The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Big D]

Looks like Townsend has made up his mind anyway:

That is a change in thinking. Edinburgh have a wee issue trying to fit everyone into the back 3 and 10 for next season in the big games. I am not sure Kinghorn is ahead of any one of Duhan, Graham or Bofelli.

But probably still ahead of Savala (for me he is anyway).

I would think the 1st choice back 3 and 10 will be between Boff, Graham, Duhan, Healy and Kinghorn.

[Yr Alban]

Question that just occurred to me: when Mish had his hair cut off at the end of the Lions tour, did his strength go with it?

[westport]

A photo was posted on the Edinburgh faceache page with Darcy training with the boys

[Slick]

A photo was posted on the Edinburgh faceache page with Darcy training with the boys

Interview with Toony yesterday reckoned a couple of weeks until he is back playing.

[Biffer]

Today's good news is that with the RMT reaching a deal with Network Rail, LNER will be running services on 1st April, so we can actually get back from Leicester after the Edinburgh game on Friday 31st March

[Slick]

Interesting stuff from TotM. Pretty much confirming we have never had it so good!

[Big D]

So 33 men for the RWC. Last time it was 31 and a 17/14 split.

I'll have a bash at the squad with an 18/15 split based on current form and the expectation those returning from injury will be decent:
Props (2019:3/2023: 6) - Nel, Fagerson, Walker, Schoeman, Sutherland, Bhatti
Hooker (3/3) - Turner, Cherry, Ashman - Cherry is our best line out hooker IMO. Likely to to Brown over Cherry.
2nd Row (4/4) - R.Gray, Gilchrist, Cummings, Skinner (expect J Gray over Skinner though)
Back Row (5/5) - Ritchie (c), Fagerson, Dempsey, Darge, Crosbie/Bayliss. I don't think we need to out and out 7s in the squad and Crosbie, if going 19/14 then Watson would be in and one of Steyn/Smith drop out.

SH (3/3) - White, Price and Horne
FH (2/2) - Russell, Hastings
Centres (4/4) - Tuipulotu, Jones, Redpath, Harris
Back 3 (4/5) - Hogg, Duhan, Graham, Steyn, Smith
Utility (1/1) - Kinghorn

Bolter - young Tuipulotu.

[Wylie Coyote]

So 33 men for the RWC. Last time it was 31 and a 17/14 split.

I'll have a bash at the squad with an 18/15 split based on current form and the expectation those returning from injury will be decent:
Props (2019:3/2023: 6) - Nel, Fagerson, Walker, Schoeman, Sutherland, Bhatti
Hooker (3/3) - Turner, Cherry, Ashman - Cherry is our best line out hooker IMO. Likely to to Brown over Cherry.
2nd Row (4/4) - R.Gray, Gilchrist, Cummings, Skinner (expect J Gray over Skinner though)
Back Row (5/5) - Ritchie (c), Fagerson, Dempsey, Darge, Crosbie/Bayliss. I don't think we need to out and out 7s in the squad and Crosbie, if going 19/14 then Watson would be in and one of Steyn/Smith drop out.

SH (3/3) - White, Price and Horne
FH (2/2) - Russell, Hastings
Centres (4/4) - Tuipulotu, Jones, Redpath, Harris
Back 3 (4/5) - Hogg, Duhan, Graham, Steyn, Smith
Utility (1/1) - Kinghorn

Bolter - young Tuipulotu.

Looks ok to me, Given Steyn can cover 13 very adequately I'd maybe leave Harris out.

[Biffer]

So 33 men for the RWC. Last time it was 31 and a 17/14 split.

I'll have a bash at the squad with an 18/15 split based on current form and the expectation those returning from injury will be decent:
Props (2019:3/2023: 6) - Nel, Fagerson, Walker, Schoeman, Sutherland, Bhatti
Hooker (3/3) - Turner, Cherry, Ashman - Cherry is our best line out hooker IMO. Likely to to Brown over Cherry.
2nd Row (4/4) - R.Gray, Gilchrist, Cummings, Skinner (expect J Gray over Skinner though)
Back Row (5/5) - Ritchie (c), Fagerson, Dempsey, Darge, Crosbie/Bayliss. I don't think we need to out and out 7s in the squad and Crosbie, if going 19/14 then Watson would be in and one of Steyn/Smith drop out.

