The 'plank' strikes again

[doodle]

I wasn't going to bother saying any more, but I can't keep my trap shut.

Perhaps my comment on his non-completion of his period of community service was wrong and should have read "in a timely manner" as he applied for an extension until September of the following year.

Source: http://www.scrum.com/scrum/rugby/story/61790.html

I stand by my other comments and would point out that I did concede that everyone here knows (cough) more about what goes on in the changing room etc., but I was told some stories about Mr. Harrison that indicate that he was not just a nice a man as you think he is. Obviously my well placed source isn't as reliable as your well placed sources

Naturally, I accept that my comments about the well loved Mr. Harrison are much more offensive than any other comments made about any other player in this thread or, for that matter, on this board. For that I apologise profusely.

Pax.

[Ithryn]

I wasn't going to bother saying any more, but I can't keep my trap shut.

Perhaps my comment on his non-completion of his period of community service was wrong and should have read "in a timely manner" as he applied for an extension until September of the following year.

Source: http://www.scrum.com/scrum/rugby/story/61790.html

I stand by my other comments and would point out that I did concede that everyone here knows (cough) more about what goes on in the changing room etc., but I was told some stories about Mr. Harrison that indicate that he was not just a nice a man as you think he is. Obviously my well placed source isn't as reliable as your well placed sources

Naturally, I accept that my comments about the well loved Mr. Harrison are much more offensive than any other comments made about any other player in this thread or, for that matter, on this board. For that I apologise profusely.

Pax.

Fair play dude for posting that. Theres nothing wrong with having an opinion and stating it, especially if you can back it up with a link like you did.

As too sources, you will find that most people on here have sources in the setup. Most on here are hardcore supporters and as such know people, whether from playing days, being high up in clubs/ committees etc but sources can be conflicting, and as such its usually a case of second hand, or passing on of perceptions.

Harrison always had plenty of time for the supporters, if you ever went to away matches or supporters events in his time here you would know that he always made time for away supporters, or chatting to people at functions, and as a result and for other reasons he is rightly held in very high regard.

[BR]

Agree that he alwys had time for the supporters. He did pss me off when he got slightly out of order (IMHO) in a bar after a game; that and the nonsense in the tunnels a HT.

[Cap'n Grumpy]

Agree that he alwys had time for the supporters. He did pss me off when he got slightly out of order (IMHO) in a bar after a game; that and the nonsense in the tunnels a HT.

Perhaps there is a theme starting here - not unconnected with your avatar, BR.

If Doodle's comments were addressed to me, I don't think I was setting JH up as some sort of saint. I alluded to circumstances which would (in my opinion) preclude him from returning here in an official capacity - perhaps we are coming full circle here.

On a lot of occasions, JH came across as professional, charming, articulate, intelligent, even "nice". It is difficult for anyone to live up to that ALL the time, and therein perhaps lies a problem.

[rave on]

justin will always be remembered fondly by ulster fans because he came here and loved the place, the fans- everything that we love about ulster rugby. he spent an hour and a half processing his way round the pitch after his last match,with a smile and a word for everybody. he had a tough personal time here,but he stuck with us. all the rest that doodle has to say is opinion,speculation,third-hand report, gossip and innuendo.

[bogboy]

One of the things that marked the end of McCalls time as a coach was the number of rumours coming out of the dressing room

And the cliques that had developed each with their own version of the truth and what you heard depended on the source and the clique

One of the things that Matt has appeared to have done is put the lid on the gossip

And I think those who bore for dirt will always find some

but it was the blight of Ulster Rugby and the ruination for the team

[mikerob]

Would there be a possibility he did not want to be involved with all the shananigans going on.......................and thought OK this is not for me !!!and joined the latest Rugby reality game.......I'am an Australian get me outta here......................

Yup - that what occurred to me as well. Rumour has it that Bath may no longer be requiring the services of 4, possibly more, players who are a bit too familiar with certain S American products. JH stood up for Stevens when he was done... he could have thought, feck this, I'm not associating myself with the rest of these muppets.

[Ardglass2]

One of the things that marked the end of McCalls time as a coach was the number of rumours coming out of the dressing room

And the cliques that had developed each with their own version of the truth and what you heard depended on the source and the clique

One of the things that Matt has appeared to have done is put the lid on the gossip

And I think those who bore for dirt will always find some

but it was the blight of Ulster Rugby and the ruination for the team

I agree that we each have different intrepatatins based upon our differing contacts but for me the key is who supported the coach and who undermined him - Justin belongs in the former camp and that is to his credit, certain Ulstermen belong in the latter camp - thankfully they are no longer with us.

