The Official English Rugby Thread

[JM2K6]

It's farcical to consider Ealing a club worthy of the Premiership right now. They have money and fuck-all else. They'd have to essentially buy a new squad, find a new ground, and they certainly can't buy any fans. An average attendance of 900 with a peak of under 2000, and a ground that fits 4,000 people. Woo, let's just ram them straight in there.

[sockwithaticket]

As long as Saracens spend a season out of the Prem I don't really give a shit whether that time was used pumping Championship teams or not.

14 team Prem seems too big (look how long the Top14 season is and how short their pre-season) unless not every team plays each other home and away. That said, there are basically 13 Prem standard teams in the country and relegation is bullshit, so a way of cutting that out is fine by me. Ealing as the 14th... not sold.

[Kawazaki]

It's ironic that the cost of fulfilling fixtures in empty stadiums for each Premiership club will mean losses that far exceed their share of the fine that they divied out from Saracens who can mothball and limit their own losses without having to play fixtures.

Funny old world innit.

[Double]

Eh, Ealing. Another London club. Spreading the game.

We could make it back down to 12 teams if we just forced a couple of them to combine. Let's have the Ealing Saracens, and get rid of one of the West country clubs (Bath would be the obvious candidate because I don't like them very much). Job done.

[Paddington Bear]

On a slightly different topic from that article - the idea that bailing out the Championship would be a good use of taxpayer money seems to me to be a little silly.

[Glaston]

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/ ... land-italy


Much of the fluffing of Youngs in the comments section is almost Daily Mail like.

[Margin__Walker]

Covid outbreak at Leicester.

Training ground shut and training suspended.

https://www.premiershiprugby.com/news/l ... -19-update

[JM2K6]

Should improve them.

[SaintK]

Good to see that Jamie Gibson has found himself a Premiership club
Still amazed Saints let him go!

Meanwhile Gloucester Rugby have confirmed the signing of flanker Jamie Gibson ahead of the 2020-21 season
Gibson, 30, joins the Cherry & Whites following a 5-year spell with Premiership counterparts, Northampton Saints.
The back-row forward will head to Kingsholm with over 180 Premiership appearance under his belt having come through the ranks at London Irish, and going on to represent Leicester Tigers before his move to Saints.
Cherry and Whites head coach George Skivington said: "Jamie is an experienced operator in Premiership rugby, and he adds another dynamic to our squad as we prepare for the new season.
"He’s impressed with his performances everywhere he’s played, so we are looking forward to seeing him make his mark in Cherry & White."

[Oxbow]

Good to see that Jamie Gibson has found himself a Premiership club
Still amazed Saints let him go!

Meanwhile Gloucester Rugby have confirmed the signing of flanker Jamie Gibson ahead of the 2020-21 season
Gibson, 30, joins the Cherry & Whites following a 5-year spell with Premiership counterparts, Northampton Saints.
The back-row forward will head to Kingsholm with over 180 Premiership appearance under his belt having come through the ranks at London Irish, and going on to represent Leicester Tigers before his move to Saints.
Cherry and Whites head coach George Skivington said: "Jamie is an experienced operator in Premiership rugby, and he adds another dynamic to our squad as we prepare for the new season.
"He’s impressed with his performances everywhere he’s played, so we are looking forward to seeing him make his mark in Cherry & White."

I think it was the financial impact of Covid more than anything. I would have liked to have seen him stay, he's been one of Saints most consistent performers over the years.

[SaintK]

Wigglesworth signs for Tigers

"Richard has unrivalled experienced in Premiership Rugby, has achieved multiple European success and played international rugby for more than a decade.
"What Richard will bring us on the pitch is only half of it, as his experience and knowledge will also add so much to our young squad at Leicester Tigers and what we are building here in this new chapter of our club's history."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/54847413

[Kawazaki]

Marcus Smith will leave Quins to join Lyon in the Top-14 is the latest rumour.

I guess at age 21 and with Eddie Jones picking a shite out-of-form Northampton fullback as his third 10 (or maybe it's Ben Earl?) instead of him, I'd be inclined to earn top money over there until the antipodean idiot leaves as well.

