Yep, Essex have quite a side these days!!
The Rugby Thread
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dtaai-maai
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
Rebuilding, a young side and they are going to be back at the top of the Premiership and possibly Europe in the not-too-distant-future methinks!!
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dtaai-maai
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Re: The Rugby Thread
ESSEX???????? 
The county just northeast of London?
Back in the day, of course, county rugby was quite a big deal, though you rarely hear about it these days. I had the grand total of one game for Sussex Colts in the early 70s.
Exeter, however, are rebuuilding nicely, as you say, Pietro. I was watching the Leicester-Sarries game yesterday but I'll catch up eventually.
I hear Farrell's off to sunnier climes!
The county just northeast of London? Back in the day, of course, county rugby was quite a big deal, though you rarely hear about it these days. I had the grand total of one game for Sussex Colts in the early 70s.
Exeter, however, are rebuuilding nicely, as you say, Pietro. I was watching the Leicester-Sarries game yesterday but I'll catch up eventually.
I hear Farrell's off to sunnier climes!
This is the way
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
I did the same, and recorded the Essex Exeter gamedtaai-maai wrote: ↑Sun Jan 07, 2024 4:25 pm Exeter, however, are rebuuilding nicely, as you say, Pietro. I was watching the Leicester-Sarries game yesterday but I'll catch up eventually.
I hear Farrell's off to sunnier climes!
..... Knowing the result after TNT Sports updating the scores throughout has rather stuffed things though!! 
Certainly looks like it - which would also mean Sarries' Salary Cap issues (again) could be helped with Itoje being the named Marquee Player and therefore no longer at risk of leaving? A move for Billy Vunipola to Japan (Suntory Sungoliath) is apparently also on the cards.
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
Well yet another waste of talent is seems.... 
IMHO He'll not be selected for England on a regular basis but will perhaps get boots on the pitch simply to tie him to the Lillywhites - Bothwick a bit more switched on than Gatland the WRU and Cardiff/Cardiff Uni. have been.... Nothing unusual there (with the exception of Gatland to a certain extent). Born in Cardiff to Nigerian parents and lived there until 18 - apparently "Historical Family Ties" qualify him for the Lillywhites... WTF?!
Of course the reasons for his decision are clear - disrupting his studies whilst also his club career. Why on earth would he consider leaving Exeter for a rapidly sinking ship that is Regional Rugby in Wales - he's certainly not guaranteed a place with a Welsh Region given the Salary Cap already in place and the fact that it will be reduced further next season. For a country with a realistically limited pool of international class players, we really are shooting ourselves in the foot - if awards were given in how not to do things in Rugby, the Unions and Associations in Wales top to bottom would clear the board!!
HOWEVER, the way I read things is that he's only "set to attend an England Six Nations alignment camp" - as not named in the squad, would still be eligible for Wales until he is. Should Exeter sign him on a long(er) term contract before then, then any disruption to his studies may become a moot point. Whether that would/could change his decision is an entirely different question.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso Turns Down Wales and Will Join England in Shock Decision
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... 932cb26d5e
IMHO He'll not be selected for England on a regular basis but will perhaps get boots on the pitch simply to tie him to the Lillywhites - Bothwick a bit more switched on than Gatland the WRU and Cardiff/Cardiff Uni. have been.... Nothing unusual there (with the exception of Gatland to a certain extent). Born in Cardiff to Nigerian parents and lived there until 18 - apparently "Historical Family Ties" qualify him for the Lillywhites... WTF?!
Of course the reasons for his decision are clear - disrupting his studies whilst also his club career. Why on earth would he consider leaving Exeter for a rapidly sinking ship that is Regional Rugby in Wales - he's certainly not guaranteed a place with a Welsh Region given the Salary Cap already in place and the fact that it will be reduced further next season. For a country with a realistically limited pool of international class players, we really are shooting ourselves in the foot - if awards were given in how not to do things in Rugby, the Unions and Associations in Wales top to bottom would clear the board!!
HOWEVER, the way I read things is that he's only "set to attend an England Six Nations alignment camp" - as not named in the squad, would still be eligible for Wales until he is. Should Exeter sign him on a long(er) term contract before then, then any disruption to his studies may become a moot point. Whether that would/could change his decision is an entirely different question.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso Turns Down Wales and Will Join England in Shock Decision
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rug ... 932cb26d5e
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
I was absolutely amazed at the condition of the pitch at the "Rec" (Bath Rugby) for today's match - not so impressed with Bath's play though!! 
[EDIT] I should point out, the "Rec" was 3-4 feet underwater a few days ago!!
