Welsh Regions Signings/Departures/Rumours 2013 (Scarlets set to offer James "cub" Davies a contract)

First topic message reminder :

Ospreys

In

Tito Tebaldi (Zebra) – Confirmed
Rhodri Williams (Scarlets) - Rumour

Out

Kahn Fotuali'i (Northampton Saints) - Confirmed
Jonathan Thomas (Bayonne/Worcester Warriors) - Rumour
Jonathan Humphries (Scotland Forwards Coach) - Confirmed
Campbell Johnstone ( Russian Club) - Confirmed
George Stowers (Tasman) - Confirmed

Scarlets

In

Steven Shingler ( London Irish) –Confirmed
Ed Jackson (London Welsh ) – Rumour
Andrew Coombes (Dragons) - Rumour
Gareth Delve ( Melbourne Rebels) - Rumour
Serge Lilo (Wellington Lions) - Rumour
John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors) - Confirmed
Nick Cummins (Western Force) - Rumour
Farid Sid (Perpignan)- Rumour
Opeti Fonua (Agen) - Rumour
Brett Deacon (Leicester Tigers) - Rumour
Regan King (Backs/Skills Coach) - Rumour
Genesis Mamea (Wellington) - Rumour
Darran Harris (Pontypridd) - Rumour


Out

Tomas vallejos cinalli (Pampas XV) – Confirmed
Gareth Maule (London Irish/Munster) – Rumour
Adam Warren (Cardiff)- Rumour
Scott Williams (Cardiff) – Rumour
Sione Timani (Agen) – Confirmed
Rhodri Williams (Ospreys) – Rumour
Tavis Knoyle ( Gloucester) – Confirmed
Gareth Davies ( Cardiff) –Rumour
Owen Williams (Leicester Tigers) – Confirmed
Jonathan Edwards (Released) – Confirmed
Andy Fenby (London Irish) - confirmed
Morgan Stoddart (Retired) - Confirmed
Dan Newton (London Scottish) - Confirmed
Kieron Murphy (London Welsh/Edingburgh) - Rumour
George North ( Northampton Saints)- Confirmed
Rheon James (Cornish Pirates)- Confirmed
Richie Pugh (Released) -Confirmed
Rhys Jones (Released) - RumourConfirmed
Dale Ford (Released/Bristol) - Confirmed
Samson Lee (Glouceste) - Rumour
Peter Edwards (Released) -Confirmed
Craig Hawkins (Released) - Confirmed
Craig Price (Leicester Tigers) -Rumour


Dragons

In

Ross Wardle (Bedwas) - Confirmed
Richie Rees (Edinburgh) - Confirmed
Luciano Orquera (Zebre) -Rumour
Martin Muller (Cheetahs) - Confirmed
Juan Gomez (Pampas XV) - Rumour
Netani Talei (Edingburgh) - Confirmed
Francisco Chaparro (Stade Francias) - Confirmed
Kris Burton (Treviso) - Confirmed
Rhys Thomas (Wasps)- Confirmed
Malakai Fekitoa (Auckland) - Rumour



Out

Andrew Coombes (Scarlets) – Rumour
Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro)- Confirmed
Steve Jones (Retired)- Confirmed
Tom Brown (Released/Jersey) - Confirmed
Tondi Chavhanga (Released) - Confirmed
Iestyn Thomas (Retired) - Confirmed
Josh Tyler (Released) - Confirmed
Hywel Stoddart (Released) - Confirmed

Blues

In

Filo Paulo (North Harbour) - confirmed
Matthew Rees (Scarlets) Confirmed
Liam Davies (confirmed - until end of season)
Gethin Jenkins (Toulon) - Confirmed
Rhys Gill (Saracens) - rumoured
Adam Warren (Scarlets) - rumoured
Scott Williams –(Scarlets) – rumoured
Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets) – rumour
Gareth Davies ( Scarlets) - rumour

Out

Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro) - not confirmed
Tom James (Exeter Chiefs) -confirmed
Richard Mustoe (retirement) -confirmed
Fau Filise - (retirement) rumour
Ceri Sweeney (Exeter Chiefs) - Confirmed
Leigh Halfpenny (Clermont) - Rumour
Michael Paterson (Sale Sharks) - Confirmed
Campese Ma'afu (Nottingham) -Confirmed

One of Scarlets best players in my opinion. He always gave every game his all. It's a shame he couldn't rub off on some of the guys around him.

Nevermind

pioden gorllewin wrote:Much improved Sione Timani looks to have signed for Agen. Shame as he was one of the few ball carries we had in our squad. Also looks like flanker Jonathan Edwards and promising winger Dale Ford are too be released too.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/timani-gets-up-to-speed-for-tahs-before-flight-to-france-20130405-2hbxk.html

Read the report again. Here's a clue this is the Canberra Times !!

