The rumour mill

First topic message reminder :

Whilst unofficial negotiations will have been taking place for some time, it is only a few weeks until official approaches can be made and so the rumour mill is in full swing. Whilst ignoring what your mate's cousin's goldfish heard, what are the rumours you've heard coming and going from your club?


Rumours so far...
Geoff Parling to Glaws staying at Tigers
Matt Garvey to Quins, Saints, Glaws & Bath...
Nick Kennedy to everyone
Dave Attwood to Glaws
Sean Cronin to Connacht
Jonathan Joseph to Bath - confirmed
Matthew Rees to Cardiff confirmed
Stephen Shingler to a Welsh club confirmed to Scarlets
Adam Warren to Glaws and Cardiff
Kahn Fotuali'I to Toulouse - leaving but to Saints
Matt Kvesic to Tigers, Glaws, Saints and Sarries - confirmed to Glaws
Castro, John Smit and Claasens to Toulon - Castro & Claasens confirmed to Toulon
Alex Corbisiero to Saints confirmed
James Johnston to numerous French clubs & Sarries - confirmed to Sarries
Anthony Watson to Tigers & Bath
Tiny to Racing Metro
Sailosi Tagicakibau to Toulon
Toby Faletau to Bath
Billy Vunipola to Sarries - confirmed
Rhys Gill, Martin Roberts, Eiffion Lewis-Roberts, Gareth Delve, Dwayne Peel to Cardiff
Chris Cochrane to Connacht
Fionn Carr to Connacht confirmed
Newcastle starting XV to Tigers
George Ford to Saints or Bath confirmed he's leaving, but to who...
Stephen Donald to anyone who'll have him
Jonny Sexton to Racing confirmed he's leaving...
PDJ to Quins & Wasps - confirmed to Quins
BJ Botha to Toulon
Mike Ross to Munster signed a new contract
Richie Gray, Rob Miller & Kearnan Myall to Glaws - [b]Gray confirmed to Castres, Myall confirmed to Wasps, Miller staying at Sale (TRP not very accurate with these ones!!)
Stephen Myler to Tigers - staying at Saints
Matt Mulan to Wasps - confirmed
Ryan Lamb to France, Exeter or Wuss
Andy Saull to Exeter or Newcastle
James Scaysbrook to Tigers - staying at Exeter
Tom Johnson to Bath - re-signed with Exeter (how many Bath rumours are actually ever true??)
Mickey Young, Kieran Brookes to Bath - Brookes gone back to Newcastle on loan
Dan Carter, SBW, Dusatoir, McCaw to Sarries & under the salary cap too...
Gareth Maule to London Irish
Andy Goode to Newcastle, Dragons, Saints or KFC. - confirmed to Wasps
Steffan Jones to Wasps or London Welsh
Nick Robinson to Worcester or Dragons - going to Bristol
Joe Carlisle to Wasps - confirmed
James Hudson to Glaws - confirmed
Ian Nagle to Glaws
David Mele & Joel Kefi to Tigers
Sione Timani to Bath
Adam Ashley-Cooper to Leinster
Isa Nacewa to...

To be fair nothing short of razor wire, guard dogs and spot lights would stop the French from having a little chat...

Would be good to see him in Europe, he'd be wasted in Japan ala SBW's!

Just be glad his dad doesn't work there

Ksevic is said to be going to Glaws. Has that been mentioned yet?

with scarlets gareth maule out of contract this summer. there's rumours that london irish are after his services. Very under rated player in my opinion.

Maule could do very well at LI if they stay up. LI have finally got their hands on Sa but with Joseph off to probably Bath, Shingler to the Scarlets and Armitage only on loan from Toulon they could be short of options and Maule would give them a centre all year round and would be given a lot of game time.

yappysnap wrote:To be fair nothing short of razor wire, guard dogs and spot lights would stop the French from having a little chat...

Would be good to see him in Europe, he'd be wasted in Japan ala SBW's!

How are they being wasted in Japan. They are helping the game develope over there.

Scarlets should be looking to keep Maule. He's a strong running centre than can 'pass', remember that thing? Passing the ball. Dragons will take him back now that you've done your job.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

yappysnap wrote:To be fair nothing short of razor wire, guard dogs and spot lights would stop the French from having a little chat...

