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

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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

Jamie Smith was only there 2 seasons? Seemed more like 4 to me! Never saw him play once 'in the flesh'.

I don't think I did either. It must be terrible to be that hampered by injuries.

He played 4 games in 2 seasons

Have the Dragons signed a new centre ? I see 'hands like feet' has gone

Hands like feet.

Its funny because its true. Least he tried to catch or pass, unlike his Brother

In fairness to him, he was better this season - but still not great (considering the apparently tidy sum we were paying him).

munkian wrote:Its funny because its true. Least he tried to catch or pass, unlike his Brother

I am laughing because it is actually a very accurate discription of him.

Apparently we were after a new centre but after Wardle had two decent games the board stopped that move as we have enough quality.. We clearly need a new centre and a wing but I can't see it happening.

Loosing Poole and Chavhanga and with Hughes being a centre AND Prydie could be away with Wales we need cover.
That said all money should be spent on the front 5.

I don't see Tom Prydie getting called up for Wales - there are better wingers and better full backs available for the national side. It doesn't solve the problem though, because Prydie's a better full back than he is a wing, for my money. So there's Will Harries, Poole when he comes back from injury... and that's it.

I think we're okay in midfield - Hughes, Wardle, Robling, Leach and Dixon.

Has Poole def gone then ? Huge shame, feel for the bloke. Dragons seem to lose ALOT of players to injury, makes you wonder about our medical and rehab facilities.

Trying to think what centres we have... Ashley Smith, Adam Hughes, Robling, Wardle, Dixon... but we always seem to have at least 2 injured then others off on u20s duty.

*edit - forgot Leach

munkian wrote:Has Poole def gone then ? Huge shame, feel for the bloke. Dragons seem to lose ALOT of players to injury, makes you wonder about our medical and rehab facilities.

Trying to think what centres we have... Ashley Smith, Adam Hughes, Robling, Wardle, Dixon... but we always seem to have at least 2 injured then others off on u20s duty.

*edit - forgot Leach

How could you forget the players play of the season?

I can understand the Dragons maybe looking for a bit of a utility back, who can slot into a few roles as required. As your fullback options are pretty decent too, Dan Evs, Prydie, Harris and Stef Jones can do a good job there too. On the wing you can shuffle the likes of Prydie, Harris, Hughes and Dan Evs. So maybe a top quality utility back and help show those boys how to deal with being shuffled about?

Adam Hughes can play wing, but he's so much better in midfield. I wouldn't want to see Dan Evans there because he's much better at full back (and not bad at ten, but I doubt we'll see him there as often next season).

Not sure if it's been mentioned already - Dimitri Arhip has re-signed for the Ospreys.

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Dmitri-Arhip-pens-new-contract-Ospreys/story-18991336-detail/story.html#axzz2TMSUboc3

If you wish a new Ulster Fullback, we have D'Arcy going spare this season?

To be honest he is a quality full back, and I'm sad to see him leave (wasn't to worried about Smith), plays full back, can cover wing. Very attacking.

Was our starting Fullback in 2011 and played in the H-cup Q-final against Saints.

Only lost his place when we signed Payne and when he got injuried the injury replacement Stefan Terblanche.

Has had a few injuries of late, but personally I think he would be a good signing, but has plenty of experience, and not many members of the Dragons squad have played in the knockout rounds of the H-cup.

It's a kind offer, but we have Dan Evans and Tom Prydie (and Will Harries at a push) at full back.

We'll take Craig Gilroy off your hands though.

Good competition at 9, good balence at 10.
Two good fullbacks and a few decent options for the wings.
Centre for me is a problem. We have options but no one stands out as nailed on first choice.

Hughes / Dixon - that excites me.

What's happened to Hughes this season? Has he been injured? Haven't seen much of him.

Martyn Thomas is out of contract with Gloucester this summer, would you consider having him back?

I agree with Youngguns6 probably a centre is needed. Shame the board pulled the plug on the NZ centre & SA utility back.

Yeah, he's been injured - and when he has played, it's often been on the wing, where he'll do a good job, but he makes things happen in midfield.

