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)

yappysnap wrote:

Heaf wrote:Really disapointed Marland decided to leave to add to the long list of previous LI home-grown talent.  It is frustrating that other clubs with strong academies don't see fit to stick to their own, but this is business I suppose so probably unavoidable.  Maybe the new investment and training facilities will help for the future even though it wasn't enough to keep Marland.  

Yes this is business, every club has to deal with players leaving and guys like Yarde who are young and very skilled will always be looked at by the larger teams.

The best thing LI can do to stop losing players is stop sitting around the bottom of the Prem. Can you blame would be International players if they don't want to be in relegation battles every season and want to play in the HC or play offs?

No I can't blame the players but I doubt it's a LI strategy to 'sit around the bottom of the prem' - it's kind of difficult to get off the bottom though when you keep losing your best talent each year so it's a vicious circle.

yappysnap wrote:

yappysnap wrote:

Heaf wrote:Really disapointed Marland decided to leave to add to the long list of previous LI home-grown talent.  It is frustrating that other clubs with strong academies don't see fit to stick to their own, but this is business I suppose so probably unavoidable.  Maybe the new investment and training facilities will help for the future even though it wasn't enough to keep Marland.  

Yes this is business, every club has to deal with players leaving and guys like Yarde who are young and very skilled will always be looked at by the larger teams.

The best thing LI can do to stop losing players is stop sitting around the bottom of the Prem. Can you blame would be International players if they don't want to be in relegation battles every season and want to play in the HC or play offs?

Definitely it's a vicious circle isn't it? Could some of those also be leaving because of the coaches though? It seems like a big chunk of that list all left when Smith came in.

I still think you can't really blame the players though, they will want to play the best rugby they can and it's a short career.

I'm not sure how much was down to Smith as opposed to the players going with their old coaches to Bath - which accounted for the biggest bunch.

LI were happy to out bid Tigers and steal two players from our academy in Lewington and Stevens. Players are on the look out for what is best for them just as clubs are when viewing the player market. Clubs and players will make their decisions and move.

Tigers have had Ford and Twelvetrees pinched in recent seasons but have pinched the likes of Kitchener and Thompstone. It happens to every club.

Sam of course it does - just been a particularly bad/frustrating couple of years for LI as we've lost far far more than we've gained in the process

Note to OP:

Nick Abendanon has signed for Clermont for next season. It isn't official yet, but everyone knows he has signed for them.

So, Byrne replaced by Bendy and Sivivatu replaced by Guildford. I'd say that's two steps backwards for Clermont probably?

Also means that we are firmly in the market for a FB now. We only have Watson and Bendy this year and Watson has played plenty on the wing and may continue to do so. We've got Henson (out of contract this season) and Devoto (played badly at FB, but very impressive at 12, where his future clearly lies) Agulla (much less convincing than on the wing) that cover, but no real bona fide, experienced 15.

Anyone want to start the usual 'player to Bath' rumour for our new fb? Beshocked?

Some of the chat was that we were interested in Pennell, but he has just signed a long term deal (why he did that, I don't know? Maybe there's a relegation cause?)

I heard rumours of a Pennell loan deal, not sure what the source was for those though.

Yeah, that was kicking about on the bath forum. Would be a strange deal. I don't mind having players like Luke Watson and Julian Salvi quality coming in for a 1 year and then leaving, but am unsure whether it would be the right move for Bath and for Pennell to be honest. Surely he'd be better off cancelling his contract? He'd be able to get a gig with many prem teams I would have thought

Depends. How many AP teams need a starting fullback? Falcons and erm... Maybe LW if the come up. Not great options and would mean relocating. If Bath have their eyes on a signing who will be available post RWC this could work for them and for Pennell who will continue to play AP rugby without moving. Wuss should be good value for a quick return.

Fabien Barcella to one of Leicester, Sale or London Irish, with Leicester thought to be favourites.

Well Nick Abendanon is going to Clermont. Released from his contract early. Not surprising given Watson's good start but this is where the France thing comes a problem. Few teams will be able to retain two decent players for each position. As soon as a fight for a place occurs the older head will pop off to France. Can't believe Abendanon is only 27. Seems to have been around for ages.

EDIT: Only 10 hours slow   

Bathite wrote:Anyone want to start the usual 'player to Bath' rumour for our new fb? Beshocked?

Some of the chat was that we were interested in Pennell, but he has just signed a long term deal (why he did that, I don't know? Maybe there's a relegation cause?)

I reckon it'll either be Geordan Murphy or Tom Homer...

