Comings and Goings

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So who will be the scrum half if we go into the Premiership? Clearly a pivotal role. I'm a little surprised Rob Lewis has walked and he seemed to have settled into first choice with Jack Moates as sub, but no mention of the latter re-signing yet.

Jack Moates is in the London Irish academy - we're offering sponsorship opportunities for him, which suggests he is definitely staying: [www.london-irish.com] [first name in academy list]

You'll probably need a replacement for him too as he looks likely to be our third choice for this season, so shouldn't go on loan, and you probably need three scrum halves all season if you play in the Premiership.

Oh, and Gary Johnson is off to Cornish Pirates (surprised he didn't stay with you).

Forgot Gary Johnson! Thanks. List updated for that one.

Quote:

Lazyboy346
Jack Moates is in the London Irish academy - we're offering sponsorship opportunities for him, which suggests he is definitely staying: [www.london-irish.com] [first name in academy list]
You'll probably need a replacement for him too as he looks likely to be our third choice for this season, so shouldn't go on loan, and you probably need three scrum halves all season if you play in the Premiership.

Jack's a real star of the future and probably deserves more than just an academy contract at LI. I thought he was very impressive for us last season.

Jon Mills, still not signed,is he also leaving.

Quote:

freddydavies
Jon Mills, still not signed,is he also leaving.

Has he sobered up yet after the final?!

We are going to be less & less & less & less & less & less & less WELSH. PADDYTAF.

Quote:

paddytaf
We are going to be less & less & less & less & less & less & less WELSH. PADDYTAF.

You seem surprisingly excited about that idea and also the thought of playing home games at Oxford! Getting carried away with the emoticons again?

I can understand why the RFU specify minimum numbers of EQPs but it is a great shame when it prevents players such as Saul Nelson and Mike Powell staying with the club.

There's a few on the list of players leaving that could feel hard done by for other reasons. Trying to convert Shawn to tighthead part way through the season was ridiculous (especially as he is a relatively inexperienced prop with plenty still to learn). Several others (including Edd Thrower) didn't get many opportunities either and certainly didn't do anything wrong. Good luck to all of them in the future.

I'm not excited at all in fact i'm very very sad & upset about the whole thing. PADDYTAF. I got carried away and used my usual icons which suggested i was happy about the current situation.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2012:06:25:19:33:38 by paddytaf.

Matt Keyte joins from Bath

[www.london-welsh.co.uk]

Quote:

Dragons' Den
Matt Keyte joins from Bath
[www.london-welsh.co.uk]

as another departs rob lewis to cardiff blues

News of Rob's departure here.

Sad to see him go; I thought he had an excellent season last year.

I think it's a strange move for Rob. He is pretty much guaranteed to start at Welsh, with a potential year in the Premiership on the horizon, but chooses to move to Wales to be second- or third-choice at the Blues. Maybe his Dad doesn't think we'll win the appeal and that Rob would be better-off sitting on the bench in the Pro12 than in the Championship. Or maybe I'm reading too much into this.

I'm sorry to see Rob Lewis go too, as my respect for his play grew through the season from initially seeing him as there by virtue of 'connections'. I still prefer a scrum half who bends lower like Darren Edwards and swivels like Gareth Edwards or Terry Holmes, but that's asking. The fact remains we seem to e short of a scrum-half. I've no idea what Lyn is proposing, but whoever is tapped has a good negotiating position even if events go against us today. Does anyone know of a good scrum-half looking for a job on the A40 axis?

While Rob established himself as first choice SH here is his move to Blues really a bad move for his career?

With Lloyd Williams in Gatland's top 3 still and Richie Rees having gone I think Rob could be well placed for a lot of game time.

Still I know little of the Blues, but maybe his Dad will be along later to add some colour?

Quote:

DanFW3
Does anyone know of a good scrum-half looking for a job on the A40 axis?

well we've got Matt Keyte from Bath. What is Martin Roberts upto with Northampton? The Scarlets have a number of SHs which could leave Tavis looking for pastures new. What is the noun for a number of SHs? A flurry?

