JARVIS SAD FAREWELL AFTER IRONMEN EXIT

DAN Biggar’s arrival at Northampton Saints may provide the big name outside-half the Aviva Premiership club has yearned for, but it won’t help pilot the Midlanders back to the higher echelons of the English game.

Instead Franklin’s Gardens director of rugby Jim Mallinder would have been better off going for a player with the same attributes to Biggar’s Ospreys and Welsh No.10 rival Sam Davies.

That’s the belief of top rugby pundit Stuart Barnes, himself a former outside-half for England and the Lions.

Writing in the Sunday Times, Barnes said: “Great news for the Saints even if they have to wait a year.

“In Dan Biggar they have finally signed a high-profile flyhalf.

“Northampton have needed an outstanding, top-of-therange model for years.

“But are his qualities the right kind for the Saints? Is he the right fit? That is another question.

“From his perspective there are a couple of decent reasons for joining an English team who have consistently declined in recent years.

“He mentions one of them when saying ‘playing in a town and surrounding area which has a massive passion for rugby was a huge attraction’.

“The other reason he doesn’t mention. Money.

“It may be vulgar to mention the filthy lucre but the 27-yearold has a chance to boost the pension pot.

“Few would resent Biggar his payday. In a hard man’s world he has earned it.

“So a great fit for the man himself, but I am not sure he is the ideal fly-half for Northampton.

“Amid the many strengths to his game, there are weaknesses.

“Foremost among them he’s been an antipathy to approaching the gain line.

“He is a fly-half who likes to drop deep - into the pocket - and bombard the heavens with those towering kicks.

“The forwards love it, the midfield not so much.

“The Ospreys and Wales midfield have too often played second fiddle to the predictable kicking game.

“Biggar can play on the gain line but he needs encouragement.

“Rob Howley has spent plenty of time pushing him flatter, and that is when he has enjoyed the benefit of the super-slick passing Rhys Webb alongside him.

“He’ll miss that symbiotic relationship.”

LEE Jarvis has delivered an emotional farewell on leaving his role as coach at Premiership champions Merthyr. The former Welsh international flyhalf is moving on after more than four years with the Ironmen, during which time he has overseen a stellar rise in their fortunes.

Jarvis says he feels he has taken the club as far as he can and wants a break from rugby.

His departure comes four months after the appointment of Nigel Davies as club chief executive.

Davies’ arrival coincided with a rejig of the management team, with Dale “The Chief ” McIntosh taking over as head coach from Jarvis, who became backs coach.

Now just a week or so into the new season, Jarvis has parted company with the club.

He bid farewell via a statement in the match programme for Saturday’s clash with Bedwas at the Wern Sports Park, which ended in a 37-24 defeat for the hosts.

“I always knew the day would come where I would have to write my final goodbye to a special club,” he said.

“I find myself writing this with a teary eye and a lump in my throat.

“The last four and a half years coaching Merthyr RFC has been the most enjoyable experience of my coaching career.

“The people I have met and friends I have made will last a lifetime.”

When Jarvis came on board in March 2013, Merthyr were bottom of Division 1 East.

After helping them avoid relegation, he guided them to promotion as table toppers the next season, while also winning the Swalec Plate.

Promotion from the Championship followed as league winners in 2016 and last season they lifted the Premiership trophy at the first attempt, beating Aberavon in the playoff final.

“I always remember starting off and having just six players turn up for training,” he recalled. “Those days were hard and testing. “Despite that, we had four games to win to stay in Division One and we eventually made it and survived with a win in the last game of the season against Ystrad Rhondda to stay in the league. And, as they say, the rest is history.

“My four year vision for the club was to get Merthyr to Premier status and when I delivered that presentation to the players at the time I could almost see them questioning my sanity.

“The club has come so far in the last four years, it’s a testament to those involved.

“I would like to thank the players that were there from the start and believed in the vision and played their hearts out for the club.

“I would also like to mention the early coaching staff that was part of the club’s success, Gary Horrigan and Jamie Ringer.

“Those boys were a necessity and the work they put in laid the foundations for the club’s future success.

“The committee at Merthyr are something special. From day one, they have always supported myself and the coaches on and off the field. These gentlemen are the heart and soul of the club.

“If every club in Wales had a committee and officials like this they would be honoured.

“I would like to give a massive thank you to them from myself and my wife for looking after me and the players so well.”

Jarvis also made a point of paying tribute to Merthyr’s multi-millionaire backer Sir Stan Thomas, who has put in a significant amount of money over the years.

“The club would not be in such a good place without the support of our Patron Sir Stan Thomas,” he said.

“Not only is his loyal support and investment in Merthyr RFC outstanding, but also his passion for the town of Merthyr Tydfil to be recognized and accepted as an upcoming and vibrant town.”

Jarvis concluded: “The memories I have made will always be close to my heart. Games like Ystrad Rhondda away, winning the three titles and also our massive day at the Millennium Stadium, winning the Plate.

“Also our nights out celebrating with loved ones dancing the night away at our club.

“I would like to wish my best friend ‘Chief’ all the success moving forward in winning back-to-back titles this year.

“You have the squad and the ability to make something special.

“I have left the club in good hands and I am very happy knowing I have achieved what I set out to do for Merthyr. Thank you to everyone who believed in me.”

Asked to explain his reasons for leaving, Jarvis today said: “I feel I’ve taken them as far as I can and I want a break from rugby.”