STARS STILL WAIT FOR FUTURES TO BE RESOLVED
AS WE head into the final weeks of the season, you’ll be seeing released lists being published more frequently as clubs bid farewell to some of their players.
The Dragons have already put out their list, with the other Welsh clubs likely to follow suit in the coming days and weeks. But, release list or not, there are still some players who have yet to have their future resolved.
Starting at Rodney Parade, the likes of Dan Lydiate, Leon Brown and Bradley Roberts weren’t included on the Dragons’ list of departures, but all three could still leave once the season is done.
Lydiate returned to the Dragons on a one-year deal last summer after leaving the Ospreys. Having made it to the World Cup in France, the 36-year-old has featured nine times this season and talks are understood to be going on with the mid Walian.
Farming beckons once Lydiate hangs up his boots after a distinguished career, but the Dragons could be keen for one more year if the terms are right - with his influence off the pitch a factor.
As for Brown, there was once a unspoken acceptance earlier in the season that he’d be heading to England. Having previously turned down an offer in the Gallagher Premiership, it seemed certain that he’d head to Bristol Bears for next season.
Having been named in the Wales squad for the Six Nations, it appeared the tighthead could get himself up to the 25 caps he’d need to keep his international hopes alive and then head elsewhere. However, injury meant he only got up to 24 caps and it’s also restricted his output for the Dragons this year.
He’s played just four times this year but could end up signing a new deal at Rodney Parade. However, given his injury record, that would likely be something along the lines of pay-asyou-play.
Hooker Roberts also wasn’t mentioned in the departures list, but he’s fallen behind Elliot Dee in the pecking order. Having signed from Ulster to pursue a Test career with Wales, his chances under Warren Gatland have been limited and he could look elsewhere.
Over at Cardiff, no departures list has been published, but there’s not a great deal left to firm up. A host of young players have penned contract extensions this year, while most of their departures – Ellis Jenkins, Josh Turnbull, Rhys Carre, Tomos Williams and Owen Lane – have been announced already.
There’s been rumours about the likes of Ben Thomas and Seb Davies, but both are in contract beyond this summer. Aled Summerhill is already looking for a new club, while there’s decisions to be made on Willis Halaholo and Rey Lee-Lo.
The centre pairing both departed the Arms Park last summer when Cardiff were left with just eight fit players to start pre-season but were brought back in.
Wales international Halaholo seems likely to depart, having perhaps not made enough of the opportunities given this year. As for Lee-Lo, the 37-year-old is settled in Wales and it just seems a question of whether he could find one last contract elsewhere, sign for Cardiff on reduced terms or simply hang up his boots.
The option of keeping him on as a mentor could be a tempting one, with Cardiff light in midfield ahead of next season. In fact, that’s where the most eagerly anticipated bit of business yet to be concluded lies.
Mason Grady’s future has been up in the air for most of the season now, with an English club seemingly being added to his growing list of suitors each week.
Matt Sherratt has been confident of keeping hold of Grady since midJanuary. Nothing has been signed, but we understand the Wales international – who can play in the centre or on the wing – had informed English clubs of his intention to stay back then.
That didn’t stop him being linked to a new English club every few weeks, but Sherratt’s confidence has remained high. The fact that Grady was included in Cardiff’s season ticket video for next season has certainly done a fair bit to quell the list of Premiership sides being linked.
Another thing that could now see Grady’s future decided relatively quickly is the public confirmation of a change in agent. Grady was previously represented by Engage Sport, but swapped over to World in Motion this season - now being represented by his brother and former Wales international Cory Allen.
That’s been an ongoing process this year, but after a matter of months, has now been confirmed publicly.
That could grease the wheels for a decision on Grady’s future, one way or the other - with the change in representation having been a factor in the lack of news.
At the Ospreys, there’s not necessarily many up in the air. The likes of Nicky Smith and George North are confirmed departures, while there’s been a baker’s dozen of extensions in Swansea.
Perhaps one that will be included in the departures list, whenever that comes out, is Alex Cuthbert. The Wales wing had been linked with a move abroad prior to his comeback from time on the sidelines, but having suffered a hamstring injury against Munster that seems likely to keep him out long term, it’s unclear where he could end up now.
The Scarlets have also had some of their higher profile departures already announced, with Ken Owens and Jonathan Davies both gone.
Now the full list has been published, the likes of Wyn Jones and Scott Williams have been confirmed to be on it. Jones has started just four matches this year, while Williams has featured off the bench once - with the writing having been on the wall.
What is interesting is that Johnny Williams is not on that list as well. The centre always tends to impress when fit, but getting that run of games together has been a problem for the former Newcastle midfielder during his time in Llanelli.
That’s hindered his chances with Wales too. Out of contract this summer, there’s been whispers of a move elsewhere, but the dial might have turned towards him staying now.