Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Peter Thomas On Scrum V
By Andrew Collins
March 30 2008
Cardiff Blues Chairman, Peter Thomas, was interviewed by Scum V this week, ahead of the Heineken Cup Quarter Final match with Toulouse. The former Cardiff RFC player was questioned on the big match, future success and the current transfer recruitment from the Southern Hemisphere.
The round-up of what Thomas said was;
* We're always talking to the best in the world, from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the South Sea Islands, whether we're successful in signing the or not remains to be seen.
* We want to be consistently in the top tier and competing with the best year in year out. The Cardiff Blues need to establish themselves as a European force to be reckoned with.
* We're one or two positions away from being up there with the best, recruitment is based on those positions.
* 90% of the current squad are Welsh, and a lot have come through the academies. We want to develop Welsh boys through the academy
* Toulouse make 40% of their income through sponsors alone, the Blues are nowhere near that, but hope to get nearer that figure in the next few seasons as they become able to offer better facilities.
* This team CAN win in Toulouse, the forwards have been magnificent and as long as they play to the best of their ability, there's no reason why they can't.
In the studio afterwards, the pundits said we're looking at getting a Southern Hemisphere fly half as well as potentially 2 flankers, despite most pundits views that tight-head prop, srcum half and fly half remain the positions of most weakness.
The Blues are currently being linked to Aled Brew, Ceri Sweeney and Richard Mustoe, while it's thought only the first name has actually put pen to paper. In terms of Southern Hemispehere players, scrum half Matt Henjak is a name being touted, though he's expected to join former Australia coach Eddie Jones at Saracens. In terms of Thomas' ambition, it's worth remembering that we may well be talking to Dan carter, who is being linked to Europe, but actually getting the man is another thing altogether.
He is quoted on BBC Sport as saying;
"When you get an opportunity to look at the very best players in the world you've got to look at them and I'm telling you we are looking at the very best players in the world. When opportunities arise to fill certain positions from other parts of the world - be it the southern hemisphere - I assure you we are bang in there and seeing if it fits our jigsaw."
I'm sure this will cause a fair bit of debate, look forward to seeing your comments below!
Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: theArmsPark.co.uk (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 18:46
Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: DRY (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 19:04
Until there's any meat on the plate (or in the pasties come to think of it) then i shall take theinterview with a pinch of salt. 
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: StockyBlue (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 19:36
I'm not a fan of PT especially concerning the whole charade with Stade de Risdale.
I also agree with Dry that there was no substance in the interview at all. Very wish washy. Nothing was said above what you'd expect him say.
But to be honest did anyone acutally expect him to start reeling off big names who we are about to approach? It would be commercial suicide.
I guess, as usual, we will be the last to know and as usual will have to wait and see what's around the corner.....just hope the wait is not in vain and we actually get new players that address the current weaknesses.
I also agree with Dry that there was no substance in the interview at all. Very wish washy. Nothing was said above what you'd expect him say.
But to be honest did anyone acutally expect him to start reeling off big names who we are about to approach? It would be commercial suicide.
I guess, as usual, we will be the last to know and as usual will have to wait and see what's around the corner.....just hope the wait is not in vain and we actually get new players that address the current weaknesses.
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: DRY (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 19:56
Agree 100% StockyBlue, i never really expected PT to come out with anything useful in the interview. Infact the more i think about it the more i am thinking just WHAT was the point of the interview in the first place ???? Answers on the back of a Peter's sausage roll wrapper please to BBC Wales. 
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: S A Brained (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 20:06
Peter thomas said "Wubble" but was stopped putting his underpants over his head and two pencil up his nose by Lord Melchett of Gower.
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: ExiledinStaffs (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 21:20
He's been saying exactly the same thing for the past few years.
In reaction to a couple of the points above, I really don't think we need any more back row players. In my opinions we've got the best back row (1st choce and backups) in Wales (pending fitness).
Also, Dan Carter is never going to leave New Zealand, for 2 reasons: 1. He's NZ's golden boy; 2. He wont be able to play for NZ and he'd be mad to do that at this time in his carreer. And anyway, why the hell would someone like Dan Carter come to the Blues, when there's at least a dozen more appealing clubs in the Northern hemisphere than us. Lets be realistic.
In reaction to a couple of the points above, I really don't think we need any more back row players. In my opinions we've got the best back row (1st choce and backups) in Wales (pending fitness).
Also, Dan Carter is never going to leave New Zealand, for 2 reasons: 1. He's NZ's golden boy; 2. He wont be able to play for NZ and he'd be mad to do that at this time in his carreer. And anyway, why the hell would someone like Dan Carter come to the Blues, when there's at least a dozen more appealing clubs in the Northern hemisphere than us. Lets be realistic.
