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Jason Gilmore press conference | Bath v Harlequins

April 15, 2026 • Harlequins

0:00 | 33:47

Jason Gilmore sat down with members of the media to preview Saturday's Round 13 match-up with Bath Rugby at the Recreation Ground (18 April, KO 17:30).

The Head Coach covered several topics including:

Tribute to the retiring Joe Launchbury
Squad fitness update
Challenge of travelling to the Rec
Importance of collecting try bonus-points
Emergence of young talents in the squad
Chasing Investec Champions Cup rugby

SPEAKER_04 0:02

Okay, no, one, two, one, two. Well, Jason, let's start, I guess, first and foremost with the bums and bruises update. Is there any good news or is there any bad news?

SPEAKER_06 0:10

Uh no, we're probably status quo at the moment. Um, we should get a couple of locks back next week. Jay Launchbury, uh Harry Brown should be back on um online. Boris Finger hopefully isn't too far away. Um, but uh the rest of the boys are probably status quo.

SPEAKER_04 0:27

Okay then, so Bath away this weekend. I guess it's again it doesn't really need a great deal of building up.

SPEAKER_06 0:34

No, they're um obviously the leading team at the moment, aren't they? Um in the premiership the last couple of years. Um playing at the roof's a special place to play at as well. Um they'll have a full crowd, uh, you know, a very, very good outfit, so it'll be one that our boys will get up for.

SPEAKER_04 0:50

The last premiership game, of course, was the game in Cardiff against Bristol, which was an incredible win, with a team that looked a little bit different, but really went and guts it out, almost played like a senior pro kind of game. Is that the kind of approach that's going to be needed this week as well?

SPEAKER_06 1:07

Yeah, I think it is. Um, you know, what we've got the opportunity in this last block is probably to reward um some boys that have been toiling really hard in the background. Um, you know, that day Seb Driscoll I thought was outstanding coming off the bench at Flank. He's been working patiently behind the scenes, but really building his craft at London Scottish, and um, you know, there's there's guys like that that are really chomping at the bit for a chance to play in the shirt, and um, they're the guys that we want to reward a little bit in this last block.

SPEAKER_04 1:35

You've already said that the process is already looking to next season. How much though can you do? Because you've got to give due respect to to this week's game and all of that. How difficult is it to actually get that balance of respecting now but actually getting what you want for the future?

SPEAKER_06 1:52

Yeah, yeah, yeah, absolutely bang on. Like we've still got a lot to play for this year. Um, we've got Champions Cup qualification that we want to make sure that we can nail. Um there's a couple of little goals internally with the remaining six games that we want to make sure that we're hitting. So um look, that the next six games are really priority for us, but um we also want to reward boys that are pushing really hard at training and and deserve an opportunity in the shoot.

SPEAKER_04 2:16

Apologies if this is wrong, but I was looking at a website and a table. You're the only team that hasn't picked up a bonus point, either tri bonus or losing bonus, away from home this season so far. I guess that's another one of those little goals that you'd like to get for the future and get a line through that sharpish.

SPEAKER_06 2:35

Yeah, it is, and um the how close the league is bonus points are so crucial. Um, if you look at the history, probably the last four to five seasons, bonus points will separate whether you're in the top four or whether you slide out. And you know, we're we're well aware of the fact that at the moment um our collation of bonus points this year hasn't been good enough, and um they're they're both linked in in together as well. If you can score the four tries, then you're probably going to be losing within seven as well, which helps, and you know, defensively we've got to make sure that we're sharp, so if we do go down, we're still picking up bonus points in those games. Um, you know, that's definitely been something that I've reflected on a fair bit in the last little period. Um what I would say is against Bath, I I think we can score tries. Um, I think the first round showed that we had a really good lead at half time, and you know, they probably boxed us in and brought their power game and came over the top. So we're definitely aware of what we need to bring. But yeah, collecting those bonus points is important.

SPEAKER_04 3:33

You're good, because that was going to be my next question. Back on round one. And then you look at last season, you scored 28 points down there as well. You're doing something right, clearly.

