New and Improved EPS Watch/Player Form Thread

[Oakboy]

From the BBC website:

English rugby's powerbrokers have announced plans to revitalise the game in England after admitting they have "failed miserably" when it comes to developing young talent.

As part of a landmark new partnership, the Rugby Football Union plans to create a revamped second tier from the 2025-2026 season.

This new league could give Wasps, London Irish, Worcester and Jersey Reds a lifeline to return to professional rugby.

"We want - and should be - world-leading at all levels," said the RFU's Conor O'Shea.

"This is a huge opportunity for us to shape the game for years to come."

Among the other proposals drawn up by the governing bodies as part of the new Professional Game Partnership [PGP]:

Around 25 elite England players to receive hybrid or "enhanced "contracts, giving the RFU closer control over player workload, with improved Individual Development Plans [IDPs].
Slimmed-down Premiership squads of around 35 senior players, supported by a dozen or so Academy players, to prevent clubs 'warehousing' talent.
A centralised and standardised strength and conditioning database to allow better collaboration between the clubs and national sides.
A "consistent and regular" programme of England 'A' matches, including a tour in the summer of 2025.
By slimming-down senior squad sizes at Premiership clubs as well as establishing a vibrant second-tier league, the RFU hopes to establish a more efficient structure that provides younger players with more opportunities to play and develop.

"Talent ID is not about spotting talent. It is about giving talent opportunity, and it is where English rugby has failed miserably," explained O'Shea.

"If you don't give players the right and appropriate game-time, they will never reach the ceiling they can.

"Our job is to create that system that almost enforces game-time."

'Why would you not want those brands in your league?'
The revamped Championship - provisionally labelled as 'Premiership II" - will give Wasps, London Irish, Worcester and Jersey Reds an opportunity to return to professional rugby without starting at the bottom of the RFU pyramid.

The four clubs all dropped out of the leagues after going out of business, but the RFU will shortly invite "expressions of interest" from clubs to join "Premiership II". The selection process will commence at the start of 2024 and will conclude in June.

A set of minimum standards, for example over ground capacity, growth potential, and strength of playing squad, are currently being discussed. Wasps have already signalled their intention to re-establish themselves in Kent.

However this "franchise" model has been met with resistance by the current Championship clubs, who have argued all places in the new league should be achieved on merit.

O'Shea says the existing Championship clubs will be given first refusal to apply for a place in the new division, but an ambition to want to eventually gain promotion to the Premiership will be a pre-requisite of entry.

"Promotion and relegation is a key part of the whole sporting landscape in England," said O'Shea.

"We believe [places in the league] should be an expression of interest which is open to all, to make it the best and most sustainable league with the best teams.

"We'll set a bar which is not unattainable, and [the Championship clubs] will be part of setting that new minimum operating standard, then they can look at it and say: 'We are in' or 'we are out.'"

Steve Diamond, the former Worcester and Sale boss who is working for the RFU as a consultant, added: "If those clubs [Wasps, Worcester and London Irish] manage to look after their rugby creditors, and do everything within the legal terms with their administrators, then why would you not want those brands in your league?"

Enhanced contracts to give Borthwick more 'influence and control'
With 85% of revenues driven by the England men's senior team, the RFU say the success of Steve Borthwick's side "is paramount to the health and sustainability of rugby in England".

A new contract model has been drawn up, which the RFU hopes will lead to better collaboration between England and the clubs and will give Borthwick more control when it comes to a player's conditioning and medical support.

As part of the PGP with the Premiership clubs, Borthwick will be able to select approximately 50 players in his elite squad, with around 25 of them being part of the "Enhanced Elite Player Squad."

In a departure from the current structure, which sees players paid a salary by their clubs and a match-fee by the RFU, players in the Enhanced EPS will receive a payment of around £150,000 a year from the RFU, with the club paying a salary on top of that. Each player will also be put on an Individual Development Plan, or IDP.

O'Shea says this will allow Twickenham more "influence and control" in certain areas when the player is on club duty, such as medical and conditioning, although final decisions on selection will stay with the club director of rugby.

"The old Professional Game Agreement was about paying extra money for additional weeks of access to players," explained RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney.

"This is very different. What we are paying for is a much more direct control and oversight for a core group of players.

"The previous [deal], the one word was 'access'. This one is about control and development."

RFU 'to review care for players'
O'Shea also says the governing body will look to review and improve the support for players after Owen Farrell's surprise decision to step back from international rugby.

The former skipper announced in November he would be unavailable for England for the 2024 Six Nations to protect his and his family's mental wellbeing.

England prop Kyle Sinckler has since called for more support for players from the game's authorities.

"Sometimes you don't need to be involved in any sport to see people who are really special and I hope he [Farrell] comes back refreshed," said O'Shea.