Quote:

adge1
What is the noun for a number of SHs? A flurry?

A gobful?

...that'll do

While he's not everyone's cup of tea how about Liam Davies?

I like him as a player and I doubt he would demand a high wage.

Quote:

Crug Mawr
While he's not everyone's cup of tea how about Liam Davies?
I like him as a player and I doubt he would demand a high wage.

Didn't he have a couple of games a ODP a season or so back?

Quote:

adge1

Quote:

Crug Mawr
While he's not everyone's cup of tea how about Liam Davies?
I like him as a player and I doubt he would demand a high wage.

Didn't he have a couple of games a ODP a season or so back?

I had forgotten he had a spell here a couple of years ago! I can't recall seeing him play here but my brain's not working too well today.

Things on my mind see.

Brilliant news that you guys are coming up and I wish you all of the best. Think you will need a couple of extras, particularly in the pack if you want to stay up though. Hope you can find the right guys!

Quote:

Crug Mawr
While he's not everyone's cup of tea how about Liam Davies?
I like him as a player and I doubt he would demand a high wage.

It'll have to be either him or Gav - there isn't enough fake tan in the south-east for both of them.

Congratulations from Exeter, well deserved.

Good luck to Rob at Blues

[www.bbc.co.uk]

[">www.youtube.com]

Rugby Paper suggested that you are looking at Tom Voyce, Gavin Henson and front five signings.

Wonder whether Michael Tagi will make the move back to you after his release from Sarries?

“I believe it might have been said before, but there is something special happening at Saracens, and I want to be part of it.” - Nils Mordt

Knowing nothing of Premiership players, what is Matt Keyte's style of play at scrum half - is he the business. Is Jack Moates returning to LI, and if so who else will we have who can play at S-h? Any good Welsh ones (with the required English grandmother and no ambition to play for Wales) around?

From ESPN website (quoting Rugby Paper yesterday & BBC Sport):

London Welsh captain Jonathan Mills has promised their fans that the Championship winners will be competitive when they start life in the Aviva Premiership in September.

The Exiles this week successfully appealed against the decision to block their promotion to the Premiership having beaten Cornish Pirates in the Championship promotion play-off final in May.

Senior figures at the club have said that they are aiming to recruit eight top-level players to makes sure that the team is competitive on their Premiership debut, but Mills believes that their time in the Championship will have stood the team in good stead for the coming season.

"People just don't realise how competitive the Championship is," Mills told The Rugby Paper. "We are going to be ready. It has been what we've been hoping for all summer so it is a huge relief that the decision has gone our way. We are heading into pre-season now and we know we are going to have to work extremely hard. We're going to be ready though. I've played Heineken Cup before I came to Welsh and I don't think people realise how good the Championship is. It will be a different type of season for us, so we'll have to get used to that, the intensity will be different, making sure we perform every week. It is a huge step for the club. But we have to make sure we perform."

Despite being given what has been described as a 'war-chest' from London Welsh bosses, head coach Lyn Jones says he is in no rush to start signing players up and would like to reward the members of the team who helped the club to promotion.

He is also confident that the club will not suffer from their move to Oxford United's Kassam Stadium, despite it being located 50miles from their traditional Old Deer Park home.

"We've just had news that we're about to go up and play in the Premiership and we will be interested to speak to several players who have been Premiership and international standard at one time or other in their careers," Jones told BBC Sport. "We've got a very good squad and a very good team. We were the best in the championship and we understand that we need to strengthen our squad, but we feel there is a lot of good talent at London Welsh and we are keen to give those boys the opportunity to show themselves. People will come because they are keen on London Welsh and keen on Premiership rugby and good quality rugby. The one thing about English rugby supporters is that they do go out and support their rugby clubs."

