Thread by @CardiffRugbyWeb

THREAD | The New Boys: Rory Jennings

Some might say (if you also are ginger with a ginger beard) that this is the best looking new signing Cardiff have made as the 10/12 comes in from Newcastle.

After attending Bryanston School he came through at Bath before switching to London Scottish and Coventry in the Championship. A random move to Clermont followed during covid leading to two years at London Irish and then a season with the Falcons following the Exiles' demise.

Now examples of good play from anyone at Newcastle last season are quite tough to come by, and watching their games back for this was a slog, but Jennings has a sharp low chop tackle technique that will feed into the jackal threats at Cardiff well.

He's not a massive carrier by any means, but doesn't shirk trucking the ball up if needed, and despite the latches gets the ball presented cleanly and efficiently here.

Jennings' strength is in his link play, where his decision making and handling are at a good level.

Sharp hands here and a willingness to get back into the contact area to secure quick ball.

Newcastle used him well, bringing him on the loop here and finishing with a smart miss-pass rather than picking the marked short runner on his shoulder.

And he's got the vision and passing range to get the ball out the flanks when it's on, feeding a certain Iwan Stephens on a few occasions last season.

Jennings also brings the footballing ability to that channel, identifying some bigger men on the outside and goes to the boot to take advantage of the space.

That footballing extends to goal kicking, with the 28-year-old a handy back up option to have off the tee.

Not a headline grabbing signing, but with plenty of experience of different environments at the top level, a versatility positionally and attributes that match the way Matt Sherratt wants to get Cardiff playing, a handy pick up to provide depth and leadership.

@threadreaderapp unroll