The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Yr Alban]

[quote=weegie01 post_id=330539 time=<a href="tel:1701988945">1701988945</a> user_id=125]
[quote=Slick post_id=330536 time=<a href="tel:1701985867">1701985867</a> user_id=264]
Please tell me a bit more about Scott

He came through Watson's behind my son. He was regarded as good player (Super 6 level probably his limit) but not one who would set any fires.

I have mentioned before that what marks him out has been that he has just kept on getting better. Not just better in itself, but better in relative terms to his peers so he has now surpassed players who would have been considered better when younger. Outside an Edinburgh shirt I have never seen him play, but he gets a really good press from his peers who have played with and against him.

It’s so hard to predict who will make the grade when players are so young. I recall that Finn Russell wasn’t a starter at U20 level, or not always anyway. He came on as a sub in the first game I went to at Parc Eirias.
[/quote]

On the subject of Parc Eirias, you up for the under 20’s in Feb ?

I’m in Cardiff the next day but was planning on heading down on the day.
[/quote]

Quite possibly! Will need to check the date.

[Biffer]

Who else thinks Arundel has realised hisistake and is removing himself from England contention for a crack at the 2027 World Cup with Scotland

[weegie01]

Who else thinks Arundel has realised hisistake and is removing himself from England contention for a crack at the 2027 World Cup with Scotland

What is his qualification?

[Biffer]

Who else thinks Arundel has realised hisistake and is removing himself from England contention for a crack at the 2027 World Cup with Scotland

What is his qualification?

Can't remember exactly but it's family - there was chatter about Townshend inviting him to tour with Scotland which hastened England's efforts to cap him.

[Tichtheid]

Who else thinks Arundel has realised hisistake and is removing himself from England contention for a crack at the 2027 World Cup with Scotland

What is his qualification?

Can't remember exactly but it's family - there was chatter about Townshend inviting him to tour with Scotland which hastened England's efforts to cap him.

I think there was a grand parent qualification for both Scotland and Wales as well as England.

It's utterly astonishing that England have let this happen, first to not pick him and then to not come up with a plan to keep him available

[SaintK]

What is his qualification?

Can't remember exactly but it's family - there was chatter about Townshend inviting him to tour with Scotland which hastened England's efforts to cap him.

I think there was a grand parent qualification for both Scotland and Wales as well as England.

It's utterly astonishing that England have let this happen, first to not pick him and then to not come up with a plan to keep him available

He wouldn't be available for any other tier 1 international team for 5 years.

[Yr Alban]

Can't remember exactly but it's family - there was chatter about Townshend inviting him to tour with Scotland which hastened England's efforts to cap him.

I think there was a grand parent qualification for both Scotland and Wales as well as England.

It's utterly astonishing that England have let this happen, first to not pick him and then to not come up with a plan to keep him available

He wouldn't be available for any other tier 1 international team for 5 years.

3 years, no? Jack Dempsey had to wait 3 to play for Scotland.

I’m still hoping we can get Fin Smith.

[Tichtheid]

I think there was a grand parent qualification for both Scotland and Wales as well as England.

It's utterly astonishing that England have let this happen, first to not pick him and then to not come up with a plan to keep him available

He wouldn't be available for any other tier 1 international team for 5 years.

3 years, no? Jack Dempsey had to wait 3 to play for Scotland.

I’m still hoping we can get Fin Smith.

There is a weird situation just now where a player moving to another country has to wait five years to qualify for their new team, but a player who is dual-qualified only has to step away from international rugby for three years after being capped initially.

[SaintK]

He wouldn't be available for any other tier 1 international team for 5 years.

3 years, no? Jack Dempsey had to wait 3 to play for Scotland.

I’m still hoping we can get Fin Smith.

There is a weird situation just now where a player moving to another country has to wait five years to qualify for their new team, but a player who is dual-qualified only has to step away from international rugby for three years after being capped initially.

Aaah
That's what I was getting at. Yr Alban is correct in Arundell's case then

[Jock42]

Lang staying for another 2 years but Mata looks to be leaving for a big payout. He's been a great servant for Embra and it'll be sad to see him go but a bit more cash freed up is the positive as well as Muncaster getting more game time. Any young 8s on the up?

[Tichtheid]

Lang staying for another 2 years but Mata looks to be leaving for a big payout. He's been a great servant for Embra and it'll be sad to see him go but a bit more cash freed up is the positive as well as Muncaster getting more game time. Any young 8s on the up?

Weegie will know better than me, but I think Liam McConnell is a 6/8 and he was preferred over Rudi Brown, he's still 19.

