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1
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: U 20s tonight
« on: March 16, 2024, 12:27:54 AM »
Magnificent [just watching it after a night at the opera!] victory.
How they dealt with the French power, how sharp they were with turnover ball.
Epic.
Give them all a big breakfast and send them out to play the full French side. The French U20 team had c 250 games of Top 14 experience, and Tuilagi has played 3 games for the full French team. The English guys had c 20 games in the Premiership, with the ex-Wasp loose head having 8 of them.
The second row and back row were unbelievable. Michelow [sounds a bit French to me] at No8 was extraordinary - another Sarries 8.
How they dealt with the French power, how sharp they were with turnover ball.
Epic.
Give them all a big breakfast and send them out to play the full French side. The French U20 team had c 250 games of Top 14 experience, and Tuilagi has played 3 games for the full French team. The English guys had c 20 games in the Premiership, with the ex-Wasp loose head having 8 of them.
The second row and back row were unbelievable. Michelow [sounds a bit French to me] at No8 was extraordinary - another Sarries 8.
2
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Matteo Retiring at 27
« on: March 09, 2024, 11:52:50 PM »
Wrong game -
Ange Capuozzo
I couldn't spell it.
Ange Capuozzo
I couldn't spell it.
3
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Matteo Retiring at 27
« on: March 09, 2024, 08:10:18 PM »
The Toulouse 15 made some impressive defensive moves on the Duhan
4
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Jimmy Gopperth Interview
« on: February 21, 2024, 06:46:14 PM »
He did mention his son playing rugby
5
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rugby is a form of child abuse, study says
« on: February 13, 2024, 01:06:08 PM »
Baldpaul, I am not talking about drivability. I am talking about stress on the drivetrain, and about fuel efficiency and pollution. The vehicles are optimised for A road and Dual carriageway usage, not urban crawls. My electric car is fine at 20 mph, but my petrol and diesel vehicles less so. If you make a vehicle efficient at one thing, you will have compromised on another. Safety is the obvious example. You are much safer in a modern car, but it weighs a lot more as a consequence, and therefore it burns a lot more fuel and creates more pollutants.
6
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rugby is a form of child abuse, study says
« on: February 12, 2024, 03:02:30 PM »
Cars and most other vehicles are not engineered to run at or below 20 mph.
7
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rugby is a form of child abuse, study says
« on: February 12, 2024, 12:59:56 PM »
There were 5 road fatalities per billion vehicle miles travelled in 2022 in the UK.
Of these, 385 were pedestrians [out of 1711 total deaths]. There were 5901 seriously injured pedestrians in addition.
The cost to society of reducing the speeds to 20 mph - more pollution in urban areas directly from emissions and indirectly from tyres and brakes, cost in fuel, engine strain etc - has to be weighed against this.
IMO roads are for vehicles, and pedestrians need to take considerable care when crossing them, sticking mostly to designated crossings and not walking with earphones or using phones.
Of these, 385 were pedestrians [out of 1711 total deaths]. There were 5901 seriously injured pedestrians in addition.
The cost to society of reducing the speeds to 20 mph - more pollution in urban areas directly from emissions and indirectly from tyres and brakes, cost in fuel, engine strain etc - has to be weighed against this.
IMO roads are for vehicles, and pedestrians need to take considerable care when crossing them, sticking mostly to designated crossings and not walking with earphones or using phones.
8
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Elliott
« on: February 03, 2024, 10:58:14 PM »
Tough one - he did it as an afterthought when falling away from the man with the ball.
It was his passing, and those like it, that won the game.
It was his passing, and those like it, that won the game.
9
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Rugby is a form of child abuse, study says
« on: February 02, 2024, 06:56:29 PM »
"Eric Anderson is Professor of Sport, Masculinities & Sexualities. He holds four degrees, has published numerous books and over 60 peer-reviewed journal articles. His research is regularly featured on international television, in print and digital media.
