FabSwingers.com > Forums > Wales > Wales Six Nations Thread 2024
Wales Six Nations Thread 2024
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"Gonna be lower half of table for sure this year. All bit of a shambles unfolding before our eyes. Gatland sounding like he had no clue Zammit was off" By the sounds of it no one did !! Why not wait until after the 6 nations though ?? | |||
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"I’m looking forward to coming to Cardiff for my first six nations game. I will be supporting Scotland of course. Going with another Fab friend so it should be a good trip. " Excellent stuff. I don’t bother with going to the actual game anymore (I’ve seen Wales nearly 90 times!). If I did though, Scotland in Cardiff would be the game I’d enjoy most. Always loved the way that Welsh and Scottish clubs would visit each other year on year. Good fun around Cardiff too . | |||
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"I've been saying for years thete should be a two tier European competition with the likes of Spain, Georgia, Romania, and a promotion/relegation for bottom/ top team now I'm glad there isn't." It would make sense competitively but financially a disaster! | |||
"I’m looking forward to coming to Cardiff for my first six nations game. I will be supporting Scotland of course. Going with another Fab friend so it should be a good trip. " Have a lush time  | |||
"I’m looking forward to coming to Cardiff for my first six nations game. I will be supporting Scotland of course. Going with another Fab friend so it should be a good trip. Excellent stuff. I'm relatively new to the international scene so I try to get to atleast 1 game be it home or away, prices being what they are. I.love the atmosphere but even in the last few years I've noticed the singing in the ground getting less and less. I don’t bother with going to the actual game anymore (I’ve seen Wales nearly 90 times!). If I did though, Scotland in Cardiff would be the game I’d enjoy most. Always loved the way that Welsh and Scottish clubs would visit each other year on year. Good fun around Cardiff too ." | |||
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As for the team, stop looking at the present and start looking forward. We've lost so many of the old hands it's inevitable that a rebuild of new blood will have to happen.
So just get behind these new young men and enjoy their international journey with them | |||
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"I've been saying for years thete should be a two tier European competition with the likes of Spain, Georgia, Romania, and a promotion/relegation for bottom/ top team now I'm glad there isn't." And how would that create a better welsh team | |||
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"I've been saying for years thete should be a two tier European competition with the likes of Spain, Georgia, Romania, and a promotion/relegation for bottom/ top team now I'm glad there isn't. And how would that create a better welsh team " It wouldn't necessarily but sometimes you need to look at the prosperity of the game as a whole, bring the fringe teams up with more regular serious competition. As for the Welsh team it need a major overhaul and investment from the wrfu promote youth through limit the amount of overseas players at regional level to get our prospects game time without going to the English leagues | |||
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"Ospreys kids smashing it today out in SA "That no 8 morse is impressive | |||
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"Ospreys kids smashing it today out in SA
That no 8 morse is impressive "He's mental And only just turned 19 | |||
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"There are a few green shoots of optimism in Welsh rugby, most from the Ospreys, but it'll be a grim 6N. The front 5 forwards look really poor. " I'd haul Morgan Morse's just turned 19 year old arse out of the U20s and give him the senior captaincy let alone the starting 8 jersey Boy is bonkers  | |||
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"Can't argue that just wish he wore scarlets red but then you would buy him off us like jac morgan "Jac Morgan's ambition was to play for the Ospreys | |||
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"There was better role models to learn off, god that hurts saying that" Na it's just being honest He's learnt off Tipuric | |||
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"There are a few green shoots of optimism in Welsh rugby, most from the Ospreys, but it'll be a grim 6N. The front 5 forwards look really poor. I'd haul Morgan Morse's just turned 19 year old arse out of the U20s and give him the senior captaincy let alone the starting 8 jersey Boy is bonkers "I love Morse, but he's played a lot of senior rugby for a 19 year old so I can see why they're holding him back. He looks a serious talent though and I'm looking forward to seeing a Morse, Morgan and Tipuric backrow at some point for the Ospreys. | |||
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"Fuck here we are again Dominated by todays news of Zammit off to NFL I couldn't even make head nor arse of the squad announcement tbh" You can see were gonna struggle for another year????? | |||
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"Many of you coming over to Ireland? Big game for us as Mr is Welsh and Mrs is Irish " I did Ireland in 2020 just before lockdown and the big storm, best weekend ever | |||
"Many of you coming over to Ireland? Big game for us as Mr is Welsh and Mrs is Irish I did Ireland in 2020 just before lockdown and the big storm, best weekend ever" Ditto, worst flight home ever! Hoping for a calmer journey this year! | |||
"Many of you coming over to Ireland? Big game for us as Mr is Welsh and Mrs is Irish " Now that might be next year’s game all going well. | |||
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"OK this weekends games, I'm going for Ireland, England and Wales to win. Agree or disagree?" France, England and Scotland for me I’m afraid. | |||
