The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[weegie01]

Cracking try by Redpath in the Bath game. Our options really are great at the moment

Same point, different position. Townsend is keeping Gus Warr at Sale in the loop at SH. He may have been born and brought up in the Manchester area, but despite Sharks listing him as English, he considers himself Scottish and went to Dollar for secondary. Diamond is supposed to rate him highly.

[Yr Alban]

Cracking try by Redpath in the Bath game. Our options really are great at the moment

Same point, different position. Townsend is keeping Gus Warr at Sale in the loop at SH. He may have been born and brought up in the Manchester area, but despite Sharks listing him as English, he considers himself Scottish and went to Dollar for secondary. Diamond is supposed to rate him highly.

That’s good to know. If he considers himself Scottish, though, why would he play for England U20 after playing up to U20 level with Scotland? Seems like an odd thing to do, surely? I get that players in England want to hang on to EQP status to widen their employment options, but he’d have kept that even if he had stayed with our U20s.

[weegie01]

Cracking try by Redpath in the Bath game. Our options really are great at the moment

Same point, different position. Townsend is keeping Gus Warr at Sale in the loop at SH. He may have been born and brought up in the Manchester area, but despite Sharks listing him as English, he considers himself Scottish and went to Dollar for secondary. Diamond is supposed to rate him highly.

That’s good to know. If he considers himself Scottish, though, why would he play for England U20 after playing up to U20 level with Scotland? Seems like an odd thing to do, surely? I get that players in England want to hang on to EQP status to widen their employment options, but he’d have kept that even if he had stayed with our U20s.

He had signed for Sale, and his contract said that if picked for an English rep side, you had to play for England. I am not sure if that only applied to age group rugby.

[Slick]

Same point, different position. Townsend is keeping Gus Warr at Sale in the loop at SH. He may have been born and brought up in the Manchester area, but despite Sharks listing him as English, he considers himself Scottish and went to Dollar for secondary. Diamond is supposed to rate him highly.

That’s good to know. If he considers himself Scottish, though, why would he play for England U20 after playing up to U20 level with Scotland? Seems like an odd thing to do, surely? I get that players in England want to hang on to EQP status to widen their employment options, but he’d have kept that even if he had stayed with our U20s.

He had signed for Sale, and his contract said that if picked for an English rep side, you had to play for England. I am not sure if that only applied to age group rugby.

Not doubting what you say, but seems even stranger for England to pick someone who is only playing for them because his contract says he has to

[weegie01]

That’s good to know. If he considers himself Scottish, though, why would he play for England U20 after playing up to U20 level with Scotland? Seems like an odd thing to do, surely? I get that players in England want to hang on to EQP status to widen their employment options, but he’d have kept that even if he had stayed with our U20s.

He had signed for Sale, and his contract said that if picked for an English rep side, you had to play for England. I am not sure if that only applied to age group rugby.

Not doubting what you say, but seems even stranger for England to pick someone who is only playing for them because his contract says he has to

Why? Get them into the England camp and show them how much better it is than Scotland, turn their heads etc. They even tried it with Adam Hastings.

Which makes me wonder about Ashman who was asked to play for England U20s at the JRWC when Scotland were demoted, and refused. Cameron Redpath would also be a similar generation Sale player.

[robmatic]

Something badly wrong in the Edinburgh camp based on this display so far. The team just dont look well prepared and are half a pace behind the game. Players look a bit unhappy and there is no zip in the team.

Some of the effort in defence was disappointing. It was frustrating at times watching us go forward as well, lots of fancy passing but not enough hard running from the forwards.

There's some contract between Glasgow and Edinburgh at the moment. Franco has transformed the group of players he inherited from Danny Wilson and Edinburgh's players who looked decent last season are currently a rabble.

[dpedin]

Something badly wrong in the Edinburgh camp based on this display so far. The team just dont look well prepared and are half a pace behind the game. Players look a bit unhappy and there is no zip in the team.

Some of the effort in defence was disappointing. It was frustrating at times watching us go forward as well, lots of fancy passing but not enough hard running from the forwards.

