Ones to watch from your club this season

[Scrumhead]

I think it’s too soon to say someone like Tom Willis is not ‘really showing the all game work rate’. I’d argue he showed more of that than Dombrandt (who has definitely massively upped his). I wouldn’t call someone a ‘pretender’ after their first full season of senior rugby.

I just want Barbeary to pick a position and settle on it. I’m fairly ambivalent on which one it is as I think he’s just a natural talent.

Going back to Simmonds (kind of), I wonder who will cover his Lions rest? Given that Baxter has typically preferred the 8 to be his lightest, most mobile flanker, I wonder if Aaron Hinkley might get a run?

[Which Tyler]

For Bath, the big "ones to watch" will be how they handle their second season, with opposition having had an off-season to look at their videos and find weaknesses to exploit. So Miles Reid and Tom De Glanville.
Behind those 2, there's the likes of Cokanasiga and Green, who are "established" but looking for form / opportunity.
Then there's Bailey and Ojomo who will be looking to start getting some serious game time to show what they can do - Ojomo especially is exciting.

Then behind that lot, it's more about promising kids in positions we lack depth - Doughty, Steward are only 1 injury away at hooker, Richards is our 4th specialist lock, whilst Staddon or Merigan could easily get some time during internationals or if we move backrowers up to cover lock (we've got 10 back 5 players in the senior squad).

Of those mentioned...
Reid would be being talked about as an international in waiting in any other era - and may get there, even with England's current depth on the flanks, but highly unlikely as a regular (no shame in being behind Underhill,Curry, Curry, Willis and Willis).
De Glanville looks promising to me, behind Malins and Steward, but could step in to cover Malins without a change in style, and wouldn't let anyone down. With a couple of years under his belt, he could even become a step-up, but I wouldn't put money on that.
Cokanasigawe all know about, problems are more mental than anything else, not really helped by being looking for him to bulldoze through tackles which isn't really his USP, despite being big.
Green, and indeed Fox at SH, have just suffered for being 3rd choice players behind indestructible alternatives; and will continue to only expect game time off the bench. They both have shown promise, but lacking gametime. One of them will be on the bench each week now, so that should start to remedy itself. I've gone with Green looking closer due to age and loan to Jersey last year, rather than potential.
Bailey got some game-time towards the end of the season, but was a year too early for him, and wasn't really trusted to show anything. He had a good run with the U20s in the summer, albeit out of position. Despite being 3rd choice FH, I'd hope that he'd be benching most weeks this year, providing flexibility from there, and learning from Cips, and even playing 12/15 alongside him on occasion.
Ojomo also got a little game time last season, and looked to the manor born; with Redpath injured, he ought to be trusted with the 12 shirt, and has what it takes to give Cam a real fight for the shirt. If he does, don't be surprised if Eddie has a look at him (I'd rather he waited a year or two, but we might be getting desperate at 12 ahead of RWC23).
Doughty didn't let us down when thrown in last year, but I'm not sure he's got potential to be better than "club regular" - which is no insult.
Steward at hooker I haven't seen much of at all, but apparently has the coaches raving - I'd temper that with saying that he's 21, so if he was that exciting, surely we'd have seen something of him by now - even with the developmentally screwed last 18 months.
Richards, Staddon and Merigan all looked comfortable at U20s level in the summer, but none stood out. Richards probably the most talented of the 3, but not sure he has the height for lock.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Those I'm most interested in:

Bath - Orlando Bailey. Really keen to see how he progresses and what he can pick up from Cips. Ojomoh is an obvious contender to see where he gets to, and with Mercer now gone whether Merrigan can take his chance. Keen to see how Staddon kicks on this season.

Bristol - Deago Bailey - can he break into the first team for some game time. Lloyd the even younger and Williams look quite some half back pairing. No good for England, but two very talented lads.

Exeter - Seeing how Marcus Street progresses will be interesting. And can Hinkley finally make an impact. Can Hodge push on? Wonder if we'll see Tshiunza get some game time. Jeez he's a monster! And of course Nowell the younger has moved up this year.

Gloucester - Jack Clement is the obvious candidate, but I'm also keen on Freddie Thomas and Arthur Clarke.

Quins - Jeez there's loads! Riley, Beard and Baxter naturally. Evans and Kenningham fighting for the 7 shirt should be great. But you've also got the new intake. Ojo, Cleaves and Slevin is a frighteningly good back three in the making, with Jamie Benson offering a seriously good propsect at 10, and Jibulu to add another to the hooking stack, cause they've not really got enough! And then Will Hobson who could be a bloody good compliment to Baxter, depending on whether he transitions to loosehead or not. Hyde returning is very tasty!!

