The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[westport]

Edinburgh Rugby can confirm winger Freddie Owsley has left the club to pursue other playing opportunities.
“We wish him the very best in his next steps and thank him for his commitment to the jersey.”

[Biffer]

Edinburgh Rugby can confirm winger Freddie Owsley has left the club to pursue other playing opportunities.
“We wish him the very best in his next steps and thank him for his commitment to the jersey.”

Was worth a punt, the sheer speed was astonishing. Hope he gets the opportunity somewhere else.

[KingBlairhorn]

Rumours from the Thistle:
Ashman to replace Rambo
Sebastien to replace Nel or Atalifo (Atalifo please)

Tuipolotu's brother and Healy to Glasgow. Gray leaving.

I saw that Ashman rumour. Bit of an odd one, Rambo is 32, surely too early to retire but too late to get a move abroad...

Nel will never retire

[robmatic]

Edinburgh Rugby can confirm winger Freddie Owsley has left the club to pursue other playing opportunities.
“We wish him the very best in his next steps and thank him for his commitment to the jersey.”

Was worth a punt, the sheer speed was astonishing. Hope he gets the opportunity somewhere else.

Yes, doesn't need much of a gap. He just needs gametime at a suitable level to work on his overall game.

[robmatic]

Rumours from the Thistle:
Ashman to replace Rambo
Sebastien to replace Nel or Atalifo (Atalifo please)

Tuipolotu's brother and Healy to Glasgow. Gray leaving.

I saw that Ashman rumour. Bit of an odd one, Rambo is 32, surely too early to retire but too late to get a move abroad...

Nel will never retire

Rambo has been having an absolutely torrid time with injuries, I wonder if that's an issue.

[Tichtheid]

Sebastian pleasantly surprised me on the summer tour. He has started all four games for Scarlets so far this season, if his contract is up in May then he'd be a good signing for Edinburgh, he's just turned 28 so he could easily be playing for another five or six years.
I'd still like to see McCallum back with us too.

Ashman would be a terrific move for us and him.

Gray has been playing very well, the rumour is he's off back to France for a grand finale to his career, Brive, I think

[Slick]

Edinburgh Rugby can confirm winger Freddie Owsley has left the club to pursue other playing opportunities.
“We wish him the very best in his next steps and thank him for his commitment to the jersey.”

Was worth a punt, the sheer speed was astonishing. Hope he gets the opportunity somewhere else.

Yes, doesn't need much of a gap. He just needs gametime at a suitable level to work on his overall game.

Was definitely worth a punt and maybe moving down a level will help him develop and make a return. It was hard enough for a guy like him learning on the job at amateur level back in the day, never mind in a pro environment.

[KingBlairhorn]

Rumours from the Thistle:
Ashman to replace Rambo
Sebastien to replace Nel or Atalifo (Atalifo please)

Tuipolotu's brother and Healy to Glasgow. Gray leaving.

I didn't spot Healy's name in here when you posted this. Does anyone have a firm view on how is he going these days? He seems to play a lot for Munster, but Munster aren't the Munster of old. How does he compare to Ross Thompson for instance.

On one hand it would be great to have another option, and to have Thompson, Healy, Kinghorn, Hastings and potentially Fin Smith all competing for Scotland starts would be exceptional when compared with the early noughties. On the other hand, I do get more uncomfortable with the selections as ever more of our squad are connected to Scotland somewhat tenuously. As far as I know Healy has no real affinity to Scotland, presumably one grandparent being the qualification route (information on how he qualifies seems sparse) - at least the likes of Smith is of Scottish rugby lineage...

I don't know, it's not my place to judge the decisions an individual player makes on their nationality of course but it just feels kind of increasingly grubby.

[weegie01]

Rumours from the Thistle:
Ashman to replace Rambo
Sebastien to replace Nel or Atalifo (Atalifo please)

Tuipolotu's brother and Healy to Glasgow. Gray leaving.

I didn't spot Healy's name in here when you posted this. Does anyone have a firm view on how is he going these days? He seems to play a lot for Munster, but Munster aren't the Munster of old. How does he compare to Ross Thompson for instance.

