The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Yr Alban]

Need to get him a cap sharpish!

Summer tour would seem likely. Especially given that Fagerson has just had surgery.

[sockwithaticket]

Need to get him a cap sharpish!

There will be pressure on him to commit to England and if he is smart/well advised he will play his cards close to his chest until he sees which way the wind blows as far as England selection goes. That is unless he is fully committed like Euan Ashman.

If the rumoured changes come to pass around EQP numbers, his qualification status would be more relevant to club than country I'd have thought.

For England I doubt he'd be in the frame over the next few years. Dombrandt and Simmonds will be in post for a while yet, Earl and Mercer are still around with possible futures once Eddie's gone and then there's the likes of Barbeary and Tom Willis who've been in the national squad recently. We've also our own recent under 20's in the likes of Illione, Clement and Tuima to come through at senior level.

[Biffer]

Need to get him a cap sharpish!

Summer tour would seem likely. Especially given that Fagerson has just had surgery.

I'm pretty sure Muncaster is dual qualified as well, so he might be first cab off the rank tbh.

[SaintK]

Need to get him a cap sharpish!

There will be pressure on him to commit to England and if he is smart/well advised he will play his cards close to his chest until he sees which way the wind blows as far as England selection goes. That is unless he is fully committed like Euan Ashman.

If the rumoured changes come to pass around EQP numbers, his qualification status would be more relevant to club than country I'd have thought.

For England I doubt he'd be in the frame over the next few years. Dombrandt and Simmonds will be in post for a while yet, Earl and Mercer are still around with possible futures once Eddie's gone and then there's the likes of Barbeary and Tom Willis who've been in the national squad recently. We've also our own recent under 20's in the likes of Illione, Clement and Tuima to come through at senior level.

He went off after 10 minutes for Glaws last night, his replacement Jack Bartlett had a stormer and was MoM and looked like a real bruiser of a No8. Got some promising youngsters starting back up

[Tichtheid]

Need to get him a cap sharpish!

There will be pressure on him to commit to England and if he is smart/well advised he will play his cards close to his chest until he sees which way the wind blows as far as England selection goes. That is unless he is fully committed like Euan Ashman.

If the rumoured changes come to pass around EQP numbers, his qualification status would be more relevant to club than country I'd have thought.

For England I doubt he'd be in the frame over the next few years. Dombrandt and Simmonds will be in post for a while yet, Earl and Mercer are still around with possible futures once Eddie's gone and then there's the likes of Barbeary and Tom Willis who've been in the national squad recently. We've also our own recent under 20's in the likes of Illione, Clement and Tuima to come through at senior level.

This is the relevant article

From August 2024, the intention is to move to a position where there is a mandatory England Qualified Players (EQPs) system under which Premiership clubs must have a minimum of 15 EQPs in each match-day squad and the end of the foreign player rule to provide better England player development opportunities while giving greater flexibility for Premiership clubs to select non-EQP players of any nationality. There is further work to do to agree the detail of this subject to a new Professional Game Agreement (PGA) and introduction into regulation.

What I was alluding to, and this is hearsay so it has to be taken with the appropriate amount of salt, Premiership clubs have been offering contracts to dual-qualified young players on the understanding that they will commit to England for a set number of years so that the clubs will have the required number of EQ players in the match day squad and so receive the central bonus funding that brings.

[Margin__Walker]

It's an interesting problem for Prem clubs.

I think there's definite value in putting tighter guidelines around EQP number to try and drive numbers up. They seem to be doing that by making it a non voluntary target. Asking players to turn down international opportunities feels a bit sketchy, but it is difficult to manage for clubs who tend to struggle on the EQP front. LI for example have been hit pretty hard by both Hoskins and White picking up international caps this season completely out of the blue and losing their EQP status. Both would be in the first choice 23, so would have been factored into any planning as EQP.

Signing an age grade international like Leatherbarrow though, you'd really want to find a way of factoring in the risk of him being capped, rather than standing in their way when it comes to international ambitions. Even if you could argue that they know the score when they sign.

[KingBlairhorn]

I see the shitty Scottish rugby media are up to their usual pish.



