Rugby, the original version

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richmac Jan 2020 5:01pm, 17 Jan 2020 13,309 posts	0 richmac Not really a kicking is it ? just the biggest news about English rugby at the moment, the coverage (that i've seen) only really villainises Wray and does not blame the 'team' or fans. But yes seems Sarries are reaping what was sown by Wray. Bit of a last hurrah for the squad though, doubtful they will be together as anything vaguely recognisable next year so nothing to lose, they are all in the shop window so need to play attractive rugby.
Albert O Balsam Jan 2020 5:35pm, 17 Jan 2020 621 posts	0 Albert O Balsam Yes, I still think it's a kicking. But it's been debated to death elsewhere. 6N starts 1st Feb so will be interesting to see how each team fares as we start the 4 year cycle heading towards France 2023. I'll be most interested in how Wales get on - Pivac looks like he's already bringing new ideas in terms of squad selection.
richmac Jan 2020 8:50am, 19 Jan 2020 13,313 posts	0 richmac Not giving Sarriies fans a kicking, but reading the article on the BBC this morning it seems the club is getting away quite lightly. They have refused to'open up their books' and accepted relegation, to me thats a sign that showing the numbers would have incurred a fast greater penalty. I'm not tub thumping and pointing fingers and shouting 'cheats' at anyone. I'm sad that the sport I follow has had this scandal. I'll say it before it's pointed out to me, it's not like Bath have really been anywhere near the sharp end in this period. And I'd also say that when, a few years ago salary cap breaches were rumoured I was fairly sure it was Bath at it!
Angus Clydesdale Jan 2020 10:20am, 19 Jan 2020 16,510 posts	0 Angus Clydesdale I remember some years ago London Scottish going into administration and being relegated something crazy like 9 leagues (basically all the way to the bottom). How is that not happening to Saracens?* *rhetorical question
Too Much Water Jan 2020 10:56am, 19 Jan 2020 7,032 posts	0 Too Much Water There’s some wild talk they will join the Pro 14
richmac Jan 2020 11:23am, 19 Jan 2020 13,316 posts	0 richmac Can see why they would do that but which ever team suffers to for them in wouldn't be very pleased, also to me or would be seen as escaping the punishment
TRO Saracen Jan 2020 2:15pm, 19 Jan 2020 20,364 posts	0 TRO Saracen Looks like my team will end up back where they were when I started supporting them: playing in a dog poo park competing in the lower leagues......
Albert O Balsam Jan 2020 10:38am, 20 Jan 2020 622 posts	0 Albert O Balsam Nice clubhouse though TRO Saracen - it has great character. Too Much Water - there was also a post I saw somewhere that suggested a two team approach with a 'normal' team playing in the Champs whilst the Internationals played worldwide exhibition matches a la Harlem Globetrotters ! :o)
Albert O Balsam Jan 2020 12:48pm, 20 Jan 2020 623 posts	0 Albert O Balsam England squad announced - no Dombrandt, no Nowell and (of course) no Billy V. Off to squad training in Portugal on Thursday - nice theguardian.com
Dai Bank Jan 2020 12:50pm, 20 Jan 2020 5,260 posts	0 Dai Bank Dombrandt had a storming game on saturday thought he would have been a shoe-in with Vunipola breaking his arm again.