6 Nations Squad

[Wallpaperman]

I saw the team on WOL and a number of players had an asterisk next to them. I thought this meant that they were there to train with the squad but chances are they will be capped in the next few months (maybe not Lloyd and Mann).

Going to be a tough 6 nations, but onwards and upwards. Delighted for Daf Jenkins btw.

How come there are only 4 Ospreys in the squad (which presumably would have been 3 if Johnny Williams wasn’t looking at a ban) ? There are of course injuries to Lake, Jac Morgan and one or 2 others who would have been picked. I thought Fender would get in but perhaps he is injured too. However, Sam Parry, Keenan Giles and Rhys Davies can all feel very hard done by.

[pompey-zebra]

How come there are only 4 Ospreys in the squad (which presumably would have been 3 if Johnny Williams wasn’t looking at a ban) ? There are of course injuries to Lake, Jac Morgan and one or 2 others who would have been picked. I thought Fender would get in but perhaps he is injured too. However, Sam Parry, Keenan Giles and Rhys Davies can all feel very hard done by.

You're right, Fender's got an arm injury which looks to have ruled him out of the 6n. Lake and Morgan would have been selected if fit, with a few others like Morris and Nagy ( if qualified if course) in the mix if not injured. As for the others, as we know Gatland's selection criteria can be fairly opaque in times.

[Son of Mathonwy]

How come there are only 4 Ospreys in the squad (which presumably would have been 3 if Johnny Williams wasn’t looking at a ban) ? There are of course injuries to Lake, Jac Morgan and one or 2 others who would have been picked. I thought Fender would get in but perhaps he is injured too. However, Sam Parry, Keenan Giles and Rhys Davies can all feel very hard done by.

You're right, Fender's got an arm injury which looks to have ruled him out of the 6n. Lake and Morgan would have been selected if fit, with a few others like Morris and Nagy ( if qualified if course) in the mix if not injured. As for the others, as we know Gatland's selection criteria can be fairly opaque in times.

This is the Ospreys' injury list per WOL:

Max Nagy
Luke Morgan
Alex Cuthbert
Toby Fricker
Dom Morris
Owen Williams
Reuben Morgan-Williams
Nicky Smith
Rhys Henry
Rhys Davies
Will Griffiths
Huw Sutton
Tristan Davies
Justin Tipuric
Jac Morgan
Morgan Morris
Harri Deaves
Dewi Lake
James Fender
Garyn Phillips
George North (ill)

Which is one reason why we're in a bad place. Rhys Davies is on the list - don't know how bad it is though. But definitely agreed that Parry and Giles could have been called up.

I wonder if someone else will come in for LRZ?

[Wallpaperman]

How come there are only 4 Ospreys in the squad (which presumably would have been 3 if Johnny Williams wasn’t looking at a ban) ? There are of course injuries to Lake, Jac Morgan and one or 2 others who would have been picked. I thought Fender would get in but perhaps he is injured too. However, Sam Parry, Keenan Giles and Rhys Davies can all feel very hard done by.

You're right, Fender's got an arm injury which looks to have ruled him out of the 6n. Lake and Morgan would have been selected if fit, with a few others like Morris and Nagy ( if qualified if course) in the mix if not injured. As for the others, as we know Gatland's selection criteria can be fairly opaque in times.

This is the Ospreys' injury list per WOL:

Max Nagy
Luke Morgan
Alex Cuthbert
Toby Fricker
Dom Morris
Owen Williams
Reuben Morgan-Williams
Nicky Smith
Rhys Henry
Rhys Davies
Will Griffiths
Huw Sutton
Tristan Davies
Justin Tipuric
Jac Morgan
Morgan Morris
Harri Deaves
Dewi Lake
James Fender
Garyn Phillips
George North (ill)

Which is one reason why we're in a bad place. Rhys Davies is on the list - don't know how bad it is though. But definitely agreed that Parry and Giles could have been called up.

I wonder if someone else will come in for LRZ?

If they do replace LRZ, I’ll bet that it’s not an Osprey.

That’s quite an injury list, including the first, second and third choice 7s ! Thanks for your reply re Rhys Davies. I think he could be a Jake Ball type player for Wales. And I was surprised that Fender didn’t get a call up, that explains it.