Good luck to you guys,hope you can get some better players in ,starting with a front row.
Its gonna be tough,but you need to concentrate on the league only and play fringe players in the cup.
We had keyte down here at bristol on dual reg,thought he was ok as a third scrumhalf but he wont start For you and to be honest could do with a season in the championship.
Hopefully we will meet you next season in the prem,but we know its a tough league to get out of,so congrats to you all.
Not too sure you will enjoy the oxford experience,always enjoyed the odp one myself,but i guess its a price to pay for the chance to play in the prem.
All the best,take it to them!

gaztaz. I must admit i have never heard of this chap Keyte and you now have me concerned with your comment about him only being third choice at Bris. He is the only srum half we have so he will be 1st, 2nd, & 3rd choice with us at LONDON WELSH. PADDYTAF.

Nick Runciman is a free agent again. Has Premiership experience and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him come back to you.

He was dual reg with us last season,but Didnt really get a look in. We had ruki and slater,who are were much more the finished article.
In my mind he is one for the future,but really needs game time to improve so might suprise us all.
Im sure jones is looking at all his options and you will get in a top class scrum half,the annoying part is you had to wait this long not knowing whatleague you needed to recruit for.
Although you do need a few more welsh men in there, i think we have more at bris lol....just not henson,waste of money and has no commitment whatsoever!
Good luck for the season.

Healey's thoughts:
[www.espnscrum.com]

(there's some complete bollocks in there as well as a couple of gems)

JT:
[www.espnscrum.com]

Healey = "To be honest, the RaboDirect PRO12 is a little bit boring and the supporters are largely starved of top-level rugby, apart from the Heineken Cup, and it could've been a great idea to move London Welsh over the bridge"

To be honest I've seen more Rabo Direct than this bloke and it's much less boring than the AV. As for his other idea, what's that naughty word you used Dottigirl?

*slaps back of hand*

Oops.

I'm bearing in mind that he just wants headline attention again so I'm not getting annoyed by the Rabo comment.

I agree that Matt Keyte should be seen as one for the future not a Premiership first choice at the moment. He didn't really look likely to get into our (Bath) matchday squad and from the United games i went to he didn't often start in them. Played fullback a few times I remember. I think you will eed to recruit a couple of experienced no. 9s. Good luck to you and to Matt in the Premiership can I say.

I've watch Matt Keyte for five years,he was originally with Quins Academy and made England 18,I watched him in these games and always did well.Unfortunately for him We had Chris Cook who is highly rated by us and the same age.We never really gave him a chance.I also watched him play for our University side and Bath United.
Matt Keyte will be a good signing for you and always gives 100% and no we are not related.

Firstly, Congratulations on your deserved promotion to the AP, If the rumours are true a certain Gareth Evans is to become a London Welsh player.

You will be getting a very versatile and exciting addition, scores important tries, can play at eight, however, adapted to playing hooker, and a very good all round team player.

Good luck in the coming season!!!!!!!!!

another rumour - Barry Davies ex Ospreys, Brive and Scarlets full back is a possible signing.

adge1. How scary is that. I was only saying to someone yesterday "what about Barry Davies coming to LONDON WELSH" PADDYTAF.

that's how rumours start......

[www.thisisbristol.co.uk]

More on Henson:

[www.telegraph.co.uk]

Read a lot on here about Henson and Keyte but nothing about Browne and Williamson. Have no knowledge of Browne myself but have seen Williamson's video on YouTube. Saw him score and get binned (a little harshly I thought) at ODP last season. Does anyone have an opinion on either/both?

Gareth Owen to the Scarlets, after being linked with LW. Martyn Williams and Ollie Phillips both turned Welsh down according to the RP.

Quote:

adge1
Gareth Owen to the Scarlets, after being linked with LW. Martyn Williams and Ollie Phillips both turned Welsh down according to the RP.

According to 'a reliable source' neither were offered contracts by LW so the story in the RP is incorrect.

See its happened then! Henson signed!

Tom Voyce & Henson.

(Barry Davies not confirmed.)

So, we're ok for backs. What about forwards now?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:07:09:16:29:44 by dottigirl.

yes we need the biggest, toughest TH prop we can afford....but then so does every other top club in the world.