There's some contract between Glasgow and Edinburgh at the moment. Franco has transformed the group of players he inherited from Danny Wilson and Edinburgh's players who looked decent last season are currently a rabble.

Dont disagree and it shows the difference a quality coach can make to a squad, a team and to individuals ie McDowell. I am disappointed that Blair hasn't cut the mustard, I really like him as an individual, as a player and as a coach but after a promising start last season things have gone tits up. We really need an East Coast Franco to come in and turn things around - and it ain't Diamond! We have a really strong squad of players who should be performing at a far higher level and to ship 41 points against an average Connacht side is inexcusable.

[SaintK]

Something badly wrong in the Edinburgh camp based on this display so far. The team just dont look well prepared and are half a pace behind the game. Players look a bit unhappy and there is no zip in the team.

Some of the effort in defence was disappointing. It was frustrating at times watching us go forward as well, lots of fancy passing but not enough hard running from the forwards.

There's some contract between Glasgow and Edinburgh at the moment. Franco has transformed the group of players he inherited from Danny Wilson and Edinburgh's players who looked decent last season are currently a rabble.

Dont disagree and it shows the difference a quality coach can make to a squad, a team and to individuals ie McDowell. I am disappointed that Blair hasn't cut the mustard, I really like him as an individual, as a player and as a coach but after a promising start last season things have gone tits up. We really need an East Coast Franco to come in and turn things around - and it ain't Diamond! We have a really strong squad of players who should be performing at a far higher level and to ship 41 points against an average Connacht side is inexcusable.

SRU could do worse than have a chat with Lee Blackett at Llanelli where he's been since Wasps collapsed. Would need to act quicly as he's been linked to the Falcons DoR vacancy since Walder was released.

[KingBlairhorn]

Some of the effort in defence was disappointing. It was frustrating at times watching us go forward as well, lots of fancy passing but not enough hard running from the forwards.

There's some contract between Glasgow and Edinburgh at the moment. Franco has transformed the group of players he inherited from Danny Wilson and Edinburgh's players who looked decent last season are currently a rabble.

Dont disagree and it shows the difference a quality coach can make to a squad, a team and to individuals ie McDowell. I am disappointed that Blair hasn't cut the mustard, I really like him as an individual, as a player and as a coach but after a promising start last season things have gone tits up. We really need an East Coast Franco to come in and turn things around - and it ain't Diamond! We have a really strong squad of players who should be performing at a far higher level and to ship 41 points against an average Connacht side is inexcusable.

SRU could do worse than have a chat with Lee Blackett at Llanelli where he's been since Wasps collapsed. Would need to act quicly as he's been linked to the Falcons DoR vacancy since Walder was released.

Glasgow formed a really clear culture, ethos, style, brand whatever you want to call it way back when Lineen was in charge and as a result it seems everyone knows what they are trying to build towards. Coaches come and go as do players but the club continues doing (or trying to do) what the club has done for what 15-20 years now. Their play against Munster was so obviously 'Glasgow' on Saturday that it was in a way no surprise to see them doing it. Edinburgh don't have that. Edinburgh used to be an all-court you score 1 we score 2 team, then they were turgid and boring, then they were hard nosed and aggressive and I've no idea what they are now. The point is if you can't clearly define what the club wants to be then you'll always struggle to reach a successful outcome. Edinburgh need to go back to basics and work out who they are and then shape everything the club does around that, not just style of play but also picking coaches that fit with that culture. No club should go Cockerill --> Blair --> Diamond as each bares little resemblance to their immediate predecessor, it shows a lack of understanding in developing the player's mindset and a lack of planning as to where the club is headed leading to the disjointed nonsense they are currently producing.

[TheNatalShark]

Any chat so far that Hogg announced retirement after RWC?

[TheNatalShark]

Only see it on his Instagram, no idea how to share

Twitter

[clydecloggie]

[Jock42]

Ah that's a real shame, think he still has something to give but if he feels it's the right time then it's the right time.