[fishfoodie]

Wigglesworth signs for Tigers

"Richard has unrivalled experienced in Premiership Rugby, has achieved multiple European success and played international rugby for more than a decade.
"What Richard will bring us on the pitch is only half of it, as his experience and knowledge will also add so much to our young squad at Leicester Tigers and what we are building here in this new chapter of our club's history."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/54847413

Is there some kind of RFU bylaw that you have to be 30+ before your eligble for selection as an England SH ?

[Kawazaki]

Willis and Lawrence both start against Georgia

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby ... orgia.html

[JM2K6]

Smith to Lyon is based on... really not much beyond Lyon looking for a 10 and Smith not being picked by England right now. He's contracted til 2022 so it'd be a bit of a surprise to say the least.

England squad's up:

15. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 43 caps)
14. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 51 caps)
13. Ollie Lawrence (Worcester Warriors, 1 cap)
12. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 30 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 57 caps)
10. Owen Farrell (c) (Saracens, 83 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 100 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 19 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 50 caps)
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 4 caps)
4. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 16 caps)
5. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 65 caps)
6. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 39 caps)
7. Jack Willis (Wasps, uncapped)
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 52 caps)

16. Tom Dunn, (Bath Rugby, 1 cap)
17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 60 caps)
18. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 36 caps)
19. Ben Earl (Bristol Bears, 4 caps)
20. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 24 caps)
21. Dan Robson (Wasps, 3 caps)
22. Max Malins (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
23. Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 3 caps)

Not sure Billy needed to be playing this game. Maro at 6 seems like a waste too. JJ on the wing, hmph.

[JM2K6]

Wigglesworth signs for Tigers

"Richard has unrivalled experienced in Premiership Rugby, has achieved multiple European success and played international rugby for more than a decade.
"What Richard will bring us on the pitch is only half of it, as his experience and knowledge will also add so much to our young squad at Leicester Tigers and what we are building here in this new chapter of our club's history."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/54847413

Is there some kind of RFU bylaw that you have to be 30+ before your eligble for selection as an England SH ?

I feel like people have forgotten that Wigglesworth was starting for England back in 2008

[Kawazaki]

Smith to Lyon is based on... really not much beyond Lyon looking for a 10 and Smith not being picked by England right now. He's contracted til 2022 so it'd be a bit of a surprise to say the least.

England squad's up:

15. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 43 caps)
14. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 51 caps)
13. Ollie Lawrence (Worcester Warriors, 1 cap)
12. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 30 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 57 caps)
10. Owen Farrell (c) (Saracens, 83 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 100 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 19 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 50 caps)
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 4 caps)
4. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 16 caps)
5. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 65 caps)
6. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 39 caps)
7. Jack Willis (Wasps, uncapped)
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 52 caps)

16. Tom Dunn, (Bath Rugby, 1 cap)
17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 60 caps)
18. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 36 caps)
19. Ben Earl (Bristol Bears, 4 caps)
20. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 24 caps)
21. Dan Robson (Wasps, 3 caps)
22. Max Malins (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
23. Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 3 caps)

Not sure Billy needed to be playing this game. Maro at 6 seems like a waste too. JJ on the wing, hmph.

A third of the starting XV are Saracens with just one player from Exeter in the entire squad.

Two Leicester players

[JM2K6]

It's a match against Georgia, not sure whether "they've picked loads of Saracens" is intended to be boasting or criticism

[Paddington Bear]

In two minds about starting Billy here. Clearly needs some game time but I see him getting injured and I'd quite like to see him run all over Wales and Ireland.

[JM2K6]

In two minds about starting Billy here. Clearly needs some game time but I see him getting injured and I'd quite like to see him run all over Wales and Ireland.

Does he need game time? Thought he was quite busy and effective against Italy.

[SaintK]

Smith to Lyon is based on... really not much beyond Lyon looking for a 10 and Smith not being picked by England right now. He's contracted til 2022 so it'd be a bit of a surprise to say the least.