You cannot take anything away from Gloucester though who really did take it to Bath. Once again some very questionable decisions both from the Ref and TMO/Assistants. Although the decisions weren't really favourable to one side or the other, these calls obviously make a huge difference in tight matches and whilst Gloucester are at the bottom end of the table, Champions Cup or Championship Cup qualification is at stake (not to mention the financial aspect)!! Gloucester have been involved in some tight matches of late and have had been on the wrong side of a few decisions in my book (very hard for a Bath supporter to say)!!
Russell "The Main Man" for Bath didn't earn his (vast) pay-check today. Of course players will have their off days, but why-oh-why-oh-why do Bath continue with him as the place-kicker? His record is very poor this season (missing several more today) - points which would have put Bath well clear much earlier on and I suspect with Gloucester going all out in attack could well have given Bath a better chance of the 4th Try and resulting Bonus Point. Captain and Scrumhalf Ben Spencer has a far better record - I'm seriously confused.
How did De Glanville get in? One of the few very decent plays by Russell though...
On to European Rugby next weekend and Bath will need to seriously improve before playing host to Racing 92. Any and all points needed, so hopefully Spencer will be setting up the Tee!!
[EDIT] I should point out, the "Rec" was 3-4 feet underwater a few days ago!!
You cannot take anything away from Gloucester though who really did take it to Bath. Once again some very questionable decisions both from the Ref and TMO/Assistants. Although the decisions weren't really favourable to one side or the other, these calls obviously make a huge difference in tight matches and whilst Gloucester are at the bottom end of the table, Champions Cup or Championship Cup qualification is at stake (not to mention the financial aspect)!! Gloucester have been involved in some tight matches of late and have had been on the wrong side of a few decisions in my book (very hard for a Bath supporter to say)!!
Russell "The Main Man" for Bath didn't earn his (vast) pay-check today. Of course players will have their off days, but why-oh-why-oh-why do Bath continue with him as the place-kicker? His record is very poor this season (missing several more today) - points which would have put Bath well clear much earlier on and I suspect with Gloucester going all out in attack could well have given Bath a better chance of the 4th Try and resulting Bonus Point. Captain and Scrumhalf Ben Spencer has a far better record - I'm seriously confused.
How did De Glanville get in? One of the few very decent plays by Russell though...
On to European Rugby next weekend and Bath will need to seriously improve before playing host to Racing 92. Any and all points needed, so hopefully Spencer will be setting up the Tee!!
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
Sad, sad news today with the passing of JPR Williams. A surgeon, a Junior Wimbledon Champion and truly one of the best players to grace a rugby field. Immense talent and hard as nails - RIP Sir.
JPR Williams: Wales and British and Irish Lions Legend Dies Aged 74
"The former London Welsh, Bridgend and Barbarians full-back was synonymous with Wales and the Lions' glories of the 1970s.
Williams captained Wales and Bridgend, winning 55 caps for his country.
During historic triumphant Lions tours to New Zealand in 1971 and 1974 in South Africa, Williams accumulated eight Test caps.
A statement from the Williams family said: "JPR died peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales surrounded by his loving wife and four children, after a short illness, bravely battling bacterial meningitis.
"The family request privacy at this difficult time."
Williams' passing was announced by Bridgend Ravens - formerly known as Bridgend - on social media.
"Bridgend Ravens are devastated to announce the passing of JPR Williams," they said.
"One of Bridgend's most decorated-players and an icon of world rugby, JPR served the club most recently as club president. Our thoughts are with JPR's family and friends at this sad time.""
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/67912287
JPR Williams: Wales and British and Irish Lions Legend Dies Aged 74
"The former London Welsh, Bridgend and Barbarians full-back was synonymous with Wales and the Lions' glories of the 1970s.
Williams captained Wales and Bridgend, winning 55 caps for his country.
During historic triumphant Lions tours to New Zealand in 1971 and 1974 in South Africa, Williams accumulated eight Test caps.
A statement from the Williams family said: "JPR died peacefully today at the University Hospital of Wales surrounded by his loving wife and four children, after a short illness, bravely battling bacterial meningitis.
"The family request privacy at this difficult time."
Williams' passing was announced by Bridgend Ravens - formerly known as Bridgend - on social media.
"Bridgend Ravens are devastated to announce the passing of JPR Williams," they said.
"One of Bridgend's most decorated-players and an icon of world rugby, JPR served the club most recently as club president. Our thoughts are with JPR's family and friends at this sad time.""
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/67912287
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
Re: The Rugby Thread
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
And so it begins then Pete!
Hoping to catch some matches at least!!
Looking forward to seeing how the "Fijian Drua" do, but the "Crusaders" must be the big favourites for the title I think. What are your thoughts?
Hoping to catch some matches at least!!
