New and Improved EPS Watch/Player Form Thread

[FKAS]

Pretty embarrassing. It was splashed all over the papers that it would take 15(?) games or something for the system to bed in properly and the head coach abandons it so quickly after a minor slip up away to NZ.

Abandons or wanted to tweak? There's a world of difference. Adjusting and finding improvements as you go should be pretty standard.

The situation we are in points to it being more than a tweak. The press went out of their way to prepare the public for this crazy new defensive style that we all had to buy in on and would have initial teething problems. It just sounds like SB got cold feet after a minor setback. Why employ the crazy blitz defence coaches if you don't want to play like that?

It just sounds like bad management from SB honestly.

It's guess work from a journalist, I'll wait and see what arrives from England in the AIs. All mentions are that England will persist with the blitz, including from the new defence coach in a BBC article.

"Now my job is to come in and take what is working, and there has been lots," El-Abd added.

"We are going to continue to come up hard off the line and be dominant in the collisions and now we want to see where we can go even further.

"Teams will be watching us to see what they can do and we need to be one step ahead all the time."

[Oakboy]

If our defence improves, SB could have things right. In any case, if there is more rapport across the coaching crew it must be a long-term gain.

[TheNomad]

Lots of noise about Hoskins Sotutu potentially declining his call up to play for the All Blacks, with a view to switching allegiances. May be nothing, as the main reason is given is injury, but I thought I'd put it on here. He also qualifies for Fiji and England, as you may recall.

Not sure switching to England would sit quite right in my opinion - nor, from what little I've seen, was I blown away. Clearly a good player, but we've got some pretty good back row options these days, including some cracking kids coming through

[FKAS]

Lots of noise about Hoskins Sotutu potentially declining his call up to play for the All Blacks, with a view to switching allegiances. May be nothing, as the main reason is given is injury, but I thought I'd put it on here. He also qualifies for Fiji and England, as you may recall.

Not sure switching to England would sit quite right in my opinion - nor, from what little I've seen, was I blown away. Clearly a good player, but we've got some pretty good back row options these days, including some cracking kids coming through

Could be a good signing for Glaws as a Mercer replacement. Sotutu has got a deal until 2026 in NZ but there could be a buy out of his 2026 year allowing him to move in 12 months time.

Tigers might also be interested if Pollard is indeed off to Japan and we are signing the cheaper Costelow as a replacement. Would leave a marquee spot available.

[Puja]

Freddie Thomas can now officially be taken off any theoretical England depth charts, as he's been selected by Wales through his grandparents. He might be a long way down the England depth charts, but he's a very good player who's worked hard on improving and I think he's one that the Welsh will get a good bit of use out of, a la Will Rowlands. Fair play to him.

Slightly concerning that, even with the Premiership reducing to 10 teams and concentrating the English talent, Glaws are providing more players to the Welsh squad than one of the Welsh regions. Admittedly two of them are poaches of England age-grade players, but still, bit irking that our clubs are doing so much for their player pool.

Puja

[FKAS]

Five call ups from Glaws to the Welsh national team wasn't it? Thomas, Williams, Anscombe, Llewellyn and Hathaway.

[Puja]

In related news, Australia have not picked Seb Blake for either their main squad or their Australia XV squad that will play Bristol and England A, so he is still England qualified, although unlikely to get anywhere while being stuck behind Singleton for Glaws.

Puja

[FKAS]

In related news, Australia have not picked Seb Blake for either their main squad or their Australia XV squad that will play Bristol and England A, so he is still England qualified, although unlikely to get anywhere while being stuck behind Singleton for Glaws.

Puja

Harry Potter is selected though.

[Mikey Brown]

The punning is going to be unbearable, but good for him. Really like the way he plays.

[Puja]

The punning is going to be unbearable, but good for him. Really like the way he plays.

I'm surprised that he's seen to be good enough for international level, especially with the quality of back three players that Australia produce, but I am very pleased for him as a person. Real hard worker and alway gave his all for Leicester - one of those players that might not have a physical x-factor, but achieves more because they make the most of what they have.

Puja

[FKAS]

The punning is going to be unbearable, but good for him. Really like the way he plays.

I'm surprised that he's seen to be good enough for international level, especially with the quality of back three players that Australia produce, but I am very pleased for him as a person. Real hard worker and alway gave his all for Leicester - one of those players that might not have a physical x-factor, but achieves more because they make the most of what they have.

Puja

One of those who just helps make his teammates look good. Chases every 100% turning average ones into good ones. No problem dropping his head and fighting every inch into contact when it's bad ball. Perhaps Schmidt just wants to add his grit to a Wallabies side that's just come up short a couple of times. Use Potter to set an example for work rate and commitment and then allow the more gifted players to overtake him when they bring the same intensity.

