The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Tichtheid]

Ah lads, talk now that Scotland will poach John Cooney during the 6N. He last played for Ireland mid Feb 2000, so becomes eligible in February.

Whatever about Healy, who's not been capped, tapping up 32 year old John Cooney, (who was never quite good enough at Leinster, Connacht, Ulster or Ireland) looks more than a bit desperate.

This has been on the cards for a while now, the last I heard Cooney had to sort out his contract at Ulster before making a comitment to Scoltand.

It's not true that he was never good enough, he's been the best scrum half in Ireland on and off for years, the story out here is that there is bad blood between him and Sexton, to the extend that his selection for Ireland has been vetoed.

[westport]

Edinburgh Rugby
10 m
·
Best of luck to Tom Cruse who joins Northampton Saints with immediate effect.
We thank Tom for all his efforts during his short-term deal at the club - you're welcome back anytime!

[Camroc2]

Ah lads, talk now that Scotland will poach John Cooney during the 6N. He last played for Ireland mid Feb 2000, so becomes eligible in February.

Whatever about Healy, who's not been capped, tapping up 32 year old John Cooney, (who was never quite good enough at Leinster, Connacht, Ulster or Ireland) looks more than a bit desperate.

This has been on the cards for a while now, the last I heard Cooney had to sort out his contract at Ulster before making a comitment to Scoltand.

It's not true that he was never good enough, he's been the best scrum half in Ireland on and off for years, the story out here is that there is bad blood between him and Sexton, to the extend that his selection for Ireland has been vetoed.

Without getting into any sort of fight, he left Leinster because of Luke McGrath, and Connacht because Caolin Blade, both of whom were preferred ahead of him. He played his best rugby at Ulster, where he took over from Ruan Pienaar (to much abuse from Ulster fans who thought he was being palmed off on him by the IRFU). He plays a similar style to Pienaar, in that the game flows through him, rather than the OH meaning that because he is so otherwise engaged, he's not the quickest at ruck time. Which, in truth is probably the main reason he left Leinster, who were beginning to adopt that style, and hasn't had much of a look in Ireland under Farrell since Ireland also adopted that style. Indeed 11 caps at 32 years of age, with the last three years ago is probably about right, and shows where he was in the Irish SH rankings.

Anyway best of luck to him, he's either been told, or seen the writing on the wall regarding his Ireland career, and players need to look after themselves first and foremost. Today, Charlie Ryan, a highly rated 23 yr old Leinster second row (he captained the 2019 Ireland under 20s to the grand slam), announced his immediate retirement from the game due to a long standing knee injury. You never know the day nor the hour.

But, imo, it's still not a good look for the SRU, and must be infuriating for any young Scottish SH's.

[westport]

Young Steeley has been back playing for the past few weeks, with LS and back with Quins at the weekend so we are not short of SH's

[westport]

Edinburgh Rugby
21 m ·
Best of luck to Jamie Hodgson who has been called into Scotland's Six Nations training camp!

[Dogbert]

Congrats to a new Warrior

Euan Ferrie, who has agreed his first professional contract with the club!

https://glasgowwarriors.org/ferrie-sign ... rbQnTZPZfk

[JM2K6]

Young Steeley has been back playing for the past few weeks, with LS and back with Quins at the weekend so we are not short of SH's

He's almost 30!

[C T]

Young Steeley has been back playing for the past few weeks, with LS and back with Quins at the weekend so we are not short of SH's

He's almost 30!

On this note, wee George Horne (who is still 22 in my mind) is apparently 27.

[Dogbert]

Young Steeley has been back playing for the past few weeks, with LS and back with Quins at the weekend so we are not short of SH's

He's almost 30!

On this note, wee George Horne (who is still 22 in my mind) is apparently 27.

I think George Horne is actually 12

George's impression of a Haggis from 1:55 onwards

[Slick]

Ah lads, talk now that Scotland will poach John Cooney during the 6N. He last played for Ireland mid Feb 2000, so becomes eligible in February.

Whatever about Healy, who's not been capped, tapping up 32 year old John Cooney, (who was never quite good enough at Leinster, Connacht, Ulster or Ireland) looks more than a bit desperate.