On one hand it would be great to have another option, and to have Thompson, Healy, Kinghorn, Hastings and potentially Fin Smith all competing for Scotland starts would be exceptional when compared with the early noughties. On the other hand, I do get more uncomfortable with the selections as ever more of our squad are connected to Scotland somewhat tenuously. As far as I know Healy has no real affinity to Scotland, presumably one grandparent being the qualification route (information on how he qualifies seems sparse) - at least the likes of Smith is of Scottish rugby lineage...

I don't know, it's not my place to judge the decisions an individual player makes on their nationality of course but it just feels kind of increasingly grubby.

Healy has been getting pelters from Munster supporters for his recent performances.

[westport]

Strong team for Edinburgh v Treviso

Schooo
Cherry
Nel
Skinner
Gilchrist
Haining
Crosby
Matta
Pyrgos
Kinghorn
Irn Du
Lang
Bennett
Graham
Boff

McBurney
Venter
De Bruin
Hodgson
Muncaster
Sheil
Savala
Dean

[Jock42]

That back 3

[Tichtheid]

Ben White and Ewan Ashman in particular are playing well tonight

If that rumour is true then Ashman will be a terrific addition the Embra squad.

[TheNatalShark]

Another late loss for the women, 12-14 conceded try 75th min

Could have been in position to qualify for quarters, very harsh

[Yr Alban]

Another late loss for the women, 12-14 conceded try 75th min

Could have been in position to qualify for quarters, very harsh

Sadly, it seems that our women’s football and rugby teams are every bit as capable of snatching glorious defeat from the jaws of victory as their male counterparts.

[KingBlairhorn]

That was good from Edinburgh once they got going. 33 points from the back 3, strong carrying throughout the forwards, pretty solid everywhere really except the line out.

No idea where Bofelli’s reputation as an amazing kicker comes from. Two weeks in a row he’s been utter bobbins. I think he missed 5 tonight, possibly 3 last week?

[Tichtheid]

No idea where Bofelli’s reputation as an amazing kicker comes from. Two weeks in a row he’s been utter bobbins. I think he missed 5 tonight, possibly 3 last week?

from previous kicking stats.

to be fair most of his kicks were from the touchline tonight

[KingBlairhorn]

No idea where Bofelli’s reputation as an amazing kicker comes from. Two weeks in a row he’s been utter bobbins. I think he missed 5 tonight, possibly 3 last week?

from previous kicking stats.

to be fair most of his kicks were from the touchline tonight

I was being flippant, obviously he was very good in the rugby championship and presumably in other competitions before that.

[Tichtheid]

Murray McCallum

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/gallaghe ... v8qWxt43mc


I'd hope Edinburgh will push the boat out for him, not in a sentimental way, but because he is the real deal now

[Biffer]

Murray McCallum

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/gallaghe ... v8qWxt43mc


I'd hope Edinburgh will push the boat out for him, not in a sentimental way, but because he is the real deal now

Someone said to me last night that there’s just no room and budget left to help him at Edinburgh. He will get something soon, I’m certain - injuries will have clubs looking for short term contracts before long. A wee stint in ProD2 would be great, then back to Edinburgh for next season.

[Tichtheid]

Murray McCallum

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/gallaghe ... v8qWxt43mc


I'd hope Edinburgh will push the boat out for him, not in a sentimental way, but because he is the real deal now

Someone said to me last night that there’s just no room and budget left to help him at Edinburgh. He will get something soon, I’m certain - injuries will have clubs looking for short term contracts before long. A wee stint in ProD2 would be great, then back to Edinburgh for next season.

I’ll buy a Euro lotto ticket this week

[Tichtheid]

Matt Scott is having a very good game for Tiggers

[Yr Alban]

Thistle rugby pod saying on Twitter they understand Toony has approached Tom Roebuck about throwing his lot in with us. Now, I have no idea what his decision will be, but this is why people who bang on about the importance of your birthplace annoy me. This is a guy who has been in and around England squads at pretty much every age group level, and one would suspect has always supported England. But he happens to have been born in Scotland, which for some people makes him more Scottish than I am. And if he signs up to play for us, come the RWC he will reduce the proportion of our squad born outside Scotland (the same stick we get beaten with every time).

[Slick]

Thistle rugby pod saying on Twitter they understand Toony has approached Tom Roebuck about throwing his lot in with us. Now, I have no idea what his decision will be, but this is why people who bang on about the importance of your birthplace annoy me. This is a guy who has been in and around England squads at pretty much every age group level, and one would suspect has always supported England. But he happens to have been born in Scotland, which for some people makes him more Scottish than I am. And if he signs up to play for us, come the RWC he will reduce the proportion of our squad born outside Scotland (the same stick we get beaten with every time).