[Wallpaperman]

How come there are only 4 Ospreys in the squad (which presumably would have been 3 if Johnny Williams wasn’t looking at a ban) ? There are of course injuries to Lake, Jac Morgan and one or 2 others who would have been picked. I thought Fender would get in but perhaps he is injured too. However, Sam Parry, Keenan Giles and Rhys Davies can all feel very hard done by.

You're right, Fender's got an arm injury which looks to have ruled him out of the 6n. Lake and Morgan would have been selected if fit, with a few others like Morris and Nagy ( if qualified if course) in the mix if not injured. As for the others, as we know Gatland's selection criteria can be fairly opaque in times.

Agreed re Gatland’s selection criteria ! Nagy is an interesting one, not sure if he is Welsh qualified.

[Numbers]

You're right, Fender's got an arm injury which looks to have ruled him out of the 6n. Lake and Morgan would have been selected if fit, with a few others like Morris and Nagy ( if qualified if course) in the mix if not injured. As for the others, as we know Gatland's selection criteria can be fairly opaque in times.

This is the Ospreys' injury list per WOL:

Max Nagy
Luke Morgan
Alex Cuthbert
Toby Fricker
Dom Morris
Owen Williams
Reuben Morgan-Williams
Nicky Smith
Rhys Henry
Rhys Davies
Will Griffiths
Huw Sutton
Tristan Davies
Justin Tipuric
Jac Morgan
Morgan Morris
Harri Deaves
Dewi Lake
James Fender
Garyn Phillips
George North (ill)

Which is one reason why we're in a bad place. Rhys Davies is on the list - don't know how bad it is though. But definitely agreed that Parry and Giles could have been called up.

I wonder if someone else will come in for LRZ?

If they do replace LRZ, I’ll bet that it’s not an Osprey.

That’s quite an injury list, including the first, second and third choice 7s ! Thanks for your reply re Rhys Davies. I think he could be a Jake Ball type player for Wales. And I was surprised that Fender didn’t get a call up, that explains it.

If they do bring another winger in I would imagine it would be Keelan Giles as there is no-one else that I can think of, Lane hasn't been playing.

[pompey-zebra]

Re: Nagy, the ospreys were seeking clarification on that whether his residency started in 2018 when he first moved to Wales to study, or later. I've still not heard what the outcome was ( or indeed whether he does want to represent Wales), but given the injury it's a bit of a moot point at the moment. Worth clarifying for the future though, he was playing well before he got injured.

[Numbers]

Re: Nagy, the ospreys were seeking clarification on that whether his residency started in 2018 when he first moved to Wales to study, or later. I've still not heard what the outcome was ( or indeed whether he does want to represent Wales), but given the injury it's a bit of a moot point at the moment. Worth clarifying for the future though, he was playing well before he got injured.

I think personally the Winnett is the future at 15, he's very consistent and not prone to errors, it would be worth getting some depth in that position tho as injuries are common place at test level so we really need at least 3-4 players up to standard for each position, this is a long way off unfortunately, I feel a wooden spoon coming on.

[Wallpaperman]

Re: Nagy, the ospreys were seeking clarification on that whether his residency started in 2018 when he first moved to Wales to study, or later. I've still not heard what the outcome was ( or indeed whether he does want to represent Wales), but given the injury it's a bit of a moot point at the moment. Worth clarifying for the future though, he was playing well before he got injured.

I think personally the Winnett is the future at 15, he's very consistent and not prone to errors, it would be worth getting some depth in that position tho as injuries are common place at test level so we really need at least 3-4 players up to standard for each position, this is a long way off unfortunately, I feel a wooden spoon coming on.

Nagy was playing well, and it was a nasty challenge that caused his injury. Hope he is back on the field soon.

I like the look of Nagy, Winnett and Beetham. I have seen some criticism of Winnnett’s defensive game, although I haven’t noticed him struggling. I think we have been a bit spoiled with Halfpenny, who would rather get knocked out than concede a try. Nagy and Beetham both have a good running game and boot on them.

Wales will definitely struggle. There is a huge onus on Assiratti doing well. If he can hold up the tight head it might not be too bad and we should avoid the dreaded spoon. Italy and Scotland at home is a bonus (although Scotland are slight favourites in my book).

[Sandydragon]

If we avoid the wooden spoon and blood a few new players who look capable then I'll be chalking this 6N up as a success. I can't remember the cupboard being so bare since the 90s.

[Son of Mathonwy]

I think we can beat Italy. It's a pretty low bar, but I think that's still very doable, so I think we'll avoid the spoon. But beat anyone else? Only if they find themselves with a similar injury/unavailable list. Without doing any research on the opposition I think 5th place.

