Jared Payne SIGNS!!!

[Big-al]

Arrives in September then.

Should get a couple of games before the internationals come back anyway.

Welcome aboard Jared

[Rooster]

Arrives in September then.

Should get a couple of games before the internationals come back anyway.

Welcome aboard Jared

League starts first week end of September and there are 6 weekends before RWC semi finals, then 2 weeks of for semi's and final, then 2 more Magners before first 2 HEC

[Big-al]

He'll need a rest and a couple of weeks of training.

[Lurgan Lad]

Think this is a great signing, looks like a really good player and the fact he is quite versatile is really important too. He can cover quite a few positions, I guess most would assume he has been brought in primarily to play fullback though. Important Darcy does re-sign. We do seem to be going the right way in so many areas, upgrading our imports, letting the young guys come through, developing a winning mentality, stadium development and so on. Some of it is playing catchup but we are looking really good.

[Tenyarder]

Blues are playing Waratahs at Eden Park this Saturday (16th April) and it is covered on Sky from 8.30 am. First chance to see JP since the announcement.

[earl the beaver]

Blues are playing Waratahs at Eden Park this Saturday (16th April) and it is covered on Sky from 8.30 am. First chance to see JP since the announcement.

He actually played against the Cheetahs 3 days after it was announced but went off injured...

[Big-al]

"The real risk guys are the fringe guys. The guys who might make the All Blacks. That's what happened with Jared Payne. Jared is the first to admit he would never have got that offer [from Ulster] if he hadn't come to the Blues.

"He was keen to stay with the Blues but all of a sudden a figure popped up in front of him that no one here could match and he's probably going to get paid more than the top All Blacks."

Humph must have made him some offer
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/supe ... yer-exodus

[WhiteKnightoftheWeld]

there's an element of them centrally contracting all black players, to top up their wages.

there's also for the likes of the daniel carters of the world the opportunity to make mega-bucks doing promotional work for sponsors.

but it's a small number making massive earnings out of rugby in new zealand

[striker]

D'Arcy signs 2 year contract, Jamie Smith to Dragons

[mikerob]

Now official from the Dragons:

DRAGONS REINFORCE BACK LINE

The Dragons have signed Ulster Fullback and provincial Young Player of the Year Jamie Smith on a 3-year deal from Ulster. Smith joins scrum half Joe Bedford who has joined the region from Rotherham.

Smith graduated through the Phoenix Ulster Academy and made his senior debut against Leinster in December 2009. He has gone on to make 16 appearances for the Province, scoring three tries.

The former Campbell College student has represented Ireland at Schools’, U-19 and U-20 level. Smith’s game is based on speed, strength and dynamic footwork and he is equally comfortable at fullback or centre.

[TimGibson]

i have a funny feeling Payne could be here to play wing... with d'arcy now signing a full contract and danielli possible retiring soon, it makes sense

[Jockster]

i have a funny feeling Payne could be here to play wing... with d'arcy now signing a full contract and danielli possible retiring soon, it makes sense

I'd be surprised.....D'arcy's still learning and the way Ulster play we need a specialist FB IMO. Imagine being a relative nipper like Gaston and having someone like Payne to mentor you.

Just a thought but where does Cochrane play?--heard good stuff about his prospects.

[Snipe Watson]

i have a funny feeling Payne could be here to play wing... with d'arcy now signing a full contract and danielli possible retiring soon, it makes sense

Doubt that very much Tim

[TimGibson]

He probably will play full back.. Good ppint jockstar, if Payne mentors gaston, he could be some player in 5 years time!

[cjp]

i have a funny feeling Payne could be here to play wing... with d'arcy now signing a full contract and danielli possible retiring soon, it makes sense

I'd be surprised.....D'arcy's still learning and the way Ulster play we need a specialist FB IMO. Imagine being a relative nipper like Gaston and having someone like Payne to mentor you.

Just a thought but where does Cochrane play?--heard good stuff about his prospects.

He is a wing.