The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[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.

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.

It is not just the EQ credits though. There are limits on squads coming in whereb15 EQPs need to be selected. Probably won't harm the likes of Hastings, Harris and Redpath but may change the clubs opinion of the likes of Roebuck and Henderson.

Having "cheap" EQ players allows for more expensive non EQ players under the salary cap/team budget.

[Big D]

Russell apparently not in the squad. Unsure of whether this is performance or wife being pregnant related.

[Biffer]

Russell apparently not in the squad. Unsure of whether this is performance or wife being pregnant related.

His girlfriend is due in a month or two. I think that's got a lot to do with it tbh, I'm sure he'll be back for the 6Ns and World Cup.

[robmatic]

Russell apparently not in the squad. Unsure of whether this is performance or wife being pregnant related.

Great, another month of the Kinghorn-at-10 debate.

[Big D]

Russell apparently not in the squad. Unsure of whether this is performance or wife being pregnant related.

Great, another month of the Kinghorn-at-10 debate.

Was always going to happen anyway as he'll start v Australia as it is outside the window.

[Big D]

Russell apparently not in the squad. Unsure of whether this is performance or wife being pregnant related.

His girlfriend is due in a month or two. I think that's got a lot to do with it tbh, I'm sure he'll be back for the 6Ns and World Cup.

I think so. Tom English conveniently left that out his article.

[Biffer]

Russell apparently not in the squad. Unsure of whether this is performance or wife being pregnant related.

His girlfriend is due in a month or two. I think that's got a lot to do with it tbh, I'm sure he'll be back for the 6Ns and World Cup.

I think so. Tom English conveniently left that out his article.

Of course he did. Tom English is a shit stirrer.

[Yr Alban]

Russell apparently not in the squad. Unsure of whether this is performance or wife being pregnant related.

His girlfriend is due in a month or two. I think that's got a lot to do with it tbh, I'm sure he'll be back for the 6Ns and World Cup.

Can’t see any good reason why he shouldn’t play if his wife is due in a month or two. The games are in Edinburgh. He’s not going on tour to NZ. Even if his wife were to stay in France, he could be back in a few hours. This looks like a smokescreen.

If this is down to a feud between Russell and Toony, then I’m on the ‘time for Toony to go’ train. NZ are vulnerable right now, and I do not want us to go into that game understrength because one of our best players won’t play for the coach. The paying public deserve better than that. I’m not saying that the fault isn’t on Russell’s side, but a way must be found to bridge the rift.

[Biffer]

Russell apparently not in the squad. Unsure of whether this is performance or wife being pregnant related.

His girlfriend is due in a month or two. I think that's got a lot to do with it tbh, I'm sure he'll be back for the 6Ns and World Cup.

Can’t see any good reason why he shouldn’t play if his wife is due in a month or two. The games are in Edinburgh. He’s not going on tour to NZ. Even if his wife were to stay in France, he could be back in a few hours. This looks like a smokescreen.

If this is down to a feud between Russell and Toony, then I’m on the ‘time for Toony to go’ train. NZ are vulnerable right now, and I do not want us to go into that game understrength because one of our best players won’t play for the coach. The paying public deserve better than that. I’m not saying that the fault isn’t on Russell’s side, but a way must be found to bridge the rift.

From what I hear, it's four to six weeks. so pretty much in the window. Also, we don't know if there are any concerns - if it has been a bit of stressful pregnancy, then we can understand. Also, no Top14 rugby for two weeks and Russell is unlikely to get a break any other time. He's not been in the best of form so a short break might do him good. I'm not reaching for the shotgun yet (although I'm not a big Toony backer by any stretch of the imagination).

[Big D]

Russell apparently not in the squad. Unsure of whether this is performance or wife being pregnant related.

His girlfriend is due in a month or two. I think that's got a lot to do with it tbh, I'm sure he'll be back for the 6Ns and World Cup.

Can’t see any good reason why he shouldn’t play if his wife is due in a month or two. The games are in Edinburgh. He’s not going on tour to NZ. Even if his wife were to stay in France, he could be back in a few hours. This looks like a smokescreen.

If this is down to a feud between Russell and Toony, then I’m on the ‘time for Toony to go’ train. NZ are vulnerable right now, and I do not want us to go into that game understrength because one of our best players won’t play for the coach. The paying public deserve better than that. I’m not saying that the fault isn’t on Russell’s side, but a way must be found to bridge the rift.

If the due date is mid November and it was my first I wouldn't be signing up to 3 weeks abroad no matter how easy it was to travel. What if she goes into labour on the Friday night? That is more disruptive than Finn not being available for the 3 games.

