London Welsh are back in the big show, but can they stick around this time? After recruiting nearly an entirely new squad, they certainly have the numbers. Whether the quality is there, however, is another matter entirely. All bar one of those could be classified as a journeyman. Perhaps amongst the rabble is a hidden gem or two, enough to possibly earn a stay of execution.
The one exception, of course, is former All Black Piri Weepu, and his experience will be vital if Welsh are to stay up. Outside him it appears Olly Barkley will have first dibs at flyhalf. The former Bath and England flyhalf has danced between four different clubs in the past couple years and will hope to have finally found a place to call home as he winds down his career.
Brumbies castoff Locky McCaffrey has shown promise but never really nailed down a spot in Super Rugby, while one-time Blues squad member Cameron Goodhue adds to a solid if unspectacular group of back rowers. Joining from Cardiff is physical specimen James Down, a quality second rower once on the outskirts of the Welsh squad but hampered by injuries in recent years. Dean Schofield has looked behind the pace with Worcester last season and will have some hard yards to do in the pre-season to get back into some kind of shape.
The backs have a similar look to them, some grafters and a few big bodies, but short on genuine game breakers. Tim Molenaar is a big man who can set a target in the midfield, and outside him Nick Reynolds has some untapped potential. Chris Elder is a raw talent with exceptional size who played fullback for Plymouth Albion but could see action all across the backline.
The trick will be to somehow gel all of these new players and combinations as quickly as possible. They’ll use a simple game plan, play field position, chip away at the scoreboard and try to squeak out a couple upsets at home. If they can get an early win under their belt it might give them enough confidence to fend off the likes of Irish and Newcastle and keep their spot in the Premiership. They certainly have nothing to lose.
HEAD COACH – Justin Burnell
Another former Cardiff coach in the Premiership ranks, Burnell is a popular character with a clear vision of how he wants his side to play. High on his list will be defense, where his side excelled last season, conceding the least number of points in the Championship. Win or lose, you get the feeling he’s the sort of coach the players want to play for.
CAPTAIN – Tom May
The on-field captain while Matt Corker hands the club captain duties, May enjoyed his season in the Championship, appearing in almost every league game in the midfield. Despite approaching his 36th birthday, he’s kept himself in good shape and remains fiercely competitive. He should be under a bit more pressure this season for his spot, but can be still be expected to play a big role in determining his team’s fate.
KEY PLAYER – Seb Jewell
Someone not named Weepu will need to show some class this season, and the former England age grade rep should be expected to step up. An ever-present in the side at either fullback or the midfield for the past three seasons, Jewell was one of those who impressed in their last Premiership stint. Look for his sharp game awareness and a handy left boot to add a touch of class wherever he plays.
ONE TO WATCH – Carl Kirwan
One of the real standouts last season was this former Rotherham flanker. Not a traditional openside in the sense that he’s a powerful ball carrier and destructive at the breakdown, but he has deceptive pace and a relentless work ethic. He’s passed his Championship test with flying colours, now he gets his first shot at the Premiership.
BIG SIGNING – Piri Weepu
For most the news came as a shock when it was announced. Not so much that Weepu was headed north, but to where. By far the most significant signing for the club both in terms of name value and ability, as long as he sees the field he’ll have a massive impact on their fortunes. Though he’s clearly on the down side of his career, if he keeps the weight off he should still have a couple decent years left in him.
SIGNIFICANT TRANSFERS
IN – Pablo Henn (Limoges), Shane Cahill (Pirates), Eddie Aholelei (Rebels), Jack Gilding (Viadana), Dean Schofield (Worcester), James Down (Cardiff Blues), Locky McCaffrey (Brumbies), Piri Weepu (Blues), Olly Barkley (Scarlets), Tim Molenaar (Harlequins), Nick Reynolds (Scarlets), Chris Elder (Plymouth Albion)
OUT – Billy Moss (Bedford), James Tideswell (Leeds), Peter Edwards (Scarlets), Mitch Lees (Exeter), Ian Nimmo (retired), Tyson Keats (Taranaki), Gordon Ross (retired), Sonny Parker (retired), Joe Ajuwa (Rosslyn Park)
