Welsh Regions Signings/Departures/Rumours so far (A King and Lion heading to the Scarlets?)

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Cardiff Blues

In

Jason Tovey (Newport Gwent Dragons)- Confirmed
Lou Reed (Scarlets) -Confirmed
Robin Copeland (Rotherham Titans)- Confirmed
Benoit Bourrust (Perpignan)- Confirmed
Campese Ma'afu (West Habour)-Confirmed
Andy Kyriacou (Ulster) -Confirmed
Phil Davies DOR (Worcester)- Confirmed
Gerwyn Price (Cross Keys) - Rumour
Rob Lewis (London Welsh)-confirmed





Out

Gethin Jenkins (Toulon) -Confirmed
Martyn Williams -Retiring - Confirmed
Rhys Thomas (Wasps)- Confirmed
Dan Parks (Connacht) Confirmed
Casey Laulala (Munster)- Confirmed
Deiniol Jones -Retiring -Confirmed
Paul Tito- Released - confirmed
Manna Molitika -Retiring- Confirmed
Ben Blair (Agen)- Confirmed
John Yapp (Edinburgh) Confirmed
Richie Rees (Edinburgh)-Confirmed
Ryan Tyrell (Melbourne Rebels)-Confirmed
Xavier Rush (Retiring/Defence Coach) - Confirmed


Scarlet's

In


Lewis Rawlins (Cross Keys) - Confirmed
Barry Davies ( Ospreys) - Rumour
Jason Eaton ( Hurricanes)- Rumour
Adam Byrnes ( Melbourne Rebels) -Rumour
Manuel Carizza (Biarittz)- Rumour
Kristian Phillips (Ospreys) - Confirmed
Davit Zirakashvili (Clermont Auvergne)- Rumour
Danny Wilson (Newport Dragons-forwards coach)- Confirmed
Daniel Carpo (RC Timisoara, Romania) - Rumour
Joe Tuineau (Montpellier) -Rumour
Cambell Johnstoe (Biarritz)- Rumour
George Earle ( Cheetahs) - Confirmed
Simon Easterby (New DOR) - Confirmed
Richard Kelly (Ospreys) - Confirmed
Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys) - Rumour
Gavin Henson (Unattached) - Rumour
Tomas Vallejos Cinalli (Harlequins) - Confirmed
Pat ciliers (Lions) - Rumour
Gareth Owen (Ospreys) - Confirmed

Out

Ben Morgan (Gloucester)- Confirmed
Steven Jones (Wasps)-Confirmed
Dominic Day (Bath) Confirmed
Lou Reed (Cardiff Blues) -Confirmed
Dan Evans ( Dragons) - confirmed
Rhys Thomas Retiring- Confirmed
Iestyn Thomas (Retiring/Dragons forwards coach) - Confirmed
Simon Gardiner- (Rotherham Titan) - Confirmed
Sean Lamont (Glasgow Warriors) -Confirmed
Damien Welch (Exeter Chiefs)- Confirmed
Vernon Cooper (Forwards Coach) - Confirmed
Garin Jenkins (scrummaging Coach) - Confirmed
Nigel Davies (Gloucester -DOR) - Confirmed
Andy Fenby (Newcastle) - Rumour (signed new contract)
Matt Gibert - (Mogliano,Italy) - Confirmed
Liam Davies - Released - Confirmed
Mark Jones (Gloucester - Skills Coach)- Rumour


Newport Gwent Dragons

In

Dan Evan (Scarlets) -Confirmed
Peter Grant (stormers) - Rumour
Tom Prydie (Ospreys)- Confirmed
Iestyn Thomas (forwards coach/scarlets) - Confirmed
Ian Nimmo (Cornish Pirates) -Confirmed
Tim Ryan (Cavalieri Prato) - Confirmed
Rhys Downes (Pontypridd) - Confirmed
Josh Tyler (UWIC) - Confirmed
Stewart Maguire (Connacht) - Rumour
Hywel Stoddart (Newport RFC) - Confirmed