SPEAKER_06 3:43

Yeah, and it was the same in the Prem Cup where you had them um leading into the quarterfinals of the Prem Cup last year at the rec where where we collated a lot of points in the first half as well. So um what we've got to be better at is maintaining the rage a little bit more. Um defensively, we have to be stronger for longer periods against Bath. We know what they'll go to, they're very good at it. Um, and our set piece has to gain parity for us to do it because yeah, I'd be confident, you know, we'll work hard to score the points, but we also got to make sure that we're denying them as well.

SPEAKER_04 4:13

Just looking at Bath, is there a part of you and Harlequins that are also looking at them and where they are? Because it's not that long ago in rugby terms, they were at the wrong end of the table, that things weren't working. Okay, yeah, it it needs a couple of pieces of a jigsaw to fit into place and look where they are now. Now, look, they've got some money to spend, we know that, but you've still got to have those foundations in place. As I say, I I I'm wondering, are you looking at that thinking, this is you know, this isn't insurmountable?

SPEAKER_06 4:46

Yeah, definitely. I I think the two examples for me would be um obviously Bath's done a great job in terms of building up from where they've come from, but they've maintained their sustainability. That's what I'm really impressed with. Um, Northampton would be the other. I I think squad-wise, how they play, we're probably a little bit closer to Northampton as a type. So again with Northampton, they obviously had some injuries last year, which probably hit them harder in the Prem, but they had a really good European campaign. But what I like about Northampton is for three seasons now they're they're always there, there and about. So I think one, it's the build, but two, it's making sure you've got your foundation pieces in there that you don't become inconsistent and start bouncing. So um having the plan in place, yes, but also being able to stay in that top four each year, so you're fighting for trophies.

SPEAKER_04 5:31

And just finally, on bath, they've just been tearing it up in Europe for the last couple of weeks, which probably means they'll rotate a few. Does that almost make them more dangerous this weekend? You've got just like yourselves, you've got guys coming in who now want to make a name for themselves, want to get a shirt, and get a you know, a semi-final Europe place. Does that almost make them more tricky?

SPEAKER_06 5:53

Yeah, it does, and and probably when they rotate, they're they're rotating internationals out and bringing internationals in. So it's not like they're dropping a hell of a lot at the moment. And look, fair play to them, they keep their squad healthy. Um, you know, they they keep their top 30 available most of the weeks, and they've also got their plan on when they rotate and that type of thing. Um so yeah, that their guys will come in hungry, and just as I'd like to think was for us that'll come in this weekend will do the same. Thank you. Awesome.

SPEAKER_01 6:19

Saracens and Northampton have have gotten into a decent position, but then they've been able to do kind of what they did in round one against you. How how can you find any way to sort of stop that?

SPEAKER_06 6:30

Yeah, look, I I think they get a lot of that from their bench as well, Andy. Um uh, you know, when you got DeToy and these boys um coming on in the last 20-30 minutes, they're quality players to finish the game off. So it's almost like they they either set the game up or the last few weeks have probably been actually behind a little bit, and then they've overpowered teams in the last 20 or 30. So we we just got to make sure that we get off to a good start and we can maintain um good performance through that period, but our bench is gonna be so crucial.

SPEAKER_01 6:58

How important is it in this in these closing weeks of the season to uh given that you've been backed to you know make the big decisions now going forward, to sort of make your judgments on a number of things at the end of this season to kind of hit the ground running next season?

SPEAKER_06 7:14

Yeah, it's massive. We've got a great opportunity. Um, look as staff and and as players in the next eight weeks. Um you know, we don't want to fizzle out, but we've got a lot to play for still in the Prem, as I mentioned, with um Champions Cup qualification for next year. Um I feel like we've still got some good performances left in us for this season. Um and to to head into pre-season for next year, we we want to make sure that we're finishing strong this year.

SPEAKER_01 7:40

And uh yeah, I imagine that their players are still very motivated in terms of you know proving themselves to you and the other the other coaches.

SPEAKER_06 7:47

Yeah, and they've probably got their individual ones. We've we've got some, like I mentioned, Sebdrisco, like he's he's one man that wants to prove that he can play at this level. Um, that's his internal motivation. Um, we'll have other boys that you know, pride in the shirt and and what it means to play for Queens is going to be really important. And you know, the spin-off of that is we want to get more boys in the international setup as well. So, but first thing comes first. We've got to make sure that we're playing well week to week before we can have a look at those things.