Everitt has already played Luke Crosbie at 8, which I maintain is his natural position - if you want a big ball carrier who can thump it up in the midfield, Crosbie is yer man. He's a very good lineout jumper and is very quick, so he can play out on the wing a la Kieran Reid if that's what is required.

No one has hands like Mata's, or very few backrowers anyway, so that's hardly a failing on Crosbie's part. Watson still has a big part to play and Muncaster will break into he side at some point, but I'd like to see Ritchie, Boyle and Crosbie play as a unit a good few times.

[Jock42]

Lang staying for another 2 years but Mata looks to be leaving for a big payout. He's been a great servant for Embra and it'll be sad to see him go but a bit more cash freed up is the positive as well as Muncaster getting more game time. Any young 8s on the up?

Weegie will know better than me, but I think Liam McConnell is a 6/8 and he was preferred over Rudi Brown, he's still 19.

Did Brown not leave?

I'd forgotten about McConnell but don't think I've seen much of him.

[Tichtheid]

Lang staying for another 2 years but Mata looks to be leaving for a big payout. He's been a great servant for Embra and it'll be sad to see him go but a bit more cash freed up is the positive as well as Muncaster getting more game time. Any young 8s on the up?

Weegie will know better than me, but I think Liam McConnell is a 6/8 and he was preferred over Rudi Brown, he's still 19.

Did Brown not leave?

I'd forgotten about McConnell but don't think I've seen much of him.

Yeah, iirc Brown wasn't offered an academy deal and McConnell was, I think that is right - I'm open to correction on this.

[Jock42]

Weegie will know better than me, but I think Liam McConnell is a 6/8 and he was preferred over Rudi Brown, he's still 19.

Did Brown not leave?

I'd forgotten about McConnell but don't think I've seen much of him.

Yeah, iirc Brown wasn't offered an academy deal and McConnell was, I think that is right - I'm open to correction on this.

Just reread your post, I thought you were saying both of them still there. Blame nightshift.

[dpedin]

Weegie will know better than me, but I think Liam McConnell is a 6/8 and he was preferred over Rudi Brown, he's still 19.

Did Brown not leave?

I'd forgotten about McConnell but don't think I've seen much of him.

Yeah, iirc Brown wasn't offered an academy deal and McConnell was, I think that is right - I'm open to correction on this.

Cant begrudge Big Bill a big payout for his last move. He has served Embra well, played lots of games and has been a star. I also think he has a lot of respect for Embra and the help we gave him to become a top class no8. I seem to remember that when he first arrived the club staff would take him out shopping to show him what food was good nutritionally and what wasn't, how to cook and generally helped him settle in a strange foreign land. We have looked after him medically and made sure his career was managed carefully. A big loss for Embra but there is always another youngster on the rank awaiting their chance.

[Big D]

Mata has been managed exactly how the Scottish sides should manage a NSQ player. Look after them, have their best years with you and shake hands and part ways at 31/32 when the player is after one last pay day.

[KingBlairhorn]

Weegie will know better than me, but I think Liam McConnell is a 6/8 and he was preferred over Rudi Brown, he's still 19.

Did Brown not leave?

I'd forgotten about McConnell but don't think I've seen much of him.

Yeah, iirc Brown wasn't offered an academy deal and McConnell was, I think that is right - I'm open to correction on this.

Yeah, I think you are right. Brown went of to ProD2 but I'm not sure he has played. It's not a league you really hear from I suppose.

I think McConnell will settle at 6. We seem to have a lot of players who look like they might make it at 8 who then end up playing lots of time at 6. I'm not sure why that is.

[Biffer]

Did Brown not leave?

I'd forgotten about McConnell but don't think I've seen much of him.

Yeah, iirc Brown wasn't offered an academy deal and McConnell was, I think that is right - I'm open to correction on this.

Yeah, I think you are right. Brown went of to ProD2 but I'm not sure he has played. It's not a league you really hear from I suppose.

I think McConnell will settle at 6. We seem to have a lot of players who look like they might make it at 8 who then end up playing lots of time at 6. I'm not sure why that is.

He went to Vannes but doesn't seem to be listed on their website. Vannes are top of the Pro D2. He might be spending a year in their academy squad?

[weegie01]

Weegie will know better than me, but I think Liam McConnell is a 6/8 and he was preferred over Rudi Brown, he's still 19.

I am touched by your confidence, but all I can say is my younger son, who is much more up on the youngsters than I, was surprised Brown was let go. It was not so much a choice between McConnel and Brown as there being no place for Brown to move up to.

The problem as so often is we have too many players good players chasing the same positions whilst lacking elsewhere.

[weegie01]

Glasgow team for Bayonne. The injury list is massive and helps explain some of the surprise selections.