[pompey-zebra]

I think we can beat Italy. It's a pretty low bar, but I think that's still very doable, so I think we'll avoid the spoon. But beat anyone else? Only if they find themselves with a similar injury/unavailable list. Without doing any research on the opposition I think 5th place.

Realistically that looks about right , and anything more than that would be a plus

After the RWC I had a bit of confidence. We'd lost a few of the old guard but blooded some youngsters who stood up well overall, with some like morgan outstanding. Added to that, the unexpected bonus that the regional austerity brought was that of more young players putting their hand up. Add in a new Welsh wonderkid in feyi- Waboso, and even a month ago I was quietly optimistic. The injuries on top of the old guard leaving have dented that and the IFW/LRZ defections were a real kick in the nuts.

The positive is though that the youngsters blooded last year will come back at some point, and more new players will be getting experience in the meantime. It might be difficult for a while but we could still have a competitive generation of players. What the WRU needs to do is reduce the risk that more players will opt not to play for Wales or worse play against us. I don't fancy another decade or two in the wilderness, the 80's and 90's were bad enough.

[Son of Mathonwy]

I think we can beat Italy. It's a pretty low bar, but I think that's still very doable, so I think we'll avoid the spoon. But beat anyone else? Only if they find themselves with a similar injury/unavailable list. Without doing any research on the opposition I think 5th place.

Realistically that looks about right , and anything more than that would be a plus

After the RWC I had a bit of confidence. We'd lost a few of the old guard but blooded some youngsters who stood up well overall, with some like morgan outstanding. Added to that, the unexpected bonus that the regional austerity brought was that of more young players putting their hand up. Add in a new Welsh wonderkid in feyi- Waboso, and even a month ago I was quietly optimistic. The injuries on top of the old guard leaving have dented that and the IFW/LRZ defections were a real kick in the nuts.

The positive is though that the youngsters blooded last year will come back at some point, and more new players will be getting experience in the meantime. It might be difficult for a while but we could still have a competitive generation of players. What the WRU needs to do is reduce the risk that more players will opt not to play for Wales or worse play against us. I don't fancy another decade or two in the wilderness, the 80's and 90's were bad enough.

My biggest fear now is watching Feyi-Waboso running in tries against us in a few weeks. That would be hard to take.

And Gatland didn't even speak to him to try to change his mind. Great effort. I wonder if the WRU even lifted a finger to find a way to keep him Welsh.

On a vaguely positive note, at least LRZ won't be playing for the opposition, and he might be back in a few years if the game doesn't suit him.

[pompey-zebra]

I think we can beat Italy. It's a pretty low bar, but I think that's still very doable, so I think we'll avoid the spoon. But beat anyone else? Only if they find themselves with a similar injury/unavailable list. Without doing any research on the opposition I think 5th place.

Realistically that looks about right , and anything more than that would be a plus

My biggest fear now is watching Feyi-Waboso running in tries against us in a few weeks. That would be hard to take.

And Gatland didn't even speak to him to try to change his mind. Great effort. I wonder if the WRU even lifted a finger to find a way to keep him Welsh.

On a vaguely positive note, at least LRZ won't be playing for the opposition, and he might be back in a few years if the game doesn't suit him.

Yes from what I've read it does seem that Borthwick and the RFU were in regular communication with IFW and Exeter about England representation, whereas all I've read from the WRU side is a phone call with Mike Foreshaw. Of course it could be that they have tried many times and IFW just didnt respond perhaps knowing that the England offer was better. But if the WRU did dtop the ball on this one, they need to acknowledge and learn from it before we lose more young players to England the NFL, pro- celebrity basket weaving and anything else we cant compete with financially.

[Numbers]

I think we can beat Italy. It's a pretty low bar, but I think that's still very doable, so I think we'll avoid the spoon. But beat anyone else? Only if they find themselves with a similar injury/unavailable list. Without doing any research on the opposition I think 5th place.

Realistically that looks about right , and anything more than that would be a plus

After the RWC I had a bit of confidence. We'd lost a few of the old guard but blooded some youngsters who stood up well overall, with some like morgan outstanding. Added to that, the unexpected bonus that the regional austerity brought was that of more young players putting their hand up. Add in a new Welsh wonderkid in feyi- Waboso, and even a month ago I was quietly optimistic. The injuries on top of the old guard leaving have dented that and the IFW/LRZ defections were a real kick in the nuts.