Bit confused by this one to be honest old boy. We have people like Mish and Skinner who were born in England who only ever wanted to play for Scotland and there are plenty of guys born in Scotland who grew up in England, some want to play for England, some for Scotland. I don’t really get what the issue is that you’re highlighting

[weegie01]

Thistle rugby pod saying on Twitter they understand Toony has approached Tom Roebuck about throwing his lot in with us. Now, I have no idea what his decision will be, but this is why people who bang on about the importance of your birthplace annoy me. This is a guy who has been in and around England squads at pretty much every age group level, and one would suspect has always supported England. But he happens to have been born in Scotland, which for some people makes him more Scottish than I am. And if he signs up to play for us, come the RWC he will reduce the proportion of our squad born outside Scotland (the same stick we get beaten with every time).

Bit confused by this one to be honest old boy. We have people like Mish and Skinner who were born in England who only ever wanted to play for Scotland and there are plenty of guys born in Scotland who grew up in England, some want to play for England, some for Scotland. I don’t really get what the issue is that you’re highlighting.

I think it is more the other place than here, but certain posters bang on about the proportion of Scottish players born outside the country. They can't seem to get their head round the UK being a single country, so people move for work reasons, and indeed move out of the UK, and their kids are born there. A perfect recent example is Rufus McLean, born in Boston where his father was working, came back here as a baby and was brought up here. But still counts in the non-Scots born numbers.

[Tichtheid]

Thistle rugby pod saying on Twitter they understand Toony has approached Tom Roebuck about throwing his lot in with us. Now, I have no idea what his decision will be, but this is why people who bang on about the importance of your birthplace annoy me. This is a guy who has been in and around England squads at pretty much every age group level, and one would suspect has always supported England. But he happens to have been born in Scotland, which for some people makes him more Scottish than I am. And if he signs up to play for us, come the RWC he will reduce the proportion of our squad born outside Scotland (the same stick we get beaten with every time).

Bit confused by this one to be honest old boy. We have people like Mish and Skinner who were born in England who only ever wanted to play for Scotland and there are plenty of guys born in Scotland who grew up in England, some want to play for England, some for Scotland. I don’t really get what the issue is that you’re highlighting.

I think it is more the other place than here, but certain posters bang on about the proportion of Scottish players born outside the country. They can't seem to get their head round the UK being a single country, so people move for work reasons, and indeed move out of the UK, and their kids are born there. A perfect recent example is Rufus McLean, born in Boston where his father was working, came back here as a baby and was brought up here. But still counts in the non-Scots born numbers.

There was a funny incident a few years ago on the Guardian online comments section below an article on players born elsewhere . Someone went off on a rant about Alex Corbisiero, how he was born in New York and how he was a blow-in, not really English.

Corbisiero's dad answered him and told the guy in no uncertain terms he was talking out his arse, very politely of course.

[Yr Alban]

Thistle rugby pod saying on Twitter they understand Toony has approached Tom Roebuck about throwing his lot in with us. Now, I have no idea what his decision will be, but this is why people who bang on about the importance of your birthplace annoy me. This is a guy who has been in and around England squads at pretty much every age group level, and one would suspect has always supported England. But he happens to have been born in Scotland, which for some people makes him more Scottish than I am. And if he signs up to play for us, come the RWC he will reduce the proportion of our squad born outside Scotland (the same stick we get beaten with every time).

Bit confused by this one to be honest old boy. We have people like Mish and Skinner who were born in England who only ever wanted to play for Scotland and there are plenty of guys born in Scotland who grew up in England, some want to play for England, some for Scotland. I don’t really get what the issue is that you’re highlighting

I probably expressed it poorly. It basically comes down to ‘if we can persuade this guy who probably feels English to play for us, it makes the team more Scottish in the eyes of certain observers.’’

[robmatic]

Thistle rugby pod saying on Twitter they understand Toony has approached Tom Roebuck about throwing his lot in with us. Now, I have no idea what his decision will be, but this is why people who bang on about the importance of your birthplace annoy me. This is a guy who has been in and around England squads at pretty much every age group level, and one would suspect has always supported England. But he happens to have been born in Scotland, which for some people makes him more Scottish than I am. And if he signs up to play for us, come the RWC he will reduce the proportion of our squad born outside Scotland (the same stick we get beaten with every time).

