Leicester Tigers Thread 2014/15 (+ Squad updates for 2015/16) Part 2

[Welly]

First topic message reminder :

Current Tables Positions:
AP: 3rd Losing SF to Bath
CC: Out (Group Stage)
LV: Out (Semi Final)
A League: 4th Northern Conference.
AP Sevens:
Academy AP U18 League: 2nd Northern Conference beating Bath on finals day to finish 3rd overall.

Next Game: V Argetnina (Welford road) 5th/6th September Time: TBD.

Senior Squad 2014/15: (Leaving), (Signed new deal) (Retiring)
Coaches: Cockerill (DOR), Blaze (Ass. Forwards), Blake (Defence + Skills Coach), Murphy (Ass.Backs)
1/3) Ayerza, Balmain, Bristow, Brugnara, Cole, Mulipola, Pasquali, Rizzo
2) T.Youngs, Ghiraldini, Briggs, Thacker
4/5) Deacon, De Chaves, Kitchener, Parling, Peterson, Price, Slater, Thorn, Whetton
6/7/8) Barbieri, Crane, Croft, Gibson, Pearce, Salvi
9) Harrison, Mele, Youngs
10) Burns, Williams
12/13) Allen, Bai, Hepetema, Loamanu, Pohe, Roberts, Smith, Tuilagi
11/14) Benjamin, Camacho, Goneva, Hamilton, Scully, Thompstone
15) Bell, Morris, Tait

2014/15 Development Squad: Oliver Bryant, George Catchpole, Jake Farnworth, Tom Hudson, Ed Milne, Will Owen, Aniseko Sio, George Tresidder, Rhys Williams.

2015/16 Senior Squad ATM: (New Signings)
Coaches: Cockerill (DOR), Mauger (HC), Hansen (Defence + Skills Coach), Blaze (Ass. Forwards), Murphy (Ass. Backs)
1/3) Ayerza, Balmain, Brugnara, Cole, Mulipola, Pasquali, Rizzo
2) Youngs, Ghiraldini, Bateman, Thacker
4/5) De Chaves, Fitzgerald, Kitchener, Slater
6/7/8) Crane, Croft, Fonua, McCaffrey, O'Connor, Pearce, Williams
9) Harrison, Kitto, Youngs
10) Burns, Williams
12/13) Allen, Bai, Loamanu, Roberts, Smith, Tuilagi
11/14) Benjamin, Betham, Camacho, Goneva, Thompstone
15) Bell, Morris, Tait

2015/16 Development Squad: N/A

New Deals 2014/14
Dan Cole (Long term)
Marcos Ayerza (3 years)
Tom Youngs (Long Term)
Owen Williams
Graham Kitchener
Fraser Balmain
Tiziano Pasquali
Harry Thacker
Riccardo Brugnara
Sam Harrison
Tom Croft
Niall Morris
Seb De Cheves
Mathew Tait
Niall Morris

Out Of Contract
Roberts
Camacho
Bell
Smith


Transfers in 2014/15:
Brad Thorn (Highlanders)
Tommy Bell (Jersey)
Jack Roberts (Rotherham Titans)
Aaron Mauger (Canterbury Crusaders)
Jack Whetton (ACT Brumbies)
Greg Peterson (Manly)

2015/16
Greg Bateman (Exeter)
Mike Williams (Warriors)
Mike Fitzgerald (Chiefs)
Opeti Fonua (Welsh)
Brendon O'Connor (Blues)
Peter Betham (NSW Waratahs)
Lachlan McCaffrey (London Welsh)
Jono Kitto (Bay of Plenty + Cheifs Development Squad)

Transfers Out 2014/15:
Paul Burke (N/A)
Phil Blake (N/A)
Neil McCarthy (N?A)
Mathew Tait (Bayonne)
Tom Price (Scarlets)
Geoff Parling (Exeter)
Neil Briggs (Sale)
Julien Salvi (Exeter)
Pohe (USC)
Brad Thorn (Retirement)
Peterson (Glasgow)
Hamilton (Coventry)
Bristow (Wasps)
R.Williams (?)
Whetton
Hepetema


Rumours:
IN
Matt Todd -------> Leicester
Francois Hougaard ----> Leicester, Exeter Chiefs.
Maxime Mermoz ------> Leicester
Burrow ----------------> Leicester

Out
Allen (Retirement)
Manu (Toulouse, Saracens, Racing)
 

[Bathite]

You do realise that multiple teams in the NFL pay the fines for breaking the cap each year.