The positive is though that the youngsters blooded last year will come back at some point, and more new players will be getting experience in the meantime. It might be difficult for a while but we could still have a competitive generation of players. What the WRU needs to do is reduce the risk that more players will opt not to play for Wales or worse play against us. I don't fancy another decade or two in the wilderness, the 80's and 90's were bad enough.

My biggest fear now is watching Feyi-Waboso running in tries against us in a few weeks. That would be hard to take.

And Gatland didn't even speak to him to try to change his mind. Great effort. I wonder if the WRU even lifted a finger to find a way to keep him Welsh.

On a vaguely positive note, at least LRZ won't be playing for the opposition, and he might be back in a few years if the game doesn't suit him.

He has 10 weeks to make the picks, it's an uphill task so there is every chance he could fail and be back before the end of the season.

[Numbers]

Realistically that looks about right , and anything more than that would be a plus

My biggest fear now is watching Feyi-Waboso running in tries against us in a few weeks. That would be hard to take.

And Gatland didn't even speak to him to try to change his mind. Great effort. I wonder if the WRU even lifted a finger to find a way to keep him Welsh.

On a vaguely positive note, at least LRZ won't be playing for the opposition, and he might be back in a few years if the game doesn't suit him.

Yes from what I've read it does seem that Borthwick and the RFU were in regular communication with IFW and Exeter about England representation, whereas all I've read from the WRU side is a phone call with Mike Foreshaw. Of course it could be that they have tried many times and IFW just didnt respond perhaps knowing that the England offer was better. But if the WRU did dtop the ball on this one, they need to acknowledge and learn from it before we lose more young players to England the NFL, pro- celebrity basket weaving and anything else we cant compete with financially.

I thas nothing to do with offers but more circumstance as far as I see it, he has already had to restart his medical degree and doesn't want to have to start it all over again, if he plays for England he can stay put and continue his studies, if he chose Wales the cap rule would mean he'd have to go to a Welsh club to continue playing for us when his contract is up so he would have to move again and that would have a hugely detrimental effect on his studies. If anything is to blame it's the 25 cap rule.

[pompey-zebra]

My biggest fear now is watching Feyi-Waboso running in tries against us in a few weeks. That would be hard to take.

And Gatland didn't even speak to him to try to change his mind. Great effort. I wonder if the WRU even lifted a finger to find a way to keep him Welsh.

On a vaguely positive note, at least LRZ won't be playing for the opposition, and he might be back in a few years if the game doesn't suit him.

Yes from what I've read it does seem that Borthwick and the RFU were in regular communication with IFW and Exeter about England representation, whereas all I've read from the WRU side is a phone call with Mike Foreshaw. Of course it could be that they have tried many times and IFW just didnt respond perhaps knowing that the England offer was better. But if the WRU did dtop the ball on this one, they need to acknowledge and learn from it before we lose more young players to England the NFL, pro- celebrity basket weaving and anything else we cant compete with financially.

I thas nothing to do with offers but more circumstance as far as I see it, he has already had to restart his medical degree and doesn't want to have to start it all over again, if he plays for England he can stay put and continue his studies, if he chose Wales the cap rule would mean he'd have to go to a Welsh club to continue playing for us when his contract is up so he would have to move again and that would have a hugely detrimental effect on his studies. If anything is to blame it's the 25 cap rule.

You're absolutely right, those were the reasons he gave for taking the England route, that in England his rugby career dovetails nicely with his medical studies. Whereas as you say, a Welsh cap would mean a return to Wales once his Exeter contract expires, with all the ensuing disruption or stay and give up his international career if he didnt have 25 caps.

The thing that stood out for me since then is the apparent disparity between the contact the RFU and the WRU had with him. By reports in the press England have been very engaged with him, whereas the WRU didn't seem to have been so proactive. Maybe it was a case of "you must play in Wales, no exceptions" and they didn't want him to be a special case. But I havent heard anything to say the WRU tried to make some accommodation, say delay a return to Wales until his studies are completed. If the WRU are inflexible with the 25 caps rule ( which they're entitled to be) we probably will see more players taking a path not involving Wales.

[Numbers]

Yes from what I've read it does seem that Borthwick and the RFU were in regular communication with IFW and Exeter about England representation, whereas all I've read from the WRU side is a phone call with Mike Foreshaw. Of course it could be that they have tried many times and IFW just didnt respond perhaps knowing that the England offer was better. But if the WRU did dtop the ball on this one, they need to acknowledge and learn from it before we lose more young players to England the NFL, pro- celebrity basket weaving and anything else we cant compete with financially.

