Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Scottish Arrivals & Departures

by madmaccas Thu 02 Apr 2015, 1:14 pm

First topic message reminder :

With a few players announcing their departures, and few named to replace them, I thought it'd be useful to have an in-out list.

Also a good place to post any rumours or rumours of rumours.

Let me know if I'm missing anyone?!

Edinburgh

In:

Nasi Manu - Highlanders - Flanker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DsgMvrYr6I
Will Helu - Coventry Wasps - Wing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luMTcwgcr5U
Nathan Fowles - Sale - SH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFWzXXhzeQE
Michael Allen - Ulster - Wing/Centre https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHnLKIz0Ecw
Otulea Katoa - Southland - Wing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crq6ZJKaeg4

Duncan Hodge - SRU - Backs Coach

Out:

Tim Visser - Harlequins - Wing
Ollie Atkins - Exeter Chiefs - Lock
Michael Tait - the bar - Centre
Tom Heathcote - Worcester Warriors - FH
Grayson Hart - Glasgow Warriors - SH
Wicus Blaauw - ? - Prop
Brett Thompson - ? -
Nikki Walker - Hawick - Wing

Contract ending:

Hookers: Hilterbrand, Turner
Props: Dickinson, Nel
BR: Leonardi, Du Preez

FH: Bezuidenhout
Centre: Dominguez, Atiga
Wings: Farndale

Glasgow Warriors

In:

Grayson Hart - Edinburgh - SH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1ReJ_oz1Rk
Mike Blair - Newcastle Falcons - SH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sWN-M8lQ2o
Keiran Low - London Irish - Lock/Flanker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qszjBclzxds
Simone Favaro - Treviso - Flanker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAcEaWGY8yk
Sam Johnson - Queensland Reds - Centre https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J_O4sLMfdc
Greg Peterson - Leicester Tigers - Lock
Taqele Naiyaravoro - NSW Waratahs - Wing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgSC643wJRI
Javan Sebastian - Scarlets Academy - Prop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9N4q0zcwTo
Jason Hill - Heriot’s - No.8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my_UQoN8DM8
Hugh Blake - Edinburgh? - Flanker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIIuR-HjFho
Sila Puafisi - Gloucester - Prop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXLR_9CXkUs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqAneyg0Fqw

Dan McFarland - Connacht - Forwards Coach

Out:

Niko Matawalu - Bath - SH
Sean Maitland - London Irish - Wing
John Welsh - Newcastle Falcons - Prop
Dougie Hall - the bar - Hooker
Al Kellock - the bar - Lock
DTH - Scarlets - Wing
Tom Ryder - Northampton - Lock
James Downey - Wasps - Centre
Murray McConnell - Nottingham - Centre
Tommy Spinks - Jersey - Flanker

Shade Munroe - ? - Forwards Coach

Contract ending:

Props: Murray, G.Hunter

SH: Price
FH: Hunter, Lyle
Wings: Hughes
Full Backs: Braid

London Scottish

In:

Drew Locke - Jersey - Centre https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KcGBGC7FKI
Neale Patrick - Plymouth - Lock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsi07ANTE04
Russell Weir - Scotland 7's - SH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agpcYh30H04
David Young - Newport Dragons - Prop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxIq4nwimCM
Freddie Clarke - Bath - Flanker
Jason Harries - Wales 7's - Centre
Jimmy Litchfield - London Welsh - Prop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMCPZqsXqHo
James Chisholm - Harlequins - No.8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl9v5JzpUn0 (scorer of both tries)
Craig Jackson - Hartbury - Full Back https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jXMZE5Xl-k
Rory Bartle - Gloucester - Lock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWJF0rIYhms
Tyrone Moran - Leinster - Hooker https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he4Bq0Dkdfg
Will Carrick-Smith - Exeter - Lock
Joe Marchant - Harlequins - Centre https://vine.co/v/O2FBmaU6dD2
Kieran Treadwell - Harlequins - Lock
James Gibbons - Gloucester - Prop
Season long loan from Bath Rugby
Beno Obano - Bath - Prop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwqWvAmmYfw
Tom Woolstencroft - Bath - Hooker https://vine.co/v/MTDzbLxOxTM

Peter Richards - LS - Promoted to Head Coach
Tim Payne - London Irish - Forwards Coach

Out:

Adam Preocanin - Ealing Trailfinders - Lock
Gregor Gillanders - Blackheath - Flanker
James Phillips - Bristol - No.8
Jamie Stevenson - Wasps - Scrum Half
Kieran Moffat- returned to New Zealand - Centre
Lovejoy Chawatama - Rosslyn Park - Prop
Mark Lilley - Rosslyn Park - Prop
Matt Hawke - Rosslyn Park - Centre
Mike Doneghan - AS Macon - Wing
Neil Best - Retired - Flanker
PJ Gidlow - Stade Rouennais - Centre
Ross Doneghan - Retired - Flanker
Stewart Maguire - East Grinstead - Prop
Tai Tuisamoa - returned to USA - Flanker