Looks like you've got Jonah Holmes, Nathan Morris and Lewis Thiede all dual registered from us (Wasps)

How does dual reg work between two clubs in the same division?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:07:10:12:46:44 by adge1.

We would DR our fringe players in exchange for their first team starters. PADDYTAF.

Exeter's Hadyn Thomas was 3rd choice at Bris for a bit - perhaps it's a natural route to the premiership?!? Good luck to him (and to LW too).

Quote:

ow does dual reg work between two clubs in the same division?

They cant play against us!

Apparently LW have outbid the Scarlets for ex London Irish TH prop Faan Rautenbach.

Quote:

adge1
Apparently LW have outbid the Scarlets for ex London Irish TH prop Faan Rautenbach.

Where did you see this? PADDYTAF.



"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"

Decent source told me last night. Confirmed in RP today.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:07:15:13:12:17 by adge1.

Any truth in the rumour that he held out for more money because someone kept posting on here how desperate we were for front row?

quite possibly...but then who doesn't need a decent TH prop? Assume that having signed Rautenbach, Montanella won't be coming and having signed Arscott there's no need for Voyce?

Tom Voyce still very keen to join us according to his quote on Sky....

What's happened to players like Hudson? Not confirmed as new contract above... Is he staying? Simon Whatling... Mike Denbee similarly. Are they on 2 year deals?

RP has lengthy quotes from Voyce and he seems to be saying all the right things like Welsh 'play hard and work hard...I'd like to tell (Lyn) what I can offer the club...I'm still at my peak and I've never been injury prone.'
RP also adds Welsh are set for talks with Neil Briggs, Bourgoin ex Sale hooker.

Agree with Newest Sir Benfro about Hudson, Whatling and Denbee. Just as a matter of interest, is the period players last with the team (excluding players on loan) getting steadily shorter? It's a bit hard on us oldsters trying to recognise players in our own side let alone the oppo.

nic runciman on way back according to local glaws newspaper

Runciman return also being reported on Sky

Barry Davies not signing...

[www1.skysports.com]

Quote:

Newest Sir Benfro
Tom Voyce still very keen to join us according to his quote on Sky....
What's happened to players like Hudson? Not confirmed as new contract above... Is he staying? Simon Whatling... Mike Denbee similarly. Are they on 2 year deals?

I thought Mike joined us with a two year contract and Simon is similarly mid way through a two year contract.

DanFW3 makes a point to how long players are with the club and two year contracts are an example of how 2 years can mean 1. If a player falls out of favour with the Coach, would he choose to sit out the second year, albeit being paid, of a contract playing no rugby and therebey jeopardising his futrure marketability? As such contracted players may leave the club mid-contract by mutual consent.

Quote:

Newest Sir Benfro
Barry Davies not signing...
[www1.skysports.com]

Great shame - Barry the Boot is a personal favourite of mine (not that sentimentality should come into it).

I found the Sky article less than compelling - I think the club was aware of the quotas so for this to now be a reason for not signing seems unlikely to say the least.

Isn't the total in the playing squad only around 8, so even if it rose that doesn't mean all would form part of each matchday squad.

[www.london-welsh.co.uk] new hooker from plymouth Navy Man

Has anyone seen any official news regarding us signing Faan Rautenbach as mentioed by adge1 who quite rightly saw this in last Sunday's RUGBY PAPER. PADDYTAF.



"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"

ESPN Scrum's take on how to survive in the AP:

[www.espnscrum.com]


(apologies if it has been posted already!)

[quote nld]ESPN Scrum's take on how to survive in the AP:

Excellent article. PADDYTAF.



"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"

I think that that article was the source of the 'Faan Rautenbach to London Welsh' rumour. I hesitate to question Adge's sources, and I trust him a hell of a lot more than I do The Rugby Paper, but I would be very surprised if it's anything more than lazy journalism based upon "a signing in the mould of Faan Rautenbach could work wonders for this side".

