Silly season transfer rumours III...

Previous seasonal silliness:
https://www.606v2.com/t57129-silly-season-transfer-rumours
https://www.606v2.com/t58562-silly-season-transfer-rumours-continued


The place to confirm rumours, deny them, or viciously start new ones of your own.

ok let's start with a good one...
....Louis Picamoles rumoured to join Northampton after this season. He's currently in talk with Toulouse over his contract renewal but the good money seems to be on the other side of the channel.
That seems to be bit a of not so funny joke though: how come we cannot even keep one of the very few top quality french players when we can bring the vermeulen's and nonu's of this world in less time than it is needed to say Boujellal

http://www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/news/latest-headlines/2015/november/world-class-picamoles-signs-on-with-saints/

Done

Wow - that's a great piece of business. He's in his pomp now (just about).

2016/17 season for 3 seasons.

Leaves them a touch shirt for this season though he's a really great signing for next year.

New centre for LI here

Not quite Picamoles is he Heaf? Brilliant signing by Saints though, could be out standing

Good squad signing for LI. Not quite the experienced ten you're desperate for but there's not many of those going.

Just you wait - we'll be announcing Dan Carter next

Burgess as good as confirmed back to NRL. Ill find the links. Biggest NRL deal ever

Disappointing really he's a great athlete. He'll be the superstar attraction back in Australia in no time. Bath will be loath to let him go now with no replacement for Fearns and Sisi out on loan. The NRL franchise making the move will have to pay off Bath for a handsome amount.

Bath are suddenly under the cap and get a Poopie loaf of money, win win

They haven't replaced Fearns or James from last season. Priestland could be the marquee so with that you'd assume they are comfortably within the cap now. I did hear a Burger short term deal rumour which would be the ideal short term signing until they can bring in Falatau next sumer.

Taulupe will sign a DC & stay with the Dragons - better sign Burger for a bit longer

Heaf wrote:New centre for LI here

That's a smart signing - he's a big robust carrier in the Jamie Roberts vein.

When I saw him in the World Cup, I couldn't work out why he was still playing rugby in Canada.

Matt Toomua was at WR on Sunday and happily posed for pictures with some fans. Fuels the rumours he'll be arriving for the 2016/17 season.

Burgess leaving Bath and RU has been confirmed.

No certain report on where he is heading but back to NRL and the Rabbitohs seems a good bet.

That'll be a big pay off. I heard rumours of Bath demanding the full 800k of his remaining contract was paid out.

It's now confirmed it is back to the Rabbitohs.

Russell Crowe basically views Burgess as his son from what I have gathered so I imagine he will have paid what was required!

With Garvey featuring more at lock it does suddenly leave Bath looking a bit short on depth though.

6.Fa'osiliva
7.Louw, Mercer
8.Houston

Garvey featuring at blindside would be no bad thing from an England perspective however.

Mercer is out for 12 weeks, so we are down to the youngsters, which is no bad thing long term, for Toulon away it may be more problematic.

Who would be the youngsters in line, I'd imagine Ewels might get some game time?

Yeah I would guess Ewels would be next in line. Although we have a few locks so I guess Garvey will be in the backrow for the foreseeable future.

Wanted. Anyone that's played back row in rugby union. Willing to pay upto £500k, reported. Must have played the sport before and not be interested in faffing with the backs or playing for their country! Immediate start.

Bathman_in_London wrote:Yeah I would guess Ewels would be next in line. Although we have a few locks so I guess Garvey will be in the backrow for the foreseeable future.

A bit cheap to say it now, but I said it before. Garvey is a far better 6 than Sam is/was. But left Fearns and Sisi gone, we are now super short on players in what is already one of the smallest squads in the league. Can we recall Sisi?

What happened to this rumour of schalk fancying a short stint???

I think the Sisi loan may have been part of a deal to release Homer early last year - I'm sure Bath wouldn't go back on an agreement would they, it's not like they've got previous for that sort of thing  

I had assumed the Sisi loan was for the whole season, maybe we could steal some of your other players instead again Heaf?!