"OK this weekends games, I'm going for Ireland, England and Wales to win. Agree or disagree? France, England and Scotland for me I’m afraid. " Agree with this. I've seen the proposed team and the front row is horrific. | |||
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"Yea it is an inexperienced side, Costellow needs a big shift with the recent poor form of the Scarlets. Nothing to lose I guess as noone is expecting anything. I fancy them to pull an upset tbh "I've got wales by 4 and in the scarlets recent poor form costelow has been out injured except 2 games | |||
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"A lot of quality players get overlooked, always have, some don't suit the coaches style some their is just an abundance in that position " None of which is true in Rhodri Jones's case. | |||
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"A lot of quality players get overlooked, always have, some don't suit the coaches style some their is just an abundance in that position None of which is true in Rhodri Jones's case. " Should have capped Tom Botha when he had the chance | |||
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"We got no big ball carriers to smash the gainline. Get Grady on ASAP imo " Not getting good enough ball to the backs so grady won't make a difference | |||
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"You already have poor Ioan Lloyd coming off the bench with his club form and confidence being rock bottom For people who don't follow the regional game we don't have this massive array of world class Welsh qualified players that some ignorant arseholes seem to think we do" Excusing his 1st kick which as a scarlets fan he should have got loan had a very good game unlike alias, the line out functioned much better with dee. But I'll always support our lads win,lose or draw come on cymru! | |||
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"Wakes could’ve won if they’d completed the conversion. " And Josh Adams soft penalty! | |||
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"You already have poor Ioan Lloyd coming off the bench with his club form and confidence being rock bottom For people who don't follow the regional game we don't have this massive array of world class Welsh qualified players that some ignorant arseholes seem to think we do Excusing his 1st kick which as a scarlets fan he should have got loan had a very good game unlike alias, the line out functioned much better with dee. But I'll always support our lads win,lose or draw come on cymru!" Elias throwing in to the line out was shocking which was the main factor that we had no set piece ball in the 1st half! | |||
"You already have poor Ioan Lloyd coming off the bench with his club form and confidence being rock bottom For people who don't follow the regional game we don't have this massive array of world class Welsh qualified players that some ignorant arseholes seem to think we do Excusing his 1st kick which as a scarlets fan he should have got loan had a very good game unlike alias, the line out functioned much better with dee. But I'll always support our lads win,lose or draw come on cymru! Elias throwing in to the line out was shocking which was the main factor that we had no set piece ball in the 1st half!" Issue we have is Dee is too light And Ellias now seems unable to nail his arrows We never seem to find the full package in one player like | |||
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"Elias has always been too inconsistent at the line out, why has Bradley Roberts dropped off the radar." 100%, my heart sank when they brought him on. He's decent enough with ball in hand but can't throw for shit. | |||
"Elias has always been too inconsistent at the line out, why has Bradley Roberts dropped off the radar. 100%, my heart sank when they brought him on. He's decent enough with ball in hand but can't throw for shit." Tell me about I'm a scarlets fan and I wasn't happy they resigned him last season and let others go. | |||
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"It's as if the team doesn't show up for the 6 nations.No heart in them,look at them in the World Cup..totally different strategy,mentally and physically." Different leaders on the pitch in the world cup, costelow will be good but still growing into the leadership, Lloyd great in attack and ball in hand too unreliable at kicking. | |||
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"OK this weekends games, I'm going for Ireland, England and Wales to win. Agree or disagree?" Ireland definitely, come on Ireland!! Enjoy your weekend in Dublin | |||
"Always difficult getting tickets in Ireland. Given how this is likely to go, my group are looking for a pub in Dublin without a tv for Saturday afternoon lol. " I went to Dublin in 2020, we got tickets off a resale site but was silly money | |||
"Always difficult getting tickets in Ireland. Given how this is likely to go, my group are looking for a pub in Dublin without a tv for Saturday afternoon lol. " Get tickets OK but crazy prices | |||
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"After yesterday's unexpected results I'm both matches. Wales gonna beat France today I reckon. " Well that aged like milk
I fancy Italy to win next week. I wonder if any questions will be asked of Gatland if so. | |||
"After yesterday's unexpected results I'm both matches. Wales gonna beat France today I reckon. Well that aged like milk
I fancy Italy to win next week. I wonder if any questions will be asked of Gatland if so. "There shouldn’t be. This was always a free hit for Gat’s and he’s unearthed a lot of talent. We might not see the benefit in results next year either, but the future is very promising indeed. This is the makings of a decent team! | |||
"After yesterday's unexpected results I'm both matches. Wales gonna beat France today I reckon. Well that aged like milk
I fancy Italy to win next week. I wonder if any questions will be asked of Gatland if so.
