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A name (arguably because of its distinctiveness) that I have followed for a few years and, in my opinion, a seriously good "get" for the Force and return to Australia.
Nick comes off a very solid three years for Castres, starting 91% of his 53 Caps and amassing 3,250 minutes at an average of 61 minutes.
Position by season-
2021/22- #6 = 9, #7 = 11, #8 = 1, #19/20 = 0. Total 21 Caps
2022/23- #6 = 6, #7 = 10, #8 = 1, #19/20 = 1. Total 17 Caps
2023/24- #6 = 4, #7 = 6, #8 = 0, #19/20 = 4. Total 14 Caps
2021-24- #6 = 19, #7 = 27, #8 = 2, #19/20 = 5. Total 53 Caps
This was from only back in early June where he cited the Rebels demise as being a factor for an Australia return being on the backburner- https://www.ultimaterugby.com/news/n...-france/656230
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
I do still find it significant that the Force are required to repatriate players despite there being a glut of talent freed up by the demise of the Rebels, but at least they're bringing experience onboard.
Hopefully the tossers on SOB don't take the fact that he's not Tim Anstee count against him.,
C'mon the
Wow I was certain this guy was heading home to go to the tahs and they probably needed him more. Great pick up for us though
I really rate Anstee, but I think CdC has greater promise.
Same height, extra 6kg but playing regularly Openside so a similar motor.
Far far more XV's experience and three years of it in Top 14.
I think he will be being lined up for #6 for the Force, so starting to get a pretty good dogfight for starting jersey there with Harris, CdC and potentially Williams given Second Row stocks.
Would love to know any developments with Koteka (if original contract to 2025 will be honoured etc) to put pressure on incumbent Tizzano and hopefully a re-signing of Callan.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
We're out to a viable XV at least, but still short of a full match day Squad.
Some serious announcements needed soon to stop the nervousness...
1 Tom Robertson
2 Brandon Paega-Amosa
3 Harry Johnson-Holmes
4 Darcy Swain
5 Sam Carter
6 Nick Champion de Crespigny
7 Carlo Tizzano
8 Reed Prinsep
9 Nick White
10 Ben Donaldson
11 Harry Potter
12 Reesjan Pasitoa
13 Bailey Kuenzle
14 George Pooolman
15 Max Burey
16 Tom Horton
17 Marley Pearce
18 Harry Hoopert
19 Tom Franklin
20 Will Harris
21 Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa
22 ???
23 ???
"Spares"
Charles Hancock
Nick Dolly
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Jeremy Williams at 5?
Carter/Franklin from Bench
Or at 6
Nick Champion de Crespigny to be on bench to cover any of the backrow
Have restricted it to those who are confirmed Leo, but yes I would have Williams as a Lock able to cover the 6/8 in the back end of the match. He is a genuine 80 minute player now, just REALLY want to see his "signature" asap!
I'm teasing myself maybe there's a pile of signatures waiting to correspond with the Awards on Friday...
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Of course, I thought that with Stewart not being in there (yet, hopefully). In my head I had Williams signed from the link above that Volvo shared.
"The 33-year-old nine-cap Maori All-Blacks lock’s re-signing bolsters the side’s second-row stocks with Carter, captain Jeremy Williams, new signing Darcy Swain and youngster Lopeti Faifua already on the books"
So hopefully more good news soon
Sadly Guy Porter has retired prematurely from rugby due to concussion issues
Simon Cron: “People talk about winning and losing all the time and they are critical, but there’s a process to get into and it’s the ability to stay present, do your job and execute skills under pressure.”
Was looking online just a few days ago for some insight, this is from yesterday and appears to confirm it Tazz-
https://www.rugbynetwork.net/boards/...m?106,17524995
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.