[formerly known as Sam]

I thought the only cap violation of note led to the fines to the Redskins and the Cowboys whose fines were huge, spread over years and counted against their cap. Added to that the fines were given over to the other clubs to compensate them.

[Welly]

Gavin Mortimer saying Tait has agreed terms with leicester!

[formerly known as Sam]

So if Tait is staying what other signings do we need?

Do we back the younger centres and the midfield staples hoping that their fitness improves and the young guys come through giving us great strength in the short or long term but perhaps don't find that midfield spark (convert Tait to a 12?). Sign a full back as we lack depth in the back three.

Or do we sign the x factor 12 we desperately need and keep the back three options as they stand with Tait at 15?

[Welly]

Sam did you email Radio Leicester about the NFL cap system.

[formerly known as Sam]

Ha, no. Due to work I'm never back in time to tune into any more than the last ten minutes of the radio show. What did they say?

Any news on a new 12 and 15?

[Welly]

Not particulate we are looking to spend big on the right player @ 12 but haven't found anyone yet.

Might have to wait another season.

[formerly known as Sam]

That wouldn't be the worst idea. Bai likely to retire and who knows how Allen will go. We've got several youngsters in Roberts, Bryant and Thacker coming through. We could also go with the Canterbury favoured bosh at 12 with either Manu or Loamano and then Tait at 13 with young Catchpole coming through.

We have plenty of options in theory.

[broadlandboy]

fkas, if you have the time it might be worth listening to the pod cast. Cohen gave an interesting reason for not going public with salaries as NFL.

[formerly known as Sam]

I'll see if I can download it and listen to it on the train.

[Welly]

It was from an tweet or email sent in by a sam as well.

[formerly known as Sam]

Ha. We get everywhere. I don't tweet and only use the emails for work.

As Worcester are coming up I don't think Pennell will be coming. Mike Williams looked a beast, he'll be a great signing next week.

[Welly]

Yep if Tait stays

Tait, Morris, Bell, Betham is cover enough I guess.

Agreed williams is a tank him, adds real punch to our pack and one for the future considering he is like 23.

IMO could see him as an upgrade to Gibson.

[formerly known as Sam]

Gibson offers more at the breakdown but Williams offers just as much in every other department apart from physicality where he offers substantially more.

Betham I have high hopes for but I've not seen much high ball skills nor tactical kicking which will be key when the winter rolls around. Hence why I was so optimistic when we were linked with Pennell. Bell is still suspect positionally and Morris picks up injuries like Hartley picks up citings.

[nathan]

What are people's thoughts on how we will do next season. Personally I think it's going to be a rebuilding year with new attack and defence

[formerly known as Sam]

The extended pre season helps us. I'm optimistic. Well I certainly optimistic that the on pitch displays won't be as turgid as this season.

I think this season will prove to have been a rebuilding year for us. We've blooded some young guys with Catchpole, Roberts and Harrison all coming through into greater contention than at the start of the season, certainly Catchpole is unrecognisable to at the start of the season, he has adapted well and looked bright off the bench against Bath.

In he forwards there's a lot of change but the emergence of Balmain and Thacker as credible options with some of the younger lads particularly future captain Beckett at blindside. Those guys have allowed us to focus on quality rather than squad depth. It's a good base to work from.

Our forwards work, our back do not. Mauger has the tools to work with I think it'll be a better season though will probably accomplish about the same.

[Welly]

Whispers that Allen is to retire.

