Transfers 2014/2015 Season

by Welshmushroom Thu 05 Dec 2013, 11:42 am

First topic message reminder :

Well silly season is almost upon us so thought I would keep tabs on the comings and goings. Will put the confirmed transfers, unconfirmed transfers (rumours) and out of contract players into various columns. Please post any news or rumours and I will keep the original post updated.

Confirmed
Jon Davies (Scarlets) to Clermont
Regan King (Clermont) to Scarlets
Ian Evans (Ospreys) to Toulon
John Afoa (Ulster) to Gloucester
Rory Kockott (Castres) to Toulon (reportedly trying to cancel deal to stay at Castres)
Richard Hibbard (Ospreys) to Gloucester
Mamuka Gorgodze (Montpellier) to Toulon
Sebastien Vahaamahina (Perpignan) to Clermont
Guilhem Guirado (Perpignan) to Toulon
Robin Copeland (Blues) to Munster
Armitev (Northampton) to Russia (unconfirmed club)
Qera (Gloucester) to Toulouse
Casey Laulala (Munster to France (Club unconfirmed but thought to be Racing Metro)
Tom Court (Ulster) to London Irish
Andre Pretorius (Blues) to Worcester
Zac Guildford (New Zealand) to Clermont
Sivivatu (Clermont) to Castres
Aled Brew (Biarritz) to Dragons
Lee Byrne (Clermont) to Dragons
Dwayne Peel (Sale) to Bristol
Thomas Waldrom (Leicester) to Exeter
Dan Evans (Dragons) to Ospreys
Ieuan Jones (Dragons) to Blues
Jean-Philippe Genevois (Biarritz) to Perpignan
Benoit Cabello (Clermont) to Perpignan
Sakiusa Matadigo (Racing) to Perpignan
Jonathan Wisniewski (Racing) to Grenoble
Leigh Halfpenny (Blues) to Toulon
Josh Turnbull (Scarlets) to Blues
Nick Abendanon (Bath) to Clermont
Anthony Perenise (Bath) to Bristol
Craig Mitchell (Exeter) to Blues
Hoani Tui (Exeter) to Lyon
Tavis Knoyle (Gloucester) to Blues
Marland Yarde (London Irish) to Harlequins
Neil Cochrane (Wasps) to Edinburgh
Henry Thomas (Sale) to Bath
Josh Matavesi (Worcester) to Ospreys
Nick Auterac (Saracens) to Bath
Boris Stankovich (Leicester) to Dragons
Bradley Davies (Blues) to London Wasps
Moray Low (Glasgow) to Exeter
Chris Cussiter (Glasgow) to Sale
Matt Stevens (Saracens) to Sharks
Sam Smith (Harlequins) to Worcester
James Gaskell (Sale) to Wasps

Unconfirmed
Martin Moore (Leinster) to France
Freddie Burns (Gloucester) to Leicester
Matthew Morgan (Ospreys) to Leicester/Northampton/Dragons
Toby Flood (Leicester) to Toulon/Toulouse
Niki Genova (Leicester) to Castres
Jim Hamilton (Montpellier) to Japan
Anthony Allen (Leicester) to Leinster
Lote Tuquiri (Leinster) to Connacht
Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier) to Castres
Brice Dulin (Castres) to Racing Metro
Antonie Claassen (Castres) to Racing Metro
Eion Griffin (Connacht) to London Irish
Gavin Henson (Bath) to Dragons

Out of Contract
Adam Jones (Ospreys)
Keith Earls (Munster)
Rob Hawkins (Leicester)
Louis Deacon (Leicester)
Daniel Bowden (Leicester)
Scott Hamilton (Leicester)

Retiring
Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster)
Andrew Sheridan (Toulon - unconfirmed)
Steve Borthwick (Saracens)
Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon) - might be playing on for another season.
Sebastien Bruno (Toulon)
George Chuter (Leicester) moving to Worcester coaching
Johann Muller (Ulster)
Mike Tindall (Gloucester - unconfirmed)
Ian Gough (London Irish - unconfirmed)
Will James (Gloucester)

by Feckless Rogue Mon 30 Dec 2013, 3:06 pm

Still rumours about Heaslip. He was in France last week. Since he's almost 30, and there's a very good young replacement in Jordi Murphy at Leinster, It wouldn't be a disaster if Heaslip left and the extra money was used by the IRFU to keep Sean O'Brien.

