Transfers 2014/2015 Season

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)

Unlikely rumours of POC to London Irish.

dragon999 wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:Dragon999
who dan evans?

  Correct - going to destination unknown at this time - Iuean - Blues

I would love the Scarlets to do their best to pick up these two. Especially was at the moment we are screaming out for a number 8, and a backup/alternative fullback for Sanjay.

That said looking at the clear out the blues are having in the backrow I think Jones will most likely end up there, and Dan Evs will most likely head there too, he can be fullback 50% of the season, and fly half 50% (when Patchell is missing).

Iuean is going to the Blues

Confirmed ? Big mistake

On his part - definately! The lure of bright lights & filthy lucre is too much for the valley boy!!

http://www.espn.co.uk/wales/rugby/story/210885.html

Henson to the dragons?

Perhaps hoping for garlands law to be enforced leaving him as the only welsh qualified player left in the pro12.

George Carlin wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:Ryan Lamb to Worcester. Tigers rumoured to not be keen on Priestland following discussions with his representatives. Wasps and Glaws are his likely destinations now.

Johnny Beattie on a three year deal is rumoured to be all but agreed, so it looks like he'll be at Tigers next season.

Beattie is a good signing. He is coming back into the sort of form that made him one of the best in the NH in 2009/2010 before his shoulder reconstruction. Smart footballer, soft hands, likes a carry and a great linkman.

Beattie confirmed as signing a three year deal - at Castres.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

dragon999 wrote:

Jhamer25 wrote:Dragon999
who dan evans?

  Correct - going to destination unknown at this time - Iuean - Blues

I would love the Scarlets to do their best to pick up these two.  Especially was at the moment we are screaming out for a number 8, and a backup/alternative fullback for Sanjay.

That said looking at the clear out the blues are having in the backrow I think Jones will most likely end up there, and Dan Evs will most likely head there too, he can be fullback 50% of the season, and fly half 50% (when Patchell is missing).

Very true but i think Dan Baker would be more matched to our requirements. I'm not being picky though, i would have Scott Quinell back if he was willing. Seems to be done with Cardiff though which is a great signing for them, welsh rugby and himself.
Would love Dan Evans though, would be great when Liam is away and when he is on form Liam could happily slip on the wing with Dan at fullback.
What ever happened to that giant spanish/welsh kid who was being chased by nearly everyone in europe?

Gloucester confirmed that Burns is off at end of season, I guess we can all read that he is off to Tigers

Adds weight to the Priestland to Gloucester rumour

Priestland has already stated he's staying in Wales.

Tigers are being linked with a more experienced 10 from Grenoble with rumours over then doubting Burns ability to control a game. There's an outlandish rumour that they are going to look to bring Ford back after his contract expires next summer, which is as I say, outlandish.

Seems a touch up in the air, Burns still seems most likely to me though.

Gloucester have confirmed burns is going so it looks to be a done deal doesn't it.

demosthenes wrote:

George Carlin wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:Ryan Lamb to Worcester. Tigers rumoured to not be keen on Priestland following discussions with his representatives. Wasps and Glaws are his likely destinations now.

Johnny Beattie on a three year deal is rumoured to be all but agreed, so it looks like he'll be at Tigers next season.

Beattie is a good signing. He is coming back into the sort of form that made him one of the best in the NH in 2009/2010 before his shoulder reconstruction. Smart footballer, soft hands, likes a carry and a great linkman.

Beattie confirmed as signing a three year deal - at Castres.

Yes, saw that. Montpellier have signed Brumbies captain Ben Mowen to replace him. £425k a year for Mowen - sweet.

Not sure Beattie would have been a normal Tigers style 8...

Im sure they'll have someone lined up.

Burns is annoying me alot. Much is being placed on his bad form that he's distracted by contracts / uncertainty etc.
Now I accept things will affect you, but to affect him this much seems pretty weak minded if you ask me....shouldnt he just be getting on and letting his rugby do the talking.
Once you go out on the pitch theres only one focus....and if he's not able to do that, then i think theres a problem...

I see Burns has had his head turned once again!

Spreads his legs more than McShingler that boy

GeordieFalcon wrote:Not sure Beattie would have been a normal Tigers style 8...