This has been on the cards for a while now, the last I heard Cooney had to sort out his contract at Ulster before making a comitment to Scoltand.

It's not true that he was never good enough, he's been the best scrum half in Ireland on and off for years, the story out here is that there is bad blood between him and Sexton, to the extend that his selection for Ireland has been vetoed.

Without getting into any sort of fight, he left Leinster because of Luke McGrath, and Connacht because Caolin Blade, both of whom were preferred ahead of him. He played his best rugby at Ulster, where he took over from Ruan Pienaar (to much abuse from Ulster fans who thought he was being palmed off on him by the IRFU). He plays a similar style to Pienaar, in that the game flows through him, rather than the OH meaning that because he is so otherwise engaged, he's not the quickest at ruck time. Which, in truth is probably the main reason he left Leinster, who were beginning to adopt that style, and hasn't had much of a look in Ireland under Farrell since Ireland also adopted that style. Indeed 11 caps at 32 years of age, with the last three years ago is probably about right, and shows where he was in the Irish SH rankings.

Anyway best of luck to him, he's either been told, or seen the writing on the wall regarding his Ireland career, and players need to look after themselves first and foremost. Today, Charlie Ryan, a highly rated 23 yr old Leinster second row (he captained the 2019 Ireland under 20s to the grand slam), announced his immediate retirement from the game due to a long standing knee injury. You never know the day nor the hour.

But, imo, it's still not a good look for the SRU, and must be infuriating for any young Scottish SH's.

Never gonna happen

[Slick]

Young Steeley has been back playing for the past few weeks, with LS and back with Quins at the weekend so we are not short of SH's

He's almost 30!

On this note, wee George Horne (who is still 22 in my mind) is apparently 27.

Really? Jeez

[Yr Alban]

This has been on the cards for a while now, the last I heard Cooney had to sort out his contract at Ulster before making a comitment to Scoltand.

It's not true that he was never good enough, he's been the best scrum half in Ireland on and off for years, the story out here is that there is bad blood between him and Sexton, to the extend that his selection for Ireland has been vetoed.

Without getting into any sort of fight, he left Leinster because of Luke McGrath, and Connacht because Caolin Blade, both of whom were preferred ahead of him. He played his best rugby at Ulster, where he took over from Ruan Pienaar (to much abuse from Ulster fans who thought he was being palmed off on him by the IRFU). He plays a similar style to Pienaar, in that the game flows through him, rather than the OH meaning that because he is so otherwise engaged, he's not the quickest at ruck time. Which, in truth is probably the main reason he left Leinster, who were beginning to adopt that style, and hasn't had much of a look in Ireland under Farrell since Ireland also adopted that style. Indeed 11 caps at 32 years of age, with the last three years ago is probably about right, and shows where he was in the Irish SH rankings.

Anyway best of luck to him, he's either been told, or seen the writing on the wall regarding his Ireland career, and players need to look after themselves first and foremost. Today, Charlie Ryan, a highly rated 23 yr old Leinster second row (he captained the 2019 Ireland under 20s to the grand slam), announced his immediate retirement from the game due to a long standing knee injury. You never know the day nor the hour.

But, imo, it's still not a good look for the SRU, and must be infuriating for any young Scottish SH's.

Never gonna happen

I tend to agree. Price, White, Dobie, Vellacott, Steele, Horne, Chapman. We have a decent number of candidates for SH, if no clearly outstanding performer.

[Big D]

There are two things for me on the Cooney thing (and the others).

1. That's the rules. I don't like it but if they're eligible then the coach has to pick the best he thinks is available.

2. If the other Scottish 9s aren't ahead of Cooney then that isn't Cooney or Townsends fault. It's on the players. Professional sport is hard and spots should be earned. You earn it by convincing selectors you're the best available.

[Tichtheid]

There are two things for me on the Cooney thing (and the others).

1. That's the rules. I don't like it but if they're eligible then the coach has to pick the best he thinks is available.

2. If the other Scottish 9s aren't ahead of Cooney then that isn't Cooney or Townsends fault. It's on the players. Professional sport is hard and spots should be earned. You earn it by convincing selectors you're the best available.

I pretty much agree with this. I like the pro version of the sport, though it is a long way from perfect, but there are things I don't particularly like and will put up with, such as the selection of players like Dempsey and Cooney if he is brought in.

