TBF having an English nan arguably makes him more of a pom than Hape, Flutey & Vainikolo who all qualified on residence alone.Thomas Waldrom ready for English call-up | Stuff.co.nz
I'm a big fan of Thomas Waldrom as a player, but seriously if England play him then it's a bloody joke. With the number of Kiwis that'd be playing for England, it least it should shut up some of the northern press whinging about eligibility. Waldrom's nothing but Kiwi.
Exactly. To be fair, I don't think he was ever quite All Blacks quality - not with the other #8 options available, but I've always rated him very highly. I do think it would be a joke if a guy who learnt and played his rugby up until the age of 27 (I think, maybe 26) in New Zealand could just hop on a plane and be straight into the England XV. Would make England's line up look more Kiwi than the England Cricket Team looks Yarpie.Playing up here means he wouldn't be considered for the ABs anyway, wouldn't it?
Nick Easter's obviously the incumbent and has a lock on the position short of injury. He's (from memory) 32 though, so this is likely to be his last world cup.Exactly. To be fair, I don't think he was ever quite All Blacks quality - not with the other #8 options available, but I've always rated him very highly. I do think it would be a joke if a guy who learnt and played his rugby up until the age of 27 (I think, maybe 26) in New Zealand could just hop on a plane and be straight into the England XV. Would make England's line up look more Kiwi than the England Cricket Team looks Yarpie.
As a matter of interest, who would be his competition for the #8 jersey? Would Waldrom be ahead of the other contenders?
Also, should I expect Jerry Collins to be getting a call-up for Wales before long?
Yeah, like I said, definitely mixed feelings at best.Well, I reckon Waldrom would be easily good enough for International Rugby. I guess it would be a shame for his if he never got an opportunity, but with too many more Kiwis in their team I think England would be pretty embarrassed.
Quite, though I think his opportunities were restricted in Super rugby due to the quality of the other options available (at the Hurricanes and then the Crusaders) rather than any lack of quality on his part. He should have gained more opportunities at the Canes and as I recall he did fairly well at the Crusaders. He tore up in the NPC though.I never really considered Thomas Waldrom for the ABs at any point - quality NPC/ITM Cup player who made a good fist of things in Super Rugby (albeit limited opportunities from memory), but he hardly commanded the attention of the national selectors for an AB call-up.
Shows the level of the back row in the NH when a 20-yo Scot was near the player of the Six Nations, doesn't it?Nick Easter's obviously the incumbent and has a lock on the position short of injury. He's (from memory) 32 though, so this is likely to be his last world cup.
Andrea Masi player of the Six Nations. Nuff said.Shows the level of the back row in the NH when a 20-yo Scot was near the player of the Six Nations, doesn't it?
As Brumby alluded to, England usually poach through residency so at least Waldrom has links. Of course it’s farcical and reflects badly that a 27 year old who has spent all of six months in England could represent England but international rugby is just rife with poaching and counter poaching.Thomas Waldrom ready for English call-up | Stuff.co.nz
I'm a big fan of Thomas Waldrom as a player, but seriously if England play him then it's a bloody joke. With the number of Kiwis that'd be playing for England, it least it should shut up some of the northern press whinging about eligibility. Waldrom's nothing but Kiwi.
Yeah, I can understand a guy who's reached his peak and can only head down going for the money (like Sivi) but someone like Payne could be missing out on ever getting an All Blacks cap and he could have easily waited a year or two more to find out.Always going to happen mate, in a 10 year career, Money talks.