Tigers - JVP, Steward, Martin, Kelly are stand outs. Whitcombe can hopefully push for more game time. Ilione when he's back from injury.

Irish - Munya and Coka. I also wouldn;t be surprised to see Arundell get some game time in the back three.

Newcastle - Brantingham and Dormer is a phenomenal pair of props. Any of Pepper, Greenlaw and Johnson could get a sniff for some games.

Saints - Freeman, Sleightholme obvious candidates. He's only just come up but Jake Garside is mint!

Sale - both props Rodd and Harper. Cal Ford is another coming through in the prop ranks. Wilkinson, Doherty and Curtis. Carpenter looks classy and of course Quirke!

Saracens - Dan, Crean. Harvey Beaton looks quality. Charlie Watson would be my stand out in the backs coming through. Obinna Nkwocha and Sam Bryan look the picks of the new intake.

Wasps - Barbeary and Atkinson. Be nice to see Spink stay fit and get a chance. Cripps and Fisilau offer two very good backrow prospects with Dawkins and Ma'asi-White something different in the backs.

Wuss - Fin Smith. Can Forsythe break into first team action. Also keep an eye on Monks (back row) and Miles (SH).

[jngf]

Those I'm most interested in:

Bath - Orlando Bailey. Really keen to see how he progresses and what he can pick up from Cips. Ojomoh is an obvious contender to see where he gets to, and with Mercer now gone whether Merrigan can take his chance. Keen to see how Staddon kicks on this season.

Bristol - Deago Bailey - can he break into the first team for some game time. Lloyd the even younger and Williams look quite some half back pairing. No good for England, but two very talented lads.

Exeter - Seeing how Marcus Street progresses will be interesting. And can Hinkley finally make an impact. Can Hodge push on? Wonder if we'll see Tshiunza get some game time. Jeez he's a monster! And of course Nowell the younger has moved up this year.

Gloucester - Jack Clement is the obvious candidate, but I'm also keen on Freddie Thomas and Arthur Clarke.

Quins - Jeez there's loads! Riley, Beard and Baxter naturally. Evans and Kenningham fighting for the 7 shirt should be great. But you've also got the new intake. Ojo, Cleaves and Slevin is a frighteningly good back three in the making, with Jamie Benson offering a seriously good propsect at 10, and Jibulu to add another to the hooking stack, cause they've not really got enough! And then Will Hobson who could be a bloody good compliment to Baxter, depending on whether he transitions to loosehead or not. Hyde returning is very tasty!!

Tigers - JVP, Steward, Martin, Kelly are stand outs. Whitcombe can hopefully push for more game time. Ilione when he's back from injury.

Irish - Munya and Coka. I also wouldn;t be surprised to see Arundell get some game time in the back three.

Newcastle - Brantingham and Dormer is a phenomenal pair of props. Any of Pepper, Greenlaw and Johnson could get a sniff for some games.

Saints - Freeman, Sleightholme obvious candidates. He's only just come up but Jake Garside is mint!

Sale - both props Rodd and Harper. Cal Ford is another coming through in the prop ranks. Wilkinson, Doherty and Curtis. Carpenter looks classy and of course Quirke!

Saracens - Dan, Crean. Harvey Beaton looks quality. Charlie Watson would be my stand out in the backs coming through. Obinna Nkwocha and Sam Bryan look the picks of the new intake.

Wasps - Barbeary and Atkinson. Be nice to see Spink stay fit and get a chance. Cripps and Fisilau offer two very good backrow prospects with Dawkins and Ma'asi-White something different in the backs.

Wuss - Fin Smith. Can Forsythe break into first team action. Also keep an eye on Monks (back row) and Miles (SH).

Out of interest how does Monks compare to Ted Hill?

[Adam_P]

Saints - Freeman, Sleightholme obvious candidates. He's only just come up but Jake Garside is mint!

Don't think we'll see much/anything of Garside in the first team this season, unless there is a major injury crisis at 9, but agreed he is a really exciting prospect. Very much looking forward to him breaking through. Its good that the Prem Rugby Cup is returning this season so there's an opportunity to get some game time for the younger players across the Prem.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Saints - Freeman, Sleightholme obvious candidates. He's only just come up but Jake Garside is mint!

Don't think we'll see much/anything of Garside in the first team this season, unless there is a major injury crisis at 9, but agreed he is a really exciting prospect. Very much looking forward to him breaking through. Its good that the Prem Rugby Cup is returning this season so there's an opportunity to get some game time for the younger players across the Prem.