SPEAKER_01 8:16

Thanks, Jason. Good luck.

SPEAKER_06 8:17

Cheers, Andy.

SPEAKER_02 8:20

Hey Jason, it's um Nick Mullins from TNT. Apologies for being late. I was um with George Skippington who was who was overrunning. Um it's it's interesting to compare where the two of you are because Skins was just saying he he feels like a weight's been taken off his shoulders with Rob Burgess coming in there and he can concentrate on the things he needs to concentrate on from a rugby perspective and and use the remaining six games for them to look ahead to next season. What where where are you in terms of what you're able to do with what's left of this season?

SPEAKER_06 8:51

Yeah, we're we'd be pretty similar, I think, Nick. We um obviously had the appointment of Robbie Dean's. He he spent the week with us last week. Um, you know, having him on board's going to be awesome for me personally in terms of um, you know, just an experienced figure that I can bounce and temperature check what we're doing and get guidance and be challenged on. So we're putting the best program forward for the boys. Um, you know, the staff performance as well as the playing performance is what we're looking at reviewing at the moment. Um, and of course the boys, like I want to see who's going to dig in. Um be really proud to pull on a Quinn shirt and put in good performances. And like I said to the boys last week, I I still think you know we've got some good performances left in us. I think we've got confidence from the Bristol game that you know if we knuckle down and and keep on task, um, look on our day. I still think we can shock some teams in the run-in into the finals and you know, maybe wreck some parades for them on the lead-in. But um, yeah, it's going to give me a good opportunity in the next seven weeks just to see where we're at.

SPEAKER_02 9:52

As good as we're saying that actually Chris Boyd has lit some fires again in his imagination, just being able to talk about rugby. I guess the same is is true with you and Robbie, is it?

SPEAKER_06 10:01

Yeah, it it was brilliant. Um, you know, it's obviously been a tough old year having to do the interim, plus I've got the defence portfolio still. Um, you know, it's been been a heck of a year, obviously, but I'd be the same, just you know, just the little bits that you pick up in conversation, um, just thought-provoking discussion, which was really good that makes you go away and have a look at the program and reflect on yourself in terms of what you're putting together. So look, I'm really excited to work with Robbie. It's going to be good.

SPEAKER_02 10:31

Can you talk about whether there was a moment or something that Robbie and you have talked about where you've been able to go, oh yeah, oh yeah, that that's that's worth thinking about.

SPEAKER_06 10:39

Yeah, we've been having um obviously, first and foremost, what we want to have a look at is the identity of the club to how we play, um, to how we coach, develop, and recruit. That that would be the big ticket item for me at the moment. Um, I I think Queens has got such a strong and well-known identity that at times have we played, have we coached that with the boys? So everything's aligned. Um, I I think that would be my main one in the next little block before we break that. I just want to make sure that we've got sorted.

SPEAKER_02 11:12

Maybe you just expand on that a little. Um, has it become confused? Do you think? Am I putting words in your mouth? Uh more about that.

SPEAKER_06 11:20

No, I I don't know, confused, clunky, maybe. Um we've obviously got you know, me coming in, like the the Harlequin's brand is so well known. Um the game model has to fit in with the identity because it's so strong. Your coaching philosophy blends into it, and then how you recruit and develop players accordingly. And you know, I've I've had some long discussions with the likes of Danny Kerr and and and these boys, and um I really agree with them. Quince is probably known as that freewheeling style of team, but when Quince has been at its best, it's had the best set piece in the competition. Um, physicality has been involved, and then the spin-off of that is then you can play an attractive style of rugby. And not that we've got that back the front or it's you know been pushed away into a corner, but I definitely feel that maybe that hasn't been as sharp as what it needs to be. Um, and and that's a big element that I see. Our boys enjoy playing positive rugby, but to do that you've got to make sure that you've got your basics right, and that comes down to how we coach it, how we recruit it, what do we retain within our academy system to make sure that we're living up to the identity of the club.

