The Rugby Thread

[lindosfan1]

Thanks to pharvey for running the 6 nations competition. The world cup is coming.

[pharvey]

Well, it was "open" to get the members up! Some invited from previous forums...... But from "Our Group", hats off to JJ Bones - lindos with the Yellow Cap also!!

Congrats to France on the Grand Slam, and let's look forward to the next tournament!
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HHF-6N-Final.jpg (98.84 KiB) Viewed 400 times

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[PeteC]

I cringed today Pharvey reading the BBC Rugby sports page. There are accusations flying everywhere about England, Wales and Scotland. Something is going to boil over. The RFU seems lost and delusional.

[PeteC]

RFU to target English successor to Eddie Jones

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/60888097 (Video/photos)

The next England head coach should be English, says Rugby Football Union chief executive Bill Sweeney.

Australian Eddie Jones has a contract to the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup but is under pressure after successive disappointing Six Nations campaigns.

Sweeney's focus on homegrown coaches would rule out former Wales coach Warren Gatland or ex-South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus as Jones' successor.

"The preference would be to have an English set-up," said Sweeney.

"We believe we've got such a wealth of English coaches in the game. As a leading rugby nation we should be developing English coaches and an English style of play."

The RFU is already exploring who might step up to the national team role and aims to have secured a new management team by summer 2023 to enable a smooth handover from Jones.

Sweeney says that the next head coach will not necessarily have previous international experience, opening the door for an approach for Rob Baxter, whose contract with Exeter expires in 2023.

Leicester's Steve Borthwick, who worked as forwards coach under Jones for four years, and Richard Cockerill, who fills the same role currently, are also contenders.

Jones was the first overseas appointment as England head coach. Since his arrival in early 2016, he has led the team to three Six Nations titles and a Rugby World Cup runners-up finish at Japan 2019.

Sweeney has defended the decision to stand by Jones, insisting England are heading in the right direction despite indifferent performances and poor results recently.

[dtaai-maai]

Just watched Sarries v Bristol in full. I don't want to say anything until I know everyone has watched it, but I'll be interested to hear opinions.

[lindosfan1]

pharvey did you watch any of these 6 nations matches over the weeekend or are they not worth watching.
Scotland 5 England 57
Ireland 19 Wales 27
France 39 Italy 6
Good wins for England and Wales

[dtaai-maai]

You left out the word "Women's". Does anyone care?

[lindosfan1]

You left out the word "Women's". Does anyone care?

That was deliberate, not discerning betwen the sexes, also with Wales winning may make a certain person happy.

[dtaai-maai]

It's nice to find someone who gets the same enjoyment of men's and women's rugby. I'm sure you're not alone.

[pharvey]

pharvey did you watch any of these 6 nations matches over the weeekend or are they not worth watching.
Scotland 5 England 57
Ireland 19 Wales 27
France 39 Italy 6
Good wins for England and Wales

To be honest, I've not watched a full match in quite some time - just tend to watch the highlights. The problem has been that in the past, England have had zero competition and Wales, Scotland and Italy have been generally cr@p - the Welsh win against Ireland was their first in the Women's 6N since 2019 .

That said, there's been a big effort it Wales to improve the Women's game - both professional and semi-professional contracts with the WRU now being awarded. Changes also being made in the coaching department, so there may just be a long awaited improvement!!

[lindosfan1]

pharvey did you watch any of these 6 nations matches over the weeekend or are they not worth watching.
Scotland 5 England 57
Ireland 19 Wales 27
France 39 Italy 6
Good wins for England and Wales

To be honest, I've not watched a full match in quite some time - just tend to watch the highlights. The problem has been that in the past, England have had zero competition and Wales, Scotland and Italy have been generally cr@p - the Welsh win against Ireland was their first in the Women's 6N since 2019 .

That said, there's been a big effort it Wales to improve the Women's game - both professional and semi-professional contracts with the WRU now being awarded. Changes also being made in the coaching department, so there may just be a long awaited improvement!!

I will be following this, Good to see other countries improving, they may even get to be as good as England
We will see how the next round goes, it wil be a good guide to form.

[lindosfan1]

pharvey, you will be happy womens 6 nations.
France 40 Ireland 5
Wales 24 Scotland 19
Wales are Level with France on 10 point, however France have a much better points difference.
England play Italy 3pm.

[dtaai-maai]

pharvey, you will be happy womens 6 nations.
France 40 Ireland 5
Wales 24 Scotland 19
Wales are Level with France on 10 point, however France have a much better points difference.
England play Italy 3pm.

Dancing in the streets, Pietro? I doubt it.

In terms of the competition, England are streets ahead of everyone. They beat Italy 74-0 this afternoon, scoring 12 tries, and they beat Scotland (who Wales scraped a win against this afternoon) 57-5 last weekend.

But more importantly for me is the entertainment value. Women's rugby as a whole scores badly in that regard. Tennis, ditto. Cricket is the only women's sport I've watched and thought I wouldn't mind seeing some more. Maybe because it's less physical than the others.

Beach volleyball, however, give me the women any time!!!

[pharvey]

^ Unfortunately Wales Women's Rugby is still a way away from the standards of the English and French teams, but already we're seeing a big improvement on last season with the implementation of professional contracts and a new coaching setup.

Still some way to go, but at least things are moving in the right direction. It's good to see Welsh success at any level/sport quite frankly.

As for entertainment value, "extended highlights" are about my limit, but have to admit it does have it's moments!

As for Beach Volleyball...... You've got me there!!

[dtaai-maai]

Talking of entertainment value, I'm about to watch Exeter-Bath on the premiership website, should be good for a laugh!