And according to this acrticle [www.espnscrum.com] we haven't signed Barry Davies because we're over-subscribed with NEQ players, including Hudson Tonga'uiha, Gordon Ross, Gavin Henson, Leo Halavatau and Sonny Parker.

Irish haven't announced that Leo's leaving them, and we haven't heard anything about him signing for us, so don't know whether this is a long-term loan deal. This would also leave Irish with problems at tight-head, with a lot of their fans expecting Leo to step-up now Faan has gone.

Like the Rugby Paper much of what is written on ESPN Scrum lacks creditability. When the list of writers is headed up by Austin Healey you know it's not worth giving a great deal of attention.

It has gone quiet ref Rautenbach. The source was from the Shamrock side and reliable. But nothing is ever 100% with deals always subject to last minute snags of the 'where is the nearest Waitrose? ' variety.

We have a Waitrose in Godalming. Very pleasant part of the world. I did however see Leo Halavatau, & Faan Rautenbach on their secrurity roster. PADDYTAF.



"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"

Quote:

adge1
It has gone quiet ref Rautenbach. The source was from the Shamrock side and reliable. But nothing is ever 100% with deals always subject to last minute snags of the 'where is the nearest Waitrose? ' variety.

Should I ask my wife to ask his wife at pick-up this afternoon?

Quote:

Newest Sir Benfro
Runciman return also being reported on Sky

...and now on the offy site and by Jon Mills & LW on Twitter.

Quote:

Crug Mawr

Quote:

Newest Sir Benfro
Runciman return also being reported on Sky

...and now on the offy site and by Jon Mills & LW on Twitter.

Stalker!

I'm relying on @UnrealGavHenson for my news. Good banter going on with some the LW squad as well.

In my defence I got the information second hand , so I am a stalker once removed.

midi Olympique reports that Franck Montanella is likely to turn Welsh down because he's about to be offered six months at Brive as joker medical for Pablo Henn.
But they suggest that Welsh are in for the Russian lock Kiril Kulemin (at Castres last season, 31 yo, 125kg, 1.98).
Competition for his signature comes from Colomiers.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:07:19:15:09:28 by adge1.

Voyce talks "Break down"

link



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:07:20:07:37:56 by southstand.

- and stayings - Millsy re-signs, best deal yet.

Yep:

[www.london-welsh.co.uk]

Montanella now not required as a joker medical for Henn ( see above July 19). L'Equipe says :- Victime d'une blessure à l'épaule lors des test-matches de l'Argentine au mois de juin, le pilier Pablo Henn sera éloigné des terrains durant cinq à six mois. Mais comme le révèle La Montagne, le club du CA Brive ne devrait toutefois pas faire appel à un joker médical.'
Negotiations back on?

Am I the only one that can't discern a pattern or plan to the new signings? We seem to be intent on signing as many scrum halves and wingers as possible. At the moment I am not that sure that we could form a scrum. At this stage of the proceedings what would be the side that will take the field against the Tigers

Belgian Stan. A very good question. But here is my starting line up. I know we have signed some other players but with respect and sincere apologies i have not included some of these as i can't remember who they are.

This is not a slight on their ability but i really can't remember them but i do hope that they will make an impact on the team.

15) Alex Davies
14) Nick Scott
13) Sonny Parker
12) Hudson Tongauiha
11) Joe Ajuwa
10) Gavin Henson
9) Nick Runciman
1) Billy Moss
2) Dan George
3) Greg Bateman
4) Matt Corker
5) Adam Brown
6) Jonathan Mills (Capt)
7) Mike Denbee
8) Ed Jackson
16) Gordon Ross
17) Tom Arsoctt
18) Seb Jewell
19) James Tideswell
20) Nathon Morris
21) Martin Purdy
22) Lee Beach

This is a really top 22 from a Championship point of view, which i feel could deliver on their day. I know we need to strengthen in the pack and need strength in depth across the board. But then again so does every other team. PADDYTAF.