by HongKongCherry Mon 30 Dec 2013, 3:21 pm

Bathman_in_London wrote:
HongKongCherry wrote:Cockerill needs to sit on the naughty step after breaking the rules, or in his words cheating. Burns looks certain to leave; this transfer saga has affected his form enormously, so hopefully with his future secure he'll get back to playing like he should for his final few months here. It'll be interesting to see Tigers take on FB10 aka Brand Burns.

Glaws are being linked to Priestland, Brett, Wisniewski and Goosen. I'd rather keep Burns but there's some good players in that list.

I'd certainly be interested to hear from Cockers how this compares to Ford or Twelvetrees. I thought you weren't even allowed to talk to agents until January. Still, from an England point of view I hope it helps turn Burns into the fly half he has the potential to be, if he gets some form back he could be very good behind that tigers pack.

There's a long list of Glaws contract expiries HKC, do you think any of the other young English players will leave? Or will the departure of the likes of Cowan mean they can offer improved deals?

We've pretty much got everyone else tied up now. Officially we're still to announce Sharples, Stooke and Mills, but it sounds like only Mills is to be agreed. The main re-signing due is Sinbad. Apparently it was either him or Sharples, but with Sharples looking like he has signed, I sincerely hope he re-signs too; despite his age and injury track record he's still our best back by a distance.

by yappysnap Mon 30 Dec 2013, 3:57 pm

Davis comments on Tigers supposedly dodgy antics with Burns:

Gloucester's director of rugby Nigel Davies has called for the authorities to clamp down on the increasing practice of clubs tapping up players whose contracts are coming to an end.

Davies was speaking in the light of the seemingly inevitable move by Freddie Burns from Gloucester to Leicester. It has been widely reported the switch in the summer is a done deal even though Leicester are not allowed to make a direct approach to the player himself until Wednesday. Regulations prevent direct contact between clubs and players until January 1 in the year they come out of contract.

While not singling out Leicester, Davies said that while there were rules "there is reality [and] I think we all understand what actually happens. It's not just Freddie, it is across the board and I think it needs to be looked at. If these things are going on they have to be stopped, if that is what the rules are.'

Leicester admit having had talks with Burns' agents, which is allowed, and asked if deals could be done between clubs and agents without any involvement on the part of a player, Davies said: "I suppose it is possible behind closed doors."

I may be wrong but can't a club just go to the players agent, propose a contract and then have the agent take it to the player to be checked over? I don't see anything wrong with that.

by LeinsterFan4life Mon 30 Dec 2013, 4:21 pm

SOB must be kept in Ireland at all costs.

by GunsGerms Mon 30 Dec 2013, 4:38 pm

Really cant see him going to France at all. Id be surprised if SOB is motivated solely by money.

by Peter Seabiscuit Wheeler Mon 30 Dec 2013, 4:44 pm

yappysnap wrote:Davis comments on Tigers supposedly dodgy antics with Burns:

Gloucester's director of rugby Nigel Davies has called for the authorities to clamp down on the increasing practice of clubs tapping up players whose contracts are coming to an end.

Davies was speaking in the light of the seemingly inevitable move by Freddie Burns from Gloucester to Leicester. It has been widely reported the switch in the summer is a done deal even though Leicester are not allowed to make a direct approach to the player himself until Wednesday. Regulations prevent direct contact between clubs and players until January 1 in the year they come out of contract.

While not singling out Leicester, Davies said that while there were rules "there is reality [and] I think we all understand what actually happens. It's not just Freddie, it is across the board and I think it needs to be looked at. If these things are going on they have to be stopped, if that is what the rules are.'