[Wylie Coyote]

Ah that's a real shame, think he still has something to give but if he feels it's the right time then it's the right time.

Total shock, he's 30 I was expecting him to go until he was 32/33. He'll be a big loss, such a brilliant player whose arrival seemed to coincide with the start of a new beginning for Scotland.

[Biffer]

Ah that's a real shame, think he still has something to give but if he feels it's the right time then it's the right time.

Total shock, he's 30 I was expecting him to go until he was 32/33. He'll be a big loss, such a brilliant player whose arrival seemed to coincide with the start of a new beginning for Scotland.

He'll be 31 at the World Cup.

Shame, I thought he had something left to give for a couple more years, but I wouldn't want to see him become a shadow of his former self like say Leigh Halfpenny.

Fair play, great servant, at the heart of the reinvigoration of Scottish Rugby.

[Jock42]

Ah that's a real shame, think he still has something to give but if he feels it's the right time then it's the right time.

Total shock, he's 30 I was expecting him to go until he was 32/33. He'll be a big loss, such a brilliant player whose arrival seemed to coincide with the start of a new beginning for Scotland.

Aye, always thought he'd come back to Scotland to have his last couple of years managed well.

[TheNatalShark]

He'll be a big loss, such a brilliant player whose arrival seemed to coincide with the start of a new beginning for Scotland.

As clear a product of the McKie era as any


The announcement doesn't surprise me to be honest, think his disappointment at the end of the games this year looked a bit personal, but hopefully ends up on a bang and on his own terms with a gong of sorts this year

[Big D]

It is a surprise but I am not sure it is a shock.

In many ways I think this is a good thing. His body is starting to break down and seems he has picked up a lot of injuries over the last wee while. I think he needs to be "Stuart Hogg" when playing, not a shadow of what he was and I think he feels that point was coming. He has nothing to prove to anyone:

- Likely 3rd most capped Scots male rugby player by the time he hangs them up.
- 3rd most games as captain
- Most national team tries.
- Been 6N player pf the year twice.
- 3x Lions tourist and 2 Lions caps.
- Domestic trophy winner in two countries (even through wasn't selected for Glasgow's final)
- European Cup winner.

He is one of our greatest players not just the pro era, and for my money our best captain since White, and would be a shame to see him end up like say a Ford where the abuse starts to come because he is being selected.

[inactionman]

I'm actually quite sad to hear this. A wonderful player to watch.

Appreciate his body might be giving him signals but it feels too early.

[Big D]

I also forgot "best spiral kick in the game" off that list too

[earl the beaver]

Just popping on to query this. I know his form isn't where it was a few years ago but it seems very young to be retiring in an age where there are guys playing to their mid 30s at the top level in the outside backs (Earls at 35, Chavancy 34, Imhoff 34, Whitten 34, Twelvetrees 34, Brown 37, Ashton 35, McGuigan 33, Maitland 34, Goode 34 etc. he's younger than Jonny May and you wouldn't expect him to retire). Take a step back from internationals by all means but you would think he would still have something to offer at club level.

[clydecloggie]

Just popping on to query this. I know his form isn't where it was a few years ago but it seems very young to be retiring in an age where there are guys playing to their mid 30s at the top level in the outside backs (Earls at 35, Chavancy 34, Imhoff 34, Whitten 34, Twelvetrees 34, Brown 37, Ashton 35, McGuigan 33, Maitland 34, Goode 34 etc. he's younger than Jonny May and you wouldn't expect him to retire). Take a step back from internationals by all means but you would think he would still have something to offer at club level.

His Instagram post strongly suggests he isn't happy with where he is physically and doesn't expect it to improve.

[Yr Alban]

I’m actually feeling a bit emotional about this. He has been a giant of the Scottish game, spanning the time between when we were an absolute shitshow and when we’re a decent outfit now. He’s been almost ever-present. I get that he isn’t the same physically as he used to be - he’s visibly lost a yard of pace and acceleration - and for the first time I’ve been wondering whether his place might legitimately be under threat. But I wasn’t expecting a sudden retirement announcement at the age of just 30. I thought he’d be around for another 2-3 years at least.