SH (3/3) - White, Price and Horne
FH (2/2) - Russell, Hastings
Centres (4/4) - Tuipulotu, Jones, Redpath, Harris
Back 3 (4/5) - Hogg, Duhan, Graham, Steyn, Smith
Utility (1/1) - Kinghorn

Bolter - young Tuipulotu.

I think you’ll have five locks and four back three (plus Kinghorn).

Third TH is a big question, that’s an open spot for someone to put their hand up.
I agree about the hookers but Townsend seems stuck on Brown for reasons I don’t understand.
Crosbie has to go if he continues playing like he has.

[Big D]

So 33 men for the RWC. Last time it was 31 and a 17/14 split.

I'll have a bash at the squad with an 18/15 split based on current form and the expectation those returning from injury will be decent:
Props (2019:3/2023: 6) - Nel, Fagerson, Walker, Schoeman, Sutherland, Bhatti
Hooker (3/3) - Turner, Cherry, Ashman - Cherry is our best line out hooker IMO. Likely to to Brown over Cherry.
2nd Row (4/4) - R.Gray, Gilchrist, Cummings, Skinner (expect J Gray over Skinner though)
Back Row (5/5) - Ritchie (c), Fagerson, Dempsey, Darge, Crosbie/Bayliss. I don't think we need to out and out 7s in the squad and Crosbie, if going 19/14 then Watson would be in and one of Steyn/Smith drop out.

SH (3/3) - White, Price and Horne
FH (2/2) - Russell, Hastings
Centres (4/4) - Tuipulotu, Jones, Redpath, Harris
Back 3 (4/5) - Hogg, Duhan, Graham, Steyn, Smith
Utility (1/1) - Kinghorn

Bolter - young Tuipulotu.

Looks ok to me, Given Steyn can cover 13 very adequately I'd maybe leave Harris out.

Harris or another 13 is a stick on to go. There is no way Townsend would risk Steyn at 13.

[Big D]

So 33 men for the RWC. Last time it was 31 and a 17/14 split.

I'll have a bash at the squad with an 18/15 split based on current form and the expectation those returning from injury will be decent:
Props (2019:3/2023: 6) - Nel, Fagerson, Walker, Schoeman, Sutherland, Bhatti
Hooker (3/3) - Turner, Cherry, Ashman - Cherry is our best line out hooker IMO. Likely to to Brown over Cherry.
2nd Row (4/4) - R.Gray, Gilchrist, Cummings, Skinner (expect J Gray over Skinner though)
Back Row (5/5) - Ritchie (c), Fagerson, Dempsey, Darge, Crosbie/Bayliss. I don't think we need to out and out 7s in the squad and Crosbie, if going 19/14 then Watson would be in and one of Steyn/Smith drop out.

SH (3/3) - White, Price and Horne
FH (2/2) - Russell, Hastings
Centres (4/4) - Tuipulotu, Jones, Redpath, Harris
Back 3 (4/5) - Hogg, Duhan, Graham, Steyn, Smith
Utility (1/1) - Kinghorn

Bolter - young Tuipulotu.

I think you’ll have five locks and four back three (plus Kinghorn).

Third TH is a big question, that’s an open spot for someone to put their hand up.
I agree about the hookers but Townsend seems stuck on Brown for reasons I don’t understand.
Crosbie has to go if he continues playing like he has.

I expect Brown, Gray and Watson all to go but when naming the squad it is easy to see how they could miss out. I like Crosbie but Bayliss offers a versatility that would allow both Dempsey and Fagerson to sit out the Romania game if they need it after SA and Tonga games which we would expect to very physical. 5 back row really isn't a lot if taking two specialist 7s so that's why Watson misses out.

Walker or Sebastian would be in because Berghan isn't up to it imo and McCallum hasn't really stated a case ahead of those previously involved.

[charltom]

So 33 men for the RWC. Last time it was 31 and a 17/14 split.

I'll have a bash at the squad with an 18/15 split based on current form and the expectation those returning from injury will be decent:
Props (2019:3/2023: 6) - Nel, Fagerson, Walker, Schoeman, Sutherland, Bhatti
Hooker (3/3) - Turner, Cherry, Ashman - Cherry is our best line out hooker IMO. Likely to to Brown over Cherry.
2nd Row (4/4) - R.Gray, Gilchrist, Cummings, Skinner (expect J Gray over Skinner though)
Back Row (5/5) - Ritchie (c), Fagerson, Dempsey, Darge, Crosbie/Bayliss. I don't think we need to out and out 7s in the squad and Crosbie, if going 19/14 then Watson would be in and one of Steyn/Smith drop out.