If it is a rift then they need to deal with it but Finn was hardly at his best last season for Scotland either.

[dpedin]

His girlfriend is due in a month or two. I think that's got a lot to do with it tbh, I'm sure he'll be back for the 6Ns and World Cup.

Can’t see any good reason why he shouldn’t play if his wife is due in a month or two. The games are in Edinburgh. He’s not going on tour to NZ. Even if his wife were to stay in France, he could be back in a few hours. This looks like a smokescreen.

If this is down to a feud between Russell and Toony, then I’m on the ‘time for Toony to go’ train. NZ are vulnerable right now, and I do not want us to go into that game understrength because one of our best players won’t play for the coach. The paying public deserve better than that. I’m not saying that the fault isn’t on Russell’s side, but a way must be found to bridge the rift.

If the due date is mid November and it was my first I wouldn't be signing up to 3 weeks abroad no matter how easy it was to travel. What if she goes into labour on the Friday night? That is more disruptive than Finn not being available for the 3 games.

If it is a rift then they need to deal with it but Finn was hardly at his best last season for Scotland either.

As usual we see and hear all the gossip and conjecture about Russell and Townsend. His wife is pregnant and he, rightly in my eyes, wants to be at birth and it clashes with internationals and preparation time, Kinghorn needs more game time at this level and we need Hastings to be integrated back into the squad and also get a few shifts at 10 at international level. Both Kinghorn and Hastings have been playing well and it they need game time at this level, playing with fellow internationalists against these types of aggressive defences. All this makes sense for me and I am not sure I see anything other than good man and squad management?

[dkm57]

Can’t see any good reason why he shouldn’t play if his wife is due in a month or two. The games are in Edinburgh. He’s not going on tour to NZ. Even if his wife were to stay in France, he could be back in a few hours. This looks like a smokescreen.

If this is down to a feud between Russell and Toony, then I’m on the ‘time for Toony to go’ train. NZ are vulnerable right now, and I do not want us to go into that game understrength because one of our best players won’t play for the coach. The paying public deserve better than that. I’m not saying that the fault isn’t on Russell’s side, but a way must be found to bridge the rift.

If the due date is mid November and it was my first I wouldn't be signing up to 3 weeks abroad no matter how easy it was to travel. What if she goes into labour on the Friday night? That is more disruptive than Finn not being available for the 3 games.

If it is a rift then they need to deal with it but Finn was hardly at his best last season for Scotland either.

As usual we see and hear all the gossip and conjecture about Russell and Townsend. His wife is pregnant and he, rightly in my eyes, wants to be at birth and it clashes with internationals and preparation time, Kinghorn needs more game time at this level and we need Hastings to be integrated back into the squad and also get a few shifts at 10 at international level. Both Kinghorn and Hastings have been playing well and it they need game time at this level, playing with fellow internationalists against these types of aggressive defences. All this makes sense for me and I am not sure I see anything other than good man and squad management?

I agree, it wasn't long ago we were sh1tting ourselves when Fin was being Fin. Now we have Fin, Hastings, Kinghorn and a very good prospect in Jordan? coming through.

[I like neeps]

Russell apparently not in the squad. Unsure of whether this is performance or wife being pregnant related.

His girlfriend is due in a month or two. I think that's got a lot to do with it tbh, I'm sure he'll be back for the 6Ns and World Cup.

I think so. Tom English conveniently left that out his article.

Really? I doubt it. Sports is full of stories of father's being out of a match for the birth of their child, rarely they miss a month. He'd just leave for a game or two.

I'd say it's far more likely Townsend and Russell don't want to work together anymore as this has been bubbling for years with several flashpoints. I'd be more surprised if Russell plays again for Townsend than if it's the birth of his child. We'll find out as Townsend will be asked about it.

[Jock42]

Kunavula off to Brive, he's been released withh immediate effect. Too many young Scottish prospects cited as the reason. All the best to him, they're getting a good player.

[I like neeps]

If the due date is mid November and it was my first I wouldn't be signing up to 3 weeks abroad no matter how easy it was to travel. What if she goes into labour on the Friday night? That is more disruptive than Finn not being available for the 3 games.

If it is a rift then they need to deal with it but Finn was hardly at his best last season for Scotland either.

As usual we see and hear all the gossip and conjecture about Russell and Townsend. His wife is pregnant and he, rightly in my eyes, wants to be at birth and it clashes with internationals and preparation time, Kinghorn needs more game time at this level and we need Hastings to be integrated back into the squad and also get a few shifts at 10 at international level. Both Kinghorn and Hastings have been playing well and it they need game time at this level, playing with fellow internationalists against these types of aggressive defences. All this makes sense for me and I am not sure I see anything other than good man and squad management?

