The Official English Rugby Thread

[JM2K6]

Nah, we've a crop of excellent young props, we just need a year or two more

[Ovals]

Both Curry boys are pretty decent carriers TBF.

Some serious momentum off the bench, which is nice. Slade stealing a living is less than ideal, 6-2 practically guaranteeing Marcus at 15, possibly fairly early on, is very daft.

Murley

Really would love to see Atkinson or Ojomoh brought in for 12 sooner rather than later, or Loz even if he's more of a 13 these days

Think Ojomoh could do with a little bit more club rugby first but he's really looking good.

He's played 64 times for Bath - should be enough !

[inactionman]

Both Curry boys are pretty decent carriers TBF.

Some serious momentum off the bench, which is nice. Slade stealing a living is less than ideal, 6-2 practically guaranteeing Marcus at 15, possibly fairly early on, is very daft.

Murley

Really would love to see Atkinson or Ojomoh brought in for 12 sooner rather than later, or Loz even if he's more of a 13 these days

Think Ojomoh could do with a little bit more club rugby first but he's really looking good.

He's played 64 times for Bath - should be enough !

He's getting a good protracted run in the side, aided in part by Redpath unfortunately not being able to shake injuries, but he's had a couple of injury interruptions himself.

[Slick]

Nah, we've a crop of excellent young props, we just need a year or two more

Fin Baxter amazes me. Apart from the fact he looks about 12 he just doesn't seem to have much of a prop build and skinny legs, but he doesn't seem to get moved too often

[Ovals]

Nah, we've a crop of excellent young props, we just need a year or two more

Fin Baxter amazes me. Apart from the fact he looks about 12 he just doesn't seem to have much of a prop build and skinny legs, but he doesn't seem to get moved too often

Didn't have a very impressive time scrummaging in the AIs.

[inactionman]

I've only skim-read, but interesting nonetheless.

Premiership Rugby has seen a significant rise in young fans with almost a million new supporters aged 18 to 34 versus 12 months ago.

According to YouGov Profiles, 14.3 million people in the UK hold an interest in Gallagher Premiership Rugby - this represents a sizeable increase of 13% since 2023 - and is the highest level of interest for the past five years.

Whilst increased levels of interest are seen in ALL age bands, the change is being driven by a rapidly accelerating level of interest from younger fans who now make up the second biggest audience cohort.

Research shows that 980,000 fans in the 18-34 range are engaging with Gallagher Premiership Rugby like never before and are fuelling impressive growth, with this age group growing +43% since 2021.

https://www.premiershiprugby.com/conten ... gby-growth

[Paddington Bear]

The Prem’s social media game, and that of the clubs, is definitely improved which I’m sure helps a lot

[Kawazaki]

The Prem’s social media game, and that of the clubs, is definitely improved which I’m sure helps a lot

You mean they've updated the league MySpace page?

[JM2K6]

Nah, we've a crop of excellent young props, we just need a year or two more

Fin Baxter amazes me. Apart from the fact he looks about 12 he just doesn't seem to have much of a prop build and skinny legs, but he doesn't seem to get moved too often

He's actually had a dip in form for a chunk of this season, and the Glasgow game was more like what we saw from him prior to that. I don't know if he's genuinely going to be a better option on the LH than his contemporaries, especially if Asher gets moved there from tighthead to accommodate Fasogbon, or Tariq Haffar has an injury free run. He does hit like a truck though, which is nice, and the more genuine options, the better

[Hal Jordan]

I don't know who is going to carry the ball up without getting smashed. England don't have any props.

Same midfield that we know doesn't work is tried again.

Steward as last man in defence. Should be a laugh.

This, you need two heavy bag carriers in the back row, yes, the Curries carry well, but they're not smash 'em down in full flight or get the ball moving again from a stalled move types, which you need.

Who jumps at the back?

[SaintK]

I don't know who is going to carry the ball up without getting smashed. England don't have any props.

Same midfield that we know doesn't work is tried again.

Steward as last man in defence. Should be a laugh.

This, you need two heavy bag carriers in the back row, yes, the Curries carry well, but they're not smash 'em down in full flight or get the ball moving again from a stalled move types, which you need.

Who jumps at the back?

Both Curry's jump at Sale if not regularly

[Paddington Bear]

The Prem’s social media game, and that of the clubs, is definitely improved which I’m sure helps a lot

You mean they've updated the league MySpace page?

As I settle into suburban life in my 30s, I very much draw the line at setting up a Tik Tok account

[Ovals]

I've only skim-read, but interesting nonetheless.

Premiership Rugby has seen a significant rise in young fans with almost a million new supporters aged 18 to 34 versus 12 months ago.

