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31
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Dai chopped!!
« on: February 11, 2020, 12:00:36 PM »
Not sure I agree with the title of this thread, but will certainly get fast clicks!
I see it as a shuffle in the management structure, not a chopping. Many other clubs have done this in recent years so it's not a surprise. The question is why now....
* Because a world class coach has become available?
* Because the pressure of relegation has been removed, we have an opportunity to make changes will less risk? (as Dan has said previously)
* Dai has some personal matter (health or otherwise) which means he need to manage his time/commitment more?
Given the 3rd reason is a real possibility, we should be mindful of our comments on the matter. Hope all is well with Dai and I for one am glad he remains within the club.
I see it as a shuffle in the management structure, not a chopping. Many other clubs have done this in recent years so it's not a surprise. The question is why now....
* Because a world class coach has become available?
* Because the pressure of relegation has been removed, we have an opportunity to make changes will less risk? (as Dan has said previously)
* Dai has some personal matter (health or otherwise) which means he need to manage his time/commitment more?
Given the 3rd reason is a real possibility, we should be mindful of our comments on the matter. Hope all is well with Dai and I for one am glad he remains within the club.
32
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rumours thread
« on: January 26, 2020, 10:55:31 PM »
I’m with you on this Berty. Who knows what players had what contract negotiations. To label the entire squad as cheats is a very sweeping statement. Some contracts will have been totally legit or some may have had loops holes utilised but the player totally unaware of the overall scale of it at the club and was trusting his employers were operating within the cap.
As Berry he said, we must remember this is their job and a short career at that. So with the above situations, very few few of us would turn down extra salary so we can’t expect players to too.
I’m not saying that none of the players knew what was going on and complicit in it all. But we can’t make a sweeping statement that they all were. For that reason, I do hope Dai is looking at players looking to depart Saracens. They’re getting relegated so it’s perfectly acceptable for them to look for the exit door.... Wilson to Sale, Goneva to Quins, Kibrige to Us!
I just hope there aren’t too many rumours that don’t pan out like last season
As Berry he said, we must remember this is their job and a short career at that. So with the above situations, very few few of us would turn down extra salary so we can’t expect players to too.
I’m not saying that none of the players knew what was going on and complicit in it all. But we can’t make a sweeping statement that they all were. For that reason, I do hope Dai is looking at players looking to depart Saracens. They’re getting relegated so it’s perfectly acceptable for them to look for the exit door.... Wilson to Sale, Goneva to Quins, Kibrige to Us!
I just hope there aren’t too many rumours that don’t pan out like last season
33
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rumours thread
« on: January 26, 2020, 09:43:20 PM »
Kind of feel Sarries players will be involved in the majority of transfer rumour stories given the situation. Would be interesting to see how it pans out.
I know some are totally against the idea of us signing one of them. I am still very much enraged at what Sarries have done and feel their punishment is fully justified. However, I wouldn’t close the door on the players for that reason. I hope that if we do sign one of them, then we as a fan base welcome them with open arms and allow them this fresh start and opportunity to give their all for wasps... with our second guessing the reasons for why they signed and all that.
I think Loz will always be linked by some to us due to his previous stint here. I think he would be a perfect fit but most reliable news outlets have him going to Bath.
Was Goode mentioned in the rugby paper then? Great player and one I would welcome
I know some are totally against the idea of us signing one of them. I am still very much enraged at what Sarries have done and feel their punishment is fully justified. However, I wouldn’t close the door on the players for that reason. I hope that if we do sign one of them, then we as a fan base welcome them with open arms and allow them this fresh start and opportunity to give their all for wasps... with our second guessing the reasons for why they signed and all that.
I think Loz will always be linked by some to us due to his previous stint here. I think he would be a perfect fit but most reliable news outlets have him going to Bath.
Was Goode mentioned in the rugby paper then? Great player and one I would welcome
34
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rumours thread
« on: January 24, 2020, 11:58:49 AM »
I'm not sure it will be an incoming coach, wrong time of year for that to be announced.... unless it's an unemployed one.
I'm guessing this is going to be the Blackett to Coventry announcement.
I'm guessing this is going to be the Blackett to Coventry announcement.