SPEAKER_02 12:29

One last question from me if I if I can, Jason. Yeah, obviously, talking to people like DC, how much are you talking to the players as well about how they'd like to play, the kind of rugby that they would enjoy playing under you and going forward?

SPEAKER_06 12:42

Yeah, we've been it's been been a constant through the year that we want to talk about. How much of that we can change mid-season is probably the difficult thing because some of those things are going to be habits that we're going to need to train hard and coach hard and also develop and recruit. So before the end of the year, we'll we'll be catching up with our senior boys. Um I'll be reaching out to some ex-Haloquin men as well, um, just to get a real gauge of what that looks like, what are we capable of, where are the holes that we need to go and chase across the next 24 months. Um it's something that I'm really passionate about. I think you know, I've been involved in clubs where there's been great identity, others that haven't had it. And what I'd say is it's such a strength of the club that we've got it. Um we need to embrace it.

unknown 13:27

Brilliant.

SPEAKER_02 13:27

Apologies again for turning up late, but um, thank you very much.

SPEAKER_06 13:30

All good nick.

SPEAKER_03 13:34

Hi, Jason.

SPEAKER_05 13:35

Hi, Paul, how are you?

SPEAKER_03 13:37

I'm very well, new?

SPEAKER_05 13:38

Yeah, well, thank you.

SPEAKER_03 13:40

Can you ask about George Furbank, that that that signing? Um I mean, he do you have in mind him being giving you sort of sentence at the moment, him being your your second playmaker outside Marcus?

SPEAKER_06 13:52

Yeah, he's um he's got a couple of things that we're really looking for. Number one, he's an outstanding fullback. Um, and as I said a couple of weeks ago, when we look at recruitment, we need to bring people in that are going to change the dial. So, you know, if if it's of that ilk, then I want competitions best, and that's what George is. Um he's played 10 at international level, so we almost get two positions in one. Um, his ability to back up at 10 is going to be crucial for us. Um, and the other one is as I mentioned before, I've been looking pretty closely at Northampton in terms of their build and and what they've done. And George has been a massive part of when the Saints were down the bottom. Now he's captained them to um you know where they are at the moment and played in uh in a premiership winning team. So his leadership with losing the likes of Steph Levise this year is going to be really important for us.

SPEAKER_03 14:42

Yeah, and you're sort of confident he can strike a really good relationship with Marcus, and maybe the sort of figure Marcus needs?

SPEAKER_06 14:49

Yeah, it it'll, you know, we've got a really good back three. It's gonna be competitive as well. I don't want to disrespect the men that we've got there at the moment as well. But um obviously they've got a great relationship on and off the field from England as well, um, which is gonna help Queens because there's already a purpose-made relationship there. Um, but I I think George will impact our program on and off the field.

SPEAKER_03 15:11

Yeah, and do you you know with the signing of him, clearly it's gonna be important that what you said earlier, but you set peace and physicality, you get that right. So could can can Hard Queen supporters expect some some tight five signings in the next few weeks?

SPEAKER_06 15:27

Yeah, well, we've obviously announced James Dunn um from Bristol tight head lock. Um we announced Ruan, the the tight head from South Africa as well, um, and we're just looking at at the cap at the moment in terms of what we've got left um available. Um, but certainly that tight five's taking priority with our recruitment strategy.

SPEAKER_03 15:46

Yeah, and um you're talking about sort of letting players playing international rugby. I mean, I was at that Bristol game, Brynn Bradley seemed to uh go really well there. I mean, do you do do you think he's got a chance with Wales sort of 15 months out from the World Cup?

SPEAKER_06 16:03

I think if he can keep his consistency, um I think he's settled into a really nice groove. Um he's got his opportunity again, he's been fighting really hard in our second team for a couple of seasons now. Um and he he's just keeping it simple, he's playing big, he's he's a big centre, um, he's carrying the ball over game line really well for us defensively, starting to have a real nice impact also at the breakdown with Jackal turnover. So I I think he's won in big games. This will be another test for him this week if he's if he's deemed at that level and he's coming up against the JMO, Ollie Lawrence, then he's got to do damage against that opposition because international rugby, as we know, is another couple of steps above club. But yeah, I think there's a couple of Welsh boys, there's him and you know, Seb Driscoll's played for Wales 20s two. Um I I think Seb Driscoll in the next 24 months, if he puts his head down, um, could be a guy that comes through nicely for us.