Mike Friday - USA 7's - Head Coach

by nickj Thu 18 Jun 2015, 2:43 pm

I wonder whether Fraser McKenzie might re-sign for Glasgow on a permanent basis? And not that it will help with any tight heads or 2nd rows, I was also wondering whether any of the 7's squad will be distributed between the pro teams as squad cover following the changes announced a few weeks ago? Joseva Nayacavou could be handy cover for the wing.

by Nematode Thu 18 Jun 2015, 2:48 pm

I've been away a bit from the rugby so this is probably old news, however planet rugby has Max Evans down as leaving Castres. He's only 31 and is not a bad player, might he be a good deal for Edinburgh?

by **RDW** Thu 18 Jun 2015, 2:50 pm

Nematode wrote:I've been away a bit from the rugby so this is probably old news, however planet rugby has Max Evans down as leaving Castres. He's only 31 and is not a bad player, might he be a good deal for Edinburgh?

Was discussed earlier on - one source says he has signed for Aix, another one just says he is being released.

Glasgow need him more!

by **RDW** Thu 18 Jun 2015, 2:51 pm

nickj wrote:I wonder whether Fraser McKenzie might re-sign for Glasgow on a permanent basis? And not that it will help with any tight heads or 2nd rows, I was also wondering whether any of the 7's squad will be distributed between the pro teams as squad cover following the changes announced a few weeks ago? Joseva Nayacavou could be handy cover for the wing.

With Atkins leaving and Gilchrist potentially away with Scotland, Edinburgh need him.

It's a shame Atkins didn't move to Glasgow - he would have been a good player for them.

by nickj Thu 18 Jun 2015, 2:57 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
nickj wrote:I wonder whether Fraser McKenzie might re-sign for Glasgow on a permanent basis? And not that it will help with any tight heads or 2nd rows, I was also wondering whether any of the 7's squad will be distributed between the pro teams as squad cover following the changes announced a few weeks ago? Joseva Nayacavou could be handy cover for the wing.

With Atkins leaving and Gilchrist potentially away with Scotland, Edinburgh need him.

It's a shame Atkins didn't move to Glasgow - he would have been a good player for them.

Good point. I forgot Atkins was heading south. Although Edinburgh still look pretty strong with their first choice pairing available (Bresler + Toolis) with Toolis Jnr in reserve.

by **George Carlin** Thu 18 Jun 2015, 3:00 pm

jimbopip wrote:
George Carlin wrote:Blake is definitely a Glasgow guy now. Sherlock only had a 1 year contract I believe and as he is surely older than Bruce Foryth now I cannot see him being kept on with the various hot young things presenting Toonie with other options.

GC I really love the way avoid answering the question here (has Sherlock left?) while sounding confident and assured. You're not a member of the legal profession by any chance are you?

Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Scottish Arrivals & Departures - Page 9 Rowley10

by **RDW** Thu 18 Jun 2015, 3:02 pm

nickj wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:
nickj wrote:I wonder whether Fraser McKenzie might re-sign for Glasgow on a permanent basis? And not that it will help with any tight heads or 2nd rows, I was also wondering whether any of the 7's squad will be distributed between the pro teams as squad cover following the changes announced a few weeks ago? Joseva Nayacavou could be handy cover for the wing.

With Atkins leaving and Gilchrist potentially away with Scotland, Edinburgh need him.

It's a shame Atkins didn't move to Glasgow - he would have been a good player for them.

Good point. I forgot Atkins was heading south. Although Edinburgh still look pretty strong with their first choice pairing available (Bresler + Toolis) with Toolis Jnr in reserve.

True, but that's all we've got assuming Gilchrist is at the WC - one injury and it would be a random youngster on the bench.

by **George Carlin** Thu 18 Jun 2015, 3:03 pm

nickj wrote:Makes sense, so its Favaro, Fusaro, Blake and Bordill at 6.5 / 7 then?

I think in terms of specialty it's:

6 - Harley, Eddie, Bordill
7 - Fusaro, Favaro, Blake
8 - Strauss, Ashe, Wilson, Hill

Not bad.

by **RDW** Thu 18 Jun 2015, 3:05 pm

Is Bordill not a 7?

by **RDW** Thu 18 Jun 2015, 3:09 pm

He's 6ft and 96kg apparently so must be a 7...

by madmaccas Thu 18 Jun 2015, 3:09 pm

I hope Tyrone Holmes isn't out. I always preferred him to Fusaro who is a bit weak in the contact/collisions. Yeah he's had a few injuries this season, but he knocks people back and is a nuisance on the floor.

by Majestic83 Thu 18 Jun 2015, 3:13 pm

Tyrone Holmes is still contracted with Glasgow for another season I think.
Bordill is definitely an out an out 7. Not much bigger than Fusaro.

