The rumour mill

by nathan Fri 08 Mar 2013, 10:57 am

First topic message reminder :

ScarletSpiderman wrote:
pioden gorllewin wrote:Leicester Mercury reporter Martin Crowson stating in todays paper that Tigers are after Owen Williams as stand off for next season. Gutted if true, thought he'd push priestland for the starting spot for next season.

The Scarlets are going to have to pull out of the LV= Cup from now on as it is getting to be a bit of a joke now, we have a kid play well for us in it, and then before the season even finishes they get poached by the Jeff side that they helped beat.

That said I wonder how much game time Owen would have got at PYS next season, as we have Priestland as exepected first choice, and then Jordan Williams, Gareth Owen and now Steve Shingler to cover (plus Aled Thomas, if he stays, and Dan Newton too).

How many times has it happened now?

by Artful_Dodger Sat 20 Apr 2013, 3:01 pm

Ozzy3213 wrote:Full list of those leaving London Irish is as follows....

Scott Lawson, Max Lahiff, Jonathan Joseph, Jamie Gibson, Anthony Watson, Steve Shingler, Dave Sisi, Conor Gaston, Jack Moates, Alex Gray, Alex Corbisero, Matt Garvey, Jerry Yanuyanutawa

Although it looks a long list, the reality is that only Garvey and Lahiff were first choice players this season (notwithstanding that Corbs would have been had he been fit). Those three are the only ones I am genuinely concerned about losing. Lawson is not a great player, JJ's heart hasn't looked in it for a while, Gibson has failed to kick on, Yanuyanutawa is not really good enough in the set piece at AP level and the others are kids with potential but nothing more.

I genuinely think we will be a better side next year. We've picked up a few Championship lads, but I have no problem with that, as they will come with a point to prove. Hopefully they can become a tight knit unit rather than a just collection of decent players, something that has served Exeter Chiefs well. I don't expect us to trouble the top 6 next season, but I don't think we'll be in the relegation scrap. I can see us finishing somewhere between 6th and 10th.

Do you know where Conor Gaston is going?

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 20 Apr 2013, 3:07 pm

No. Him, Sisi and Watson are the ones I don't know where they are going, although I suspect it's Sisi to Bath and Watson to either Bath or Tigers.

by formerly known as Sam Sat 20 Apr 2013, 3:19 pm

What's the LI squad looking like for next season then?

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 20 Apr 2013, 3:32 pm

Hookers
Paice, Mayhew, Stevens, Ellis

Props
Harris, Parr, Smallbone, Aulika, Halavatau, Hagan, Palframan

Locks
Skivington, Evans, Sandford, Low, Rouse, Ramshaw

Back Row
Danaher, Fisher, Treviranus, Sinclair, Hala'ufia, Cowan

Scrum Half
O'Leary, Phibbs, Allinson

Outside Half
Humphreys, Geraghty, Dorrian

Centres
Ansbro, Sa, Armitage, Sheridan, Fowlie, Peters

Back Three
Ojo, Tagicakibau, Yarde, Fenby, Lewington, Homer, Mulchrone

New Signings
Academy Players

I'd like to see us add a top loosehead, top blindside and another decent lock to that squad.

by Sgt_Pooly Sat 20 Apr 2013, 4:09 pm

That looks like a bottom 2 squad Ozzy

by formerly known as Sam Sat 20 Apr 2013, 4:12 pm

I think a couple of backrowers are needed there Ozzy. It's not a squad that inspires much fear but as you say if they can gel as a team.

by Guest Sat 20 Apr 2013, 4:15 pm

Sisi and Watson to Bath is supposedly a done deal.

If we can fix the defence over the off season, and players like Tom Homer can stay fit I think (and hope!) we'll be better next season. Its not a squad full of star names, but its pretty solid in my opinion.

by **Ozzy3213** Sat 20 Apr 2013, 4:25 pm

I think that's what it's going to be about Sam, playing as a team rather than individuals.

15. Homer/Lewington
14. Yarde
13. Armitage
12. Sa
11. Tagicakibau
10. Humphreys/Geraghty
9. O'Leary/Phibbs

is a good enough backline to take on most AP sides. What will make or break us is how the pack shapes up.

