Cockers to Clermont denied

[fleabane]

http://www.espn.co.uk/scrum/rugby/story ... a=chromium

[Smurphswillgetya]

Classic denial. He's going especially after the witch-hunt on here - oops I meant in the media and RFU.

[fortysix]

Posted last year he would be off..... never any smoke without fire !!!!

[fleabane]

His welcome by their supporters when we were there for the HC a couple of years ago was very enthusiastic, he made a lot of friends when he played for them.

Tigers have current exchange links with ASM Clermont, for both players and coaches, so contact is not infrequent between the two clubs.

[PM76]

No surprise to see Cockers linked to Clermont not only his he liked and known there but his record of 5 years, 3 Prem trophies, 5 Prem finals, 1 LV and a HC final is pretty impressive. That said Cockers has said on numerous occasions he would never choose leave Leicester and I think he'll stand by that. But the Clermont job is probably one of the top 2 Europe, along with Toulon, and if the salaries of DORs increase on the continent as much as the players' salaries then it would be tough to turn down!

[cidermark]

Quick question - do the wages of the coaches, physio's, back room staff, etc come out of the salary cap or does the cap only apply to the playing staff?

[fleabane]

Players, but all sorts of other allowances, development players.

[cidermark]

So does that mean that we could pay our DoR as much as we ( I say we but I really mean "The Board" ) felt reflected their value to the club?

I know that this forum is pretty divisive between the "Cockers is great" and the "Cockers should be strung up" camps so I'll try and phrase the question without "flaming" either side - do you think wages is really the question if RC is considering a move to France?

[fleabane]

No, perhaps the opportunity of having sufficient funds available to win the Top 14 / HC double - something that is nearly impossible under the Premiership wages cap.

[Jimmy Skitz]

with the HC looking like its going to be done after this season maybe Matt O'Connor will come back as DoR

[johns]

Quick question - do the wages of the coaches, physio's, back room staff, etc come out of the salary cap or does the cap only apply to the playing staff?

Cap only applies to players NOT back room staff.

There is no limit on what we pay our DOR. only common sense.

[BJ.]

Another non-story.

Cockers is quoted in the Mercury as saying, "I am under contract to Leicester and I understand Clermont need a coach at the end of the season - but it will not be me."

So you can either, a) believe what he says or, b) insinuate he is a liar by putting credence to this article. Personally, I believe he is a man of his word and will still be Welford Road next season unless he is dismissed by the club.

[sapajo]

Clermont cannot afford both Ma Nonu and RC

[jgriffin]

I have long suggested that if Cockers went, he would go to Clermont. He however is a fiercely loyal man as he has demonstrated and I don't think he would walk away, unless it was clear the board were considering others.
Anyone hoping for the return of MOC, I personally hope not. Not only was his mouth far fouler than Cockers', but I believe we are already seeing a more dynamic playbook.
If Cockers goes, I'd expect someone of the stature of MJ as DOR with a forwards coach from within Tigers old boy selection.

[Soggypitch]

I have long suggested that if Cockers went, he would go to Clermont. He however is a fiercely loyal man as he has demonstrated and I don't think he would walk away, unless it was clear the board were considering others.
Anyone hoping for the return of MOC, I personally hope not. Not only was his mouth far fouler than Cockers', but I believe we are already seeing a more dynamic playbook.
If Cockers goes, I'd expect someone of the stature of MJ as DOR with a forwards coach from within Tigers old boy selection.

I agree with all of that.