Looking forward to seeing how the "Fijian Drua" do, but the "Crusaders" must be the big favourites for the title I think. What are your thoughts?
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
Too much to say just now, but look at the matches coming up!!
https://www.wheresthematch.com/live-rugby-union-on-tv/
https://www.wheresthematch.com/live-rugby-union-on-tv/
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
Well, I thought I'd leave posting thoughts of the European Rugby until after the Welsh Squad announcement today..... WTF?!
Over the past week or so, several players have gone for the money - at the end of the day, they are top sportsmen and quite frankly well underpaid when you look at some in the Wendyball "game" (or "Kebab Loving Fat Boy Darts" and obnoxious snooker players) . Not to mention American sports. The Rugby Headlines will today be with LRZ "quitting" rugby for the glitz and glam of the NFL (not to mention the money). Very sad state of affairs, but who can blame him? He's 22, talented, good looking and "Glam" - I would imagine the NFL is full of young Americans who have been brought up with the game!! LRZ will be "Twatted" if he even truly plays the game or in any meaningful match - he's clueless as to American Football and the helmet and padding will kill his running ability IMO. This quite frankly is an insult to sport in general. If I'm wrong.... I'll eat something of my own (I shan't risk sniffing DM's Y-Fronts, it's too much of a risk).
The above only goes to highlight the dire straights that rugby is in in general. The situation is appalling in the UK - Clueless Unions, jobs & money for "The Boys"
And not put where it's needed - clubs are losing income purely because we (the supporters) are either losing interest or just pi$$ed off!!
I am a massive rugby fan and a very proud Welshman. I love my country, I just want to kick the living shite out of the tw@ts who are currently destroying things that I love!! Sadly, a multitude of the afore mentioned tw@ts are homegrown.
I joked with DM that I was going to move to France - better rugby, bigger crowds, better weather, decent food. He pointed out that they would not accept me, but I should look at a "Return Dinghy" - perhaps a good idea!
In all seriousness: -
Cardiff vs 'Quins - Huge match, full ground +/- 12,000. Poor result for Cardiff, but an exciting game none-the-less.
Bath vs Racing 92 - Massive game in rugby terms. Full ground +/- 14,000. Televised on BT Sports, Bath Top 4 in the "Saesneg League", Racing 92 in 1st of the "Top 14".
Ospreys vs Perpignan - A cracking win (after a dire 1st half) for the Ospreys in front of a 4,500 crowd (what's that in Wendyball Football terms?). WTF?!!!!
And then..... We have France: -
Bordeaux vs Saracens - Well, says it all. Bordeaux 2nd in the Top 14, vs Saracens defending English Champions The latter were absolutely destroyed (55-15) in front of +/- 33,000 fans (not a one-off like the 'Queens like to do at "Twickers"), but this is Bordeaux's home ground and week in, week out type of support!! Incredible atmosphere and cracking rugby - Sarries did their best, but I have to admit I loved seeing Farrell totally gobsmacked!! 
Welsh Rugby is lost at the moment - players are leaving, finances dwindling and the WRU picking pockets. The English are also losing players to France and Japan, but these guys are in the twilight of their careers. Wales are losing youngsters and the grab for money is not going to go away. I don't blame the players, but I do blame the Unions.
Money over country is a very sad thing ... I was never close to being good enough to play for my country (though was selected for East Wales as a youngster), it would be unforgivable to play for any side other than Wales. I wouldn't be allowed in the country if I played for England (despite my father being a Yorkshireman)!!
Once I fall off my Soapbox and spit out my dummy, I'll post some more - HELL THE 6 NATIONS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!
Over the past week or so, several players have gone for the money - at the end of the day, they are top sportsmen and quite frankly well underpaid when you look at some in the Wendyball "game" (or "Kebab Loving Fat Boy Darts" and obnoxious snooker players) . Not to mention American sports. The Rugby Headlines will today be with LRZ "quitting" rugby for the glitz and glam of the NFL (not to mention the money). Very sad state of affairs, but who can blame him? He's 22, talented, good looking and "Glam" - I would imagine the NFL is full of young Americans who have been brought up with the game!! LRZ will be "Twatted" if he even truly plays the game or in any meaningful match - he's clueless as to American Football and the helmet and padding will kill his running ability IMO. This quite frankly is an insult to sport in general. If I'm wrong.... I'll eat something of my own (I shan't risk sniffing DM's Y-Fronts, it's too much of a risk).
The above only goes to highlight the dire straights that rugby is in in general. The situation is appalling in the UK - Clueless Unions, jobs & money for "The Boys"
And not put where it's needed - clubs are losing income purely because we (the supporters) are either losing interest or just pi$$ed off!! I am a massive rugby fan and a very proud Welshman. I love my country, I just want to kick the living shite out of the tw@ts who are currently destroying things that I love!! Sadly, a multitude of the afore mentioned tw@ts are homegrown.