1. ???
2. Paice/Mayhew
3. Aulika
4. Skivington
5. Evans
6. ???
7. Treviranus
8. Hala'ufia

As I say, we need a loosehead and a blindside and then I would be more than happy with our first choice side. As ever, depth will be the issue, and we will all be praying for better luck with injuries than we had last season. If we can keep most of our better players fit and in form, then I stand by my prediction of a 6th to 10th finish. If not, then we will be in there with Falcons and Worcester fighting to stay up.

by pioden gorllewin Sun 21 Apr 2013, 12:45 pm

Not sure if it's already been mentioned but has Saints Martin Roberts signed for Bath?

by Guest Mon 22 Apr 2013, 9:13 am

Gavin Henson to Bath according to the Times:

http://www.espnscrum.com/premiership-2012-13/rugby/story/181058.html

by stnick88 Mon 22 Apr 2013, 9:50 am

Lawson confirmed to Falcons. Decent player round the park and good darts but a bit too small and can struggle in the scrum.

by Sgt_Pooly Mon 22 Apr 2013, 10:22 am

We've signed 2 more today too, Phil Godman & Fraser McKenzie

by stnick88 Mon 22 Apr 2013, 10:25 am

Steve should know about McKenzie. has he played much this season?

by formerly known as Sam Mon 22 Apr 2013, 10:29 am

Sisi and Watson to Bath is supposedly a done deal.

Mawhis someone was telling me Watson was definitely at Tigers next season only a week ago. Wish he'd make his mind up.

Henson to Bath is an interesting call. Ford to go from second to third choice? Maybe Henson will play 12 to help bring Bath's fire power out wide into the game.

by Guest Mon 22 Apr 2013, 10:39 am

formerly known as Sam wrote:
Sisi and Watson to Bath is supposedly a done deal.

Mawhis someone was telling me Watson was definitely at Tigers next season only a week ago. Wish he'd make his mind up.

Henson to Bath is an interesting call. Ford to go from second to third choice? Maybe Henson will play 12 to help bring Bath's fire power out wide into the game.

strange -I've the word from Bath is that Watson is definitely going there, but now that you mention it, I had been told that people in the know within LI thought he was leicester bound. Time will tell I guess.

by beshocked Mon 22 Apr 2013, 10:43 am

Any bets on how long Henson will last at Bath?

by bluestonevedder Mon 22 Apr 2013, 10:45 am

Rumours of a two year contract. But, personally, I reckon he will start a grand total of 5 games, and make 6 appearances off the bench. Scoring no tries, but kicking 17 penalties, 11 conversions, and scoring 1 drop goal.

by bluestonevedder Mon 22 Apr 2013, 10:46 am

Oh, and pick up 1 ban. For purposefully dripping spray-on tan into the eyes of another player.

by Bathite Mon 22 Apr 2013, 10:50 am

Henson to Bath has been a rumour pretty much consistently since he left the Ospreys. I think it would be a terrible idea, but given our situation, it's probably the most likely time it could happen

by wales606 Mon 22 Apr 2013, 12:37 pm

Sounds like Michael Paterson is going to Sale

by Heaf Mon 22 Apr 2013, 12:51 pm

bluestonevedder wrote:Rumours of a two year contract. But, personally, I reckon he will start a grand total of 5 games, and make 6 appearances off the bench. Scoring no tries, but kicking 17 penalties, 11 conversions, and scoring 1 drop goal.

Could you be a bit more precise with your predictions please Smile

by formerly known as Sam Mon 22 Apr 2013, 8:59 pm

T R Thomas heads to Dragons from Wasps due to family commitments (his family had stayed in Wales and regular visits were not enough).

Over in France Benjamin Boyet has been replaced by Stephan Brett at Bayonne whilst French back three legend Cedric Heymans is set to retire.

by yappysnap Mon 22 Apr 2013, 9:54 pm

Henson to Bath is apparently a done deal, Gold see's him as a 12 who can def not help a certain young fly half who's def not on his way from Tigers Wink

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Mon 22 Apr 2013, 9:54 pm

Neil Clarke leaves Chiefs to join his old mucker Chad Slade at newly promoted Oyonnax

Chief

by formerly known as Sam Mon 22 Apr 2013, 10:12 pm

Henson to kick the points and let Ford just run the show. Good idea in theory. Feel sorry for Heathcote though.

by yappysnap Mon 22 Apr 2013, 10:16 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:Henson to kick the points and let Ford just run the show. Good idea in theory. Feel sorry for Heathcote though.