IF true massive shame.

Could end up seeing a back line of ATM.

9) Youngs
10) Williams/Burns
11) Betham
12) Manu
13) Tait
14) Goneva
15) Morris

21) Harrison
22) Williams/Burns
23) Thompstone/Loamanu

Wouldn't be a bad backline with right direction.

Although we need IMO a marquee 15 or 12 this season or next season.

[formerly known as Sam]

I'd heard the Allen rumours but as Cockers was saying he might appear at the end of the season I didn't know whether it was accurate or not.

If Allen is retiring then we're suddenly short in the backs and I agree we definitely need either a 12 or a 15.

As an alternative backline;

9. Youngs
10. Burns/Williams
11. Betham
12. Loamano
13. Manu
14. Thompstone
15. Tait

Bench - Harrison, Williams/Burns, Goneva

[Guest]

Suspect with the rise of JJ at 13 Manu will push to play at 12 to increase his chances of playing for England. Already seen Cohen talk about it as being a possibility on RL. If there is to be no marquee signing in the backs this year i'd be happy with 12 Manu 13 Tait. If the rumours of Tait staying turn out to be untrue there is a desperate need for a quality centre to be brought in.

[formerly known as Sam]

Manu is a better 13 than 12. His pace and outside break are nullified slightly at 12. A Manu and Tait partnership might work for Tigers next season as they may be the best centres available. With England if both are fit and in form Manu will start it depends whether an English 12 can step up as to whether he partners JJ or not.

[Guest]

Oh I agree Manu is a much better 13 than he is a 12. I just think he will be asking to move to 12, maybe under the instructions of Lancaster. Although you lose a bit of his ability at 12 if you can utilise a Manu/Tait (or Manu/Joseph) centre pairing it could be worth it.

[formerly known as Sam]

That's not how Cockers will think he'll be looking at Loamano and Manu for not so much the hammer sickle but the big hammer and the other big hammer.

I'm looking forward to seeing what Mauger does with Bryant (that kid has phenomenal handling skills, catches and passes so quickly) I think with his all round skills he could be a great 12 for us. He's off to cover 10 with the England under 20s over the summer but he doesn't have the kicking power or game management for that in seniors.

[Welly]

It isn't cockers call though.

[formerly known as Sam]

Which gives us all hope. Mauger is more likely to add a playmaker to the back line.

[Welly]

Seems we have signed Olivier on a 1 year deal.

And Saracens are going to mount a bid on Manu.

[formerly known as Sam]

I suspect a lot of teams will offer Manu a contract. We just need to renew nice and early. A supportive arm around the shoulders over his current issues, help him out and then when he's safe in the knowledge that he's still part of the Tigers family he'll be open to a new deal.

Wyland Olivier is an average centre that I've often called massively overrated. Got to hope he can prove me wrong, I'll be watching him in the Baabaas game with interest. I'd presume that Allen won't be returning if Olivier is arriving as he is not a marquee player and I'd hope to hell we're not paying him marquee levels of cash.

[Welly]

Well considering it is only a 1 year deal doubt it is the marquee player.

[formerly known as Sam]

I doubt he is. Cohen isn't naive. He's doing nothing to change my perception of him in the Baabaas game. Largely anonymous other than an early knock on.

Surely there are better options available.

[Welly]

IMO it a decent pick up.

Not many others about.

He isn't a baabaas type player and I think in a more solid situation he will fit.

[formerly known as Sam]

Seeing as the Baabaas midfield has been run ragged in defence I'd hope he's more solid for us. If Allen is going to retire it wouldn't have been a bad signing closer to the season but at this point in time there are plenty of options around.

From memory Frans Steyn, De Jongh and Crofty are all in need of contracts. Fruean has had issues but would be available, possibly cut price. As a left field choice the utility back Marnitz Boshoff who plays mainly 15 but can go to 12 and 15. De Jongh's midfield partner de Allende would be a great young acquisition. I'm sure there's more PI and Championship options as well. Gareth Maule must be regretting his move to Bristol if we want just a solid player.