This will be the same David Barnes who wrote:

“ The presence of Hogg on the trip to the bar is perhaps the biggest concern given his role as captain and his reputation for having tunnel-vision focus when it comes to playing for Scotland.”

Or this

“ This game came the day after news broke that six senior players – including benched stand-off Finn Russell and captain Stuart Hogg – had been disciplined for going on an illicit drinking session in Edinburgh following their win over Italy last Saturday night. While the details remain sketchy, the episode has inevitably raised questions about whether head coach Gregor Townsend has lost the changing room.”

Quotes from 2 of the 5 articles they wrote which were focussed on or heavily based on the story.

Whilst TOL were by no means the worst, you can’t stand around chucking petrol on a fire and then complain the fire has spread.

Incidentally, I presume this quote:



Will be applied to all in Scottish rugby, or is that attitude reserves only for those our David doesn’t have a personal vendetta against?

[Jock42]

Stopped reading their pish a long time ago.

[Tichtheid]

I just read the article.

It reads like it's there only to push their own profile and drive clicks without a care about the fact that they are keeping the story alive by doing this when most would rather move on.

[Big D]

I see the shitty Scottish rugby media are up to their usual pish.



This will be the same David Barnes who wrote:

“ The presence of Hogg on the trip to the bar is perhaps the biggest concern given his role as captain and his reputation for having tunnel-vision focus when it comes to playing for Scotland.”

Or this

“ This game came the day after news broke that six senior players – including benched stand-off Finn Russell and captain Stuart Hogg – had been disciplined for going on an illicit drinking session in Edinburgh following their win over Italy last Saturday night. While the details remain sketchy, the episode has inevitably raised questions about whether head coach Gregor Townsend has lost the changing room.”

Quotes from 2 of the 5 articles they wrote which were focussed on or heavily based on the story.

Whilst TOL were by no means the worst, you can’t stand around chucking petrol on a fire and then complain the fire has spread.

Incidentally, I presume this quote:



Will be applied to all in Scottish rugby, or is that attitude reserves only for those our David doesn’t have a personal vendetta against?

TOL are full of pish and wind but it is noticeable that the tide has turned back on the SRU.

Part of the problem is the drip feed of info. Originally all/the only info was from the SRU that the players have been punished.

Since then, 4 of the players have had their coaches speak in the media saying that basically it was a misunderstanding. Agents etc will also be briefing on their side of the story to the likes of Palmer at the Times.

[I like neeps]

Townsend also rowed back on the players being punished as post Ireland match in the press conference. Described it as decisions and discussions.

All in all horrendous PR. The press will never turn down a chance to give the SRU a kicking.

[westport]

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Emirates Lions at Emirates Airline Park in the United Rugby Championship
Saturday 2 April (kick-off 3.05pm BST / 4.05pm local) – live on Premier Sports

15. Henry Immelman (13)
14. Darcy Graham (46)
13. Mark Bennett (64)
12. James Lang (13)
11. Emiliano Boffelli (12)
10. Blair Kinghorn (112) VICE-CAPTAIN
9. Ben Vellacott (15)
1. Pierre Schoeman (75)
2. Stuart McInally (161) VICE-CAPTAIN
3. WP Nel (165)
4. Pierce Phillips (8)
5. Grant Gilchrist (168) CAPTAIN
6. Magnus Bradbury (106)
7. Hamish Watson (125)
8. Ben Muncaster (9)

Replacements
16. Dave Cherry (52)
17. Boan Venter (23)
18. Luan de Bruin (6)
19. Glen Young (8)
20. Connor Boyle (18)
21. Charlie Shiel (42)
22. Jaco van der Walt (81)
23. Matt Currie (10)

[KingBlairhorn]

That's a very strong looking team. Maybe Young or Hodgson over Phillips the only change between this and the first choice 15.