Is Blake definitely with Glasgow next season?

by **RDW** Thu 18 Jun 2015, 3:14 pm

So Glasgow have 5 specialist opensides? Why did they sign Favaro again? Headscratch

by **George Carlin** Thu 18 Jun 2015, 3:18 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Is Bordill not a 7?

Yes that's where he mostly played for Sale, but my guess is Toonie will have him on the blind.

He wouldn't have signed Blake and Favaro otherwise.

by **George Carlin** Thu 18 Jun 2015, 3:23 pm

madmaccas wrote:I hope Tyrone Holmes isn't out. I always preferred him to Fusaro who is a bit weak in the contact/collisions. Yeah he's had a few injuries this season, but he knocks people back and is a nuisance on the floor.

Hmm. Can I stress again:

Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Scottish Arrivals & Departures - Page 9 Bruce-10

Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Scottish Arrivals & Departures - Page 9 Tyrone10

Spring chicken Old fart

by **RDW** Thu 18 Jun 2015, 3:30 pm

Hugh Blake is a strange one - he's not listed in either Edinburgh or Glasgow's squads as far as I can see, and I don't remember seeing any announcement on his future other than him going to Glasgow until the end of the season.

He is in a difficult situation becuase neither Edinburgh nor Glasgow really need him, but Cotter and Johnson seem to like him. He could do with getting signed up with Newcastle or Worcester or something like that.

Maybe they are waiting until the WC squad is announced before deciding his future - i.e. if Hamish Watson goes to the WC he'll go back to Edinburgh, if not he'll stay at Glasgow.

by Weegie Wizard Thu 18 Jun 2015, 3:57 pm

I also feel quite sorry for the guy as he has upped and moved to the other side of the world, seemingly on a promise from Scott Johnson, and he gets pelters in the press and passed about more often than Mary from Maryhill.

by nickj Thu 18 Jun 2015, 3:59 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Hugh Blake is a strange one - he's not listed in either Edinburgh or Glasgow's squads as far as I can see, and I don't remember seeing any announcement on his future other than him going to Glasgow until the end of the season.

He is in a difficult situation becuase neither Edinburgh nor Glasgow really need him, but Cotter and Johnson seem to like him. He could do with getting signed up with Newcastle or Worcester or something like that.

Maybe they are waiting until the WC squad is announced before deciding his future - i.e. if Hamish Watson goes to the WC he'll go back to Edinburgh, if not he'll stay at Glasgow.

Is Blake a out and out 7 too? I had him down as a 6/7 and possibly more of a 6.

In any case the poor fella has been buggered about. I'd be mightily p*ssed off if I was him. If the media reports are anything to go by, he was very well thought of in New Zealand and now he's been left in limbo, after being tied to us.

It was daft parachuting him into the 6 nations squad so early, he was vilified in the press and that may be one of the reasons Solomons didn't pick him, albeit his form possibly didn't merit it either.

by **RDW** Thu 18 Jun 2015, 4:01 pm

Blake, like Bordill, is too small for 6 I reckon - Blake is classed as 6ft 1 and 16 st, which is a good size for a 7, but not big enough for 6.

Plus his playing style is very much not suited to 6 - he's a heads up link man with a good amount of skill, not a big tackling grafter.

by **George Carlin** Thu 18 Jun 2015, 4:14 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Blake, like Bordill, is too small for 6 I reckon - Blake is classed as 6ft 1 and 16 st, which is a good size for a 7, but not big enough for 6.

Plus his playing style is very much not suited to 6 - he's a heads up link man with a good amount of skill, not a big tackling grafter.

Agreed. Just lie back and think of next year:

1. Dickinson
2. Brown
3. Nel
4. Gray
5. Toolis
6. Du Preez
7. Watson
8. Strauss

by madmaccas Thu 18 Jun 2015, 4:32 pm

George Carlin wrote:
madmaccas wrote:I hope Tyrone Holmes isn't out. I always preferred him to Fusaro who is a bit weak in the contact/collisions. Yeah he's had a few injuries this season, but he knocks people back and is a nuisance on the floor.
Hmm. Can I stress again:

Spring chicken Old fart

Ha ha he's just turned 29!!! Back rowers only come into their own in their late 20's.

How about these guys?

John Barclay (28)
Kieran Read (29)
Chris Robshaw (29)
David Pocock (27)
Johnnie Beattie (29)
Jamie Heaslip (31)
Liam Messam (31)
Richie McCaw (34)
Louis Picamoles (29)
Sean O'Brien (28)
Dan Lydiate (27)
Kelly Brown (33)
Yannick Nyanga (31)
Juan Smith (34)
Blair Cowan (29)
Sergio Parisse (31)
Tom Croft (29)
Josh Strauss (28)
Thierry Dusautoir (33)
Scott Higginbotham (28)
Chris Henry (30)
Schalk Burger (32)
Duane Vermeulen (28)
Jerome Kaino (32)

by nickj Thu 18 Jun 2015, 4:59 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:So Glasgow have 5 specialist opensides? Why did they sign Favaro again?