Leicester admit having had talks with Burns' agents, which is allowed, and asked if deals could be done between clubs and agents without any involvement on the part of a player, Davies said: "I suppose it is possible behind closed doors."

I may be wrong but can't a club just go to the players agent, propose a contract and then have the agent take it to the player to be checked over? I don't see anything wrong with that.

It does make the rules regarding not contacting players directly rather pointless, as does discussing their contractual situation over a family dinner (cough).

The reality is though that theres always ways round this. Agents discussing with agents, communications via the press. Even more so in cases where the agents represent players at both clubs. Or where the dad happens to be the coach wanting to poach the player.
I dislike the transfer merry go round. The cap doesnt help this, nor does the presence of international rugby.

But this is the reality of professional rugby.

by formerly known as Sam Mon 30 Dec 2013, 7:21 pm

Agree with PSW. The agent speaks to the prospective club, sees a draft contract. Goes back to the player and tells him what's on offer. Player says yes, no or maybe and then does the official thing on 1st Jan when regulations allow. All part of the pro era. Can't see how you're going to change that, especially, when you can talk to player outside the AP whenever you like.

by TBJ9625 Mon 30 Dec 2013, 9:35 pm

Western fail reports that halfpenny has agreed to join Toulon next season

by formerly known as Sam Mon 30 Dec 2013, 9:49 pm

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/club/10543213/Freddie-Burns-to-start-football-style-transfer-merry-go-round-by-moving-from-Gloucester-to-Leicester.html

Some transfer news in there. Have also heard rumours that Castres have entered the race for Beattie and have also offered three years same as Tigers but with more cash. Makes the move to Tigers look significantly less settled.

by HammerofThunor Mon 30 Dec 2013, 10:57 pm

Wasps getting Launchbury and Gaskell in the second row with Wade and Yarde on the wings would be interesting.

by Bluedragon Tue 31 Dec 2013, 1:17 am

I heard of a well known agent earning 30K a year for the contract he negotiated for a player. can't name names as would breach a confidence. Nice work if you can get it eh ?

by thomh Tue 31 Dec 2013, 10:43 am

HammerofThunor wrote:Wasps getting Launchbury and Gaskell in the second row with Wade and Yarde on the wings would be interesting.

Can't see how Wasps could possibly be the best offer Yarde gets to be honest. I'd love him at Quins. A back thee of 11. Yarde 14. Walker 15. Brown is potentially ridiculous.

by little_badger Tue 31 Dec 2013, 1:08 pm

Thomh - Or the equally ridiculous 11. Yarde 14. Wade 15. Daly.

Potentially England back 3??

by funnyExiledScot Tue 31 Dec 2013, 1:16 pm

Bath would be another good destination for Yarde, combining with Walker at fullback and Joseph at 13.

by Driver Tue 31 Dec 2013, 1:17 pm

I hope Watson gets a chance for England at full back in the 6Ns.

by yappysnap Tue 31 Dec 2013, 3:56 pm

HammerofThunor wrote:Wasps getting Launchbury and Gaskell in the second row with Wade and Yarde on the wings would be interesting.

Gaskell is massively over rated

by welshboii15 Tue 31 Dec 2013, 4:09 pm

Heard small talk from a butty that John Yapp is close to signing for the Dragons

by Guest Tue 31 Dec 2013, 4:29 pm

That would make sense. We have a pretty good link with our Edinburgh feeder club Wink

by welshboii15 Tue 31 Dec 2013, 4:32 pm

He might not be the biggest scrummager in the world but he gets around the park and he's better than what they have plus he's experienced

by Guest Tue 31 Dec 2013, 4:34 pm

Nah it's good. Plus he's welsh, so good as well. Was wondering whether Irish would sign him permanently, as he's out of contract in the summer (I think).

by HongKongCherry Tue 31 Dec 2013, 4:38 pm

yappysnap wrote:
HammerofThunor wrote:Wasps getting Launchbury and Gaskell in the second row with Wade and Yarde on the wings would be interesting.