Ssshhhh we're not meant to know that Ford is going to Bath, he could be going anywhere... honest

by tigerleghorn Mon 22 Apr 2013, 10:32 pm

yappysnap wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:Henson to kick the points and let Ford just run the show. Good idea in theory. Feel sorry for Heathcote though.

Ssshhhh we're not meant to know that Ford is going to Bath, he could be going anywhere... honest

Why's that then? It's not as if there's been an alleged illegal approach for the player is it? Whistle

by Bathite Tue 23 Apr 2013, 8:15 am

formerly known as Sam wrote:Henson to kick the points and let Ford just run the show. Good idea in theory. Feel sorry for Heathcote though.

Who is to say that Ford will start ahead of Heathcote? Think it's very much up for grabs, both have been in pretty mixed form

by formerly known as Sam Tue 23 Apr 2013, 8:45 am

Heathcote has spent two seasons behind Donald, someone doesn't rate him and now they've made promises of game time to one of the coaches sons as well as signing a 12 who has the specific talents to make coaches son a success. Henson also adds more competition at 10. Heathcote can't seem to catch a break.

by Sgt_Pooly Tue 23 Apr 2013, 9:00 am

Not NH but Digby Ioane is off:

http://www.rugbyweek.com/news/article.asp?id=38738

by Bathite Tue 23 Apr 2013, 9:03 am

formerly known as Sam wrote:Heathcote has spent two seasons behind Donald, someone doesn't rate him and now they've made promises of game time to one of the coaches sons as well as signing a 12 who has the specific talents to make coaches son a success. Henson also adds more competition at 10. Heathcote can't seem to catch a break.

Heathcote is a youngster, he's got talent, but his faults as well, that's why people 'don't rate him'. He's not an automatic first choice. He's good, but not good enough yet, that's why we've signed other 10s. Heathcote has had a few chances since Christmas, but didn't take them. He's had breaks, just not taken them, in fact his best chance for gametime was around the time he decided to become Scottish and then he missed a few weeks

by beshocked Tue 23 Apr 2013, 9:14 am

formerly known as Sam wrote:Heathcote has spent two seasons behind Donald, someone doesn't rate him and now they've made promises of game time to one of the coaches sons as well as signing a 12 who has the specific talents to make coaches son a success. Henson also adds more competition at 10. Heathcote can't seem to catch a break.

Perhaps maybe Bath aren't happy that Heathcote declared for Scotland as an attempt to get international recognition. Bathite mentions Heathcote missing games because of Scottish commitments. You think that would please the Bath management? Bath have turned Heathcote into the player he is and that's how he repays his club?

Heathcote should go to Scotland because that's where he has decided his allegiances lie. I personally have no sympathy for his current predicament because in my opinion he brought it on himself. In my opinion Heathcote has let Bath down. It's not surprising Bath are looking to move on from him if they can.

by Sgt_Pooly Tue 23 Apr 2013, 9:17 am

Heathcote was born in Scotland Beshocked

by formerly known as Sam Tue 23 Apr 2013, 9:19 am

To be honest I'd have him over Donald now. Donald has just as many faults and weaknesses but won't be at the Rec next season. Donald is a major factor (well in my eyes) as to why the Bath backs don't fire as much as they should.

Digby off to either Japan or France then. Saints must be kicking themselves, wait a month and get a top class winger without the big buy out fee. Ioane is a really classy player, Leinster might be an option depending on their NIQ numbers.

Sgt I think Beshocked might be over egging it a bit but I can't imagine that Bath wanted or expected their flourishing young 10 to be gaining international recognition that early. It may have not been a popular move with Bath prefering to keep hold of him for longer.

by **LondonTiger** Tue 23 Apr 2013, 9:23 am

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Heathcote was born in Scotland Beshocked

Thus he qualifies, but does it make him Scottish? Pointless debate anyway Very Happy

by wales606 Tue 23 Apr 2013, 9:28 am

Ioane and Mitchell both leaving Aus! Interesting...

by lostinwales Tue 23 Apr 2013, 9:38 am

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Heathcote was born in Scotland Beshocked

'Heathcote was born in Inverness whilst his father Gareth, a Nimrod pilot, was stationed at RAF Kinloss (wiki)' i.e. he qualifies for Scotland and has every right to choose to play for them, but he is not exactly Scottish

by beshocked Tue 23 Apr 2013, 9:40 am

Sgt Pooly quite a few Welsh players were born in England.