Bit confused by this one to be honest old boy. We have people like Mish and Skinner who were born in England who only ever wanted to play for Scotland and there are plenty of guys born in Scotland who grew up in England, some want to play for England, some for Scotland. I don’t really get what the issue is that you’re highlighting

I probably expressed it poorly. It basically comes down to ‘if we can persuade this guy who probably feels English to play for us, it makes the team more Scottish in the eyes of certain observers.’’

Without knowing too much about the guy, he does seem particularly non-Scottish and it's arguably more mercenary a decision than some of the residency caps who are pretty committed to living in Scotland.

[Tichtheid]

I can't honestly put my hairshirt on over qualification for international rugby teams, as long as the rules laid down by WR are followed then, really, this was always going to happen under professionalism - I don't have any problem with people moving about for other work, so I couldn't give a toss about this.

I know some work themselves into lather online about it, but in the scheme of things, it really is small potatoes.

[dpedin]

I can't honestly put my hairshirt on over qualification for international rugby teams, as long as the rules laid down by WR are followed then, really, this was always going to happen under professionalism - I don't have any problem with people moving about for other work, so I couldn't give a toss about this.

I know some work themselves into lather online about it, but in the scheme of things, it really is small potatoes.

This! Everyone is at it, it's within the laws so let's get on with it. I would prefer the laws were different but they aren't so we, like every other country, just need to get on with it.

[Yr Alban]

I can't honestly put my hairshirt on over qualification for international rugby teams, as long as the rules laid down by WR are followed then, really, this was always going to happen under professionalism - I don't have any problem with people moving about for other work, so I couldn't give a toss about this.

I know some work themselves into lather online about it, but in the scheme of things, it really is small potatoes.

This! Everyone is at it, it's within the laws so let's get on with it. I would prefer the laws were different but they aren't so we, like every other country, just need to get on with it.

I very much agree with this. Everyone is taking advantage of the system in different ways. As I recall, at the last RWC France had the highest number of residency caps by miles. Pretty much the only country that isn’t doing it seems to be Argentina.

I think Robmatic has the right of it - residency caps have often made a commitment to Scotland, and a lot of them stay on once qualified (or in Duhan’s case come back!) which arguably makes them more deserving than some of the dodgier grandparent cases.

[Slick]

Bit confused by this one to be honest old boy. We have people like Mish and Skinner who were born in England who only ever wanted to play for Scotland and there are plenty of guys born in Scotland who grew up in England, some want to play for England, some for Scotland. I don’t really get what the issue is that you’re highlighting

I probably expressed it poorly. It basically comes down to ‘if we can persuade this guy who probably feels English to play for us, it makes the team more Scottish in the eyes of certain observers.’’

Without knowing too much about the guy, he does seem particularly non-Scottish and it's arguably more mercenary a decision than some of the residency caps who are pretty committed to living in Scotland.

I genuinely know absolutely nothing about this guy, never heard of him. What makes him particularly non-Scottish?

I’m always very wary of these things being a person born in Scotland but brought up in England who couldn’t imagine even having a thought of playing for anyone but Scotland

[Yr Alban]

I probably expressed it poorly. It basically comes down to ‘if we can persuade this guy who probably feels English to play for us, it makes the team more Scottish in the eyes of certain observers.’’

Without knowing too much about the guy, he does seem particularly non-Scottish and it's arguably more mercenary a decision than some of the residency caps who are pretty committed to living in Scotland.

I genuinely know absolutely nothing about this guy, never heard of him. What makes him particularly non-Scottish?

I’m always very wary of these things being a person born in Scotland but brought up in England who couldn’t imagine even having a thought of playing for anyone but Scotland

He’s been involved with every England age group from U16 up. Doesn’t necessarily mean anything, as if that’s where you’re playing then that’s the system you’ll feed into, but our scouting network is pretty good at identifying those with a bloodline, so it’s a safe bet that he’ll have been on the SRU’s radar and most likely approached at some point.

