Its a really well written article isn't it. I posted it on DW before i discovered this forum.
I want to believe that the relocation is complete and we're settled, so can now focus on the academy more than we have been able to the past few seasons.
I am a huge fan of Dai (which has perhaps been evident in my recent posts on DW). However, I'm also very aware that our progression of youngsters has only really been a success when his hand has been forced due to injuries. I therefore really hope that the reality check of this season has turned his attentions towards placing more focus on our development path and opportunities given to our homegrown crop.
I know we don't announce contract lengths. However, perhaps one of the biggest & best PR stunts the club could do currently, is annouce 5 year (or just 'long term') contracts for our core group of homegrown youngsters.
Willis J (although i think signed up to a new deal end of last season)
Willis T
Oghre
Sirker
Porter
Umaga
etc.
Sale did it a few seaosns back and i was really impressed with it and got the impression they had a vision for the future. PLUS it locks in these guys so we don't have another summer of losing large chunks of homegrown talent.