Bailey re-locates to southwest
Paul at Saracens
By Frank Stormont
June 9 2011
Paul is the next player to sign for Albion
Albion add Bailey to their squad
PLYMOUTH Albion have added former Saracens and Doncaster back Paul Bailey to their squad. Bailey, who turned 29 last Friday, becomes the fifth back to agree to join Graham Dawe's side this summer. The former England Under-19 international, who can play centre or wing, is returning to England after three years playing in France. "I am looking forward to coming back to England," he said. "I have got a wife and two young children and we would like them to grow up in the South West." Bailey spent three years playing in the Premiership with Saracens before enjoying two years at Doncaster, where he scored 19 tries in 36 league starts. He then move across the Channel, playing for US Bresse and Limoges. The Cheltenham-born player hopes his wealth of experience can benefit Albion. "I know Plymouth had quite a few close games last season," said the back, who is being sponsored by the Bailey Partnership. "I would like to think I have something that can help them win close games." He added: "Plymouth have got quite a few young players and if I can help them in any way then I would like to do that." Albion's chairman of rugby Dawe, who has also added fellow experienced centre Bevon Armitage to his squad, said: "Last season we lacked a bit of experience in the team, so, hopefully, Paul's experience will prove very important next year."
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It shows PB as one of 3 centres for the club, whose playing staff looks like a real League of Nations. Limoges, on the northern fringe of the hardcore SW region, play in Federale 1, which I assume to be tier 3 of French rugby third (ie. NL1). They have been in Pro 2 (tier 2) as recently as 2006. The stadium accommodates about the same as Brickfields (10 000 odd) - but they only pay 10 euro (!) to watch, though much of it is open air.
All in all looks like a similar set up to Albion, so I can't see Paul having too many problems settling in. There's not much to lose in translation with "champagne rugby", n'est-ce pas, Monsieur Dawe?
Come cheer up, my lads - 'tis to glory we steer!
in the herald the 'official' photo' shows a new coloured players shirt - mainly red - anyone think that this will be in next sesaon - or just a training shirt ?
Don't let anything get in the way of a good game of Rugby
Semper Sersum.
Don't let anything get in the way of a good game of RugbyIf the latter, his die might be caste.
My body is a temple - I desecrate it every day
Top 14- equivalent to English Premiership
Pro 2 - equivalent to English Championship (BUT no playoffs for promotion/relegation - if you win you win, if you lose you lose.)
Federal 1 - The highest tier in which amateur players compete. Very similar to current English NL1.
But be advised - do not view French rugby players as 'cheese eating surrender monkeys', they do not take many prisoners. A match between a south west side and a parisien outfit is rarely a bunfight and sometimes verges on legalised gbh with hints of cannabalism.
Paul Bailey
Sounds familiar. Hopefully a better outcome this time around.
Come cheer up, my lads - 'tis to glory we steer!