The Official English Rugby Thread

[Slick]

He's a much better wing option for England than fullback, but it's always good to have someone who can move there if needed. Wouldn't start him at 15 ever, it's just never worked out for him for England.

He has a whiff of Balshaw about him in the "Where do we pick him?" stakes.

Bit harsh! Balshaw was a raw talent who fell apart - Watson is/was a world class wing who couldn't translate club form to England form at fullback.

I must say that Watson would always make me nervous at 15 but i think part of that is down to his quite unorthodox style which looks a bit unsafe, but rarely is. He scares the shit out me on the wing though, great player

[Raggs]

FFS, Kelly out with injury.

[SaintK]

FFS, Kelly out with injury.

Yep, thigh in jury. Porter called up.

[Oxbow]

FFS, Kelly out with injury.

Yep, thigh in jury. Porter called up.

Yay.

[inactionman]

FFS, Kelly out with injury.

Can't get a run, can he.

Given this, I'd like to see Lawrence given a go at 12.

[geordie_6]

FFS, Kelly out with injury.

Can't get a run, can he.

Given this, I'd like to see Lawrence given a go at 12.

If the alternative is Porter, then I'd be happy with Dan Cole having a go at 12...

[Ovals]

FFS, Kelly out with injury.

Can't get a run, can he.

Given this, I'd like to see Lawrence given a go at 12.

More likely to be Tuilagi or back to a Smith Farrell fudge.

[ASMO]

FFS, Kelly out with injury.

Can't get a run, can he.

Given this, I'd like to see Lawrence given a go at 12.

More likely to be Tuilagi or back to a Smith Farrell fudge.

10 players from the team placed 8th in the prem, this is going to go well

[sockwithaticket]

Can't get a run, can he.

Given this, I'd like to see Lawrence given a go at 12.

More likely to be Tuilagi or back to a Smith Farrell fudge.

10 players from the team placed 8th in the prem, this is going to go well

8th is 1 win away from 3rd. Tigers have been pretty middling this season, but so have most of those teams below Sale and Saracens but above the bottom three.

[Paddington Bear]

Yeah I'm not hating 'let's just pick the Sarries team', but bar the bottom three who are some way off there's not a lot to choose from in the Prem.

“There’s no reason why they can’t play together,” Evans said. “But you have to be very clear about what you are trying to achieve, how you are doing this, what the detail looks like. Once everyone is clear on that then you can go through with it.

“Some of the feedback was that maybe that [clarity] wasn’t there, so maybe there was a bit of a crossover. It’s just about making sure that you’re very clear on roles and responsibilities.

Kiwis aren't generally masters of understatement and subtlety, but Evans has demonstrated it in buckets here.

[Ovals]

Yeah I'm not hating 'let's just pick the Sarries team', but bar the bottom three who are some way off there's not a lot to choose from in the Prem.

“There’s no reason why they can’t play together,” Evans said. “But you have to be very clear about what you are trying to achieve, how you are doing this, what the detail looks like. Once everyone is clear on that then you can go through with it.

“Some of the feedback was that maybe that [clarity] wasn’t there, so maybe there was a bit of a crossover. It’s just about making sure that you’re very clear on roles and responsibilities.

Kiwis aren't generally masters of understatement and subtlety, but Evans has demonstrated it in buckets here.

Well, let's hope he's sorted those confusions out - because it's increasingly looking like a Smith Farrell partnership. Even if they don't start together, Farrell will shunt to 12 when Smith comes on.

[Paddington Bear]

Yeah I'm not hating 'let's just pick the Sarries team', but bar the bottom three who are some way off there's not a lot to choose from in the Prem.

“There’s no reason why they can’t play together,” Evans said. “But you have to be very clear about what you are trying to achieve, how you are doing this, what the detail looks like. Once everyone is clear on that then you can go through with it.

“Some of the feedback was that maybe that [clarity] wasn’t there, so maybe there was a bit of a crossover. It’s just about making sure that you’re very clear on roles and responsibilities.