"We just want to support him and all the time are looking to improve the wrap-around care for players. That is the most important thing.

"It is getting more and more difficult and febrile to operate in some of these environments so it is something we need to look at really carefully to make sure we are best in class when it comes to that."

[FKAS]

Meanwhile Clive Woodward has named who he would pick in his England 6N XV, the highlights including another call for Steward at 12 and the completely and irrevocably injured TCurry as 7 and team captain.

Puja

and Tom Dunn at hooker. And JVP...

JVP might be back in time, he's apparently recovering quite quickly and is back running.

[Puja]

Where do I find this masterpiece?

Toss up whether you want to suffer through ruck.co.uk's splitting it into 5 pages so they get more ad-views, or whether you want to sully your soul by going to the original on the Daily Heil.

Puja

[jngf]

Meanwhile Clive Woodward has named who he would pick in his England 6N XV, the highlights including another call for Steward at 12 and the completely and irrevocably injured TCurry as 7 and team captain.

Puja

I’ve more time for SCW on this board than most but Earl at 6 rather than 7 is bizarre, Tom Curry’s out for the season and Curry, Earl & Mercer collectively is a smallish unit - he’s dropped Itoje though so maybe great minds think alike?

[Captainhaircut]

Found the article. I hate Woodward as much as the next man but isn’t he talking about a team for World Cup 2027? Not the 6N?

[Banquo]

Meanwhile Clive Woodward has named who he would pick in his England 6N XV, the highlights including another call for Steward at 12 and the completely and irrevocably injured TCurry as 7 and team captain.

Puja

and Tom Dunn at hooker. And JVP...

JVP might be back in time, he's apparently recovering quite quickly and is back running.

good luck to him, getting up to match speed might be tricky

[Banquo]

From the BBC website:

English rugby's powerbrokers have announced plans to revitalise the game in England after admitting they have "failed miserably" when it comes to developing young talent.

As part of a landmark new partnership, the Rugby Football Union plans to create a revamped second tier from the 2025-2026 season.

This new league could give Wasps, London Irish, Worcester and Jersey Reds a lifeline to return to professional rugby.

"We want - and should be - world-leading at all levels," said the RFU's Conor O'Shea.

"This is a huge opportunity for us to shape the game for years to come."

Among the other proposals drawn up by the governing bodies as part of the new Professional Game Partnership [PGP]:

Around 25 elite England players to receive hybrid or "enhanced "contracts, giving the RFU closer control over player workload, with improved Individual Development Plans [IDPs].
Slimmed-down Premiership squads of around 35 senior players, supported by a dozen or so Academy players, to prevent clubs 'warehousing' talent.
A centralised and standardised strength and conditioning database to allow better collaboration between the clubs and national sides.
A "consistent and regular" programme of England 'A' matches, including a tour in the summer of 2025.
By slimming-down senior squad sizes at Premiership clubs as well as establishing a vibrant second-tier league, the RFU hopes to establish a more efficient structure that provides younger players with more opportunities to play and develop.

"Talent ID is not about spotting talent. It is about giving talent opportunity, and it is where English rugby has failed miserably," explained O'Shea.

"If you don't give players the right and appropriate game-time, they will never reach the ceiling they can.

"Our job is to create that system that almost enforces game-time."

'Why would you not want those brands in your league?'
The revamped Championship - provisionally labelled as 'Premiership II" - will give Wasps, London Irish, Worcester and Jersey Reds an opportunity to return to professional rugby without starting at the bottom of the RFU pyramid.

The four clubs all dropped out of the leagues after going out of business, but the RFU will shortly invite "expressions of interest" from clubs to join "Premiership II". The selection process will commence at the start of 2024 and will conclude in June.

A set of minimum standards, for example over ground capacity, growth potential, and strength of playing squad, are currently being discussed. Wasps have already signalled their intention to re-establish themselves in Kent.

However this "franchise" model has been met with resistance by the current Championship clubs, who have argued all places in the new league should be achieved on merit.

O'Shea says the existing Championship clubs will be given first refusal to apply for a place in the new division, but an ambition to want to eventually gain promotion to the Premiership will be a pre-requisite of entry.

"Promotion and relegation is a key part of the whole sporting landscape in England," said O'Shea.

"We believe [places in the league] should be an expression of interest which is open to all, to make it the best and most sustainable league with the best teams.

"We'll set a bar which is not unattainable, and [the Championship clubs] will be part of setting that new minimum operating standard, then they can look at it and say: 'We are in' or 'we are out.'"

Steve Diamond, the former Worcester and Sale boss who is working for the RFU as a consultant, added: "If those clubs [Wasps, Worcester and London Irish] manage to look after their rugby creditors, and do everything within the legal terms with their administrators, then why would you not want those brands in your league?"