SPEAKER_04 16:55

Okay, no, one, two, one, two. Uh well, Jason, let's start, I guess, first and foremost, with the bums and bruises update. Is there any good news or is there any bad news?

SPEAKER_06 17:02

SPEAKER_04 17:19

Okay then, so Bath away this weekend. I guess it's again it doesn't really need a great deal of building up.

SPEAKER_06 17:26

No, they're um obviously the leading team at the moment, aren't they? Um in the premiership the last couple of years. Um playing at the roof's a special place to play at as well. Um, they'll have a full crowd, uh, you know, a very, very good outfit, so it'll be one that our boys will get up for.

SPEAKER_04 17:42

SPEAKER_06 17:59

Yeah, I think it is. Um, you know, what we've got the opportunity in this last block is probably to reward um some boys that have been toiling really hard in the background. Um, you know, that day Seb Driscoll I thought was outstanding coming off the bench at Flank. He's been working patiently behind the scenes, but really building his craft at London Scottish, and um, you know, there's there's guys like that that are really chomping at the bit for a chance to play in the shirt, and um they're the guys that we want to reward a little bit in this last block.

SPEAKER_04 18:27

You've already said that the process is already looking to next season. How much so can you do? Because you've got to give due respect to to this week's game and all of that. How difficult is it to actually get that balance of respecting now but actually getting what you want for the future?

SPEAKER_06 18:44

Yeah, yeah, yeah, absolutely bang on. Like we've still got a lot to play for this year. Um, we've got Champions Cup qualification that we want to make sure that we can nail. Um there's a couple of little goals internally with the remaining six games that we want to make sure that we're hitting. So look, that the next six games are really priority for us, but um we also want to reward boys that are pushing really hard at training and and deserve an opportunity in the shoot.

SPEAKER_04 19:08

SPEAKER_06 19:27

Yeah, it is, and um the how close the league is bonus points are so crucial. Um, if you look at the history, probably the last four to five seasons, bonus points will separate whether you're in the top four or whether you slide out. And you know, we're we're well aware of the fact that at the moment um our collation of bonus points this year hasn't been good enough, and um they're they're both linked in in together as well. If you can score the four tries, then you're probably going to be losing within seven as well, which helps, and you know, defensively we've got to make sure that we're sharp. So if we do go down, we're still picking up bonus points in those games. Um, you know, that's definitely been something that I've reflected on a fair bit in the last little period. Um what I would say is against Bath, I I think we can score tries. Um, I think the first round showed that we had a really good lead at half time, and you know, they probably boxed us in and brought their power game and came over the top. So we're definitely aware of what we need to bring. But yeah, collecting those bonus points is important.

SPEAKER_04 20:25

You're good, because that was going to be my next question. Back on round one. And then you look at last season, you scored 28 points down there as well. You're doing something right, clearly.

SPEAKER_06 20:35

SPEAKER_04 21:06

SPEAKER_06 21:38

Yeah, definitely. I I think the two examples for me would be um obviously Bath's done a great job in terms of building up from where they've come from, but they've maintained their sustainability. That that's what I'm really impressed with. Um Northampton would be the other. I I I think squad wise, how they play, we're probably a little bit closer to Northampton um uh as a type. So Again with Northampton, they obviously had some injuries last year, which probably hit them harder in the Prem, but they had a really good European campaign. But what I like about Northampton is for three seasons now they're they're always there, there and about. So I think one, it's the build, but two, it's making sure you've got your foundation pieces in there that you don't become inconsistent and start bouncing. So having the plan in place, yes, but also being able to stay in that top four each year, so you're fighting for trophies.

SPEAKER_04 22:24

And just finally, on bath, they've just been tearing it up in Europe for the last couple of weeks, which probably means they'll rotate a few. Does that almost make them more dangerous this weekend? Just like yourselves, you've got guys coming in who now want to make a name for themselves, want to get a shirt, and get a you know, a semi-final Europe place. Does that almost make them more tricky?