35
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rumours thread
« on: January 23, 2020, 04:55:12 PM »
I've stopped buying TRP for a few reasons, so not aware of Fissler's rumours in it. However, I do keep an eye on the other usual suspects for leaking stories. As Hymenoptera has mentioned above, there isn't actually that many stories circulating in general (perhaps the Sarries saga has diverted interest from it). It is only Jan, but normally Dec/Jan are when silly season starts on the rumour front.
For the record, my answers would be:
*Yes if the right sarries player was available and willing to come. Still would love Loz to come back as think he is the perfect long term replacement for Gops. Maitland is a great shout too
*I'd say no to Daly too
*I like to think we would be attractive to players but appreciate we're currently less so than other clubs, but depends on the position as we could offer regular game time to some
*I too don't mind us not being linked to everyone and anyone anymore. It just concerns me sometimes that we aren't, but perhaps it does make Dai's job a lot easier
For the record, my answers would be:
*Yes if the right sarries player was available and willing to come. Still would love Loz to come back as think he is the perfect long term replacement for Gops. Maitland is a great shout too
*I'd say no to Daly too
*I like to think we would be attractive to players but appreciate we're currently less so than other clubs, but depends on the position as we could offer regular game time to some
*I too don't mind us not being linked to everyone and anyone anymore. It just concerns me sometimes that we aren't, but perhaps it does make Dai's job a lot easier
36
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rumours thread
« on: January 23, 2020, 01:55:01 PM »
Read an interesting article over the weekend discussing likely departures from Sarries and the likely destinations of those players (N.B. only half the players had likely destinations).
Wasps weren't mentioned as a potential destination for any of the players (probably to the delight of some!). Baxter has hinted that Exeter may look at Saracens players if and when they come available, as I'm sure oth DORs will. So it got me thinking on a few things....
*Will we look to target Saracens players if they become available? Would we be an attractive destinations for them?
*Would we offer Daly a return?
*Do we have the ability to target 'Saracens calibre' players (referring to playing ability, not moral compass!)?
*Are we even likely to feature in the rumour mill in general, or will it be a penny pinching summer for us?
Wasps weren't mentioned as a potential destination for any of the players (probably to the delight of some!). Baxter has hinted that Exeter may look at Saracens players if and when they come available, as I'm sure oth DORs will. So it got me thinking on a few things....
*Will we look to target Saracens players if they become available? Would we be an attractive destinations for them?
*Would we offer Daly a return?
*Do we have the ability to target 'Saracens calibre' players (referring to playing ability, not moral compass!)?
*Are we even likely to feature in the rumour mill in general, or will it be a penny pinching summer for us?
37
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Congratulations
« on: January 18, 2020, 11:56:50 PM »
Kpoku has already signed for Saints. But can’t see Sarries letting any of their youngsters go... they need to rebuild with them as the big earns will need to be offloaded.
I am very bitter towards Sarries and I too don’t like their attitude on the pitch as a squad. However, let’s not taint every player with the judgement that their attitude stinks. It’s the environment and collective that drives the approach. I think we’d be foolish to rule out a number of their players. Who’s to say they wouldn’t slot into out environment and embrace our ethos.
I would certainly hope Dai is taking a hard look at their squad and trying to identify any potential candidates that fit the bill. After all, we’re supposedly one of the only clubs not operating up to the cap so perhaps have more flexibility than others... budget depending.
Lewington, Loz and Iseikwe would be my shortlist
I am very bitter towards Sarries and I too don’t like their attitude on the pitch as a squad. However, let’s not taint every player with the judgement that their attitude stinks. It’s the environment and collective that drives the approach. I think we’d be foolish to rule out a number of their players. Who’s to say they wouldn’t slot into out environment and embrace our ethos.
I would certainly hope Dai is taking a hard look at their squad and trying to identify any potential candidates that fit the bill. After all, we’re supposedly one of the only clubs not operating up to the cap so perhaps have more flexibility than others... budget depending.