For the wages Burgess was on, I'm sure we could get 2 decent quality players although clearly they would have to be non European based.

yes I think it was for the whole of this season ... but I think releasing Homer early last season may have been part of the deal?

Rhys Patchell from Blues to Scarlets confirmed. It's been talked about for some time and rumoured to be happening end of last season but Blues would not release him.

If the Scarlets succeed in getting JD2 and North back at PYS they will have some backing!

Liam Williams, DTH, JD2(likely?), Scott Williams, North (maybe?), Patchell, Gareth Davies!

The blues really are becoming a laughing stock. Good move all round.

That's a great looking back line

Will North want to go back to the Scarlets after the way he was forced out?

Seagultaf wrote:Rhys Patchell from Blues to Scarlets confirmed. It's been talked about for some time and rumoured to be happening end of last season but Blues would not release him.

If the Scarlets succeed in getting JD2 and North back at PYS they will have some backing!

Liam Williams, DTH, JD2(likely?), Scott Williams, North (maybe?), Patchell, Gareth Davies!

Hopefully less pressure on Owen williams to come back from Tigers.

TBJ9625 wrote:Will North want to go back to the Scarlets after the way he was forced out?

Good question but don't forget he was a pawn in the ongoing battle between the Regions and Roger the Dodger and his campaign to shut down Regional Rugby. Also his form has plummeted since leaving the Scarlets and no doubt he wants to go on another Lions tour and continue being a fixture in the Wales side, so he may see a return as the sensible solution. I understand that the Ospreys and Blues are also chasing his signature so if he still holds a grudge against the Scarlets maybe he will have a few other options?

Welly wrote:

Seagultaf wrote:Rhys Patchell from Blues to Scarlets confirmed. It's been talked about for some time and rumoured to be happening end of last season but Blues would not release him.

If the Scarlets succeed in getting JD2 and North back at PYS they will have some backing!

Liam Williams, DTH, JD2(likely?), Scott Williams, North (maybe?), Patchell, Gareth Davies!

Hopefully less pressure on Owen williams to come back from Tigers.

If Owen has ambitions to play regularly at test level then under the current participation agreement he will need to come back to Wales as there will be at least 3 other 10s of similar or better standard than him playing Welsh Regional rugby.

Not sure he would want to sign for the blues on there current form. Could the Ospreys aford him? Personally I'd rather see us get a good creative centre than an out of form wing

Seagultaf wrote:

TBJ9625 wrote:Will North want to go back to the Scarlets after the way he was forced out?

Good question but don't forget he was a pawn in the ongoing battle between the Regions and Roger the Dodger and his campaign to shut down Regional Rugby. Also his form has plummeted since leaving the Scarlets and no doubt he wants to go on another Lions tour and continue being a fixture in the Wales side, so he may see a return as the sensible solution. I understand that the Ospreys and Blues are also chasing his signature so if he still holds a grudge against the Scarlets maybe he will have a few other options?

North's form has only fallen away for Wales. He's done pretty well for Saints and the Lions. His inability to run line outs ala Ashton off the wing and Wales preoccupation with smashing the ball up the middle of the pitch don't help.

Owen Williams doesn't seem fussed with international rugby at the minute. He's got this season and then at least one more with Tigers. No rush when there's no regional space for him.

Seagultaf wrote:

Welly wrote:

Seagultaf wrote:Rhys Patchell from Blues to Scarlets confirmed. It's been talked about for some time and rumoured to be happening end of last season but Blues would not release him.

If the Scarlets succeed in getting JD2 and North back at PYS they will have some backing!

Liam Williams, DTH, JD2(likely?), Scott Williams, North (maybe?), Patchell, Gareth Davies!

Hopefully less pressure on Owen williams to come back from Tigers.

If Owen has ambitions to play regularly at test level then under the current participation agreement he will need to come back to Wales as there will be at least 3 other 10s of similar or better standard than him playing Welsh Regional rugby.

Might be Biased but who are the 3.

Bigger (Out right no10 easily), Who else Patchell havn't seen much of him TBH but gets a good rep. Who is the other?

Who is the only welsh 10 to play in a European cup knock-out game? I feel the fact he has looked good @ 12 gives him a more interesting edge than say Patchell.