Kiwis aren't generally masters of understatement and subtlety, but Evans has demonstrated it in buckets here.

Well, let's hope he's sorted those confusions out - because it's increasingly looking like a Smith Farrell partnership. Even if they don't start together, Farrell will shunt to 12 when Smith comes on.

I don't think it is anyone's preference, but we know it can work better than it generally has, as we've seen glimpses of it. Positive thoughts...

[Kawazaki]

Yeah I'm not hating 'let's just pick the Sarries team', but bar the bottom three who are some way off there's not a lot to choose from in the Prem.

Me neither, however, this was supposed to be an England team that reflects form in the Premiership.

I guess Borthwick is hamstrung by the original names in the 45-player EPS. The trouble is, when does he get to pick a new EPS? And how many games does he have to bed in any new selections after he selects fully his own 45-player EPS?

Sweeney really is fucking hopeless - operationally, commercially, structurally and strategically, he really is. Should have sacked Jones after last year's 6Ns and before a new EPS was named. Total incompetence.

[SaintK]

Yeah I'm not hating 'let's just pick the Sarries team', but bar the bottom three who are some way off there's not a lot to choose from in the Prem.

Me neither, however, this was supposed to be an England team that reflects form in the Premiership.

I guess Borthwick is hamstrung by the original names in the 45-player EPS. The trouble is, when does he get to pick a new EPS? And how many games does he have to bed in any new selections after he selects fully his own 45-player EPS?

Sweeney really is fucking hopeless - operationally, commercially, structurally and strategically, he really is. Should have sacked Jones after last year's 6Ns and before a new EPS was named. Total incompetence.

£700k a year isn't it?

[Ovals]

Yeah I'm not hating 'let's just pick the Sarries team', but bar the bottom three who are some way off there's not a lot to choose from in the Prem.

Me neither, however, this was supposed to be an England team that reflects form in the Premiership.

I guess Borthwick is hamstrung by the original names in the 45-player EPS. The trouble is, when does he get to pick a new EPS? And how many games does he have to bed in any new selections after he selects fully his own 45-player EPS?

Sweeney really is fucking hopeless - operationally, commercially, structurally and strategically, he really is. Should have sacked Jones after last year's 6Ns and before a new EPS was named. Total incompetence.

You're not wrong - and not even a 'no compete' clause in sight for Jones' pay off. He really should be turfed out - pretty sure we can do far better than him for nearly £700K per year. I'm surprised the Clubs put up with him.

[Paddington Bear]

Yeah I'm not hating 'let's just pick the Sarries team', but bar the bottom three who are some way off there's not a lot to choose from in the Prem.

Me neither, however, this was supposed to be an England team that reflects form in the Premiership.

I guess Borthwick is hamstrung by the original names in the 45-player EPS. The trouble is, when does he get to pick a new EPS? And how many games does he have to bed in any new selections after he selects fully his own 45-player EPS?

Sweeney really is fucking hopeless - operationally, commercially, structurally and strategically, he really is. Should have sacked Jones after last year's 6Ns and before a new EPS was named. Total incompetence.

Borthwick is penned in by the EPS and injuries. I.e. Guy Porter was clearly nowhere near his thoughts but has had to be brought in. Likewise Smith/Faz 10 & 12 as an option.

I think he's been as bold as he can be. Remember most people watching the 6N barely watch any rugby, and he'll get tonnes of stick if we play poorly and well known and liked characters like Nowell, May etc aren't playing.

[Tichtheid]

Could a non-compete clause be legal?

You see managers in the football premiership being poached - Brighton's manager got bought by Chelsea recently because Brighton are doing well, I would have thought that football would have the resources for the best legal minds, and if non-compete clauses could be binding they would be the ones to do it.

[Paddington Bear]

Yeah I'm not hating 'let's just pick the Sarries team', but bar the bottom three who are some way off there's not a lot to choose from in the Prem.

Me neither, however, this was supposed to be an England team that reflects form in the Premiership.

I guess Borthwick is hamstrung by the original names in the 45-player EPS. The trouble is, when does he get to pick a new EPS? And how many games does he have to bed in any new selections after he selects fully his own 45-player EPS?