SH (3/3) - White, Price and Horne
FH (2/2) - Russell, Hastings
Centres (4/4) - Tuipulotu, Jones, Redpath, Harris
Back 3 (4/5) - Hogg, Duhan, Graham, Steyn, Smith
Utility (1/1) - Kinghorn

Bolter - young Tuipulotu.

Looks ok to me, Given Steyn can cover 13 very adequately I'd maybe leave Harris out.

Harris or another 13 is a stick on to go. There is no way Townsend would risk Steyn at 13.

Why not? He used to play there all the time!

For what it's worth, if I were GT, I'd just pick two XVs plus an extra front row.

Skinner allows him to have a fifth lock/sixth back row in one person. And therefore Crosbie, Watson or Darge may miss out, when it might be better for Jonny to.

He may well of course take a 3rd scrum-half, in fact I'd be surprised if he didn't. Ali Price has played a little on the wing for Scotland, hasn't he?

[Slick]

So 33 men for the RWC. Last time it was 31 and a 17/14 split.

I'll have a bash at the squad with an 18/15 split based on current form and the expectation those returning from injury will be decent:
Props (2019:3/2023: 6) - Nel, Fagerson, Walker, Schoeman, Sutherland, Bhatti
Hooker (3/3) - Turner, Cherry, Ashman - Cherry is our best line out hooker IMO. Likely to to Brown over Cherry.
2nd Row (4/4) - R.Gray, Gilchrist, Cummings, Skinner (expect J Gray over Skinner though)
Back Row (5/5) - Ritchie (c), Fagerson, Dempsey, Darge, Crosbie/Bayliss. I don't think we need to out and out 7s in the squad and Crosbie, if going 19/14 then Watson would be in and one of Steyn/Smith drop out.

SH (3/3) - White, Price and Horne
FH (2/2) - Russell, Hastings
Centres (4/4) - Tuipulotu, Jones, Redpath, Harris
Back 3 (4/5) - Hogg, Duhan, Graham, Steyn, Smith
Utility (1/1) - Kinghorn

Bolter - young Tuipulotu.

Looks ok to me, Given Steyn can cover 13 very adequately I'd maybe leave Harris out.

Harris or another 13 is a stick on to go. There is no way Townsend would risk Steyn at 13.

Agree, Harris is nailed on.

[Wylie Coyote]

Looks ok to me, Given Steyn can cover 13 very adequately I'd maybe leave Harris out.

Harris or another 13 is a stick on to go. There is no way Townsend would risk Steyn at 13.

Agree, Harris is nailed on.

He may be but I am not sure. This year has shown the transformative effect of having a 13 who can actually attack, indeed I think it helped Finn's game knowing that he didn't need to do it all himself as in the past with Harris and to a lesser extent Johnson clogging up our attack. We didn't miss Harris that much in defence either so I have to ask what's the point?

[Big D]

Harris or another 13 is a stick on to go. There is no way Townsend would risk Steyn at 13.

Agree, Harris is nailed on.

He may be but I am not sure. This year has shown the transformative effect of having a 13 who can actually attack, indeed I think it helped Finn's game knowing that he didn't need to do it all himself as in the past with Harris and to a lesser extent Johnson clogging up our attack. We didn't miss Harris that much in defence either so I have to ask what's the point?

Harris or another centre (McDowell or Bennett) will go. There is plenty of room for 4 centres in the squad.

[Big D]

Looks ok to me, Given Steyn can cover 13 very adequately I'd maybe leave Harris out.

Harris or another 13 is a stick on to go. There is no way Townsend would risk Steyn at 13.

Why not? He used to play there all the time!

For what it's worth, if I were GT, I'd just pick two XVs plus an extra front row.

Skinner allows him to have a fifth lock/sixth back row in one person. And therefore Crosbie, Watson or Darge may miss out, when it might be better for Jonny to.

He may well of course take a 3rd scrum-half, in fact I'd be surprised if he didn't. Ali Price has played a little on the wing for Scotland, hasn't he?

Would anyone have been comfortable with Steyn at 13 in the 6N? Do we really want Steyn v SA or Ireland if Jones goes lame the morning of the game?