England squad's up:

15. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 43 caps)
14. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 51 caps)
13. Ollie Lawrence (Worcester Warriors, 1 cap)
12. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 30 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 57 caps)
10. Owen Farrell (c) (Saracens, 83 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 100 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 19 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 50 caps)
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 4 caps)
4. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 16 caps)
5. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 65 caps)
6. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 39 caps)
7. Jack Willis (Wasps, uncapped)
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 52 caps)

16. Tom Dunn, (Bath Rugby, 1 cap)
17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 60 caps)
18. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 36 caps)
19. Ben Earl (Bristol Bears, 4 caps)
20. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 24 caps)
21. Dan Robson (Wasps, 3 caps)
22. Max Malins (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
23. Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 3 caps)

Not sure Billy needed to be playing this game. Maro at 6 seems like a waste too. JJ on the wing, hmph.

A third of the starting XV are Saracens with just one player from Exeter in the entire squad.

Two Leicester players

I have no problem with Genge starting, but Youngs again!!!!

[Kawazaki]

It's a match against Georgia, not sure whether "they've picked loads of Saracens" is intended to be boasting or criticism

Not everything in life is a dichotomy.

[Kawazaki]

[sockwithaticket]

15. Elliot Daly (Saracens, 43 caps)
14. Jonathan Joseph (Bath Rugby, 51 caps)
13. Ollie Lawrence (Worcester Warriors, 1 cap)
12. Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs, 30 caps)
11. Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby, 57 caps)
10. Owen Farrell (c) (Saracens, 83 caps)
9. Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers, 100 caps)
1. Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers, 19 caps)
2. Jamie George (Saracens, 50 caps)
3. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby, 4 caps)
4. Charlie Ewels (Bath Rugby, 16 caps)
5. Joe Launchbury (Wasps, 65 caps)
6. Maro Itoje (Saracens, 39 caps)
7. Jack Willis (Wasps, uncapped)
8. Billy Vunipola (Saracens, 52 caps)

16. Tom Dunn, (Bath Rugby, 1 cap)
17. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, 60 caps)
18. Kyle Sinckler (Bristol Bears, 36 caps)
19. Ben Earl (Bristol Bears, 4 caps)
20. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks, 24 caps)
21. Dan Robson (Wasps, 3 caps)
22. Max Malins (Bristol Bears, uncapped)
23. Joe Marchant (Harlequins, 3 caps)

[/quote]

I get the feeling Lawrence and Slade are the wrong way round (even though they're both 13s). Joseph on the wing is completely bizarre. Itoje at 6 given our back row depth is a close second for weirdest choice. Really don't see why he couldn't have been benched or even given the week off against Georgia of all teams (assuming it's a necessity to give Launch and Ewels some England minutes) with Willis occupying the 6 shirt and Earl in at 7.


As this one's at home is there any danger we'll actually try and play some rugby against a Tier 2 team we should be expecting to hammer rather than kicking the ever-loving shit out of it? Robson was on the field for 7 minutes last game and he made one more pass than Farrell did over the 80 when I checked ESPN

[Rhubarb & Custard]

Looking at that there's some good and some weird in there. To add something else I hope George isn't going to go another 75+ minutes

[Hal Jordan]

Slade at 12 to take pressure off someone. Itoje and JJ a waste of a cap at 6 and wing. I don't doubt that Itoje will have a good game and people will rave, forgetting it's fucking Georgia. Youngs is safe for another nine games so he'll be shit. Furbank did OK against Italy, if Jones sees him as a viable option at 15, even if only as backup, surely this is a game for him? Would like to see Dunn get a minimum of 30 minutes on the pitch.

[Glaston]

Slade at 12 to take pressure off someone. Itoje and JJ a waste of a cap at 6 and wing. I don't doubt that Itoje will have a good game and people will rave, forgetting it's fucking Georgia. Youngs is safe for another nine games so he'll be shit. Furbank did OK against Italy, if Jones sees him as a viable option at 15, even if only as backup, surely this is a game for him? Would like to see Dunn get a minimum of 30 minutes on the pitch.

Robson needs to come on at half time.

[tc27]

What's to be gained from Itoje at 6?

We are not short of quality second and backrows...why the need to meddle?