"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"

Mike Scott, previously Team Manager at Saracens and Harlequins, has joined LW in a Rugby Admin/Manager role.

Those that want to make him very welcome can buy his portrait from Amazon to wave at pitchside: [www.amazon.co.uk]

Quote:

Belgian Stan
Am I the only one that can't discern a pattern or plan to the new signings? We seem to be intent on signing as many scrum halves and wingers as possible. At the moment I am not that sure that we could form a scrum. At this stage of the proceedings what would be the side that will take the field against the Tigers

The problem may well be that there just aren't those forwards available. Which is worrying.

Photo of Mike Scott in A Harlequins tie? No thanks, but this one of London Welsh v Saracens is more intriguing. Who can name the Welsh players? Is that Mervyn Davies in there?
[www.amazon.co.uk]

And possibly a very young JT too coming round the left side?

Mike Roberts approaching from right?

Quote:

nld
Mike Scott, previously Team Manager at Saracens and Harlequins, has joined LW in a Rugby Admin/Manager role.
Those that want to make him very welcome can buy his portrait from Amazon to wave at pitchside: [www.amazon.co.uk]

Worse still, you can add it to a wedding list. I'd love to do that for someone!

Ion and Kulemin confirmed:
[www.london-welsh.co.uk]

and definitely no Rautenbach who has apparently opted for the French second division side Oyonnax (though he didn't play for them at the weekend v Macon). Sign of the times when a club the size of Oyonax can outbid an English Prem club and a Welsh region for the services of a 30 something TH prop whose international days are done.

The squad page on the LW site seems to have been updated... 36 players listed including Paul Mackey and 2 guys from Wasps rumoured to be loaned. All the photos seem new ....

RP today says Montanella talks back on.....

Interesting to see Alfie To'oala come off the bench yesterday. Trial?Loan? Permanent?

Quote:

Newest Sir Benfro
The squad page on the LW site seems to have been updated... 36 players listed including Paul Mackey ....

Mackey played for Rosslyn Park at Henley on Saturday

Maybe Mackey is DR with us and Rosslyn Park ??

As far as I know only academy players can be DR but he could be loaned to RP. LW 'A' games wouldn't count as being recalled from the loan so he could possibly play in those and for RP.

You're right about DR, but as we've been loaning players to Irish, Wasps, Quins and Sarries for second team fixtures for over a decade, expect to see plenty of names making one-off appearances on Monday nights.

I haven't been through the whole thread (103 posts so far I see!) but comparing the "updated" list at the beginning of this thread with the team for the Bath friendly (both as originally announced and as on the day, including replacements) there are some interesting differences. In the team but not in the update are Jewell, Lewis, Tonga'uhia, Beach, Denbee, Whatling and Toa'aha. Whilst in the list but not in the team are Thiede, Williamson and Davies. Can anyone throw any light on this? Does the "update" need to be updated to include the missing seven? Do we really have a squad of 33?

The list is a compilation of all the joiners, leavers and new contract announcements so those part way through a contract haven't been included.

Thanks. Understood. But a comprehensive list sometime on this or the official site would be useful.

Williamson is injured. Ankle I think. Not serious

Quote:

Dockman
Thanks. Understood. But a comprehensive list sometime on this or the official site would be useful.

Full squad with an attempt to arrange by the positions as shown on official site:


Greg Bateman - Prop
Tom Bristow (Dorking) - Prop
Paulica Ion (loan from London Irish) - Prop
Arthur Joly (Bourgoin) - Prop
Franck Montanella (Bourgoin) - Prop
Billy Moss - Prop
Lewis Thiede (D/R with Wasps) – Prop
James Tideswell – Prop


Gareth Evans (Plymouth Albion) - Hooker
Neil Briggs (Bourgoin) - Hooker
Dan George - Hooker


Matt Corker – Lock
Martin Purdy - Lock
Kirill Kulemin (Castres) - Lock
Adam Brown – Second Row
Mike Denbee – Flanker
Michael Hills - Flanker
Ed Williamson (Leeds Carnegie) – Back Row/Second Row
Daniel Browne. (Grenoble) – Back Row
Lee Beech - Back Row
Jon Mills - Back Row (& Captain)
Ed Jackson, - Number 8