It's almost funny though, that fans will quite happily watch their teams cheat like fuck on the park and then bleat like a wounded goat about the legal selection of players for other international sides.

[Slick]

There are two things for me on the Cooney thing (and the others).

1. That's the rules. I don't like it but if they're eligible then the coach has to pick the best he thinks is available.

2. If the other Scottish 9s aren't ahead of Cooney then that isn't Cooney or Townsends fault. It's on the players. Professional sport is hard and spots should be earned. You earn it by convincing selectors you're the best available.

I pretty much agree with this. I like the pro version of the sport, though it is a long way from perfect, but there are things I don't particularly like and will put up with, such as the selection of players like Dempsey and Cooney if he is brought in.

It's almost funny though, that fans will quite happily watch their teams cheat like fuck on the park and then bleat like a wounded goat about the legal selection of players for other international sides.

Or tear into coaches and players for not winning and then tear into them again for getting better players legally.

In saying that, I’m less comfortable with this one than the others so far

[I like neeps]

New cunning plan - beat Ireland with players not good enough to be selected for Ireland.

[Tichtheid]

New cunning plan - beat Ireland with players not good enough to be selected for Ireland.

To be fair we've been trying to do that for some time now.

[charltom]

Ah lads, talk now that Scotland will poach John Cooney during the 6N. He last played for Ireland mid Feb 2000, so becomes eligible in February.

Whatever about Healy, who's not been capped, tapping up 32 year old John Cooney, (who was never quite good enough at Leinster, Connacht, Ulster or Ireland) looks more than a bit desperate.

This has been on the cards for a while now, the last I heard Cooney had to sort out his contract at Ulster before making a comitment to Scoltand.

It's not true that he was never good enough, he's been the best scrum half in Ireland on and off for years, the story out here is that there is bad blood between him and Sexton, to the extend that his selection for Ireland has been vetoed.

Without getting into any sort of fight, he left Leinster because of Luke McGrath, and Connacht because Caolin Blade, both of whom were preferred ahead of him. He played his best rugby at Ulster, where he took over from Ruan Pienaar (to much abuse from Ulster fans who thought he was being palmed off on him by the IRFU). He plays a similar style to Pienaar, in that the game flows through him, rather than the OH meaning that because he is so otherwise engaged, he's not the quickest at ruck time. Which, in truth is probably the main reason he left Leinster, who were beginning to adopt that style, and hasn't had much of a look in Ireland under Farrell since Ireland also adopted that style. Indeed 11 caps at 32 years of age, with the last three years ago is probably about right, and shows where he was in the Irish SH rankings.

Anyway best of luck to him, he's either been told, or seen the writing on the wall regarding his Ireland career, and players need to look after themselves first and foremost. Today, Charlie Ryan, a highly rated 23 yr old Leinster second row (he captained the 2019 Ireland under 20s to the grand slam), announced his immediate retirement from the game due to a long standing knee injury. You never know the day nor the hour.

But, imo, it's still not a good look for the SRU, and must be infuriating for any young Scottish SH's.

According to Toonie (in TOL), "when the rule change came about... he actually reached out to me to let me know that it would be something that he would consider as a lot of his family live in Scotland." So Cooney instigated the discussion.

At his age, I'd imagine that if he gets picked, it'll most likely only be until the end of this RWC, and only if Toonie thinks he's worth considering for a RWC berth. He talks of looking at how his performances compare to the other 9s, about needing time to get up to speed, and about possibly adding to Scotland's scrum-half depth.

[I like neeps]

New cunning plan - beat Ireland with players not good enough to be selected for Ireland.

To be fair we've been trying to do that for some time now.

Ha! Fair point.

[Jock42]

McLean has been punted.

[westport]

McLean has been punted.

Good and quite rightly too

[Slick]

New cunning plan - beat Ireland with players not good enough to be selected for Ireland.

[Jock42]

Hogg back to full training and Baxter is considering his selection v Gloucester this weekend.