Im sure they'll have someone lined up.

Burns is annoying me alot. Much is being placed on his bad form that he's distracted by contracts / uncertainty etc.
Now I accept things will affect you, but to affect him this much seems pretty weak minded if you ask me....shouldnt he just be getting on and letting his rugby do the talking.
Once you go out on the pitch theres only one focus....and if he's not able to do that, then i think theres a problem...

Not to mention i am sure he pays an agent a nice little figure to sort all this out on his behalf.

Absolutely GC.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Priestland has already stated he's staying in Wales.

Tigers are being linked with a more experienced 10 from Grenoble with rumours over then doubting Burns ability to control a game. There's an outlandish rumour that they are going to look to bring Ford back after his contract expires next summer, which is as I say, outlandish.

Seems a touch up in the air, Burns still seems most likely to me though.

Think that rumour about ford started by someone who was bored.

apparently on Shedweb, Goosen was close to signing with Glous but has been denied a work permit. Shedweb isn't the most reliable of places.

  Also apparently Lamb will be off. So maybe Stewart is viewed as a replacement for him.

Is Freddies younger brother a FH at GLos? Whats he like...is he as good...is he ready to take the shirt? If he is do Glos need another 10?

If hes not ready then Glos may find it difficult. Theyve spent a big chunk on their front row captures, and it wont be cheap to find a quality FH.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Is Freddies younger brother a FH at GLos? Whats he like...is he as good...is he ready to take the shirt? If he is do Glos need another 10?

If hes not ready then Glos may find it difficult. Theyve spent a big chunk on their front row captures, and it wont be cheap to find a quality FH.

 Billy burns looks realy good from what I have seen and heard, apparently better potential than Freddie, but he is rumoured to be off to irish.

Welly wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:Is Freddies younger brother a FH at GLos? Whats he like...is he as good...is he ready to take the shirt? If he is do Glos need another 10?

If hes not ready then Glos may find it difficult. Theyve spent a big chunk on their front row captures, and it wont be cheap to find a quality FH.

 Billy burns looks realy good from what I have seen and heard, apparently better potential than Freddie, but he is rumoured to be off to irish.

If that is the case then you have to wonder if the relationship between the Burns and the management at Gloucs has broken down.

Why does Goosen need a work permit? I thought because he's covered on the kolpak agreement he was effectively EU and didn't need one

Bathite wrote:Why does Goosen need a work permit? I thought because he's covered on the kolpak agreement he was effectively EU and didn't need one

 I don't know just going off Glous supporters hear say.

lostinwales wrote:

Welly wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:Is Freddies younger brother a FH at GLos? Whats he like...is he as good...is he ready to take the shirt? If he is do Glos need another 10?

If hes not ready then Glos may find it difficult. Theyve spent a big chunk on their front row captures, and it wont be cheap to find a quality FH.

 Billy burns looks realy good from what I have seen and heard, apparently better potential than Freddie, but he is rumoured to be off to irish.

If that is the case then you have to wonder if the relationship between the Burns and the management at Gloucs has broken down.

Very curious...it might suggest an issue...

You'd have thought with Freddie off Billy would look to nail that 10 spot for himself...and if he is as good as Freddie...then Glos have a ready made replacement and no need to fork out a load of money...

Seeing as 'old man' Byrne is going to NGD, Dan Evans is jumping ship to Ospreylia.

Wonder if Dan Evans gets that call-up now he's leaving Dragons.

Scrumpy wrote:I see Burns has had his head turned once again!

Is this karma giving us our just reward?!!

Bathite wrote:Why does Goosen need a work permit? I thought because he's covered on the kolpak agreement he was effectively EU and didn't need one

That's exactly what I thought too. The work permit issue was published in The Rugby Paper at the weekend, but there was no mention of the work agreement in place.

I'd take Goosen or Matt Morgan as replacement in a heartbeat.

The Saint wrote:Wonder if Dan Evans gets that call-up now he's leaving Dragons.