Sweeney really is fucking hopeless - operationally, commercially, structurally and strategically, he really is. Should have sacked Jones after last year's 6Ns and before a new EPS was named. Total incompetence.

You're not wrong - and not even a 'no compete' clause in sight for Jones' pay off. He really should be turfed out - pretty sure we can do far better than him for nearly £700K per year. I'm surprised the Clubs put up with him.

I was saying this at the weekend. If we're going to be run by an amateur, why don't we just assemble a board of rugby loving bankers/business owners/KCs etc? If we're paying a CEO big bucks it isn't unreasonable to expect them to not be completely shit at their job

[Kawazaki]

Could a non-compete clause be legal?

You see managers in the football premiership being poached - Brighton's manager got bought by Chelsea recently because Brighton are doing well, I would have thought that football would have the resources for the best legal minds, and if non-compete clauses could be binding they would be the ones to do it.

Eddie Jones was being paid £800,000 a year. He was sacked with 9 moths left on his contract so I assume he would expect the RFU to pay him £600,000 to fuck off. That's assuming there weren't performance related bonus-incentives dialled in which the cheeky cunt would have also wanted paying out even though we all know there was fat chance of him hitting any of those targets. For that kind of money, he does whatever you tell him to do to the end of the contract term you've just paid him or else he's in breach of contract. Personally, I'd have made him work in the RFU regional office in Liverpool answering the phones until October.

[Dinsdale Piranha]

Could a non-compete clause be legal?

You see managers in the football premiership being poached - Brighton's manager got bought by Chelsea recently because Brighton are doing well, I would have thought that football would have the resources for the best legal minds, and if non-compete clauses could be binding they would be the ones to do it.

Eddie Jones was being paid £800,000 a year. He was sacked with 9 moths left on his contract so I assume he would expect the RFU to pay him £600,000 to fuck off. That's assuming there weren't performance related bonus-incentives dialled in which the cheeky cunt would have also wanted paying out even though we all know there was fat chance of him hitting any of those targets. For that kind of money, he does whatever you tell him to do to the end of the contract term you've just paid him or else he's in breach of contract. Personally, I'd have made him work in the RFU regional office in Liverpool answering the phones until October.

Like the RFU knows where Liverpool is.

[Tichtheid]

Could a non-compete clause be legal?

You see managers in the football premiership being poached - Brighton's manager got bought by Chelsea recently because Brighton are doing well, I would have thought that football would have the resources for the best legal minds, and if non-compete clauses could be binding they would be the ones to do it.

Eddie Jones was being paid £800,000 a year. He was sacked with 9 moths left on his contract so I assume he would expect the RFU to pay him £600,000 to fuck off. That's assuming there weren't performance related bonus-incentives dialled in which the cheeky cunt would have also wanted paying out even though we all know there was fat chance of him hitting any of those targets. For that kind of money, he does whatever you tell him to do to the end of the contract term you've just paid him or else he's in breach of contract. Personally, I'd have made him work in the RFU regional office in Liverpool answering the phones until October.

I completely get your dislike of him, I and many other Scots had the same with Matt Williams, but I'm still not sure a non-compete clause would be binding.

I'm asking because I've seen that banded about as a criticism of the RFU a fair bit in the last few weeks. It could well be that it is binding, but taking the football example, I doubt it.

[Paddington Bear]

Could a non-compete clause be legal?

You see managers in the football premiership being poached - Brighton's manager got bought by Chelsea recently because Brighton are doing well, I would have thought that football would have the resources for the best legal minds, and if non-compete clauses could be binding they would be the ones to do it.

They can be legal, not all are, particularly if they're considered onerous or unfair on the ex-employee. Would imagine if Eddie lawyered up he'd have wriggled out of it anyway.

[Tichtheid]

Like the RFU knows where Liverpool is.

On that note, I was hoping the England U20s would play at least one match in Brighton again, but I see they are playing at the Stoop this year

[sockwithaticket]

Like the RFU knows where Liverpool is.