Lewington, Loz and Iseikwe would be my shortlist
38
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Angry clubs feel that the whole web has yet to be exposed at Saracens - Times #2
« on: January 17, 2020, 01:04:38 PM »Quote
Actually we are far from skint. We haven't spent as much as we could, that is a fact. But I can promise you that if the right players are available for the right price then the money is there. The decision not to pay for more, more expensive signings was purposefully taken for a number of reasons. One of which was the change in direction of the club - focussing on the new group of players coming through the academy. The fortunate side effect of this is that we are now in a position where we have money to spend, and there seems to be a number of very skilled players about to hit the open market.
I think we'll see a bit of a reversal in player salary levels as it will be a buyers market, but we haven't seen the end of this yet (as I feel I have been saying for some time now).
If there are players who are willing to commit to the club, and become part of the Wasps family then I'd welcome them. If they simply want to save themselves and come with the crappy arrogance of Sarries then they can go elsewhere.
VV glad to hear this. My fear was that with a weakened squad we would struggle to climb back up into the Champions Cup places consistently (given more clubs apparently spending up to the cap), so without investment in the squad with high calibre signings (not slating our crop of youngsters), we wouldn't get there especially if we didn't have the ability to spend.
So with us seemingly having that, it's a relief. I wouldn't want to start hoovering up the Sarries cast-offs, but would certainly take a look at a specific few of them... after all, they are quality players.
Edited to mend broken quote tags - VV
39
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rumours thread
« on: January 08, 2020, 07:49:47 AM »
I'd take Lewington at the end of the season!
Without wishing to derail this thread... what's the latest with Bassett? Will we be in the market for a replacement in the summer or is he injured? I know Dai mentioned resting him earlier in the season due to being overplayed last season, but would have expected to have seen something of him.
Without wishing to derail this thread... what's the latest with Bassett? Will we be in the market for a replacement in the summer or is he injured? I know Dai mentioned resting him earlier in the season due to being overplayed last season, but would have expected to have seen something of him.
40
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rumours thread
« on: January 07, 2020, 10:31:57 AM »
I completely agree matelot22.
I would be very happy to secure Brad for an extended contract and name him as captain next season. I think Saints would be gaining a really good signing if they manage to get him.
Given this is a Rumours Thread and not a Brad Shields Thread... are there any other rumours knocking about to divert conversation?
I would be very happy to secure Brad for an extended contract and name him as captain next season. I think Saints would be gaining a really good signing if they manage to get him.
Given this is a Rumours Thread and not a Brad Shields Thread... are there any other rumours knocking about to divert conversation?
41
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rumours thread
« on: January 07, 2020, 10:24:46 AM »
Talking hypothetically then.... if we did let Shields go, based on the fact we don't feel he's worth the salary (not my opinion might I add)…. what sort of replacement do we get in...?
If we get a player who we deem is worthy of that salary, who are the realistic proposals and what guarantees do we have that they will be available more often and perform better? That's a genuine question not a arsy response to anyone!
If we opt to go for a lesser calibre player and reallocate the salary to other parts of the squad, what happens when Willis and/or Young get called up internationally or get injured?... suddenly our backrow looks a lot different in terms of 'calibre'.
As someone mentioned above the likelihood but rather the desire to have both Willis and Young playing at the same time needs to be considered. They offer us something incredible, but I agree that it would be better to manage their game time and not burn them out together. For that you to rotate them with each other on occasion and for that we need a Shields type player.
On paper the backrow looks healthy and with a lot of depth meaning perhaps on the face of it we don't need Shields.... but when you factor in the reality of injury, player rotation throughout the season, international call-ups, different game plans... you need more than just your starting lineup and a bench player. For that reason, I think we need Shields to stay.
If we get a player who we deem is worthy of that salary, who are the realistic proposals and what guarantees do we have that they will be available more often and perform better? That's a genuine question not a arsy response to anyone!
If we opt to go for a lesser calibre player and reallocate the salary to other parts of the squad, what happens when Willis and/or Young get called up internationally or get injured?... suddenly our backrow looks a lot different in terms of 'calibre'.
As someone mentioned above the likelihood but rather the desire to have both Willis and Young playing at the same time needs to be considered. They offer us something incredible, but I agree that it would be better to manage their game time and not burn them out together. For that you to rotate them with each other on occasion and for that we need a Shields type player.