There shouldn’t be.
This was always a free hit for Gat’s and he’s unearthed a lot of talent. We might not see the benefit in results next year either, but the future is very promising indeed. This is the makings of a decent team!"Well, well, well. Good article in my opinion. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/people-rightly-supported-warren-gatlands-28797299#ICID=Android_WalesOnlineNewsApp_AppShare | |||
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"Play 4 lost 4 well it could be played 5 lost 5 saturday" | |||
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"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france" The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. | |||
"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025." Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? | |||
"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? " Not sure who instigated the break, but makes sense for lots of reasons, not least the state of the WRU. | |||
"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? Not sure who instigated the break, but makes sense for lots of reasons, not least the state of the WRU. " I'd love Edwards back much as I hate him being a saints fan but I think the wru is too fucked for anyone to make it a success | |||
"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? Not sure who instigated the break, but makes sense for lots of reasons, not least the state of the WRU. I'd love Edwards back much as I hate him being a saints fan but I think the wru is too fucked for anyone to make it a success " We should never have let him leave in the first place! | |||
"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? Not sure who instigated the break, but makes sense for lots of reasons, not least the state of the WRU. I'd love Edwards back much as I hate him being a saints fan but I think the wru is too fucked for anyone to make it a success " I think it is and not sure they are doing anything to make a difference to Welsh rugby not convinced appointing Abi as ceo is going to fix very much, the regions and prem teams are the issue. Very sad state of affairs. | |||
"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? Not sure who instigated the break, but makes sense for lots of reasons, not least the state of the WRU. I'd love Edwards back much as I hate him being a saints fan but I think the wru is too fucked for anyone to make it a success I think it is and not sure they are doing anything to make a difference to Welsh rugby not convinced appointing Abi as ceo is going to fix very much, the regions and prem teams are the issue. Very sad state of affairs. " Well a little bird told me that Gatland has his sights set on director of rugby. apparently he agreed to return on the pretence that if they start taking his ideas on board for grass roots and regional rugby then he'll stay for the remainder of the contract. I wonder what his plans are ? | |||
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"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? Not sure who instigated the break, but makes sense for lots of reasons, not least the state of the WRU. I'd love Edwards back much as I hate him being a saints fan but I think the wru is too fucked for anyone to make it a success I think it is and not sure they are doing anything to make a difference to Welsh rugby not convinced appointing Abi as ceo is going to fix very much, the regions and prem teams are the issue. Very sad state of affairs. Well a little bird told me that Gatland has his sights set on director of rugby. apparently he agreed to return on the pretence that if they start taking his ideas on board for grass roots and regional rugby then he'll stay for the remainder of the contract. I wonder what his plans are ?" If he is installing anything like nz or Ireland rugby then I'm all game for that, but that would need changes at regional level and too many old school boys in.power there | |||
"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? Not sure who instigated the break, but makes sense for lots of reasons, not least the state of the WRU. I'd love Edwards back much as I hate him being a saints fan but I think the wru is too fucked for anyone to make it a success I think it is and not sure they are doing anything to make a difference to Welsh rugby not convinced appointing Abi as ceo is going to fix very much, the regions and prem teams are the issue. Very sad state of affairs. Well a little bird told me that Gatland has his sights set on director of rugby. apparently he agreed to return on the pretence that if they start taking his ideas on board for grass roots and regional rugby then he'll stay for the remainder of the contract. I wonder what his plans are ?" This would be an unmitigated disaster. | |||
"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? Not sure who instigated the break, but makes sense for lots of reasons, not least the state of the WRU. I'd love Edwards back much as I hate him being a saints fan but I think the wru is too fucked for anyone to make it a success I think it is and not sure they are doing anything to make a difference to Welsh rugby not convinced appointing Abi as ceo is going to fix very much, the regions and prem teams are the issue. Very sad state of affairs. " Explain how the professional sides and prem teams are the issue. | |||
"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? Not sure who instigated the break, but makes sense for lots of reasons, not least the state of the WRU. I'd love Edwards back much as I hate him being a saints fan but I think the wru is too fucked for anyone to make it a success I think it is and not sure they are doing anything to make a difference to Welsh rugby not convinced appointing Abi as ceo is going to fix very much, the regions and prem teams are the issue. Very sad state of affairs. Explain how the professional sides and prem teams are the issue. " Because they took well supported club teams and turned them into franchise that nobody really gives a fuck about, then they merged some of them, the identity has been washed out of the game. There are too many to be properly funded, hence low quality. Oh and just saw George north is retiring. Another massive talent walking away from it, though having said that, there is some cracking talent coming through on the wings. | |||