On that note, I was hoping the England U20s would play at least one match in Brighton again, but I see they are playing at the Stoop this year

Only the opening game, they're playing Italy at Kingsholm and France at The Rec.

[Tichtheid]

Could a non-compete clause be legal?

You see managers in the football premiership being poached - Brighton's manager got bought by Chelsea recently because Brighton are doing well, I would have thought that football would have the resources for the best legal minds, and if non-compete clauses could be binding they would be the ones to do it.

They can be legal, not all are, particularly if they're considered onerous or unfair on the ex-employee. Would imagine if Eddie lawyered up he'd have wriggled out of it anyway.

Given his job is "International Rugby Coach", it would be difficult to stop him working

[Tichtheid]

Like the RFU knows where Liverpool is.

On that note, I was hoping the England U20s would play at least one match in Brighton again, but I see they are playing at the Stoop this year

Only the opening game, they're playing Italy at Kingsholm and France at The Rec.

Ah, I only looked at the Scotland game. Well at least they are taking the games out of London, but two so close to each other isn't exactly spreading it around too much.

[Kawazaki]

Could a non-compete clause be legal?

You see managers in the football premiership being poached - Brighton's manager got bought by Chelsea recently because Brighton are doing well, I would have thought that football would have the resources for the best legal minds, and if non-compete clauses could be binding they would be the ones to do it.

Eddie Jones was being paid £800,000 a year. He was sacked with 9 moths left on his contract so I assume he would expect the RFU to pay him £600,000 to fuck off. That's assuming there weren't performance related bonus-incentives dialled in which the cheeky cunt would have also wanted paying out even though we all know there was fat chance of him hitting any of those targets. For that kind of money, he does whatever you tell him to do to the end of the contract term you've just paid him or else he's in breach of contract. Personally, I'd have made him work in the RFU regional office in Liverpool answering the phones until October.

I completely get your dislike of him, I and many other Scots had the same with Matt Williams, but I'm still not sure a non-compete clause would be binding.

I'm asking because I've seen that banded about as a criticism of the RFU a fair bit in the last few weeks. It could well be that it is binding, but taking the football example, I doubt it.

Football is a bad sport to compare to just about anything else - however, managers get paid off and if they get re-employed then the new club and/or the manager refunds any money paid out in lieu of contract remaining.

[Paddington Bear]

Could a non-compete clause be legal?

You see managers in the football premiership being poached - Brighton's manager got bought by Chelsea recently because Brighton are doing well, I would have thought that football would have the resources for the best legal minds, and if non-compete clauses could be binding they would be the ones to do it.

They can be legal, not all are, particularly if they're considered onerous or unfair on the ex-employee. Would imagine if Eddie lawyered up he'd have wriggled out of it anyway.

Given his job is "International Rugby Coach", it would be difficult to stop him working

Pretty much. As a general rule non-competes longer than 6 months run into all sorts of difficulties, I think Australia's next game would be more than 6 months from his sacking?

I tend to agree it probably wouldn't have been worth the paper it was written on.

[Kawazaki]

They can be legal, not all are, particularly if they're considered onerous or unfair on the ex-employee. Would imagine if Eddie lawyered up he'd have wriggled out of it anyway.

Given his job is "International Rugby Coach", it would be difficult to stop him working

Pretty much. As a general rule non-competes longer than 6 months run into all sorts of difficulties, I think Australia's next game would be more than 6 months from his sacking?

I tend to agree it probably wouldn't have been worth the paper it was written on.

Then appoint Borthwick and make Jones the England Counties Head Coach.

[sockwithaticket]

On that note, I was hoping the England U20s would play at least one match in Brighton again, but I see they are playing at the Stoop this year

Only the opening game, they're playing Italy at Kingsholm and France at The Rec.

Ah, I only looked at the Scotland game. Well at least they are taking the games out of London, but two so close to each other isn't exactly spreading it around too much.

I think it's just a quirk of trying to give all grounds a turn. Last year the Wales game was in Doncaster's ground and Ireland at Sarries' place.