Gaskell is massively over rated

Totally agree. Myall is a far better lock. Gaskell is a 6 really and he needs a monster front 5 ahead of him to make up for his lack of grunt.

by welshboii15 Tue 31 Dec 2013, 4:39 pm

I personally think when they get the front row sorted the Dragons could challenge the top four the back line is a mixture of young and old and is really strong, second row is good with Hill, Combs and Screech well three isn't enough but its solid and young and back row is full lf talent and with Tobi under new contract things are on the up

by HongKongCherry Tue 31 Dec 2013, 4:40 pm

On another note, it sounds like Priestland to Wasps is a done deal.

by Taffineastbourne Wed 01 Jan 2014, 6:26 pm

Mike Tindall signed by Edinburgh.Not to play but to bolster the crowd.He brings a strong bridge game which could be useful if the Rugby is pants and the crowd wants some entertainment.

by dragon4life Wed 01 Jan 2014, 7:06 pm

Guilford to clermont and sam lewis to dragons

by SirBurger Wed 01 Jan 2014, 7:27 pm

Risca Rev wrote:Nah it's good. Plus he's welsh, so good as well. Was wondering whether Irish would sign him permanently, as he's out of contract in the summer (I think).

We have signed Tom Court for the loose head role so I doubt that we will be offering Yapp a contract. To be honest he has been pretty underwhelming and has fallen back behind Matt Parr in the pecking-order, which is probably not a ringing endorsement considering that Parr has been playing in the Championship for the past few seasons.

by Bluedragon Wed 01 Jan 2014, 7:31 pm

Should we add :
' All of current welsh team not currently playing in france to france' to the list ?

Sad

by Jhamer25 Wed 01 Jan 2014, 7:38 pm

Sam Lewis to the Ospreys is a great move, another young 7 with heaps of talent
Dragons recruitment has been really good the past few seasons
I don't think John Yapp would be the best signing though, if he is cheap and is only seen as a cover then ok. But he has never hit above his weight.
Rhys Gill should be their main target

by Guest Wed 01 Jan 2014, 10:13 pm

SirBurger wrote:
Risca Rev wrote:Nah it's good. Plus he's welsh, so good as well. Was wondering whether Irish would sign him permanently, as he's out of contract in the summer (I think).

We have signed Tom Court for the loose head role so I doubt that we will be offering Yapp a contract. To be honest he has been pretty underwhelming and has fallen back behind Matt Parr in the pecking-order, which is probably not a ringing endorsement considering that Parr has been playing in the Championship for the past few seasons.

Thanks Sir. He'll do a job for us over Dan Way etc though, I think.

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Thu 02 Jan 2014, 8:17 am

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Dean Mumm has signed on again with the Chiefs for another 2 years. Just waiting on this lot now, whose contracts are all up at the end of the season:

Tom Cowan-Dickie
Dave Ewers
Kai Horstmann
James Phillips
Jason Shoemark
Ceri Sweeney
Haydn Thomas
Hoani Tui
Romana Graham

TJ, Ewers and Welch rumoured to be nearly there

good news this morning that Damien Welch has extended his stay till 2016 and Tom Johnston till 2017. Rumours around Moray Low still abound, with Craig Mitchell possibly returning to Wales a year early

Chief

by wales606 Thu 02 Jan 2014, 11:15 am

Blues departures

Robin Copeland -> Munster
Halfpenny -> Toulon
Warburton -> Northampton
??? Luke Hamilton -> Scarlets
??? Pretorious -> ???

Signings

Craig Mitchell (chiefs)
Josh Turnball (sca)
Gareth Davies (sca)
??? Victor Vito
??? Lee Byrne (though Dragons are also interested)

by munkian Thu 02 Jan 2014, 11:29 am

Rhodri Jones to Dragons Run

by Geordie Thu 02 Jan 2014, 11:37 am

Word on the street here is that we about to sign Johan de Koch and Steve Bull....

Personally i think its just a koch and bull story Very Happy

by munkian Thu 02 Jan 2014, 11:40 am

by Geordie Thu 02 Jan 2014, 11:54 am

Sorry i know that was bad...but couldnt resist. Very Happy

by **George Carlin** Thu 02 Jan 2014, 12:38 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:Word on the street here is that we about to sign Johan de Koch and Steve Bull....

