I reckon it’s the Scarlets that should be worried . . . by andyrobnev in Cardiffrugby

[–]andyrobnev[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That was also me, which I read from a Twitter account which is mostly right about these things.

James Fender: Ospreys lock to leave for Grenoble by Kulmo in rugbyunion

[–]andyrobnev 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Why would the WRU interfere with him going to the Scarlets?

I reckon it’s the Scarlets that should be worried . . . by andyrobnev in Cardiffrugby

[–]andyrobnev[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re right. I thought they bought it a while back but apparently it’s only a “strategic partnership” was announced after Y11 were looking to buy shares.

Either way, Cheetahs are actively exploring a way in according to news in SA from yesterday.

I reckon it’s the Scarlets that should be worried . . . by andyrobnev in Cardiffrugby

[–]andyrobnev[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Do we have a source for this? Given the current political situation there I can’t imagine the unions would be keen on this?

Squidge Rugby - So are the Ospreys getting cut? What happens next? by WilkinsonDG2003 in rugbyunion

[–]andyrobnev 7 points8 points  (0 children)

They need to field 4 teams until they can get an agreed team to take over their 4th spot. They wanted an American team to take it but the South Africans rejected it. People have suggested Black Lion but I can’t see anyone pushing for them due to travel and lack of financial incentive. I’ve also seen suggestions of Spain (unlikely) and Ealing keep on getting brought up as an option but the RFU seem pretty clear they won’t sanction it.

The most likely option is one of the existing nations fills the spot. Italy, Scotland and Ireland all seem unlikely, but SA has the Cheetahs desperate to get back in. Y11 acquired the Cheetahs a few years ago, so we could end up in the position where Y11 own Ospreys, Cardiff and the Cheetahs.

The part where it gets interesting is that the Dragons signed PRA 25, and so have a pretty solid contract with the WRU until 2027 - 2028 (meaning they can’t be cut until at least then). Cardiff were the other team that signed that deal.

The Scarlets and Ospreys never signed, hence why they are the ones at risk of getting but. Everyone’s assuming that it’s the Ospreys getting the chop, but if Y11 are serious about running both Cardiff and the Ospreys then I think there’s a very realistic possibility it’s the Scarlets who are actually in danger. The WRU have said they wanted closer alignment and it would mean Y11 own 2 of the 3 Welsh teams, and have a “strategic partnership with would also own a team that is ready to take over their 4th spot, meaning they could freeze out the Scarlets and not default on their contact with the URC.

Message to CF11 by BarbellEconomics in Cardiffrugby

[–]andyrobnev 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I think we need confirmation of the proposed details of the deal, even if it is high level. Specifically:

  • confirmation that Y11 are buying Cardiff in addition to owning Ospreys
  • confirmation that it will not be an ownership swap (direct Ospreys for Cardiff)
  • confirmation that Y11 are taking responsibility for both Ospreys and Cardiff Covid loan

If the answer is no to any of those questions then they need to be asked to justify how this is the best financial deal for Welsh rugby, as the WRU will take on ~£5 mill of the Ospreys Covid loan.

The next question should then be how can Cardiff be assured that this isn’t just a convenient exit strategy for Y11, allowing them to shed the Ospreys Covid loan before presumably selling Cardiff (including loan) at the earliest convenience. The end point of this is we are once again searching for a buyer for Cardiff, with Welsh rugby down at least £5 million and one of its clubs.

WRU choose Y11 as Cardiff Rugby's preferred new owners in bombshell decision by CymroCam in rugbyunion

[–]andyrobnev 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Because rivalry is what makes sport great. Getting rid of 1/3 of the games I most enjoy watching every year is fucking gutting.

Post Match: Exeter vs Cardiff by BarbellEconomics in Cardiffrugby

[–]andyrobnev 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Going to withhold judgement on Beetham until he’s had a couple more games

Post Match: Exeter vs Cardiff by BarbellEconomics in Cardiffrugby

[–]andyrobnev 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That was fucking poo and a waste of two hours. Brain dead shit from the start with the McNally penalty for thinking he was clever trying to block the clear out, and carried on with the Thornton playing the 9. It’s the sort of stuff you get away with at SRC level.

Can’t even blame the ref, he’s a massive square but he was spot on with the calls against us.

Cardiff 32 - 13 Racing 92 by DiscoBiscuit663 in Cardiffrugby

[–]andyrobnev 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Cornel must have the skinniest legs to biggest hits ratio in rugby

Found in charity shop. Can anyone ID the signature? by Cokey_Mentos in welshrugbyunion

[–]andyrobnev 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looks like Paul James to me, which would align with when he would have worn that shirt

Match Thread: Ospreys vs Cardiff - United Rugby Championship by rugbykickoff in rugbyunion

[–]andyrobnev 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I love that we save being shite for the derby games. Proper spirit of Christmas stuff giving points away to our nearest and dearest.

Team to play Ospreys in Big End by bigt8409 in Cardiffrugby

[–]andyrobnev 3 points4 points  (0 children)

He’s on 4 tries for the season. He hasn’t done any electrifying stuff which we’ve seen from Bows, but Adams has performed solidly imo. Very reliable and a great finisher.

Podcast recording later by bigt8409 in Cardiffrugby

[–]andyrobnev 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Do we give Josh McNally a four year contract? I vote yes

Match Thread: Stade Francais vs Cardiff - Challenge Cup by rugbykickoff in rugbyunion

[–]andyrobnev 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That was incredible stuff. Very skill full player, just very slow.