It was a second-string Munster side, but Robling and Wardle looked really good in midfield the other week. Pat Leach is solid, and Jack Dixon could be great, but it just hasn't happened for him yet. A bit of structure in attack would help them all.

Poole leaving or retiring through injury?

Used to play with him years back, although he was a fly half then - hell of a sidestep on him.

I don't think he's doing either, gcBlues.

pioden gorllewin wrote:Martyn Thomas is out of contract with Gloucester this summer, would you consider having him back?

I agree with Youngguns6 probably a centre is needed. Shame the board pulled the plug on the NZ centre & SA utility back.

Martyn Thomas returning to PYS would be a decent option with our lack of wings at the moment.

All the best to the players leaving the Dragons.
Really good news on the Dragons new training base at Ystrad Mynach! Should be moving in early next year & looks an excellent facility that should help with future recruitment.

It might stop people saying the Dragons are just Newport. Then again, knowing the usual suspects, it won't make any difference at all...

How has Martyn Thomas fared in Leicester? Has he had much game time/impact? Haven't heard his name bandied about so I'm guessing not?

Griff wrote:How has Martyn Thomas fared in Leicester? Has he had much game time/impact? Haven't heard his name bandied about so I'm guessing not?

You won't have as he plays for Gloucester

dragon999 wrote:

Griff wrote:How has Martyn Thomas fared in Leicester? Has he had much game time/impact? Haven't heard his name bandied about so I'm guessing not?

You won't have as he plays for Gloucester

Sorry! Back track a bit - meant Gloucester, just another '-cester'. Get confused between them all! Although my head still says Leicester when I think Martyn Thomas. Did he have a stint there another time?!

Anyway, a pointless little fact/observation for you - the 'cester bit in places like Leicester, Gloucester, Worcester, etc. are the same as in our Welsh places starting with Caer. They are all old fortress places (Caer meaning fort). Hence the castle on the Caerphilly kit/emblem. Also, that's why Edinburgh are Caeredin when you see them on S4C (got a castle), and if we played English teams from towns with castles/forts they would have their Welsh language translation too. So next time you see a 'cester or Caer, look out for the castle or fortress remains!

Griff wrote:

dragon999 wrote:

Griff wrote:How has Martyn Thomas fared in Leicester? Has he had much game time/impact? Haven't heard his name bandied about so I'm guessing not?

You won't have as he plays for Gloucester

Sorry! Back track a bit - meant Gloucester, just another '-cester'. Get confused between them all! Although my head still says Leicester when I think Martyn Thomas. Did he have a stint there another time?!

Anyway, a pointless little fact/observation for you - the 'cester bit in places like Leicester, Gloucester, Worcester, etc. are the same as in our Welsh places starting with Caer. They are all old fortress places (Caer meaning fort). Hence the castle on the Caerphilly kit/emblem. Also, that's why Edinburgh are Caeredin when you see them on S4C, and if we played English teams they would have their Welsh language translation too. So next time you see a 'cester or Caer, look out for the castle or fortress remains!

Not as far as i am aware Griff - came to Dragons via Scarlets
Thanks for the lesson,very imformative!

Not really big losses for the dragons, they still need a centre though, shame about tuilagi. Out of all the brothers dragons drew the short straw. If he learnt to catch and pass then maybe but releasing him was the best choice. Chavanga is too injury prone and I hope Simon doesn't look at him to sign, he is a good attacker very good actually but he just keeps getting injured. Would rather Martin Thomas returned. He has had a good run with Gloucester this year. Would like to see him back.

Martyn THomas was linked with Leicester before he signed for Glaws, people were wondering if he was being lined up to replace the supposedly retiring (at that time) Geordan Murphy due to the similarity between Martyn and Geordan's style of fullback play (attack first defend second).

Cheers SS. I knew there was a Leicester link somewhere!

From Scarletfever forum it's being mentioned that Nigel Davies might loan WQ (through grandparent) Gareth Evans to the Scarlets to gain 1st team experience.

Personally don't might a short term loan, but would prefer it would be someone with experience. developing a young player for another team for them to benefit from, i don't really see the point. i'd rather save the wages and take a "punt" on an 8 in the premiership, or just promote Sion Bennett early.

