Waldrom selected in English RWC training squad

[Sully]

England must be short on number 8's if they need Waldrom in the squad, he was never international level

When was the last game you saw him play Tigerland?

 

[Zeno]

I love this sort of scenario. In a way it's the ultimate expression of rugby's long traditions: using the game to see the world and expand your friendships; backing yourself to do better when your coach says you're not needed; the 'pack your mouthguard and boots' ethos that sees ring-ins pull on any jumper to help make up a fifteen; picking up your ancestors' allegiances with pride... from distant regional club games to the RWC, it's the same footballing life.

 

[antipodean]

When was the last game you saw him play Tigerland?

2009–10. Has he really improved that much since then?

 

[tigerland12]

Jeeez someone jumps down my throat on anything I say in this thread. Last post from me on the matter.

 

[Jets]

He was the RPA player of the year for the 2010/11 season. That indicates better form than he had when he left NZ.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/13558646.stm

Leicester number eight Thomas Waldrom has been named the Rugby Players' Association player of the year.

Waldrom, who has helped Tigers top the table and reach the Premiership final, said: "It's a huge honour and caps a great first season in the Premiership."

The New Zealander, 28, topped the poll ahead of Northampton wing Chris Ashton and Harlequins fly-half Nick Evans.

Centre Manu Tuilagi, 20, made it an awards double for Tigers, winning the young player of the year award.

Tuilagi, who is banned for the Twickenham showpiece for punching Ashton in the semi-final victory over Northampton, polled 60% of the votes to finish ahead of Saints flanker Tom Wood and Saracens fly-half Owen Farrell.

Continue reading the main story
It was a total shock when I found out because there are so many fantastic players in the Premiership who could've won it
Thomas Waldrom
It is the second time that Leicester have taken both prizes at the Rugby Players' Awards, following on from Martin Corry and Harry Ellis in 2005.

Waldrom, who moved to Welford Road from Super Rugby side Crusaders at the start of the season, added: "I know it's always said, but being voted for by your fellow players really is a big deal. There's no greater compliment and I'd like to thank the players who voted for me.

"It was a total shock when I found out because there are so many fantastic players in the Premiership who could've won it. I was happy just to make the nominees list.

"It's amazing to be seen in the same league as a player like Nick Evans who was also on the shortlist. I personally voted for Tom Wood. He puts in a tremendous amount of work and I think he's had a wonderful season.

"When I first arrived here my expectations were to play a few games here and there, but due to a few injuries I got a run of games and was able to build on that."

Tuilagi, was also voted Premiership young player of the year, said: "I'd like to thank all the players who have voted for me. It is a big honour and I am humbled to win this award."

Continue reading the main story
I'm sorry about what happened in the semi-final and I will do my best to learn from my mistake and become back a better player
Manu Tuilagi
Tuilagi was banned for five weeks after landing three head punches on Ashton - an episode he has apologised for and vowed to learn from.

"It is a big disappointment that the season won't finish in the way it started for me and that I won't be playing in the Premiership final this weekend," the 20-year-old said.

"I'm sorry about what happened in the semi-final and I will do my best to learn from my mistake and become back a better player."

The special merit award was presented to retiring Bath lock Danny Grewcock while Lawrence Dallaglio was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Leeds' James Tincknell picked up an award for "his inspiring progress after a life-threatening car crash

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

I love this sort of scenario. In a way it's the ultimate expression of rugby's long traditions: using the game to see the world and expand your friendships; backing yourself to do better when your coach says you're not needed; the 'pack your mouthguard and boots' ethos that sees ring-ins pull on any jumper to help make up a fifteen; picking up your ancestors' allegiances with pride... from distant regional club games to the RWC, it's the same footballing life.

That's a good point. Rugby to a degree has long had the ethos of travelling and playing the game wherever it is played. It was true in the amateur days and it's still true now. Every place I've ever worked in had a rugby presence, with plenty of expats involved in the clubs. I experienced it during my playing days and when I worked outside of Australia. I reckon it's one of the good features of our game.

 

[Jets]

Also to add my 2 cents I would play for any country that would have me if I was good enough. I would have a preference of playing for Australia but if I wasn't wanted I would be on the look out for a country where I was.

 

[antipodean]

He was the RPA player of the year for the 2010/11 season. That indicates better form than he had when he left NZ.

Not necessarily. It could mean the style of play better suited him, or that he carried his form across and that was good enough.

 

[Sully]

Jeeez someone jumps down my throat on anything I say in this thread. Last post from me on the matter.

Are you talking about me? No I wasn't.

 

[Gnostic]

Amazing so few people actually so the real point of the thread.

How can the Union with by far the most registered players not be finding worthy people to develop within their own system. For sure one or two exceptions will always come up but 15% of the squad? Sort of indicates that their development pathways aren't working to me.

Makes NZ and Aus look like we have super human players/ better genetics for producing Rugby players given our success with a much smaller player base.

 

[antipodean]

Gnostic - I'd say it all depends where the bell curve lies, not the number underneath it.

 

[Gnostic]

Gnostic - I'd say it all depends where the bell curve lies, not the number underneath it.

So you're saying that we and the NZers are naturally better than they are?


I can accept that.