Matthew Tait?

[Tadginator]

I know Matthew tait is currently signed with Leicester but I was wondering is he playing and how close is he to the first team. What are your thoughts on him currently?

 

[Jockstap]

I hear he loves to have a good meal when he eats at a restaurant if you know what I mean.

 

[Peat]

Long term injured, Cockerill's statements on him don't sound wildly optimistic about him returning from that state.

 

[Conal]

injured untill end of feb i think

groin injury if im correct
(DONT HOLD ME TO IT)

 

[Draggs]

injured untill end of feb i think

groin injury if im correct
(DONT HOLD ME TO IT)

Nope, I'm holding you right to Mathew Tait's groin injury.
Nice job.

 

[Tadginator]

Is he still any good, recently I mean cause he's he's injured now

 

[TRF_Olyy]

He's played about 10minutes of rugby in the past two years - your guess is as good as anyones.

 

[Aedaphon]

Well he's still only 25.

If he can come back from this injury it's not too late for him to have a decent professional career

 

[Kitey1994]

he used to be an amazing player, especially for England in the 2007 RWC. now he's just disappeared, shame, he was such good talent

 

[Feicarsinn]

he used to be an amazing player, especially for England in the 2007 RWC. now he's just disappeared, shame, he was such good talent

Around when was he an amazing player? I'm not being cheeky or anything, I just never remember him looking anything above alright at international level.

Tait's main problem was his versatility. He got shifted round so much as a kid that he never really established his best position or got to work on the skill set associated with it. Contrast that with the likes of Ben Foden who moved so that he'd play his rugby primarily at full back and you can see why that'd have affected him.

 

[Aedaphon]

Tait's main problem was his versatility. He got shifted round so much as a kid that he never really established his best position or got to work on the skill set associated with it. Contrast that with the likes of Ben Foden who moved so that he'd play his rugby primarily at full back and you can see why that'd have affected him.

Someone correct me if I'm speaking out my backside here but IIRC Foden moved with the intention of playing scrum-half and ended up being a better full-back?

Slightly contrary to your argument but I get your point :lol:

 

[Feicarsinn]

Someone correct me if I'm speaking out my backside here but IIRC Foden moved with the intention of playing scrum-half and ended up being a better full-back?

Slightly contrary to your argument but I get your point :lol:

Christ, I knew something like that was going to happen when I posted that. Still, I stand by what I said!

 

[TedParker]

I wouldn't say he was outstanding on the international stage but he did show rare moments of brilliance, most memorable was his run and near try in the world cup final. but for a player with so much promise he hasn't really been given the game time a player of his merit deserves.

 

[Robert Prosser]

The only think I can really remember about him was his test debut against Wales where he got made to look a bit light weight when Gavin Henson picked him up and held him there and gave him a torrid time all game before he was taken off.



I think he is very much a confidence player if it is low he does not play well if he his high in confidence he plays well.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I think he is very much a confidence player if it is low he does not play well if he his high in confidence he plays well.

I don't think this is it.
Two things hampered Tait's career:
1) The England "Newcastle Curse"
2) Rob Andrew/RFU



1) Tait's barely played three games in a row in the past 4+ years. Almost constantly injured.

2)When Tait was with England he was told he too small and needed to bulk up or he wouldn't play for England. Tait came from the 7s scene, was very quick and agile with a good pass. Andrew made him bulk up and took away his biggest threat. Yes he was bigger and stronger, but that's not what his game was all about.