Out

Jason Tovey ( Cardiff Blues)-Confirmed
Aled Brew (Biarritz)- Confirmed
Tom Willis (Retired)- Confirmed
Ben Castle (Retired)- Confirmed
Martyn Thomas (Gloucester) -confirmed
Luke Chateris (Perpignan) -Confirmed
Hugh Gustafson- Released- Not confirmed
Rhys Buckley- Released- Confirmed
Nigel Hall- Retired- Confirmed
Hugo Ellis- Released- Confirmed
James Leadbeater- Released- Confirmed
Mathew Jones (Bristol) -Confirmed
Tom Riley- (Cornish Pirates)- Confirmed
Lloyd Burns- Retired- Confirmed
Danny Wilson (Scarlets) - Confirmed
Gavin Thomas- Retired - Confirmed
Scott Morgan -Released - Confirmed
Trystan Davies (Carmarthen Quins) - Confirmed


Ospreys

In

Steve Tandy (Bridgend RFC)
Sam Lewis (Swansea RFC)
Sam Davies (Swansea RFC)
Shaun Connor ( Dragons - Ospreys Academy Coach)
Jonathan Spratt ( London Irish) - Confirmed


Out

Tommy Bowe (Ulster)- Confirmed
Sean Holley (Released)
Scott Johnson (SRFU)
James Goode (Newcastle Falcons)-Confirmed
Shane Williams (Mitsubishi Dynoboars )-Confimed
Huw Bennett (Lyon) -Confirmed
Nikki Walker (Worcester Warriors) -Confirmed
Dan Bigger (Racing Metro) -Rumour
Cai Griffiths (London Irish) -Confirmed
Barry Davies released - Confirmed
Chauncey O'Toole- Releases - Confirmed
Sonny Parker- (London Welsh) -Confirmed
Mefin Davies- Retiring- Not Confirmed
Tom Prydie (Dragons)- Confirmed
Will Taylor (Wasps)- Confirmed
Kristian Phillips (Scarlets) -Confirmeed
Rory Pitman (South Wales Scorpions)-Confirmed
Paul James (Bath) - Confirmed
Gareth Owen - Released - Confirmed
Stefan Watermeyer- Released - Confirmed
Craig Cross- Released - Confirmed
Dai Flanagan - Released - Confirmed

I forgot about D Thomas - cheers for the info on Rheon Pioden.

I suppose that's very true, though I don't reckon Stodds will be involved with the Welsh team until after the 6N's next year (It'll take him a while to get back up to speed, let alone find form). Reynolds did look good in his few games last season, though his handling and skills have been shocking this season

Ohh and lest we forget (and I knew I'd forgotten someone) we'll have Dale Ford back from injury as well.

Got to say I would rather we'd signed Prydie, but I suppose at least Kyrstin will get more game time for us than at the Ospreys

Think the problem with reynolds is he's now 23, and there are younger people like Warren (20yrs old) higher up the pecking order than him. It's a shame he hasn't had a real run of games for the region because when he plays in the premiership he looks good.

Not sure how long it will take Dale to regain his fitness levels though as he has only had the cage removed from his leg 2 weeks ago so still loads of work for him to fully recover. Be surprised if he makes it back at regional level in 2012 with how bad the break was. hope I'm wrong though as he looked a great prospect.

2ndtimeround wrote:Not sure how long it will take Dale to regain his fitness levels though as he has only had the cage removed from his leg 2 weeks ago so still loads of work for him to fully recover. Be surprised if he makes it back at regional level in 2012 with how bad the break was. hope I'm wrong though as he looked a great prospect.

Jeez didn't realise he wasn't further along in his recovery - it was a very bad break but thought/was hoping that he'd be walking properly by now and maybe running soon.

oo ouch, hopefully he can get some sort of fitness back for pre-season training, that's still a fair few months away. By the sounds of it though you're right and 2012 might be out of the questionf or him. Shame that, he was looking really good before the injury.

If he has only realistically got him leg back now, then I would say that its probably best for him not to try and rush things. Probably target returning around the start of 2013, in order to cover during the 6Ns.

