Transfers 2014/2015 Continued

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
Eoin Griffin (Connacht) to London Irish
Sam Burgess (Rugby League) to Bath
Adam Hughes (Dragons) to Bristol
Sam Parry (Dragons) to Ospreys
Joe Rees (Ospreys) to Worcester
Ian Nagle (Munster) to Newcastle
Tom Guest (Halrequins) to London Irish
Luke Narraway (Perpignan) to London Irish
Freddie Burns (Gloucester) to Leicester
Matthew Morgan (Ospreys) to Bristol
Jim Hamilton (Montpellier) to Saracens
Toby Flood (Leicester) to Toulouse
Lote Tuquiri (Leinster) to NPC
Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier) to Castres
Ryan Jones (Ospreys) to Bristol
Greg Laidlaw (Edinburgh) to Gloucester
Brice Dulin (Castres) to Racing Metro
Antonie Claassen (Castres) to Racing Metro
Gio Aplon (South Africa) to Grenoble
Leonardo Ghiraldini (Treviso) to Leicester
Robert Barbieri (Treviso) to Leicester
Loamanu (Treviso) to Leicester
Rob Hawkins (Leicester) to Newcastle
Ian Gough (London Irish) to Dragons



Unconfirmed
Michele Rizzo (Treviso) to Leicester



Out of Contract
Adam Jones (Ospreys) - Looks like he is signing for Ospreys/WRU as indicated in press
Keith Earls (Munster)
Daniel Bowden (Leicester)
Scott Hamilton (Leicester)



Retiring
Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster)
Andrew Sheridan (Toulon - unconfirmed)
Steve Borthwick (Saracens)
Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon)
Sebastien Bruno (Toulon)
George Chuter (Leicester) moving to Worcester coaching
Johann Muller (Ulster)
Mike Tindall (Gloucester - unconfirmed)
Will James (Gloucester)

http://www.wasps.co.uk/news/Wasps 40 . ink

Grest signing for Wasps perfect foil for Daly. The Hurricanes must be gutted though Bateman is an equally good 12.

formerly known as Sam wrote:England under 20s and Leicester Tigers centre Javiah Pohe is rumoured to be off to Clermont's second team for next season. Will be gutted if true as he is a brute of an inside centre and there's a lot of Tigers fans desperate to see him and Manu at 12/13 with Benjamin and Goneva on the wings. Would have been an incredible back line.

Permanent deal, or part of "relationship" we have with Clermont. If it is temporary, could be great for his development.

Was my initial thought but sadly it appears he's had a number of offers from France where he'll get substantially better cash for being a development player. Apparently the choice to replace Bowden with Loamano was taken as a bad sign for him. Hopefully Cockers can convince him otherwise.

formerly known as Sam wrote:http://www.wasps.co.uk/news/Wasps 40 . ink

Grest signing for Wasps perfect foil for Daly. The Hurricanes must be gutted though Bateman is an equally good 12.

Wasps backline is starting to look interesting next year:

09 Simpson
10 Jackson
11 Varndell
12 Bell/Leiua
13 Suniula/Helu
14 Daly
15 Masi

There's tries in that.

Wade?

Daly won't play wing. I imagine they'll set up:

11. Varndell
12. Leiua
13. Daly
14. Wade
15. Masi/Daly

Forgot about CW. Even better.

For all his faults, Jackson plays very flat and can certainly get a backline moving.

There's also Rob Miller - they really have some great options there now.

Is Andy Goode staying on? He's had a good season at Wasps and for his faults and old school body shape is a good AP quality 10.

Confirmed that Ross Rennie's loan has become permanent. Bristol have also signed Olly Robinson (son of Andy) as well. Two players in a similar mould - classic opensides. Rennie is certainly a good one to learn from for Robinson Jr.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Is Andy Goode staying on? He's had a good season  at Wasps and for his faults and old school body shape is a good AP quality 10.

I believe so, as is Joe Carlisle. May have been dreaming about it (or is that a nightmare) but pretty sure I saw Dai Young saying that Jackson would be part of a triumvirate of 10s.

Bristolian wrote:Confirmed that Ross Rennie's loan has become permanent. Bristol have also signed Olly Robinson (son of Andy) as well. Two players in a similar mould - classic opensides. Rennie is certainly a good one to learn from for Robinson Jr.

Seems to be a man against boys down there in Clifton for Rennie - he's already scored seven tries in nine appearances since his loan move to Bristol in January. I do hope that Brizzle get promoted though, as he may well have scuppered his Scotland chances if he plays a season or two away from the Jeff.

Darren Fearns joins Sale Sharks.

Decent option in the 3 shirt.

4th choice TH, I can't remember him making much impact for us.

Rumours Nagle is signing on.