I joked with DM that I was going to move to France - better rugby, bigger crowds, better weather, decent food. He pointed out that they would not accept me, but I should look at a "Return Dinghy" - perhaps a good idea!
In all seriousness: -
Cardiff vs 'Quins - Huge match, full ground +/- 12,000. Poor result for Cardiff, but an exciting game none-the-less.
Bath vs Racing 92 - Massive game in rugby terms. Full ground +/- 14,000. Televised on BT Sports, Bath Top 4 in the "Saesneg League", Racing 92 in 1st of the "Top 14".
Ospreys vs Perpignan - A cracking win (after a dire 1st half) for the Ospreys in front of a 4,500 crowd (what's that in Wendyball Football terms?). WTF?!!!!
And then..... We have France: -
Bordeaux vs Saracens - Well, says it all. Bordeaux 2nd in the Top 14, vs Saracens defending English Champions
The latter were absolutely destroyed (55-15) in front of +/- 33,000 fans (not a one-off like the 'Queens like to do at "Twickers"), but this is Bordeaux's home ground and week in, week out type of support!! Incredible atmosphere and cracking rugby - Sarries did their best, but I have to admit I loved seeing Farrell totally gobsmacked!! Welsh Rugby is lost at the moment - players are leaving, finances dwindling and the WRU picking pockets. The English are also losing players to France and Japan, but these guys are in the twilight of their careers. Wales are losing youngsters and the grab for money is not going to go away. I don't blame the players, but I do blame the Unions.
Money over country is a very sad thing ... I was never close to being good enough to play for my country (though was selected for East Wales as a youngster), it would be unforgivable to play for any side other than Wales. I wouldn't be allowed in the country if I played for England (despite my father being a Yorkshireman)!!
Once I fall off my Soapbox and spit out my dummy, I'll post some more - HELL THE 6 NATIONS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!!
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
I shall try and put the frustrations of Welsh Rugby behind me, but I doubt matches involving the Regions this weekend will do much to help the cause 
That said, it's another weekend of European Rugby with some potential "crackers" on the cards!! Matches listed @https://www.wheresthematch.com/live-rugby-union-on-tv/
As a fan of Bath I'll obviously be keenly watching Toulouse vs Bath on Sunday, both sides have qualified for the next round having perfect 3 from 3 records, but have still put out very strong teams. "Alfie" - Bath's No. 8 has been banned after his sending off against Racing, which will hurt. The contest for me though is not at 10, but at 9 with Spencer vs Dupont....
Similarly, I'm a Scarlets fan (though will support all Welsh Regions against those "Foreigners"!) and as such am a tad fearful this weekend.... Racing 92 vs Cardiff could be pretty unpleasant for the latter - Racing at home, without a win so far will want to put things right. I fear Cardiff will be on the receiving end...
Tomorrow's match with Leicester vs Leinster could also be quite something. Leinster the "Perennial Victors" away to Leicester who have had some very mixed results - will the home side pull off a shock result?
Tonight though - it'll have to be Scarlets!!
That said, it's another weekend of European Rugby with some potential "crackers" on the cards!! Matches listed @https://www.wheresthematch.com/live-rugby-union-on-tv/
As a fan of Bath I'll obviously be keenly watching Toulouse vs Bath on Sunday, both sides have qualified for the next round having perfect 3 from 3 records, but have still put out very strong teams. "Alfie" - Bath's No. 8 has been banned after his sending off against Racing, which will hurt. The contest for me though is not at 10, but at 9 with Spencer vs Dupont....
Similarly, I'm a Scarlets fan (though will support all Welsh Regions against those "Foreigners"!) and as such am a tad fearful this weekend.... Racing 92 vs Cardiff could be pretty unpleasant for the latter - Racing at home, without a win so far will want to put things right. I fear Cardiff will be on the receiving end...
Tomorrow's match with Leicester vs Leinster could also be quite something. Leinster the "Perennial Victors" away to Leicester who have had some very mixed results - will the home side pull off a shock result?
Tonight though - it'll have to be Scarlets!!
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
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dtaai-maai
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
Could be a good one.... I have to be loyal and watch the Scarlets - damn the state we're in!!
[EDIT] The Bristol match of course being recorded - at least S4C unlike TNT/BT Sports don't give scores away!!
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.
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pharvey
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Re: The Rugby Thread
And it's a ref of the fairer sex..... Not allowed to shout B**ch in this household, I'm lost on what to shout at the TV.....
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things" - Yma o Hyd.