Enhanced contracts to give Borthwick more 'influence and control'
With 85% of revenues driven by the England men's senior team, the RFU say the success of Steve Borthwick's side "is paramount to the health and sustainability of rugby in England".

A new contract model has been drawn up, which the RFU hopes will lead to better collaboration between England and the clubs and will give Borthwick more control when it comes to a player's conditioning and medical support.

As part of the PGP with the Premiership clubs, Borthwick will be able to select approximately 50 players in his elite squad, with around 25 of them being part of the "Enhanced Elite Player Squad."

In a departure from the current structure, which sees players paid a salary by their clubs and a match-fee by the RFU, players in the Enhanced EPS will receive a payment of around £150,000 a year from the RFU, with the club paying a salary on top of that. Each player will also be put on an Individual Development Plan, or IDP.

O'Shea says this will allow Twickenham more "influence and control" in certain areas when the player is on club duty, such as medical and conditioning, although final decisions on selection will stay with the club director of rugby.

"The old Professional Game Agreement was about paying extra money for additional weeks of access to players," explained RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney.

"This is very different. What we are paying for is a much more direct control and oversight for a core group of players.

"The previous [deal], the one word was 'access'. This one is about control and development."

RFU 'to review care for players'
O'Shea also says the governing body will look to review and improve the support for players after Owen Farrell's surprise decision to step back from international rugby.

The former skipper announced in November he would be unavailable for England for the 2024 Six Nations to protect his and his family's mental wellbeing.

England prop Kyle Sinckler has since called for more support for players from the game's authorities.

"Sometimes you don't need to be involved in any sport to see people who are really special and I hope he [Farrell] comes back refreshed," said O'Shea.

"We just want to support him and all the time are looking to improve the wrap-around care for players. That is the most important thing.

"It is getting more and more difficult and febrile to operate in some of these environments so it is something we need to look at really carefully to make sure we are best in class when it comes to that."

this is also in the Champ thread. Sh=tstorm in Champ clubs, not least because of the follow up from Sweeney. COS jabs with the left, Sweeney tries to come in with a right cross and misses....all of english non prem rugby falls out of the ring.

[FKAS]

and Tom Dunn at hooker. And JVP...

JVP might be back in time, he's apparently recovering quite quickly and is back running.

good luck to him, getting up to match speed might be tricky

Yeah it's going to depend on how quickly he gets back and what minutes he can get in doesn't it. Might be he plays in the A team game with a view to playing in the latter stages of the tournament.

[Mikey Brown]

Not really watched him myself but I think he has some fans on here.

https://www.rugbyinsideline.com/post/pl ... pe-in-2024

Rus Tuima (Exeter, English)

Since George Kruis retired from international rugby and Joe Launchbury has been experiencing his injury rut, England have been in the hunt for a new tighthead lock. Jonny Hill was considered the successor but he was then jettisoned by Borthwick last Six Nations. Leicester's Ollie Chessum and George Martin were the two names fighting it out earlier this year, but there may be a new name in town. Rus Tuima.

Around the world there is a growing trend for gigantic Polynesian tighthead locks. Australia have the 6ft 8in and 135kg Will Skelton, and France are set to have Emmanuel Meafou and Posolo Tuilagi going forward. These sizeable locks add serious power in the scrum and are key ball carriers for getting across the gainline. Rus Tuima could be England's answer to these titans. Tuima is 6ft 5in and 128kg himself. He also comes from rugby pedigree. Akapusi Qera, the former Fijian captain is his uncle and Joe Cokanasiga is his cousin.

Tuima has been a crucial cog of Exeter 2.0 and his ability to get across the gainline is invaluable. Not only has he crossed the gainline the most out of any lock in the Premiership but he is also crossing the gainline the most per 80 of any lock. Tuima has crossed the gainline 32 times this season which is 10 more than Alex Coles. He is also using this ability to cross the try line with four tries in the Premiership so far this season.



In addition, Tuima has also beaten the most defenders out of the Premiership locks with 9 beaten so far and 1.59 per 80 minutes. It is Posolo Tuilagi and Emmanuel Meafou leading the way in the Top 14 so Tuima is echoing very sizeable footsteps. The question remains to be seen whether he'll be included in Steve Borthwick's England squad for the Six Nations.

[FKAS]

Two questions about Tuima 1) has he a good enough lineout jumper to mitigate the fact we don't have any top class jumpers in the backrow without moving another lock to 6. 2) is his work rate going to work at international level.

[Puja]

Two questions about Tuima 1) has he a good enough lineout jumper to mitigate the fact we don't have any top class jumpers in the backrow without moving another lock to 6. 2) is his work rate going to work at international level.

No, and no, from what I've seen of him so far. Might be doable with Mercer in the back row to provide another front line jumper, but otherwise, it's another lock and he's not got the workrate to make up for that.