Would be good to see him in Europe, he'd be wasted in Japan ala SBW's!

How are they being wasted in Japan. They are helping the game develope over there.

They may be developing the game in Japan, but are they developing themselves playing against such inferior players on a regular basis? SBW would pretty much grace any side in the world, but even the most one-eyed fan would struggle to claim that the best sides were in Japan.

HongKongCherry wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

yappysnap wrote:To be fair nothing short of razor wire, guard dogs and spot lights would stop the French from having a little chat...

Would be good to see him in Europe, he'd be wasted in Japan ala SBW's!

How are they being wasted in Japan. They are helping the game develope over there.

They may be developing the game in Japan, but are they developing themselves playing against such inferior players on a regular basis? SBW would pretty much grace any side in the world, but even the most one-eyed fan would struggle to claim that the best sides were in Japan.

But this is what they choose to do. No one forced him to play there. So its wrong to say he is being wasted over there when he is helping to develope and promote the game in Japan. It's like Beckham playing in the MLS.

Beckham went to the MLS in the twilight of his career. SBW is at his peek.

Morgannwg wrote:Scarlets should be looking to keep Maule. He's a strong running centre than can 'pass', remember that thing? Passing the ball. Dragons will take him back now that you've done your job.

his greatest quality is his communications skills. great talker and leader on the field. defensively sound and good rugby brain. would be very good value for money for any team really.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Beckham went to the MLS in the twilight of his career. SBW is at his peek.

He was still being offered contacts at big clubs around europe. He went on loan to AC Milan during his spell in the MLS. The popularity of soccer in America has grown so much because of him. The sane will happen in Japan.

If Carter or McCaw had gone I'd agree but SBW is still establishing his status he's not an icon yet. By the time Beckham went he had cemented his iconic image

London Welsh have signed former LI and Quins player Gonzalo Tiesi.

Morgannwg wrote:Ksevic is said to be going to Glaws. Has that been mentioned yet?

I mentioned it a few days ago becaquse there are rumours all over the internet about it. It seems that it is quite conclusive already, but nothing has been released to fully verify it. I was wondering whether his promotion into the EPS means that contractual talks have taken a back seat for a while...?

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

HongKongCherry wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

yappysnap wrote:To be fair nothing short of razor wire, guard dogs and spot lights would stop the French from having a little chat...

Would be good to see him in Europe, he'd be wasted in Japan ala SBW's!

How are they being wasted in Japan. They are helping the game develope over there.

They may be developing the game in Japan, but are they developing themselves playing against such inferior players on a regular basis? SBW would pretty much grace any side in the world, but even the most one-eyed fan would struggle to claim that the best sides were in Japan.

But this is what they choose to do. No one forced him to play there. So its wrong to say he is being wasted over there when he is helping to develope and promote the game in Japan. It's like Beckham playing in the MLS.

I completely agree, but, the fact that SBW chose to play in Japan doesn't mean its a complete waste of his talents. He is heading off to League and wanted a final payday that would also support his ridiculous notion of being a boxer. The move may develop him as a person living in a different culture, but it certainly won't improve his playing ability.

Anyone that thinks he moved for anything other than an easy payday and to get away from the demands of being a NZRU contracted player needs their head examined.
I dont think SBW really gives a tuppenny fluff about his iconic image in work rugby, although if he does want to be become a big star in Japan theres a heck of a lot of commercial opportunities to do so for foriegn sports stars.
Who knows maybe he'll even move into wrestling.

As for advancing the game in Japan, hmm really? Helping it commercialise and obsess over overpaid superstar foriegn players who are there for the easy life maybe. Its Japanese sport through and through really. Next time a Welsh teams signs Sam Norton Knight or Jamie Nutbrown, ask yourself ...are they developing the game there or place sitting?

Joe Carlisle to follow Mullan to Wasps. Andy Goode out of contract. Paul Warwick to Worcester.

HongKongCherry wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

HongKongCherry wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

yappysnap wrote:To be fair nothing short of razor wire, guard dogs and spot lights would stop the French from having a little chat...

Would be good to see him in Europe, he'd be wasted in Japan ala SBW's!

