The Official Scottish Rugby Thread

[Tichtheid]

Fin Richardson, 24yo tighthead prop, has signed for Exeter. You may remember his dad (Guy) who was Scotland team manager and also team manager for a lions tour. He was born and brought up in Edinburgh, and moved to Exeter to complete a law degree. Another tighthead prop out of nowhere would be well received. Fingers crossed he gets some gametime.

Fingers crossed indeed.

I knew his uncles, Charlie and Jeremy at Edin Accies, well, more Jeremy

[KingBlairhorn]

Fin Richardson, 24yo tighthead prop, has signed for Exeter. You may remember his dad (Guy) who was Scotland team manager and also team manager for a lions tour. He was born and brought up in Edinburgh, and moved to Exeter to complete a law degree. Another tighthead prop out of nowhere would be well received. Fingers crossed he gets some gametime.

Fingers crossed indeed.

I knew his uncles, Charlie and Jeremy at Edin Accies, well, more Jeremy

One of those two got a cap did they not?

[Slick]

Fin Richardson, 24yo tighthead prop, has signed for Exeter. You may remember his dad (Guy) who was Scotland team manager and also team manager for a lions tour. He was born and brought up in Edinburgh, and moved to Exeter to complete a law degree. Another tighthead prop out of nowhere would be well received. Fingers crossed he gets some gametime.

Fingers crossed indeed.

I knew his uncles, Charlie and Jeremy at Edin Accies, well, more Jeremy

One of those two got a cap did they not?

Ahh, I wondered if they were related. I still see Jeremy a bit, a really top guy.

[SaintK]

Fin Richardson, 24yo tighthead prop, has signed for Exeter. You may remember his dad (Guy) who was Scotland team manager and also team manager for a lions tour. He was born and brought up in Edinburgh, and moved to Exeter to complete a law degree. Another tighthead prop out of nowhere would be well received. Fingers crossed he gets some gametime.

He'll be behind Williams, Shickerling (both capped for England) and probably Johnson and Keast as well?

[KingBlairhorn]

Fin Richardson, 24yo tighthead prop, has signed for Exeter. You may remember his dad (Guy) who was Scotland team manager and also team manager for a lions tour. He was born and brought up in Edinburgh, and moved to Exeter to complete a law degree. Another tighthead prop out of nowhere would be well received. Fingers crossed he gets some gametime.

He'll be behind Williams, Shickerling (both capped for England) and probably Johnson and Keast as well?

He's a 24 yo prop earning his first pro contract - we aren't under any illusions he'll be starting European finals any time soon, but we are so thin on the ground at tighthead that if he gets 3 or 4 appearances a year he might well trouble the international selectors.

[Tichtheid]

Fin Richardson, 24yo tighthead prop, has signed for Exeter. You may remember his dad (Guy) who was Scotland team manager and also team manager for a lions tour. He was born and brought up in Edinburgh, and moved to Exeter to complete a law degree. Another tighthead prop out of nowhere would be well received. Fingers crossed he gets some gametime.

He'll be behind Williams, Shickerling (both capped for England) and probably Johnson and Keast as well?

He's a 24 yo prop earning his first pro contract - we aren't under any illusions he'll be starting European finals any time soon, but we are so thin on the ground at tighthead that if he gets 3 or 4 appearances a year he might well trouble the international selectors.

Or perhaps it will be enough to win a contract with Edinburgh, there will be a vacancy soon with WP turning 78 next season

It was Jeremy who won the full cap btw

[dpedin]

He'll be behind Williams, Shickerling (both capped for England) and probably Johnson and Keast as well?

He's a 24 yo prop earning his first pro contract - we aren't under any illusions he'll be starting European finals any time soon, but we are so thin on the ground at tighthead that if he gets 3 or 4 appearances a year he might well trouble the international selectors.