"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? Not sure who instigated the break, but makes sense for lots of reasons, not least the state of the WRU. I'd love Edwards back much as I hate him being a saints fan but I think the wru is too fucked for anyone to make it a success I think it is and not sure they are doing anything to make a difference to Welsh rugby not convinced appointing Abi as ceo is going to fix very much, the regions and prem teams are the issue. Very sad state of affairs. Explain how the professional sides and prem teams are the issue. Because they took well supported club teams and turned them into franchise that nobody really gives a fuck about, then they merged some of them, the identity has been washed out of the game. There are too many to be properly funded, hence low quality. Oh and just saw George north is retiring. Another massive talent walking away from it, though having said that, there is some cracking talent coming through on the wings. " The professional clubs were not well supported, were financially unviable and the player base too shallow to support the number of clubs. They shouldn't have bothered with 'regions', Swansea and Newport should have stood alone with Cardiff and Llanelli. The 4 could be properly funded, and competitive, as in the past. The WRU choose not to, despite having the same turnover as the IRFU. The WRU are now reaping what they've sown and the national team is in dismal shape. | |||
"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? Not sure who instigated the break, but makes sense for lots of reasons, not least the state of the WRU. I'd love Edwards back much as I hate him being a saints fan but I think the wru is too fucked for anyone to make it a success I think it is and not sure they are doing anything to make a difference to Welsh rugby not convinced appointing Abi as ceo is going to fix very much, the regions and prem teams are the issue. Very sad state of affairs. Explain how the professional sides and prem teams are the issue. Because they took well supported club teams and turned them into franchise that nobody really gives a fuck about, then they merged some of them, the identity has been washed out of the game. There are too many to be properly funded, hence low quality. Oh and just saw George north is retiring. Another massive talent walking away from it, though having said that, there is some cracking talent coming through on the wings. The professional clubs were not well supported, were financially unviable and the player base too shallow to support the number of clubs. They shouldn't have bothered with 'regions', Swansea and Newport should have stood alone with Cardiff and Llanelli. The 4 could be properly funded, and competitive, as in the past. The WRU choose not to, despite having the same turnover as the IRFU. The WRU are now reaping what they've sown and the national team is in dismal shape. " WRU are cunts They just wank like fuck over Team Wales and couldn't give a fuck for the professional club game in Wales whatsoever And look at the state of us now | |||
"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? Not sure who instigated the break, but makes sense for lots of reasons, not least the state of the WRU. I'd love Edwards back much as I hate him being a saints fan but I think the wru is too fucked for anyone to make it a success I think it is and not sure they are doing anything to make a difference to Welsh rugby not convinced appointing Abi as ceo is going to fix very much, the regions and prem teams are the issue. Very sad state of affairs. Explain how the professional sides and prem teams are the issue. Because they took well supported club teams and turned them into franchise that nobody really gives a fuck about, then they merged some of them, the identity has been washed out of the game. There are too many to be properly funded, hence low quality. Oh and just saw George north is retiring. Another massive talent walking away from it, though having said that, there is some cracking talent coming through on the wings. The professional clubs were not well supported, were financially unviable and the player base too shallow to support the number of clubs. They shouldn't have bothered with 'regions', Swansea and Newport should have stood alone with Cardiff and Llanelli. The 4 could be properly funded, and competitive, as in the past. The WRU choose not to, despite having the same turnover as the IRFU. The WRU are now reaping what they've sown and the national team is in dismal shape. " How arrogant! What devine right would those 4 clubs have had over the likes of Neath, both Ponty’s, Ebbw Vale, Bridgend and others? That is partly why the regions are so poorly supported now. The tribalism that made the club games so competitive has backfired and the ostracised fan base hasn’t connect with the regions. Think about it :- how close is Parc y Scarlets to The Liberty; likewise Cardiff Arms Park to Rodney Parade. The comparison has been drawn to Ireland; their regions cover the whole island of Ireland. Ours are situated in a narrow band along the M4. For years the national team have over achieved and papered over the cracks of how poor our regions actually are. They simply haven’t worked. I’m not sure there’s a silver bullet now. We can’t go back, so do we drop to 2 regions (East and West), that works for Scotland; or do we try and involve North Wales and the valleys? We appear to be on a downward spiral. Lack of money in the game - despite the WRU having a £100million+ turnover, players leaving in droves, and the ridiculous 25 cap rule handicapping the national side. You only have to look at our bench for Saturday where the front row have a combined international playing time of 41 minutes! (Smith, Parry and Botha must be pissed off) It’s a mess. It grieves me as it does all Welsh fans. The solution? Answers on a postcode to Mr N Walker, Westgate Street, Cardiff. | |||