Yep. prime opportunity to get the lads out of school game time. And agreed, that's his route to first team this season.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Those I'm most interested in:

Bath - Orlando Bailey. Really keen to see how he progresses and what he can pick up from Cips. Ojomoh is an obvious contender to see where he gets to, and with Mercer now gone whether Merrigan can take his chance. Keen to see how Staddon kicks on this season.

Bristol - Deago Bailey - can he break into the first team for some game time. Lloyd the even younger and Williams look quite some half back pairing. No good for England, but two very talented lads.

Exeter - Seeing how Marcus Street progresses will be interesting. And can Hinkley finally make an impact. Can Hodge push on? Wonder if we'll see Tshiunza get some game time. Jeez he's a monster! And of course Nowell the younger has moved up this year.

Gloucester - Jack Clement is the obvious candidate, but I'm also keen on Freddie Thomas and Arthur Clarke.

Quins - Jeez there's loads! Riley, Beard and Baxter naturally. Evans and Kenningham fighting for the 7 shirt should be great. But you've also got the new intake. Ojo, Cleaves and Slevin is a frighteningly good back three in the making, with Jamie Benson offering a seriously good propsect at 10, and Jibulu to add another to the hooking stack, cause they've not really got enough! And then Will Hobson who could be a bloody good compliment to Baxter, depending on whether he transitions to loosehead or not. Hyde returning is very tasty!!

Tigers - JVP, Steward, Martin, Kelly are stand outs. Whitcombe can hopefully push for more game time. Ilione when he's back from injury.

Irish - Munya and Coka. I also wouldn;t be surprised to see Arundell get some game time in the back three.

Newcastle - Brantingham and Dormer is a phenomenal pair of props. Any of Pepper, Greenlaw and Johnson could get a sniff for some games.

Saints - Freeman, Sleightholme obvious candidates. He's only just come up but Jake Garside is mint!

Sale - both props Rodd and Harper. Cal Ford is another coming through in the prop ranks. Wilkinson, Doherty and Curtis. Carpenter looks classy and of course Quirke!

Saracens - Dan, Crean. Harvey Beaton looks quality. Charlie Watson would be my stand out in the backs coming through. Obinna Nkwocha and Sam Bryan look the picks of the new intake.

Wasps - Barbeary and Atkinson. Be nice to see Spink stay fit and get a chance. Cripps and Fisilau offer two very good backrow prospects with Dawkins and Ma'asi-White something different in the backs.

Wuss - Fin Smith. Can Forsythe break into first team action. Also keep an eye on Monks (back row) and Miles (SH).

Out of interest how does Monks compare to Ted Hill?

He's a little bit shorter than Hill. Very dynamic with the ball and quick with it. Not quite as all action, but he looks a good prospect.

[jimKRFC]

Pat Lam has said he's hoping for big things from a few younger players, we've barely recruited and the absence of Earl, Malins and Siale gives space for them to break into the first team and stay there. So for Bristol it's:

Alex Groves - Lock
Ben Bamber - Lock (20, 6'8 and 126kg!)
James Dun - lock/6
Jack Bates - centre/wing
Deago Bailey - wing

The management of Attwood's playing time (and attrition) should allow the locks to get game time and the space made by Siale should mean Alapati goes to 12 and makes a spot on the wing for Bates and Bailey.

Less likely to break though are Tom Wilstead (10) and Chay Mullins (Ire), but Lloyd the younger is unlikely to feature as he's only 18.

Fitz Harding has been mentioned but as he already has a season of first team rugby already can't put him down. What's just struck me is that Capon is 1 year older than Barbeary, and nearly 2yrs younger than Blamire, but is going into his 4th season of first team rugby.

[Scrumhead]

What about George Kloska? I know he’s played a few games already, but now he’s being switched from hooker to loosehead, he is effectively starting again.

I quite liked what I saw from him in the loose and he has the size and bulk to make a decent go of it.

[jimKRFC]

What about George Kloska? I know he’s played a few games already, but now he’s being switched from hooker to loosehead, he is effectively starting again.

I quite liked what I saw from him in the loose and he has the size and bulk to make a decent go of it.

I think he'll need either a loan move to regular playing time there or a season of A league, going straight to the premiership after 1 season of training might be too risky for him.

[Mellsblue]

Saints - Freeman, Sleightholme obvious candidates. He's only just come up but Jake Garside is mint!

Don't think we'll see much/anything of Garside in the first team this season, unless there is a major injury crisis at 9, but agreed he is a really exciting prospect. Very much looking forward to him breaking through. Its good that the Prem Rugby Cup is returning this season so there's an opportunity to get some game time for the younger players across the Prem.

Two tries and motm for Bedford in today’s pre-season match v Ampthill.