Or perhaps it will be enough to win a contract with Edinburgh, there will be a vacancy soon with WP turning 78 next season

It was Jeremy who won the full cap btw

His dad Guy was Tour Manager for Scotland and then the Lions. When with Scotland he got into trouble at a French game at Murrayfield when he caught a long clearance from Scotland on the touchline, depriving the French of a quick throw when Scotland were under pressure. Nearly a fight with the French FB and got spoken to by the ref.

[Big D]

Meanwhile a prop released by Glasgow has earned a Waratahs deal. Tom Lambert has a nice 2 year deal down there.

[Tichtheid]

Meanwhile a prop released by Glasgow has earned a Waratahs deal. Tom Lambert has a nice 2 year deal down there.

It's not exactly "one that got away" though, as TOL has it,

The 21-year-old, who was born in Sydney, came through the NSW pathways, played for Australian Schools, and was part of the Waratahs academy, before moving to Scotland in 2020. He qualified to wear the thistle through a daily connection and his performances during the 2020 under-20s Six Nations earned a place in the Warriors academy for the 2020-21 season.

I'm not sure what a daily connection is.

[Big D]

Meanwhile a prop released by Glasgow has earned a Waratahs deal. Tom Lambert has a nice 2 year deal down there.

It's not exactly "one that got away" though, as TOL has it,

The 21-year-old, who was born in Sydney, came through the NSW pathways, played for Australian Schools, and was part of the Waratahs academy, before moving to Scotland in 2020. He qualified to wear the thistle through a daily connection and his performances during the 2020 under-20s Six Nations earned a place in the Warriors academy for the 2020-21 season.

I'm not sure what a daily connection is.

Not a great look when you release a prop and he walks into a Super Rugby contract after 3 months though.

[Biffer]

Meanwhile a prop released by Glasgow has earned a Waratahs deal. Tom Lambert has a nice 2 year deal down there.

It's not exactly "one that got away" though, as TOL has it,

The 21-year-old, who was born in Sydney, came through the NSW pathways, played for Australian Schools, and was part of the Waratahs academy, before moving to Scotland in 2020. He qualified to wear the thistle through a daily connection and his performances during the 2020 under-20s Six Nations earned a place in the Warriors academy for the 2020-21 season.

I'm not sure what a daily connection is.

Think it's an autocorrect from family.

Might have been lined up before the release but couldn't announce it until now? Hopefully it develops him and he's leaving his options open wrt Scotland

[Biffer]

He'll be behind Williams, Shickerling (both capped for England) and probably Johnson and Keast as well?

He's a 24 yo prop earning his first pro contract - we aren't under any illusions he'll be starting European finals any time soon, but we are so thin on the ground at tighthead that if he gets 3 or 4 appearances a year he might well trouble the international selectors.

Or perhaps it will be enough to win a contract with Edinburgh, there will be a vacancy soon with WP turning 78 next season

It was Jeremy who won the full cap btw

How dare you! WP has another twenty years at the top of the game.

[Tichtheid]

Not a great look when you release a prop and he walks into a Super Rugby contract after 3 months though.

We never get the full story out here, but with Dell coming in to the Glasgow squad and Kebble, Bhatti and McBeth already there, it would be difficult to justify having five looseheads, in terms of cost alone.

Sometimes players get released too early, Cockers said he regretted having to make a decision on Weir before he really got a chance to work with him, likewise Blair said the same about Moyano.

[KingBlairhorn]

Not a great look when you release a prop and he walks into a Super Rugby contract after 3 months though.

We never get the full story out here, but with Dell coming in to the Glasgow squad and Kebble, Bhatti and McBeth already there, it would be difficult to justify having five looseheads, in terms of cost alone.

Sometimes players get released too early, Cockers said he regretted having to make a decision on Weir before he really got a chance to work with him, likewise Blair said the same about Moyano.