I thas nothing to do with offers but more circumstance as far as I see it, he has already had to restart his medical degree and doesn't want to have to start it all over again, if he plays for England he can stay put and continue his studies, if he chose Wales the cap rule would mean he'd have to go to a Welsh club to continue playing for us when his contract is up so he would have to move again and that would have a hugely detrimental effect on his studies. If anything is to blame it's the 25 cap rule.

You're absolutely right, those were the reasons he gave for taking the England route, that in England his rugby career dovetails nicely with his medical studies. Whereas as you say, a Welsh cap would mean a return to Wales once his Exeter contract expires, with all the ensuing disruption or stay and give up his international career if he didnt have 25 caps.

The thing that stood out for me since then is the apparent disparity between the contact the RFU and the WRU had with him. By reports in the press England have been very engaged with him, whereas the WRU didn't seem to have been so proactive. Maybe it was a case of "you must play in Wales, no exceptions" and they didn't want him to be a special case. But I havent heard anything to say the WRU tried to make some accommodation, say delay a return to Wales until his studies are completed. If the WRU are inflexible with the 25 caps rule ( which they're entitled to be) we probably will see more players taking a path not involving Wales.

I don't think the WRU have done anything to help secure his allegiance in this instance, the best thing to do now would eb to scrap the rule totally imo. Having players playing abroad generally helps them to improve their game so I other than the availability for full training camps and th fallow week during the 6 nations there's no reason for it to exist, especially if it isn't working because the wages over in Wales are too low, if anything it's making the situation a whole lot worse.

If we look at the squad we have Jenkins, Reffell and Griffin playing in England, if our Captain can be subject to the fallow week return and shortened preparation time then can't others?

[Sandydragon]

The overseas issue is likely to get worse before it gets better. Japanese rugby seems to have a lot of money at the moment; I'd much rather our squad was European-based than halfway across the world.

If Team Wales's performances fall badly over the next year, then so will the WRU's income. Better to have a competitive team bringing in the crowds and use that money to help rebuild the regions than watch everything crash and burn. I'm hopeful that a GB league takes off but that's probably not on the cards in the very short term and were struggling to compete now.

[Numbers]

The overseas issue is likely to get worse before it gets better. Japanese rugby seems to have a lot of money at the moment; I'd much rather our squad was European-based than halfway across the world.

If Team Wales's performances fall badly over the next year, then so will the WRU's income. Better to have a competitive team bringing in the crowds and use that money to help rebuild the regions than watch everything crash and burn. I'm hopeful that a GB league takes off but that's probably not on the cards in the very short term and were struggling to compete now.

Not sure a GB would ever be viable, the English would want at least 6 teams and with 4 Welsh sides, 4 Irish sides and 2 Scottish sides that is too many to make it work. If a couple more english team go to the wall and a couple of regions then tyhat's the only way it can be accomodated so pretty unllikely imo.

[Son of Mathonwy]

I thas nothing to do with offers but more circumstance as far as I see it, he has already had to restart his medical degree and doesn't want to have to start it all over again, if he plays for England he can stay put and continue his studies, if he chose Wales the cap rule would mean he'd have to go to a Welsh club to continue playing for us when his contract is up so he would have to move again and that would have a hugely detrimental effect on his studies. If anything is to blame it's the 25 cap rule.

You're absolutely right, those were the reasons he gave for taking the England route, that in England his rugby career dovetails nicely with his medical studies. Whereas as you say, a Welsh cap would mean a return to Wales once his Exeter contract expires, with all the ensuing disruption or stay and give up his international career if he didnt have 25 caps.

The thing that stood out for me since then is the apparent disparity between the contact the RFU and the WRU had with him. By reports in the press England have been very engaged with him, whereas the WRU didn't seem to have been so proactive. Maybe it was a case of "you must play in Wales, no exceptions" and they didn't want him to be a special case. But I havent heard anything to say the WRU tried to make some accommodation, say delay a return to Wales until his studies are completed. If the WRU are inflexible with the 25 caps rule ( which they're entitled to be) we probably will see more players taking a path not involving Wales.

