Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Mon Jun 06, 2011 1:45 pm  

Heartbreaking, isn't it?

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Mon Jun 06, 2011 1:52 pm  

It absolutely is – Rugby league has been such a big part of my life but I get so frustrated seeing it shoot itself in the foot over and over again – it isn’t losing at international level that upsets me these days it is the inability of teams (administrators and fans alike) to see the big picture and actually say and do something positive for their sport

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Tue Jun 07, 2011 12:11 pm  

London Irish future in doubt according to the Torygraph. Talk about an overreaction. 'Martyn Thomas, the chairman of the Rugby Football Union, is to appear as an expert witness in support of London Irish’s appeal, which is to be held at the council offices in Knowle Green, Staines, and is expected to last for three weeks. Quentin Smith, chairman of Premiership Rugby, has also backed the appeal.' I wonder which way the ruling will go. (Bottom of the article, Jason Robinson has gone East.) Seems like only yesterday when Newcastle Falcons were crowing about capturing one of rugby league's brightest talents. http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague ... ll_KR.html

London Irish future in doubt according to the Torygraph. Talk about an overreaction. 'Martyn Thomas, the chairman of the Rugby Football Union, is to appear as an expert witness in support of London Irish’s appeal, which is to be held at the council offices in Knowle Green, Staines, and is expected to last for three weeks. Quentin Smith, chairman of Premiership Rugby, has also backed the appeal.' I wonder which way the ruling will go. (Bottom of the article, Jason Robinson has gone East.) Seems like only yesterday when Newcastle Falcons were crowing about capturing one of rugby league's brightest talents. http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague ... ll_KR.html

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Thu Jun 09, 2011 12:33 pm  

Catalancs wrote:

I wonder which way the ruling will go.

I wouldn't be so sure it's the fait accompli you think it is - that's real NIMBY country down there, so unless someone on the council has suddenly found themselves in receipt of a large padded envelope then Irish could have a hard time justifying why they want to sell the land for development.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Thu Jun 09, 2011 10:08 pm  

But do you really think a knock-back would see an end to the club? I know London Irish are one if the Premiership clubs to make a loss but surely things aren't that bad. Newcastle lose two good young players to Leicester. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_u ... 710085.stm Kieran Brookes and Micky Young are two big losses. I reckon they could both go on to play for England. Newcastle are really going to struggle next year.

But do you really think a knock-back would see an end to the club? I know London Irish are one if the Premiership clubs to make a loss but surely things aren't that bad. Newcastle lose two good young players to Leicester. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_u ... 710085.stm Kieran Brookes and Micky Young are two big losses. I reckon they could both go on to play for England. Newcastle are really going to struggle next year.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Thu Jun 09, 2011 10:14 pm  

BBC Sport: All Black Donald signs for Bath.

E-I-E-I-O!

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Thu Jun 09, 2011 10:24 pm  

Dunbar wrote:

It absolutely is – Rugby league has been such a big part of my life but I get so frustrated seeing it shoot itself in the foot over and over again – it isn’t losing at international level that upsets me these days it is the inability of teams (administrators and fans alike) to see the big picture and actually say and do something positive for their sport

Just reading some of the comments on the VT and Wigan board about Friday's international is despairingly depressing and annoying at the same time. As has been pointed out, if we win it'll be because we were playing a bunch of washed-up, over the hill NRL rejects. Those same rejects who are world class when playing in club colours. If we lose we'll be a laughing stock and it will be a perfect example of why international rugby league is a waste of time. Always has been, always will be.
Despite poor crowds and some one-sided games (the USA lost 44-13 to an understrength Tonga on Wednesday) I haven't read much criticism of the current round of international union in the press or on forums.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Fri Jun 10, 2011 11:26 am  

RFU chief exec John Steele leaves his post after nine months in charge. Gone home to count the stab wounds in his back.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Sat Jun 11, 2011 10:16 am  

Catalancs wrote: But do you really think a knock-back would see an end to the club? I know London Irish are one if the Premiership clubs to make a loss but surely things aren't that bad. Newcastle lose two good young players to Leicester. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_u ... 710085.stm Kieran Brookes and Micky Young are two big losses. I reckon they could both go on to play for England. Newcastle are really going to struggle next year. Newcastle are stuffed. Looking poor and with dire crowds. If I were London Irish (or a 'Not Not', indeed), I would up sticks and move to Hampshire. It seems every rugby fan down there supports them.

Catalancs wrote: But do you really think a knock-back would see an end to the club? I know London Irish are one if the Premiership clubs to make a loss but surely things aren't that bad. Newcastle lose two good young players to Leicester. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_u ... 710085.stm Kieran Brookes and Micky Young are two big losses. I reckon they could both go on to play for England. Newcastle are really going to struggle next year. Newcastle are stuffed. Looking poor and with dire crowds. If I were London Irish (or a 'Not Not', indeed), I would up sticks and move to Hampshire. It seems every rugby fan down there supports them.

Re: If you must discuss Union, do it here II : Mon Jun 13, 2011 9:33 pm  

£10 million loss simply wretched Gavin Henson elevates being a ‘laughing stock’ to an art form

£10 million loss simply wretched Gavin Henson elevates being a ‘laughing stock’ to an art form