I don’t think he was released in the sense of the SRU/Glasgow not wanting him anymore. He was a year into a 2 year contract and when he left it was alongside a statement saying he had been ‘released to pursue an opportunity overseas”. My reading of it was he a) wanted to go back to Aus and likely b) wants to play for Aus and said as much to the SRU and c) already had the Tahs offer in hand. The SRU isn’t a prison and if a player wants to leave for whatever reason, if the SRU can facilitate it and it suits the objectives they have then they should, especially if that player is not going to play for Scotland.

[KingBlairhorn]

I read some rumours, unclear if substantiated, last week regarding Wasps being in financial trouble and today it seems Worcester are in trouble. There are quite a few Scotland internationals across those two including Suz, VdM, Murray McCallum and Bomber Hislop.

[Slick]

Good news lads, the future is bright.

There is a big group of islanders (South Sea, not Western) having a get together in Porty beach today. Just popped down in my lunch break and a load of the kids are playing touch - the skills

[Jock42]

For whoever was asking about TV rights Prem sports are showing all matches.

[KingBlairhorn]

Matt Taylor has left Rugby Australia. Would we take him back at Scotland if interested?

[Big D]

Matt Taylor has left Rugby Australia. Would we take him back at Scotland if interested?

No.
Hell no.
Fuck no.
Never ever ever.

Since the start of 2021, granted against mostly good opposition, they've shipped 25+ in 12 out of 19 games. His defensive systems are too complex and don't work at the top level.

[Tichtheid]

Matt Taylor has left Rugby Australia. Would we take him back at Scotland if interested?

No.
Hell no.
Fuck no.
Never ever ever.

So maybe, then?

[KingBlairhorn]

Matt Taylor has left Rugby Australia. Would we take him back at Scotland if interested?

No.
Hell no.
Fuck no.
Never ever ever.

Since the start of 2021, granted against mostly good opposition, they've shipped 25+ in 12 out of 19 games. His defensive systems are too complex and don't work at the top level.

[KingBlairhorn]

Will Hurd has signed a new Leicester deal. Scotland U20, 23, played half a dozen times (5 in the cup, 2 in the prem) last year. Another that if he makes an impact of any sort this year will most likely break into the Scotland squad. To be honest, I'm surprised we haven't capped him yet. It wouldn't surprise me to see him make his way up to Glasgow or Edinburgh in the next few years if he doesn't become a regular at Welford Road (which is probably unlikely given Cole, Heyes and Leatigaga who can play both sides are ahead of him).

[mos_eisely_]

So far 29 Scotland players have come out and completely distanced themselves from the statement put out by the RPS

[Tichtheid]

So far 29 Scotland players have come out and completely distanced themselves from the statement put out by the RPS

This is very messy and horrible for all concerned.

[Big D]

Matt Taylor has left Rugby Australia. Would we take him back at Scotland if interested?

No.
Hell no.
Fuck no.
Never ever ever.

Since the start of 2021, granted against mostly good opposition, they've shipped 25+ in 12 out of 19 games. His defensive systems are too complex and don't work at the top level.

Had to bite.

[Big D]

So far 29 Scotland players have come out and completely distanced themselves from the statement put out by the RPS

This is very messy and horrible for all concerned.

Piss poor journalism too. That clarification doesn't cut it.

[SaintK]

So far 29 Scotland players have come out and completely distanced themselves from the statement put out by the RPS

This is very messy and horrible for all concerned.

The whole thing is a PR disaster for the SRU

[KingBlairhorn]

So far 29 Scotland players have come out and completely distanced themselves from the statement put out by the RPS

This is very messy and horrible for all concerned.

Piss poor journalism too. That clarification doesn't cut it.

There have been, throughout this sordid affair, too many fingers pointed too quickly without any evidence proffered. How do you know this is poor journalism? I am not in any way a fan of TOL, in fact I think they are rabble rousers of the lowest order in most of what they do, but if a direct quote is given from a representative of the players then it is not poor journalism to print it. Further, just because a bunch of players came out to distance themselves from the article does not mean they didn't say the things attributed to them nor that they didn't hold the opinions (in fact, even the players themselves have not said this). It is possible that this guy gave a statement/interview off his own back without discussing with the players, but it is equally possible that one or more of the players authorised it. Where I would agree is that the whole article and the situation in which the players representative thought it appropriate to give an interview is distasteful.

