Signing on... the regional stars who can shine
IT’S a long time since a leading Welsh club coach headed for a potential transfer target’s house and climbed out of the car while his driver stayed at the gate.
Seconds later, the said coach jumped back into the vehicle saying: “Come on, let’s go.
“We are not signing him. A man who doesn’t look after his own garden will not be able to look after himself.”
And with that the pair drove away, doubtless leaving behind a tangled mass of nettles, tall grass and possibly a small car buried beneath it all.
For sure, they applied different criteria when recruiting in those days.
Due diligence is the phrase most used in 2019. It means not signing someone because your postman says he’s a good player, or because you could play snooker on his lawn. It means doing all you can to ensure you haven’t hired a dud.
But even in this day and age, not all moves come off.
Excluding academy players, there have been 17 signings by the regions this summer.
Here are some of the most significant captures...
JOSH ADAMS (Worcester Warriors to Cardiff Blues)
There is an argument that Cardiff Blues should have been looking to strengthen their forwards rather than bringing in big names behind.
Whether that’s right or wrong, they have pulled in an excellent player in Adams, one who will work hard for them and offer top quality either on the wing or at full-back.
He performed consistently well for Worcester, showing Test form when on club duty.
Not easily fazed, he scores tries and will relish the challenge of trying to put the Blues back on the right track.
A downside is that he will be away on Wales duty for much of the campaign.
SAM LOUSI (Hurricanes to Scarlets)
The Scarlets had big problems in the back five of their pack last season, partly through injuries.
David Bulbring’s departure isn’t guaranteed to improve matters at lock, but the Scarlets have brought in a player they have high hopes for in Tongan international Sam Lousi.
At 6ft 6in and 19st he is built for battle and the Hurricanes were disappointed to lose him as much as the Scarlets were happy to gain him.
“He is a strong, aggressive ball carrier and also possesses the handling skills that fits in with our style of rugby,” Scarlets general manager of rugby Jon Daniels said.
A chest-muscle injury sidelined Lousi earlier this year but he is back playing and looks to have the potential to make a mark. With a fit-again Aaron Shingler, he will hope to restore the Scarlets’ lineout to full working order.
GARETH ANSCOMBE (Cardiff Blues to Ospreys)
He is another international who is set to be absent for much of the season.
But when he is available, expect Anscombe to drive the Ospreys’ backs.
He has pitched up in Swansea to renew acquaintances with his old Blues