He is the leading academic expert on gay men in sport, and the architect of Inclusive Masculinity Theory, which was generated from his research showing that decreased homophobia leads to a softening of heterosexual masculinities. This permits young men to kiss, cuddle and maintain bromances with other males, while also leading to semi-sexual behaviours between men and the increased recognition of bisexuality. "
No bias here, then
He is the leading academic expert on gay men in sport, and the architect of Inclusive Masculinity Theory, which was generated from his research showing that decreased homophobia leads to a softening of heterosexual masculinities. This permits young men to kiss, cuddle and maintain bromances with other males, while also leading to semi-sexual behaviours between men and the increased recognition of bisexuality. "
No bias here, then
10
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Saudis may invest in rugby clubs
« on: January 31, 2024, 09:20:22 PM »
"Saudi Arabian investors are in discussions to invest millions into four of England?s top-flight rugby clubs.
Telegraph Sport can reveal that associates of the Saudi sovereign Public Investment Fund (PIF), which took an 80 per cent stake of the Premier League?s Newcastle United in 2021, have held discussions with Gloucester, Leicester Tigers, Northampton Saints and Newcastle Falcons about proposed seven-figure investments.
It is understood that the group are seeking control of stadium naming rights and the establishment of a rugby academy in Saudi Arabia as part of any potential stake in the four clubs, an investment which could be worth as much as a combined ?60 million to the clubs involved.
Senior Premiership executives are thought to be aware of the discussions but the organisation told Telegraph Sport that the league could not comment on individual club matters.
Even without the spectre of last season ? when three Premiership clubs went out of business in the space of 10 months ? such an investment would come as a major boost to the English rugby landscape. But, in the context of last year, such large financial backing, albeit with ethical considerations, would represent one of the most remarkable moments since the Premiership introduced professionalism in 1995. It would involve four established clubs sacrificing a further chunk of their revenues following the CVC Capital Partners Investment in 2019.
?Investors see room for growth in the clubs?
Telegraph Sport understands that Gloucester were initially the sole representatives in negotiations but that the investment group did not view the West Country club alone as an attractive enough proposition. Newcastle, alongside Leicester and Northampton ? two of the league?s best supported clubs ? were subsequently brought to the negotiating table to add greater value.
Discussions continue to progress, even if the pace has slowed in recent weeks. It is understood that one of the four clubs has established a direct dialogue with the Saudi group and is exploring the possibility of individual investment should a joint venture fall through.
Rugby Football Union?s regulations regarding club ownership state that any change of 10 per cent or less does not require consent from the governing body. Alongside Premiership Rugby Limited, the organisation could block a group from owning more than 10 per cent of more than one club in the league, too, while under European Professional Club Rugby regulations, no two clubs can be owned by a solitary body with more than a 20 per cent stake.
A source with knowledge of the talks said: ?Conversations between potential future investors in the sport regularly take place. Investors see the headroom for growth in the clubs.? A Gloucester source added that the club did not comment on commercial or investment matters while Newcastle, Northampton and Leicester declined to comment.
In 2021, PIF acquired an 80 per cent stake in Newcastle United in a deal worth around ?300 million with former owner Mike Ashley. Two other members of the consortium, the Reuben Brothers and Amanda Staveley, both took a 10 per cent share. The takeover process lasted for 18 months and faced interventions from the governments of both the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia.
Amnesty International were among the bodies to oppose the attempt, saying that it was part of Saudi Arabia?s efforts to sportswash their human-rights record. Two years after the takeover of Newcastle United, the Premier League changed its ownership rules to disqualify potential owners and directors who had committed human-rights abuses.
Q&A: Rugby?s potential Saudi future
What does this mean for the Premiership?
The fact such a group are interested in investing large sums of cash into the league the season after three clubs went bust should be seen, financially, as a positive ? especially with the salary cap set to rise from ?5 million to ?6.4 million and clubs desperate for an injection of funds.
Even if this venture was worth ?15 million to each club, that could be transformative to a team like Newcastle Falcons which slashed its budget this season in an attempt to become more financially sustainable.
There are, however, significant ethical concerns over the arrival of the Saudis, particularly because of the country?s human rights record.
