath's actually quite nifty digital programme gives team listings (apols, can't lift an shift it here) and a supportive comment about Kyle Sinckler by Charlie Ewels in the Captain's column:
https://stories.bathrugby.com/bath-rugb ... os/7328764

.

[Kawazaki]

The big game with crowds on Monday night is Saracens v Ampthill (pop. 8100). Could get the whole town in.

[tc27]

[JM2K6]

Anyone want to defend Amor? Seems like no great loss to me.

[Margin__Walker]

Nope, clearly Jones isn't going so a shake up of some sort isn't a huge surprise given the 6N performance. They can probably find someone with a stronger CV than Amor

[Margin__Walker]

In other news, Eng U20 have been playing a few games lately against club A teams, with radio silence from the RFU and no coverage of any sort.

Playing Scotland this afternoon. Team below

[sockwithaticket]

I was kind of surprised Amor got the job in the first place. Certainly hasn't had any noticeable positive impact on our attack. Whether that's down to Eddie or him we'll likely never know.

[sockwithaticket]

Wasps team to play Worcester tomorrow. Interesting to see Atkinson named at fullback.

[SaintK]

In other news, Eng U20 have been playing a few games lately against club A teams, with radio silence from the RFU and no coverage of any sort.

Playing Scotland this afternoon. Team below

The only score I saw was a 29-26 win at Newcastle on 1st May

[Margin__Walker]

Yeah, saw that one. There was a game against LI a month or two ago and I think at least one other.

At least some of these lads are getting games, even if it's all under the radar.

[JM2K6]

Distinctly weird backline for Quins away to Tigers

Harlequins Starting XV
1. Joe Marler (220)
2. Scott Baldwin (37)
3. Wilco Louw (23)
4. Matt Symons (58)
5. Stephan Lewies (30) - Captain
6. Tom Lawday (34)
7. Jack Kenningham (8)
8. Alex Dombrandt (71)
9. Danny Care (301)
10. Marcus Smith (105)
11. Nathan Earle (38)
12. James Lang (79)
13. Luke Northmore (23)
14. Joe Marchant (107)
15. Tyrone Green (16)

Impact Players
16. Joe Gray (168)
17. Santiago Garcia Botta (32)
18. Will Collier (183)
19. Dino Lamb (42)
20. James Chisholm (108)
21. Martin Landajo (31)
22. Will Edwards (1)
23. Ben Tapuai (40)

Unavailable for selection:
Andre Esterhuizen, Mike Brown

Unavailable due to injury:
Aaron Morris, Cadan Murley, Craig Trenier, Jordan Els, Louis Lynagh, Paul Lasike, Scott Steele, Will Evans

and Leicester

TIGERS XV:

15 Freddie Steward [31]
14 Guy Porter [16]
13 Matt Scott [21]
12 Dan Kelly [16]
11 Nemani Nadolo [11]
10 George Ford [103]
9 Ben Youngs [259]

1 Ellis Genge [84]
2 Tom Youngs (c) [211]
3 Dan Cole [259]
4 Harry Wells [119]
5 Calum Green [58]
6 George Martin [13]
7 Tommy Reffell [43]
8 Jasper Wiese [15]

REPLACEMENTS:

16 Charlie Clare [30]
17 Luan de Bruin [16]
18 Joe Heyes [66]
19 Hanro Liebenberg [31]
20 Cyle Brink [15]
21 Richard Wigglesworth [12]
22 Zack Henry [22]
23 Kini Murimurivalu [18]

Earle's been terrible in his comeback matches, so that's a worry. Green was excellent until last week when he missed a bucketload of tackles. Marchant on the wing again just as he's started to put in some cracking displays at 13. Lang at 12, ugh - Lasike's injured so both our big 12s are out.

[Margin__Walker]

Nowell out again with sprained MCL. Touch and go as to whether it will be season ending

[SaintK]

Anyone want to defend Amor? Seems like no great loss to me.

Not sure what he was doing there in the first place
Mate of mine who works with a number of the England squad at their clubs just text me to say that Jones actually wanted to sack Armor after game 2 of the 6N but was "persuaded" to keep him until the end of the tournament!!!

[Kawazaki]

Who recruited Amor?

Was Jones told to have him? I doubt it.

So where's the comeback to Jones?

[sockwithaticket]

Nowell out again with sprained MCL. Touch and go as to whether it will be season ending

Jeez, he's really gunning hard for Manu's 'made of glass' title isn't he?

Poor bugger. Might be best if Exeter just write this season off for him rather than trying to get him back for the last few games.

[Raggs]

I did wonder if the sped up game we were playing came from Eddie, it was reminiscent of Japan for me. Really high pace.

[Kawazaki]

Nowell out again with sprained MCL. Touch and go as to whether it will be season ending

Jeez, he's really gunning hard for Manu's 'made of glass' title isn't he?

Poor bugger. Might be best if Exeter just write this season off for him rather than trying to get him back for the last few games.

Nowell looks too heavy for his frame. Less weights and more plyometrics.

[ASMO]

Dixon really is kak as a ref, is there a worse one in the premiership?

[ASMO]

Bath are inventing ways to blow opportunities against 13 men, they have fully earned their position in the table.

[ASMO]

Dixon should be fired, he is not fit to ref at this level

[SaintK]

In other news, Eng U20 have been playing a few games lately against club A teams, with radio silence from the RFU and no coverage of any sort.

Playing Scotland this afternoon. Team below

Anyone seen a result?
Still nothing on the RFU website

[Margin__Walker]

In other news, Eng U20 have been playing a few games lately against club A teams, with radio silence from the RFU and no coverage of any sort.

Playing Scotland this afternoon. Team below

Anyone seen a result?
Still nothing on the RFU website

There probably won't be anything. They've not been promoting any of these games at all, so seem to want them to have a low profile. May be different with the Scotland game.

Apparently we won based on a player's instagram story, but that's it.

[SaintK]

There probably won't be anything. They've not been promoting any of these games at all, so seem to want them to have a low profile. May be different with the Scotland game.

Apparently we won based on a player's instagram story, but that's it.

Low profile indeed.
Nothing on the SRU website either

[Niegs]

Who recruited Amor?

Was Jones told to have him? I doubt it.

So where's the comeback to Jones?

I thought the RFU was keen on ‘developing’ coaches like this in various ass’t and age-grade roles? (Though I’d rather see them take on a lower side and learn the trade that way.)