[robmatic]

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Emirates Lions at Emirates Airline Park in the United Rugby Championship
Saturday 2 April (kick-off 3.05pm BST / 4.05pm local) – live on Premier Sports

15. Henry Immelman (13)
14. Darcy Graham (46)
13. Mark Bennett (64)
12. James Lang (13)
11. Emiliano Boffelli (12)
10. Blair Kinghorn (112) VICE-CAPTAIN
9. Ben Vellacott (15)
1. Pierre Schoeman (75)
2. Stuart McInally (161) VICE-CAPTAIN
3. WP Nel (165)
4. Pierce Phillips (8)
5. Grant Gilchrist (168) CAPTAIN
6. Magnus Bradbury (106)
7. Hamish Watson (125)
8. Ben Muncaster (9)

Replacements
16. Dave Cherry (52)
17. Boan Venter (23)
18. Luan de Bruin (6)
19. Glen Young (8)
20. Connor Boyle (18)
21. Charlie Shiel (42)
22. Jaco van der Walt (81)
23. Matt Currie (10)

That's a strong looking team. Guess we'll see whether the 24 hour in-and-out strategy works with the altitude. I imagine they will experience some benefit from training in the heat and humidity of Durban at least.

[Jock42]

That's a very strong looking team. Maybe Young or Hodgson over Phillips the only change between this and the first choice 15.

I think Boffelli at 15 with Moyano on the wing too.

[dpedin]

That's a very strong looking team. Maybe Young or Hodgson over Phillips the only change between this and the first choice 15.

I think Boffelli at 15 with Moyano on the wing too.

Phillips has been excellent in last few games and deserves his place on merit, he has surprised me by how good he has been. Im glad to see Blair has picked on who is on form and playing well.

[KingBlairhorn]

That's a very strong looking team. Maybe Young or Hodgson over Phillips the only change between this and the first choice 15.

I think Boffelli at 15 with Moyano on the wing too.

Agreed.

[KingBlairhorn]

That's a very strong looking team. Maybe Young or Hodgson over Phillips the only change between this and the first choice 15.

I think Boffelli at 15 with Moyano on the wing too.

Phillips has been excellent in last few games and deserves his place on merit, he has surprised me by how good he has been. Im glad to see Blair has picked on who is on form and playing well.

He has been good and he is a big bugger which helps in the scrum. I think his basic skill level is lower than the other two though, and they have also both played very well this season, Young within the last few games too.

[Slick]

That's a very strong looking team. Maybe Young or Hodgson over Phillips the only change between this and the first choice 15.

I think Boffelli at 15 with Moyano on the wing too.

Agreed.

Also agree although Immelmann has been much better the last few weeks to be fair

[Slick]

Really want to see Ross Thompson kicking on. Not convinced he can but really want to be proven wrong

[Slick]

I know we all know this, but Dempsey is so fucking good

[Jock42]

I think Boffelli at 15 with Moyano on the wing too.

Agreed.

Also agree although Immelmann has been much better the last few weeks to be fair

Well I agree with this. Don't wince when you see him in the team now.

[Slick]

Agreed.

Also agree although Immelmann has been much better the last few weeks to be fair

Well I agree with this. Don't wince when you see him in the team now.

Ahh, glad you’re here. Wanted to ask you something completely different…

I watched that Falklands documentary on C4 the other day and it seemed to be blaming a couple of people with the SAS chap seemingly convinced he was the main difference at every stage. Did you see it?

[Jock42]

Also agree although Immelmann has been much better the last few weeks to be fair

Well I agree with this. Don't wince when you see him in the team now.

Ahh, glad you’re here. Wanted to ask you something completely different…

I watched that Falklands documentary on C4 the other day and it seemed to be blaming a couple of people with the SAS chap seemingly convinced he was the main difference at every stage. Did you see it?

Not yet, recorded it with the intention of view it some time this weekend.

[Tichtheid]

I'm watch Sale v Sarries because Glasgow are going to batter Zebre

Ashman is playing well, he was deprived of a try because of a bad pass and an unfortunate paw in the way of the ball, but he has carried well and contributed around the park

[KingBlairhorn]

I'm watch Sale v Sarries because Glasgow are going to batter Zebre

Ashman is playing well, he was deprived of a try because of a bad pass and an unfortunate paw in the way of the ball, but he has carried well and contributed around the park

Aye, and some.