How are they being wasted in Japan. They are helping the game develope over there.

They may be developing the game in Japan, but are they developing themselves playing against such inferior players on a regular basis? SBW would pretty much grace any side in the world, but even the most one-eyed fan would struggle to claim that the best sides were in Japan.

But this is what they choose to do. No one forced him to play there. So its wrong to say he is being wasted over there when he is helping to develope and promote the game in Japan. It's like Beckham playing in the MLS.

I completely agree, but, the fact that SBW chose to play in Japan doesn't mean its a complete waste of his talents. He is heading off to League and wanted a final payday that would also support his ridiculous notion of being a boxer. The move may develop him as a person living in a different culture, but it certainly won't improve his playing ability.

Ye but Boxing seems to be his first love I'm afraid. I think we would all love to him play over here in Europe instead of playing rugby league.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Joe Carlisle to follow Mullan to Wasps. Andy Goode out of contract. Paul Warwick to Worcester.

Be interesting to see where Goode ends up. japan would be an waste of his immense...waistline

Joking aisde hes still good enough for a season or two in the top flight. Third stint at Tigers as that experienced player/coach/nutritionalist ?

I'd rather Tigers used Cornwall and Bowden as the back up 10s and signed an experienced 12, Mauger style. If we are signing a new back up 10 then I'd prefer Andy Foode to Myler.

formerly known as Sam wrote:I'd rather Tigers used Cornwall and Bowden as the back up 10s and signed an experienced 12, Mauger style. If we are signing a new back up 10 then I'd prefer Andy Foode to Myler.

The Myler rumour just doesn't seem to want to go away, first heard from another Saints fan what seems like ages ago now. Personally I'm happy enough for him to stay as Saints along with a higher profile fly half (not Cipriani before anyone suggests it thanks). Lamb is supposed to be leaving but I'm not sure how much cash will be left in the pot after signing Corbiserio, Fotuali'i & an established tight head.

Anyone know if SBW was part of the NZ Rugby League winning team?

He won the league with the bulldogs but injury limited his international appearences. According to Wiki anyway.

B91212 Tigers will not have much on the pot unless Castro leaves and even then the budget for a back up 10 will be small. For instance Twelvetrees turned down a contract of 120k and Tigers brought in both Bowden and Thompstone instead (though an extra few grand may have been used there). A 7 and full back must be much higher priorities.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

HongKongCherry wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

yappysnap wrote:To be fair nothing short of razor wire, guard dogs and spot lights would stop the French from having a little chat...

Would be good to see him in Europe, he'd be wasted in Japan ala SBW's!

How are they being wasted in Japan. They are helping the game develope over there.

They may be developing the game in Japan, but are they developing themselves playing against such inferior players on a regular basis? SBW would pretty much grace any side in the world, but even the most one-eyed fan would struggle to claim that the best sides were in Japan.

But this is what they choose to do. No one forced him to play there. So its wrong to say he is being wasted over there when he is helping to develope and promote the game in Japan. It's like Beckham playing in the MLS.

Hold up. The only reason a player like SBW goes to Japan is for the $ I guarantee that other then the publicity he's doing nothing to grow the game out there, and I remember reading just a month or two ago that John Kirwan the Japanese Int coach is still shockedby the poor quality of the club league. Rugby is poorer for not having him in the top leagues.

SBW was the best centre in the world by a mile last season when he played for Chiefs and NZ, he could have done a hundred different things to grow the game but chasing a huge pay cheque in the wilderness was not one of them.

formerly known as Sam wrote:He won the league with the bulldogs but injury limited his international appearences. According to Wiki anyway.

B91212 Tigers will not have much on the pot unless Castro leaves and even then the budget for a back up 10 will be small. For instance Twelvetrees turned down a contract of 120k and Tigers brought in both Bowden and Thompstone instead (though an extra few grand may have been used there). A 7 and full back must be much higher priorities.

you expecting Tigers not to continue with Tait?

I wonder if Quins are still looking for an experienced prop to make up for JJ's departure, seems to have gone quiet at the moment.

Things often do around the 6N, especially if you're linked to a player involved somehow. After the next Saxons game I'm sure you'll get the PDJ confirmation...

yappysnap wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

HongKongCherry wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

yappysnap wrote:To be fair nothing short of razor wire, guard dogs and spot lights would stop the French from having a little chat...