SPEAKER_06 22:46

SPEAKER_01 23:11

Saracens and Northampton have have gotten into a decent position, but then they've been able to do kind of what they did in round one against you. How how can you find any way to sort of stop that?

SPEAKER_06 23:22

SPEAKER_01 23:50

How important is it in this in these closing weeks of the season to uh given that you've been backed to you know make the big decisions now going forward to sort of make your judgments on a number of things at the end of this season to kind of hit the ground running next season?

SPEAKER_06 24:06

SPEAKER_01 24:32

And uh yeah, I imagine that their players are still very motivated in terms of you know proving themselves to you and the other the other coaches.

SPEAKER_06 24:40

Yeah, and they've probably got their individual ones. We've we've got some, like I mentioned, Sebdrisko, like he's he's one man that wants to prove that he can play at this level. Um, that's his internal motivation. Um, we'll have other boys that you know, pride in the shirt and and what it means to play for Quinn's is going to be really important. And you know, the spin-off of that is we want to get more boys in the international setup as well. So, but first thing comes first. We've got to make sure that we're playing well week to week before we can have a look at those things.

SPEAKER_01 25:08

Thanks, Jason. Good luck.

SPEAKER_06 25:09

Cheers, Andy.

SPEAKER_02 25:12

Hey Jason, it's uh Nick Mullins from TNT. Apologies for being late. I was um with George Skippington who was who was overrunning. Um it's it's interesting to compare where the two of you are because Skins was just saying he he feels like a weight's been taken off his shoulders with Rob Burgess coming in there and he can concentrate on the things he needs to concentrate on from a rugby perspective and and use the remaining six games for them to look ahead to next season. What where where are you in terms of what you're able to do with what's left of this season?

SPEAKER_06 25:43

Yeah, we'd we'd be pretty similar, I think, Nick. We um obviously had the appointment of Robbie Dean's. He he spent the week with us last week. Um, you know, having him on board's going to be awesome for me personally in terms of um, you know, just an experienced figure that I can bounce and temperature check what we're doing and get guidance and be challenged on. So we're putting the best program forward for the boys. Um, you know, the staff performance as well as the playing performance is what we're looking at reviewing at the moment. Um, and of course the boys, like I want to see who's going to dig in. Um be really proud to pull on a Quinn shirt and put in good performances. And like I said to the boys last week, I I still think you know, we've got some good performances left in us. I think we've got confidence from the Bristol game that you know, if we knuckle down and and keep on task, um, look on our day, I still think we can shock some teams in the run-in into the finals and you know, maybe wreck some parades for them on the lead-in. But um, yeah, it's going to give me a good opportunity in the next seven weeks just to see where we're at.

SPEAKER_02 26:45

Skills were saying that actually Chris Boyd has lit some fires again in his imagination, just being able to talk about rugby. I guess the same is is true with you and Robbie, is it?

SPEAKER_06 26:53

Yeah, it was brilliant. Um, you know, it's obviously been a tough old year having to do the interim, plus I've got the defence portfolio still. Um, you know, it's been been a heck of a year, obviously, but I'd be the same, just you know, just the little bits that you pick up in conversation, um, just thought-provoking discussion, which was really good that makes you go away and have a look at the program and reflect on yourself in terms of what you're putting together. So look, I'm really excited to work with Robbie. It's going to be good.

SPEAKER_02 27:23

Can you talk about whether there was a moment or something that Robbie and you have talked about where you've been able to go, oh yeah, oh yeah, that that's that's worth thinking about.

SPEAKER_06 27:31

Yeah, we've been having um obviously, first and foremost, what we want to have a look at is the identity of the club to how we play, um, to how we coach, develop, and recruit. That that would be the big ticket item for me at the moment. Um, I I think Quinn's has got such a strong and well-known identity that at times have we played, have we coached that with the boys? So everything's aligned. Um, I I think that would be my main one in the next little block before we break that. I just want to make sure that we've got sorted.

SPEAKER_02 28:04

Maybe you just expand on that a little. Um, has it become confused? Do you think? Am I putting words in your mouth?