The report states that Sione is going to Agen and his Aussie brother is going to Montpellier; or have I missed something?

I thought it was about Sione's brother, but there is a line that says that Sitaleki is off to join his brother Sione at Agen. So i guess that kind of conferms Sione is going to Agen? Assuming that is what Doctornickolas means.

doc as coleman mentions if you read further down it says sitaleki is off to join brother sione in agen. how accurate the canberra times are i don't know.

others rumoured out of the door (don't know how many players we'll be left with!) the scarletfever forum are suggesting promising winger kyle evans is off to exeter chiefs. while kieron murphy has had better offers from london welsh and edingburgh.

I really hope you don't lose Murphy. Everytime i've seen him he has been very good. Bad times out West. :/

The only thing that is keeping me possitive is that last season we shed all of our locks, two first choice prop and Ben Morgan, but we then signed well and now have a decent tight five.

We knew we were going to look for an openside and number 8 to even up our satanic (666) backrow. So losing Timani and Jedward was likely. The only real upset is losing George and Fenby in the back 3.Although Owen has done well at fullback and Sanjay is a decent winger, so we are really only missing one winger, and wedid say we were looking for one when Stodds retired.

And Murphy is Scottish qualified right? No wonder Edinburgh are hot on his heels.

Murphy was born in scotland i believe mikey. he scored 3 tries yesterday at 7 for llandovery. not the biggest of guys but uses good footwork and speed to get over gainline. He's the only real 8 we've got in our squad at moment (mccusker is really a 6) but it does look like we are chasing delve. South African rugby agent Jason Smith has tweeted :

Jason Smith ‏@JasonSmith_1 1h
@Turkishdave1 they signed a loosie recently, I think. A Welshman? They can't sign too many foreigners. 6 is the limit. Chasing Delve.

isn't loosie is SH talk a flanker? so who's the welsh flanker we've signed?

Pioden would that be Coombs?

It's not one of the guys from WA agency, so far we aren't signing anyone from there. coombs has another year on his contract, so would be surprised if it's him. what's ieuan jones contract status?

Coombs is also saying he wants to stay with the Dragons for a little while. I don't think Dragons will want to get rid of Ieuan Jones, when we haven't offered Tom Brown a contract and Toby is likely off next year.

Glad its not Coombs, he is a decent player, but not what I think we need. I was wondering because the talk this way earlier this year was that he was almost a dead cert to sign. That said so was Lydiate last season.

Jones is a promising player but I would rather us not pilfer him from the dragons, Sion Bennett should be given a chance first.

i agree spider, don't think we need another lock/6 like coombs. think the lydiate link was made cause his gf is from pontyberem in the gwendraeth valley. there was talk he was looking to buy a house there with her.

sion bennett is a great prospect but probably couple of seasons away from breaking into 1st team. the delve link seems to be growing, so i'm taking that as we've expressed an interest and offered him a contract. whether that contract is competitive enough i don't know.

with george, fenby and stoddart gone we really need to recruit in the back three. that's why i'm surprised to hear that kyle evans and dale ford are off too.

Another rumour doing the rounds on scarlet fever is that we are looking to sign john Barclay. Apparently his move to Lyon has fallen through as they seem unlikely to be promoted.

Surely he'd want to stay at Glasgow, seeing as they're doing so well?

looks like Scott Williams is set to sign a new contract at the scarlets:

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Scott-Williams-set-deliver-boost-Welsh-rugby/story-18652507-detail/story.html#axzz2PwrecweP

Luckless I might be wrong but I think he stated that he wanted to leave Glasgow for a fresh start. Think we are genuinely talking to him at present, whether we can beat the French to his signature I don't know.

http://www.newportgwentdragons.com/News/Article/24583

What an absolute disgrace.

Its a two finger salute to any aspiring Gwent or Welsh young player.

Right, thats it, the I will NEVER go and watch a Dragons game again.

Presumably Chaparro's a tight head?

I haven't seen him play, nor Martin Muller, but the other two I think are canny signings. I didn't even know we were looking at Talei but he could be great for us - with Toby away with Wales and likely to be leaving at the end of next season, he could really bring Ieuan Jones on.

Allty wrote:What an absolute disgrace.

Its a two finger salute to any aspiring Gwent or Welsh young player.

Allty you utter clown. What a stupid comment.

Burton to bring on steffan jones.
The prop to bring on all of our young props.
We were desperate for a lock.
Back row cover as we loose Danny.

Who did you expect us to sign? Also we are bringing back R Rees .