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"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? Not sure who instigated the break, but makes sense for lots of reasons, not least the state of the WRU. I'd love Edwards back much as I hate him being a saints fan but I think the wru is too fucked for anyone to make it a success I think it is and not sure they are doing anything to make a difference to Welsh rugby not convinced appointing Abi as ceo is going to fix very much, the regions and prem teams are the issue. Very sad state of affairs. Explain how the professional sides and prem teams are the issue. Because they took well supported club teams and turned them into franchise that nobody really gives a fuck about, then they merged some of them, the identity has been washed out of the game. There are too many to be properly funded, hence low quality. Oh and just saw George north is retiring. Another massive talent walking away from it, though having said that, there is some cracking talent coming through on the wings. The professional clubs were not well supported, were financially unviable and the player base too shallow to support the number of clubs. They shouldn't have bothered with 'regions', Swansea and Newport should have stood alone with Cardiff and Llanelli. The 4 could be properly funded, and competitive, as in the past. The WRU choose not to, despite having the same turnover as the IRFU. The WRU are now reaping what they've sown and the national team is in dismal shape. How arrogant! What devine right would those 4 clubs have had over the likes of Neath, both Ponty’s, Ebbw Vale, Bridgend and others? That is partly why the regions are so poorly supported now. The tribalism that made the club games so competitive has backfired and the ostracised fan base hasn’t connect with the regions. Think about it :- how close is Parc y Scarlets to The Liberty; likewise Cardiff Arms Park to Rodney Parade. The comparison has been drawn to Ireland; their regions cover the whole island of Ireland. Ours are situated in a narrow band along the M4. For years the national team have over achieved and papered over the cracks of how poor our regions actually are. They simply haven’t worked. I’m not sure there’s a silver bullet now. We can’t go back, so do we drop to 2 regions (East and West), that works for Scotland; or do we try and involve North Wales and the valleys? We appear to be on a downward spiral. Lack of money in the game - despite the WRU having a £100million+ turnover, players leaving in droves, and the ridiculous 25 cap rule handicapping the national side. You only have to look at our bench for Saturday where the front row have a combined international playing time of 41 minutes! (Smith, Parry and Botha must be pissed off) It’s a mess. It grieves me as it does all Welsh fans. The solution? Answers on a postcode to Mr N Walker, Westgate Street, Cardiff." No divine right, just private money, a commercial base and population centres. Pontypridd and Bridgend had a pro team but it went bust, lest we forget. And they have worked. When adequately funded they won leagues and cups. And when they were successful they had plenty of bums on seats. I'm sorry to say but you're frighteningly misinformed on this. And don't get me started on the 25 cap rule. It's not a hindrance to Welsh rugby, far from it. | |||
"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? Not sure who instigated the break, but makes sense for lots of reasons, not least the state of the WRU. I'd love Edwards back much as I hate him being a saints fan but I think the wru is too fucked for anyone to make it a success I think it is and not sure they are doing anything to make a difference to Welsh rugby not convinced appointing Abi as ceo is going to fix very much, the regions and prem teams are the issue. Very sad state of affairs. Explain how the professional sides and prem teams are the issue. Because they took well supported club teams and turned them into franchise that nobody really gives a fuck about, then they merged some of them, the identity has been washed out of the game. There are too many to be properly funded, hence low quality. Oh and just saw George north is retiring. Another massive talent walking away from it, though having said that, there is some cracking talent coming through on the wings. The professional clubs were not well supported, were financially unviable and the player base too shallow to support the number of clubs. They shouldn't have bothered with 'regions', Swansea and Newport should have stood alone with Cardiff and Llanelli. The 4 could be properly funded, and competitive, as in the past. The WRU choose not to, despite having the same turnover as the IRFU. The WRU are now reaping what they've sown and the national team is in dismal shape. How arrogant! What devine right would those 4 clubs have had over the likes of Neath, both Ponty’s, Ebbw Vale, Bridgend and others? That is partly why the regions are so poorly supported now. The tribalism that made the club games so competitive has backfired and the ostracised fan base hasn’t connect with the regions. Think about it :- how close is Parc y Scarlets to The Liberty; likewise Cardiff Arms Park to Rodney Parade. The comparison has been drawn to Ireland; their regions cover the whole island of Ireland. Ours are situated in a narrow band along the M4. For years the national team have over achieved and papered over the cracks of how poor our regions actually