Personally, I think there are likely to have been numerous people who in some small way let Siobhan down, and those same people likely in numerous ways did much to help Siobhan, including her teammates. This is the way of the world - we cannot know what is inside someone else's head nor can we foresee the future. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, as the saying goes, and it seems many are relying on it to form their opinions on a situation that none of us know the full facts of. My own opinion is that those stirring the pot, including Mark Palmer at the Times, The Offside Line, Cammy Black and Co of the Scottish Rugby Podcast and others need to step back and have a think. They are all implicitly pointing the finger of blame for a suicide at a number of people who likely do not deserve the accusation in the slightest, including Dr Rob, the team Managers and Physios, Bryan Eason, Siobhan's teammates and maybe even Dodson himself. If mistakes were made, these should be learned from. If people were culpable for the situation through negligence, redress should be made through the proper channels including the courts if necessary. Blaming people outright at this stage is however wrong, and may lead to further negative impacts on individuals who should not need to go through such a situation.

[I like neeps]

So far 29 Scotland players have come out and completely distanced themselves from the statement put out by the RPS

This is very messy and horrible for all concerned.

The whole thing is a PR disaster for the SRU

But the union should hopefully be separate for the SRU so how the f*ck does this happen?

[Biffer]

Anyone want to I en a book on whether Hearts do worse than Dundee United in Europe?

I reckon its about even money.

[Big D]

This is very messy and horrible for all concerned.

Piss poor journalism too. That clarification doesn't cut it.

There have been, throughout this sordid affair, too many fingers pointed too quickly without any evidence proffered. How do you know this is poor journalism? I am not in any way a fan of TOL, in fact I think they are rabble rousers of the lowest order in most of what they do, but if a direct quote is given from a representative of the players then it is not poor journalism to print it. Further, just because a bunch of players came out to distance themselves from the article does not mean they didn't say the things attributed to them nor that they didn't hold the opinions (in fact, even the players themselves have not said this). It is possible that this guy gave a statement/interview off his own back without discussing with the players, but it is equally possible that one or more of the players authorised it. Where I would agree is that the whole article and the situation in which the players representative thought it appropriate to give an interview is distasteful.

Personally, I think there are likely to have been numerous people who in some small way let Siobhan down, and those same people likely in numerous ways did much to help Siobhan, including her teammates. This is the way of the world - we cannot know what is inside someone else's head nor can we foresee the future. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, as the saying goes, and it seems many are relying on it to form their opinions on a situation that none of us know the full facts of. My own opinion is that those stirring the pot, including Mark Palmer at the Times, The Offside Line, Cammy Black and Co of the Scottish Rugby Podcast and others need to step back and have a think. They are all implicitly pointing the finger of blame for a suicide at a number of people who likely do not deserve the accusation in the slightest, including Dr Rob, the team Managers and Physios, Bryan Eason, Siobhan's teammates and maybe even Dodson himself. If mistakes were made, these should be learned from. If people were culpable for the situation through negligence, redress should be made through the proper channels including the courts if necessary. Blaming people outright at this stage is however wrong, and may lead to further negative impacts on individuals who should not need to go through such a situation.

Agree on finger pointing et however that Offside Line article as it stands as of 15.33 is a disgrace. There have been plenty of social media posts from the players including the captain disputing what has been said yet the article starts "The Scotland Womans Squad have insisted..." and then leaves a clarification until the very end. a clarification that casts doubt on the whole article. For such a sensitive topic, that clarification should at the very least be front and centre.

The players are still grieving the loss of a friend and anyone reading that article may not make it as far as the clarification .

[Big D]

This is very messy and horrible for all concerned.