[Welly]

Steyn will cost more.

De Jonah I agree would love to see him but might be staying in SA.

Crotty will prob stay in NZ with Nonu leaving the lions is 2 years away and might fancy a shot.

Pretty sure Boshoff is a fly half and then a 15 hasn't really played 12 or 13.

De Allanche is one of the form backs in SA super rugby and can't see him moving yet (maybe the off season in Japan).

I think it is a solid buy.

[formerly known as Sam]

Will Crotty want to stay with a decimated Crusaders back line? Slade, Carter and Taylor are all off with rumours circulating over Nadolo and Fruean (his good friend).

Pretty much all those options will cost more but they are all better players. We've had too many solid signings in the back line blocking the progression of our young talent. I don't want to see another. I just hope he's only used as cover in the tough winter games and can be overtaken by Roberts and Bryant fairly swiftly.

[lostinwales]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/32973028

Tait stays

[king_carlos]

Really good news on Tait.

On the the Oliver situation it sounds very much like the club are saving the funds allocated for a marquee signing until they find the right player. As such they have signed Oliver as a stop gap with rumours we are looking at 2 targets who would be available for the season after next.

For me it depends whether Allen is continuing or not. If he is retiring then I think it's a decent signing with not many options around. If he isn't then then I'd share the worries of fkaS that he may hold back the development of Roberts, Bryant and Thacker.

[king_carlos]

If that is the end of our recruitment what are peoples thoughts over all?

1.Ayerza, Mulipola, Rizzo, Brugnara, Sio
2.Youngs, Ghirildini, Bateman, Farnworth
3.Cole, Balmain, Pasquali
4.Slater, De Chaves, Whetton
5.Ktichener, Fitzgerald, Wells
6.Croft, Williams, Beckett
7.O'Connor, McCaffery, Thacker, Owen
8.Fonau, Crane, Pearce

9.Youngs, Harrison, Tressider
10.Burns, Williams

11.Thompstone, Benjamin, Camacho
12.Allen, Oliver, Bai, Roberts, Bryant, Thacker
13.Manu, Loamanu, Smith, Catchpole
14.Betham, Goneva
15.Tait, Morris, Bell

Players in italics are those we are not certain on whether due to injury or no confirmation as of yet. I've also included a few guys like Owen, Farnworth, Bryant and Thacker (the even jnr) who may not be in the senior squad but could feature during the season.

[formerly known as Sam]

Charlie Beckett will be in and around the team in the LV as well.

Slightly worried about the average age of our back three options where Bell is the only one under 25.

[king_carlos]

Cheers fkaS. Knew I'd forgotten a blind side, have added him now.

With regards to the average age in the back three I guess that's a symptom of Purdy and Lewington moving as well.

It's now irrelevant given he's resigned, but when Charlie Walker was rumoured to be leaving Quins I hdve a hope he'd come home to Leicester to offer us a younger option.

He would also have given a different sort of player to Betham, Goneva, Thompstone and Benjamin. That later point is why I don't feel that keeping Camacho despite his injuries is a terrible idea as he offers that point of difference in our wing options.

[formerly known as Sam]

I'm not sure I see the point in Camacho. I know he's great to have at Oval Park but he never actually plays. I'd quite like for us to have a different option to the attacking beasts we have on the wings. I'd like to see us look at a more football orientated players with some play making flair. A younger Tait or dare we dream a younger Geordie.

Wasps have a lad called Piers something who's in the under 20s and he looks like a real flash of something different. A look round the sevens circuit might give us an early twenty something that has a rugby brain and rounded skill set. If they can play wing and fifteen that'd be ideal.

Be interesting to see how David Williams is progressing when we see him in the JP Morgan Sevens as well.

[LondonTiger]

All departures and current arrivals confirmed by club:

http://www.leicestertigers.com/news/23047.php#.VXATNc9VhHw

Demolition of clubhouse going well, and all but 100 seats in the new stand sold.