According to YouGov Profiles, 14.3 million people in the UK hold an interest in Gallagher Premiership Rugby - this represents a sizeable increase of 13% since 2023 - and is the highest level of interest for the past five years.

Whilst increased levels of interest are seen in ALL age bands, the change is being driven by a rapidly accelerating level of interest from younger fans who now make up the second biggest audience cohort.

Research shows that 980,000 fans in the 18-34 range are engaging with Gallagher Premiership Rugby like never before and are fuelling impressive growth, with this age group growing +43% since 2021.

https://www.premiershiprugby.com/conten ... gby-growth

Mmmm - that's about 100K per Premiership team in the 18-34 group - colour me skeptical

[Hal Jordan]

I don't know who is going to carry the ball up without getting smashed. England don't have any props.

Same midfield that we know doesn't work is tried again.

Steward as last man in defence. Should be a laugh.

This, you need two heavy bag carriers in the back row, yes, the Curries carry well, but they're not smash 'em down in full flight or get the ball moving again from a stalled move types, which you need.

Who jumps at the back?

Both Curry's jump at Sale if not regularly

Really need a proper tailgunner, we were spoiled with Easter then Robshaw then Lawes, all of whom were excellent at the back.

[JM2K6]

If only Ted Hill was any good at the lineout, eh? Eh? Oh.

[inactionman]

If only Ted Hill was any good at the lineout, eh? Eh? Oh.

They must be worried about moving him from his current invaluable role carting tackle bags and the drinks caddy.

I have no idea what he needs to do to get on the pitch. At least they've got Willis in the squad, so the number of glaring omissions is reducing a bit.

[inactionman]

Leicester Tigers are excited to announce a Performance Partnership with Japanese club, Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars.

One of twelve teams in Division 1 of Japan Rugby League One, the Dynaboars are coached by Glenn Delaney, who previously coached at Scarlets and London Irish, as well as Nottingham Rugby - another Performance Partnership club with Tigers.

Based in Sagamihara, Japan, the Dynaboars are owned by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.

The partnership will see the two clubs work together in sharing high performance expertise between coaches and staff at senior and academy levels in medical, strength and conditioning, analysis, recruitment and player welfare.

Both clubs will also work together off the field in commercial endeavours, including benchmarking and sharing best practice between the two organisations in commercial, community, marketing and operations functions.

The partnership will be overseen by Talent ID & Recruitment Manager James Wade, who oversees the existing Performance Partnership with Nottingham Rugby and the club’s relationship with rugby clubs and organisations in Leicestershire and beyond to help develop young players on and off the field.

Additionally, players from both clubs will be presented opportunities for loan periods at the alternative club to further their development and offer unrivalled life experience.

I think this is quite a canny move by Leicester. The Japanese teams have serious commercial backing, and it's a wonderful opportunity for academy and early career professionals to have a short stint out in Japan. Great life experience, if nothing else.

Lewis Chessum is heading out there for a spell.

Mind you, I remember one of the expat kiwis on the old bored (can't recall who?) telling us how the schools would make kids train on gravel. We could do without sharing that sort of method.


eta: link to article:
https://www.leicestertigers.com/news/250129-ca-pp

[sockwithaticket]

More Leicester news, Cheika's leaving at the end of the season. Didn't realise he was only on a one year deal. Wonder what led him/Tigers/both not to extend. Certainly you'd think that the last thing needed at Welford Rd is more coaching turnover.


Japan partnership is definitely interesting. Surprised Chessum's off. Obviously an exciting adventure for a young man, but I would've thought he'd be included in Tigers' first team by now. He always looked a cut above in the England U20s.

[fishfoodie]

More Leicester news, Cheika's leaving at the end of the season. Didn't realise he was only on a one year deal. Wonder what led him/Tigers/both not to extend. Certainly you'd think that the last thing needed at Welford Rd is more coaching turnover.


Japan partnership is definitely interesting. Surprised Chessum's off. Obviously an exciting adventure for a young man, but I would've thought he'd be included in Tigers' first team by now. He always looked a cut above in the England U20s.

They're just clearing the way for scabnose when he's fired .....

[Brazil]

More Leicester news, Cheika's leaving at the end of the season. Didn't realise he was only on a one year deal. Wonder what led him/Tigers/both not to extend. Certainly you'd think that the last thing needed at Welford Rd is more coaching turnover.


Japan partnership is definitely interesting. Surprised Chessum's off. Obviously an exciting adventure for a young man, but I would've thought he'd be included in Tigers' first team by now. He always looked a cut above in the England U20s.

