Liam is off....

[Sandydragon]

...to Saracens.

This will make Gatland's Law very interesting as another first choice player moves abroad. From Liam's perspective I can't blame him, even if the situation might be improving with NDCs, the regions are still a long way from being competitive at the highest level.


http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugb ... y-12212283

[bruce]

Arse!

[Spiffy]

...to Saracens.

This will make Gatland's Law very interesting as another first choice player moves abroad. From Liam's perspective I can't blame him, even if the situation might be improving with NDCs, the regions are still a long way from being competitive at the highest level.


http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugb ... y-12212283

Williams is looking the best FB/wing in the Brit Isles.
He will shine at Saracens, probably the best club side in Europe at present.
Wales would be daft not to pick him. First man on the team sheet.

[Sandydragon]

...to Saracens.

This will make Gatland's Law very interesting as another first choice player moves abroad. From Liam's perspective I can't blame him, even if the situation might be improving with NDCs, the regions are still a long way from being competitive at the highest level.


http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugb ... y-12212283

Williams is looking the best FB/wing in the Brit Isles.
He will shine at Saracens, probably the best club side in Europe at present.
Wales would be daft not to pick him. First man on the team sheet.

First of all, we can be entirely that stupid. If Halfpenny, North and one other were fit and available, I wouldn't out it past them.

Assuming that common sense prevails and Liam is in any future squad, who are the other wildcards? North, Roberts, Faletau are all regulars who would be competing for the 3 places, not to mention some of the supporting cast. I think Gatland's Law is going to be seriously tested in the next few years, particularly as those who aren't currently captured by it, i.e. Francis, Moriarty and so on, suddenly are and have to make decisions.

[Sourdust]

With the wildcard idea, the law is fairly toothless anyway. "You have to stay if you want to be picked... unless you're really good." Well, the AP and S14 don't have much use for our "not really good" players. They only want/need our best. The law may deter young players from developing away from the regions, but it's not going to seriously scare an established test player who some folks (see above) regard as the first name on the sheet.

Liam wants to play a higher standard of rugby every week and become a better player. And he has the right to make the going rate for his services. He'll get neither stuck in the Pro12. If it doesn't work out for him, he'll be back soon enough. If it does, he'll have no problem securing a wildcard.

[Spiffy]

...to Saracens.

This will make Gatland's Law very interesting as another first choice player moves abroad. From Liam's perspective I can't blame him, even if the situation might be improving with NDCs, the regions are still a long way from being competitive at the highest level.


http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugb ... y-12212283

Williams is looking the best FB/wing in the Brit Isles.
He will shine at Saracens, probably the best club side in Europe at present.
Wales would be daft not to pick him. First man on the team sheet.

First of all, we can be entirely that stupid. If Halfpenny, North and one other were fit and available, I wouldn't out it past them.

Assuming that common sense prevails and Liam is in any future squad, who are the other wildcards? North, Roberts, Faletau are all regulars who would be competing for the 3 places, not to mention some of the supporting cast. I think Gatland's Law is going to be seriously tested in the next few years, particularly as those who aren't currently captured by it, i.e. Francis, Moriarty and so on, suddenly are and have to make decisions.

I'd have Liam on the team ahead of North and Roberts at present, maybe ahead of Halfpenny too. Faletau should be automatic if fit.
I think Roberts is past his best, is pretty one dimensional and very predictable. He does what he does well, but his game is limited.
How long will Gatland's Law be in place? Is there anything to stop Wales having a change of heart and just scrapping it with little or no notice?

[Discreet Hooker]

As a side issue I knew that Gloucester were after him during the close season . He's obviously timed it for a more lucrative contract and bigger club . Good luck to him and lets see what happens if another English?French club come in for a current or promising international .

[Hooky]

Williams is looking the best FB/wing in the Brit Isles.
He will shine at Saracens, probably the best club side in Europe at present.
Wales would be daft not to pick him. First man on the team sheet.

First of all, we can be entirely that stupid. If Halfpenny, North and one other were fit and available, I wouldn't out it past them.

Assuming that common sense prevails and Liam is in any future squad, who are the other wildcards? North, Roberts, Faletau are all regulars who would be competing for the 3 places, not to mention some of the supporting cast. I think Gatland's Law is going to be seriously tested in the next few years, particularly as those who aren't currently captured by it, i.e. Francis, Moriarty and so on, suddenly are and have to make decisions.

I'd have Liam on the team ahead of North and Roberts at present, maybe ahead of Halfpenny too. Faletau should be automatic if fit.
I think Roberts is past his best, is pretty one dimensional and very predictable. He does what he does well, but his game is limited.
How long will Gatland's Law be in place? Is there anything to stop Wales having a change of heart and just scrapping it with little or no notice?

Agreed. It will be Roberts missing out I think.

[stud muffin]

I think Gatlands law will be forgotten about pretty soon. It's going to be impossible in the long term. There is no doubt even with dual contracts the potential earnings over the bridge is just far too much the The regions to compete with. I would guess that Sanjay's offer was probably double what he could earn in Wales.

[Eugene Wrayburn]

I think Gatlands law will be forgotten about pretty soon. It's going to be impossible in the long term. There is no doubt even with dual contracts the potential earnings over the bridge is just far too much the The regions to compete with. I would guess that Sanjay's offer was probably double what he could earn in Wales.

I expect Gatland's law to survive at least until the RWC. Thereafter it's future depends on the next welsh coach. It's important for the future of welsh rugby that it, or some variation of it stays. Although I guess if there are increased visa restriction post brexit the English and welsh clubs will be leveled down.

[Alfie5]

I feel the reason we do not progress in major tournaments is because when we produce good players they are then lured away by the money, I do not blame them but it does not help our regions.

[Numbers]

I feel the reason we do not progress in major tournaments is because when we produce good players they are then lured away by the money, I do not blame them but it does not help our regions.

That's one way of looking at it, another would be to say they are improving themselves by playing in better leagues to the benefit of the national team.