I don't care what mistakes a coach is making if individuals actively undermine him the team are screwed - as were we at the time.

[The Boo Radleys]

More fall out from Bath....

High-profile Bath trio quit club

Bath's joint captains Michael Lipman and Alex Crockett and winger Andrew Higgins have resigned from the club.

Their decision came immediately before they were to appear at an internal hearing into an alleged failure to take drug tests on three occasions.

But the players said "scurrilous and unsubstantiated allegations" had forced their exit and that they had not refused anti-doping drugs tests.

The Rugby Football Union says it is looking into the matter.

England international flanker Lipman, 29, joined Bath from Bristol in 2003 along with Higgins, 27, while centre Crockett, 27, came through the ranks.

The trio issued a joint statement through their solicitor Richard Mallett, and said they had been forced out of the club.

It has been suggested in sections of the media that we have refused to provide samples for anti-doping purposes, but this is untrue

Statement issued on behalf of Lipman, Crockett and Higgins

"It is with tremendous regret that we announce that, as a result of the club's actions, we have no option but to terminate our contracts with Bath Rugby with immediate effect," read the statement.

"During the course of the last few weeks it has become clear to us that our position within the club has been made untenable.

"We have made every effort to work with the club to resolve our differences. Sadly, we have been unable to do so.

"It has been suggested in sections of the media that we have refused to provide samples for anti-doping purposes, but this is untrue.

"Anonymous sources have also made allegations against us to the club. We completely refute these allegations, which are both false and defamatory.

"We believe that these scurrilous and unsubstantiated allegations are not only proving to be damaging to our own careers but to rugby as a whole.

"We have all been immensely proud to have represented Bath Rugby and we are extremely grateful for all the support which we have enjoyed from the players and the club's amazing and loyal fans.

"Whilst we are extremely disappointed to have to leave the club in these circumstances we wish the players and the fans every success in the future."

The club regards this as an internal matter and intends to make no further comment

Bath chief executive Bob Calleja launched an investigation when a number of the squad were involved in a fracas with players from Premiership rivals Harlequins in London on Sunday, 10 May, the day after their Guinness Premiership semi-final defeat by Leicester.

Calleja said in a statement on the club's website: "Michael Lipman, Alex Crockett and Andrew Higgins had been required to appear at an internal disciplinary hearing today to address the failure on three occasions to take a drugs test following allegations surrounding player conduct on Sunday, 10 May.

"Immediately before the hearings were due to take place the players resigned from the club with immediate effect. The club regards this as an internal matter and intends to make no further comment."

The Rugby Football Union has asked Bath for details of their internal investigation and could take action against the players.

A statement read: "The RFU Disciplinary Officer will review all the information before deciding if there is a broader charge for these players to answer."

Lipman has 10 England caps to his name and has played 127 games for Bath.

Crockett, who has played for England Saxons, represented the club in 125 games scoring 21 tries, while Higgins scored 28 times in 111 appearances for Bath.

The trio follow Justin Harrison in leaving, the 35-year-old having left by mutual consent last month.

Having signed prop David Wilson, number eight Ben Skirving and former player Olly Barkley, coach Steve Meehan had suggested he was set to bring in just one more player before the new campaign.

But with Lipman, Crockett and Higgins following Harrison out of the club and South African fly-half Butch James sidelined by a knee ligament injury, Meehan now has significant rebuilding to do ahead of the new campaign.

Bath were rocked by the positive drugs test and two-year ban England prop Matt Stevens received earlier in the season.

[Kofi Annan]

Old News

[Snipe Watson]

Four former Bath players will face a Rugby Football Union (RFU) disciplinary panel charged with conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game.

Michael Lipman, Alex Crockett, Andrew Higgins and Justin Harrison will face the panel on a date yet to be decided.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_u ... 093596.stm

[Flat-top]

Spot ref to le plank in this article as he signs for Aix...some retirement eh?

http://www.laprovence.com/articles/2009 ... Aix-RC.php

[for dog and ulcer]

Spot ref to le plank in this article as he signs for Aix...some retirement eh?

http://www.laprovence.com/articles/2009 ... Aix-RC.php

Well spotted!!!

[fermain]

Excellent!

[Rooster]

Aix is twinned with.............................................................BATH You just could not make it up..............ya gotta love his humour

the man is a feckin genius.