Puja

[Mikey Brown]

Oh. Well that was nice while it lasted.

Chuck him on the scrap heap with Seb Atkinson I guess.

[p/d]

Oh. Well that was nice while it lasted.

Chuck him on the scrap heap with Seb Atkinson I guess.

Oi, don’t go tossing Seb on no scrap heap!!

[FKAS]

Oh. Well that was nice while it lasted.

He's young and both of those things can be worked on. Borthwick might feel he can influence them whilst in camp.

[Scrumhead]

Tuima is perfect for the A squad IMO. This is essentially his breakthrough season in a new position so a senior call up feels a little premature. Loads of promise but no burning need to rush his development. Basically what the A squad is supposed to be for.

[Puja]

Tuima is perfect for the A squad IMO. This is essentially his breakthrough season in a new position so a senior call up feels a little premature. Loads of promise but no burning need to rush his development. Basically what the A squad is supposed to be for.

Thoroughly agreed. Excellent prospect, definitely a good idea have him in the A squad and EPS, partly to see what there is to work with, and partly to tie him down for 3 years in case Fiji get any ideas of capping him.

Puja

[fivepointer]

Tuima is perfect for the A squad IMO. This is essentially his breakthrough season in a new position so a senior call up feels a little premature. Loads of promise but no burning need to rush his development. Basically what the A squad is supposed to be for.

Yep. Perfect fit for the A team at this stage of his development.

He's coming on very well but it is early days.

[Epaminondas Pules]

If we were looking at the Exeter pack for potential then Fisilau is the standout. Tuima has shown glimpses and much more consistency than the previous incarnation that so underwhelmed at No8. He's got a distance to go, but playing games is doing and will do him the world of good.

[p/d]

If we were looking at the Exeter pack for potential then Fisilau is the standout.

Absolutely. I’d have him straight into the England squad quicker than FKAS can post his ‘what he needs to work on’ list

[FKAS]

If we were looking at the Exeter pack for potential then Fisilau is the standout.

Absolutely. I’d have him straight into the England squad quicker than FKAS can post his ‘what he needs to work on’ list

I'm not sure he's got any prohibitive work ons. He's doing well for Chiefs. He's surrounded by some big lumps at Chiefs though, if we go with twin opensides again their will be a big onus on him to deliver straight away. We'll quickly find out whether he's up to the job or not.

[twitchy]

[Skalyba]

emphasis really is on Borthwick to make up his mind on who he thinks has a shot at the next WC. If he wants 3 options in each role he needs to decide if these 3 players have a genuine chance of making that, and if so cap them asap. If not be honest with them and let them move on or decide to fight for a spot knowing the odds may be against them.

It's the most challenging aspect of being England coach imo - so many decent options for each role but rarely genuine standouts. Roebuck is the perfect example - will be a good solid international, but probably lacks the top end pace to be a true worldy. Do you back him, potentially missing out on a talent with a higher ceiling or lose him to Scotland(I'd select him)

[Skalyba]

emphasis really is on Borthwick to make up his mind on who he thinks has a shot at the next WC. If he wants 3 options in each role he needs to decide if these 3 players have a genuine chance of making that, and if so cap them asap. If not be honest with them and let them move on or decide to fight for a spot knowing the odds may be against them.

It's the most challenging aspect of being England coach imo - so many decent options for each role but rarely genuine standouts. Roebuck is the perfect example - will be a good solid international, but probably lacks the top end pace to be a true worldy. Do you back him, potentially missing out on a talent with a higher ceiling or lose him to Scotland(I'd select him)

[FKAS]

Borthwick had Fin Smith on the 6N last year and it's almost certain he will be again this year unless he defects. Smith also mentioned in interviews he's been having conversations with Borthwick over how to improve and move into England recognition. Given that it sounds very much like Stevie B wants him as part of the England setup moving forwards.

Realistically we've been waiting for Scotland to make this big play for some time now though. They've tempted Ben Healy across from Ireland as one potential successor to Russell, who at 31 won't make the next world cup, but as the other options such as Jordan and Thompson look to be some way off whilst Smith looks to the manor born. I'd be very careful if I was Smith though. Blair Kinghorn will be in any 23 and is a favourite cover for 10 for Townsend and removes the requirement for a 10 to be on bench. The injury to another Smith (Ollie) makes the depth at 15 less but Healy will no doubt have made the switch to Scotland with similar promises.

Roebuck looks like he could be one that could do a really rock solid job at international level, maybe not produce fireworks but become integral to the side. I suspect the SRU are in the offensive as they know the English camp will look to capture any dual qualified players not in the main squad via the A team game.

[Scrumhead]

The Scots are shameless. I genuinely think they think ‘why put any effort in to developing our own when we can just piggy back off other unions’ efforts’.

It makes a mockery of international competition.