On paper the backrow looks healthy and with a lot of depth meaning perhaps on the face of it we don't need Shields.... but when you factor in the reality of injury, player rotation throughout the season, international call-ups, different game plans... you need more than just your starting lineup and a bench player. For that reason, I think we need Shields to stay.
42
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rumours thread
« on: January 06, 2020, 02:59:23 PM »
Would be really disappointed to lose Brad. I'm not sure how much he'll be included in the EPS moving forward with the emergences of Ludlam, Willis and Ben Earl (getting predictably hyped up). So Brad could potentially be available a lot more than assumed when we first signed him
I think Brad would be a great shout for Captain next season. In the absence of Launchbury, he's exactly the on field leader we've been craving. Yes YY and Willis made a devastating partnership, but can't play every game together. Just look at Bath, it's taken them 2 years to get their first choice backrow playing together due to injuries. So I don't want to dismiss Brad based just on one partnership. We're a better squad with Brad in it than out of it so I would say he's worth retaining
If we lost Brad I'd be actually pretty gutted.
I think Brad would be a great shout for Captain next season. In the absence of Launchbury, he's exactly the on field leader we've been craving. Yes YY and Willis made a devastating partnership, but can't play every game together. Just look at Bath, it's taken them 2 years to get their first choice backrow playing together due to injuries. So I don't want to dismiss Brad based just on one partnership. We're a better squad with Brad in it than out of it so I would say he's worth retaining
If we lost Brad I'd be actually pretty gutted.
43
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rumours thread
« on: January 02, 2020, 05:56:20 PM »
A few of you are all talking about re-signings for next season and hoping announcements on that will come....
I’m desperately trying to find the interview where Dai states that there are hardly any contracts up for renewal this summer so we will be retaining the majority of the squad anyway. Hoping someone who also remembers this interview will back me up on this.
With squad consistency through to next season, I’d like us to make some very select and savvy signings to compliment what we have and enhance in specific ways, rather than just signing names or SH imports.
I’m desperately trying to find the interview where Dai states that there are hardly any contracts up for renewal this summer so we will be retaining the majority of the squad anyway. Hoping someone who also remembers this interview will back me up on this.
With squad consistency through to next season, I’d like us to make some very select and savvy signings to compliment what we have and enhance in specific ways, rather than just signing names or SH imports.
44
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rumours thread
« on: January 02, 2020, 07:20:22 AM »
Yeah I can’t see the Moriarty rumour having much to it but thought it was worth posting as not a name that has previously been linked.
I think a lot will depend on Thomas Young’s next steps in regards to backrow recruitment... if he stays then I think we’re well stocked and can focus on other areas. If he does move to Wales to better his international chances then I think we need to replace to ensure we maintain a high level of depth that we’ve always had in the backrow.
Not sure Young for Moriarty is a like for like swap in terms of position (Moriarty definitely an 8 rather than 7) unless we see Carr’s long term future on the flank. Don’t want to hinder Tom Willis’ chances too. So think it needs to be a flanker rather than a moriarty type 8.
I think a lot will depend on Thomas Young’s next steps in regards to backrow recruitment... if he stays then I think we’re well stocked and can focus on other areas. If he does move to Wales to better his international chances then I think we need to replace to ensure we maintain a high level of depth that we’ve always had in the backrow.
Not sure Young for Moriarty is a like for like swap in terms of position (Moriarty definitely an 8 rather than 7) unless we see Carr’s long term future on the flank. Don’t want to hinder Tom Willis’ chances too. So think it needs to be a flanker rather than a moriarty type 8.
45
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rumours thread
« on: January 01, 2020, 09:21:45 PM »
Read that we’re one of the clubs in for Ross Moriarty (Exeter are current front runners).
Can’t see it personally with Carr, Vianu, Willis in the ranks. However depends if Carr shifts more to 6/7. Wouldn’t be disappointed with the signing but definitely feel there other areas I’d like us to spend that salary allocation!
Can’t see it personally with Carr, Vianu, Willis in the ranks. However depends if Carr shifts more to 6/7. Wouldn’t be disappointed with the signing but definitely feel there other areas I’d like us to spend that salary allocation!