There's plenty of space for specialist centres in the squad.

[charltom]

Last I looked, Steyn was a centre who also plays wing, certainly not a non-centre.

And no, I wouldn't be comfortable with anyone who is not Jones playing instead of Jones. Just as I wasn't comfortable with Steyn subbing in for Graham. But he can do it.

[topofthemoon]

Harris or another 13 is a stick on to go. There is no way Townsend would risk Steyn at 13.

Why not? He used to play there all the time!

For what it's worth, if I were GT, I'd just pick two XVs plus an extra front row.

Skinner allows him to have a fifth lock/sixth back row in one person. And therefore Crosbie, Watson or Darge may miss out, when it might be better for Jonny to.

He may well of course take a 3rd scrum-half, in fact I'd be surprised if he didn't. Ali Price has played a little on the wing for Scotland, hasn't he?

Would anyone have been comfortable with Steyn at 13 in the 6N? Do we really want Steyn v SA or Ireland if Jones goes lame the morning of the game?

There's plenty of space for specialist centres in the squad.

I'd be happy with him there. For me 13 is still his best position.

[Big D]

Last I looked, Steyn was a centre who also plays wing, certainly not a non-centre.

And no, I wouldn't be comfortable with anyone who is not Jones playing instead of Jones. Just as I wasn't comfortable with Steyn subbing in for Graham. But he can do it.

I'm sure TOTM Will correct me but Steyn must have started about 70% of his games on the wing and never started a European game there or started KO match at centre since maybe the 2019 play offs.

His defence is pretty poor at international level too even though capable of good tackles (one v Ireland from memory). According to the stats on the 6 Nations website he was 21/33 this year and 8/16 last year. ESPN aren't showing the stats for the Australia and Tonga November games.

Stats aren't everything but it would be a needless risk in the world cup to play him at 13 given there are good centres available as options.

[Slick]

WTF is this about Rufus McLean being invited to train with Melrose? Surely no one thought that was a good idea

[Blackmac]

WTF is this about Rufus McLean being invited to train with Melrose? Surely no one thought that was a good idea

I must admit I'm a believer in people being able to move on once they have served their sentence but this is very odd if true.

[Wylie Coyote]

Last I looked, Steyn was a centre who also plays wing, certainly not a non-centre.

And no, I wouldn't be comfortable with anyone who is not Jones playing instead of Jones. Just as I wasn't comfortable with Steyn subbing in for Graham. But he can do it.

I'm sure TOTM Will correct me but Steyn must have started about 70% of his games on the wing and never started a European game there or started KO match at centre since maybe the 2019 play offs.

His defence is pretty poor at international level too even though capable of good tackles (one v Ireland from memory). According to the stats on the 6 Nations website he was 21/33 this year and 8/16 last year. ESPN aren't showing the stats for the Australia and Tonga November games.

Stats aren't everything but it would be a needless risk in the world cup to play him at 13 given there are good centres available as options.

Remember also Tuipolutu plays 13 a lot for Glasgow, you could have Redpath 12 Tui 13 if Jones goes down.

[Slick]

WTF is this about Rufus McLean being invited to train with Melrose? Surely no one thought that was a good idea

I must admit I'm a believer in people being able to move on once they have served their sentence but this is very odd if true.

I'm the same, but this is a little too soon...

[Slick]

Harris or another 13 is a stick on to go. There is no way Townsend would risk Steyn at 13.

Why not? He used to play there all the time!

For what it's worth, if I were GT, I'd just pick two XVs plus an extra front row.

Skinner allows him to have a fifth lock/sixth back row in one person. And therefore Crosbie, Watson or Darge may miss out, when it might be better for Jonny to.

He may well of course take a 3rd scrum-half, in fact I'd be surprised if he didn't. Ali Price has played a little on the wing for Scotland, hasn't he?

Would anyone have been comfortable with Steyn at 13 in the 6N? Do we really want Steyn v SA or Ireland if Jones goes lame the morning of the game?

There's plenty of space for specialist centres in the squad.

Maybe worth noting that in the selection for the last world cup I can only remember one or two difficult decision (Huw Jones), but for this one we are going to have 10 or so capped players who could reasonably expect to be picked, left out.

[clydecloggie]

Last I looked, Steyn was a centre who also plays wing, certainly not a non-centre.