[Slick]

I'm watch Sale v Sarries because Glasgow are going to batter Zebre

Ashman is playing well, he was deprived of a try because of a bad pass and an unfortunate paw in the way of the ball, but he has carried well and contributed around the park

Aye, and some.

It’s almost worth watching to wonder how Kyle Styene ever got given a pair of rugby boots never mind international caps.

Also, Pete Horne is an entertaining commentator

[KingBlairhorn]

Have Glasgow scored all their tries directly or indirectly from mauls? I don’t think I’ve ever seen 6 tries from more or less exactly the same source.

[Slick]

Have Glasgow scored all their tries directly or indirectly from mauls? I don’t think I’ve ever seen 6 tries from more or less exactly the same source.

Watching Jonny Matthews desperate to get his hat rick over the last 20 minutes has been amusing. Well done though

[KingBlairhorn]

Has anyone else noticed that Premier Sports have something called ‘stories’ on google. If you search for something related to the match (I.e. Glasgow warriors) it gives you a live score but also allows you to watch all the tries.

I’ve never seen anything like it before, very innovative and probably a good way to entice the odd subscriber.

[robmatic]

That's a very strong looking team. Maybe Young or Hodgson over Phillips the only change between this and the first choice 15.

I think Boffelli at 15 with Moyano on the wing too.

I don't think I appreciated last summer how good a pair of signings that was.

[Jock42]

Also agree although Immelmann has been much better the last few weeks to be fair

Well I agree with this. Don't wince when you see him in the team now.

Ahh, glad you’re here. Wanted to ask you something completely different…

I watched that Falklands documentary on C4 the other day and it seemed to be blaming a couple of people with the SAS chap seemingly convinced he was the main difference at every stage. Did you see it?

He sounds a bit bitter eh? Maj Gen Thompson came across well.

[Jock42]

That's a very strong looking team. Maybe Young or Hodgson over Phillips the only change between this and the first choice 15.

I think Boffelli at 15 with Moyano on the wing too.

I don't think I appreciated last summer how good a pair of signings that was.

Aye they appear to be thriving right now.

[Tichtheid]

I think Boffelli at 15 with Moyano on the wing too.

I don't think I appreciated last summer how good a pair of signings that was.

Aye they appear to be thriving right now.

Before they arrived there was a lot of talk about Boff and how good he is, but the other side of him is that apparently his English isn't great. So there was a bit of concern about how he'd settle in Edinburgh etc
But, if you've seen how he reacts to scoring on the park and the recent changing room stuff with him really going for it in the celebrations - he's an Edinburgh Gunner

Moyano has been terrific - I never thought I'd say we haven't really missed Duhan but that is the case. Having said that, on form before injury, Hoyland is my starter on one wing with Graham on the other. Boff at fullback

[GrahamWa]

Has anyone else noticed that Premier Sports have something called ‘stories’ on google. If you search for something related to the match (I.e. Glasgow warriors) it gives you a live score but also allows you to watch all the tries.

I’ve never seen anything like it before, very innovative and probably a good way to entice the odd subscriber.

I had a search for that and couldn't find anything. Can you post the web address?

[Slick]

Well I agree with this. Don't wince when you see him in the team now.

Ahh, glad you’re here. Wanted to ask you something completely different…

I watched that Falklands documentary on C4 the other day and it seemed to be blaming a couple of people with the SAS chap seemingly convinced he was the main difference at every stage. Did you see it?

He sounds a bit bitter eh? Maj Gen Thompson came across well.

Yes, agree on both. Just thought the SAS guy was a bit over the top

[I like neeps]

Rory Hutchinson is right now Scotland's best back. Basically unstoppable at saints.

And again. He's so much fun to watch.

And again. He's too good.

[LenCohen]

I reckon I could pick better options than Kinghorn does

[Soapy]

Rory Hutchinson is right now Scotland's best back. Basically unstoppable at saints.

And again. He's so much fun to watch.

And again. He's too good.

Amazing that he's not good enough in Townsend World.

[I like neeps]

Rory Hutchinson is right now Scotland's best back. Basically unstoppable at saints.

And again. He's so much fun to watch.

And again. He's too good.

Amazing that he's not good enough in Townsend World.

He doesn't crash ball so not Townsend's type of centre.