Halfpenny and Cowan to Glos?

Ok, most of us know about Jimmy Cowan - apparently it is a done deal. However, there is a rumour gathering pace, mainly on twitter, that Leigh Halfpenny is also on his way to Kingsholm as Blues are going bust.

Now, Redpath has said that there are two more big signings to be announced, I just think Halfpenny is too good to be true. Plus, despite the fact that he is a class act, I'm not sure where he would fit in.

Probably just pure speculation unlike the Cowan one, you never know though. Don't shoot the messenger if you think it's a load of rubbish!

Bloody hell, just how much money do Gloucester have?!

That would be a massive feather in The Shed's cap if they did get Halfpenny, he was one of the standouts of the 6N's and would be immense on the other wing with Sharpls and May, would help Burns kicking as well and then you'd have Twelvetrees boot on top of that.

Cowan is an impressive signing, I must have missed the discussion on that. How old is he btw? Is he turning down international exposure for this?

yappysnap wrote:Bloody hell, just how much money do Gloucester have?!

That would be a massive feather in The Shed's cap if they did get Halfpenny, he was one of the standouts of the 6N's and would be immense on the other wing with Sharpls and May, would help Burns kicking as well and then you'd have Twelvetrees boot on top of that.

Cowan is an impressive signing, I must have missed the discussion on that. How old is he btw? Is he turning down international exposure for this?

Don't forget that Gloucester barely signed anyone last season.

Also HKC said that Voyce was on a hefty salary - £250k a year so that would ease some of the cap.

Offloading PDJ to Saints and Attwood to Bath last season would have saved some room too. They also offloaded Dickinson,Vainokolo and Robinson.

True I suppose, but there's a difference in offloading players and then still having that money with the inevitable wage increases of the current players to then sign 36 and Cowan.

I think i'm just jealous really.

Do Gloc have a backer? Or a consortium, ticket sales etc?

Cowan is likely to be a straight replacement for Lawson at scrum half. That shouldn't influence the cap too much, especially as they let Pasqualin go last year and replaced him in the squad with England under 20 Robson (I'd imagine development contract).

Halfpenny would be a good signing but they have JSD and Sharples as wingers, Morgan and May as full backs. Tough for Halfpenny, any bad form and he'll quickly find himself dropped or benched. As Yappy says that is some kicking options availabe, Twelvetrees has a 50 to 60 metre range but isn't more that a 60-70% man. Halfpenny and Burns have shorter ranges (not by much with Halfpenny) but are much more reliable.

Looks like Gloucester are building really nicely.

Sam strength in depth is always important and looks like Gloucester are starting to get some. Could well be a real formidable outfit next season.

It would be an odd decision by Halfpenny to sign for Glaws as he is meant to have another year on his contract at the Blues, so I would assume there would be a bit of a price tag on his head if he were to cross the severn bridge.

Also what happened with regards to Stephen Jones signing for Glaws?

True Beshocked, I'd have thought Glaws would have focussed building strength and depth around the tight five though. A second row and another loosehead prop would have been top of my list if I were them. At the minute they are heavilly relient on the formidible presence of Jim Hamilton in the second row and on Wood remaining fit at loosehead.

I cannot see that Halfpenny would be worth the probaly huge investment. He would miss large chunks of the season due to Int call ups and he plays in positions where glaws have a lot of strength.

formerly known as Sam wrote:True Beshocked, I'd have thought Glaws would have focussed building strength and depth around the tight five though. A second row and another loosehead prop would have been top of my list if I were them. At the minute they are heavilly relient on the formidible presence of Jim Hamilton in the second row and on Wood remaining fit at loosehead.

Sam who do you think they should sign? Whose on the market? Still gutted that Richie Gray has gone to Sale.

How the f** did Voyce get £250k?!? His agent should be knighted!

Although halfpenny would be an immense signing and i'd be hugely jealous, surely they should be looking at front row? The back up props are rubbish and Wood might well get called up to the EPS soonish. After that, maybe second row, Hamilton and Brown are no spring chickens

I agree with the need for more forwards. Gloucester's first choice pack will be fantastic next season but there isn't a lot of depth at the moment.

Sam who do you think they should sign? Whose on the market? Still gutted that Richie Gray has gone to Sale

Yeah I think Sale snook that one in under the radar, I'm sure most of the AP would have bid otherwise. I'm not sure who is on the market in regards to looseheads and second rows. Mullan was the main focus for those aspiring to add a loosehead but he's staying at Wuss, Skivington is going to LI.

Hudson at the Falcons could be available and he would offer leadership and a solid all round option but at 30 is also no spring chicken. Sale have the young Scottish lock McKenzie but I think he is still under contract for another year. Calum Green the former England under 20 lock would be a cheap but aggressive option. I'm not a club scout but there are some good players down in the Championship as well.

I think the WRU will be coming in with some strategy next year to keep as many welsh players in Wales as they can. I would be shocked if he went to Glos. Cowan is a good signing though.