Does that signal the end for Richard Fussel and/or Matthew Morgan then? I can't see the Ospreys wanting to keep Dan Evs, Fussel, Morgan and Sam Davies on their books to cover fullback, and Biggar, Dan Evs, Morgan and Sam Davies to over fly talk too. Seeing as Sam Davies seems to be getting a fair bit of game time, I would assume it is either Fussel or Morgan that will start looking elsewhere.

Fussell is still a fairly decent winger

fussell will become back 3 cover.
Morgan/Davies are the upcoming talent at 10 behind Biggar who will be away a fair bit with team wales (all covering 15 when needed).

I'd be surprised if they got rid of any....

Comfort wrote:fussell will become back 3 cover.
Morgan/Davies are the upcoming talent at 10 behind Biggar who will be away a fair bit with team wales (all covering 15 when needed).

I'd be surprised if they got rid of any....

Squad size and cost.

Billy Burns to Irish (rumour only)

I can see Tandy swapping MM and Davies around between the 10 & 15 positions during the 6N. Fear being MM will be the one leave in the summer...

SS. I imagine Morgan will be on his way in the next year or 2 to look for more first team gametime anyway, assuming Davies will be ready to take the mantle as backup by the time he does go, thats why I think they'll all stay this year.

Squad size and cost wont be an issue, they've confirmed a few out already and there's a few big names to follow if the rumours are to be believed....

Morgan has already been linked with Saints and Tigers, a move to Glaws would be more probable given his skillset and Glaws proximity to his family in Wales. Goosen is a bit of a sick note, would be a gamble to go for him.

On another forum Bowden has been linked to Bath as a replacement for Henson.

Allen has got a new three year contract at Tigers. Which probably strengthens the Bowden rumour.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/ospreys-set-sign-newport-gwent-6505528

formerly known as Sam wrote:Morgan has already been linked with Saints and Tigers, a move to Glaws would be more probable given his skillset and Glaws proximity to his family in Wales. Goosen is a bit of a sick note, would be a gamble to go for him.

On another forum Bowden has been linked to Bath as a replacement for Henson.

Allen has got a new three year contract at Tigers. Which probably strengthens the Bowden rumour.

they do like ex tigers.

Tigers player out of contract in shock Bath rumour!

I'd laugh if Dan did a Sam Lewis back to the Ospreys. I know he won't, but it would be fairly funny.

Lamb would be a better fit at Bath

Welly wrote:Lamb would be a better fit at Bath

Most certainly, couldn't agree more!!!   

looks like the SOB and Heaslip deals done. I think most Leinster fans have accepted that they are gone.

http://www.laprovence.com/actu/sports-en-direct/2706199/rugby-rct-accord-imminent-avec-heaslip-et-obrien.html

Gaskell and Thomas confirmed as leaving.

With Perenise gone, guess that confirms we've got Thomas and Diamond says that Gaskell is heading to London, so that adds weight to his Wasps rumour?

LeinsterFan4life wrote:looks like the SOB and Heaslip deals done. I think most Leinster fans have accepted that they are gone.

http://www.laprovence.com/actu/sports-en-direct/2706199/rugby-rct-accord-imminent-avec-heaslip-et-obrien.html

Toulon signing both players?? Selfish!

Welly wrote:Lamb would be a better fit at Bath ;)

Why??? Think he's an awful player, can't believe how many teams have given him a contract. Rumour is that we've met his representatives though, ugh.

Bathite wrote:
Why??? Think he's an awful player, can't believe how many teams have given him a contract. Rumour is that we've met his representatives though, ugh.

 Yeh I saw a tweet on one of your forums saying that you are in talks with him.

Laidlaw to Bath in a swap for McHeathcote????

Covers both 9 and 10 and would fit in well imo.

Cap may be the biggest issue for them with that deal.

 it the same with they rumoured deal with Wyn jones. can bath afford to have both Ford and Laidlaw away for internationals, with the amount of cap needed.

 Glous would be more likely than Laidlaw imho.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:looks like the SOB and Heaslip deals done. I think most Leinster fans have accepted that they are gone.

http://www.laprovence.com/actu/sports-en-direct/2706199/rugby-rct-accord-imminent-avec-heaslip-et-obrien.html

We've been hearing about this for months. We hear it with every Irish player these days. I'll believe it when I see it.