SPEAKER_06 28:13

No, I I don't know, confused, clunky, maybe. Um we've obviously got you know, me coming in, like the the Harlequins brand is so well known. Um the the game model has to fit in with the identity because it's so strong. Your coaching philosophy blends into it, and then how you recruit and develop players accordingly. And you know, I've I've had some long discussions with the likes of Danny Kerr and and and these boys, and um I really agree with them. Quince is probably known as that freewheeling style of team, but when Quince has been at its best, it's had the best set piece in the competition. Um, physicality has been involved, and then the spin-off of that is then you can play an attractive style of rugby. And not that we've got that back the front or it's you know been pushed away into a corner, but I definitely feel that maybe that hasn't been as sharp as what it needs to be. Um, and and that's a big element that I see. Our boys enjoy playing positive rugby, but to do that you've got to make sure that you've got your basics right, and that comes down to how we coach it, how we recruit it, what do we retain within our academy system to make sure that we're living up to the identity of the club.

SPEAKER_02 29:21

SPEAKER_06 29:34

unknown 30:19

Brilliant.

SPEAKER_02 30:20

Apologies again for turning up late, but um, thank you very much.

SPEAKER_06 30:23

All good, Nick.

SPEAKER_03 30:27

Hi, Jason.

SPEAKER_05 30:28

Hi, Paul. How are you?

SPEAKER_03 30:29

I'm very well, new.

SPEAKER_05 30:30

Yeah, well, thank you.

SPEAKER_03 30:32

Can you ask about George George Furbank, that that that signing? Um, I mean, do you have in mind him being giving you a sort of sentence at the moment, him being your your second playmaker outside Marcus?

SPEAKER_06 30:44

Yeah, he's um he's got a couple of things that we're really looking for. Number one, he's an outstanding fullback. Um, and as I said a couple of weeks ago, when we look at recruitment, we need to bring people in that are going to change the dial. So, you know, if if it's of that ilk, then I want competition's best, and that's what George is. Um he's played 10 at international level, so we almost get two positions in one. Um, his ability to back up at 10 is going to be crucial for us. Um, and the other one is as I mentioned before, I've been looking pretty closely at Northampton in terms of their build and and what they've done. And George has been a massive part of when the Saints were down the bottom. Now he's captained them to um you know where they are at the moment and played in uh in a premiership winning team. So his leadership with losing the likes of Steph Levise this year is going to be really important for us.

SPEAKER_03 31:34

Yeah, and are you sort of confident he can strike a really good relationship with Marcus? And maybe the sort of figure Marcus needs?

SPEAKER_06 31:41

SPEAKER_03 32:04

Yeah. And do you, you know, um with the signing of him, clearly it's going to be important that what you said earlier, but you set peace and physicality, you get that right. So could can can Hard Queen supporters expect some some tight five signings in the next few weeks?

SPEAKER_06 32:20

Yeah, well, we've obviously announced James Dunn um from Bristol tight head lock. Um, we announced Ruan, the the tight head from South Africa as well. Um, and we're just looking at at the cap at the moment in terms of what we've got left um available. Um, but certainly that tight five's taking priority with our recruitment strategy.

SPEAKER_03 32:39

Yeah, and um you're talking about sort of letting players playing international rugby. I mean, I was at that Bristol game, Bryn Bradley seemed to uh go really well there. I mean, do you do do you think he's got a chance with Wales sort of 15 months out from the World Cup?

SPEAKER_06 32:56

I think if he can keep his consistency, um, I I think he's settled into a really nice groove. Um, he's got his opportunity again. He's been fighting really hard in our second team for a couple of seasons now. Um and he he's just keeping it simple, he's playing big, he's he's a big centre. Um, he's carrying the ball over game line really well for us defensively, starting to have a real nice impact also at the breakdown with Jackal turnover. So I I think he's won in big games. This will be another test for him this week if he's if he's deemed at that level and he's coming up against the JMO, Ollie Lawrence, then he's got to do damage against that opposition because international rugby, as we know, is another couple of steps above club. But yeah, I think there's a couple of Welsh boys, there's him and you know, Seb Driscoll's played for Wales 2. Um, I I think Seb Driscoll in the next 24 months, if he puts his head down, um, could be a guy that comes through nicely for us.