are. They simply haven’t worked. I’m not sure there’s a silver bullet now. We can’t go back, so do we drop to 2 regions (East and West), that works for Scotland; or do we try and involve North Wales and the valleys? We appear to be on a downward spiral. Lack of money in the game - despite the WRU having a £100million+ turnover, players leaving in droves, and the ridiculous 25 cap rule handicapping the national side. You only have to look at our bench for Saturday where the front row have a combined international playing time of 41 minutes! (Smith, Parry and Botha must be pissed off) It’s a mess. It grieves me as it does all Welsh fans. The solution? Answers on a postcode to Mr N Walker, Westgate Street, Cardiff. No divine right, just private money, a commercial base and population centres. Pontypridd and Bridgend had a pro team but it went bust, lest we forget. And they have worked. When adequately funded they won leagues and cups. And when they were successful they had plenty of bums on seats. I'm sorry to say but you're frighteningly misinformed on this. And don't get me started on the 25 cap rule. It's not a hindrance to Welsh rugby, far from it. " The Warriors were acquired, and liquidated by the WRU after only 1 season. Little wonder those fans abandoned the regional concept. And, remind me, how many of our regions have been in a European Cup Final, let alone won it? | |||
"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? Not sure who instigated the break, but makes sense for lots of reasons, not least the state of the WRU. I'd love Edwards back much as I hate him being a saints fan but I think the wru is too fucked for anyone to make it a success I think it is and not sure they are doing anything to make a difference to Welsh rugby not convinced appointing Abi as ceo is going to fix very much, the regions and prem teams are the issue. Very sad state of affairs. Explain how the professional sides and prem teams are the issue. Because they took well supported club teams and turned them into franchise that nobody really gives a fuck about, then they merged some of them, the identity has been washed out of the game. There are too many to be properly funded, hence low quality. Oh and just saw George north is retiring. Another massive talent walking away from it, though having said that, there is some cracking talent coming through on the wings. The professional clubs were not well supported, were financially unviable and the player base too shallow to support the number of clubs. They shouldn't have bothered with 'regions', Swansea and Newport should have stood alone with Cardiff and Llanelli. The 4 could be properly funded, and competitive, as in the past. The WRU choose not to, despite having the same turnover as the IRFU. The WRU are now reaping what they've sown and the national team is in dismal shape. How arrogant! What devine right would those 4 clubs have had over the likes of Neath, both Ponty’s, Ebbw Vale, Bridgend and others? That is partly why the regions are so poorly supported now. The tribalism that made the club games so competitive has backfired and the ostracised fan base hasn’t connect with the regions. Think about it :- how close is Parc y Scarlets to The Liberty; likewise Cardiff Arms Park to Rodney Parade. The comparison has been drawn to Ireland; their regions cover the whole island of Ireland. Ours are situated in a narrow band along the M4. For years the national team have over achieved and papered over the cracks of how poor our regions actually are. They simply haven’t worked. I’m not sure there’s a silver bullet now. We can’t go back, so do we drop to 2 regions (East and West), that works for Scotland; or do we try and involve North Wales and the valleys? We appear to be on a downward spiral. Lack of money in the game - despite the WRU having a £100million+ turnover, players leaving in droves, and the ridiculous 25 cap rule handicapping the national side. You only have to look at our bench for Saturday where the front row have a combined international playing time of 41 minutes! (Smith, Parry and Botha must be pissed off) It’s a mess. It grieves me as it does all Welsh fans. The solution? Answers on a postcode to Mr N Walker, Westgate Street, Cardiff." Admit they fucked up and put money back into the clubs they fucked when they bizarrely selected only 4 to fund. It will take years but unless they do it the rich Welsh rugby heritage will disappear completely. What made wales special was the passion for the game at club level. The national team is all well Ms good but you can't build a sport on 10 international games a season. | |||
"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? Not sure who instigated the break, but makes sense for lots of reasons, not least the state of the WRU. I'd love Edwards back much as I hate him being a saints fan but I think the wru is too fucked for anyone to make it a success I think it is and not sure they are doing anything to make a difference to Welsh rugby not convinced appointing Abi as ceo is going to fix very much, the regions and prem teams are the issue. Very sad state of affairs. Explain how the professional sides and prem teams are the issue. Because they took well supported club teams and turned them into franchise that nobody really gives a fuck about, then they merged some of them, the identity has been washed out of the game. There are too many to be properly funded, hence low quality. Oh and just saw George north is retiring. Another massive talent walking away from it, though having said that, there is some cracking talent coming through on the wings. The professional clubs were not well supported, were financially unviable and the player base too shallow to support the number of clubs. They shouldn't have bothered with 'regions', Swansea and Newport should have stood alone with Cardiff and Llanelli. The 4 could be properly funded, and competitive, as in the past. The