I agree, it wasn't long ago we were sh1tting ourselves when Fin was being Fin. Now we have Fin, Hastings, Kinghorn and a very good prospect in Jordan? coming through.

Jordan isn't SQ, he's also 24 - I'm pretty unconvinced he'll be a top level international.

I think Kinghorn is good but you have to play his game and I hope Townsend does ditch the stuttering style we play currently and go balls to the wall crazy again. I think it's the only way you perhaps beat SA and Ireland.

[Biffer]

Kunavula off to Brive, he's been released withh immediate effect. Too many young Scottish prospects cited as the reason. All the best to him, they're getting a good player.

Wonder if that frees up a bit of cash for McCallum?

[Biffer]

As usual we see and hear all the gossip and conjecture about Russell and Townsend. His wife is pregnant and he, rightly in my eyes, wants to be at birth and it clashes with internationals and preparation time, Kinghorn needs more game time at this level and we need Hastings to be integrated back into the squad and also get a few shifts at 10 at international level. Both Kinghorn and Hastings have been playing well and it they need game time at this level, playing with fellow internationalists against these types of aggressive defences. All this makes sense for me and I am not sure I see anything other than good man and squad management?

I agree, it wasn't long ago we were sh1tting ourselves when Fin was being Fin. Now we have Fin, Hastings, Kinghorn and a very good prospect in Jordan? coming through.

Jordan isn't SQ, he's also 24 - I'm pretty unconvinced he'll be a top level international.

I think Kinghorn is good but you have to play his game and I hope Townsend does ditch the stuttering style we play currently and go balls to the wall crazy again. I think it's the only way you perhaps beat SA and Ireland.

Charlie Savala and Fin Smith the more likely young prospects.

[Biffer]

Got to say I'm in favour of Townsend and Russell not spending this month together if it means they're less likely to fall out before the World Cup.

[Tichtheid]

Kunavula off to Brive, he's been released withh immediate effect. Too many young Scottish prospects cited as the reason. All the best to him, they're getting a good player.

I'm disappointed, I really rate him.

That's Kunavula, Darge, Miller and Bradbury we've lost in just over a year - it's not a bad backrow pool in itself.

I wonder if vdM's signing hastened things along, from a financial point of view?

If it means more game time for the likes of Boyle and Rudi Brown then fine, but Brown is still only 18.

I guess Young and Skinner can both play the big six role if we need them to

[Biffer]

Kunavula off to Brive, he's been released withh immediate effect. Too many young Scottish prospects cited as the reason. All the best to him, they're getting a good player.

I'm disappointed, I really rate him.

That's Kunavula, Darge, Miller and Bradbury we've lost in just over a year - it's not a bad backrow pool in itself.

I wonder if vdM's signing hastened things along, from a financial point of view?

If it means more game time for the likes of Boyle and Rudi Brown then fine, but Brown is still only 18.

I guess Young and Skinner can both play the big six role if we need them to

Yeah, but we have Watson, Mata, Ritchie, Crosby, Haining, Muncaster, Boyle in the full squad and Brown and Morris in the academy on the edge of stepping up and as you say Skinner and Young able to play 6 as well. I think that's plenty. Shame to have lost Darge in particular for me.

[I like neeps]

Got to say I'm in favour of Townsend and Russell not spending this month together if it means they're less likely to fall out before the World Cup.

But they have fallen out hence Russell being dropped for Ireland in the six nations. They've publically fallen out a number of times as well before this.

[Yr Alban]

Got to say I'm in favour of Townsend and Russell not spending this month together if it means they're less likely to fall out before the World Cup.

But they have fallen out hence Russell being dropped for Ireland in the six nations. They've publically fallen out a number of times as well before this.

Indeed. He was unavailable for a season, then it was all fixed, then he was dropped for Ireland again.

He might not be on his best form, but our best XV unquestionably has Russell in it and not Kinghorn. As I said above, I’ll be really upset if we go into the AIs without one of our best players, despite him being fit.

[Biffer]

Got to say I'm in favour of Townsend and Russell not spending this month together if it means they're less likely to fall out before the World Cup.

But they have fallen out hence Russell being dropped for Ireland in the six nations. They've publically fallen out a number of times as well before this.

Yeah, that's what I mean. They have a record of falling out so not putting them together for the next month, when FR is already distracted by things in his personal life and might well not be fully focussed, is a good idea imo. Can be presented as flexibility on GT's side if presented in the right way, helping to keep the relationship on the level for the important next twelve months.