1. Bhatti
2. Turner
3. Fagerson
4. Peterson
5. Samuel
6. Brown
7. Gordon
8. Miller

9. Horne
10. Thompson
11. Smith
12. Tuipolotu (c)
13. Jones
14. Rowe
15. McKay

16. Fraser
17. McBeth
18. Kebble
19. Gray
20. Williamson
21. Venter
22. Afshar
23. Jordan

[Dogbert]

Glasgow team for Bayonne. The injury list is massive and helps explain some of the surprise selections.

1. Bhatti
2. Turner
3. Fagerson
4. Peterson
5. Samuel
6. Brown
7. Gordon
8. Miller

9. Horne
10. Thompson
11. Smith
12. Tuipolotu (c)
13. Jones
14. Rowe
15. McKay

16. Fraser
17. McBeth
18. Kebble
19. Gray
20. Williamson
21. Venter
22. Afshar
23. Jordan

The second & back rows won't have seen much game time together, I suspect that Glasgow know that the cup is well beyond them this season.

Cummings / Darge / Big Sione are all not listed as being injured, so looks like they are all being rested before the 1872 games.

Saying that we always moan about young players not getting game time ....

Nice to see RT10 getting a start - hope he comes onto a good game. Jordon covering 10 &12 from the bench.

[Big D]

Cam Henderson done for the season. What rotten luck.

[Slick]

Not sure if it has been mentioned, but just listened to the BBC rugby pod with Tom English and new SRU Chairman John MacGuigan. Really excellent interview and he comes across very convincingly.

Feel quite positive after it!

[Jock42]

Not sure if it has been mentioned, but just listened to the BBC rugby pod with Tom English and new SRU Chairman John MacGuigan. Really excellent interview and he comes across very convincingly.

Feel quite positive after it!

Yeah he is definitely saying the right stuff.

[westport]

Dr. James to retire after the 6N

https://scottishrugby.org/dr-james-robs ... lGmrg8z_Us

[westport]

Edinburgh Rugby team to face Castres Olympique at Hive Stadium in the EPCR Challenge Cup
Saturday 16 December (kick-off 1pm) – live on Viaplay

15. Harry Paterson (6)

14. Wes Goosen (18)
13. Matt Currie (24)
12. James Lang (43)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (80)

10. Ben Healy (7)
9. Ali Price (3)

1. Pierre Schoeman (103)
2. Ewan Ashman (7)
3. Javan Sebastian (7)
4. Glen Young (30)
5. Grant Gilchrist (193) CAPTAIN
6. Jamie Ritchie (101)
7. Hamish Watson (144)
8. Viliame Mata (122)

Replacements

16. Dave Cherry (77)
17. Robin Hislop (23)
18. D’Arcy Rae*
19. Marshall Sykes (49)
20. Luke Crosbie (89)
21. Ben Vellacott (45)
22. Mark Bennett (94)
23. Darcy Graham (60)

Unavailable: Emiliano Boffelli (toe), Luan de Bruin (back), Jake Henry (knee), Jamie Hodgson (ankle), Cam Neild (knee), WP Nel (groin), Sam Skinner (knee), Scott Steele (hip), Tim Swiel (concussion).

*Edinburgh Rugby debut

[Jock42]

Handy looking side. First time at the Hive tomorrow and dragging a few non-rugby folk along, looking forward to it.

[Big D]

Dr. James to retire after the 6N

https://scottishrugby.org/dr-james-robs ... lGmrg8z_Us

Legend

[westport]

Edinburgh Rugby ‘A’ side to face Doncaster Knight at Castle Park
Friday 15 December, kick-off 7.30pm

15. Nathan Sweeney

14. Lewis Wells
13. Matt Davidson
12. Chris Dean
11. Jordan Edmunds

10. Cammy Scott
9. Charlie Shiel

1. Boan Venter
2. Patrick Harrison
3. Angus Williams
4. Ronan Seydak
5. Jamie Campbell
6. Connor Boyle
7. Tom Dodd
8. Ben Muncaster

Replacements

16. Jerry Blyth-Lafferty
17. Mikey Jones
18. Craig Miller
19. James Pow
20. Karl Main
21. Finn Burgess
22. Liam Richman
23. Marcus Holden
24. Craig Davidson (wearing 1.)

[Tichtheid]

Two decent looking sides from Edinburgh

Karl Main on the pine for the A side, he played well for ‘Sonians when I watched them.