Also frustrated that a player as good as Hogg will retire without ever winning a title in a Scotland top. Nobody deserves it more.

[Slick]

Sad news indeed. As I said a couple of weeks back, easily our best player of the pro era and in my top5 of all time.

I'm actually quite worried about it, I think it's hard to overestimate the profound influence he has on this team, both on and off the pitch. I can quite easily see a bit of a fall off once he has gone.

On another note, yet another thing I was 100% right about, I really have to start making money out of this gift.

[dpedin]

Sad to hear about Hogg but if the body says no then it is sensible to listen to it! I was down in Gala when he scored his length of the pitch try for Scotland A v England A and it was clear then he was head and shoulders above everyone else then. However in the young guy Smith I reckon we have a really good FB and one who will grow into the international team.

[Slick]

All his tries courtesy of TotM

[Jockaline]

I’m actually feeling a bit emotional about this. He has been a giant of the Scottish game, spanning the time between when we were an absolute shitshow and when we’re a decent outfit now. He’s been almost ever-present. I get that he isn’t the same physically as he used to be - he’s visibly lost a yard of pace and acceleration - and for the first time I’ve been wondering whether his place might legitimately be under threat. But I wasn’t expecting a sudden retirement announcement at the age of just 30. I thought he’d be around for another 2-3 years at least.

Also frustrated that a player as good as Hogg will retire without ever winning a title in a Scotland top. Nobody deserves it more.

He's not going till after the world cup. Have faith.

[charltom]

All his tries courtesy of TotM

Nice.

It's remarkable how many of those tries, especially early on when he was really quick, were from turnover ball or intercepts.

[I like neeps]

I’m actually feeling a bit emotional about this. He has been a giant of the Scottish game, spanning the time between when we were an absolute shitshow and when we’re a decent outfit now. He’s been almost ever-present. I get that he isn’t the same physically as he used to be - he’s visibly lost a yard of pace and acceleration - and for the first time I’ve been wondering whether his place might legitimately be under threat. But I wasn’t expecting a sudden retirement announcement at the age of just 30. I thought he’d be around for another 2-3 years at least.

Also frustrated that a player as good as Hogg will retire without ever winning a title in a Scotland top. Nobody deserves it more.

Physically and emotionally he's been through it leading Scotland back from truly abysmal to a good team.

Great player and a good guy. He's one we'll be talking about in 30 years time.

[Wylie Coyote]

I’m actually feeling a bit emotional about this. He has been a giant of the Scottish game, spanning the time between when we were an absolute shitshow and when we’re a decent outfit now. He’s been almost ever-present. I get that he isn’t the same physically as he used to be - he’s visibly lost a yard of pace and acceleration - and for the first time I’ve been wondering whether his place might legitimately be under threat. But I wasn’t expecting a sudden retirement announcement at the age of just 30. I thought he’d be around for another 2-3 years at least.

Also frustrated that a player as good as Hogg will retire without ever winning a title in a Scotland top. Nobody deserves it more.

Physically and emotionally he's been through it leading Scotland back from truly abysmal to a good team.

Great player and a good guy. He's one we'll be talking about in 30 years time.

The bold bit is so true. He deserved to win a 6N championship, it wasn't his fault the poor level of players many of the Scottish teams had during his tenure. I feel Scottish Rugby didn't quite get the best out of him, he had to do so much on his own initially and even when Finn Russell turned up they were more often than not on the back foot living off of scraps as a back division. While I am sad to see him go I am also glad he is getting out when he is fit and well. I hope he gets a fitting send off in the RWC and the team delivers to its potential.

[Camroc2]

Cooney has signed a two year extension with Ulster, so I assume that's him off the Scottish radar.