I don't think the WRU have done anything to help secure his allegiance in this instance, the best thing to do now would eb to scrap the rule totally imo. Having players playing abroad generally helps them to improve their game so I other than the availability for full training camps and th fallow week during the 6 nations there's no reason for it to exist, especially if it isn't working because the wages over in Wales are too low, if anything it's making the situation a whole lot worse.

If we look at the squad we have Jenkins, Reffell and Griffin playing in England, if our Captain can be subject to the fallow week return and shortened preparation time then can't others?

I can understand Feyi-Waboso's position in that he didn't want to interrupt his medical studies, which is why the WRU should have looked to make an exception to the rule in those circumstances. What I can't understand is his willingness to play for England, like it doesn't matter which country you play for. (At least Dyer shows the red shirt means something.)

Of course it could be that F-W was always looking to play for England. Would be nice to get some indication from the WRU what discussions went on behind the scenes (if any).

[Sandydragon]

The overseas issue is likely to get worse before it gets better. Japanese rugby seems to have a lot of money at the moment; I'd much rather our squad was European-based than halfway across the world.

If Team Wales's performances fall badly over the next year, then so will the WRU's income. Better to have a competitive team bringing in the crowds and use that money to help rebuild the regions than watch everything crash and burn. I'm hopeful that a GB league takes off but that's probably not on the cards in the very short term and were struggling to compete now.

Not sure a GB would ever be viable, the English would want at least 6 teams and with 4 Welsh sides, 4 Irish sides and 2 Scottish sides that is too many to make it work. If a couple more english team go to the wall and a couple of regions then tyhat's the only way it can be accomodated so pretty unllikely imo.

I think realistically it would be 2 pro leagues.

[Son of Mathonwy]

The overseas issue is likely to get worse before it gets better. Japanese rugby seems to have a lot of money at the moment; I'd much rather our squad was European-based than halfway across the world.

If Team Wales's performances fall badly over the next year, then so will the WRU's income. Better to have a competitive team bringing in the crowds and use that money to help rebuild the regions than watch everything crash and burn. I'm hopeful that a GB league takes off but that's probably not on the cards in the very short term and were struggling to compete now.

Not sure a GB would ever be viable, the English would want at least 6 teams and with 4 Welsh sides, 4 Irish sides and 2 Scottish sides that is too many to make it work. If a couple more english team go to the wall and a couple of regions then tyhat's the only way it can be accomodated so pretty unllikely imo.

I think realistically it would be 2 pro leagues.

Gotta say I'm much more interested in an Anglo-Welsh league, that's where we stand a chance of getting good crowds. We don't get that from anyone in the URC.

[Numbers]

The overseas issue is likely to get worse before it gets better. Japanese rugby seems to have a lot of money at the moment; I'd much rather our squad was European-based than halfway across the world.

If Team Wales's performances fall badly over the next year, then so will the WRU's income. Better to have a competitive team bringing in the crowds and use that money to help rebuild the regions than watch everything crash and burn. I'm hopeful that a GB league takes off but that's probably not on the cards in the very short term and were struggling to compete now.

Not sure a GB would ever be viable, the English would want at least 6 teams and with 4 Welsh sides, 4 Irish sides and 2 Scottish sides that is too many to make it work. If a couple more english team go to the wall and a couple of regions then tyhat's the only way it can be accomodated so pretty unllikely imo.

I think realistically it would be 2 pro leagues.

Would any of the regions be in the top league? If all teams were in there would eb 9 teams per league, the Scottish teams are better than we are and all the Irish teams so that leaves 3 spots in the Iter 1 competition, like SOM says the only viable league alternative would be an Anglo-Welsh one to my mind.

[Sandydragon]

Not sure a GB would ever be viable, the English would want at least 6 teams and with 4 Welsh sides, 4 Irish sides and 2 Scottish sides that is too many to make it work. If a couple more english team go to the wall and a couple of regions then tyhat's the only way it can be accomodated so pretty unllikely imo.

I think realistically it would be 2 pro leagues.

Would any of the regions be in the top league? If all teams were in there would eb 9 teams per league, the Scottish teams are better than we are and all the Irish teams so that leaves 3 spots in the Iter 1 competition, like SOM says the only viable league alternative would be an Anglo-Welsh one to my mind.

Second tier would be a fair return. It might provide additional stability compared to now and games vs English clubs would increase attendances. Plus perhaps some player guidance to be playing on the GB league to play for wales which would give more scope.

And English and Welsh league would be good, but I don’t think we on our own are a sufficiently attractive financial or quality proposition.