Does that mean they should have come to play for us?

Should the likes of Lydiate,Cuthbert and North be wearing the red rose?

Exactly Sam. Of course as a Leicester fan you'll remember the Waldrom granny conundrum. I bet the Leicester management weren't pleased about that.

lostinwales sure he obviously qualifies for Scotland but I can understand why Bath would be annoyed. Heathcote's value goes down. He's no longer an English qualified player, he'll likely be away with Scotland. It's basically two fingers up at the Bath academy and England. I will play for Bath and England U20s but I want to represent Scotland for the easy cap.

by pioden gorllewin Tue 23 Apr 2013, 9:55 am

Tavis Confirmed move to Glaws:

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Tavis-Knoyle-leaving-Scarlets-Gloucester/story-18778167-detail/story.html#axzz2RH6NFkum

by beshocked Tue 23 Apr 2013, 9:57 am

At least Tango man there is little danger of him being called up for Wales so if he does stay fit and show good form he'll be available to Bath all season.

Same with Ford. Ford is unlikely to feature for England relatively soon with Farrell,Flood and Burns ahead of him currently. Having players available for selection all season is great for a club.

by Sgt_Pooly Tue 23 Apr 2013, 10:03 am

If you're born in a country you hold some affiliation with it.

No issue with Hearhcote at all, or the Welsh/English lads

by beshocked Tue 23 Apr 2013, 10:08 am

Sgt Pooly I am talking about from the club's perspective.

A player who came through your academy declares for another country. As he declares for another country he is no longer available for selection all season. If Heathcote stayed English qualified he would have more support from his club in my opinion.

Why should Bath fill obligated to help Heathcote if Heathcote doesn't help Bath?

It is obvious - a player is no longer as valuable if he doesn't play as many games.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 23 Apr 2013, 11:07 am

Following Waldrom's granny passport find Cockerill told reporters he'd halved his value.

Tacos Knoyle going to Glaws is interesting with Cowan the marquee player and young Dan Robson impressing big style this season. Knoyle happy to be third choice?

by dragon999 Tue 23 Apr 2013, 12:37 pm

Tacos Knoyle!!! - love it Very Happy

by jeffwinger Tue 23 Apr 2013, 3:44 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:Tacos Knoyle going to Glaws is interesting with Cowan the marquee player and young Dan Robson impressing big style this season. Knoyle happy to be third choice?

Good chance for rotation. Cowan is likely to only be around for 1 more year, perhaps 2 or 3 at a push if it goes well next year, and in Robson and Tnoyle there are now 2 very young, very talented players to fight for the shirt long term. Both will benefit from having the World Cup winner around and both will get significant game time as Nigel Davies is a great proponent of squad rotation. Also I'd expect Gloucester to contribute a few more internationals over coming years which will stretch the squad. Robson can cover 10 very well if needs by, and after Burns the options at 10 are quite limited. Twelvetrees is a no no, played poorly there this season and moving him from 12 is a great loss. Mills filled in well for a few games but also considers himself more of a 12. Tim Taylor is still signed on I believe but he hasn't had much chance under Davies and is not really a premiership standard player.

Side note, I believe JSD is the marquee player, not Cowan.

by propdavid_london Tue 23 Apr 2013, 4:23 pm

John Golding of Falcons is retiring.
Ali Jacobson is retiring.

by Geordie Tue 23 Apr 2013, 4:43 pm

Yeah, that was a bit of a shock to us Falcons...30 is prime age for a prop.

But hey fair do's to him...been a great servant.

by formerly known as Sam Tue 23 Apr 2013, 4:59 pm

It says he's retiring to pursue business interests so fair does he has to look after himself and his family first. Golding is a decent loosehead though, have Falcons got a replacement?

by Fluxy Tue 23 Apr 2013, 5:32 pm

Grant Shiells will step in, he'll do well with the first team rugby. Although probably need some cover now for him

by formerly known as Sam Tue 23 Apr 2013, 7:52 pm

Dan Bowden training with the London Broncos for a few days. Reinforces the rumours he's off to play rugby league.

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