This is quite an amusing rumour that is doing the rounds. Due to Glaws' proximity to the border, we do have our fair share of immigrants ()and it does appear this rumour was started by some of the more jovial fans to wind up the City's Welsh contingent! I'm quite amazed by how quickly it has spread, but put frankly I cannot see how we would ever sign Halfpenny.

It certainly sounds like the Cowan deal is done and dusted, but he will be our marquee player and there is no way we can afford Halfpenny within the cap. We've been able to fund the current signings via players leaving and as Beshocked says our rather hefty contract to Voyce (on that note my understanding is that he was given a 3 year deal with the salary increasing year on year - a leaving present from Dean Ryan!). Added to all of that do we actually need Halfpenny? There is no doubt he is an excellent player, but with Sharples, Sinbad, May and Morgan that would mean 2 outstanding players would miss out every game. Instead we need the strength in depth in the pack.

Brush has said we have 2 more signings to come, but it is unclear whether that will be it or not. We know Cowan will be one and we're in the market for a back up centre, but that could easily just be Tindall. Some of the academy boys are going to be promoted that will give a bit more SID in the pack, i.e. Britton, Langley and hopefully Markham and the rather promising Stooke. As Sam has said we do need another lock and as much as it pains me to say it, we have missed Attwood at times this season. In general though, next season is looking rather promising for us

Cowan is 30 for the record and 52 All Black caps to his name.

Not as good as Marshall or Kellher though.

On the plus side they can play him throughout the season without worries about call ups.

Halfpenny has a year left on his contract

HOWEVER, the Blues were willing to accept compensation on a Roberts move (but he didn't want) + the Blues are broke + they have a lot of back 3 players, especially with Blair back.

I wont be happy if it happens, but the Blues need the money - it wont make the buiseness more sustainable though :/

It does seem more ridiculous the more I think about it.

The Telegraph reported that Jimmy Cowan was a done deal yesterday though, so at least one of those is probably true!

formerly known as Sam wrote:Cowan is likely to be a straight replacement for Lawson at scrum half. That shouldn't influence the cap too much, especially as they let Pasqualin go last year and replaced him in the squad with England under 20 Robson (I'd imagine development contract).

Halfpenny would be a good signing but they have JSD and Sharples as wingers, Morgan and May as full backs. Tough for Halfpenny, any bad form and he'll quickly find himself dropped or benched. As Yappy says that is some kicking options availabe, Twelvetrees has a 50 to 60 metre range but isn't more that a 60-70% man. Halfpenny and Burns have shorter ranges (not by much with Halfpenny) but are much more reliable.

Nope, halfpenny can easily manage 60m - and is very accurate from behind halfway.

He is also the Blues regular kicker ahead of Parks and Blair - if we did go to Gloucester, it would be as first choice kicker.

If this is true, I am so envious. I honestly believe he would make any squad stronger.

Can Quins please sign a big lock sometime? I'm getting nervous that we aren't strengthening our squad at all

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

Also what happened with regards to Stephen Jones signing for Glaws?

We've pulled out of the deal. We've re-signed Taylor and the cash is being used on Cowan.

yappysnap wrote:
Do Gloc have a backer? Or a consortium, ticket sales etc?

It's still the Walkinshaw family and we've been tightening the purse strings over the last few years to balance the books a bit. We're now in a stronger position and have the added bonus of having a decent level of talented youngsters, which tends to be cheaper than the more experienced player. We've commited to spending to the salary cap and the board have sanctioned a marquee signing of up to £300kpa, which looks like Cowan will become (but I think he's being paid less than that).

We've commited to spending to the salary cap and the board have sanctioned a marquee signing of up to £300kpa, which looks like Cowan will become (but I think he's being paid less than that).

I'd imagine you'd move you best paid player into the 'marquee' slot and then use the room created in the cap to sign Cowan. Tigers are apparently shoving Castro as the 'marquee' player and allowing squad strengthening with the created gap in the squad. I'd have though several teams will do similar.

But you're doing that because he is your highest paid player and he's not EPQ. Our top earner is Sinbad, so it wouldn't be effective to do this. Based upon the figures being quoted Cowan would become our top earner, so it would make sense for him to be our marquee player.

Really? I didn't think Cowan would command that big a wage. All Black international and all that but no spring chicken and not exactly the biggest name to draw fans in with. I suppose there wouldn't be a lot of point int him coming over if he didn't fill out his pension plus Glaws do need an experienced hand at 9.

Toally agree. We are paying over the odds for him, but we need the experienced 9. It sounds like he'll be on over £200k... And we guaranteed him the 9 spot!

Jimmys play so far this S15 season suggests that hes already got one foot on the plane!
I hope for all you Glos supporters out there that he plays his way back into form. He's been really poor for the Highlanders and has lost his starting spot. His passing has been slow and option taking poor.
G Henry lost trust in him part way thru the RWC and hes never recovered.
But in sayin that he may be in need of a change and hes a great wet weather player and i guess there will be a few wet days in Glaws during the season!!!

I don't understand it properly but what is the ruling on the 'marquee' player? I thought it couldn't be an English qualified player or a player already at your club?

