Our Lark seems to be ascending. (For those unfamiliar with Vaughan Williams, an early 20th century English composer; 'Lark ascending' is a piece of music by the great man and not a phallic insinuation).

Vaughan and Williams. Fantastic news. Maybe look at drinkwater. Dufty and a very promising walker and we have a great spine for a team for the next 5 years. (Although I feel Vaughan may head back home after 2025 and retire. Hes 31 now.)

Clark is a different matter. I've heard we've offered him a new contract. But, it's at loose forward. For less money. Saints have offered him the number 9 shirt. Money wise. I don't know.
Thoughts. He's 30. And probabky feels he can get 1 more big 3-5 yesr contract out of a club before taking the reduced price 2nd hooker role for a couple yesrs. And with the world Cup on the horizon in 2025. Would you blame him if he moved to another club with the hope of securing his world Cup place at hooker. Or stay with us and move to a new position and possibly lose out on a position in what would be his final world Cup.

I would like us to keep Clark, but not at any price.

Would Clark be due a testimonial year next year. From memory there is income tax exemption for testimonials which could be a nice bonus.
I am not suggesting that the club offer a contract less than what Clark is worth but might help sway a decision if there are comparable contracts on the table.

I suppose the only other factor would be is another club was prepared to table a longer term contract that would provide longer term security
If we do turn into a team capable of challenging for silverware then one player that I would like to see win more trophies in his time here would be Clark. During the tail end of the TS era and the Price era he was one of only a few players that i thought never really deserved to be on the losing team.

My only issue with Clark is that his body seems to be letting him down a bit.

Giving him a long contract would be too risky in my opinion.

It seems the club is being sensible with their offer but if it's not good enough for him, then it may be time to part ways.