[Puja]

Telegraph reckon that JWillis has signed a contract extension with Toulouse, with a break clause to allow him to take a 1 year contract in England for 2027-28 to make himself eligible for the RWC. Seems like a futile clause to me. Having not featured in any of the training camps or matches for the past 4 years, his only chance of getting into the England side, which will hopefully have some very tasty and settled back row options by that point, would be to get invited to the pre-RWC camp and absolutely knock the socks off the coaches in training - but by the nature of the Top 14 and Toulouse's success, it's highly unlikely that he'll be available to attend the start of that, so he won't even get the opportunity.

In related news, looks like Farrell's Racing 92 are doing everything they can to make him eligible for the Lions tour this season by making sure he's in no danger of being involved in the play-offs that would clash with Lions fixtures.

Puja

[francoisfou]

Telegraph reckon that JWillis has signed a contract extension with Toulouse, with a break clause to allow him to take a 1 year contract in England for 2027-28 to make himself eligible for the RWC. Seems like a futile clause to me. Having not featured in any of the training camps or matches for the past 4 years, his only chance of getting into the England side, which will hopefully have some very tasty and settled back row options by that point, would be to get invited to the pre-RWC camp and absolutely knock the socks off the coaches in training - but by the nature of the Top 14 and Toulouse's success, it's highly unlikely that he'll be available to attend the start of that, so he won't even get the opportunity.

In related news, looks like Farrell's Racing 92 are doing everything they can to make him eligible for the Lions tour this season by making sure he's in no danger of being involved in the play-offs that would clash with Lions fixtures.

Puja

Stay in France, Jack! You know it makes sense. In any case, Sore Balls probably won’t pick you even if you become eligible.

As for Farrell’s Racing92, for one of the most potentially talented sides in the Top14, they’re certainly the most underachieving. But Farrell Sr will surely see the shining positives of his son’s form.

[Mikey Brown]

Telegraph reckon that JWillis has signed a contract extension with Toulouse, with a break clause to allow him to take a 1 year contract in England for 2027-28 to make himself eligible for the RWC. Seems like a futile clause to me. Having not featured in any of the training camps or matches for the past 4 years, his only chance of getting into the England side, which will hopefully have some very tasty and settled back row options by that point, would be to get invited to the pre-RWC camp and absolutely knock the socks off the coaches in training - but by the nature of the Top 14 and Toulouse's success, it's highly unlikely that he'll be available to attend the start of that, so he won't even get the opportunity.

In related news, looks like Farrell's Racing 92 are doing everything they can to make him eligible for the Lions tour this season by making sure he's in no danger of being involved in the play-offs that would clash with Lions fixtures.

Puja

I wondered if Willis has any realistic hopes at a Lions place without playing international rugby. Maybe if he could earn a test spot next summer it would it make him a more realistic option for Borthwick. It's a risky strategy though and I agree it probably wouldn't make up for being so far behind on how the team is set up.

It's a shame it feels like we'll never really see the player that could/should have been. Back before the injuries it felt like he had a guaranteed 50-100 England caps on the way.

[FKAS]

Telegraph reckon that JWillis has signed a contract extension with Toulouse, with a break clause to allow him to take a 1 year contract in England for 2027-28 to make himself eligible for the RWC. Seems like a futile clause to me. Having not featured in any of the training camps or matches for the past 4 years, his only chance of getting into the England side, which will hopefully have some very tasty and settled back row options by that point, would be to get invited to the pre-RWC camp and absolutely knock the socks off the coaches in training - but by the nature of the Top 14 and Toulouse's success, it's highly unlikely that he'll be available to attend the start of that, so he won't even get the opportunity.

In related news, looks like Farrell's Racing 92 are doing everything they can to make him eligible for the Lions tour this season by making sure he's in no danger of being involved in the play-offs that would clash with Lions fixtures.

Puja

Now, could that one year future contract with a Prem constitute a player returning to England and make him immediately available? A loophole for the overseas player selection?

[fivepointer]

Would he find a club willing to take him on a years deal?

Seems a bit of a stretch to try and earn an England place. If it was that important to him he would come back permanently.

[Puja]

Now, could that one year future contract with a Prem constitute a player returning to England and make him immediately available? A loophole for the overseas player selection?

I think it would have to be a signed and sealed contract, although I don't expect Strictly Ballroom to be thrilled about the idea of picking someone who can't come to training, would miss a quarter of the AIs, would have to go back and play club rugby in the fallow weeks of the 6N, and likely miss the first match of any future summer tours.