I presume the current pecking order is Biggar, Anscombe and the Pratchell.

Heaf wrote:New centre for LI here

Good signing.

Had a good world cup.

Welly wrote:

Seagultaf wrote:

Welly wrote:

Seagultaf wrote:Rhys Patchell from Blues to Scarlets confirmed. It's been talked about for some time and rumoured to be happening end of last season but Blues would not release him.

If the Scarlets succeed in getting JD2 and North back at PYS they will have some backing!

Liam Williams, DTH, JD2(likely?), Scott Williams, North (maybe?), Patchell, Gareth Davies!

Hopefully less pressure on Owen williams to come back from Tigers.

If Owen has ambitions to play regularly at test level then under the current participation agreement he will need to come back to Wales as there will be at least 3 other 10s of similar or better standard than him playing Welsh Regional rugby.

Might be Biased but who are the 3.

Bigger (Out right no10 easily), Who else Patchell havn't seen much of him TBH but gets a good rep. Who is the other?

Who is the only welsh 10 to play in a European cup knock-out game? I feel the fact he has looked good @ 12 gives him a more interesting edge than say Patchell.

Actually Priestland has played European knock out games, not sure about Biggar. But top 3 10s for Wales now that Priestland has retired are: Biggar, Anscombe and Patchell, with Shingler not far behind.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Seagultaf wrote:

TBJ9625 wrote:Will North want to go back to the Scarlets after the way he was forced out?

Good question but don't forget he was a pawn in the ongoing battle between the Regions and Roger the Dodger and his campaign to shut down Regional Rugby. Also his form has plummeted since leaving the Scarlets and no doubt he wants to go on another Lions tour and continue being a fixture in the Wales side, so he may see a return as the sensible solution. I understand that the Ospreys and Blues are also chasing his signature so if he still holds a grudge against the Scarlets maybe he will have a few other options?

North's form has only fallen away for Wales. He's done pretty well for Saints and the Lions. His inability to run line outs ala Ashton off the wing and Wales preoccupation with smashing the ball up the middle of the pitch don't help.

Owen Williams doesn't seem fussed with international rugby at the minute. He's got this season and then at least one more with Tigers. No rush when there's no regional space for him.

North's form for Wales has fallen off a cliff, not sure about his form for the Saints but has not plated for them for probably 6 months. It's his axles form which will define his career, his future in the Wales side and any chance of a second Lions tour. If he wants a long term career at the highest level he needs to do something different because what he is doing at present is ruining him.

Seagultaf wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Seagultaf wrote:

TBJ9625 wrote:Will North want to go back to the Scarlets after the way he was forced out?

Good question but don't forget he was a pawn in the ongoing battle between the Regions and Roger the Dodger and his campaign to shut down Regional Rugby. Also his form has plummeted since leaving the Scarlets and no doubt he wants to go on another Lions tour and continue being a fixture in the Wales side, so he may see a return as the sensible solution. I understand that the Ospreys and Blues are also chasing his signature so if he still holds a grudge against the Scarlets maybe he will have a few other options?

North's form has only fallen away for Wales. He's done pretty well for Saints and the Lions. His inability to run line outs ala Ashton off the wing and Wales preoccupation with smashing the ball up the middle of the pitch don't help.

Owen Williams doesn't seem fussed with international rugby at the minute. He's got this season and then at least one more with Tigers. No rush when there's no regional space for him.

North's form for Wales has fallen off a cliff, not sure about his form for the Saints but has not plated for them for probably 6 months. It's his axles form which will define his career, his future in the Wales side and any chance of a second Lions tour. If he wants a long term career at the highest level he needs to do something different because what he is doing at present is ruining him.

As you say all he's done for the last six months is train with Wales. Before his concussions with Wales he was doing alright with Saints. He was going in for a decent score for Saints as he received the concussion that ended his season. Difference being Saints cared enough about his health not to keep playing him.

He's in the squad to play against Sarries tomorrow and that'll be a good test for him. Sarries ruthlessly expose any back three player who isn't a competent footballer and who isn't good under the high ball.

