The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[KingBlairhorn]

Well that was the traditional Edinburgh pulmonary workout. Jeez.

[Yr Alban]

Ooft, massive BP win for Edinburgh! Huge lineout steal from Gilchrist and then a MASSIVE turnover from Boan Venter to seal it.

[Tichtheid]

I caught the last five minutes and I'm just about to watch the full game now - we won six games last season, that is four from five so far this time.

[KingBlairhorn]

I caught the last five minutes and I'm just about to watch the full game now - we won six games last season, that is four from five so far this time.

Like.

[dkm57]

Really nice win by Embra.

The Kinghorn/Duhan link is something special

[Yr Alban]

Point about Kinghorn tonight - took about five or six high balls really well under pressure. Only recall him spilling one.

[Tichtheid]

Point about Kinghorn tonight - took about five or six high balls really well under pressure. Only recall him spilling one.

The Bulls played to take him out of the game, but after a shaky start he came on to a very good performance.

[Tichtheid]

btw, how Duhan's finish would have been described if it had happened at a school in Scotland in the 70s or early 80s - pattery git

[robmatic]

Well that was the traditional Edinburgh pulmonary workout. Jeez.

The camera went to Sean Everitt with 5 mins to go and he had an 'Oh fuck' look on his face. Don't think he appreciated it.

[robmatic]

Point about Kinghorn tonight - took about five or six high balls really well under pressure. Only recall him spilling one.

He had a rough first 10 minutes but he was really excellent after that.

[Biffer]

I caught the last five minutes and I'm just about to watch the full game now - we won six games last season, that is four from five so far this time.

And the loss was away at Leinster, nothing to be ashamed of there.

Great start to the season, really putting ourselves in a position for a playoff spot and Champions Cup next season.

[vball]

Right about to join SRU AGM ... might be fireworks !!

[Slick]

Point about Kinghorn tonight - took about five or six high balls really well under pressure. Only recall him spilling one.

He had a rough first 10 minutes but he was really excellent after that.

BK15 in a nutshell. It’s never going to change, but while he continues to contribute more than his fuck ups that’s fine by me.

The pass to VdM for his try was a thing of pure beauty that very few can do

[Jock42]

Was being antisocial at a mates and half watching on my phone last night so rewatching now. How did Mata escape a red?

[Simian]

Was being antisocial at a mates and half watching on my phone last night so rewatching now. How did Mata escape a red?

It was pretty bizarre. Officials seemed to think a late step was mitigation so they downgraded it from a red to a yellow. But the change in direction was so slight that it was hard to see how the step had any real effect on things.

TBH, it looked a bit like the ref was passing the buck to the citing officer to clear up later. I’ll be very surprised if he’s not cited.

[westport]

Ooops no way back for Ali Price either

JAMIE DOBIE is facing a three month spell on the sidelines due to an ankle injury he suffered during Glasgow Warriors’ victory over Ospreys last weekend.

The set-back occurred just days after Warriors agreed to release Scotland and Lions scrum-half Ali Price to Edinburgh on loan for the remainder of the season, and leaves head coach Franco Smith with only two senior No 9s in his squad, plus Ben Afshar who is a partnership player with Stirling Wolves Super Series side and is yet to play at pro level.

https://www.theoffsideline.com/jamie-do ... HG3AVGDXRE

[Simian]

Yeah, Franco’s quoted in the Scotsman (replying to a question about whether or not he’ll recall Price along the M8) as saying it won’t happen

So why did the SRU frame it all as a ‘loan’?

I’m on a bunch of Glasgow ST holder (I am one) WhatsApp groups and have never ever seen this level of collective anger directed at the SRU before….

[Slick]

Right about to join SRU AGM ... might be fireworks !!

How was it

[Slick]

Yeah, Franco’s quoted in the Scotsman (replying to a question about whether or not he’ll recall Price along the M8) as saying it won’t happen

So why did the SRU frame it all as a ‘loan’?