The Newport Gwent Dragons have stepped up their recruitment through the signing of four new players.
In line with Newport Gwent Dragons recruitment strategy for season 2013-14 to recruit experienced players in key decision making positions, following ratification from the Board of Directors at the Dragons on the regions recruitment strategy the following players (subject to G.B.E. & Visa) have signed to play in the Dragons colours for next season and beyond.



Kris Burton
Thirty two year old Burton, born in Australia, made his debut for Italy against Uruguay in 2007. He currently has 21 caps and last played for Italy in the RBS Six Nations 2013 Tournament. A renowned game controller and tactician, Burton has been instrumental in the development of Treviso into a top quality competitive team. His experiences to date will help provide guidance to a young Dragons squad.



Head coach Darren Edwards explains, ‘Any team who has played against Kris knows how influential he can be on a game with his goal kicking and tactical awareness.’




Alongside the recruitment of Ritchie Rees we now have a good blend of young and experienced half-backs. It gives us the opportunity to generate competition and allows us to create combinations that can be influential and exciting for the team.’



Martin Muller
Muller currently plays for the Cheetahs in the Super 15 competition. He has represented his country at a number of age-group levels, including SA Schools and SA under 21, before then making his Super rugby debut with the Stormers in 2009. The South African is known for his superb lineout skills and physical work ethic.



‘Martin is a player whose progress we have been following carefully for a couple of seasons. His outstanding performances for the Griquas in last season’s Currie Cup culminated with selection for the Cheetahs in this year’s S15.’


We recognise he is a player of great pedigree and potential having come through the SA school and age grade pathways. Martin will compliment our current second rows and possesses the clear attributes that will suit the way we want to play,’ comments head coach Darren Edwards.



Netani Talei
The 29 year old has the ability to play at number eight or as a flanker at the highest level. He brings experience and leadership having competed in the RaboDirect Pro12 tournament and in the Heineken Cup with Edinburgh. He has also played over 50 games with Worcester Warriors between 2007-2010. Considered one of the best ball carrying forwards in last year’s Heineken Cup Competition, made him a contender for the ERC European Player of the Year.



Head coach Darren Edwards explains, ‘We are delighted that Netani will be joining us next year as he will not only provide us with his attacking ball carrying skills but also his leadership as a current international captain. The back row is a very strong and competitive area within our squad and with the addition of Netani it will not only be strengthened, but will also allow us create some potent combinations.’



Francisco Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro
Chapparro currently plays his rugby at Stade Francias in the tough scrimmaging French Pro 14. The 23 year old was a member of the Los Pampas Vodacom Cup championship winning side and has been recently capped by Argentina against France and Italy.



‘It is recognised worldwide the quality of Argentinean front row forwards and in particular their technique in the scrum. We believe he will provide a positive influence on our current front row,’ explains Darren Edwards.



Director of Rugby, Robert Beale commented, ‘With the business now on a sound footing and an agreed strategy in place, the arrival of these players plus the recent acquisition of Ritchie Rees from Edinburgh will add considerable strength to our playing squad for next season.


We are still very active in the recruitment market as we look to meet the requirements of our agreed recruitment strategy for season 2013/14 and beyond.’

Which of these signings is? We've done enough to try and develop young players, such as front rowers etc and where is it getting us? It's been more than evident that we need to bolster our squad and the majority of these signings are in positions we needed to strengthen.

Not heard anything on the edinburgh side, but if its true youve signed Talei, i'm very jealous.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Presumably Chaparro's a tight head?

I haven't seen him play, nor Martin Muller, but the other two I think are canny signings. I didn't even know we were looking at Talei but he could be great for us - with Toby away with Wales and likely to be leaving at the end of next season, he could really bring Ieuan Jones on.

Yes Chaparro is a tighthead

Allty wrote:What an absolute disgrace.

Its a two finger salute to any aspiring Gwent or Welsh young player.

Dear God. You do know that our entire squad for the double-header was Welsh or Wales-qualified?

The mind boggles.

They are some really good signings.

Now they just need to announce the bloody season tickets !

red_stag wrote:They are some really good signings.

In the right positions too, Stag. I'm so surprised!

Munkian, I think a lot of people who were in two minds about renewing their season tickets might be swayed by these signings.

Does this mean Tom Brown is leaving? It isn't really fair as i think before his injury, he was playing really well and contrary to Faletau he runs straight.

He's impressed me every time he's come on, Vince. I don't know what the story is.

Well I'm happy. Yes the knockers will complain that we're blocking youngsters. But we've been playing local talent for years now and it's got us nowhere. Locals/WQ don't want to play for us or leave as soon as they can because we can't offer them any trophies or success. We needed some fresh impetus to hopefully make us more competitive in the league. If we can get a sniff of a HC place then players may be convinced to sign in future - Welsh players who won't touch us with a barge pole at the moment. This is a good start IMO.