Nagle is a given , Sure someone tweeted that he's just bought a house in Newcastle?

Noakes confirmed to Irish.

Interesting piece by Cockers on Williams and trying to sign Welsh players.

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Owen-Williams-took-gamble-leaving-Wales-Richard/story-21046334-detail/story.html

Luke McLean signed for sale

Something is rotten at Treviso. All that progress for nothing.

Benetton aren't going to back them anymore, wonder who will fund them, FIR?

Maybe a change in personnel can't do them any harm after the results they are having.

Elvis Taoine the Tongan hooker who has been with Jersey to the Chiefs

Waratahs lock Kane Douglas is rumoured to be joining Leinster.


Any signings will be announced on Tuesday.

Also Quinn Roux and Andrew Goodman are expected to be released. Didnt even know Goodman was still on the books.

http://www.thescore.ie/leinster-kane-douglas-1447964-May2014/

Bath fans forum seems convinced that we've signed Pennell to replace bendy for next year

Is it still the loan deal rumour with Pennell or will he sign a long term deal with Bath? Loan deal would work well for both parties as Bath get a reliable 15 whilst Watson develops and Worcester get a key player off the wage budget for the Championship but he'll be back in the squad for when they get promoted. Gives Pennell the chance to make the RWC.

Stevie McColl (full back) has signed for Gloucester from Leeds.

Bathite wrote:Bath fans forum seems convinced that we've signed Pennell to replace bendy for next year

Not according to Ryan, Bathite.

http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/sport/wrfc/11191734.Dean_Ryan_confirms_Chris_Pennell_will_stay_at_Sixways_next_season/?ref=rss

Connacht sign mulianina

Hope they realise hes played for the All Blacks a few times and cannot represent Ireland

In seriousness, what a signing.

prop_lyd wrote:Connacht sign mulianina

Holy poop: http://www.connachtrugby.ie/centurion-muliaina-to-become-connachts-first-all-black/#ConnachtNews

Yep heard a rumour about it a few weeks ago but didn't think it was worth bringing it up until unless it was confirmed.

Great deal; Mils has made massive money in Japan so won't need a big contract to stay in Ireland for just a year. He'll play on a reasonably humble contract (still should be highly paid though) and then go back to Japan for the big bucks again.

Connacht, through having his former coach Pat Lam and former club captain Craig Clarke, have pulled off a massive coup. Brilliant for the league as the IRFU push to have 4 teams in the Top 6.

Mils Muliaina wrote:I’ve obviously had a good chat with some of the boys at the club – Nathan (White) and Clarkey – and they’ve told me a good bit about the place. But I’ve learnt a lot about what to expect from my discussions with Pat (Lam). Myself and Pat have a very good working relationship. As well as Auckland, he coached the AP Barbarians team in June 2012 and I think the fact that I was still in decent shape after all those years surprised him.

“I have a good understanding about my role and what is expected of me at Connacht. I’ve heard a lot about the talented young backs at the club – guys like Robbie Henshaw – and I’m keen to help anywhere I can, both on and off the field. Being able to play some competitive football while also sharing my knowledge and helping Connacht to achieve their vision played a big part in my decision to move. I expect to learn a good bit from these young guys too and that’s exciting.

I wouldn't be surprised if Connacht bringing in Muliaina to act as a mentor to Robbie Henshaw was part of the deal Connacht struck with the IRFU to stop Henshaw being moved to another province.

This will be brilliant for all of young backs in Connacht- they should just learn everything they can off him- and should help Connacht get the crowds into the sports ground and stimulate interest in season tickets for next year. Big well done to the Connacht Branch and the Central IRFU  

Mils has looked well past his best this year, journey man getting his last deal rather than a coup imo.

Depends on how you look at it I reckon Pooly. I agree that on the field he's not the player that he was, but on the training paddock, what a player for the young guys at Connacht to learn from. I can see this almost being a player/coach kind of thing. It's definitely a good short term signing for Connacht.

I think he'll play on after this, but only in Japan. The thing that is most worrying is his injury profile but I doubt he'll be on crazy money.

Pennell signed a long term contract with Wuss so unless there's a relegation clause, I doubt he's going to Bath

Golden wrote:Waratahs lock Kane Douglas is rumoured to be joining Leinster.


Any signings will be announced on Tuesday.

Also Quinn Roux and Andrew Goodman are expected to be released. Didnt even know Goodman was still on the books.

http://www.thescore.ie/leinster-kane-douglas-1447964-May2014/

This would be fairly surprising given that Kane Douglas has never played in a world cup and this more would most likely rule him out of next years WC.

I suspect Douglas will discussing his likelihood of inclusion with the Australian management before deciding on whether or not to sign for Leinster.