I’m on a bunch of Glasgow ST holder (I am one) WhatsApp groups and have never ever seen this level of collective anger directed at the SRU before….

Sounds like another of those cases that if they just come clean most will be understanding and it will come out eventually anyway

[Simian]

Yeah, Franco’s quoted in the Scotsman (replying to a question about whether or not he’ll recall Price along the M8) as saying it won’t happen

So why did the SRU frame it all as a ‘loan’?

I’m on a bunch of Glasgow ST holder (I am one) WhatsApp groups and have never ever seen this level of collective anger directed at the SRU before….

Sounds like another of those cases that if they just come clean most will be understanding and it will come out eventually anyway

Yup. That would be my take too. And I think Glasgow knew the deal (if someone goes on a genuine loan you don’t thank them for their ten year’s of service and all that).

I can’t help but feel this was both badly handled and a direct consequence of Franco’s 6/2 bench preference (insistence) coloring who you’d keep and who is ‘squad’

Like tonight. Wherever they come on, I obviously want to see Sk and RT have blinders. But it’s wild to me you’d go into a game with the only backs in the bench being guys who’ve had fuck all time at this level in recent seasons! Is it really worth going 6/2? I kinda don’t get it.

And we were going into this season with a BIL 9 (price) and a 10 with international experience (Miotti) in contract, yet they’ve gone and were scrambling a bit now. It’s maddening!

[KingBlairhorn]

Point about Kinghorn tonight - took about five or six high balls really well under pressure. Only recall him spilling one.

He had a rough first 10 minutes but he was really excellent after that.

BK15 in a nutshell. It’s never going to change, but while he continues to contribute more than his fuck ups that’s fine by me.

The pass to VdM for his try was a thing of pure beauty that very few can do

His 45m American football throw right into the basket was significantly better!

[Big D]

Yeah, Franco’s quoted in the Scotsman (replying to a question about whether or not he’ll recall Price along the M8) as saying it won’t happen

So why did the SRU frame it all as a ‘loan’?

I’m on a bunch of Glasgow ST holder (I am one) WhatsApp groups and have never ever seen this level of collective anger directed at the SRU before….

Sounds like another of those cases that if they just come clean most will be understanding and it will come out eventually anyway

I still think it's a falling out between Price and Glasgow.

[Slick]

He had a rough first 10 minutes but he was really excellent after that.

BK15 in a nutshell. It’s never going to change, but while he continues to contribute more than his fuck ups that’s fine by me.

The pass to VdM for his try was a thing of pure beauty that very few can do

His 45m American football throw right into the basket was significantly better!

Haven’t seen that one! Seen him do it before

[Yr Alban]

Solid win for Glasgow too. Some brilliant defence and good tries too.

[Simian]

Yeah, Franco’s quoted in the Scotsman (replying to a question about whether or not he’ll recall Price along the M8) as saying it won’t happen

So why did the SRU frame it all as a ‘loan’?

I’m on a bunch of Glasgow ST holder (I am one) WhatsApp groups and have never ever seen this level of collective anger directed at the SRU before….

Sounds like another of those cases that if they just come clean most will be understanding and it will come out eventually anyway

I still think it's a falling out between Price and Glasgow.

I wouldn't rule anything out, ofc, but I'd be interested to know why you think that.

[Simian]

I doubt it will keep going like this, but both Scottish sides winning this much without playing particularly well is legit shaking my world view.

[GrahamWa]

The what a lad podcast with Corey Flynn is decent. It’s long but if you skip to 1hr 12 ish it’s his time at Warriors and working with Townsend.

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/w ... 0633721164

[KingBlairhorn]

Sounds like another of those cases that if they just come clean most will be understanding and it will come out eventually anyway

I still think it's a falling out between Price and Glasgow.

I wouldn't rule anything out, ofc, but I'd be interested to know why you think that.