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: DRY (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 21:58
Nick Evans would be a more realistic signing for the Blues. Would have limited options at 10 for NZ with Carter staying fit. Tight head is also a priority. i have no idea who they might look at 
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: cardiffsteve (IP Logged)
Date: 30/03/2008 23:26
I feel sorry for Peter Thomas. The constant criticism is that he isn't ambitious enough. He gives an interview in which he talks about signing big players and making cardiff Blues into a big european team and he still gets criticism.
I don't suppose he bothers reading internet message boards but if he does he's probably thinking "I can't win with this lot".
I don't suppose he bothers reading internet message boards but if he does he's probably thinking "I can't win with this lot".
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: Rocky (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 00:03
Quote:cardiffsteve
...he's probably thinking "I can't win with this lot".
He's probably right. Perhaps he should let someone else have a go.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:03:31:00:04:29 by Rocky.
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: Cardiff Boo's (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 11:48
The BIG problem is that talk is all he does he spouts the same rubbish every time he is interviewed and nothing ever changes.
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: theArmsPark.co.uk Admin (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 13:57
Quote:ExiledinStaffs
Also, Dan Carter is never going to leave New Zealand, for 2 reasons: 1. He's NZ's golden boy; 2. He wont be able to play for NZ and he'd be mad to do that at this time in his career. And anyway, why the hell would someone like Dan Carter come to the Blues, when there's at least a dozen more appealing clubs in the Northern hemisphere than us. Lets be realistic.
It was meant more as an example that we're not getting the big names in than actually saying we're talking to him. The point being, he can talk to the best players in the world all he likes, but its not doing us any good until we get them to join our club.
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: theArmsPark.co.uk Admin (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 13:59
Quote:cardiffsteve
I feel sorry for Peter Thomas. The constant criticism is that he isn't ambitious enough. He gives an interview in which he talks about signing big players and making cardiff Blues into a big european team and he still gets criticism.
I don't suppose he bothers reading internet message boards but if he does he's probably thinking "I can't win with this lot".
Well he can win, he can win if he makes the big name signings and gets the Blues in a state of financial independence.
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: Rocky (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 14:16
Quote:theArmsPark.co.uk AdminQuote:cardiffsteve
I feel sorry for Peter Thomas. The constant criticism is that he isn't ambitious enough. He gives an interview in which he talks about signing big players and making cardiff Blues into a big european team and he still gets criticism.
I don't suppose he bothers reading internet message boards but if he does he's probably thinking "I can't win with this lot".
Well he can win, he can win if he makes the big name signings and gets the Blues in a state of financial independence.
Not sure what you're referring to there. I'd argue he can only win if he provides security for the club and makes the off the field changes that will ensure success.
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: theArmsPark.co.uk Admin (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 14:49
Isn't that essentially what i said?
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
Admin of theArmsPark.co.uk,
Make Noise and You Will Be Heard!
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: Rocky (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 16:19
Quote:theArmsPark.co.uk Admin
Isn't that essentially what i said?
I indicated not being sure what you meant. I've seen 'financially independant' from people talking about 'WRU funding' etc.
Confusion aside I agree.
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: ExiledinStaffs (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 16:44
I get you admin.
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: DRY (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 16:46
Talk is cheap. when PT shows the same ambition as the ospreys then i'll cheer him. the ospreys went out and signed tommy bowe ready for next season. no bother, no false promises, THEY JUST SIGNED HIM !!!!
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: larryblues1010 (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 17:56
Quote:DRY
Talk is cheap. when PT shows the same ambition as the ospreys then i'll cheer him. the ospreys went out and signed tommy bowe ready for next season. no bother, no false promises, THEY JUST SIGNED HIM !!!!
As we have done with Brew and Mustoe
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: StockyBlue (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 19:17
Quote:larryblues1010Quote:DRY
Talk is cheap. when PT shows the same ambition as the ospreys then i'll cheer him. the ospreys went out and signed tommy bowe ready for next season. no bother, no false promises, THEY JUST SIGNED HIM !!!!
As we have done with Brew and Mustoe
I'm guessing that there was a massive slab of sarcasim in that post???
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: DRY (IP Logged)
Date: 31/03/2008 20:16
I'm guessing that too. If not then is there a doctor in the house (or on the messageboard) ????? 
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: Reservoir Prop (IP Logged)
Date: 01/04/2008 14:08
I fully expect him to run the squad down a little and only sign new quality players when he jumps into be with Risdale. He'll have to do something to boost attendances given that the board are already expecting a 1,000 a week drop if they get their wish.
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: NRisMyHero (IP Logged)
Date: 10/04/2008 13:01
we did sign the best player in rugby union ever a few seasons ago.
granted he turned out to be@#$%&in the end...
granted he turned out to be@#$%&in the end...
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: mackumblues (IP Logged)
Date: 10/04/2008 13:38
To whom are you referring.
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: mackumblues (IP Logged)
Date: 10/04/2008 14:58
Ok Lomu was nothing but a cheap publicity stunt aimed at getting a lot of gullible people through the turnstiles when he signed.