[Adam_P]

I think I might add Litchfield to the ones to watch for Saints. Wasn't sure he'd get much first team time this season, but he's featured heavily in pre season so maybe Boyd is keen

[Mellsblue]

I think I might add Litchfield to the ones to watch for Saints. Wasn't sure he'd get much first team time this season, but he's featured heavily in pre season so maybe Boyd is keen

I hope not as I want him with Bedford but he’s going to be bloody good.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Saints - Freeman, Sleightholme obvious candidates. He's only just come up but Jake Garside is mint!

Don't think we'll see much/anything of Garside in the first team this season, unless there is a major injury crisis at 9, but agreed he is a really exciting prospect. Very much looking forward to him breaking through. Its good that the Prem Rugby Cup is returning this season so there's an opportunity to get some game time for the younger players across the Prem.

Two tries and motm for Bedford in today’s pre-season match v Ampthill.

He’s got the potential to be quite some player. I’m more excited by Garside coming out of school rugby into adults than I was for JVP and Quirke.

[twitchy]

Rus Tuima started vs munster last weekend for exe and baxter has been talking him up in the press. He should get plenty of game time with simmonds out.

[Puja]

Rus Tuima started vs munster last weekend for exe and baxter has been talking him up in the press. He should get plenty of game time with simmonds out.

I've never been massively impressed with him when I've seen him play. Comes with a massive rep (and his sister can certainly play the game!), but haven't yet seen it myself. Good to see what he can bring with a run of starts.

Puja

[Raggs]

Rus Tuima started vs munster last weekend for exe and baxter has been talking him up in the press. He should get plenty of game time with simmonds out.

I've never been massively impressed with him when I've seen him play. Comes with a massive rep (and his sister can certainly play the game!), but haven't yet seen it myself. Good to see what he can bring with a run of starts.

Puja

At u20s he always just came across as the big guy, but not much more. His physicality wasn't off the charts for his size (like Billy V can provide etc), his workrate didn't seem insane either.

Definitely a very different option to Simmonds though, interesting to see how they adapt.

[Scrumhead]

Agreed. I’ve always been underwhelmed by Tuima and I could never get why he was starting against Tom Willis for the U20s.

I read an article where Baxter specifically said Simmonds definitely isn’t covered by the EPS agreement. He said they will give him some time and won’t ‘throw him in’ this weekend, but I wouldn’t be overly surprised to see him in round 2.

[Digby]

The press on this wasn't an EPS agreement keeping players like Simmonds out. Indeed I seem to recall some of the press issues on this coming from PRL and being about English players. Which isn't to say there's simply been a lack of clarity (and honesty) to date

[Scrumhead]

This is the article: https://www.devonlive.com/sport/rugby/r ... er-5887085

Quote: “He is not an EPS member so he doesn’t actually have to have any additional rest after his five weeks off.

Obviously, we are not going to stick him in next week against Leicester.”

[FKAS]

This is the article: https://www.devonlive.com/sport/rugby/r ... er-5887085

Quote: “He is not an EPS member so he doesn’t actually have to have any additional rest after his five weeks off.

Obviously, we are not going to stick him in next week against Leicester.”

That's an interesting point. Does the EPS cover the makeshift summer squad as well? I suppose we'll find out soon enough when Smith is either picked or not. If the RFU are not providing the funding for the player to the club then the club will choose the rest period they consider best.

Still glad Simmonds isn't likely to play Vs Tigers and if Hogg is the same that might help a bit as well.

[Digby]

I was thinking more of some of the press releases a few weeks back, months maybe at this point. I suspect the words England and English have been unhelpfully conflated in some of the releases, else this isn't even a Lions thing is it? It's just the RPA/EPS standard fare (which as an aside is something like a 2 week rest period when looked at properly)

[jimKRFC]

What about George Kloska? I know he’s played a few games already, but now he’s being switched from hooker to loosehead, he is effectively starting again.

I quite liked what I saw from him in the loose and he has the size and bulk to make a decent go of it.

There was an Q&A with Pat Lam last night and said that George might also be tried at tight head, so I think we will see him in the first team this year.

Also, when asked who are the ones to watch, who haven’t played first XV, Jac Lloyd (Mark and Pat) and Jack Bates (Luke) were highlighted. JJ Williams also mentioned.

[twitchy]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union ... 22-season/

[acw303]

Those I'm most interested in:

B
Wuss - Fin Smith. Can Forsythe break into first team action. Also keep an eye on Monks (back row) and Miles (SH).

Out of interest how does Monks compare to Ted Hill?

Both Fin Smith and Morgan Monks will be part of the Ampthill squad for the 2021-22 season - https://www.ampthillrufc.com/three-warr ... n-the-mob/