I’d also don’t know why you think this. Like I said the other day, for me the most likely explanation is he wants gametime and to be first choice. He knew that was less likely at Glasgow so moved to Edinburgh. It’s a simple explanation that is in line with almost every single move that has ever happened between the two clubs. Players move to be higher in the pecking order and, ultimately, secure more international gametime.

[KingBlairhorn]

I doubt it will keep going like this, but both Scottish sides winning this much without playing particularly well is legit shaking my world view.

Aye, it’s making me nervous! Glasgow less so than Edinburgh right enough, they’ve been capable of it for years.

[vball]

Right about to join SRU AGM ... might be fireworks !!

How was it

A lot better having it presented rather than just reading the bare facts on a balance sheet.
Financials need to be looked at over many years as the income from certain sources are split over years while the expense is yearly based.
Also trying to grow the international game as that is the major income generator, is also a direct correlation to people coming to all games at all levels .. from watching to playing to investing. A very hard balance tbh.

There does seem to be a lot of non-playing staff but then again, it is a £65m company so perhaps no unusual.

[Yr Alban]

I doubt it will keep going like this, but both Scottish sides winning this much without playing particularly well is legit shaking my world view.

Aye, it’s making me nervous! Glasgow less so than Edinburgh right enough, they’ve been capable of it for years.

For the first time in a while, I’m looking at Edinburgh squads and thinking they look stronger than the Glasgow ones. Ashman and Healy are quality additions. Mind you, Embra have specialised in being less than the sum of their parts, so time will tell

[KingBlairhorn]

I doubt it will keep going like this, but both Scottish sides winning this much without playing particularly well is legit shaking my world view.

Aye, it’s making me nervous! Glasgow less so than Edinburgh right enough, they’ve been capable of it for years.

For the first time in a while, I’m looking at Edinburgh squads and thinking they look stronger than the Glasgow ones. Ashman and Healy are quality additions. Mind you, Embra have specialised in being less than the sum of their parts, so time will tell

Edinburgh significantly weaker in key areas I would say, notably at tighthead (where WP is still a scrum machine but lacking in the anaerobic ability for 80 minutes) and the centres. Glasgow have big weaknesses too, particularly at 10 IMO, but the difference is less stark at least in my mind.

[Big D]

Sounds like another of those cases that if they just come clean most will be understanding and it will come out eventually anyway

I still think it's a falling out between Price and Glasgow.

I wouldn't rule anything out, ofc, but I'd be interested to know why you think that.

It is just my thoughts but there is a combination of things that makes me a little suspicious of the timing and move:
- Townsend has never stepped in, three games in to a season to demand a player moves along the M8 in either direction. That is a conversation that could have happened at any point since May.
- The timing of it is odd, three games into a season and they decide to move the senior 9, and currently Scotland's starting 9.
- Price is a near 70cap international Lion. Players like that don't get moved between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Bennett, Berghan etc all moved at the end of the season.
- It is contract renewal discussion time, Price is out of contract at the end of the season so there may (or may not) have been contract talks ongoing.
- Price effectively left through the side door. This is a player who has been involved with Glasgow in some capacity since being a EDP player 11 seasons ago and it has all ended suddenly with the bare minimum of fuss.

And when I say falling out it is probably too strong, it is more I don't believe the narrative, and the move has been driven more by the Price/Glasgow end than Townsend and the "national interest" stuff that was said. It hasn't been an issue for years and one more year wouldn't have made that big a difference given White is starting games in France and there would be two SQ 9's playing every week for Glasgow.

[tabascoboy]

Time for a rant!

The Rugby Europe U20 championships are currently taking place in Prague. It serves as the European qualifier for the World U20 Trophy, the second tier championship from which countries can promote up to the U20 World Champs.

It features seven national teams and one French regional team. You might wonder why. As I understand it, it is because the 8th national team declined the invitation.