[charltom]

Could a non-compete clause be legal?

You see managers in the football premiership being poached - Brighton's manager got bought by Chelsea recently because Brighton are doing well, I would have thought that football would have the resources for the best legal minds, and if non-compete clauses could be binding they would be the ones to do it.

They can be legal, not all are, particularly if they're considered onerous or unfair on the ex-employee. Would imagine if Eddie lawyered up he'd have wriggled out of it anyway.

Given his job is "International Rugby Coach", it would be difficult to stop him working

Non-compete clauses are fairly common in some other industries, including a previous one of mine. They're only ever for a certain period though - six months used to be common - and tended to be compensated for in higher pay.

I don't think anyone who thinks their ex-coach was rubbish ought to be complaining about a lack of non-compete clause though; they should be rejoicing in it!

[SaintK]

Mike Brown to Tigers for the remainder of the season! 37 years young and not played a senior Prem match since last March. Bet he's kept himself fit mind.

Defending Gallagher Premiership champions Leicester have confirmed the signing of ex-England full-back Mike Brown on a short-term contract following the departure of the Super Rugby Pacific-bound Freddie Burns, who played his final Tigers game last Saturday. Burns, the drop goal hero from last year’s league final, has exited to join the Dunedin-based Highlanders and the vacancy will be filled by Brown following his completion of a short trial at the club.

[sockwithaticket]

The initial squad cull has taken place:

Hill, Blamire, Willis, Rodd, Heyes, Mitchell, Murley and Porter are the ones to miss out.

[Lobby]

The initial squad cull has taken place:

Hill, Blamire, Willis, Rodd, Heyes, Mitchell, Murley and Porter are the ones to miss out.

Slightly surprised that Murley hasn't made the cut, although the retention of Watson means we still have a possible back three of Watson, OHC and Steward, which would be a significant improvement on Eddie's picks.

Mako still stinking up the forwards I see.

[SaintK]

The initial squad cull has taken place:

Hill, Blamire, Willis, Rodd, Heyes, Mitchell, Murley and Porter are the ones to miss out.

Only surprise there is Hill though I’m not unhappy with that call
I’d like to see Ribbans to start with Itoje

[Paddington Bear]

Strikes me a man like Borthwick would have thrown his tv out the window at Hill’s penalty vs De Klerk. Have to say I’m very pleased to see the IQ of the side raised

[Ovals]

The initial squad cull has taken place:

Hill, Blamire, Willis, Rodd, Heyes, Mitchell, Murley and Porter are the ones to miss out.

Only surprise there is Hill though I’m not unhappy with that call
I’d like to see Ribbans to start with Itoje

Very disappointed with the Willis getting left out. It means we'll probably have a Lock @ 6 yet again. Infuriating doesn't start to cover it.

[Paddington Bear]

The initial squad cull has taken place:

Hill, Blamire, Willis, Rodd, Heyes, Mitchell, Murley and Porter are the ones to miss out.

Only surprise there is Hill though I’m not unhappy with that call
I’d like to see Ribbans to start with Itoje

Very disappointed with the Willis getting left out. It means we'll probably have a Lock @ 6 yet again. Infuriating doesn't start to cover it.

Does Chessum count as a second row?

[Kawazaki]

Only surprise there is Hill though I’m not unhappy with that call
I’d like to see Ribbans to start with Itoje

Very disappointed with the Willis getting left out. It means we'll probably have a Lock @ 6 yet again. Infuriating doesn't start to cover it.

Does Chessum count as a second row?

He could count as a rugby post.

[Brazil]

The initial squad cull has taken place:

Hill, Blamire, Willis, Rodd, Heyes, Mitchell, Murley and Porter are the ones to miss out.

Only surprise there is Hill though I’m not unhappy with that call
I’d like to see Ribbans to start with Itoje

Very disappointed with the Willis getting left out. It means we'll probably have a Lock @ 6 yet again. Infuriating doesn't start to cover it.

Ben Curry is both still alive and in the squad