I like Reynolds, he seemed pretty good when he came onto the scene, and I thought he was probably better than Scott Williams at the time (much like I thought Gavin Evans seemed better than Foxy). But from what I have seen recently I would say that he is definately down the pecking order, and will most likely end up playing for Rotherham or Morsely etc win the not so distant future.

I hope we don't sign K Phillips, he is not a bad player as such, but isn't he off with the sevens a bit?

Kris Phillips is a good signing, I could never understand why he was down the pecking order at the Ospreys, especially behind Walker. Nevermind, they have Luke Morgan now who is about 10 times worse in defence. Scarlets squad seems to be going from strength to strength.

Well as a Dragons fan I like the thought of both Dan Evans and Prydie coming in. I rate both of them and with Tom covering wing as well its a bonus.

I'm disturbed at the Grant rumour. I actually think the young Fly Halves are doing well. I understand bringing in experience if we had a genuine chance of winning silverware so I wouldnt waste money on this area. Seems to be a large amount of descent Welsh Fly halfs about anyway.

Hughes at Centre is showing is class. I'd love us to sign someone to bust the holes for him. Personally Gadd at Bristol (at 17stone) and at 20yrs old is one for the future. Any Bristol fans seen him play this season?

We obviously need Wingers though without question. Brew leaving and Chav not having committed yet makes me thing we need to bring the next generation through. I did hear Mustoe is out of contract and he is always solid. I also rated Darren Daniel at the Pirates when he was at the Scarlets where he did score tries for fun until the was dumped out of the side. I think the Dragons should give him an oppertunity at first team rugby.

We obvioulsy need a replacement hooker. Hows Shervington at Worcester been getting on? I've also rated him as well. Failing that I would go for Baldwin at the Ospreys if he is rumoured to be off.


None of the above should cost the earth either.

Mushroom - pretty much agree with your post. On the 10 front though - Steffan jones is currently injured and we don't have a back up 10 on the bench. We do need the extra player there. Hopefully Steffan and Lewis will stolidly get plenty of game time.

Darren daniel looked quality a few years back, what happened?

We really really need a nasty lock, we are so short there with Sid, Morgan and jones all well over 30 and only groves and coombes (who's arent really locks) covering.

We all know we need a front row but without the cash who could we possibly sign? Shame we couldn't get Mitchell, effion Robberts, peel, W fury (sp), and anyone else playing outside of Wales.

Lacking experience at 10/12, surely that makes somebody like Peter Grant an ideal signing? Plus the jury is still out on Robling, I think he's looked better at 12. Jones will be rotating around with Grant should he make it here.

I don't mind Hughes at 13 either, he has all the skills. He's not a big guy, but neither was O'Driscoll and he was a big defender.

Didn't hear about Chavanga possibly being off, might save some cash though.

Lewis Evans is strictly a six or eight from now on. We need an open-side, perhaps Nash from Cross Keys?

Mushroom - what happend to Poole and Pewnter (i think that was his name). They both seemed pretty decent, and Poole actually looked pretty feirce out on the wing.

Both were crap. Poole to a lesser extent. Actually, I think Mike is capable of developing, but he got cropped earlier in the season.

I'm wondering who will be first choice full back next season. HArries does a good job there. Amos for cover, but he could be off with U18, U20 Sevens. Do we still have that Smith from Ulster?

Well I dont think Poole is good enough at this level and at 25 he is no spring chicken for a Wing. Granted he has been awfully unlucky with injuries as well. Pewtner does have the size and pace to make it and at 21 next season will be important for him to establish himself.

Chav hasnt signed the offer for the Dragons. I suspect he's looking for a better offer from France but we will wait and see. Apprently the offer has been on the table for a while now so if he wanted to stay he would have signed if by now. I suspect he's off in the summer.

In truth though the Dragons have only really had Brew and Chav who have been up to the task. What they need to do is make sure their backups are too. That way they will push the starting wings harder and create a better competition amongst them.

