HappyG wrote: Suppose it'll make for a gentler cruise towards retirement than getting the tar beaten outta him by the French monsters. They've also snapped up Aled Brew from Biarritz - back to them after 2 years away. That's some decent shopping in light of the current mess the Welsh games in.

Lee Byrne, Aled Brew and, the underrated, Sam Lewis

Good signings for Dragons

HappyG wrote: Lee Byrne has just signed for the Dragons per Whiff of Cordite! Mad move.......

For whom? Dragons mainly for me, he's so far off the Lee Byrne, Grand Slam and Lions Full Back form it's not funny....

Clermont signed him on on a hefty wage on his previous reputation and in reality he didn't remotely deliver....

Of course the dragons are 50% owned by wru.

Suppose it'll make for a gentler cruise towards retirement than getting the tar beaten outta him by the French monsters. They've also snapped up Aled Brew from Biarritz - back to them after 2 years away. That's some decent shopping in light of the current mess the Welsh games in.

He has been over there a while and made a good few quid. His body could probably do with the less demanding Rabo or whatever it will be next season.

Lee Byrne has just signed for the Dragons per Whiff of Cordite! Mad move.......

Is it the BT money that's helped Edinburgh so much this year, or the SRU determined that they have two strong provinces rather than one good and one laughing stock, or what's behind the recent changes in personnel? Edinburgh seem to be making all the big moves this year, the South African connection no doubt helped by their new coach.

South African centre, 2 time Currie cup winner andries Strauss signs for Edinburgh. He is a brother or Richardt.

So basically we're all agreed Lam should sign Cruden? Good stuff make it happen Lam.

Heenan is a diamond. So is Pooleman and another one of these would be great. Hopefully the fact we have Clarke on our books might attract a few high profile interests too !!

South African born flyhalf Carl bezuidenhout ( I think thats the spelling) joins Edinburgh initially until end of season.

I'd love for us to be able to parachute in a new OH right now. Hopefully Lam can find another Heenan down in NZ and persuade him to join us during the off season.

South African born flyhalf Carl bezuidenhout ( I think thats the spelling) joins Edinburgh initially until end of season.

Treviso Coach stepping down after the Ulster double header.

www.rabodirectpro12.com/news/13545.php#.UqH4xOL6T24

Bit surprised by this according to the article it was expected he would leave at the end of the season but unlike Elwood's promise to step aside earlier if the new coach came on board on time, Smith is being succeeded by his assistant coach. Its not entirely clear why he's leaving early or who made the decision. Its somewhat worth noting that Treviso only have one win and a draw more than us in the league so far this season.
Can't imagine this will be good for their head to head but the new coach will obviously have been up to speed with the systems so maybe it won't make too much of an impact.

fluffychickens wrote: That's not what I'm saying.

If henshaw is to be future Irish 13 then griffin needs to find a new club.... Healy is doing fine at 11 but toh has to move

That's exactly what you're saying, there's more than enough room on the Connacht team for all four players. Reactionary slash and burn recruitment would destroy this team.

I know Scarlets have managed to secure Regan King's signature for next season but the quality left in the Welsh regions next year is going to be extremely shallow.

Regan King is a shadow of the player he once was. He shipped a bad injury a year or two ago and I don't think he ever quite recovered. He's still good but nowhere the level he used to be.

That's not what I'm saying. I'm suggesting that players that are not considered as a first fifteen player by the administration but have the potential to do well elsewhere have to consider their options. Unfortunately this is even more the case when a team is struggling to find any game plan or consistency.