Wottie wrote: Hamilton has been far from a luxury, he has been absolutely essential for us this season. I would definitely keep him. Furthermore, I would expect the squad to be flexed up a bit with a few more one year deals generally, but specifically in the back row, to cover the RWC season.
Hamilton has been a valuable addition for sure. Squad budget and balance come into the picture too though, money spent in one position is money not available for another position that needs strengthening.
We are actually ridiculously strong in the back row really, with 3 nailed-on internationals in Watson, Mata and Ritchie, a 4th when Barclay gets back, a 5th, 6th and 7th when Toonie's next cab out of the rank departs with Bradbury, Hamilton or Crosbie on board (all of whom would I think be ahead of Harley at 6). I doubt the club can afford to keep them all as well as renew Watson's contract. Perhaps something has to give.
Replacing one back-row with a couple of younger guys would be good for cover in the international windows, when a lot of the first and second choices will be away, and also good for balancing the budget.
Two of the younger ones who could be in the frame are Archie Erskine at blindside, after his season at Stade Nicois, and maybe Miller as backup 7 (given that Watson and Ritchie will be away for much of the season). The unknown is Nayalo, going by his height and 7s background, I'd think he was maybe signed as a backup 7 but would need to shed some kilos to fit that role (may be one reason he has not really featured yet, unless he's injured). Rory Darge and Connor Boyle from the Academy are the future at 7, but they're just going 19 and it's too soon for a pro contract.