Derby Day!
The legend that is....
By Lindsay Clayton
May 2 2010
Well it’s the last game of the season again, they are always tinged with sadness, this one particular as we not only going to say good bye to some great players but also to the Premiership. The players we are losing looks like a bit of a who’s who to be fair, with the likes of Chris Latahm, Rico Gear and Sam Tuitupou all finding roles elsewhere in rugby next season.
The full list of those leaving (although some un-confirmed) is a little worrying as some our home grown talent is going to be utilised elsewhere. Tom Wood is off to Saints and Mat Cox to Glaws are just two.
Players leaving (* denotes not confirmed)
| Chirs Latahm | Australia - New role not known |
| Rico Gear * | New role not known |
| Sam Tuitupou * | New role not known |
| Dale Rassmusen | New role not known |
| George Crook | New role not known |
| Charlie Fellows * | New role not known |
| Matthew Jones | Newport Gwent Dragons |
| Calum Macrae | New role not known |
| Jordan Page | New role not known |
| Olivier Sourgens | Retiring |
| Shaun Ruwers | New role not known |
| Ryan Powell | Northampton Saints |
| Netani Talei | New role not known |
| Tom Wood | Northampton Saints |
| Mat Cox | Gloucester Rugby |
We have re-signed several players, Matt Mullan, Greg Rawlinson, Greg King, Alex Grove, Jonny Arr, Chris Fortey, Aleki Lutui, Chris Pennel, Marcel Garvey and Tevita Taumoepeau. Let’s hope we can make these contracts stick and those of our new signings Andy Goode, Luke Rooney, Neil Best , Adam Balding and Bruce Douglas. If we do then we look to have a very talented squad for next season. Not sure hwat is happening with Chris Cracknell, given recent events, prior to which I would have expected him to be given a contract for next season.
The next big announcement will be that of who will replace Mike Ruddock as Director of Rugby. It is always sad to see people have to resign after not delivering success, but Mike is such a nice guy and someone who never shied away from difficult questions from fans. I hope that he will be happy and successful in his next role and wish him and his family the best of luck in the future.
As for our visitors , the season ends for them a wee bit better than it started, they haven’t had the most successful of seasons by their standards, but of late, they have started to look like their old selves and finding the try line on a much more regular basis. This being the last Derby game for a couple of seasons seems to add to the gloom around Sixways.
Relegation is a particular worry as some of the non playing staff are very likely going to their jobs as a result of the season ending with The Warriors propping up the league. I for one would like to thank all those who find themselves leaving Sixways and hope that they find new employment very soon.
But despite the uncertain future I will be my usual optimistic self and spend the time at this last game in the Premiership for 18 months for The Warriors, celebrating the last 6 seasons, not bemoaning our lot in life. I am looking forward to the exiting players giving the fans something stunning to remember them by.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2010:05:15:14:23:38 by Powick Eastander.
Its a sad thing, but an occupational risk. Let's look forward
Dare we hope? We dare.
Can we hope? We can.
Should we hope? We must.
As an aside - condolances on being relegated. I know a lot of Glos fans will miss the Worcester games. As I don't live far from Worcester I will definately be coming as often as I can to lend some support next season.
Confirms the fact that most of our team are past thier best or will never be good enough!
Only leaves McRae, Page, Ruwers, Fellows and Crook - hardly all regular first teamers though, to be fair.
Hoping that Ras stays too!