[Tichtheid]

Pete Horne has been draughty in to the Scotland camp on a temporary basis. Along with Brad Mooar he will be looking after the Scotland attack
https://www.theoffsideline.com/scotland ... rad-mooar/

[clydecloggie]

Pete Horne has been draughty in to the Scotland camp on a temporary basis. Along with Brad Mooar he will be looking after the Scotland attack
https://www.theoffsideline.com/scotland ... rad-mooar/

Given the way Glasgow's attack has been operating lately, I consider this to be A Good Thing.

Always liked Pete Horne as a player, in fact he was my favourite in the great 2015 team; good to see he's making strides as a coach.

[Slick]

Pete Horne has been draughty in to the Scotland camp on a temporary basis. Along with Brad Mooar he will be looking after the Scotland attack
https://www.theoffsideline.com/scotland ... rad-mooar/

Given the way Glasgow's attack has been operating lately, I consider this to be A Good Thing.

Always liked Pete Horne as a player, in fact he was my favourite in the great 2015 team; good to see he's making strides as a coach.

ahh the memories

But agree, liked him a lot as a player and he always looked like he might become a coach

[I like neeps]

Pete Horne has been draughty in to the Scotland camp on a temporary basis. Along with Brad Mooar he will be looking after the Scotland attack
https://www.theoffsideline.com/scotland ... rad-mooar/

Given the way Glasgow's attack has been operating lately, I consider this to be A Good Thing.

Always liked Pete Horne as a player, in fact he was my favourite in the great 2015 team; good to see he's making strides as a coach.

One thing I really hope is that Horne has experience outside of Scotland as a coach before getting the Glasgow or Edinburgh job when it next comes up. I like what Blair and Townsend have done but I can't help but feel coaching outside of Scotland would give them a few strings to their bow.

[KingBlairhorn]

Pete Horne has been draughty in to the Scotland camp on a temporary basis. Along with Brad Mooar he will be looking after the Scotland attack
https://www.theoffsideline.com/scotland ... rad-mooar/

Given the way Glasgow's attack has been operating lately, I consider this to be A Good Thing.

Always liked Pete Horne as a player, in fact he was my favourite in the great 2015 team; good to see he's making strides as a coach.

I agree, however horne isn't Glasgow attack coach, he's skills coach. Nigel Carolan is attack coach.

[clydecloggie]

Pete Horne has been draughty in to the Scotland camp on a temporary basis. Along with Brad Mooar he will be looking after the Scotland attack
https://www.theoffsideline.com/scotland ... rad-mooar/

Given the way Glasgow's attack has been operating lately, I consider this to be A Good Thing.

Always liked Pete Horne as a player, in fact he was my favourite in the great 2015 team; good to see he's making strides as a coach.

One thing I really hope is that Horne has experience outside of Scotland as a coach before getting the Glasgow or Edinburgh job when it next comes up. I like what Blair and Townsend have done but I can't help but feel coaching outside of Scotland would give them a few strings to their bow.

Pete Horne coaching Edinburgh is just wrong, even if he is originally from Fife. Clearly a Glasgow man through-and-through.

Agree that he would benefit from a few seasons abroad. Attack coach in France perhaps?

[dkm57]

Given the way Glasgow's attack has been operating lately, I consider this to be A Good Thing.

Always liked Pete Horne as a player, in fact he was my favourite in the great 2015 team; good to see he's making strides as a coach.

One thing I really hope is that Horne has experience outside of Scotland as a coach before getting the Glasgow or Edinburgh job when it next comes up. I like what Blair and Townsend have done but I can't help but feel coaching outside of Scotland would give them a few strings to their bow.

Pete Horne coaching Edinburgh is just wrong, even if he is originally from Fife. Clearly a Glasgow man through-and-through.

Agree that he would benefit from a few seasons abroad. Attack coach in France perhaps?

Or Leinster?

[Biffer]

Leicester v Edinburgh Friday 31st March. Would have preferred the Saturday but it's better than Sunday.

Trains and hotel booked, doubt it'll sell out.

[charltom]

Leicester v Edinburgh Friday 31st March. Would have preferred the Saturday but it's better than Sunday.

Trains and hotel booked, doubt it'll sell out.

We live in Northants so I'm going to take the kids.

[Tichtheid]

Of course I'm in fucking Edinburgh (or near it at least) that weekend.


Anyhoo, on to a hobby horse of mine.