Harry Robinson from Blues to Turks

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/26673756

Ospreys so far have recruited Gareth Thomas (one of Samson Lee's front row mates from the U20), Lock Rynier Bernardo, centre Josh Matavesi, full-back Dan Evans and hooker Sam Parry. Probably all would have been cheap and are pretty decent players, they haven't made intelligent signings like these in years. I fancy Blues to be the best performing Welsh team next season though.

Colin Renton in the Scotsman ran a lead feature this morning about Jim Hamilton moving to Sarries:

Scotland lock Jim Hamilton is set to reverse his earlier decision to remain in France and return to the Aviva Premiership with Saracens.

The 31-year-old, who moved from Gloucester last summer, insisted last month that he would remain with Montpellier. He had been linked with a move to Saracens as the replacement for retiring Steve Borthwick, the former England captain. However, Hamilton stated that he had considered a move back across the English Channel because his father was ill, but would honour the three-year deal he had signed with the French Top 14 title contenders.

The story of his departure resurfaced last week when Montpellier president Mohed Altrad acknowledged the player’s personal situation but insisted that he would only consider releasing Hamilton from the remainder of his contract if specific terms are satisfied. “I will allow him to leave on two conditions; that he remains honest for the rest of the season and fulfils his role as a professional, but also that we find a replacement of similar calibre”, said Altrad.

Hamilton’s wish to leave has moved a step closer following Perpignan’s relegation from the top flight at the weekend.

The Catalan club now faces budget cuts and may be forced to free several higher earners. Among the men looking to move on is Welsh international Luke Charteris who is poised to join Montpellier. The move would satisfy Altrad’s conditions and enable Hamilton to leave.

Beshocked - your thoughts on this please.

George Carlin wrote:Colin Renton in the Scotsman ran a lead feature this morning about Jim Hamilton moving to Sarries:

Scotland lock Jim Hamilton is set to reverse his earlier decision to remain in France and return to the Aviva Premiership with Saracens.

The 31-year-old, who moved from Gloucester last summer, insisted last month that he would remain with Montpellier. He had been linked with a move to Saracens as the replacement for retiring Steve Borthwick, the former England captain. However, Hamilton stated that he had considered a move back across the English Channel because his father was ill, but would honour the three-year deal he had signed with the French Top 14 title contenders.

The story of his departure resurfaced last week when Montpellier president Mohed Altrad acknowledged the player’s personal situation but insisted that he would only consider releasing Hamilton from the remainder of his contract if specific terms are satisfied. “I will allow him to leave on two conditions; that he remains honest for the rest of the season and fulfils his role as a professional, but also that we find a replacement of similar calibre”, said Altrad.

Hamilton’s wish to leave has moved a step closer following Perpignan’s relegation from the top flight at the weekend.

The Catalan club now faces budget cuts and may be forced to free several higher earners. Among the men looking to move on is Welsh international Luke Charteris who is poised to join Montpellier. The move would satisfy Altrad’s conditions and enable Hamilton to leave.

Beshocked - your thoughts on this please.

Scotland lock Jim Hamilton is set to reverse his earlier decision to remain in France and return to the Aviva Premiership with Saracens. 

My thoughts are that this headline could do with some punctuation, as it can be read two completely different ways at the moment!

What salary cap ?

This had been talked about for a while. No surprise. Hamilton a straight replacement for Borthwick.

Havent Sarries got some crackin young second rows coming through...like Kruis etc who will surely take over from Borthwick.

Hamilton to me always gives the impression of a lot of huff and puff with a not alot else.
Is he any better than Botha?

George Carlin wrote:Colin Renton in the Scotsman ran a lead feature this morning about Jim Hamilton moving to Sarries:

Scotland lock Jim Hamilton is set to reverse his earlier decision to remain in France and return to the Aviva Premiership with Saracens.

The 31-year-old, who moved from Gloucester last summer, insisted last month that he would remain with Montpellier. He had been linked with a move to Saracens as the replacement for retiring Steve Borthwick, the former England captain. However, Hamilton stated that he had considered a move back across the English Channel because his father was ill, but would honour the three-year deal he had signed with the French Top 14 title contenders.

The story of his departure resurfaced last week when Montpellier president Mohed Altrad acknowledged the player’s personal situation but insisted that he would only consider releasing Hamilton from the remainder of his contract if specific terms are satisfied. “I will allow him to leave on two conditions; that he remains honest for the rest of the season and fulfils his role as a professional, but also that we find a replacement of similar calibre”, said Altrad.

Hamilton’s wish to leave has moved a step closer following Perpignan’s relegation from the top flight at the weekend.

The Catalan club now faces budget cuts and may be forced to free several higher earners. Among the men looking to move on is Welsh international Luke Charteris who is poised to join Montpellier. The move would satisfy Altrad’s conditions and enable Hamilton to leave.

