Re: Argentina tour
Posted: Tue May 20, 2025 9:27 pm
I know, was commenting on Bath/Saints in contention....
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Re: Argentina tour
Posted: Tue May 20, 2025 10:18 pm
In the early part of his career he used to play in the backrow as well, played a few games at 8. He can definitely carry a bit. It'll be interesting to see how he does outside of Lam's madcap Bristol style. I remember him being on loan at Tigers and being annoyed we didn't try to keep him. Think he went well at Wuss and then got brought back to Bristol.Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Tue May 20, 2025 9:24 pm That certainly puts some perspective on things.
I’d noticed him seeming to get over the try line quite a lot but I can’t say I really know what he’s about as a player. Will be interesting to see him in the summer. Glad he recovered in time.
I think because he gets around the field so well I hadn’t appreciated how big he is. I had him down as one of those slightly lightweight flanker/lock types. I don’t know whether he throws it around enough in the tight exchanges but he certainly seems to be handy in the loose.
In case anyone else is interested.
Joe BATLEY is a 28-year-old English rugby player standing at 2 m tall (6 ft 7 in) and weighing in at 125 kg (19 st 9.58 lb; 275.58 lb) , who currently plays for Bristol Bears in England as lock.
Hopefully he can do the tighthead lock bit as we've got some decent more mobile options for the summer.
Re: Argentina tour
Posted: Tue May 20, 2025 10:24 pm
Coles and Langdon doubts for the weekend. Still not trained.
Furbank has a slight chance. Sleightholme even slighter.
Sounds like all would be fit for the tour.
Furbank has a slight chance. Sleightholme even slighter.
Sounds like all would be fit for the tour.
Re: Argentina tour
Posted: Wed May 21, 2025 12:58 am
I did exactly the same - was thinking he was a Coles-sized lock given how much I've seen him run for Brizzle, went and looked him up and was astonished to see he's apparently bigger than Martin! Size isn't everything, of course, but it doesn't hurt! Be interested to see what England think of him after casting an eye over him in training.Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Tue May 20, 2025 9:24 pm That certainly puts some perspective on things.
I’d noticed him seeming to get over the try line quite a lot but I can’t say I really know what he’s about as a player. Will be interesting to see him in the summer. Glad he recovered in time.
I think because he gets around the field so well I hadn’t appreciated how big he is. I had him down as one of those slightly lightweight flanker/lock types. I don’t know whether he throws it around enough in the tight exchanges but he certainly seems to be handy in the loose.
In case anyone else is interested.
Joe BATLEY is a 28-year-old English rugby player standing at 2 m tall (6 ft 7 in) and weighing in at 125 kg (19 st 9.58 lb; 275.58 lb) , who currently plays for Bristol Bears in England as lock.
Puja
Re: Argentina tour
Posted: Wed May 21, 2025 7:07 am
Ive been banging the Batley drum for a while now. He was the outstanding lock in England early in the season until he got injured. If he can get back to that form i'm sure he can make the step up.
Re: Argentina tour
Posted: Wed May 21, 2025 8:26 am
Having a big lock who can carry too would be nicePuja wrote: ↑Wed May 21, 2025 12:58 amI did exactly the same - was thinking he was a Coles-sized lock given how much I've seen him run for Brizzle, went and looked him up and was astonished to see he's apparently bigger than Martin! Size isn't everything, of course, but it doesn't hurt! Be interested to see what England think of him after casting an eye over him in training.Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Tue May 20, 2025 9:24 pm That certainly puts some perspective on things.
I’d noticed him seeming to get over the try line quite a lot but I can’t say I really know what he’s about as a player. Will be interesting to see him in the summer. Glad he recovered in time.
I think because he gets around the field so well I hadn’t appreciated how big he is. I had him down as one of those slightly lightweight flanker/lock types. I don’t know whether he throws it around enough in the tight exchanges but he certainly seems to be handy in the loose.
In case anyone else is interested.
Joe BATLEY is a 28-year-old English rugby player standing at 2 m tall (6 ft 7 in) and weighing in at 125 kg (19 st 9.58 lb; 275.58 lb) , who currently plays for Bristol Bears in England as lock.
Puja
Re: Argentina tour
Posted: Wed May 21, 2025 9:32 am
100% with you on this. He’s had some real misfortune and badly timed injuries, but I’d love to see him get a proper chance as I’d back him to take it.fivepointer wrote: ↑Wed May 21, 2025 7:07 am Ive been banging the Batley drum for a while now. He was the outstanding lock in England early in the season until he got injured. If he can get back to that form i'm sure he can make the step up.
Without trying to psychoanalyse it too much, people that have been through the kind of things he has often have a different mindset and are better at dealing with challenges. When you’ve beaten cancer, playing a test match probably doesn’t feel that daunting.