Has Rob Miller signed a new contract? If not, he'd definitely be worth a look. I'm sure there was some talk a while ago that Lancaster viewed Eastmond as a back 3 player, so would there be any scope for him moving to FB?

Turnbull to Blues confirmed.

Updated latest news.

Rumours in local E&E that Dragons' Adam Hughes is on his way to Sandy Park, and that Kai Horstmann is close to agreeing an extension (which probably means that James Phillips is on his way, sadly)

Olly Barkley links up with the Scarlets for the rest of the season after being released a year early by Grenoble.

All the best to Adam Hughes. He is leaving Dragons anyway. Think he needs to go there and be allowed to settle on one position. A couple of seasons ago, I thought we had a handy player on our hands and Welsh honours would follow, but not I'm not sure I'm too bothered he's leaving us. I'd certainly think we have better options at wing and centre.

Good luck to Adam Hughes.  He served us well.

Our loss is another teams gain.  Injury seemed to halt his progress last season but I sure with the opportunity to play more rugby he will progress once again.

HongKongCherry wrote:

Bathite wrote:Anyone want to start the usual 'player to Bath' rumour for our new fb? Beshocked?

Some of the chat was that we were interested in Pennell, but he has just signed a long term deal (why he did that, I don't know? Maybe there's a relegation cause?)

I reckon it'll either be Geordan Murphy or Tom Homer... ;)

Has Rob Miller signed a new contract?  If not, he'd definitely be worth a look.  I'm sure there was some talk a while ago that Lancaster viewed Eastmond as a back 3 player, so would there be any scope for him moving to FB?

Can't see it happening. He started on the wing for us and was great, but has definitely now settled at 12. Lancaster needs him more at 12 than anywhere else, but god knows he loves a full back!

Probably more chance of him starting for England in the centre if we can convince Lancs he's a full back

HongKongCherry wrote:Knoyle is confirmed to Cardiff. He's been pretty average for Glaws this season and has been the firm 3rd choice behind Robson and Cowan. He's got great potential, but its time he started showing some of it.

I've been telling Wales fans for years that Knoyle is rubbish, I would prefer it if he didn't come back to Wales at all so he is as far away from the set-up as possible. I'd be pretty peed off if I was a Blues fan tbh, as now they have the two worst No.9s in Wales.



PS, where is Adam Hughes going?

BamBam wrote:Probably more chance of him starting for England in the centre if we can convince Lancs he's a full back

Hahaha! Very good from you. Sadly there's probably an element of truth to this!

Great news that young ireland U20 hooker George McGuigan has signed a new 2 year contract. He's played a lot of games this season and in some has really been very impressive with several MOM performances.

Is this a sign that we're actually starting to keep our young stars....

Mele, Thompstone, Crane and Benjamin all extend their deals at Leicester Tigers.

Crane a bit lucky Sam? Guess he was massively helped out by Waldrom leaving

Bathite wrote:Crane a bit lucky Sam? Guess he was massively helped out by Waldrom leaving

 Apparently Crane to a bit of a pay cut as well deal was withdrawn from tigers originally. Although people forget how well Crane played at the end of last season.

 Mele is great news an extension already when he had 1 year left, Cockers said Mele wanted more security.

 And Thompstone and Benjamin are both great to keep hold.

Bradley Davies confirmed to wasps

dragon4life wrote:Bradley Davies confirmed to wasps

Good signing, does that mean Palmer is off - retiring perhaps?

[quote="dragon4life"]Bradley Davies confirmed to wasps[/quote]With the issues in Wales at the moment I wouldn't be surprised if there many more players leaving the regions

I heard the same thing Welly. Original three year deal taken off the table after his poor form etc. Apparently he was quite the miserable sod at ladies night. The rumour I heard was that an offer wasn't going back on the table until the salary cap announcement was made and then Tigers decided to retain him as a squad player. His only passable performance this season has been against Ulster which was annoyingly cut short. He's firmly in the last chance saloon.

Gerrit-Jan Van Velze signs for Worcester according to the bbc. I think he is a good signing for them, after a iffy start at Saints where he gave away too many pens and got turned over too often he improved. Unlucky to be behind Manoa and then Dickinson so it's understandable he's off. Was highly thought of by Saints management, was the regular captain of the A team this season and won a couple of internal awards for off field activities and attitude.

Warriors building the back row options for next year with Andries Pretorius and Matt Cox already signed (I didn't know Cox had agreed a move there).

Any truth in the rumour of Rob Miller going to Wasps? Would likely mean Daly is settling at 13!