Jonah Holmes (D/R with Wasps) - Scrum Half
Nick Runciman (Gloucester) - Scrum Half
Matt Keyte (Bath) - Scrum Half


Gordon Ross – Fly Half
Gavin Henson - Fly Half/Centre
Seb Jewell - Fly Half/Centre
Alex Davies - Fly Half/Full Back
James Lewis – Centre
Paul Mackey – Centre
Hudson Tonga'uiha - Centre
Simon Whatling - Centre/Fly Half
Phil MacKenzie (Esher) – Centre/Wing
Nick Scott – Centre/Wing
Joe Ajuwa - Wing
Sonny Parker (Ospreys) – Wing
Ashley Smith - Wing
Tom Arscott (Worcester) - Full Back/ Wing



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2012:08:28:13:20:35 by Dragons' Den.

At least one more front row signing will be required to meet the minimum requirement of 10 front row players in the squad for the Amlin.

Can you 'borrow' a prop for that tournament but have no intention of using him?

Many thanks Dragons Den. Very helpful.

Me again! I sent my last post before comparing the list with one in my posting yesterday. Having now done so, I see the list omits Alfie Toa'ala who was shown in the team v Bath. Conversely it includes four I didn't include - Hills, Mackey, Purdy and Tideswell. So assuming Toa'ala should be included that gives a healthy squad (numerically speaking) of 38 by my reckoning.

Quote:

nld
Can you 'borrow' a prop for that tournament but have no intention of using him?

I think the key criteria is that they can play in the front row and are available - so I guess there may questions about a dual reg player to address too.

I would imagine there would not be a requirement for all players to be contracted to LW, but I do not know definitively.

What happened to Jack Moates? Did he just return to LI?

The full squad is now on the official website - [www.london-welsh.co.uk]. It's exactly as per the Dragons Den list 14/08 so excludes Alfie Toa'ala.

Quote:

Verd
What happened to Jack Moates? Did he just return to LI?

I think that is the case. Very unfortunate for us. I think he will only get BETTER & BETTER & BETTER. Did you know that he has aspirations to play for WALES. Not sure what the exact connection with WALES is, But if he only had a 99 cornet whilst on holiday in Mumbles. That's good enough for me. PADDYTAF.



"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"

Paddytaf

Jack Moates' dad is Welsh (not sure about his mum even though I sat near/chatted to her last season. I think he made the Wales U21 squad. Like you I think he will get even better - shame he's gone, but his career was not going to benefit by sitting on the bench. Wish him all the best. I'm sure it won't be the last we hear from him (horrible dream/nightmare of him scoring a winning try for LI against us!). He scored the best try I didn't see last season (Brains Trussed joke)!

He scored an OUTSTANDING try against DONNY at ODP last season together with another CRACKER in the second leg FINAL at the KASSAM. Definitely a star of the future We WALES must make sure he plays in the FAMOUS RED which would also be great if it was with us LONDON WELSH.

In IMHO i think he would feature more in the match day 22 with us instead of LONDON IRISH. Now that is not a slight at our team that we are weaker than LONDON IRISH. My view on this is that he would grow in stature at a faster pace under the guise of Lyn's expertise.

I'm of course no expert. it's just my opinion. PADDYTAF.



"GIVE THEM NO BALL OR BAD BALL WELSH"

Dave Jackson no longer 1st XV photographer? Did I miss this announcement and a 'thank you' on the official site?

Hopefully something is being arranged to recognise his service to the club.

Quote:

nld
Dave Jackson no longer 1st XV photographer? Did I miss this announcement and a 'thank you' on the official site?
Hopefully something is being arranged to recognise his service to the club.

WHAT ????????

Quote:

adge1

Quote:

nld
Dave Jackson no longer 1st XV photographer? Did I miss this announcement and a 'thank you' on the official site?
Hopefully something is being arranged to recognise his service to the club.