The whole thing is a PR disaster for the SRU

But the union should hopefully be separate for the SRU so how the f*ck does this happen?

RPS and SRU were at loggerheads for a time. No idea on the current feelings between the 2.

[KingBlairhorn]

Was there not a rumour doing the rounds a few years ago that the SRU were considering buying Woos to function as a kind of 3rd pro team, but in the Prem? I wonder if that might be resurrected if they can take it on for pennies on the pound or free of debt post-administration? It would be a terribly risky play IMO but that doesn’t mean the SRU won’t be interested.

I wonder what view the RFU would have on it. On one hand, the SRU with their hands in the RFU sweetie jar will be poorly received. On the other, a club not going defunct is good.

[KingBlairhorn]

With the Worcester thing apparently looking very likely, the SRU has a big chance to take on some exceptional additional quality even if only for a year. I presume the English teams aren’t going to have room in their salary caps so it’s URC teams or France for all the players available.

The improvement in squad quality of Edinburgh securing Sutherland and VdM and Glasgow taking Fin Smith and possibly McCallum would be worth the expense IMO. Obviously the wages would have to be lower for Suz and VdM, but on one year deals it is probably doable. The chance to bring Smith into the SRU stable in particular is an opportunity unlikely to be repeated.

[I like neeps]

With the Worcester thing apparently looking very likely, the SRU has a big chance to take on some exceptional additional quality even if only for a year. I presume the English teams aren’t going to have room in their salary caps so it’s URC teams or France for all the players available.

The improvement in squad quality of Edinburgh securing Sutherland and VdM and Glasgow taking Fin Smith and possibly McCallum would be worth the expense IMO. Obviously the wages would have to be lower for Suz and VdM, but on one year deals it is probably doable. The chance to bring Smith into the SRU stable in particular is an opportunity unlikely to be repeated.

Smith is apparently off to Saints, as a Saints enthusiast I have to say watching him come in alongside Mitchell, Hutch, Dingwall, Freeman and company that's even more reason to watch them.

You'd have to think McCallum's race in Scotland is run. It's not like when he was at Edinburgh and Glasgow he was expensive. Also, now he's moved to LH both of them have 4. With 6 SQ and Courtney on a half deal who is sq but also rubbish. And because of that Sutherland won't have a spot either.

Give vdm a year at Glasgow. VdM, Smith, McKay is an exciting back three.

[Biffer]

With the Worcester thing apparently looking very likely, the SRU has a big chance to take on some exceptional additional quality even if only for a year. I presume the English teams aren’t going to have room in their salary caps so it’s URC teams or France for all the players available.

The improvement in squad quality of Edinburgh securing Sutherland and VdM and Glasgow taking Fin Smith and possibly McCallum would be worth the expense IMO. Obviously the wages would have to be lower for Suz and VdM, but on one year deals it is probably doable. The chance to bring Smith into the SRU stable in particular is an opportunity unlikely to be repeated.

Smith is apparently off to Saints, as a Saints enthusiast I have to say watching him come in alongside Mitchell, Hutch, Dingwall, Freeman and company that's even more reason to watch them.

You'd have to think McCallum's race in Scotland is run. It's not like when he was at Edinburgh and Glasgow he was expensive. Also, now he's moved to LH both of them have 4. With 6 SQ and Courtney on a half deal who is sq but also rubbish. And because of that Sutherland won't have a spot either.

Give vdm a year at Glasgow. VdM, Smith, McKay is an exciting back three.

VDM is the most likely to be high on French shopping lists.

[KingBlairhorn]

With the Worcester thing apparently looking very likely, the SRU has a big chance to take on some exceptional additional quality even if only for a year. I presume the English teams aren’t going to have room in their salary caps so it’s URC teams or France for all the players available.

