Umaga

[RBB]

Perhaps it's time to bring him into the senior squad given the injuries and the clear promise he is showing. I am of the view that if you're good enough, you're old enough - look at Marcus Smith @ Quins. His versatility would be a bonus, and perhaps bring a game changing element when creativity has been lacking, which has been apparent many times this season thus far.

Carnegie are looking to retain him for the season now.

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/yorkshire-carnegie/yorkshire-carnegie-v-coventry-carnegie-hoping-to-bring-back-umaga-to-headingley-1-9494758

Thoughts?

[Vespula Vulgaris]

We're definitely stretched and another creative forward would be a bonus. But would it help his development to sit on a bench instead of playing for Carnegie?

It's a tough call.

[RBB]

Agree it is a tough one, however he provides more options and could be brought on in multiple scenarios. Searle for example can realistically only do one job.


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[Vespula Vulgaris]

I agree bringing him in is the best optioon for the team right now. But I suspect Dai is concerned it might not be the best option for the team long term. 

Personally I think Dai is a little conservative when it comes to selecting younger players.  But he's the one whose job is on the line if he messes up, so I can forgive him.

[RBB]

I suppose so


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[coddy]

That's right, with Umaga as a replacement we would only need one specialist on the bench with two utility backs which is useful. But saying that it's too early to give up on Searle so I'd like Jacob to see out the season with Carnegie helping them stay up and then come to us for full pre season training.

[NellyWellyWaspy]

Such a difficult choice for both Jacob and Dai. At Carnegie, he is guaranteed a start every game. Alone that will bring him on in leaps and bounds. At the Ricoh, that progression would be missing, and he would get far fewer games. If I were him, I would be wanting to back north and, at the same time, be asking for a senior squad contract with Wasps for next year. Best of both worlds. He gets experience and a main squad contract, he gets more experience and confidence, and Wasps get a better player for next year.

[wasps]

Does anyone know what position he has been playing for Carnegie?

Is he mostly sticking to full back?

While he was versatile at age grade, that doesn't immediately mean he'll be as versatile in the senior squad.

I think we need to view him as whatever position he's currently playing in, and if he can cover other positions, see it as a bonus.

Constantly moving him around while he's learning the pro game will do him no favours

[NellyWellyWaspy]

Does anyone know what position he has been playing for Carnegie?

Is he mostly sticking to full back?

While he was versatile at age grade, that doesn't immediately mean he'll be as versatile in the senior squad.

I think we need to view him as whatever position he's currently playing in, and if he can cover other positions, see it as a bonus.

Constantly moving him around while he's learning the pro game will do him no favours

Mostly full back, but he has also played 10 and 12. They don't really have a decent full back, no good place kicker. He has scored a LOT of points kicking, and I understand his kick success rate is very high. Maybe he picked up some training on that in NZ. He is an attacking FB, in the mold of Beale.

[Vespula Vulgaris]

Does anyone know what position he has been playing for Carnegie?

Is he mostly sticking to full back?

While he was versatile at age grade, that doesn't immediately mean he'll be as versatile in the senior squad.

I think we need to view him as whatever position he's currently playing in, and if he can cover other positions, see it as a bonus.

Constantly moving him around while he's learning the pro game will do him no favours

Mostly full back, but he has also played 10 and 12. They don't really have a decent full back, no good place kicker. He has scored a LOT of points kicking, and I understand his kick success rate is very high. Maybe he picked up some training on that in NZ. He is an attacking FB, in the mold of Beale.

If the rumours about Willie are true we're gonna need one of them...

[NellyWellyWaspy]

Does anyone know what position he has been playing for Carnegie?

Is he mostly sticking to full back?

While he was versatile at age grade, that doesn't immediately mean he'll be as versatile in the senior squad.

I think we need to view him as whatever position he's currently playing in, and if he can cover other positions, see it as a bonus.

Constantly moving him around while he's learning the pro game will do him no favours

Mostly full back, but he has also played 10 and 12. They don't really have a decent full back, no good place kicker. He has scored a LOT of points kicking, and I understand his kick success rate is very high. Maybe he picked up some training on that in NZ. He is an attacking FB, in the mold of Beale.

If the rumours about Willie are true we're gonna need one of them...

Which is why I think he should stay with them. In the Championship he will have to room to flourish and expand his game.

[Vespula Vulgaris]

Does anyone know what position he has been playing for Carnegie?

Is he mostly sticking to full back?

While he was versatile at age grade, that doesn't immediately mean he'll be as versatile in the senior squad.

I think we need to view him as whatever position he's currently playing in, and if he can cover other positions, see it as a bonus.

Constantly moving him around while he's learning the pro game will do him no favours

Mostly full back, but he has also played 10 and 12. They don't really have a decent full back, no good place kicker. He has scored a LOT of points kicking, and I understand his kick success rate is very high. Maybe he picked up some training on that in NZ. He is an attacking FB, in the mold of Beale.

If the rumours about Willie are true we're gonna need one of them...

Which is why I think he should stay with them. In the Championship he will have to room to flourish and expand his game.

Agreed we need a good 15 long term, not an average one right now.

[Raggs]

Rumour that Damien MacKenzie may be on the move to England after the world cup...

[Vespula Vulgaris]

Rumour that Damien MacKenzie may be on the move to England after the world cup...

Unless Lima leaves early I can't see us being in the running to sign him.

[Raggs]

Rumour that Damien MacKenzie may be on the move to England after the world cup...

Unless Lima leaves early I can't see us being in the running to sign him.

He's fairly handy at fullback...