Beshocked - your thoughts on this please.

Disappointed for Maro Itoje to be honest.  Gives him another player to get past - an international as well.

Jim Hamilton could turn out to be an inspired signing but he's another player prone to doing silly things discipline wise. Plus of course it just opens Saracens up to criticisms about the salary cap. Also he's not even a player who is likely to be available all season.

I feel that Saracens need to be a little bolder in bringing the academy guys to the front because if not it will lead to frustation.

It's tight head where Saracens badly need a replacement for Stevens. Tight head is not an area we have any notable players in the academy. Also it's one of those areas most difficult to develop players. Plus their valuable is so high.

Geordiefalcon yup we have two of the brightest England prospects around - Itoje and Kruis in the 2nd row - one already a Saxon and the other won the award for best England U20s 6 nations player.

Kruis will replace Borthwick.

A signing like this just has the alarm bells going for me especially for a club like Sarries.

I wouldnt take him for the Falcons.

Geordiefalcon Can't argue with that but others might have said that about Ashton.

Ashton came to us with issues but he's in a much better place these days.

Saracens haven't exactly done too badly recently in the transfer department either. Even the guys from the championship like Streather and Barrington have made a positive contribution. Bosch jumped the ship at Biarritz at just the right time. Billy has obviously been one of the signings of the season.

Even though the alarm bells are there I must have some faith in the coaches/management.

Ashton has proved many times over that he has an end product and is a quality player...and just went through a slump.

Hamilton just looks like a big guy with not a lot of skills who has tried to get by as an enforcer and too be honest he hasnt even impressed me a whole lot in that regard.

I just think in this case there could be better alternatives.

Of course thats just my opinon    

beshocked wrote:

George Carlin wrote:Colin Renton in the Scotsman ran a lead feature this morning about Jim Hamilton moving to Sarries:

Scotland lock Jim Hamilton is set to reverse his earlier decision to remain in France and return to the Aviva Premiership with Saracens.

The 31-year-old, who moved from Gloucester last summer, insisted last month that he would remain with Montpellier. He had been linked with a move to Saracens as the replacement for retiring Steve Borthwick, the former England captain. However, Hamilton stated that he had considered a move back across the English Channel because his father was ill, but would honour the three-year deal he had signed with the French Top 14 title contenders.

The story of his departure resurfaced last week when Montpellier president Mohed Altrad acknowledged the player’s personal situation but insisted that he would only consider releasing Hamilton from the remainder of his contract if specific terms are satisfied. “I will allow him to leave on two conditions; that he remains honest for the rest of the season and fulfils his role as a professional, but also that we find a replacement of similar calibre”, said Altrad.

Hamilton’s wish to leave has moved a step closer following Perpignan’s relegation from the top flight at the weekend.

The Catalan club now faces budget cuts and may be forced to free several higher earners. Among the men looking to move on is Welsh international Luke Charteris who is poised to join Montpellier. The move would satisfy Altrad’s conditions and enable Hamilton to leave.

Beshocked - your thoughts on this please.

Disappointed for Maro Itoje to be honest.  Gives him another player to get past - an international as well.

Jim Hamilton could turn out to be an inspired signing but he's another player prone to doing silly things discipline wise. Plus of course it just opens Saracens up to criticisms about the salary cap. Also he's not even a player who is likely to be available all season.

To be honest, with the emergence of young Jonny Gray (who, at 20 years young, is almost the same size as Hamilton), Tim Swinson, Grant Gilchrist and Jonny's big brother, I am not convinced that Hamilton has any more game time in a Scotland jersey still to come. We'll have to see how Vern Cotter regards the presence of a penalty magnet with the turning circle of the QE2.

Leinster sign Sean McCarthy a prop from Jersey. He is IQ.

Thought we were pretty well stocked both sides of the scrum. Replacement for O'Connell perhaps.

Anyone know if he's any good?

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/27291200

Considering Cotter likes a big pack with real grunt in the second row (Hines and Cudmore at Clermont) I can see him going for Hamilton over the work shy show pony Richie Gray, the very young Gray or Swinson who is AP squad level only.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Considering Cotter likes a big pack with real grunt in the second row (Hines and Cudmore at Clermont) I can see him going for Hamilton over the work shy show pony Richie Gray, the very young Gray or Swinson who is AP squad level only.

  Sam, you've been banging on about this for a year now. The Sale thing didn't work out. You were annoyed about this. We get it.

Swinson had a very poor 6 Nations, but is capable of much better. I am assuming that you haven't seen Gray play if you'd put Hamilton in ahead of him. Don't worry - you'll see him in a Rabo semi-final and possibly even a final over the next few weeks.