Morgan, Grant wont be cheap all the experience in the world wont matter if we dont have a pack to compete. If it was me I would waste the money because its not like we will be challenging in the Rabbo next season and we wont get into the HC to try for that either. So why sign him?

I really hope that Edwards stops playing Grooves at Lock. He has great hands and is very mobile. For me he has all the makings of a openside. Part of me hope Edwards sees sense and plays a backrow of Lydiate, Grooves, Falatau (for the big games at least anyway).

But the real area of focus needs to be Lock and Hooker. Burns retiring is a massive blow for us. Parry is probably the only potentially good hooker we have so need to strengthen there for sure.

Our Locks are getting on as well and we need to start thinking about replacements as we cant expect Jones and Sidoli to go on forever. I'd rather us bring a couple in to learn of them next season.

To be honest with the likely hood all major sides are staying clear of Argentinian signings I wouldnt be against some seriously gnarly props and 2nd rowers coming in. At least that would add some steal until we can find appropriate Welsh Qualified replacements.

I thought the whole point of the signings were that Prydie would be 1st choice FB with D Evans covering FB and 10

Poole did look good earlier in the season/end of last season

Dragons should strongly look at either Baldwin or Rhys Lawrence at hooker

It's a difficult one for the Dragons, they spend a couple of seasons developing players just for other clubs to pick them off. Think Darren Edwards has tried to build some depth in the front row by blooding Dan Way, Phil Price, Nathan Williams, Nathan Buck, Sam Parry etc if they can keep hold of them, it will bare fruits in the future. The Dragons do need to recruit in the second row, but that looks like something they are in the process of doing. I've been impressed with the ex Ponty player Darren Waters this season, think he'll be even better next season. Might be worth looking at Nash as a back up player for him. The main problem I see for the Dragons next season is that they look toothless in attack without Tovey, Brew and Thomas. The Dragons will really need to recruit well in the backline for next season., whether they go for s jones/robling at 10 or not. Only other concern would be Darren Edwards ability to recruit the right players. His acquisitions in the backline so far have been questionable i.e Bedford, Jamie Smith, Andy Tuilagi (do realise he has to work within a budget, but he needs to be smarter with his signings)

That's true pioden, with regards to those signings. I wasn't sure whether Dan Evans was a done deal. That's our full back right there, I was always impressed with him at the Scarlets, great attacking player. Prydie will be on the wing then I guess. Evans, Prydie, Hughes, Grant, Harries, Jones, Evans: good backline haha.

It looks as if Ian Evans is staying at the Ospreys at least until his contract ends next year, it may have something to do with his good form. The Ospreys under Holley and Johnson wanted to get shot of him along with around 17 others in and out of contract. Shame the Scarlets could do with an I Evans type player.

Don't know why he would want to move to the Scarlets.

He may not be driven by short term cash, working locally there is always jobs for the boys within the regional game e.g., Scarlets and Ospreys are catching up..

Ianto seems fairly settled at the ospreys. can't see him moving to another welsh region. but it does look like another osprey is leaving:

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Scorpions-delighted-secure-Osprey-Pitman/story-15874161-detail/story.html

Thats a shame I thought Pitman looked pretty good when he was playing for the U20s a few season back.,

Spiderman:

Agreed he looked like a promising big ball carrying backrower. Was hoping his loan move to Glasgow at the start of the season would kick start his career again. Unfortunately he seemed to struggling to make the grade up there either - maybe he sees his future as a league player and the Scorpions a stepping stone to possibly the super league.

Looks like Hadyn Pugh the Caramarthen Quins lock has been picked to play for the Barbarians in May. Heard that Scarlets, Ospreys and Dragons have spoken to him - Scarlets particularly about putting some size on ready for regional rugby. Surely he be worth a punt for one of the regions?

I remember Pugh being in the U20s at the same time as Turnbull (believe him and Turbull we both playing lock) and Warburton and thinking he would be a regional player pretty soon. Then he signed for Neath and I thought that was him done. Hopefully he will sign for the Scarlets as the second row is somewhere we are weak, but it looks like we are going to be having a heap of back 5 forwards as opposed to locks/flankers/No.8 next season.