I wondered if Willis has any realistic hopes at a Lions place without playing international rugby. Maybe if he could earn a test spot next summer it would it make him a more realistic option for Borthwick. It's a risky strategy though and I agree it probably wouldn't make up for being so far behind on how the team is set up.

It's a shame it feels like we'll never really see the player that could/should have been. Back before the injuries it felt like he had a guaranteed 50-100 England caps on the way.

I think if Toulouse don't make the playoffs/give him permission to duck out of the season early, he'd be an absolute lock for a Lions touring spot. However, neither of those things are likely to happen, which makes it well nigh impossible. If they get to the final, he would miss all the pre-tour training and the first two matches for definite, and almost certainly the third, given travel and time-zone changes. That gives him 7-10 days of training and three tour games (practically speaking, he'd only play a max of two) to convince them he was worth a place in the Test XV. He's a great player, but it's just not doable.

Puja

[Puja]

Would he find a club willing to take him on a years deal?

Seems a bit of a stretch to try and earn an England place. If it was that important to him he would come back permanently.

I mean, clubs are willing to take on All Blacks coming on a season's sabbatical, so I don't see why not. Agreed that it's a stretch, although I can't blame him for not wanting to trade a life that he's very happy with and enjoying for the risk of no England place. He's also spoken about how hard it would be for him to join another English club after Wasps' demise, which I think is a major issue for him.

All things told, I don't actually expect it's a break clause that'll end up getting used, except possibly by his agent to make sure that Toulouse don't undervalue him when it comes to encouraging him not to use it.

Puja

[FKAS]

Would he find a club willing to take him on a years deal?

Seems a bit of a stretch to try and earn an England place. If it was that important to him he would come back permanently.

Bristol were more than happy to take Earl and Malins for a season when Sarries were relegated.

[Oakboy]

Have the current or past HCs ever rated either Willis as highly as some of us do? Based on the past and the current treatment of his brother, it is not hard to understand that JW considers a long-term contract in France to be best for him and his family. If available, I'd pick both but SB would probably pick neither.

[Puja]

Have the current or past HCs ever rated either Willis as highly as some of us do? Based on the past and the current treatment of his brother, it is not hard to understand that JW considers a long-term contract in France to be best for him and his family. If available, I'd pick both but SB would probably pick neither.

I think JWillis was going to be first choice in Sloppy Beefselection's team after the 2023 6N - missed the first game with French club commitments overrunning the training, but after that was first choice at 7 for the whole 6N. He then re-signed with Toulouse and after that Brandybuck seemed to go off him.

Puja

[fivepointer]

https://www.englandrugby.com/follow/new ... ngland-men

England players to receive new deals

Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
Theo Dan (Saracens)
Ben Earl (Saracens)
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs)
George Ford (Sale Sharks)
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)
George Furbank (Northampton Saints)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
Jamie George (Saracens)
Maro Itoje (Saracens)
Ollie Lawrence (Bath)
George Martin (Leicester Tigers)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins)

[Banquo]

https://www.englandrugby.com/follow/new ... ngland-men

England players to receive new deals

Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers)
Tom Curry (Sale Sharks)
Theo Dan (Saracens)
Ben Earl (Saracens)
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs)
George Ford (Sale Sharks)
Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints)
George Furbank (Northampton Saints)
Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears)
Jamie George (Saracens)
Maro Itoje (Saracens)
Ollie Lawrence (Bath)
George Martin (Leicester Tigers)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
Fin Smith (Northampton Saints)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins)

highlights a bit of an issue at prop. Harsh on Steward, Slade lucky.

[FKAS]

Would have helped Tigers if Steward had been given a new deal as his contract is up for renewal this year. As there's a limited number of contracts to hand out I think it's a good idea not to be handing out deals to depth options or older guys like Cole and Marler who you are expecting to be pushed out of the squad by younger options in the next 12 months.

I think Stuart, Baxter and JvP are all a touch unlucky. JvP yeah is another depth pick but pre injury he was England's go to 9 and is still only 23 and now a vice captain at his club and back in form. Seems a reasonable horse to bet on. Similar with Baxter it would be a depth pick but let's keep the obvious future of England's loosehead position tied down, the kid has got it.

[Puja]

Would have helped Tigers if Steward had been given a new deal as his contract is up for renewal this year. As there's a limited number of contracts to hand out I think it's a good idea not to be handing out deals to depth options or older guys like Cole and Marler who you are expecting to be pushed out of the squad by younger options in the next 12 months.

If his agent's got half a brain, they'll spend the next 3 months flogging him to every French club going - not because he actually intends to go, but to drum up enough noise and fear to get him the 18th contract to keep him in the country.

Puja