Why are Saudi Arabia interested?
This would be a first foray into the world of rugby union, following other big-hitters like CVC and Silverlake in the private equity world. An investment in rugby would be a drop in the ocean compared to the ?300 million that PIF ploughed into Newcastle United and more than a billion spent on LIV Golf.
There is, of course, the sportswashing element, with Saudi Arabia looking to distract from its human rights record. If a deal were successful, the Premiership may even follow boxing, tennis and golf in staging some matches in the kingdom.
What?s at stake?
If the investment was across all four clubs, the group could not claim a stake of more than 10 per cent in each. If just one club received Saudi investment, only changes of ownership of 11 per cent or more would require consent from the governing body. If a club valued itself at ?50 million, therefore, it could expect to receive ?5 million for a 10 per cent stake. There is a chance, too, that Saudi state-backed businesses could come in with further capital as part of sponsorship agreements.
Can the Saudis invest in more than one club?
Yes, but they are prohibited from acquiring more than a 10 per cent stake in each according to RFU and Premiership regulations. At European level, that is 20 per cent, which is why the proposed takeover of Gloucester by Mohed Altrad, the Montpellier owner, was blocked.
Can the RFU do anything about it?
Only if the potential deals are above a 10 per cent ownership of any club. If they are less, the governing body would be powerless ? in terms of regulations ? to stop any deal. Even if the investment were more than 10 per cent of just one club, the RFU could step in but it is not clear at this stage whether they would permit or block the deal."
Telegraph Sport can reveal that associates of the Saudi sovereign Public Investment Fund (PIF), which took an 80 per cent stake of the Premier League?s Newcastle United in 2021, have held discussions with Gloucester, Leicester Tigers, Northampton Saints and Newcastle Falcons about proposed seven-figure investments.
It is understood that the group are seeking control of stadium naming rights and the establishment of a rugby academy in Saudi Arabia as part of any potential stake in the four clubs, an investment which could be worth as much as a combined ?60 million to the clubs involved.
Senior Premiership executives are thought to be aware of the discussions but the organisation told Telegraph Sport that the league could not comment on individual club matters.
Even without the spectre of last season ? when three Premiership clubs went out of business in the space of 10 months ? such an investment would come as a major boost to the English rugby landscape. But, in the context of last year, such large financial backing, albeit with ethical considerations, would represent one of the most remarkable moments since the Premiership introduced professionalism in 1995. It would involve four established clubs sacrificing a further chunk of their revenues following the CVC Capital Partners Investment in 2019.
?Investors see room for growth in the clubs?
Telegraph Sport understands that Gloucester were initially the sole representatives in negotiations but that the investment group did not view the West Country club alone as an attractive enough proposition. Newcastle, alongside Leicester and Northampton ? two of the league?s best supported clubs ? were subsequently brought to the negotiating table to add greater value.
Discussions continue to progress, even if the pace has slowed in recent weeks. It is understood that one of the four clubs has established a direct dialogue with the Saudi group and is exploring the possibility of individual investment should a joint venture fall through.
Rugby Football Union?s regulations regarding club ownership state that any change of 10 per cent or less does not require consent from the governing body. Alongside Premiership Rugby Limited, the organisation could block a group from owning more than 10 per cent of more than one club in the league, too, while under European Professional Club Rugby regulations, no two clubs can be owned by a solitary body with more than a 20 per cent stake.
A source with knowledge of the talks said: ?Conversations between potential future investors in the sport regularly take place. Investors see the headroom for growth in the clubs.? A Gloucester source added that the club did not comment on commercial or investment matters while Newcastle, Northampton and Leicester declined to comment.
In 2021, PIF acquired an 80 per cent stake in Newcastle United in a deal worth around ?300 million with former owner Mike Ashley. Two other members of the consortium, the Reuben Brothers and Amanda Staveley, both took a 10 per cent share. The takeover process lasted for 18 months and faced interventions from the governments of both the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia.