I've got it! They all play above the ground!

by **RDW** Sat 20 Jun 2015, 10:21 am

Nasi Manu and the Highlanders have reached the SR semi final - that's nothing compared to playing in front of 3.5k at Murrayfield next season!

He was subbed off before I started watching - anyone see him play?

by funnyExiledScot Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:48 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Nasi Manu and the Highlanders have reached the SR semi final - that's nothing compared to playing in front of 3.5k at Murrayfield next season!

He was subbed off before I started watching - anyone see him play?

Sounds like he had a stormer!!

by **RDW** Mon 22 Jun 2015, 1:50 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:Nasi Manu and the Highlanders have reached the SR semi final - that's nothing compared to playing in front of 3.5k at Murrayfield next season!

He was subbed off before I started watching - anyone see him play?

Sounds like he had a stormer!!

55th minute or something, so it's not as if he was before half time!

by funnyExiledScot Mon 22 Jun 2015, 2:04 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
funnyExiledScot wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:Nasi Manu and the Highlanders have reached the SR semi final - that's nothing compared to playing in front of 3.5k at Murrayfield next season!

He was subbed off before I started watching - anyone see him play?

Sounds like he had a stormer!!

55th minute or something, so it's not as if he was before half time!

He was so awesome they were probably resting him......

by Weegie Wizard Mon 22 Jun 2015, 3:15 pm

I recorded the game and haven’t watched it yet but the guy is consistently brilliant for them. Over the last 4 or 5 years the Highlanders’ season tends to depend on whether he is fit or not (although having Ben Smith helps). To be honest I’m surprised they let him go and doubly surprised he is coming to Scotland. I think he is still in his mid 20s as well so it is at least as good a signing as Strauss was for Glasgow.

The Edinburgh back row next year of Du Preez, Manu and either Watson or Denton will be frightening.

by **RDW** Mon 22 Jun 2015, 3:27 pm

He is certainly a huge signing for Edinburgh, and we must surely have one of the most competitive back rows in the league now.

I think we should hold out judgement on Manu for a while though - every SR player takes a while to settle in to the NH style of play, some more so than others. Du Preez found his feet early on, but I seem to remember thinking Bresler was pretty average for a number of months - look at him now.

SO I suspect we won't see the best of him for a while, but then he'll be so knackered after 2 seasons in a row that he'll no doubt tail off towards the end of the season.

Still, the fact that Edinburgh have

6/8 - Du Preez, Denton, Manu, Coman, Bradbury, Ritchie
7 - Watson, Grant, Blake (maybe?)

Is a massive bonus.

Throw Du Preez at 7 combined with Denton and Manu and you won't have the most subtle back row! Shocked

by madmaccas Tue 23 Jun 2015, 11:19 am

Just saw this on Facebook. Some cracking tries. They play in a very similar style to the Warriors.

by **George Carlin** Tue 23 Jun 2015, 11:38 am

madmaccas wrote:Just saw this on Facebook. Some cracking tries. They play in a very similar style to the Warriors.

Well worth 5 minutes of anyone's time.

I hope that Connor Braid gets a deal somewhere because the boy has talent.

by 21st Century Schizoid Man Tue 23 Jun 2015, 12:00 pm

Some cracking tries there. I feel that Connor Braid going to RWC with canada went against him getting a Warriors contract. Really good player who can play 10-15 and kicks goals very well too. Almost certain he will get a contract with someone. Just hope he does not go to The Luvvies ! Wink

by funnyExiledScot Tue 23 Jun 2015, 12:16 pm

Weegie Wizard wrote:I recorded the game and haven’t watched it yet but the guy is consistently brilliant for them. Over the last 4 or 5 years the Highlanders’ season tends to depend on whether he is fit or not (although having Ben Smith helps). To be honest I’m surprised they let him go and doubly surprised he is coming to Scotland. I think he is still in his mid 20s as well so it is at least as good a signing as Strauss was for Glasgow.

The Edinburgh back row next year of Du Preez, Manu and either Watson or Denton will be frightening.

Ben Smith. Everything that Jack Cuthbert is not!

by Weegie Wizard Tue 23 Jun 2015, 2:11 pm

The guy is pretty amazing (Smith, not Cuthbert).

I watched the game last night and he looks like a player from 30yrs ago who is able to drift through gaps before you see them. It takes an effort to remember the defenders are a lot better than 30yrs ago.

Another player who looked pretty good was the Chiefs full back who I think someone said on another thread was SQ'd. If he is not on the All Blacks radar then we should definitely be trying to tempt him over. He would make a fine back up to Hogg at Glasgow!

by **George Carlin** Tue 23 Jun 2015, 2:22 pm

Weegie Wizard wrote:The guy is pretty amazing (Smith, not Cuthbert).