The improvement in squad quality of Edinburgh securing Sutherland and VdM and Glasgow taking Fin Smith and possibly McCallum would be worth the expense IMO. Obviously the wages would have to be lower for Suz and VdM, but on one year deals it is probably doable. The chance to bring Smith into the SRU stable in particular is an opportunity unlikely to be repeated.

Smith is apparently off to Saints, as a Saints enthusiast I have to say watching him come in alongside Mitchell, Hutch, Dingwall, Freeman and company that's even more reason to watch them.

You'd have to think McCallum's race in Scotland is run. It's not like when he was at Edinburgh and Glasgow he was expensive. Also, now he's moved to LH both of them have 4. With 6 SQ and Courtney on a half deal who is sq but also rubbish. And because of that Sutherland won't have a spot either.

Give vdm a year at Glasgow. VdM, Smith, McKay is an exciting back three.

I’d be surprised if Smith goes to Saints. At best he’d be clear second choice behind Biggar, but Grayson is a decent player too. At Glasgow he’s be first pick IMO.

[KingBlairhorn]

With the Worcester thing apparently looking very likely, the SRU has a big chance to take on some exceptional additional quality even if only for a year. I presume the English teams aren’t going to have room in their salary caps so it’s URC teams or France for all the players available.

The improvement in squad quality of Edinburgh securing Sutherland and VdM and Glasgow taking Fin Smith and possibly McCallum would be worth the expense IMO. Obviously the wages would have to be lower for Suz and VdM, but on one year deals it is probably doable. The chance to bring Smith into the SRU stable in particular is an opportunity unlikely to be repeated.

Smith is apparently off to Saints, as a Saints enthusiast I have to say watching him come in alongside Mitchell, Hutch, Dingwall, Freeman and company that's even more reason to watch them.

You'd have to think McCallum's race in Scotland is run. It's not like when he was at Edinburgh and Glasgow he was expensive. Also, now he's moved to LH both of them have 4. With 6 SQ and Courtney on a half deal who is sq but also rubbish. And because of that Sutherland won't have a spot either.

Give vdm a year at Glasgow. VdM, Smith, McKay is an exciting back three.

VDM is the most likely to be high on French shopping lists.

Given his experience there before, VdM might not be so keen.

[Big D]

Was there not a rumour doing the rounds a few years ago that the SRU were considering buying Woos to function as a kind of 3rd pro team, but in the Prem? I wonder if that might be resurrected if they can take it on for pennies on the pound or free of debt post-administration? It would be a terribly risky play IMO but that doesn’t mean the SRU won’t be interested.

I wonder what view the RFU would have on it. On one hand, the SRU with their hands in the RFU sweetie jar will be poorly received. On the other, a club not going defunct is good.

Given the rules for EQ players and non EQ players I don't think it would be feasible. Rugby clubs aren't normally profitable.

[Big D]

With the Worcester thing apparently looking very likely, the SRU has a big chance to take on some exceptional additional quality even if only for a year. I presume the English teams aren’t going to have room in their salary caps so it’s URC teams or France for all the players available.

The improvement in squad quality of Edinburgh securing Sutherland and VdM and Glasgow taking Fin Smith and possibly McCallum would be worth the expense IMO. Obviously the wages would have to be lower for Suz and VdM, but on one year deals it is probably doable. The chance to bring Smith into the SRU stable in particular is an opportunity unlikely to be repeated.

Smith is apparently off to Saints, as a Saints enthusiast I have to say watching him come in alongside Mitchell, Hutch, Dingwall, Freeman and company that's even more reason to watch them.

You'd have to think McCallum's race in Scotland is run. It's not like when he was at Edinburgh and Glasgow he was expensive. Also, now he's moved to LH both of them have 4. With 6 SQ and Courtney on a half deal who is sq but also rubbish. And because of that Sutherland won't have a spot either.
Give vdm a year at Glasgow. VdM, Smith, McKay is an exciting back three.

It is a world cup year, the SRU aren't going to leave anyone who they might need at risk of having no contract or one in unfavourable locations IMO.