WHAT ????????

link

Exactly!!! do we know why, probably distance and commitment needed, big shame.... What is Hugh going to do without his sweets.

Montanella and Joly confirmed ici: [www.london-welsh.co.uk]

I'm being slowly persuaded that our pack is going to have the required "meat" for the famously attritional premiership. When we spent the first 4 weeks after promotion recruiting centres and wingers I was genuinely concerned!

Telegraph showing Paul Mackey has joined Rosslyn Park, Liam Gibson with Blackheath, Guillermo Roan with Cavalieri Prato and Will Hurrell at Rotherham.

[www.telegraph.co.uk]

Quote:

nld
Telegraph showing Paul Mackey has joined Rosslyn Park, Liam Gibson with Blackheath, Guillermo Roan with Cavalieri Prato and Will Hurrell at Rotherham.
[www.telegraph.co.uk]

And also that we've signed Barry Davies

Quote:

Mark W-J

Quote:

nld
Telegraph showing Paul Mackey has joined Rosslyn Park, Liam Gibson with Blackheath, Guillermo Roan with Cavalieri Prato and Will Hurrell at Rotherham.
[www.telegraph.co.uk]

And also that we've signed Barry Davies

Barry presently training with Carmarthen Quins. Was hoping for a move to Lyon but that fell though.

Updated squad list on page 5 [www.rugbynetwork.net] plus 'comings and goings' list at top of thread.

I've got your movements down as the following:

In: Matt Keyte (Bath), Nick Scott (Bath), Billy Moss (Bath), Sonny Parker (Ospreys), Daniel Browne (Grenoble), Phil McKenzie (Esher), Ed Williamson (Leeds), Gavin Henson (Unattached), Tom Arscott (Worcester), Gareth Evans (Plymouth Albion), Nick Runciman (Gloucester), Kirill Kulemin (Castres), Neil Briggs (Bourgoin), Tom Bristow (Dorking), Arthur Jolly (Bourgoin), Franck Montanella (Bourgoin)
Loans In: Paulica Ion (London Irish), Nathan Morris (Wasps), Jonah Holmes (Wasps), Lewis Theide (Wasps)
Out: Tom French (Unknown), Will Hurrell (Rotherham), Shawn Pittman (Unknown), Saul Nelson (Retiring), Viliami Ma’asi (Unknown), Mike Powell (Moseley), Ben Russell (Unknown), Ben Stevenson (Unknown), Paul McKay (Rosslyn Park), Liam Gibson (Blackheath), Edd Thrower (Unknown), Rob Lewis (Cardiff)
In: 16
Loans In: 4
Out: 12

Please let me know if that is right, I'm not 100% on Thiede or Morris as the message seems to be different from different sources but I think the others (including where the outs are going to) is right.

I would have thought Toa'ala must be part of the squad.

He has been prominent in both pre-season games.

Another two French props, how is that going to hit your EQP numbers for your match day squad?

all now explained on the Park site :-

'Paul Mackey is a very gifted and experienced
centre who joins Park on loan
from London Welsh.'

The EQP thing is a damned nuisance, and I hope someone keeps track match by match how we are averaging or otherwise our last few matches could be Oxford English rather than London Welsh. Hopefully there's a limitless stock of English grannies in the player family trees. Could someone indicate which players are EQP technically even if they have no intention of playing for England should a Welsh cap come their way.

Not quite a whole team but a good smattering of ex-LW players turning out in the Championship this weekend.

Michael Holford - Nottingham
Gary Johnson - Pirates
Jamie Lennard - Doncaster
Michael Tagicakibau - Bristol
Matt Jones - Bristol
Waisea Luveniyali - Newcastle
Adam Kwasnicki - L Scottish
Aaron Liffchak - L Scottish
Mike Whitehead - Rotherham

And not forgetting our 7s player Rhodri McAtee - Plymouth A

Mike Powell not listed in the Moseley team but a good interview with him here