Personally i think its just a koch and bull story

by Jhamer25 Thu 02 Jan 2014, 3:11 pm

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:
AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Dean Mumm has signed on again with the Chiefs for another 2 years. Just waiting on this lot now, whose contracts are all up at the end of the season:

Tom Cowan-Dickie
Dave Ewers
Kai Horstmann
James Phillips
Jason Shoemark
Ceri Sweeney
Haydn Thomas
Hoani Tui
Romana Graham

TJ, Ewers and Welch rumoured to be nearly there

good news this morning that Damien Welch has extended his stay till 2016 and Tom Johnston till 2017. Rumours around Moray Low still abound, with Craig Mitchell possibly returning to Wales a year early

Why is Craig possibly leaving a year early?
Are a club looking to but him out of his contract, if he is being linked with the Blues that would be there best signing in years (if he can stay fit).
Or is it the Drags he is being linked to, seems like everyone is being linked with the Dragons; of they can attract half the people they are saying hten good on them.
Sam Lewis is first on the list

by dragon4life Thu 02 Jan 2014, 3:42 pm

Who will be on there way out of dragons? Sid and adam jones most likeley anyone else?

Also aled brew, lee byrne and craug mitchell coming in?

by munkian Thu 02 Jan 2014, 3:52 pm

dragon4life wrote:Who will be on there way out of dragons? Sid and adam jones most likeley anyone else?

Also aled brew, lee byrne and craug mitchell coming in?

Burton hopefully Erm

Sidoli and Adam Jones must be on their way out. Would love Charteris back to replace one of them

Byrne ? I dunno, we have 15s, would rather buy in a decent prop.

No word on Brew, just a fan fave

by **George Carlin** Thu 02 Jan 2014, 4:10 pm

Zac Guildford to Clermont confirmed by L'Equipe (and they aren't usually wrong), but only once he's played this Super rugby season for the Crusaders. Wonder if that will convince Lee Byrne to stay on for another year? He has apparently been signed as a direct replacement for Sivivatu who is off to Castres.

by Geordie Thu 02 Jan 2014, 4:54 pm

Damn i hoped we might have got Guildford with his links to our Head Coach Peter Russel...

by Bathite Thu 02 Jan 2014, 5:00 pm

What's the link?

by Welshmushroom Thu 02 Jan 2014, 6:41 pm

Confirmed today Pretorius is leaving the Blues for Worcester.

by Welshmushroom Thu 02 Jan 2014, 6:53 pm

dragon4life wrote:Guilford to clermont and sam lewis to dragons

Updated

by Jhamer25 Thu 02 Jan 2014, 6:59 pm

Oh Bluddy hell, Cardiff aren't going to have a back row at this rate
Wouldn't really matter is Copeland was staying but he's gone as well

by Welshmushroom Thu 02 Jan 2014, 7:02 pm

geoff998rugby wrote:Take Rory Best off your list he has just re-signed for Ulster for 2 years

Done

by Welshmushroom Thu 02 Jan 2014, 7:07 pm

HongKongCherry wrote:
Welshmushroom wrote:Any Gloucester fans shed some light on people out of contract. I'm assuming Tindall is on his way to retirment but with the signings they have made already they must have to axe a few off the payroll to afford them.

Here you are:

Out of contract:
Dawiduik - Re-signed
Edmonds
George
Harden
Knight - Re-signed
James
Lokotui
Stooke - Re-signed
Cox
Hazell
Qera - Left and gone to France
Cowan
Burns - Rumour is to Leicester
Bentley
Taylor
Mills
Tindall - Retiring?
Sharples - Re-signed
Simpson-Daniel - Re-signed
Thomas

just trying to figure out who on this list should still be going on the update - see notes above for Gloucester

by Welshmushroom Thu 02 Jan 2014, 7:12 pm

Jhamer25 wrote:Oh Bluddy hell, Cardiff aren't going to have a back row at this rate
Wouldn't really matter is Copeland was staying but he's gone as well

To be honest Pretorius was second rate. Copeland is a much bigger loss for them. I don't think Worcester have got that good of a 8 in him there.