I doubt very much that Gloucester would be interested in Halfpenny, they have a number of quality back 3 players already. They could do with a front 5 addition though.....Adam Jones?

Halfpenny has Blue blood in his veins. They have done everything for him rugby wise and he would not be where he is now if it wasn't for them. Need I remind you that he was a Lion, he got injured before and during tour though. Excellent little player and could make a big contribution to a team that isn't built on sand and actually knows how to play like a team. Not the Blues then...

But if they offer him half his salary?

Morgannwg wrote:Halfpenny has Blue blood in his veins. They have done everything for him rugby wise and he would not be where he is now if it wasn't for them. Need I remind you that he was a Lion, he got injured before and during tour though. Excellent little player and could make a big contribution to a team that isn't built on sand and actually knows how to play like a team. Not the Blues then...

Isn't he from Gorseinon?

HammerofThunor wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:Halfpenny has Blue blood in his veins. They have done everything for him rugby wise and he would not be where he is now if it wasn't for them. Need I remind you that he was a Lion, he got injured before and during tour though. Excellent little player and could make a big contribution to a team that isn't built on sand and actually knows how to play like a team. Not the Blues then...

Isn't he from Gorseinon?

O's academy dropped him for being "too short"

Dai Young picked him up (If only he could spot FHs aswell)

He is a Gorseinon boy, played for their team and attended Swansea college. Not sure if he went on to University. As Wales606 said the O's academy dropped him, Dai Young picked him up. He started with Cardiff RFC. His impressive performances lead to being promoted to the Blues, then to Wales where he made his debut against South Africa and ever since has been a regular (apart from when injured).

Morgannwg wrote:Halfpenny has Blue blood in his veins. They have done everything for him rugby wise and he would not be where he is now if it wasn't for them. Need I remind you that he was a Lion, he got injured before and during tour though. Excellent little player and could make a big contribution to a team that isn't built on sand and actually knows how to play like a team. Not the Blues then...

"They" and "Them" = Cardiff RFC.
If you didn't know already.

Dave, if you didn't notice my latest post (which is right above yours in PLAIN ENGLISH), I made reference to Cardiff RFC and Cardiff Blues.

I'd be amazed if Halfpenny left Wales at his age. It's far too soon and could ruin him.

Tom Voyce tweeted that he was signing before removing it about 10 mins later.

I've heard a rumour that a Welsh FB is on his way, however, it's apparently Thomas from the Dragons rather than Halfpenny.

formerly known as Sam wrote:I've heard a rumour that a Welsh FB is on his way, however, it's apparently Thomas from the Dragons rather than Halfpenny.

That is what TRP have reported and I think is a far more likely signing.

I should add Glaws have released most of their Scottish contingent this year due to being without them for such long periods without being compensated, so it would seem strange to do this then sign a player that will do exactly the same, hence why the Halfpenny rumour is simply just that.

Halfpenny staying at Blues according to the Beeb.

Looks like the two signings are Cowan and Thomas. Hope we can offer them HC rugby...

Looks like the two signings are Cowan and Thomas. Hope we can offer them HC rugby...

I can't see Sale or over taking you. Sale have got to pick themselves up after a real spanking from Sarries and Bath have shown no form whatsoever, the Quins game showed a massive error count.

Halfpenny has a year left so very doubtful, Glaws have already spent £100k on getting Ben Morgan out of his contract, do they really want to pay another region (And as it's 1/2p, it could even be doubled - grand slam winner, had a very good tournament as well) again?

Martyn Thomas, I think, is a much better fullback than Halfpenny, just because he plays for the Dragons though he does not get as much exposure, the only problem with him is that he is very injury prone. If you can keep him fit then you will have a very good player there.

Martyn Thomas is a very good fullback, when he was being linked with Leicester it dawned on me that he is pretty much a young Geordan Murphy.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Martyn Thomas is a very good fullback, when he was being linked with Leicester it dawned on me that he is pretty much a young Geordan Murphy.

Sounds very promising, a young GM would help any side. I just hope we don't neglect the loyalty shown by Olly Morgan or development of J May.

EnglishReign wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Martyn Thomas is a very good fullback, when he was being linked with Leicester it dawned on me that he is pretty much a young Geordan Murphy.

Sounds very promising, a young GM would help any side. I just hope we don't neglect the loyalty shown by Olly Morgan or development of J May.

True, but I don't think we've had 2 specialist FBs at the club since Goodridge left - which is a long old time. We've made do with the outstanding Morgan and whatever flyhalf is capable of playing there. As Morgan is going to be out injured for some time, and the pssimist in me says that many people never come back as strong from an injury like this, having another specialist makes sense. It should help May develop, but also questions whether long term he will be a FB, wing or 13 (I can't see him ever developing into a 12 despite having played the odd game there, as there isn't enough space to use him properly and his distribution isn't of the standard required).

Olly Morgan has injury issues so I'd imagine this signing will relieve the pressure on him to play so much, rotation should help him stay fit for a whole season. I'd expect May to appear more on the wing with Sharples a likely call up and JSD known for missing a few weeks each season.