[Big D]

As usual we see and hear all the gossip and conjecture about Russell and Townsend. His wife is pregnant and he, rightly in my eyes, wants to be at birth and it clashes with internationals and preparation time, Kinghorn needs more game time at this level and we need Hastings to be integrated back into the squad and also get a few shifts at 10 at international level. Both Kinghorn and Hastings have been playing well and it they need game time at this level, playing with fellow internationalists against these types of aggressive defences. All this makes sense for me and I am not sure I see anything other than good man and squad management?

I agree, it wasn't long ago we were sh1tting ourselves when Fin was being Fin. Now we have Fin, Hastings, Kinghorn and a very good prospect in Jordan? coming through.

Jordan isn't SQ, he's also 24 - I'm pretty unconvinced he'll be a top level international.

I think Kinghorn is good but you have to play his game and I hope Townsend does ditch the stuttering style we play currently and go balls to the wall crazy again. I think it's the only way you perhaps beat SA and Ireland.

AB Zondagh has been objectively a bit of a failure as backs/attack coach thus far. Must do better.

[Biffer]

[SaintK]

Got to say I'm in favour of Townsend and Russell not spending this month together if it means they're less likely to fall out before the World Cup.

But they have fallen out hence Russell being dropped for Ireland in the six nations. They've publically fallen out a number of times as well before this.

Yeah, that's what I mean. They have a record of falling out so not putting them together for the next month, when FR is already distracted by things in his personal life and might well not be fully focussed, is a good idea imo. Can be presented as flexibility on GT's side if presented in the right way, helping to keep the relationship on the level for the important next twelve months.

Sorry to butt in gents
But could it not just be that he's not playing very well for Racing this season? They've already lost 3 of their 7 matches.

[Slick]

I agree, it wasn't long ago we were sh1tting ourselves when Fin was being Fin. Now we have Fin, Hastings, Kinghorn and a very good prospect in Jordan? coming through.

Jordan isn't SQ, he's also 24 - I'm pretty unconvinced he'll be a top level international.

I think Kinghorn is good but you have to play his game and I hope Townsend does ditch the stuttering style we play currently and go balls to the wall crazy again. I think it's the only way you perhaps beat SA and Ireland.

Charlie Savala and Fin Smith the more likely young prospects.

I’d be picking Hastings at the moment anyway. I know he has had a few dips but I do think he is constantly underrated by many.

To be honest I haven’t seen anything that makes me think Savala will amount to much and know absolutely nothing about Fin Smith.

I have been really impressed with Jordan over the last few weeks and since he doesn’t have to worry about selection for the next couple of years can see him developing into an option at 10 at least

[I like neeps]

Very strange call to see Richie Gray back after all this time.

Disappointed there's no Hutchinson who is a better player than Redpath and Sam Johnson.

Disappointed to pick Jack Dempsey but I guess it's been inevitable. I'd be disappointed if Cooney got in so relieved that's been avoided do far.

[Biffer]

On a positive note, VdM's return to Edinburgh means he's available for the Australia game.

[Big D]

His girlfriend is due in a month or two. I think that's got a lot to do with it tbh, I'm sure he'll be back for the 6Ns and World Cup.

I think so. Tom English conveniently left that out his article.

Really? I doubt it. Sports is full of stories of father's being out of a match for the birth of their child, rarely they miss a month. He'd just leave for a game or two.

I'd say it's far more likely Townsend and Russell don't want to work together anymore as this has been bubbling for years with several flashpoints. I'd be more surprised if Russell plays again for Townsend than if it's the birth of his child. We'll find out as Townsend will be asked about it.

It isn't a month though, he'd be over for 3 games within the window. If he's out for a couple of games, not knowing which, if any of the 2 of the 3 they might be then they are as well leaving him out. It isn't as predictable as anyone would like. Even with access to a private plane there could still be false starts, or a risk of missing the birth.

It could easily be that he and Townsend are finished, but a journalist should at least be able to use the widely available information and dedicate a sentence to it.

If Russell is done based on a second strike then I'd hope a journalist gets him to confirm Hogg, Price, Tuipolotu and Johnson are all on final warnings.

[Biffer]

But they have fallen out hence Russell being dropped for Ireland in the six nations. They've publically fallen out a number of times as well before this.

Yeah, that's what I mean. They have a record of falling out so not putting them together for the next month, when FR is already distracted by things in his personal life and might well not be fully focussed, is a good idea imo. Can be presented as flexibility on GT's side if presented in the right way, helping to keep the relationship on the level for the important next twelve months.

Sorry to butt in gents
But could it not just be that he's not playing very well for Racing this season? They've already lost 3 of their 7 matches.