We have signed Lewis Rawlings from cross keys who will mainly play for RFC, and is a work in progress. Think if we sign Haydn Pugh he'll fall into that category too. We will sign at least 1 top quality locks too, well that's what we are aiming for (in discussions with) So although we are losing Lou Reed and Dom Day, we should in theaory if all goes to plan be healthier in the lock dept next season. Slightly more worried about the front row replacements for Deacon, Rhys Thomas and possibly Iestyn Thomas. Although things are constantly changing with a new investor, and the WRU possibly responding to the PricewaterhouseCoopers review. But I'm optimistic our squad should be stronger next season.

Your front five is still powder puff though

I thought the plan was to convert Hugh Gustaffson to hooker for next year and this was a process which was very much in place.

I think Darren Waters is a really good abrasive openside (and from what I hear is very much the hardman that every pack needs). He just needs to be given more of a run in the side to settle into the backrow or i fear we may loose him. I hear the Ospreys have shown an interest.

I think Prydie and Dan Evans would be good signings but strength in the front row is a must. Can't win games without the ball and thats down to the front five and the set piece!!

Sonny Parker off to London Welsh then? I thought he'd retire to be honest.

http://www.ospreysrugby.com/news/5245.php

pioden gorllewin wrote:Cardiff Blues

Out

Alex Cuthbert (Toulon/Racing Metro/Scarlets)- Rumour

Good one.

cari:

yeah few ospreys players have been rumoured to be leaving this week. kristian phillips to scarlets seems to be a done deal, parker joining lyn jones at london welsh and possibly james to bath.

cardiff dave:

heard cuthberts agent wanted to see what his clients options was in wales, so approached the scarlets. but that was a while back, since then racing metro have come in with silly money. be interesting to see what he decides this week (stay with blues or follow the money)

Paul James is definitely going to Bath from the Ospreys on a two year contract from next season.

thanks cari.

heard cai griffiths and kristian phillips are pretty much done deals too.

If Ospreys couldn't turn Cai into a destructive force how can Scarlets? What other tightheads will there be at Scarlets?

apparently garin jenkins rates him, and thinks he can do something with cai. bit short on tightheads to be truthful. rhys thomas looks like retiring, peter edwards has still not convinced at regional level, and simon gardiner might be released.

Morgannwg - I guess it is a case of having to get someone in who isn't going to set us back too much moneywise, and who may be able to step up. Also I assume that a new contract will be dropped infront of Deacon Manu within the next few days (or at least I would be doing that if I were in charge) as otherwise we are down to Pete the meat as first choice, and Gardener as back up with Rhodri and Phil as makeshift backups.

pioden gorllewin wrote:apparently garin jenkins rates him, and thinks he can do something with cai. bit short on tightheads to be truthful. rhys thomas looks like retiring, peter edwards has still not convinced at regional level, and simon gardiner might be released.

Whats the deal with Gardiner ? I have heared through the grape vine that he is a bit of a trouble maker with a bad attitude. Is this right ? What a waste if this is the case as I thought that the kid had some potential.

Lord - I heard that before he was drafted in due to the propping crisis he was not really doing enough / had the wrong attitude, for the Scarlets to be willing to take a risk on him. However he did show pretty well when he was playing during that time. Whether that was enough of a kick up the rear for him or not, well I guess only time will tell.

Sadly there seems to be a bit of an issue with props failing to live up to expectations within Wales. I remember Craig Cross looking like he had real potential for the Scarlets when he played a handful of games for them. Then he signed for Neath (or maybe it was the Ospreys) and disappeared off the radar. Cai Griffiths is another good example, he looked to have a pretty good future ahead of him when he was captain of the under 20s, and so did Gustafson, however both have slipped off the radar over the last few years (although Gus was injured/being converted to hooker). Scott Andrews, John Yapp and Sam Hobbs all fit in the same catagory too IMO.