[Woddy]

Slade at 12 to take pressure off someone. Itoje and JJ a waste of a cap at 6 and wing. I don't doubt that Itoje will have a good game and people will rave, forgetting it's fucking Georgia. Youngs is safe for another nine games so he'll be shit. Furbank did OK against Italy, if Jones sees him as a viable option at 15, even if only as backup, surely this is a game for him? Would like to see Dunn get a minimum of 30 minutes on the pitch.

Robson needs to come on at half time.

What absolute bollocks. That's 35 minutes too late.

Why are we experimenting with the two positions we have best depth in at present (wing and flanker)? I'd prefer to see Earls starting at 12 as "blue-sky" thinking. The three-lock strategy is unnecessary: we have enough heft in our forwards already, even considering proper backrowers.

And I agree with your comments on Furbank, even as a massive Daly fan.

[Kawazaki]

What's to be gained from Itoje at 6?

We are not short of quality second and backrows...why the need to meddle?

We're not that short of quality scrumhalves either but he still selects a poor player from the worst team in the league.

Over 20% of the match squad are outside centres FFS.

[Rhubarb & Custard]

What's to be gained from Itoje at 6?

We are not short of quality second and backrows...why the need to meddle?

We're not that short of quality scrumhalves either but he still selects a poor player from the worst team in the league.

Over 20% of the match squad are outside centres FFS.

The worst team in the league was relegated and whilst supplying many players didn't send any 9s, not even the ones they lost to Bath and Leicester

[Kawazaki]

What's to be gained from Itoje at 6?

We are not short of quality second and backrows...why the need to meddle?

We're not that short of quality scrumhalves either but he still selects a poor player from the worst team in the league.

Over 20% of the match squad are outside centres FFS.

The worst team in the league was relegated and whilst supplying many players didn't send any 9s, not even the ones they lost to Bath and Leicester

Maths as well as rugby are not your strong suit are they.

[Rhubarb & Custard]

We're not that short of quality scrumhalves either but he still selects a poor player from the worst team in the league.

Over 20% of the match squad are outside centres FFS.

The worst team in the league was relegated and whilst supplying many players didn't send any 9s, not even the ones they lost to Bath and Leicester

Maths as well as rugby are not your strong suit are they.

Always amusing when some takes a lofty tone and immediately drops the ball combining such as are and suit.

Sarries claiming they weren't the worst side is akin to someone banned for speeding saying they're actually a much better driver than those without points on their licence, maybe they have a technical point but by dint of their cheating the rules they don't get to make it for some time. Come back and prove it after the ban and try not to cheat again.

Though I will concede I was never a very good rugby player, and I'd hazard a guess I'm worse now than over a decade ago.

[JM2K6]

Tbh even if they didn't get deducated points they were still just a mid-table team, outside of the top 4.

[Glaston]

Tbh even if they didn't get deducated points they were still just a mid-table team, outside of the top 4.

They were equal on points with Bath from games won/bonus points

13 wins 1 draw 13 bonus points, Plus better points difference than both Bath and Bristol.
Had they not been caught cheating they would have likely been in the playoffs

[Raggs]

Tbh even if they didn't get deducated points they were still just a mid-table team, outside of the top 4.

They were equal on points with Bath from games won/bonus points

13 wins 1 draw 13 bonus points, Plus better points difference than both Bath and Bristol.
Had they not been caught cheating they would have likely been in the playoffs

No, they won 1 less game than Bath, Bristol had more league points. So 5th place.

[ASMO]

Yes but they also played second stringers for many of the games when they would likely have played more of their nirmal starters, it is comparing apples and pears

[sockwithaticket]

Yes but they also played second stringers for many of the games when they would likely have played more of their nirmal starters, it is comparing apples and pears

As did pretty much everyone else to be fair, especially following the restart.

[Tichtheid]

I'll shout Marcus Smith a ticket to Edinburgh, iirc the U20s aren't a capturing side anymore, so if England don't want him...

Seriously, I can't fathom why he isn't playing for England, especially in this kind of fixture. Of course Farrell and Ford are ahead of him, but you have plan for the day both of them take a knee and have the guy coming in adding to the side, rather than being a stop-gap

[ASMO]

So bets on England playing an expansive game or their usual kick and chase anti rugby dross?