Far to early to think about the next Lions tour. He's unlikely to be dropped by Wales anytime soon and reputation alone gives him a decent chance of going.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Seagultaf wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Seagultaf wrote:

TBJ9625 wrote:Will North want to go back to the Scarlets after the way he was forced out?

Good question but don't forget he was a pawn in the ongoing battle between the Regions and Roger the Dodger and his campaign to shut down Regional Rugby. Also his form has plummeted since leaving the Scarlets and no doubt he wants to go on another Lions tour and continue being a fixture in the Wales side, so he may see a return as the sensible solution. I understand that the Ospreys and Blues are also chasing his signature so if he still holds a grudge against the Scarlets maybe he will have a few other options?

North's form has only fallen away for Wales. He's done pretty well for Saints and the Lions. His inability to run line outs ala Ashton off the wing and Wales preoccupation with smashing the ball up the middle of the pitch don't help.

Owen Williams doesn't seem fussed with international rugby at the minute. He's got this season and then at least one more with Tigers. No rush when there's no regional space for him.

North's form for Wales has fallen off a cliff, not sure about his form for the Saints but has not plated for them for probably 6 months. It's his axles form which will define his career, his future in the Wales side and any chance of a second Lions tour. If he wants a long term career at the highest level he needs to do something different because what he is doing at present is ruining him.

As you say all he's done for the last six months is train with Wales. Before his concussions with Wales he was doing alright with Saints. He was going in for a decent score for Saints as he received the concussion that ended his season. Difference being Saints cared enough about his health not to keep playing him.

He's in the squad to play against Sarries tomorrow and that'll be a good test for him. Sarries ruthlessly expose any back three player who isn't a competent footballer and who isn't good under the high ball.

Far to early to think about the next Lions tour. He's unlikely to be dropped by Wales anytime soon and reputation alone gives him a decent chance of going.

I doubt yesterday's game will be any pointer towards North's future renaisance or not? My concern is that someone who was World Class is now only being selected by Wales because the other wing Cuthbert is absolutely pants! He needs to play at a club where his talents will be nurtured and developed, and that does not appear to be happening at Northampton. Perhaps he is homesick, and missing his Welsh speaking mates? Either way I hope George considers his future in more than just money terms when his contract ends this season.

On another point there are rumours going around that Charteris has signed to play for Bath next season, any substance to this? I would have liked to see him playing in Wales again, I am sure the Dragons would love to have him back, likewise Cardiff or his first club, Scarlets?

Northampton have nurtured through a few young players in recent years and Mallinder was previously involved with England age grade rugby. The club also went out of their way to make sure North recovered from his head knocks which Wales certainly didn't.

How many Welsh backs wearing numbers greater than 10 played to their full potential in the RWC? I'd say none. Injuries didn't help but given the pace and creativity available the stodgy power game used was the safe option. The Welsh camp had those backs and North in camp for months. I think it's easier for the Welsh fans to point the finger at Saints for North failing to build on his promising early international form with Wales than it is to admit their coaches are not utilising their backs to the best of their abilities.

Charteris sounds like a done deal for next season.

@ 32/33 next season I suspect he might be having one eye looking @ after international.

Bath desperate for a Lineout lock.

Went to Bath uni so has previous with the city.

Hooper has run the Bath line out for a long time. I don't rate him particularly highly but he is the club captain. If it's his last season this season then it makes sense to look at someone like Charteris for next season.

Bath's scouts will be doing overtime at the minute so they might as well tie up one or two contracts for next season as well.

Bath are rumoured to be having Attwood, Webber and maybe Hooper out.

Reckon Bath will try to replace them with Moore, Charteris a 6 and maybe another lock.

Bath backs are fine ATM (In general) what they need is forwards and mainly tight 5 forwards other than props (and another 6).

With the salary cap being risen I wouldn't be surprised to see a bath pack next year
1) Catt, 2) Moore, 3) Wilson
4) Charteris, 5) Attwood/?
6) Burger, 7) Louw, 8) Houston

16) Batty, 17) Auterac, 18) Thomas, 19) Garvey, 20) Ewels/Mercer

Lots of noise that Harkequins may sign ode the AB's Read, Messam or Luatua under the injury dispensation rule for Luamanu and Talei