I know what you mean but Pauli would surely have 11 or 12 if Kirmond wasn't around? I'd say it's more a sign of respect for Danny.

I agree that it's a sign of respect for Danny that he's kept his squad number, other than that it's gonna be an interesting pre season to see what combinations Chessie comes up with. Gonna be a lot of players competing for those pack spots.

I don't see Pauli as a 2nd row, just not mobile enough IMO. Anyway just booked on for the London game, let's travel down there in numbers!

I got the impression that Pauli was 'demoted' to No.24 because CC wasn't very happy about the condition he was in when he turned up for pre-season training.

Why do you get that impression? He asked for squad number 24.

When CC said most of the squad came back for pre-season in decent condition he pointedly looked over at Pauli and there was a bit of laughing from Pauli and other members of the squad. So I got the impression that Pauli wasn't one who came back in decent condition.

I thought that was said in jest lol, didn't think anything of a lot of things said yesterday when it was followed by laughing.

Thought it was decent that the players got involved by sitting at tables as well.

Pie and peas were beauty

Pauli Pauli is 24 years old.
May be nothing but that seems like a choice to me

As I said, just the impression I got and no big deal at the end of the day. As you said, a good night.

I got that impression too.

Would be brilliant if young Hooley got a chance might have to be patient

Not sure he's ready yet - become a big position has FB where experience counts so he'll be well behind Hampshire, Jowitt and even Reynolds. I reckon another year on DR is on the cards. Don't know if he can cover other postions.

Got to be very careful with young players coming in to the first team timing is crucial, needs to be dipped in and out

"Livid" was the word I got told....apparently been on a crash diet since he got back !!

Very disappointing if true, he looked very good towards the back end of the season once he had got his fitness up and running but we cant afford to be carrying a passenger for half the season! He did tell me that he had chosen the number 24 himself though.

He was only home what a couple of months, so I imagine it's nothing that a solid preseason won't sort out tbf - the team will be working hard with all the lads especially the props so they're at the correct levels. When I saw him, his weight wasn't something that particularly stuck out to me.