BACKROW

[Big Dai]

Coaches can't win.

How true. We've been saying this for quite a while now.

Time for some new ones.

[redrugertiger]

Think we may see a young Irish man making an appearance soon, He has played well in the A games...

[No.6]

We certainly are desperate for a 'proper' back row, with both, players playing in their correct and best positions, and a specialist No.7.
Richard De Carpentier, an England 7's player may of been the solution, as I was impressed with his A League performances. The Tigers website described him as;
A back-rower with plenty of pace, Lancashire-born Richard de Carpentier teamed up with Tigers in the summer of 2011 after studying a sports coaching degree at UWIC in Cardiff.
However we appear to have 'let him slip through the net' as he is now looking to progress his career with Worcester.

[TigerLad]

We certainly are desperate for a 'proper' back row, with both, players playing in their correct and best positions, and a specialist No.7.
Richard De Carpentier, an England 7's player may of been the solution, as I was impressed with his A League performances. The Tigers website described him as;
A back-rower with plenty of pace, Lancashire-born Richard de Carpentier teamed up with Tigers in the summer of 2011 after studying a sports coaching degree at UWIC in Cardiff.
However we appear to have 'let him slip through the net' as he is now looking to progress his career with Worcester.

He was an 8 and I think he lacked the physicality for a premiership season.

[fishface]

interesting all these comments maybe armes and matt everard should have not been let go!

[FrontRowUnionMember]

I see Daniel Braid has failed to get a Super 15 contract this week... Genuine 7 with top flight experience...

[TigerLad]

I see Daniel Braid has failed to get a Super 15 contract this week... Genuine 7 with top flight experience...

Cockers take note!!

[PM76]

I see Daniel Braid has failed to get a Super 15 contract this week... Genuine 7 with top flight experience...

Cockers take note!!

Just found this article about Braid!!

http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/232594 ... -nz-career

" Super Rugby contract hasn't eventuated for experienced former All Black Daniel Braid, who will now step up his efforts in looking for an overseas club.

The former Blues flanker, 31, who played six tests over eight years, had hoped to pick up something at the last minute after being told by Sir John Kirwan that his services were no longer required, but it is understood that the best offer he received was a place in the Auckland franchise's wider training group.

That is a big fall in both status and income for someone who has played Super Rugby for nine years - seven at the Blues and two in Brisbane for the Reds. After playing 80 games for the Blues, his experience at a franchise with a new coach would have been extremely valuable.

Braid is well liked by his teammates and he is often considered a "fourth coach" but it's understood that his strong opinions did not go down well among the Blues' hierarchy at times.

It is understood that he is considering an offer from an English club."


I maybe being over optimistic but which English club other than Tigers are actually after a 7. He would be pretty close to the perfect replacement for Newbs IMO.

[rocktop51]

W£hilst accepting that Braid would be a welcome addition but again we are we looking at a 31 year old as a stop gap which is fine, or a longer term addition. We have to get someone younger for the long term who can then challenge Thorpe for the 7 shirt.

[redrugertiger]

W£hilst accepting that Braid would be a welcome addition but again we are we looking at a 31 year old as a stop gap which is fine, or a longer term addition. We have to get someone younger for the long term who can then challenge Thorpe for the 7 shirt.

could not agree anymore! Need Youth, look at the likes oh Leinster who bread quality youth players. WHich we have benefited in the past (L. Cullen, shane jennings/ MURPHY) present (Morris & Noone).

We should follow this example!