I was born in England and brought up in both England and Scotland. I would never have represented anyone but Scotland either (not that that was ever happening!) My kids were both born in England (I tried to do a John Leslie and drive my wife from Newcastle to the Borders, but she wasn’t having it) and have been brought up almost entirely in Wales, but both identify as Scottish. We have a number of friends here whose kids feel Welsh despite neither parent being Welsh. One of my best friends is fiercely Welsh despite never having lived anywhere except London. It’s a complex business.

[Slick]

Without knowing too much about the guy, he does seem particularly non-Scottish and it's arguably more mercenary a decision than some of the residency caps who are pretty committed to living in Scotland.

I genuinely know absolutely nothing about this guy, never heard of him. What makes him particularly non-Scottish?

I’m always very wary of these things being a person born in Scotland but brought up in England who couldn’t imagine even having a thought of playing for anyone but Scotland

He’s been involved with every England age group from U16 up. Doesn’t necessarily mean anything, as if that’s where you’re playing then that’s the system you’ll feed into, but our scouting network is pretty good at identifying those with a bloodline, so it’s a safe bet that he’ll have been on the SRU’s radar and most likely approached at some point.

I was born in England and brought up in both England and Scotland. I would never have represented anyone but Scotland either (not that that was ever happening!) My kids were both born in England (I tried to do a John Leslie and drive my wife from Newcastle to the Borders, but she wasn’t having it) and have been brought up almost entirely in Wales, but both identify as Scottish. We have a number of friends here whose kids feel Welsh despite neither parent being Welsh. One of my best friends is fiercely Welsh despite never having lived anywhere except London. It’s a complex business.

It is indeed!

My parents were those parents that drove to Scotland, from near London, so my youngest sister could be born there!

[robmatic]

I probably expressed it poorly. It basically comes down to ‘if we can persuade this guy who probably feels English to play for us, it makes the team more Scottish in the eyes of certain observers.’’

Without knowing too much about the guy, he does seem particularly non-Scottish and it's arguably more mercenary a decision than some of the residency caps who are pretty committed to living in Scotland.

I genuinely know absolutely nothing about this guy, never heard of him. What makes him particularly non-Scottish?

I’m always very wary of these things being a person born in Scotland but brought up in England who couldn’t imagine even having a thought of playing for anyone but Scotland

Like I said, don't know much about him other than he was brought up in England and went through the age grades, and according to his Q&A on the Sale website his sporting hero is Peter Crouch, which is an interesting choice for a Scot. I have no idea about his family circumstances or feelings though, so I could be being unfair.

[Yr Alban]

I genuinely know absolutely nothing about this guy, never heard of him. What makes him particularly non-Scottish?

I’m always very wary of these things being a person born in Scotland but brought up in England who couldn’t imagine even having a thought of playing for anyone but Scotland

He’s been involved with every England age group from U16 up. Doesn’t necessarily mean anything, as if that’s where you’re playing then that’s the system you’ll feed into, but our scouting network is pretty good at identifying those with a bloodline, so it’s a safe bet that he’ll have been on the SRU’s radar and most likely approached at some point.

I was born in England and brought up in both England and Scotland. I would never have represented anyone but Scotland either (not that that was ever happening!) My kids were both born in England (I tried to do a John Leslie and drive my wife from Newcastle to the Borders, but she wasn’t having it) and have been brought up almost entirely in Wales, but both identify as Scottish. We have a number of friends here whose kids feel Welsh despite neither parent being Welsh. One of my best friends is fiercely Welsh despite never having lived anywhere except London. It’s a complex business.

It is indeed!

My parents were those parents that drove to Scotland, from near London, so my youngest sister could be born there!

I might have got away with it, it I hadn’t married a paediatrician. Some nonsense about not having a level 3 neonatal unit.

[Big D]

Very easy for us to say we wouldn't play for x or y, but the professionals who tie themselves to Scotland potentially cause themselves great harm when it comes to contracts and match fees.

For example, Redpath only committed to Scotland after signing a long term (5 years) club deal.

If they are good enough, qualify and willing to fight for places then they should be picked.

[Tichtheid]

Very easy for us to say we wouldn't play for x or y, but the professionals who tie themselves to Scotland potentially cause themselves great harm when it comes to contracts and match fees.

For example, Redpath only committed to Scotland after signing a long term (5 years) club deal.

If they are good enough, qualify and willing to fight for places then they should be picked.