That 8th team wasn't Georgia, who are in the U20 World Champs on merit. It isn't Spain, who won the Trophy this year and promoted up to the Championship, so no need to play qualifiers for either of those two teams. That leaves the other European country in this year's Trophy who failed to promote up and therefore need to qualify for next time...Scotland.

I'm hearing Scotland will most likely organise the Trophy next time, despite having no current right to participate in it, to ensure they do not need to qualify first and engage with Rugby Europe in any way. If this is all true, it stinks to high heaven and is exactly the sort of entitled Tier 1 bullshit which is killing rugby in the same way it killed cricket.

Boo Scotland. Bastards. Get your age grade rugby house in order. In the meantime, pay your dues and show you're better than Portugal and the Dutch.

Netherlands qualified by beating Belgium

[Simian]

I still think it's a falling out between Price and Glasgow.

I wouldn't rule anything out, ofc, but I'd be interested to know why you think that.

It is just my thoughts but there is a combination of things that makes me a little suspicious of the timing and move:
- Townsend has never stepped in, three games in to a season to demand a player moves along the M8 in either direction. That is a conversation that could have happened at any point since May.
- The timing of it is odd, three games into a season and they decide to move the senior 9, and currently Scotland's starting 9.
- Price is a near 70cap international Lion. Players like that don't get moved between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Bennett, Berghan etc all moved at the end of the season.
- It is contract renewal discussion time, Price is out of contract at the end of the season so there may (or may not) have been contract talks ongoing.
- Price effectively left through the side door. This is a player who has been involved with Glasgow in some capacity since being a EDP player 11 seasons ago and it has all ended suddenly with the bare minimum of fuss.

And when I say falling out it is probably too strong, it is more I don't believe the narrative, and the move has been driven more by the Price/Glasgow end than Townsend and the "national interest" stuff that was said. It hasn't been an issue for years and one more year wouldn't have made that big a difference given White is starting games in France and there would be two SQ 9's playing every week for Glasgow.

Ah! Got you now. Yeah, I definitely don’t buy the story as it was out across in the announcement either and agree that all the points you’ve highlighted are extremely ‘weird’ (to be kind!).

[Slick]

Kinghorn to Toulouse apparently being announced tomorrow.

Not convinced that’s good for anyone

[Tichtheid]

Kinghorn to Toulouse apparently being announced tomorrow.

Not convinced that’s good for anyone

That's very disappointing, but good luck to him. Boff isn't exactly a bad stand in, he wouldn't have made the mistakes that Blair did on Friday, but I'm not convinced he would have made the the same passes and game breaks Kinghorn did.

Where did you hear it?


edit, Midi Olympique have it, it's immediate and he's signed for another two seasons after this

[weegie01]

Kinghorn has admitted in the past he was sometimes too comfortable at Edinburgh. This might take him up a level.

He was one of the biggest earners in Scottish rugby, it would be interesting to know what he was offered.

[Slick]

Kinghorn has admitted in the past he was sometimes too comfortable at Edinburgh. This might take him up a level.

He was one of the biggest earners in Scottish rugby, it would be interesting to know what he was offered.

My worry is that he really needs that comfort. I hope he breaks free from his mental blocks and thrives. My worry is that he disappears a bit over there and becomes kind of out of sight out of mind.

We can’t afford to lose that kind of talent, whatever the flaws.

[Slick]

Kinghorn to Toulouse apparently being announced tomorrow.

Not convinced that’s good for anyone

That's very disappointing, but good luck to him. Boff isn't exactly a bad stand in, he wouldn't have made the mistakes that Blair did on Friday, but I'm not convinced he would have made the the same passes and game breaks Kinghorn did.

Where did you hear it?


edit, Midi Olympique have it, it's immediate and he's signed for another two seasons after this

Yes. I’ve become very comfortable with the flaws for what we get in exchange. Really quite sad to see him go, but all fingers crossed it works out for him, and us