[Yr Alban]

I’m actually feeling a bit emotional about this. He has been a giant of the Scottish game, spanning the time between when we were an absolute shitshow and when we’re a decent outfit now. He’s been almost ever-present. I get that he isn’t the same physically as he used to be - he’s visibly lost a yard of pace and acceleration - and for the first time I’ve been wondering whether his place might legitimately be under threat. But I wasn’t expecting a sudden retirement announcement at the age of just 30. I thought he’d be around for another 2-3 years at least.

Also frustrated that a player as good as Hogg will retire without ever winning a title in a Scotland top. Nobody deserves it more.

Physically and emotionally he's been through it leading Scotland back from truly abysmal to a good team.

Great player and a good guy. He's one we'll be talking about in 30 years time.

The bold bit is so true. He deserved to win a 6N championship, it wasn't his fault the poor level of players many of the Scottish teams had during his tenure. I feel Scottish Rugby didn't quite get the best out of him, he had to do so much on his own initially and even when Finn Russell turned up they were more often than not on the back foot living off of scraps as a back division. While I am sad to see him go I am also glad he is getting out when he is fit and well. I hope he gets a fitting send off in the RWC and the team delivers to its potential.

Toony won a title thanks to the fortunate intervention of Scott Gibbs at Wembley. Possibly Hoggy was denied one due to Zander’s red card a couple of years back. But hey, it is what it is.

[Slick]

Quite enjoying the fitba… 15 minutes to go

[Slick]

Physically and emotionally he's been through it leading Scotland back from truly abysmal to a good team.

Great player and a good guy. He's one we'll be talking about in 30 years time.

The bold bit is so true. He deserved to win a 6N championship, it wasn't his fault the poor level of players many of the Scottish teams had during his tenure. I feel Scottish Rugby didn't quite get the best out of him, he had to do so much on his own initially and even when Finn Russell turned up they were more often than not on the back foot living off of scraps as a back division. While I am sad to see him go I am also glad he is getting out when he is fit and well. I hope he gets a fitting send off in the RWC and the team delivers to its potential.

Toony won a title thanks to the fortunate intervention of Scott Gibbs at Wembley. Possibly Hoggy was denied one due to Zander’s red card a couple of years back. But hey, it is what it is.

I was at Wembley that day with about 20 Welsh mates. Hell of a night

[Jock42]

Quite enjoying the fitba… 15 minutes to go

Didn't bother watching it, wish I had.

[Slick]

Quite enjoying the fitba… 15 minutes to go

Didn't bother watching it, wish I had.

To be honest i probably wouldn’t have done if I wasn’t in a hotel but was very impressive. Might get back into it

[Blackmac]

Quite enjoying the fitba… 15 minutes to go

Didn't bother watching it, wish I had.

To be honest i probably wouldn’t have done if I wasn’t in a hotel but was very impressive. Might get back into it

It was superb. Much like the rugby it's hard to convince yourself they aren't going to screw it up, but there is a really solid spine in the team and they are insanely well drilled.

[Slick]

Didn't bother watching it, wish I had.

To be honest i probably wouldn’t have done if I wasn’t in a hotel but was very impressive. Might get back into it

It was superb. Much like the rugby it's hard to convince yourself they aren't going to screw it up, but there is a really solid spine in the team and they are insanely well drilled.

Yeah, spent the entire 2nd half waiting for someone to kick a Spaniard 6’ in the air and get sent off

[Blackmac]

To be honest i probably wouldn’t have done if I wasn’t in a hotel but was very impressive. Might get back into it

It was superb. Much like the rugby it's hard to convince yourself they aren't going to screw it up, but there is a really solid spine in the team and they are insanely well drilled.

Yeah, spent the entire 2nd half waiting for someone to kick a Spaniard 6’ in the air and get sent off

There were a few Spaniards who deserved getting kicked in the air. What a shower of petulant pricks. How the flying elbow near the end escaped a red is beyond me.

[Yr Alban]

Quite enjoying the fitba… 15 minutes to go

Didn't bother watching it, wish I had.

To be honest i probably wouldn’t have done if I wasn’t in a hotel but was very impressive. Might get back into it

Happen to be in Glasgow instructing on a course, but I was out for dinner and stuck with text updates!