WRU choose not to, despite having the same turnover as the IRFU. The WRU are now reaping what they've sown and the national team is in dismal shape. How arrogant! What devine right would those 4 clubs have had over the likes of Neath, both Ponty’s, Ebbw Vale, Bridgend and others? That is partly why the regions are so poorly supported now. The tribalism that made the club games so competitive has backfired and the ostracised fan base hasn’t connect with the regions. Think about it :- how close is Parc y Scarlets to The Liberty; likewise Cardiff Arms Park to Rodney Parade. The comparison has been drawn to Ireland; their regions cover the whole island of Ireland. Ours are situated in a narrow band along the M4. For years the national team have over achieved and papered over the cracks of how poor our regions actually are. They simply haven’t worked. I’m not sure there’s a silver bullet now. We can’t go back, so do we drop to 2 regions (East and West), that works for Scotland; or do we try and involve North Wales and the valleys? We appear to be on a downward spiral. Lack of money in the game - despite the WRU having a £100million+ turnover, players leaving in droves, and the ridiculous 25 cap rule handicapping the national side. You only have to look at our bench for Saturday where the front row have a combined international playing time of 41 minutes! (Smith, Parry and Botha must be pissed off) It’s a mess. It grieves me as it does all Welsh fans. The solution? Answers on a postcode to Mr N Walker, Westgate Street, Cardiff. No divine right, just private money, a commercial base and population centres. Pontypridd and Bridgend had a pro team but it went bust, lest we forget. And they have worked. When adequately funded they won leagues and cups. And when they were successful they had plenty of bums on seats. I'm sorry to say but you're frighteningly misinformed on this. And don't get me started on the 25 cap rule. It's not a hindrance to Welsh rugby, far from it. The Warriors were acquired, and liquidated by the WRU after only 1 season. Little wonder those fans abandoned the regional concept. And, remind me, how many of our regions have been in a European Cup Final, let alone won it?" The Warriors were liquidated when Leighton Samuel decided he didn't want to waste any more money. Cardiff have won the Challenge Cup. Scarlets and Ospreys have had good runs in the main cup. That was when the professional game was adequately funded and the national side was winning. Funny that. This all boils down to money. Money creates winning sides and develops good players at regions/clubs. This in turn provides a supply of players to a successful national side. Where the clubs are located or what they are called is irrelevant. If there was a side in Wales that spent £12M a year on players and won every game you could locate them in Abercwmtwch and call them the Saxon Spunktrumpets and they'd sell out. | |||
"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? Not sure who instigated the break, but makes sense for lots of reasons, not least the state of the WRU. I'd love Edwards back much as I hate him being a saints fan but I think the wru is too fucked for anyone to make it a success I think it is and not sure they are doing anything to make a difference to Welsh rugby not convinced appointing Abi as ceo is going to fix very much, the regions and prem teams are the issue. Very sad state of affairs. Explain how the professional sides and prem teams are the issue. Because they took well supported club teams and turned them into franchise that nobody really gives a fuck about, then they merged some of them, the identity has been washed out of the game. There are too many to be properly funded, hence low quality. Oh and just saw George north is retiring. Another massive talent walking away from it, though having said that, there is some cracking talent coming through on the wings. The professional clubs were not well supported, were financially unviable and the player base too shallow to support the number of clubs. They shouldn't have bothered with 'regions', Swansea and Newport should have stood alone with Cardiff and Llanelli. The 4 could be properly funded, and competitive, as in the past. The WRU choose not to, despite having the same turnover as the IRFU. The WRU are now reaping what they've sown and the national team is in dismal shape. How arrogant! What devine right would those 4 clubs have had over the likes of Neath, both Ponty’s, Ebbw Vale, Bridgend and others? That is partly why the regions are so poorly supported now. The tribalism that made the club games so competitive has backfired and the ostracised fan base hasn’t connect with the regions. Think about it :- how close is Parc y Scarlets to The Liberty; likewise Cardiff Arms Park to Rodney Parade. The comparison has been drawn to Ireland; their regions cover the whole island of Ireland. Ours are situated in a narrow band along the M4. For years the national team have over achieved and papered over the cracks of how poor our regions actually are. They simply haven’t worked. I’m not sure there’s a silver bullet now. We can’t go back, so do we drop to 2 regions (East and West), that works for Scotland; or do we try and involve North Wales and the valleys? We appear to be on a downward spiral. Lack of money in the game - despite the WRU having a £100million+ turnover, players leaving in droves, and the ridiculous 25 cap rule handicapping the national side. You only have to look at our bench for Saturday where the front row have a combined international playing time of 41 minutes! (Smith, Parry and Botha must be pissed off) It’s a mess. It grieves me as it does all Welsh fans. The solution? Answers on a postcode to Mr N Walker, Westgate Street, Cardiff. Admit they fucked up and put money back into the clubs they fucked when they bizarrely selected only 4 to fund. It will take years but unless they do it the rich Welsh rugby heritage will disappear completely. What made wales special was the passion for the game at club level. The national team is all well Ms good but you can't build a sport on 10 international games a season. " I agree that there's more to rugby than the international game. But can you remember when we had 12 pro clubs? They were super ahit and were being hammered in Europe. Plus most were bankrupt. 3 or 4 pro sides is the most we can sustain given the amount of money in the game and depth of players in Wales. | |||