Really pioden.
If this is true i cant see the logic behind it. We already hav Rob right and all we need is a big 8 signing who will be around for a few years.
We don't need 3 number 8's in our team which would mean Gavin, Rob and a big signing.
I mean pioden is spot on why don't we just bring up sion bennett or bring in Dan baker. We shoudnt' be developing a player for another team when we already have people in Wales.
I have never seen the kid play so i can't judge his performance. But surly there are other better options.

Can someone please tell me if they know whether Rhys Gill is out of contract this season with the saracens.
I thought he was but no news on it yet. Or is it just me

Martyn Thomas has mot really set the world alight at Glaws and he hasn't been offered a new contract yet. He's had some great moments, but also had some howlers. Hopefully Olly Morgan returns to fitness so we won't need Thomas anymore.

Gareth Evans is at home across the backrow but focuses on 8. He's not a crash ball merchant but instead is a fast running 8. He scored 5 tries in one game for Hartpury this year and he has real potential. He'd certainly provide some good options.

HongKongCherry wrote:Martyn Thomas has mot really set the world alight at Glaws and he hasn't been offered a new contract yet. He's had some great moments, but also had some howlers. Hopefully Olly Morgan returns to fitness so we won't need Thomas anymore.

Gareth Evans is at home across the backrow but focuses on 8. He's not a crash ball merchant but instead is a fast running 8. He scored 5 tries in one game for Hartpury this year and he has real potential. He'd certainly provide some good options.

Ok thanks, we don't need a fast running 8 though. We will have shingler at 6 and Barcaly at 7 so we have all the pace we need in the back row, we need a big lumper who can get us over that gain line. You can keep him.
HUH so the fight for a number 8 must continue I hope.

You're welcome

I always thought the Scarlets were well covered across the back-row. I don't see the need to bring in another one,unless he's like Xavier Rush. What's happening with Craig Price?

The Saint wrote:I always thought the Scarlets were well covered across the back-row. I don't see the need to bring in another one,unless he's like Xavier Rush. What's happening with Craig Price?

As far as I know, Craig Price is staying with the Scarlets for next season.

Why Scarlets aren't chasing Sisa Koyamaibole? he plays currently with Libourne in the 3rd or 4th French division. Surely he deserves better than that.

He is a very big bruising 8 like Fonua and Williams, exactly what the Scarlets needs. Plus i'm sure he would be kind to find a team with fellow Fijian internationnal Deacon Manu.

VinceWLB wrote:Why Scarlets aren't chasing Sisa Koyamaibole? he plays currently with Libourne in the 3rd or 4th French division. Surely he deserves better than that.

He is a very big bruising 8 like Fonua and Williams, exactly what the Scarlets needs. Plus i'm sure he would be kind to find a team with fellow Fijian internationnal Deacon Manu.

koyamaibole is a good shout - didn't really impress me when he was at sale sharks. but still would be a good "punt" especially as craig price is the only recognised 8 at the club at the moment.

not new signings as such, but here is a list of players that have been promoted to the Scarlets senior Squad:

Gareth Thomas (LH)

Carwyn Jones (SR)

Dion Jones (FB)

Sion Bennett (8)

Lewis Rawlins (BR)

Glad to see Dion Jones and Sion Bennett have been added both are players that could get a decent amount of game time next year.

They all look like promising players from what I've seen. What's happened to prop forward Rob Evans? He was the one that partnered Samson Lee.

'Partnered' him? I had my suspicions, based on Samson's new haircut.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:'Partnered' him? I had my suspicions, based on Samson's new haircut.

I usually say I would love to see you say that to his face, but to be honest I don't want Samson getting banned for murder.

So where is Rob Evans SS? Does a Scarlet fan not know?

I'm surprised he's kept his strength after having his hair cut.

Blues rumoured to be in for a centre and tight head prop.

Then again, saying that we'll probably get a flanker

gcBlues wrote:Blues rumoured to be in for a centre and tight head prop.

Then again, saying that we'll probably get a flanker

Any names mentioned?

Saint: Rob is still with us, and trained against the Lions last week at the Vale. Will got a few promising LH's coming through with Rob Evans, Rhodri Jones & Gareth Thomas.