Underhill to have early Bath ... so will Ospreys go hunting for ready made replacement ?

[ALunpg]

So unsuprisingly Sam Underhill is off to Bath for the 2017..2018 season. That will cause a few calculations if Tips gets a Lions spot they could continue with King as an option or look to bring another on board or someone through from the development.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/38582151

I am not sure they have anyone as a ready made alternative ... so will they go hunting a replacement elsewhere.?

[Sandydragon]

A raid on another Welsh region wouldn't surprise me. There are a number of quality open sides out there, the issue would be I suppose do they want another open side with homelike like Tips already at the club, or use a utility backorder as cover when required? The bigger problem for the Ospreys is their commitment to Wales which would surely be a factor in scouting any replacement.

[Son of Mathonwy]

A raid on another Welsh region wouldn't surprise me. There are a number of quality open sides out there, the issue would be I suppose do they want another open side with homelike like Tips already at the club, or use a utility backorder as cover when required? The bigger problem for the Ospreys is their commitment to Wales which would surely be a factor in scouting any replacement.

Indeed... with Tipuric, probably King and maybe even Cracknell called up to Wales, the O's would really do better to have a backrower who'll be there all season long. Maybe McCaw could be tempted to reverse his retirement for a couple of years in South Wales?

[Sandydragon]

A raid on another Welsh region wouldn't surprise me. There are a number of quality open sides out there, the issue would be I suppose do they want another open side with homelike like Tips already at the club, or use a utility backorder as cover when required? The bigger problem for the Ospreys is their commitment to Wales which would surely be a factor in scouting any replacement.

Indeed... with Tipuric, probably King and maybe even Cracknell called up to Wales, the O's would really do better to have a backrower who'll be there all season long. Maybe McCaw could be tempted to reverse his retirement for a couple of years in South Wales?

Its mental really that we cant deconflict the important club matches with international windows.

[DerbyTaff]

Tom young?

[ALunpg]

Tom young?

That would be nice but ...playing for Dad and not captured by selection restrictions is maybe more alluring than playing second fiddle in the Ospreys.
I forgot about the Canadian Tyler Aldron at 6 as well and Lydiate. So the Scarlets and Cardiff will have a back row of sevens ...the Ospreys a back row of sixes ...

[Sandydragon]

Tom young?

That would be nice but ...playing for Dad and not captured by selection restrictions is maybe more alluring than playing second fiddle in the Ospreys.
I forgot about the Canadian Tyler Aldron at 6 as well and Lydiate. So the Scarlets and Cardiff will have a back row of sevens ...the Ospreys a back row of sixes ...

I wonder if someone like Navidi might be tempted, or Cudd for that matter. Not in the Welsh radar but a good club openside.

[Sourdust]

As far as I see it, Underhill has always played very fair by the Os and vice versa. He's never hidden his ambitions, this announcement is no surprise to anyone and I'd be surprised if there wasn't a plan in place. Navidi isn't the worst shout, if Blues will let him go; probably tagged in the international "never never" column, but a tidy club player.

[ALunpg]

Tom young?

That would be nice but ...playing for Dad and not captured by selection restrictions is maybe more alluring than playing second fiddle in the Ospreys.
I forgot about the Canadian Tyler Aldron at 6 as well and Lydiate. So the Scarlets and Cardiff will have a back row of sevens ...the Ospreys a back row of sixes ...

I wonder if someone like Navidi might be tempted, or Cudd for that matter. Not in the Welsh radar but a good club openside.

So Cudd will stay at Dragons with a new contract... plus Will Boyde to stay at Scarlets not a suprise there. Itwill be interesting to see what back row Ospreys select for the matches during the 6 nations..