Griff wrote:Well I'm happy. Yes the knockers will complain that we're blocking youngsters. But we've been playing local talent for years now and it's got us nowhere. Locals/WQ don't want to play for us or leave as soon as they can because we can't offer them any trophies or success. We needed some fresh impetus to hopefully make us more competitive in the league. If we can get a sniff of a HC place then players may be convinced to sign in future - Welsh players who won't touch us with a barge pole at the moment. This is a good start IMO.

+1

Luckless - I WANT to renew my season ticket (even before this was announced) but theres been no news, the Ospreys have already announced tasty deals and aren't struggling in the table like us.

What does this make the team for next season?

01 ?
02 ?
03 Francisco Chapparo
04 Andrew Coombs
05 Robert Sidoli
06 ?
07 Nic Cudd
08 Natani Talei
09 Richie Rees
10 Kris Burton
11 Adam Hughes
12 Jack Dixon
13 Pat Leach
14 Will Harries
15 Daniel Evans

I was thinking about that the other day, whether we'd have another letter from Tony Brown. I'm like you, I'd have renewed anyway, but now it's out of quiet optimism rather than outright masochism.

I know that Lydiate and Falatau haven't officially agreed to leave but really this many decent signings is surely indicative of some extra wages suddenly becoming available.

Griff wrote:Well I'm happy. Yes the knockers will complain that we're blocking youngsters. But we've been playing local talent for years now and it's got us nowhere. Locals/WQ don't want to play for us or leave as soon as they can because we can't offer them any trophies or success. We needed some fresh impetus to hopefully make us more competitive in the league. If we can get a sniff of a HC place then players may be convinced to sign in future - Welsh players who won't touch us with a barge pole at the moment. This is a good start IMO.

Im happy for you and hopefully these new signings are going to make the battle for the the 3rd HEC spot (if indeed there is a HEC competition) a lot more interesting than it has been in the past. Oh by the way, Richie Rees will be blocking an aspirational Welsh youngster just as Gethin and Matthew Rees will be doing at Cardiff Blues. Shocking isn't it?

I was going to review but with little passion.. I'm surprised at these signings. Il pass judgment when I've seen them play but they are in the right positions.

Coombs and Martin Muller in the row? Sid and madam are getting on but I do think Nimmo will be improved after a season under his belt. We will have a competitive back row as always.

I wonder if we will keep Chavhanga on?

Only if we use him, he's criminally wasted at the moment

red_stag wrote:I know that Lydiate and Falatau haven't officially agreed to leave but really this many decent signings is surely indicative of some extra wages suddenly becoming available.

Faletau won't leave this season. We don't have to sell our "high earning" players. Lydiate isn't actually on that much compared to other internationals elsewhere apparently. These signings are just due to more money being made available. Lydiate has officially agreed to leave and I would expect that to be done when the French clubs are announcing their signings (I'm really sure he won't go to the Blouse as has been suggested).

More good news too, from a Dragons point of view. Though it isn't a signing.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/10340723.Bowls_club_moves_out_of_Rodney_Parade/

very impressive signings!

think there is another SA utility back due to come in aswell.

next season team?

1. Phil Price
2. Sam Parry
3. Francisco Chapparo
4.Martin Muller
5. Andrew Coombs
6.Natani Talei
7. Nic Cudd
8. Toby Faletau
9. Richie Rees
10. Kris Burton
11. Will Harries
12.Tugilali
13. SA untility back/Adam Hughes
14. Tondi Chavhanga
15. Tom Prydie/Dan Evans

Anyone know how Pooley is doing ? Is his career over ?

think muller will be time serving. so who are the nwq?

ryan, chapparo, nimmo, talei, brown, burton, tugilali, chavhanga & possibly utility back (might be time seving)

that's 8 or 9 what's the limit?

red_stag wrote:I know that Lydiate and Falatau haven't officially agreed to leave but really this many decent signings is surely indicative of some extra wages suddenly becoming available.

Or, we could have spent next to bugger all on recruitment last year balancing the books, and just rented out our ground to a football club for the next ten years...

munkian wrote:Anyone know how Pooley is doing ? Is his career over ?

Chris Kirwan tweeted something the other week about seeing him in the gym, so he's on the mend. Can't remember the details, though.

pioden gorllewin wrote:think muller will be time serving. so who are the nwq?

ryan, chapparo, nimmo, talei, brown, burton, tugilali, chavhanga & possibly utility back (might be time seving)

that's 8 or 9 what's the limit?

If we do sign another back I would imagine Tuilagi is gone.