Maybe a season with London Welsh could do him some good?

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Lord - I heard that before he was drafted in due to the propping crisis he was not really doing enough / had the wrong attitude, for the Scarlets to be willing to take a risk on him. However he did show pretty well when he was playing during that time. Whether that was enough of a kick up the rear for him or not, well I guess only time will tell.

Sadly there seems to be a bit of an issue with props failing to live up to expectations within Wales. I remember Craig Cross looking like he had real potential for the Scarlets when he played a handful of games for them. Then he signed for Neath (or maybe it was the Ospreys) and disappeared off the radar. Cai Griffiths is another good example, he looked to have a pretty good future ahead of him when he was captain of the under 20s, and so did Gustafson, however both have slipped off the radar over the last few years (although Gus was injured/being converted to hooker). Scott Andrews, John Yapp and Sam Hobbs all fit in the same catagory too IMO.

Would you include Craig Mitchell and Rhys Gill on that list.

Simon Gardiner has struggled to get into the club side at times this season. Even when he does come off the bench, he is way off the pace in the premiership. Also it's a bit of a joke that literally his jersey doesn't cover his whole stomach (not a pretty sight) He gives me the impression that he does wants to be a professional rugby player, but wants it given to him on a plate. I think circumstances might be fortunate to him, and he will be given another chance for next season. Management will probably think as we are so short of numbers at TH, it's worth giving him another pre season to prove himself.

Ulster hooker Andi Kyriacou set for Cardiff Blues move
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17867005

Seems like Kyriacou is definately coming to the Blues - shame they couldn't find a young Welsh hooker to be 2nd choice...

pioden - I think that is something that seems to be a problem with players who come out of Pembrokeshire in general, whether it is because there are not too many quality players coming through in each age grade that the players who are good develope an "I'm the top player" attitude early on in life, or just we are a county of lazy sods I don't know.

Smirnoff - to be honest I can understand him as a signing, he isn't going to be off with the international side etc. If they had signed Baldwin or Emyr Phillips there would be a risk of them making it into the national side with enough game time.

Smirnoffpriest wrote:Ulster hooker Andi Kyriacou set for Cardiff Blues move
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17867005

Seems like Kyriacou is definately coming to the Blues - shame they couldn't find a young Welsh hooker to be 2nd choice...

Don't get me started The Blues are seriously doing my nut in. How many NWQ players have they signed for next season so far ? I make it three, with probably more to come.

To be fair their academy players are nowhere near ready to step in full time yet

LordDowlais wrote:

Smirnoffpriest wrote:Ulster hooker Andi Kyriacou set for Cardiff Blues move
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17867005

Seems like Kyriacou is definately coming to the Blues - shame they couldn't find a young Welsh hooker to be 2nd choice...

Don't get me started The Blues are seriously doing my nut in. How many NWQ players have they signed for next season so far ? I make it three, with probably more to come.

Cardiff Blues hookers next season (probable);

Andy Kyriacou; Marc Breeze; Kristian Dacey; Gerwyn Price

3 are Welsh if that's ok.

gowales wrote:To be fair their academy players are nowhere near ready to step in full time yet

Thats not being fair though is it. They have had the best part of 10 years to get their acadamy up to scratch, so why are they in this position ?

Cardiff Dave wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

Smirnoffpriest wrote:Ulster hooker Andi Kyriacou set for Cardiff Blues move
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17867005

Seems like Kyriacou is definately coming to the Blues - shame they couldn't find a young Welsh hooker to be 2nd choice...

Don't get me started The Blues are seriously doing my nut in. How many NWQ players have they signed for next season so far ? I make it three, with probably more to come.

Cardiff Blues hookers next season (probable);

Andy Kyriacou; Marc Breeze; Kristian Dacey; Gerwyn Price

3 are Welsh if that's ok.

Hoe many of those will be starting in front of the new French one, campese and Kyriacou ?

Lord - I think that there are some positions that certain regions are particularly weak in. And then there is the front row which all the regions seem to be weak in.