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: Neil (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2011 20:17
Has PT lived up to his comments yet?
oooo what I tinker I is innit
___________________________________________________________
Soldier: This is the worst part. The calm before the battle
Fry: And then the battle is not so bad?
Soldier: Oh, right. I forgot about the battle
Better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot
oooo what I tinker I is innit
___________________________________________________________
Soldier: This is the worst part. The calm before the battle
Fry: And then the battle is not so bad?
Soldier: Oh, right. I forgot about the battle
Better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: Spikey Mikey (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2011 20:34
Quote:Neil
Has PT lived up to his comments yet?
oooo what I tinker I is innit
Well, since he made those comments, we have gone on to win the EDF (when it was worth winning) reach the semi final of the HC, win the Amlin cup and reach the top 6 (or was it 5)in the European rankings.
It's certainly not all entirely rosey at the moment and we need a few players for next season, lets hope we will see some more investment in the side.
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: cardiffsteve (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2011 20:35
Quote:He doesn't want to see the rugby club move, but believes its ground could be considerably enhanced. 'Someone has to sit down sooner rather than later,' he says, 'and draw up a masterplan for the whole area encompassing the Arms Park and running up to the castle.
'You could build a hotel, offices, residential, A3 – even a casino. You could have a £50m development. You would only borrow on the back of viable commercial development, but it should happen. If the members said "Bring us a scheme", we would.'
Bailey's argument is that while Cardiff Rugby Club is a strong outfit by Welsh standards, it still needs to lift its £4.5m turnover – not least to cover the £2m a year spent on players' wages – through income from development. But with tradition at the heart of Welsh rugby, Bailey's ambitions face a stern test.
Thomas is more forthcoming about the club. Told of Bailey's comments, he says: 'That's absolute bollocks. I wouldn't have thought there was room to enhance the Arms Park.'
I'd say Thomas is definetly a man of his word.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:01:13:20:38:18 by cardiffsteve.
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: CaerphillyBluesfan (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2011 20:56
Have I just missed something - we've signed Aled Brew for next season? Again? WTF? Re-signing Mustoe yes, but surely there's no need to waste precious resources on Brew? Or have I missed something? 
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: Dim Cais (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2011 21:12
Quote:Neil
Has PT lived up to his comments yet?
oooo what I tinker I is innit
You're a blydi stirrer Neil.
In the last paragraph, PT is quoted as saying they were only looking at the best players. We can all do that.
Anyway, we got 2 Dads, Cooper and Gavin. What more could we have asked for?
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: cardiffsteve (IP Logged)
Date: 13/01/2011 21:39
Quote:CaerphillyBluesfan
Have I just missed something - we've signed Aled Brew for next season? Again? WTF? Re-signing Mustoe yes, but surely there's no need to waste precious resources on Brew? Or have I missed something?
Aye. You missed the date at the top
.Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: Dim Cais (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2011 23:31
Quote:Spikey Mikey
Well, since he made those comments, we have gone on to win the EDF (when it was worth winning) reach the semi final of the HC, win the Amlin cup and reach the top 6 (or was it 5)in the European rankings.
It's certainly not all entirely rosey at the moment and we need a few players for next season, lets hope we will see some more investment in the side.
Oops!
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: Nosmo King (IP Logged)
Date: 19/01/2011 23:47
Good to see that PT has delivered on his promise that Cardiff are back on the top table and the dark days will never return!
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: Coz (IP Logged)
Date: 20/01/2011 21:58
Two years at the CCS and two years failing to qualify for QFs of the HC now thats what I call progress!!
The dark times really have returned, better get use to them as with PT and his cronies at the top the Blues will never win the HC!!
The dark times really have returned, better get use to them as with PT and his cronies at the top the Blues will never win the HC!!
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: Dim Cais (IP Logged)
Date: 20/01/2011 22:02
Quote:Coz
Two years at the CCS and two years failing to qualify for QFs of the HC now thats what I call progress!!
The dark times really have returned, better get use to them as with PT and his cronies at the top the Blues will never win the HC!!
Even qualifying for the HEC maybe a struggle in the future.
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: Nosmo King (IP Logged)
Date: 20/01/2011 22:37
Apparently when he said "The dark days will never return" he meant the Black on the shirts.
Re: Peter Thomas On Scrum V
Posted by: Dim Cais (IP Logged)
Date: 20/01/2011 23:44
Quote:Nosmo King
Apparently when he said "The dark days will never return" he meant the Black on the shirts.
The Dark Days?
A popular beat combo. Got some of their albums;
Please, Please Myself
Blues For Sale
Rubber Soulless
HELP!
Sgt Peter's Cash Strapped Band
The Blue and Black Album
Sloper Road
and there's more;
All You Need is Cash
Let it Bleed Blue and Black
Black n Blue
This Stadium has All Mod Cons
Outrageous Decision to move d'amour
Are You Experienced (in Ruining a Rugby Club)?
i'm sure there are others.