So tell us who is available that we could sign?

How do i know who is available? I don't talk to any agents or players do i?

what do you want me to do, list a load of props that i think are decent?

Absolutely do not want you to give a wish list.
The point is, it is easy to say what should be done, but as you point out you don't know who is available.
Has it occurred to you that there may not be anyone available or that those who are are of insufficient quality?

No that had never occurred to me... thanks for the insight.

So what was your point, if you knew that already?

Most of them.
And I agree with you too.
My opinion of the England reaches a new low.

so i KNOW there aren't any available now?

bottom line is you dont know and i dont know who is, or is not available.

But someone at the club does, as its their job to know these things... if there was such a shortage of available props, like you claim, then why are the club releasing ones we do have and leaving us short?

In 2013 the club knew Morley was leaving end of the season, then they didn't extend Carvell for 2014, then they knew Asotasi was not the answer in mid 2014 and in early 2015 lost Wood.

I suggest the club have had ample warning and time to plan, identify, recruit and retain a decent pack for 2016.

In my view they have not and we are short again. It is not as if this situation has happened overnight.

My point is none of us know
1) who, if anyone, is available
2) if some one IS available that is suitable can we afford him on the cap
3) that even if there is someone available AND affordable that they would actually want to come
Much as I admired Carvell and Wood I think that subsequent events show the club made the right decision
It may also be that either the club has tried but failed to sign someone, and/or hasn't wanted to rush into another signing on the basis of having learned the lesson of Asotasi/England.
I don't know which if any applies.
My point was to all those who are insistent that the club should make a signing and criticising them for not doing so how can you criticise without knowing the facts? It smacks of the petulant child "I want a prop now and if I don't get one I'll thcweam and thcweam till I get one..."

I understand the petulant child point but it's not as if this has happened overnight. The pack situation has been poor ever since it became apparent Asotasi was not going to contribute in the way we hoped.


1. We tried to get Ukuma Ta'ai and failed. We tried to get Jake Lillyman and failed. These re just the ones the WG knows about. As of 15/10/2015 the WG reported that we were in the market for an overseas prop. Other clubs seem to be signing forwards.

2. It's all about priorities.

3. Yes right decision to let go (although Wood going was not the clubs decision). But not the right position to have them go and not have a replacement ready.

(although Wood going was not the clubs decision) . Woods was booted out

I think it was rather more mutual than being 'booted out' .

OK then. He jumped before he was pushed.

The scenario looks unlikely to reoccur following the appointment of Jon Clark. A good move.

given squad number 19?