Amnesty International were among the bodies to oppose the attempt, saying that it was part of Saudi Arabia?s efforts to sportswash their human-rights record. Two years after the takeover of Newcastle United, the Premier League changed its ownership rules to disqualify potential owners and directors who had committed human-rights abuses.
Q&A: Rugby?s potential Saudi future
What does this mean for the Premiership?
The fact such a group are interested in investing large sums of cash into the league the season after three clubs went bust should be seen, financially, as a positive ? especially with the salary cap set to rise from ?5 million to ?6.4 million and clubs desperate for an injection of funds.
Even if this venture was worth ?15 million to each club, that could be transformative to a team like Newcastle Falcons which slashed its budget this season in an attempt to become more financially sustainable.
There are, however, significant ethical concerns over the arrival of the Saudis, particularly because of the country?s human rights record.
Why are Saudi Arabia interested?
This would be a first foray into the world of rugby union, following other big-hitters like CVC and Silverlake in the private equity world. An investment in rugby would be a drop in the ocean compared to the ?300 million that PIF ploughed into Newcastle United and more than a billion spent on LIV Golf.
There is, of course, the sportswashing element, with Saudi Arabia looking to distract from its human rights record. If a deal were successful, the Premiership may even follow boxing, tennis and golf in staging some matches in the kingdom.
What?s at stake?
If the investment was across all four clubs, the group could not claim a stake of more than 10 per cent in each. If just one club received Saudi investment, only changes of ownership of 11 per cent or more would require consent from the governing body. If a club valued itself at ?50 million, therefore, it could expect to receive ?5 million for a 10 per cent stake. There is a chance, too, that Saudi state-backed businesses could come in with further capital as part of sponsorship agreements.
Can the Saudis invest in more than one club?
Yes, but they are prohibited from acquiring more than a 10 per cent stake in each according to RFU and Premiership regulations. At European level, that is 20 per cent, which is why the proposed takeover of Gloucester by Mohed Altrad, the Montpellier owner, was blocked.
Can the RFU do anything about it?
Only if the potential deals are above a 10 per cent ownership of any club. If they are less, the governing body would be powerless ? in terms of regulations ? to stop any deal. Even if the investment were more than 10 per cent of just one club, the RFU could step in but it is not clear at this stage whether they would permit or block the deal."
11
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Ex Wasps signing for new clubs
« on: January 31, 2024, 01:55:19 PM »
St Bruno, I was a Sarries guest at the St Valentine's Day massacre. We scored 3 tries in the first 10 mins or so and everyone around me was in a state of shock. The clubhouse was quiet at half-time and like a morgue after the game.
12
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Quins v tigers and launch
« on: January 27, 2024, 02:45:46 PM »
Yes, Joe has looked less than dynamic recently after a v good start with Quins, but he must be doing something right to be made Captain.
Tyrone Green for England? Power and balance as well as speed, and his passing is very sweet.
Tyrone Green for England? Power and balance as well as speed, and his passing is very sweet.
13
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: top 14
« on: January 26, 2024, 01:21:53 PM »
I cannot see OF changing. He lacks the pace to do anything other than kick or pass.
Arundell should start contacting Quins to see if he can return to the UK.
Arundell should start contacting Quins to see if he can return to the UK.
14
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Ex Wasps signing for new clubs
« on: January 16, 2024, 05:54:00 PM »
For those who think Alfie is becoming a one dimensional player, I suggest you look at his try from the weekend. Shortly beforehand, he ran into Kolisi and was stopped. On this occasional he skipped laterally and beat three defenders, including Kolisi, then launched himself at the line and stretched out to score.
I doubt if any other back row in England would have scored that.
I doubt if any other back row in England would have scored that.
15
Wasps Rugby Discussion / Re: Ex Wasps signing for new clubs
« on: January 14, 2024, 09:08:58 PM »
It wasn't the St Valentine's Day massacre, but Bordeaux crushed Saracens today.
I think [am hoping] McCall will struggle with his ageing stars on dodgy contracts. It makes it difficult to discard them.
I think [am hoping] McCall will struggle with his ageing stars on dodgy contracts. It makes it difficult to discard them.