I watched the game last night and he looks like a player from 30yrs ago who is able to drift through gaps before you see them. It takes an effort to remember the defenders are a lot better than 30yrs ago.

Another player who looked pretty good was the Chiefs full back who I think someone said on another thread was SQ'd. If he is not on the All Blacks radar then we should definitely be trying to tempt him over. He would make a fine back up to Hogg at Glasgow!

Damian MacKenzie. Yes, he is SQ and a short, abrasive ginger lest any other evidence of his Scottish heritage be needed.

by **RDW** Tue 23 Jun 2015, 3:03 pm

Weegie Wizard wrote: He would make a fine back up to Hogg at Glasgow!

Or give Edinbrugh an option at 15 other than Cuthbert!

by **George Carlin** Tue 23 Jun 2015, 3:26 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:He is certainly a huge signing for Edinburgh, and we must surely have one of the most competitive back rows in the league now.

I think we should hold out judgement on Manu for a while though - every SR player takes a while to settle in to the NH style of play, some more so than others. Du Preez found his feet early on, but I seem to remember thinking Bresler was pretty average for a number of months - look at him now.

SO I suspect we won't see the best of him for a while, but then he'll be so knackered after 2 seasons in a row that he'll no doubt tail off towards the end of the season.

Still, the fact that Edinburgh have

6/8 - Du Preez, Denton, Manu, Coman, Bradbury, Ritchie
7 - Watson, Grant, Blake (maybe?)

Is a massive bonus.

Throw Du Preez at 7 combined with Denton and Manu and you won't have the most subtle back row!

01 Dickinson
02 Ford
03 Nel
04 Toolis
05 Bresler
06 Du Preez
07 Watson
08 Manu

That sure as sh!t has to be a competitive pack next season. Great balance of dog and athleticism.

by **RDW** Tue 23 Jun 2015, 3:33 pm

It will be indeed. When you consider at least one of Denton, Du Preez, Manu or Coman won't get a start, we're starting to develop Glasgow-like strength in depth in some positions.

Although, being pedantic, Bresler is a 4 and Toolis 5.... Whistle

by **George Carlin** Tue 23 Jun 2015, 3:45 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:It will be indeed. When you consider at least one of Denton, Du Preez, Manu or Coman won't get a start, we're starting to develop Glasgow-like strength in depth in some positions.

Although, being pedantic, Bresler is a 4 and Toolis 5....

Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Scottish Arrivals & Departures - Page 9 Shocke10

by Weegie Wizard Tue 23 Jun 2015, 3:54 pm

When it comes to your pack the depth is good throughout, not just the back row. There won't be many teams where a player like Gilchrist won't get in the team. A little light at tight-head maybe but everyone seems to be in that boat.

You really do need to focus on the league this year. 2 teams in the top 6 would do a great deal for Scottish rugby and maybe even hasten the Caley Reds discussion.

by **RDW** Tue 23 Jun 2015, 3:59 pm

Weegie Wizard wrote:When it comes to your pack the depth is good throughout, not just the back row. There won't be many teams where a player like Gilchrist won't get in the team. A little light at tight-head maybe but everyone seems to be in that boat.

You really do need to focus on the league this year. 2 teams in the top 6 would do a great deal for Scottish rugby and maybe even hasten the Caley Reds discussion.

Abolutely - Edinburgh's first choice pack v 2nd choice would be a hell of a scrap!

Dickinson V Andress
Ford V McInally
Nel V Sutherland
Bresler V McKenzie
Toolis V Gilchrist
Du Preez V Coman
Watson V Grant
Manu V Denton

Surely Solomons will rotate this year? Surely??

Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Scottish Arrivals & Departures - Page 9 1367491515_90435

Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Scottish Arrivals & Departures - Page 9 1367491515_90435

by nickj Tue 23 Jun 2015, 4:12 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
Weegie Wizard wrote:When it comes to your pack the depth is good throughout, not just the back row. There won't be many teams where a player like Gilchrist won't get in the team. A little light at tight-head maybe but everyone seems to be in that boat.

You really do need to focus on the league this year. 2 teams in the top 6 would do a great deal for Scottish rugby and maybe even hasten the Caley Reds discussion.

Abolutely - Edinburgh's first choice pack v 2nd choice would be a hell of a scrap!

Dickinson V Andress
Ford V McInally
Nel V Sutherland
Bresler V McKenzie
Toolis V Gilchrist
Du Preez V Coman
Watson V Grant
Manu V Denton

Surely Solomons will rotate this year? Surely??

The great thing is that the majority of those players are scots too. A smattering of projects and SQs, but on the whole its very positive, especially when you add the likes of Dell, Berghan, Shiells, Miller, Bradbury and Blake...

by madmaccas Wed 08 Jul 2015, 12:40 pm

It's all gone awfully quiet on the signing front. Do we think that's it? Bit underwhelming all over (especially when we discount Naiyaravoro). The Irish provinces have made some massive signings, yet the PRO12 Champions and Challenge Cup runner ups are getting relative unknowns.

by nickj Wed 08 Jul 2015, 1:18 pm

If that is indeed it, both teams' recruitment for next season has been nothing less than pathetic. Nasi Manu and Big Tacky aside, neither teams' signings stand out, let alone stand up to our rivals'.