And no, I wouldn't be comfortable with anyone who is not Jones playing instead of Jones. Just as I wasn't comfortable with Steyn subbing in for Graham. But he can do it.

I'm sure TOTM Will correct me but Steyn must have started about 70% of his games on the wing and never started a European game there or started KO match at centre since maybe the 2019 play offs.

His defence is pretty poor at international level too even though capable of good tackles (one v Ireland from memory). According to the stats on the 6 Nations website he was 21/33 this year and 8/16 last year. ESPN aren't showing the stats for the Australia and Tonga November games.

Stats aren't everything but it would be a needless risk in the world cup to play him at 13 given there are good centres available as options.

Remember also Tuipolutu plays 13 a lot for Glasgow, you could have Redpath 12 Tui 13 if Jones goes down.

It's still odd that Franco Smith plays Jones at 12 and Sione at 13, while Toonie does it the other way round - both with excellent results.

[Big D]

Last I looked, Steyn was a centre who also plays wing, certainly not a non-centre.

And no, I wouldn't be comfortable with anyone who is not Jones playing instead of Jones. Just as I wasn't comfortable with Steyn subbing in for Graham. But he can do it.

I'm sure TOTM Will correct me but Steyn must have started about 70% of his games on the wing and never started a European game there or started KO match at centre since maybe the 2019 play offs.

His defence is pretty poor at international level too even though capable of good tackles (one v Ireland from memory). According to the stats on the 6 Nations website he was 21/33 this year and 8/16 last year. ESPN aren't showing the stats for the Australia and Tonga November games.

Stats aren't everything but it would be a needless risk in the world cup to play him at 13 given there are good centres available as options.

Remember also Tuipolutu plays 13 a lot for Glasgow, you could have Redpath 12 Tui 13 if Jones goes down.

He can, and does well. However that would mean two changes for one injury which is ok off the bench. The reality is if Townsend took 4 centres when he had 31 places then he isn't taking 3 centres when he has 33 spots.

[Big D]

WTF is this about Rufus McLean being invited to train with Melrose? Surely no one thought that was a good idea

Are we talking Melrose rather than Knights?

It is a tricky one, the SRU don't suspend "amateur" players for criminal activity and in time McLean has a right to get back on with his life, but if I was serving on a committee with a player/member being convicted of a criminal offence I would be thinking hard about whether I would want him as a member. I have been in that situation where a membership was revoked.

[weegie01]

Today's good news is that with the RMT reaching a deal with Network Rail, LNER will be running services on 1st April, so we can actually get back from Leicester after the Edinburgh game on Friday 31st March.

We decided to drive and have a hotel booked for Friday night. The risk of getting stuck was too great at the time.

[Slick]

WTF is this about Rufus McLean being invited to train with Melrose? Surely no one thought that was a good idea

Are we talking Melrose rather than Knights?

It is a tricky one, the SRU don't suspend "amateur" players for criminal activity and in time McLean has a right to get back on with his life, but if I was serving on a committee with a player/member being convicted of a criminal offence I would be thinking hard about whether I would want him as a member. I have been in that situation where a membership was revoked.

Reading between the lines it looks like someone invited him to use the facilities to train but the board have said they wouldn't have authorised it and he is definitely not involved in either Melrose or the Knights.

[Slick]

Major incident called at Leith docks. Looks like a ship has toppled over!

[inactionman]

WTF is this about Rufus McLean being invited to train with Melrose? Surely no one thought that was a good idea

Are we talking Melrose rather than Knights?

It is a tricky one, the SRU don't suspend "amateur" players for criminal activity and in time McLean has a right to get back on with his life, but if I was serving on a committee with a player/member being convicted of a criminal offence I would be thinking hard about whether I would want him as a member. I have been in that situation where a membership was revoked.

I'm torn on this one - does a lot come down to an offender's contrition and genuine recognition of the need to change? I'm a firm believer in rehabilitation rather than ostracisation, as I assume many on here are. I'm not blasé to the views of the poor girl whom he abused, but ultimately judgment has been made and sentence has been served and now the rehabilitation begins.

If McLean has taken this on the chin, admitted his wrong (he pleaded guilty IIRC), served his time and committed to change, then I'd entertain the idea of club rugby avenues remaining open to him. Are people's reservations just a timing thing, or is there something more deep-seated?