[Jimpy]

All departures and current arrivals confirmed by club:

http://www.leicestertigers.com/news/23047.php#.VXATNc9VhHw

Demolition of clubhouse going well, and all but 100 seats in the new stand sold.

I saw the pictures of the construction work that were posted on social media yesterday. I have to say that with enormous piles of rubble everywhere, and heavy plant tearing up the grass, the pitch looks better now than it did for half the season....

Anyway, looking at the new signings, it's disappointing that not a single one of them has come through the academy system. I also think it leaves Tigers rebuilding - top four will be a bonus next season.

[broadlandboy]

Looking at the list think that it is only incomings.IMHO Those from the academy/development squad would already be considered as part of the squad.

[Welly]

All departures and current arrivals confirmed by club:

http://www.leicestertigers.com/news/23047.php#.VXATNc9VhHw

Demolition of clubhouse going well, and all but 100 seats in the new stand sold.

I saw the pictures of the construction work that were posted on social media yesterday. I have to say that with enormous piles of rubble everywhere, and heavy plant tearing up the grass, the pitch looks better now than it did for half the season....

Anyway, looking at the new signings, it's disappointing that not a single one of them has come through the academy system. I also think it leaves Tigers rebuilding - top four will be a bonus next season.

Generally the promotions of academy players happen after the end of season wouldn't be surprised if some get announced latter.

[formerly known as Sam]

Shame to see Rhys Williams leaving. Presume he's been encouraged to return to Wales to enhance his progression from under 20s.

The incomings won't include the academy graduates they are just assumed I think.

[Welly]

Seems Allen is def retiring!

Guess Olivier is our replacement for a year whilst we look for a marquee player:

Leaves 12 looking like next season:
Olivier, Bai, Roberts, Bryant (?)

Maybe we will be seeing Manu @ 12?

A back line start of season of:
9) Harrison
10) Burns
11) Goneva
12) Manu
13) Tait
14) Goneva
15) Bell

Bench
21) Kitto
22) Olivier
23) Thompstone/Benjamin/Catchpole

Or

9) Harrison
10) Burns
11) Goneva
12) Olivier
13) Manu
14) Betham
15) Tait

21) Kitto
22) Bell
23) Thompstone/Benjamin/Catchpole

Both would be a good backline IMO


Then season after
Marquee player, Olivier (?)Roberts, Bryant, Thacker (that would be good)

Also Burrow is rumoured as incoming Great pick up.

Will Owen and Beckett had good games in a below par England u20 game.

[LondonTiger]

A back line start of season of:
9) Harrison
10) Burns
11) Goneva
12) Manu
13) Tait
14) Goneva
15) Bell

Bench
21) Kitto
22) Olivier
23) Thompstone/Benjamin/Catchpole

Goneva twice and no Morris?

[Welly]

Meant Betham on the other wing.

Morris and Williams are 50/50 for start of season so was doing worse case scenarios for them being fit by the first game.

If they are fit would have Morris @15 or 23 depending on where Tait plays.

[formerly known as Sam]

What's happened to Williams?

[formerly known as Sam]

Ignore me thought you meant Mike when you obviously meant Owen. Thought we can't be losing the new ssignings to injury already.

[Welly]

OP Been given a make over.

Gift Sankoh called into the Englands sevens (First for a while i think in terms of Tigers academy player).

I'm really hoping Mauger will bring up these backs in the next 4 seasons:

a transition of:
Odogwu for Smith
Sankoh for Camcho
Bryant for Bai
Charlie Thacker for Allen/Olivier

Is a very promising and cost effective way of doing it IMO.

add in the likes of D.Williams, Fossey etc we should have riches to look at.

[formerly known as Sam]

Agreed Welly. Nice to see some additional development in a back line player. Hopefully he'll develop some football skills and more of a step on the sevens circuit. You look at the skills Tait and Youngs have and we could do with more of that in the backs we have.

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