To be honest for me watching this season Allen at the Ospreys has been excellent. If the Blues are looking for a dynamic option there, he would be my choice straight away. Blues look to be opting for Turnbull so I've no idea if they intend to play him at 8 and give Hamilton a season at 6. Looking a bit light though now so wouldn't be surprised to see another back row option coming in.

I've heard they have extensively searched New Zealand for players in the ITM cup. Rumour has it there could be as many as 6 or 7 guys heading over as project players similar to Pretorius. I don't think the intention is for these guys to actually represent Wales as the Blues will get shot of them before they get an option to represent Wales anyway.

by wales606 Thu 02 Jan 2014, 8:34 pm

Welshmushroom wrote:
Jhamer25 wrote:Oh Bluddy hell, Cardiff aren't going to have a back row at this rate
Wouldn't really matter is Copeland was staying but he's gone as well

To be honest Pretorius was second rate. Copeland is a much bigger loss for them. I don't think Worcester have got that good of a 8 in him there.

To be honest for me watching this season Allen at the Ospreys has been excellent. If the Blues are looking for a dynamic option there, he would be my choice straight away. Blues look to be opting for Turnbull so I've no idea if they intend to play him at 8 and give Hamilton a season at 6. Looking a bit light though now so wouldn't be surprised to see another back row option coming in.

I've heard they have extensively searched New Zealand for players in the ITM cup. Rumour has it there could be as many as 6 or 7 guys heading over as project players similar to Pretorius. I don't think the intention is for these guys to actually represent Wales as the Blues will get shot of them before they get an option to represent Wales anyway.

Hamilton is rumoured to be off too.

Wont be too bad if the VV rumours is true, and hasn't been scuppered by the financial uncertainty

by Jhamer25 Thu 02 Jan 2014, 8:52 pm

wales606 wrote:
Welshmushroom wrote:
Jhamer25 wrote:Oh Bluddy hell, Cardiff aren't going to have a back row at this rate
Wouldn't really matter is Copeland was staying but he's gone as well

To be honest Pretorius was second rate. Copeland is a much bigger loss for them. I don't think Worcester have got that good of a 8 in him there.

To be honest for me watching this season Allen at the Ospreys has been excellent. If the Blues are looking for a dynamic option there, he would be my choice straight away. Blues look to be opting for Turnbull so I've no idea if they intend to play him at 8 and give Hamilton a season at 6. Looking a bit light though now so wouldn't be surprised to see another back row option coming in.

I've heard they have extensively searched New Zealand for players in the ITM cup. Rumour has it there could be as many as 6 or 7 guys heading over as project players similar to Pretorius. I don't think the intention is for these guys to actually represent Wales as the Blues will get shot of them before they get an option to represent Wales anyway.

Hamilton is rumoured to be off too.

Wont be too bad if the VV rumours is true, and hasn't been scuppered by the financial uncertainty

Pretorius was great at one point and everyone was excited if he came WQ, but he hasn't been his best the past 2 seasons.
I heard someone said Luke Hamilton was being linked to us, surly that cant be true. I know we need an 8 but he is more of a flanker; it would be like signing another Mccusker/Turnball
I hope for Turnball's and the Blues sake that they don't see him as a replacement for a number 8, he is and always has been at his best at 6.
7 is very well covered at the Blues (if Sam stays), they haven't really got a blindside flanker at the moment with all the changes and out of positioned players they play at 6
They do need a flanker and 2 number 8's with both Copleand and now Pretorius leaving
If the \blues are looking for a welsh qualified number 8 then they dont need to look any further than Swansea rugby club. Dan Baker is being under used by the Ospreys who have riches at number 8. The Scarlets or Blues need to take a sweep for him, another junior welsh player who isn't getting game time and has buckets of potential.
It will be interesting to see at what level these 6/7 players are when they bring them to wales from new Zealand. Victor Vito would be great for them.

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