His missus didn't want to come over and live in Leicester, which is fair enough, at least until you realise she's a woman who's volunteered to wake up next to Michael Cheika for the rest of her life.

[SaintK]

More Leicester news, Cheika's leaving at the end of the season. Didn't realise he was only on a one year deal. Wonder what led him/Tigers/both not to extend. Certainly you'd think that the last thing needed at Welford Rd is more coaching turnover.


Japan partnership is definitely interesting. Surprised Chessum's off. Obviously an exciting adventure for a young man, but I would've thought he'd be included in Tigers' first team by now. He always looked a cut above in the England U20s.

His missus didn't want to come over and live in Leicester, which is fair enough, at least until you realise she's a woman who's volunteered to wake up next to Michael Cheika for the rest of her life.

Rugby Pass reporting that Franco Smith is of high interest to Tigers as a replacement

[Kawazaki]

More Leicester news, Cheika's leaving at the end of the season. Didn't realise he was only on a one year deal. Wonder what led him/Tigers/both not to extend. Certainly you'd think that the last thing needed at Welford Rd is more coaching turnover.


Japan partnership is definitely interesting. Surprised Chessum's off. Obviously an exciting adventure for a young man, but I would've thought he'd be included in Tigers' first team by now. He always looked a cut above in the England U20s.

Leicester should ask the RFU if they can have Borthwick back. I'll even drive him there for them.

[SaintK]

More Leicester news, Cheika's leaving at the end of the season. Didn't realise he was only on a one year deal. Wonder what led him/Tigers/both not to extend. Certainly you'd think that the last thing needed at Welford Rd is more coaching turnover.


Japan partnership is definitely interesting. Surprised Chessum's off. Obviously an exciting adventure for a young man, but I would've thought he'd be included in Tigers' first team by now. He always looked a cut above in the England U20s.

Leicester should ask the RFU if they can have Borthwick back. I'll even drive him there for them.

.............and take Wigglesworth back with him

[Lobby]

More Leicester news, Cheika's leaving at the end of the season. Didn't realise he was only on a one year deal. Wonder what led him/Tigers/both not to extend. Certainly you'd think that the last thing needed at Welford Rd is more coaching turnover.


Japan partnership is definitely interesting. Surprised Chessum's off. Obviously an exciting adventure for a young man, but I would've thought he'd be included in Tigers' first team by now. He always looked a cut above in the England U20s.

Leicester should ask the RFU if they can have Borthwick back. I'll even drive him there for them.

.............and take Wigglesworth back with him

I think we can all agree that the optimum solution for all England rugby fans would be for Borthwick and Wiggy to return to Leicester. Gives England a chance to find some decent coaches and consigns Leicester to mid-table mediocrity. Win win all round.

[Hal Jordan]

Er, in fairness, Borthwick did win the Premiership as Leicester's coach.

[inactionman]

To no-one's great surprise, Lancaster has left Racing

Anyone else think he might do a useful job somewhere - but not head coach - within the England camp? He's got many very good qualities, although dealing with the whole Sam Burgess thing was sadly not one of them.

[Paddington Bear]

To no-one's great surprise, Lancaster has left Racing

Anyone else think he might do a useful job somewhere - but not head coach - within the England camp? He's got many very good qualities, although dealing with the whole Sam Burgess thing was sadly not one of them.

Him and Borthwick you’d imagine could work quite well together.

[sockwithaticket]

His own son notwithstanding, youth talent identification and development seems to be his forte. Get him back involved in the age groups and pathways in some capacity. Supposedly it was part of his remit while England head coach and it was working really well until Dean Ryan took a great steaming shite on the whole thing.

[Deepsouth]

No doubt the Saxens lead the way...
....

[Kawazaki]

To no-one's great surprise, Lancaster has left Racing

Anyone else think he might do a useful job somewhere - but not head coach - within the England camp? He's got many very good qualities, although dealing with the whole Sam Burgess thing was sadly not one of them.

Him and Borthwick you’d imagine could work quite well together.

The pair of them as a team could make the All Blacks look shit.

[Kawazaki]

His own son notwithstanding, youth talent identification and development seems to be his forte. Get him back involved in the age groups and pathways in some capacity. Supposedly it was part of his remit while England head coach and it was working really well until Dean Ryan took a great steaming shite on the whole thing.

What job were you doing 20 years ago? Would you take a pay-cut to do it again?

[sockwithaticket]

His own son notwithstanding, youth talent identification and development seems to be his forte. Get him back involved in the age groups and pathways in some capacity. Supposedly it was part of his remit while England head coach and it was working really well until Dean Ryan took a great steaming shite on the whole thing.