Would be good to see him in Europe, he'd be wasted in Japan ala SBW's!

How are they being wasted in Japan. They are helping the game develope over there.

They may be developing the game in Japan, but are they developing themselves playing against such inferior players on a regular basis? SBW would pretty much grace any side in the world, but even the most one-eyed fan would struggle to claim that the best sides were in Japan.

But this is what they choose to do. No one forced him to play there. So its wrong to say he is being wasted over there when he is helping to develope and promote the game in Japan. It's like Beckham playing in the MLS.

Hold up. The only reason a player like SBW goes to Japan is for the $ I guarantee that other then the publicity he's doing nothing to grow the game out there, and I remember reading just a month or two ago that John Kirwan the Japanese Int coach is still shockedby the poor quality of the club league. Rugby is poorer for not having him in the top leagues.

SBW was the best centre in the world by a mile last season when he played for Chiefs and NZ, he could have done a hundred different things to grow the game but chasing a huge pay cheque in the wilderness was not one of them.

Oh jeez, I know he just went for the money ffs! What I'm saying is him being there is helping to promote the Japanese league and to improve the standard.

And it is because they now have NewZealanders following the Japanese league just because he is in it. So more viewers= more money. His videos on youtube of him playing in Japan have more than a million views easily. Him just playing in the league is promoting it big time.

I think they'll continue with Tait Nathan but it's not the Tigers way let any player get comfy in their shirt. They'll want some competition for him. Either a young gun like the lad from LI or someone who covers several positions like Miller.

Having said that I saw the Nottingham vs Bedford highlights the other night and Lewington was class on the wing for them. They used him a lot coming off the blindside behind the centres and looking to create a move out wide. Very Murphy like. He created the first try, nearly grabbed one himself when he knocked up a Ransom pass which he then ran onto. Made a couple of key covering tackles as well. He seems to have scored a few for Notts this season so might see more action next season.

L4FL, no one is disputing that he is helping the Japanese game. What we're saying is that its a shocking waste of his talents.

HongKongCherry wrote:L4FL, no one is disputing that he is helping the Japanese game. What we're saying is that its a shocking waste of his talents.

Yappy was... I agree that he should be playing in a better team but its his career, he can do what he wants.

Ink all but drying on the paper to keep Tom Johnson at Exeter, with an offer on the table for Scaysbrook which he is considering - all may become clearer after confirmation of the Kvesic move. Other players still out of contract include coach's brother Richie Baxter, scrum-half Kevin Barrett, ligind Budgie (356 yrs old), Gonzo Camacho, hooker Neil Clark, back-up playmaker Myles Dorrian, squad winger Mark Foster, bench loosehead prop Ben Moon, promising young no8 James Phillips, the ultimate squad man Junior Polu, Nic Sestaret, the conundrum that is Sireli Naqelevuki, the unluckiest man with injury in a Chiefs jersey Josh Tatupu, and ... I think that's it. Updates to follow!

Looks like Gethin Jenkins will be returning to the Blues

nathan wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:He won the league with the bulldogs but injury limited his international appearences. According to Wiki anyway.

B91212 Tigers will not have much on the pot unless Castro leaves and even then the budget for a back up 10 will be small. For instance Twelvetrees turned down a contract of 120k and Tigers brought in both Bowden and Thompstone instead (though an extra few grand may have been used there). A 7 and full back must be much higher priorities.

you expecting Tigers not to continue with Tait?

Its more a case of needing two, and Tait maybe not being quite good enough for the level Tigers want to be at. He looked a touch out of his depth in the last two HC games, not bad but certainly not in the class of Murphy at his peak. Maybe we are spoilt be memories of that, but we could do with a fullback who bosses games again and always looks in total control. Tait does seem to have lost his old zip with the ball in hand too.
either Tait needs to improve and we need a solid backup or we need to sign a very good fullback to start ahead of him. Perhaps more wishlist than need actually, but its far from Tigers strongest area. Morris is more a winger who can fill in at fullback, and Hamilton has declined and faded into nothing. Theres no real wonderkid coming out of the academy.
Its odd really as its no so long since they appeared to have too many fullbacks on the books, just none of them have really kicked on as hoped.