Yeah, mentioned once or twice up thread. Think it's a combination of everything - take a few weeks off, have the baby, come back reinvigorated to find your form for next year.

[Big D]

Hogg binned as captain is the big takeaway really.

Pretty straightforward squad which is unusual.

If Tuipolotu doesn't carry his club form into the internationals, which he deserves the chance to, then I'm pretty much bored of him at the top level.

[Biffer]

Interview with FR in the Times last month with him suggesting he's toning it down with the prospect of being a father, that'll line up with the behaviour GT wants as well.

[Biffer]

Hogg binned as captain is the big takeaway really.

Pretty straightforward squad which is unusual.

If Tuipolotu doesn't carry his club form into the internationals, which he deserves the chance to, then I'm pretty much bored of him at the top level.

Ritchie has always been on that trajectory tbh. Hogg will clearly still be a leader in the team.

[SaintK]

Yeah, that's what I mean. They have a record of falling out so not putting them together for the next month, when FR is already distracted by things in his personal life and might well not be fully focussed, is a good idea imo. Can be presented as flexibility on GT's side if presented in the right way, helping to keep the relationship on the level for the important next twelve months.

Sorry to butt in gents
But could it not just be that he's not playing very well for Racing this season? They've already lost 3 of their 7 matches.

Yeah, mentioned once or twice up thread. Think it's a combination of everything - take a few weeks off, have the baby, come back reinvigorated to find your form for next year.

[I like neeps]

I think so. Tom English conveniently left that out his article.

Really? I doubt it. Sports is full of stories of father's being out of a match for the birth of their child, rarely they miss a month. He'd just leave for a game or two.

I'd say it's far more likely Townsend and Russell don't want to work together anymore as this has been bubbling for years with several flashpoints. I'd be more surprised if Russell plays again for Townsend than if it's the birth of his child. We'll find out as Townsend will be asked about it.

It isn't a month though, he'd be over for 3 games within the window. If he's out for a couple of games, not knowing which, if any of the 2 of the 3 they might be then they are as well leaving him out. It isn't as predictable as anyone would like. Even with access to a private plane there could still be false starts, or a risk of missing the birth.

It could easily be that he and Townsend are finished, but a journalist should at least be able to use the widely available information and dedicate a sentence to it.

If Russell is done based on a second strike then I'd hope a journalist gets him to confirm Hogg, Price, Tuipolotu and Johnson are all on final warnings.

Sure but it would be announced. The fact it hasn't been announced in the press release by the SRU (or by the press would would mention it especially as some e.g. Mark Palmer and Rob Robertson have a good relationship with him) it's because he's fallen out with Townsend. Which everyone knew anyway because of the Edinburgh6 and the walking out.

Notable Hogg is no longer captain too btw re Edinburgh 6.

[Slick]

Very strange call to see Richie Gray back after all this time.

Disappointed there's no Hutchinson who is a better player than Redpath and Sam Johnson.

Disappointed to pick Jack Dempsey but I guess it's been inevitable. I'd be disappointed if Cooney got in so relieved that's been avoided do far.

Missed Dempsey was there on first look!

Not looking forward to all the shit heading our way but he is a class player and what we have been after for a few seasons. I’m saying that, it feels quite Scottish that we are going to go through all this just as Fagerson looks like the answer to the question anyway…

Re Finn, why don’t they just fucking say what’s happening, why do we need the circus, it’s a bit depressing

[Slick]

Hogg binned as captain is the big takeaway really.

Pretty straightforward squad which is unusual.

If Tuipolotu doesn't carry his club form into the internationals, which he deserves the chance to, then I'm pretty much bored of him at the top level.

Ritchie has always been on that trajectory tbh. Hogg will clearly still be a leader in the team.

But disappointed about that really. I think Hogg has been a great captain overall

[Big D]

Very strange call to see Richie Gray back after all this time.

Disappointed there's no Hutchinson who is a better player than Redpath and Sam Johnson.

Disappointed to pick Jack Dempsey but I guess it's been inevitable. I'd be disappointed if Cooney got in so relieved that's been avoided do far.

Missed Dempsey was there on first look!

Not looking forward to all the shit heading our way but he is a class player and what we have been after for a few seasons. I’m saying that, it feels quite Scottish that we are going to go through all this just as Fagerson looks like the answer to the question anyway…

Re Finn, why don’t they just fucking say what’s happening, why do we need the circus, it’s a bit depressing

He's eligible. That's the beginning and end of it.

One sad thing from the squad is that it looks like the chances of an outside bolter for the world cup squad is probably over.

[Big D]

Based on what I have seen this season Bayliss over Bradbury is a bit odd.