What job were you doing 20 years ago? Would you take a pay-cut to do it again?

A pay cut's a little bit of a different thing when you're still going to be in 6 figure territory. It's not quite going from median to near enough minimum wage.

Equally, there aren't that many head roles in rugby. If you start to rack up some failures or firings it becomes increasingly difficult to take one unless it's for a tier 2 nation like Canada or USA. I daresay a less, though still fairly, senior role at the RFU pays better than that. He might not be there yet, but if he takes the Munster or Leicester jobs and it doesn't work out, following the Andy Robinson or Kingsley Jones route starts to beckon.

[inactionman]

His own son notwithstanding, youth talent identification and development seems to be his forte. Get him back involved in the age groups and pathways in some capacity. Supposedly it was part of his remit while England head coach and it was working really well until Dean Ryan took a great steaming shite on the whole thing.

What job were you doing 20 years ago? Would you take a pay-cut to do it again?

A pay cut's a little bit of a different thing when you're still going to be in 6 figure territory. It's not quite going from median to near enough minimum wage.

Equally, there aren't that many head roles in rugby. If you start to rack up some failures or firings it becomes increasingly difficult to take one unless it's for a tier 2 nation like Canada or USA. I daresay a less, though still fairly, senior role at the RFU pays better than that. He might not be there yet, but if he takes the Munster or Leicester jobs and it doesn't work out, following the Andy Robinson or Kingsley Jones route starts to beckon.

It seems to be working for Lee Blackett, although he had the head coaching gig pulled from under him by Wasps going into administration.

Andy Robison is working as the Head Academy coach at Bath at the moment.

[sockwithaticket]

What job were you doing 20 years ago? Would you take a pay-cut to do it again?

A pay cut's a little bit of a different thing when you're still going to be in 6 figure territory. It's not quite going from median to near enough minimum wage.

Equally, there aren't that many head roles in rugby. If you start to rack up some failures or firings it becomes increasingly difficult to take one unless it's for a tier 2 nation like Canada or USA. I daresay a less, though still fairly, senior role at the RFU pays better than that. He might not be there yet, but if he takes the Munster or Leicester jobs and it doesn't work out, following the Andy Robinson or Kingsley Jones route starts to beckon.

It seems to be working for Lee Blackett, although he had the head coaching gig pulled from under him by Wasps going into administration.

Andy Robison is working as the Head Academy coach at Bath at the moment.

Gustard too. Assitant at Benetton and now defence with Stade. Another whose stint at the top was relatively fleeting.

That's where it's a bit different for Lancaster as he's been head man for a decade now at national, provincial and Top14 level. The hit to the ego of feeling like anything else would be regression possibly comes into play more.

Good for Robinson. I daresay that's probably a better position than head coach of Romania, which was his last gig iirc.

[Deepsouth]

Head coach of Romania...



No wonder you have 1 World Cup.

1.. ... lol...

[Kawazaki]

A pay cut's a little bit of a different thing when you're still going to be in 6 figure territory. It's not quite going from median to near enough minimum wage.

This is bizarre naivety even by your usual standards.

[sockwithaticket]

A pay cut's a little bit of a different thing when you're still going to be in 6 figure territory. It's not quite going from median to near enough minimum wage.

This is bizarre naivety even by your usual standards.

Even without considering the additional rugby context of this specific case where spaces at the top are particularly limited, you've never encountered someone who voluntarily took a pay cut by pursuing a role change? It happens plenty. People find their higher pay comes with additional levels of bullshit it doesn't adequately compensate, be that the nature of the work or sacrifice of work life balance. I've seen it when someone got promoted past a point where they felt comfortable and took a step back to a role where they knew they were capable. It's something some are prepared to do if they're on a comfortable amount of money, which Lancaster absolutely would be in a senior RFU position.

[sockwithaticket]

I was en route to and at a gig during the game. Is there any point in watching the match back? From what I've been reading it was a fairly typical mixed bag Borthwick's England performance.

[Oxbow]

I was en route to and at a gig during the game. Is there any point in watching the match back? From what I've been reading it was a fairly typical mixed bag Borthwick's England performance.

Probably not. Just watch the last 5 minutes and convince yourself England did alright.

[JM2K6]

I was en route to and at a gig during the game. Is there any point in watching the match back? From what I've been reading it was a fairly typical mixed bag Borthwick's England performance.

I think it is actually. The first half was probably more along the lines of what Borthwick is trying to achieve; there was a lot of smart play by England, a clear tactical direction, and a much improved defence. It was very promising.

Also worth watching the second half disaster so you can understand what's happening when this thread inevitably splits down club lines