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"We fucked up by not joining the English league before the regions came about. The English agreed to 6 Welsh teams but the WRU wanted 8 or 10 can't remember." Yep, that was a particularly stupid move by the WRU. The URC kills us. | |||
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"Definitely mate. Gotta abolish the 25 caps rule now. The springboks does it and it's working out for them " We can't abolish the 25 cap rule until there's enough money in the domestic game to keep players here. | |||
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"Thought he only signed a 2 year deal 2 years ago to match what Edwards signed for france The contract is until 2027. The plan is he takes us to the RWC, but there is a break clause built in should either side wish to end it I think in 2025. Wasn't the break clause put in place because the wru is such a car crash at the moment? Not sure who instigated the break, but makes sense for lots of reasons, not least the state of the WRU. I'd love Edwards back much as I hate him being a saints fan but I think the wru is too fucked for anyone to make it a success I think it is and not sure they are doing anything to make a difference to Welsh rugby not convinced appointing Abi as ceo is going to fix very much, the regions and prem teams are the issue. Very sad state of affairs. Explain how the professional sides and prem teams are the issue. Because they took well supported club teams and turned them into franchise that nobody really gives a fuck about, then they merged some of them, the identity has been washed out of the game. There are too many to be properly funded, hence low quality. Oh and just saw George north is retiring. Another massive talent walking away from it, though having said that, there is some cracking talent coming through on the wings. The professional clubs were not well supported, were financially unviable and the player base too shallow to support the number of clubs. They shouldn't have bothered with 'regions', Swansea and Newport should have stood alone with Cardiff and Llanelli. The 4 could be properly funded, and competitive, as in the past. The WRU choose not to, despite having the same turnover as the IRFU. The WRU are now reaping what they've sown and the national team is in dismal shape. How arrogant! What devine right would those 4 clubs have had over the likes of Neath, both Ponty’s, Ebbw Vale, Bridgend and others? That is partly why the regions are so poorly supported now. The tribalism that made the club games so competitive has backfired and the ostracised fan base hasn’t connect with the regions. Think about it :- how close is Parc y Scarlets to The Liberty; likewise Cardiff Arms Park to Rodney Parade. The comparison has been drawn to Ireland; their regions cover the whole island of Ireland. Ours are situated in a narrow band along the M4. For years the national team have over achieved and papered over the cracks of how poor our regions actually are. They simply haven’t worked. I’m not sure there’s a silver bullet now. We can’t go back, so do we drop to 2 regions (East and West), that works for Scotland; or do we try and involve North Wales and the valleys? We appear to be on a downward spiral. Lack of money in the game - despite the WRU having a £100million+ turnover, players leaving in droves, and the ridiculous 25 cap rule handicapping the national side. You only have to look at our bench for Saturday where the front row have a combined international playing time of 41 minutes! (Smith, Parry and Botha must be pissed off) It’s a mess. It grieves me as it does all Welsh fans. The solution? Answers on a postcode to Mr N Walker, Westgate Street, Cardiff. Admit they fucked up and put money back into the clubs they fucked when they bizarrely selected only 4 to fund. It will take years but unless they do it the rich Welsh rugby heritage will disappear completely. What made wales special was the passion for the game at club level. The national team is all well Ms good but you can't build a sport on 10 international games a season. I agree that there's more to rugby than the international game. But can you remember when we had 12 pro clubs? They were super ahit and were being hammered in Europe. Plus most were bankrupt. 3 or 4 pro sides is the most we can sustain given the amount of money in the game and depth of players in Wales. " Oh, come on. A professional Ebbw Vale side would easily be taking on the might of Leinster if history had been different. I agree with every word of your assessments. The club game could never have gone pro in Wales. The idea is laughable - too little money in the game to go round, and too few people with pockets deep enough. No way can Wales sustain more than four professional entities. The failure is squarely on the lack of funding in the regions. A few investors have strove manfully to plug gaps, but the WRU has been terrible in this regard. It really is a (financial) numbers game. Also, Gatland, for all his qualities, has shown a complete lack of understanding of the fact the regions he criticises are operating on lower bugets than other countries. Also, the obvious downsides of abolishing the 25 cap rule are all too often ignored. A large part of Wales’s success under Gatland was based on the access he had to players. | |||
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