Although not the same offence, I contrast this to the footballer David Goodwillie, who was by all accounts unrepentant regarding the rape he was found civilly liable for, which indicates a nasty side to his character which remains unchecked (he also has 3 convictions for violent offences) - that's the sort of person you don't want anywhere near your club.

[inactionman]

Major incident called at Leith docks. Looks like a ship has toppled over!

Oops. They're not supposed to do that.

eta:



Sailboat yes, large motor vessel, no

Interestingly, that's the ship that Paul Allen (Microsoft co-founder) funded for research

[Slick]

WTF is this about Rufus McLean being invited to train with Melrose? Surely no one thought that was a good idea

Are we talking Melrose rather than Knights?

It is a tricky one, the SRU don't suspend "amateur" players for criminal activity and in time McLean has a right to get back on with his life, but if I was serving on a committee with a player/member being convicted of a criminal offence I would be thinking hard about whether I would want him as a member. I have been in that situation where a membership was revoked.

I'm torn on this one - does a lot come down to an offender's contrition and genuine recognition of the need to change? I'm a firm believer in rehabilitation rather than ostracisation, as I assume many on here are. I'm not blasé to the views of the poor girl whom he abused, but ultimately judgment has been made and sentence has been served and now the rehabilitation begins.

If McLean has taken this on the chin, admitted his wrong (he pleaded guilty IIRC), served his time and committed to change, then I'd entertain the idea of club rugby avenues remaining open to him. Are people's reservations just a timing thing, or is there something more deep-seated?

Although not the same offence, I contrast this to the footballer David Goodwillie, who was by all accounts unrepentant regarding the rape he was found civilly liable for, which indicates a nasty side to his character which remains unchecked (he also has 3 convictions for violent offences) - that's the sort of person you don't want anywhere near your club.

For me it's the timing really. At least take a year off and do some good things.

[Biffer]

Major incident called at Leith docks. Looks like a ship has toppled over!

Oops. They're not supposed to do that.

eta:



Sailboat yes, large motor vessel, no

Interestingly, that's the ship that Paul Allen (Microsoft co-founder) funded for research

Been sitting there since the start of the pandemic it seems.

[Biffer]

WTF is this about Rufus McLean being invited to train with Melrose? Surely no one thought that was a good idea

Are we talking Melrose rather than Knights?

It is a tricky one, the SRU don't suspend "amateur" players for criminal activity and in time McLean has a right to get back on with his life, but if I was serving on a committee with a player/member being convicted of a criminal offence I would be thinking hard about whether I would want him as a member. I have been in that situation where a membership was revoked.

I'm torn on this one - does a lot come down to an offender's contrition and genuine recognition of the need to change? I'm a firm believer in rehabilitation rather than ostracisation, as I assume many on here are. I'm not blasé to the views of the poor girl whom he abused, but ultimately judgment has been made and sentence has been served and now the rehabilitation begins.

If McLean has taken this on the chin, admitted his wrong (he pleaded guilty IIRC), served his time and committed to change, then I'd entertain the idea of club rugby avenues remaining open to him. Are people's reservations just a timing thing, or is there something more deep-seated?

Although not the same offence, I contrast this to the footballer David Goodwillie, who was by all accounts unrepentant regarding the rape he was found civilly liable for, which indicates a nasty side to his character which remains unchecked (he also has 3 convictions for violent offences) - that's the sort of person you don't want anywhere near your club.

I think he needs to demonstrate the commitment to change. How he does that I wouldn't say but there would be multiple avenues open to him.

[clydecloggie]

Are we talking Melrose rather than Knights?

It is a tricky one, the SRU don't suspend "amateur" players for criminal activity and in time McLean has a right to get back on with his life, but if I was serving on a committee with a player/member being convicted of a criminal offence I would be thinking hard about whether I would want him as a member. I have been in that situation where a membership was revoked.

I'm torn on this one - does a lot come down to an offender's contrition and genuine recognition of the need to change? I'm a firm believer in rehabilitation rather than ostracisation, as I assume many on here are. I'm not blasé to the views of the poor girl whom he abused, but ultimately judgment has been made and sentence has been served and now the rehabilitation begins.

If McLean has taken this on the chin, admitted his wrong (he pleaded guilty IIRC), served his time and committed to change, then I'd entertain the idea of club rugby avenues remaining open to him. Are people's reservations just a timing thing, or is there something more deep-seated?