Someone was trying to say that Bath were after Rob Miller as well, now that Bendy has gone.

Would be great if he went to Wasps though, think Daly's future is at 13, it would be best for England.

Wasps signed Bradley Davies as well? Not a bad team developing there. Is Goode playing next year as well though?

Boris Stankovitch confirmed to the Newport Gwent Dragons. Signed firstly as a player but will also be responsible for coaching the scrum. An old school prop that has always been more focussed on his technique than his work in the loose he has been a bit of a favourite with some of the Tigers fans. Should be good business for the Dragons though at 34/35 they'll probably only get a year of playing time out of him.

Lamb of to Wuss  

 Sounds like cockers wanted boris for another year, great player wish him all the best. and as cockers said he has been vital in helping the younger players out.

What a result! I thought for a terrible moment that we were going to get Lamb! Lots of big recruitment from Worcs in the last few weeks

formerly known as Sam wrote:Boris Stankovitch confirmed to the Newport Gwent Dragons. Signed firstly as a player but will also be responsible for coaching the scrum. An old school prop that has always been more focussed on his technique than his work in the loose he has been a bit of a favourite with some of the Tigers fans. Should be good business for the Dragons though at 34/35 they'll probably only get a year of playing time out of him.

Think he'll be good for a couple of seasons. Not sure if he is having much to do with coaching per sé, as I thought that was Kingsley and Steve Jones' department but I am sure he will chip in. Certainly not remotely concerned whether he does anything in the loose though, as long as he can shore up the one side of the scrum a bit. Just a tighthead who can do similar now and we will be pretty handy with our backline and attacking philosophy.

Galarza to Glos has sneaked through quietly

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3823_9151042,00.html

Tavis Knoyle to Blues: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/26046327

Seems like he just went the other way. Gloucs are going to need a couple of scrum-halfs at this rate, is Cowan off too?

Hopefully they bring in a backup type that Robson can learn off, their pack looks good for next season (said that this year too!) but with better ball I hope he can really kick on.

Dragon's centre/wing Adam Hughes has been signed by Brizzle for the rest of the season

Risca, I think his coaching will be purely down to helping the Dragons younger props develop their technique. He's got a two year deal and Cockers has said Stanko was looking to move into coaching full time after that contract ends. Can't see him influencing tactics etc but I can't see him merely playing and then clocking off. Hopefully he'll have a positive impact on the Dragons front row and develop some players there.

Worcester have clearly given up on this season and are gambling on coming straight back up next year. High risk strategy but should be doable with the squad they are putting together!

BigGee wrote:Worcester have clearly given up on this season and are gambling on coming straight back up next year. High risk strategy but should be doable with the squad they are putting together!

I don't mean to sound rude, but am I missing something? Why is aiming for immediate promotion a gamble? Surely any relegated team would be looking to do the same.

I've seen these sorts of 'high risk strategy' phrases used a lot with regards to Worcester going down and coming back up and just feel like I must be missing something.

Promotion is never a guaranteed in the Championship. Very awkward league. Bristol recruited heavily last summer and are sitting second at the minute. They've already lined up Peel for next year as well. Wuss seem to be focussing fully on a season in the Championship next season and almost throwing in the towel this year. That is a gamble as if they don't cone straight back up that squad will be stripped bare by AP vultures. There is less money available to teams outside of the AP.

I see your point about promotion being far from guaranteed and of course they will be in a tricky position if they don't come straight back up, but seriously what are people suggesting the alternative is? Sit back and refuse to recruit any players in case they can't keep hold of them for the 2015/16 season? Additionally, I don't think there is anything to suggest that they are throwing in the towel this season is there? They just simply haven't been good enough. In fact, some reports are suggesting that Lamb might arrive as early as next weekend - that would indicate that they are still taking this season seriously.

People seem to be presenting Worcester's plight as a matter of choice - focus on this season or focus on next. The two aren't mutually exclusive and I don't see anything particularly risky in what they are doing. They are just recruiting for next season - like every other club in the Premiership and Championship.

There is also the other theory that has been bandied about, that they know something that we don't know, and there will be no relegation this season!

Ozzy3213 wrote:There is also the other theory that has been bandied about, that they know something that we don't know, and there will be no relegation this season!

Aye - I have my suspicions about this as well!

apparently according to fissler Lamb has moved already to wuss but cant play against Tigers on fri. therefore he wont face tigs the rest of the season.

In fairness Sam, you called Lamb to Wuss a while ago and I said no chance. I'm genuinely astounded by the move given the nature of Lamb's departure from Glaws under Ryan's tenure.