It's a difficult position for the younger guys starting out in the careers, I've heard tales of pressure being put on some of them to not commit to Scotland (I assume that goes for other countries too).
Once they are capped they can command a better wage, but it's not a easy decision, as you say.


In other news, I hadn't realised that Bill Mata has played 99 times for Edinburgh, assuming he is selected this weekend he will be the first player from another national team to become a club centurion.
That came around quickly, he's been immense for us.
Goosen is fit, Ritchie has been training with Scotland earlier this week, TOL has Mike Blair saying he's not sure yet who he'll get back for the trip to Zebre - I feel this is a must-win game for us in order to get our season back on track.

Sam Johnson sustained a broken jaw, so I imagine Lang or Dean are in the frame for the Oz match, at least for the 23, I expect Tuipulotu and Bennett will start.

[shaggy]

Very easy for us to say we wouldn't play for x or y, but the professionals who tie themselves to Scotland potentially cause themselves great harm when it comes to contracts and match fees.

For example, Redpath only committed to Scotland after signing a long term (5 years) club deal.

If they are good enough, qualify and willing to fight for places then they should be picked.

It's a difficult position for the younger guys starting out in the careers, I've heard tales of pressure being put on some of them to not commit to Scotland (I assume that goes for other countries too).
Once they are capped they can command a better wage, but it's not a easy decision, as you say.


In other news, I hadn't realised that Bill Mata has played 99 times for Edinburgh, assuming he is selected this weekend he will be the first player from another national team to become a club centurion.
That came around quickly, he's been immense for us.
Goosen is fit, Ritchie has been training with Scotland earlier this week, TOL has Mike Blair saying he's not sure yet who he'll get back for the trip to Zebre - I feel this is a must-win game for us in order to get our season back on track.

Sam Johnson sustained a broken jaw, so I imagine Lang or Dean are in the frame for the Oz match, at least for the 23, I expect Tuipulotu and Bennett will start.

It is a gamble though as Redpath’s club will no longer get a lump of money from the RFU due to him no longer being eligible for England. Whether he will command a higher wage when contract renewal comes around is also unsure, who knows what model will be in place in English clubs then, he might not meet a ‘criteria’ for franchises.

He has done the best for himself financially, but let’s not pretend this was some kind of disadvantage to him, he gets his cake and is eating it.

[Tichtheid]

Very easy for us to say we wouldn't play for x or y, but the professionals who tie themselves to Scotland potentially cause themselves great harm when it comes to contracts and match fees.

For example, Redpath only committed to Scotland after signing a long term (5 years) club deal.

If they are good enough, qualify and willing to fight for places then they should be picked.

It's a difficult position for the younger guys starting out in the careers, I've heard tales of pressure being put on some of them to not commit to Scotland (I assume that goes for other countries too).
Once they are capped they can command a better wage, but it's not a easy decision, as you say.


In other news, I hadn't realised that Bill Mata has played 99 times for Edinburgh, assuming he is selected this weekend he will be the first player from another national team to become a club centurion.
That came around quickly, he's been immense for us.
Goosen is fit, Ritchie has been training with Scotland earlier this week, TOL has Mike Blair saying he's not sure yet who he'll get back for the trip to Zebre - I feel this is a must-win game for us in order to get our season back on track.

Sam Johnson sustained a broken jaw, so I imagine Lang or Dean are in the frame for the Oz match, at least for the 23, I expect Tuipulotu and Bennett will start.

It is a gamble though as Redpath’s club will no longer get a lump of money from the RFU due to him no longer being eligible for England. Whether he will command a higher wage when contract renewal comes around is also unsure, who knows what model will be in place in English clubs then, he might not meet a ‘criteria’ for franchises.

He has done the best for himself financially, but let’s not pretend this was some kind of disadvantage to him, he gets his cake and is eating it.

The club will get the lump of money from the RFU irrespective of Redpath's allegiance, as long as they have the correct number of EQ players in the team across the season

[Margin__Walker]

It's certainly a gamble declaring for Scotland. Established internationals will always be okay and be in demand. But if a player picks up a couple of caps, but never properly breaks through, it will definitely impact them if they are looking to stay at an English club. Especially with EQP requirements due to rise to 15 in a match day squad from 2024.

Obviously, shouldn't matter, but it will be a consideration for them. It's a fairly big decision to make early in their career.