“I kent his faither”, literally, he was a couple of years below me at the school

[Slick]

Dr. James to retire after the 6N

https://scottishrugby.org/dr-james-robs ... lGmrg8z_Us

Legend

It's funny, the reaction I've seen from most journos on social media has been quite subdued about this. Wonder if that has anything to do with the Siobhan Cattigan stuff

[Big D]

Dr. James to retire after the 6N

https://scottishrugby.org/dr-james-robs ... lGmrg8z_Us

Legend

It's funny, the reaction I've seen from most journos on social media has been quite subdued about this. Wonder if that has anything to do with the Siobhan Cattigan stuff

No idea but given his involvement in different head trauma related initiatives would need to hear rumours of what his role was before even considering changing my view of his contribution to rugby. Peter Robinson, who help drive the "if in doubt sit them out" campaign after his son died specifically tweeted thanks to him.

He must have seen his fair share of injuries and mental anguish (Doddie and Howley in 97 for example).Thom Evans may not have been walking today if not for Dr Robson (and others) reacting quickly.

[Slick]

Legend

It's funny, the reaction I've seen from most journos on social media has been quite subdued about this. Wonder if that has anything to do with the Siobhan Cattigan stuff

No idea but given his involvement in different head trauma related incidents I would need to hear rumours of what his role was before even considering changing my view of his contribution to rugby. Peter Robinson, who help drive the "if in doubt sit them out" campaign after his son died specifically tweeted thanks to him.

He must have seen his fair share of injuries and mental anguish (Doddie and Howley in 97 for example).Thom Evans may not have been walking today if not for Dr Robson (and others) reacting quickly.

Oh I 100% agree, but there is definitely a group who think he has some culpability for what happened for Cattigan and it's interesting to see that some journos don't seem to want to put their head above on it.

Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but a couple of years ago he was a national treasure for everyone.

[Jock42]

Legend

It's funny, the reaction I've seen from most journos on social media has been quite subdued about this. Wonder if that has anything to do with the Siobhan Cattigan stuff

No idea but given his involvement in different head trauma related initiatives would need to hear rumours of what his role was before even considering changing my view of his contribution to rugby. Peter Robinson, who help drive the "if in doubt sit them out" campaign after his son died specifically tweeted thanks to him.

He must have seen his fair share of injuries and mental anguish (Doddie and Howley in 97 for example).Thom Evans may not have been walking today if not for Dr Robson (and others) reacting quickly.

Agreed. All the best to him.

[Big D]

Jonny Gray apparently off to Bordeaux next season.

[Dogbert]

Jonny Gray apparently off to Bordeaux next season.

Shame - would have like to have seen him back at Glasgow =- but as all money have been spunked on the perennial under performers on the east coast , I guess its not to be.

Anyway good win tonight over a French Team at home , even Munster at home couldn't this lot away.

Really should not have been as close as it was , Fraser had a mare with his throwing in the 2nd half.

The highlight was Miller out sprinting the French winger, for his try - the new rRchie Vernon ?? the low light was probably the injury to Ollie Smith. looked nasty - won't see him in the 1872 games.

Horne makes such a difference to Glasgow when is playing. RT had a decent game , kicked well

The referee was fantastic tonight - pretty much got everything right

[Tichtheid]

Jonny Gray apparently off to Bordeaux next season.

Shame - would have like to have seen him back at Glasgow =- but as all money have been spunked on the perennial under performers on the east coast , I guess its not to be.

The Edinburgh players get champagne after each game and it's charged to the Glasgow account.

The highlight was Miller out sprinting the French winger, for his try

Another Edinburgh export along the M8, you're welcome

[Tichtheid]

In other news, Embra A beat Doncaster Knights away, 24- 29

[Dogbert]

Jonny Gray apparently off to Bordeaux next season.

Shame - would have like to have seen him back at Glasgow =- but as all money have been spunked on the perennial under performers on the east coast , I guess its not to be.

The Edinburgh players get champagne after each game and it's charged to the Glasgow account.

I always thought Champagne was reserved for Teams that win things

The highlight was Miller out sprinting the French winger, for his try

Another Edinburgh export along the M8, you're welcome

Discarded by Edinburgh , made into a decent player in Glasgow , as per usual

[Tichtheid]

I always thought Champagne was reserved for Teams that win things

That's what makes it taste all the sweeter, Edinburgh players don't have to earn it, they get it by right of being Edinburgh players, they don't actually have to do anything and Dodson sends whatever Glasgow players he deems necessary to go and buy it out of their own wages

Discarded by Edinburgh , made into a decent player in Glasgow , as per usual

That's hilarious

He played a lot more for Edinburgh than he has done at Glasgow, despite a much stronger back row pool at Edinburgh. He was Edinburgh's form back row player in the season before he was moved along the road to Glasgow.

Watson, Ritchie, Mata, Barclay, Crosbie, Bradbury, Kunavula, Haining, Miller, Darge, Boyle plus others. The only one not developed at Edinburgh into the player they were in that group was Barclay. Darge hit the ground running at Glasgow and became a first choice pretty much immediately.