I'm all for identifying unknown talent and giving young home grown talent its head; but the likes of Lee Jones and Kieran Low just don't compare to the guys they are replacing in the Glasgow squad. Neither do the likes of Will Helu or Nathan Fowles down the M8.

With or without Tacky, there are glaring holes in both squads and its hugely frustrating to see them being filled by potential or former sevens players we feel we owe a contract to. Especially when we've been told the BT money is there and that Glasgow's title win is the beginning, rather than the end, of the journey.

The Tacky deal going t*ts up at such a late stage has obviously caught Glasgow by surprise, but DTH's move to Scarlets really sticks in the craw for me. I have heard rumours he was extremely keen to stay in Glasgow, but was told there wasn't enough money. Can that really be true? If Tacky can back out of a deal, can DTH? would he want to>?

I was also wondering how far down the line the Kevin Locke deal was when it was called off?

by madmaccas Wed 08 Jul 2015, 1:37 pm

nickj wrote:If that is indeed it, both teams' recruitment for next season has been nothing less than pathetic. Nasi Manu and Big Tacky aside, neither teams' signings stand out, let alone stand up to our rivals'.

I'm all for identifying unknown talent and giving young home grown talent its head; but the likes of Lee Jones and Kieran Low just don't compare to the guys they are replacing in the Glasgow squad. Neither do Will Helu or Nathan Fowles down the M8.

With or without Tacky, there are glaring holes in both squads and its hugely frustrating to see them being filled by potential or former sevens players we feel we owe a contract to. Especially when we've been told the BT money is there and that Glasgow's title win is the beginning, rather than the end, of the journey.

The Tacky deal going t*ts up at such a late stage has obviously caught Glasgow by surprise, but DTH's move to Scarlets really sticks in the craw for me. I have heard rumours he was extremely keen to stay in Glasgow, but was told there wasn't enough money. Can that really be true? If Tacky can back out of a deal, can DTH? would he want to>?

I was also wondering how far down the line the Kevin Locke deal was when it was called off?

Jeez I forgot all about Locke!

I fear we've tried to be extra shrewd and been caught out. Had Glasgow/Edinburgh got their reputed targets of Locke,Tacky and Hardie then I'd be singing a different tune...but they didn't.

As you pointed out we're supposed to have some extra dosh, so how do Leinster and Munster get Isa Nacewa and Francis Saili respectively and we (as you say Manu aside) get some academy players from Wales, a few Aviva backups and some lad from Italy?!

Actually how have the Ospreys got All Black Brendon Leonard, Zebre got Wallaby Luke Burgess and Cardiff got Samoan Rey Lee-Lo?!

The interviews I heard from DTH all had him saying he really wanted a change of scenery as he'd spent most of his career in Glasgow. It may be saving face, but I don't think so.

by nickj Wed 08 Jul 2015, 1:49 pm

Quality, not quantity has definitely been the overriding trend this year:

CARDIFF BLUES
INS
Rey Lee-Lo (centre, Hurricanes), Tom James (winger, Exeter), Blaine Scully (winger, Leicester), Cameron Dolan (lock/back-row, Northampton)
OUTS
Adam Jones (prop, Harlequins), Matthew Rees (hooker), Marc Breeze (hooker), Filo Paulo (lock, Treviso), Rory Watts-Jones (flanker), Simon Humberstone (outside-half, Doncaster), Dafydd Hewitt (centre), Joaquin Tuculet (full-back, Argentina), Lucas Amorosino (winger)

NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS
INS
Ed Jackson (flanker, Wasps), Sarel Pretorius (scrum-half, Cheetahs), Charlie Davies (scrum-half, Wasps), Adam Warren (centre, Scarlets), Nick Scott (winger, London Welsh)
OUTS
Owen Evans (prop, Harlequins), Ian Gough (lock), Jonathan Evans (scrum-half, Bath), Steffan Jones (outside-half, Bedford Blues), Lee Byrne (full-back), Ashley Smith (centre)

OSPREYS
INS
Paul James (prop, Bath), Gareth Delve (No.8, Rebels), Brendon Leonard (scrum-half, Zebre)
OUTS
Nicky Thomas (prop, Gloucester), Duncan Jones (prop), Sam Lewis (flanker, Worcester), Morgan Allen (No.8, Scarlets), Aisea Natoga (winger, Carcassonne)