Got to remember Tait will still be learning the 15 role after so long injured and playing most of his rugby at 13 or on the right wing.

The rumour has been Anthony Watson to either Leicester or Bath. I think he would be a great signing for Leicester personally.

Will give your back three some zip it badly needs.

Tait is growing into the role. He was voted player of the month for December (beating tom Youngs) by the fans and on the ball has looked good. While he was stood up by Donald of all people vs Bath, since his tackling has been good - and hi space has rescued our wingers a number of times.

The big issue has been his solidity under the high ball - and he looks as if he is still learning how to time a jump for the ball and gets it wrong quite a lot. It should be noted that neither Morris nor Thompstone jump to catch high balls - which at times puts them under pressure.

I think Tait is starting to show some form but it is coming back slowly. In December he said he was only at 80% in terms of form. A bit of time and with Murphy and he'll keep coming along nicely.

Hamilton is off to Japan in the summer, Murphy to retirement and then we have Morris as cover for Tait and Lewington though I'm not sure about his contract situation. Another 15 especially one that can cover other positions would be a good acquisition. Rob Miller would be ideal, we did try and sign Cips as a 15 before he went to Sale so a 15 that can cover 10 is obviously on the coaches mind.

LT Thompstone is useless under the high ball but Mortis is strong there, particularly chasing his own up and unders though you are right he rarely helps cover the 15.

LondonTiger wrote:Tait is growing into the role. He was voted player of the month for December (beating tom Youngs) by the fans and on the ball has looked good. While he was stood up by Donald of all people vs Bath, since his tackling has been good - and hi space has rescued our wingers a number of times.

The big issue has been his solidity under the high ball - and he looks as if he is still learning how to time a jump for the ball and gets it wrong quite a lot. It should be noted that neither Morris nor Thompstone jump to catch high balls - which at times puts them under pressure.

Well it sounds like Saracens will know what to do when facing Leicester next. Not that Saracens kick a lot anyway.

PDJ to Quins. Announced on their web-site.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

HongKongCherry wrote:L4FL, no one is disputing that he is helping the Japanese game. What we're saying is that its a shocking waste of his talents.

Yappy was... I agree that he should be playing in a better team but its his career, he can do what he wants.

But when I said that it was a waste you disagreed with me!

I'm glad we all agree now anyhows.

AlastairW wrote:PDJ to Quins. Announced on their web-site.

Could e a good signing by us.... Or might not be...

Would love SBW to sign for an AP club sometime but incredibly unlikely.

AlastairW wrote:PDJ to Quins. Announced on their web-site.

I think I was the first to launch that rumour on here a few weeks ago, though to be fair I was only reposting what TRP had said.

Re: The rumour mill

Post by LondonTiger on Mon Jan 07, 2013 4:44 pm
Sarries apparently chasing James Johnstone - though he is expected to be off to France. Quins apparently signing PDJ as replacement.

yappysnap wrote:

AlastairW wrote:PDJ to Quins. Announced on their web-site.

Could e a good signing by us.... Or might not be...

Leaves me a little cold i have to admit Yappy. I think Kingston&Co has a lot of work to do on him to become the kind of prop that will fit in with the club style. Honestly, at the moment i can only see him keeping the spot warm until Sinckler is ready for it.

LT: Doff's cap to you sir, good tips! Rumour panned out.

LT, you got any tips for the Euro Millions tonight?

I have always rated PDJ, but there is no doubt he has not improved at Northampton. He left Glaws to further his international chances and he has gone backwards since. Quins have worked some magic on the scrum, but there is a thought that if Dorian West can't improve PDJ no one can.

He is a good player and will put in some decent performances, but unless he can recapture his old form and then improve upon it he will be a poor replacement for JJ.

Whats the craic with Will Collier? Saw he's been starting over Sinklare last few games? Any Quins fans know what he's like?

Collier's a solid prop, solid in the scrum, solid lifter, solid in defence, no real attacking game other then a solid close in carry. So fairly... solid really, perfect for the squad but not the prop we want to be building our scrum around over the next few seasons, that'll be Synckler.