Although not the same offence, I contrast this to the footballer David Goodwillie, who was by all accounts unrepentant regarding the rape he was found civilly liable for, which indicates a nasty side to his character which remains unchecked (he also has 3 convictions for violent offences) - that's the sort of person you don't want anywhere near your club.

For me it's the timing really. At least take a year off and do some good things.

Not really an option for normal folk earning a wage. McLean will not have been on a massive contract and presumably left Warriors/SRU without a parting bag of money. As a young guy, he will probably still be thinking rugby as career choice no. 1.

Has he served his sentence? Then he's free to pursue his chosen career. Behave like a dick once more and it's game over, I'd hope.

[Slick]

I'm torn on this one - does a lot come down to an offender's contrition and genuine recognition of the need to change? I'm a firm believer in rehabilitation rather than ostracisation, as I assume many on here are. I'm not blasé to the views of the poor girl whom he abused, but ultimately judgment has been made and sentence has been served and now the rehabilitation begins.

If McLean has taken this on the chin, admitted his wrong (he pleaded guilty IIRC), served his time and committed to change, then I'd entertain the idea of club rugby avenues remaining open to him. Are people's reservations just a timing thing, or is there something more deep-seated?

Although not the same offence, I contrast this to the footballer David Goodwillie, who was by all accounts unrepentant regarding the rape he was found civilly liable for, which indicates a nasty side to his character which remains unchecked (he also has 3 convictions for violent offences) - that's the sort of person you don't want anywhere near your club.

For me it's the timing really. At least take a year off and do some good things.

Not really an option for normal folk earning a wage. McLean will not have been on a massive contract and presumably left Warriors/SRU without a parting bag of money. As a young guy, he will probably still be thinking rugby as career choice no. 1.

Has he served his sentence? Then he's free to pursue his chosen career. Behave like a dick once more and it's game over, I'd hope.

I'm sure there are other jobs he could do earn a few quid for a year and then try and go back to his no.1 choice. The year is just a number I thought up, but I'd have thought it would be better for everyone, including himself, if he stayed away from rugby for a while before trying to rehabilitate his career.

[Big D]

I'm torn on this one - does a lot come down to an offender's contrition and genuine recognition of the need to change? I'm a firm believer in rehabilitation rather than ostracisation, as I assume many on here are. I'm not blasé to the views of the poor girl whom he abused, but ultimately judgment has been made and sentence has been served and now the rehabilitation begins.

If McLean has taken this on the chin, admitted his wrong (he pleaded guilty IIRC), served his time and committed to change, then I'd entertain the idea of club rugby avenues remaining open to him. Are people's reservations just a timing thing, or is there something more deep-seated?

Although not the same offence, I contrast this to the footballer David Goodwillie, who was by all accounts unrepentant regarding the rape he was found civilly liable for, which indicates a nasty side to his character which remains unchecked (he also has 3 convictions for violent offences) - that's the sort of person you don't want anywhere near your club.

For me it's the timing really. At least take a year off and do some good things.

Not really an option for normal folk earning a wage. McLean will not have been on a massive contract and presumably left Warriors/SRU without a parting bag of money. As a young guy, he will probably still be thinking rugby as career choice no. 1.

Has he served his sentence? Then he's free to pursue his chosen career. Behave like a dick once more and it's game over, I'd hope.

I thought Prem clubs were no longer allowed to pay players?

Given the stage of the season, Melrose could have left it to preseason and spoken with members at the AGM that they are considering registering McLean (if that's there intention). Ultimately if it is Melrose rather than the Southern Kings then it is a committee and membership decision rather than a board/coaching decision.

[westport]

Apparently he only had one session with the Southern Knights and the players didn't know anything about him joining in and they made their feelings known and he wasn't invited back.

I am all for rehab but think it was all a bit too soon for him. Perhaps next season or the one after that, as he is still only 22, to play in the national leagues, if anyone would have him.

[Biffer]

Apparently he only had one session with the Southern Knights and the players didn't know anything about him joining in and they made their feelings known and he wasn't invited back.

I am all for rehab but think it was all a bit too soon for him. Perhaps next season or the one after that, as he is still only 22, to play in the national leagues, if anyone would have him.

Ship himself around the National League in France (below ProD2). He'd get game time at a reasonable level (probably better than premiership), probably get paid a bit and be seen to be rehabilitating himself.