SCARLETS
INS
Will Taylor (prop, Wasps), Dylan Evans (prop, NSW Country Eagles), Tom Price (lock, Leicester), Morgan Allen (No.8, Ospreys), Aled Thomas (outside-half, Gloucester), DTH van der Merwe (winger, Glasgow)
OUTS
Jacobie Adriaanse (prop, Montpellier), Darran Harris (hooker, Rotherham), Johan Snyman (lock, Brive), Sion Bennett (flanker, Northampton), Rhys Priestland (outside-half, Bath), Adam Warren (centre, Dragons), Kristian Phillips (winger), Frazier Climo (winger)

CONNACHT
INS
Quinn Roux (lock, Leinster), Ben Marshall (lock, Leinster), Nepia Fox-Matamua (flanker, Auckland), John Cooney (scrum-half, Leinster), Api Pewhairangi (utility back, New Zealand Warriors rugby league)
OUTS
Sean Henry (hooker), Mick Kearney (lock, Leinster), Michael Swift (lock), Willie Faloon (flanker, Ulster), Mata Fifita (flanker), Miah Nikora (outside-half), Mils Muliaina (full-back, Zebre), Shane Layden (full-back)

EDINBURGH
INS
Jack Cosgrove (prop, Worcester), Nasi Manu (No.8, Highlanders), Nathan Fowles (scrum-half, Sale), William Helu (centre, Wasps), Michael Allen (winger, Ulster)
OUTS
Ollie Atkins (lock, Exeter), Grayson Hart (scrum-half, Glasgow), Tom Heathcote (outside-half, Worcester), Tim Visser (winger, Harlequins)

GLASGOW WARRIORS
INS
Simone Favaro (back row, Treviso), Kieran Low (lock, London Irish), Greg Peterson (lock, Leicester), Mike Blair (scrum-half, Newcastle), Grayson Hart (scrum-half, Edinburgh), Taqele Naiyaravoro (winger, Waratahs)
OUTS
Euan Murray (prop, Pau), Jon Welsh (prop, Newcastle), Dougie Hall (hooker), Alastair Kellock (lock), Nikola Matawalu (scrum-half, Bath), James Downey (centre, Wasps), Gabriel Ascarate (centre, Argentina), Connor Braid (centre), Sean Maitland (winger, London Irish), DTH van der Merwe (winger, Scarlets)

LEINSTER
INS
Royce Burke-Flynn (prop, Clontarf), Ian Hirst (prop, Clontarf), Mick Kearney (lock, Connacht), Jonny Sexton (outside-half, Racing 92), Isa Nacewa (winger)
OUTS
Sean McCarthy (prop, Jersey), Quinn Roux (lock, Connacht), Ben Marshall (lock, Connacht), Jordan Coghlan (flanker, Munster), Shane Jennings (flanker), John Cooney (scrum-half, Connacht), Jimmy Gopperth (outside-half, Wasps), Gordon d’Arcy (centre), Sam Coghlan Murray (winger, Nottingham)

MUNSTER
INS
Jordan Coghlan (flanker, Leinster), Tomas O’Leary (scrum-half, London Irish), Francis Saili (centre, Blues, Auckland)
OUTS
Allan Cotter (prop, Aix-en-Provence), Damian Varley (hooker), Eusebio Guiñazu (hooker), Paul O’Connell (lock, Toulon), Sean Dougall (flanker, Pau), Barry O’Mahony (flanker), Paddy Butler (No.8, Pau), JJ Hanrahan (outside-half, Northampton), Pat Howard (centre, Northampton), Andrew Smith (centre), Johnne Murphy (full-back)

TREVISO
INS
Alberto de Marchi (prop, Sale), Simone Ferrari (prop, Milano), Ornel Gega (prop, Mogliano), Chérif Traoré (prop, Calvisano), Luca Bigi (hooker, Petrarca), Tom Palmer (lock, Gloucester), Filo Paulo (lock, Cardiff Blues), Duncan Naude (lock, Chalon sur Saone), Robert Barbieri (flanker, Leicester), Andrea de Marchi (flanker, Rovigo), Jean-Francois Montauriol (flanker, Rovigo), Braam Steyn (flanker, Calvisano), Chris Smylie (scrum-half, Hurricanes), Tommaso Iannone (winger, Zebre), Luke McLean (full-back, Sale)
OUTS
Romulo Acosta (prop), José Francisco Novak (prop), Giovanni Maistri (hooker, Petrarca), Albert Anae (hooker), Bruno Mercanti (hooker), Amar Kudin (hooker), Simone Favaro (back row, Glasgow), Tomas Vallejos Cinalli (lock), Antonio Pavanello (lock), Corniel van Zyl (lock), Paul Derbyshire (flanker, Zebre), Matt Luamanu (flanker), Meyer Swanepoel (flanker), Nicola Cattina (flanker), Henry Seniloli (scrum-half), Joe Carlisle (outside-half, London Welsh), Michele Campagnaro (centre, Exeter)