Mike Blair from the Embra press release

On Crosbie’s best position – openside or blindside?
“I think he’s equally [good]. We do things a little bit differently with how we run our back row. We drop them into where they suit with our lineout in particular.
“So Luke’s done the eight role with our lineout before, whereas six, seven and eight off the scrum is obviously a little bit different.
“We’d happily select Luke at six or seven. He doesn’t have a huge amount of experience as an eight off the scrum but I can’t see why he can’t do that as well.”

I've been saying for a while that I think Crosbie could make a superb No.8. He is a good line out jumper, has lots of pace, he is a hard bastard who carries abrasively, the one thing I'd like to see him add to his game is distribution.

[dpedin]

Of course I'm in fucking Edinburgh (or near it at least) that weekend.


Anyhoo, on to a hobby horse of mine.

Mike Blair from the Embra press release

On Crosbie’s best position – openside or blindside?
“I think he’s equally [good]. We do things a little bit differently with how we run our back row. We drop them into where they suit with our lineout in particular.
“So Luke’s done the eight role with our lineout before, whereas six, seven and eight off the scrum is obviously a little bit different.
“We’d happily select Luke at six or seven. He doesn’t have a huge amount of experience as an eight off the scrum but I can’t see why he can’t do that as well.”

I've been saying for a while that I think Crosbie could make a superb No.8. He is a good line out jumper, has lots of pace, he is a hard bastard who carries abrasively, the one thing I'd like to see him add to his game is distribution.

Agree with your assessment of Crosbie, he is a hard man that doesnt know how to go backwards. I would like to see him get some more game time with Scotland probably at 6 for me but not disagreeing that he could make a fine 8 as well.

[KingBlairhorn]

Of course I'm in fucking Edinburgh (or near it at least) that weekend.


Anyhoo, on to a hobby horse of mine.

Mike Blair from the Embra press release

On Crosbie’s best position – openside or blindside?
“I think he’s equally [good]. We do things a little bit differently with how we run our back row. We drop them into where they suit with our lineout in particular.
“So Luke’s done the eight role with our lineout before, whereas six, seven and eight off the scrum is obviously a little bit different.
“We’d happily select Luke at six or seven. He doesn’t have a huge amount of experience as an eight off the scrum but I can’t see why he can’t do that as well.”

I've been saying for a while that I think Crosbie could make a superb No.8. He is a good line out jumper, has lots of pace, he is a hard bastard who carries abrasively, the one thing I'd like to see him add to his game is distribution.

Agree with your assessment of Crosbie, he is a hard man that doesnt know how to go backwards. I would like to see him get some more game time with Scotland probably at 6 for me but not disagreeing that he could make a fine 8 as well.

He’s a big bugger too. 16.5 stones and 6”5’. It’s not the only important thing for an 8, but it definitely helps.

[I like neeps]

Maybe 8 is his best chance for Scotland as I think Matt Fagerson at 6 and Ritchie at 7 should be close to nailed on (especially with Hamish still coming back from injury).

[Slick]

Maybe 8 is his best chance for Scotland as I think Matt Fagerson at 6 and Ritchie at 7 should be close to nailed on (especially with Hamish still coming back from injury).

Really? I see Ritchie as a 6 if everyone is fit.

[Biffer]

Maybe 8 is his best chance for Scotland as I think Matt Fagerson at 6 and Ritchie at 7 should be close to nailed on (especially with Hamish still coming back from injury).

If I had a back row of Fagerson, Ritchie and Crosbie, I'd have Crosbie 7 ,Ritchie 6 and Fagerson 8

Ritchie is the most born to play 6 player I've seen in twenty years

[charltom]

Not to bemoan Scotland's fortune again or anything, but I've just worked out that, if they were to win the Calcutta Cup (by any score), that would lead to the top five countries in the world being in the same half of the RWC draw.

Not that I'm saying they will do that - they probably won't - but it would just make WR look even dafter.

[Jock42]

Maybe 8 is his best chance for Scotland as I think Matt Fagerson at 6 and Ritchie at 7 should be close to nailed on (especially with Hamish still coming back from injury).

Really? I see Ritchie as a 6 if everyone is fit.

Me too. Crosbie at 7, Fagerson at 8.