ULSTER
INS
Peter Browne (lock, London Welsh), Willie Faloon (flanker, Connacht), Sam Windsor (outside-half, Worcester), Paul Rowley (scrum-half, London Welsh) Charles Piutau (Auckland Blues)
OUTS
Declan Fitzpatrick (prop), Charlie Butterworth (flanker, Jersey), Tim Boys (flanker), Michael Heaney (scrum-half, Doncaster), Michael Allen (winger, Edinburgh), Ross Adair (winger, Jersey), Ricky Andrew (full-back, Nottingham)

ZEBRE
INS
Bruno Postiglioni (prop, Argentina), Emiliano Coria (prop, Montpellier), Guillermo Roan (prop, Rovigo), Pietro Ceccarrelli (prop, Macon), Emiliano Caffini (lock, Rovigo), Paul Derbyshire (flanker, Treviso), Federico Ruzza (flanker, Viadana), Luke Burgess (scrum-half, Rebels), Kayle van Zyl (scrum-half, Mogliano), Marcelo Violi (scrum-half, Calvisano), Tommaso Boni (centre, Mogliano), Mils Muliaina (full-back, Connacht), Ulrich Beyers (full-back, Bordeaux-Bègles)
OUTS
Luca Redolfini (prop, Rovigo), Matias Aguero (prop), Lorenzo Romano (prop), Luciano Leibson (prop), Andries Ferreira (lock, Lions), Andrei Mahu (lock), Mauro Bergamasco (flanker), Samuela Vunisa (No.8, Saracens), Brendon Leonard (scrum-half, Ospreys), Alberto Chillon (scrum-half), Luciano Orquera (outside-half, Massy), Tommaso Iannone (winger, Treviso), Hennie Daniller (full-back)

by **RDW** Wed 08 Jul 2015, 4:17 pm

I think Manu and Helu are top signings the Edinburgh, but we're very short at 10 and 13

Glasgow are glaringly short at tighthead and 2nd row - after Gray and Nakarawa who is there?? Kieran low who isn't great and some journeyman American, Eddie and Harley playing out of position?

Tighthead too they have a solid NSQ player, Cusak who surely still can't be fully relied upon for a whole season and a few youngsters. How is that enough?

by **George Carlin** Wed 08 Jul 2015, 4:53 pm

Yes, I think that both teams have real holes in the squad, but Glasgow's problems are more acute as it's first and second choice players that there are missing.

Everyone has banged on about the fact that you just need more bodies in your squad in any year which has a World Cup and a Six Nations, but conversely Toonie seems to have forgotton that the guys who were able to produce some magic to help us close out the tightest games last season were all established international players and many of them have not been replaced. You cannot just let quality players leave and replace them with people who may become quality in the future. Or rather, you can, but you'll place top 8 in the league next year rather than top 4.

Take lock for instance. James Horwill signed for Quins, Jeremy Thrush signed for Gloucester and Matt Symons signed for London Irish. Were we even in the races for any of those players? Did anyone even sound Richie Gray out about coming back? Did Scotland's new forward coach Nathan Hines really not know of any big lumps of boeuf francais who fancy a trip to God's own country?

Tight head is even more difficult to recruit for. It's just difficult to see why a guy like Brian Mujati would come to a side like Sale (which he has) and not a side like Glasgow unless not approached in the first place.

Difficult not to worry in the absence of a more detailed understanding (which we will almost certainly never receive) about the SRU's recruitment strategy.

by Weegie Wizard Wed 08 Jul 2015, 5:06 pm

2nd row I'm not as worried about. We have lost Al and Ryder and brought in Low and the Yank so it isn't a massive step down and Gray Jnr, Naka and Swinson should cope. Toonie is presumably banking on Fagerson or Rae stepping up this year. I don't like the fact that we will need to rely on them but GT has earned a bit of trust so far.

We are also a player short on the wings - two if big tacky is backing out, which looks likely. We won't be threat out wide that we have been if we are playing Lamont or Jones too often.

by **RDW** Wed 08 Jul 2015, 5:11 pm

Forgot about Swinson - 2nd row isn't too bad then.

Wings are certainly an issue if big T doesn't come - who will partner Seymour? A geriatric Lamont, Lee Jones or Hughes??

by **George Carlin** Wed 08 Jul 2015, 5:20 pm

Weegie Wizard wrote:2nd row I'm not as worried about. We have lost Al and Ryder and brought in Low and the Yank so it isn't a massive step down and Gray Jnr, Naka and Swinson should cope. Toonie is presumably banking on Fagerson or Rae stepping up this year. I don't like the fact that we will need to rely on them but GT has earned a bit of trust so far.

We are also a player short on the wings - two if big tacky is backing out, which looks likely. We won't be threat out wide that we have been if we are playing Lamont or Jones too often.

If you read between the lines on some of the SRU interviews with Dodson, I think that Toonie is coming under a lot of pressure to give Fagerson and Rae a lot of gametime in the hope that they can presented as another 'young success' for Scottish rugby like Bennett, Clyne, Toolis, J Gray et al.

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