Silly season transfer rumours III...

First topic message reminder :

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.

Artful_Dodger wrote:

Hazel Sapling wrote:

Artful_Dodger wrote:

Welly wrote: Scholes rumours a no go.

Most Ulster fans seem to think hes going somewhere - Edinburgh, Saracens and Leicester Tigers all mentioned.

Edinburgh do not need back 3 or 13 unless they are a top prospect. If Ulster has a good 12 spare though, preferably not tied to Ireland, send him over

We already gave you Michael Allen, you are just getting greedy now

I was thinking McCloskey is uncapped....

Hazel Sapling wrote:

Artful_Dodger wrote:

Hazel Sapling wrote:

Artful_Dodger wrote:

Welly wrote: Scholes rumours a no go.

Most Ulster fans seem to think hes going somewhere - Edinburgh, Saracens and Leicester Tigers all mentioned.

Edinburgh do not need back 3 or 13 unless they are a top prospect. If Ulster has a good 12 spare though, preferably not tied to Ireland, send him over

We already gave you Michael Allen, you are just getting greedy now

I was thinking McCloskey is uncapped....

Better sign him before the end of the 6N then....just in case. Hoping he gets a run out against Italy especially if we are out of the running by the time we play them.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:

Welly wrote: Goneva to Falcons.

I'd be a little disappointed with that one tbh A few seasons ago Goneva was untouchable, pure magic. I don't really think he's been getting close to those levels recently and he wouldn't be cheap.

He's played pretty well this season. The try against Munster at Thommond Park was particularly nice. For a bug man his footwork and finishing in a tight space past two tacklers was pretty special. On the Falcons plastic pitch you'll enjoy watching him.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Sgt_Pooly wrote:

Welly wrote: Goneva to Falcons.

I'd be a little disappointed with that one tbh A few seasons ago Goneva was untouchable, pure magic. I don't really think he's been getting close to those levels recently and he wouldn't be cheap.

He's played pretty well this season. The try against Munster at Thommond Park was particularly nice. For a bug man his footwork and finishing in a tight space past two tacklers was pretty special. On the Falcons plastic pitch you'll enjoy watching him.

I just think he's on the decline Sam. He was easily the best winger in the AP a few seasons back but is nowhere near that level now. I'd prefer we had a look overseas than put a big contact on a 31yo past his best.

Didn't spot it when scanning through this thread, so for the sake of it the following is the Leinster contract work wrapped up during the silly season.

Renewals:
Michael Bent
Adam Byrne
Tom Daly
Peter Dooley
Tadhg Furlong
Cian Healy
Dave Kearney
Cathal Marsh
Mike McCarthy
Jack McGrath
Ross Molony
Isa Nacewa
Sean O'Brien
Garry Ringrose
Mike Ross
Rhys Ruddock
James Tracy
Josh van der Flier

New Signings:
Robbie Henshaw
Ian Nagle

Overall retaining some quality players, very optimistic about the crop coming out of the academy recently. Barring injury a lot of those name might become quite well known to a lot of people during the life of these contracts.

Nagle should have moved to Leinster 3 seasons ago (equally from an Irish perspective to many front and back row options for Ireland are signed to Leinster though this is probably something for a separate thread).

Ominously strong looking Leinster squad for next season. We need to find a vd Flier from somewhere.

Is anyone able to confirm the two rumours that Grant Gilchrist has been signed by Toulon as cover for O'Connell and Alex Toolis has been poached by Melbourne Rebels? Bit worried about the Edinburgh boiler room if that's true.

Can we also confirm Leone Nakarawa to Stade (or was it Racing)?

George Carlin wrote:Can we also confirm Leone Nakarawa to Stade (or was it Racing)?

Shoite- that would be a big blow for Glasgow.

thebandwagonsociety wrote:
Renewals:
Michael Bent
Adam Byrne
Tom Daly
Peter Dooley
Tadhg Furlong
Cian Healy
Dave Kearney
Cathal Marsh
Mike McCarthy
Jack McGrath
Ross Molony
Isa Nacewa
Sean O'Brien
Garry Ringrose
Mike Ross
Rhys Ruddock
James Tracy
Josh van der Flier

New Signings:
Robbie Henshaw
Ian Nagle

Is Jack Conan out of contract this year? And would he be interested in seeing the many attractions of the beautiful city of Belfast? I'm sure Bryn Cunningham wouldn't mind showing him the sights

Edinburgh's Sam Beard to the Dragons.

Good signing for them - a solid powerful centre with good skills and strong in defence.  I'm sure most Edinburgh fans would have liked to have kept him.

RDW_Scotland wrote:Edinburgh's Sam Beard to the Dragons.

Good signing for them - a solid powerful centre with good skills and strong in defence.  I'm sure most Edinburgh fans would have liked to have kept him.

I'm worried about this - we aren't short on centers unless Tyler Morgan really is off to the Gyppos

Furious that Jonny Evans has signed for the Turks too - our board and coaches are an absolute shambles.

munkian wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:Edinburgh's Sam Beard to the Dragons.

Good signing for them - a solid powerful centre with good skills and strong in defence.  I'm sure most Edinburgh fans would have liked to have kept him.

I'm worried about this - we aren't short on centers unless Tyler Morgan really is off to the Gyppos

Furious that Jonny Evans has signed for the Turks too - our board and coaches are an absolute shambles.

They sure are.

We've had a centre crisis this year, could this just be careful planning?

mikey_dragon wrote:

munkian wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:Edinburgh's Sam Beard to the Dragons.

Good signing for them - a solid powerful centre with good skills and strong in defence.  I'm sure most Edinburgh fans would have liked to have kept him.

I'm worried about this - we aren't short on centers unless Tyler Morgan really is off to the Gyppos

Furious that Jonny Evans has signed for the Turks too - our board and coaches are an absolute shambles.

They sure are.

We've had a centre crisis this year, could this just be careful planning?

Maybe - seems unlikely with the Chuckle Brothers in charge mind,

Sgt_Pooly wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Sgt_Pooly wrote:

Welly wrote: Goneva to Falcons.

I'd be a little disappointed with that one tbh A few seasons ago Goneva was untouchable, pure magic. I don't really think he's been getting close to those levels recently and he wouldn't be cheap.

He's played pretty well this season. The try against Munster at Thommond Park was particularly nice. For a bug man his footwork and finishing in a tight space past two tacklers was pretty special. On the Falcons plastic pitch you'll enjoy watching him.

I just think he's on the decline Sam. He was easily the best winger in the AP a few seasons back but is nowhere near that level now. I'd prefer we had a look overseas than put a big contact on a 31yo past his best.

I agree Sgt. I wouldn't take him, and hopefully both Tuilaqis are on their way aswell.

Watson has been a revelation. We need to find some players like that...and hope that Venditti can stay injury free...and Kibirige can finally come good!

Tigers sign Genge on loan.

Hopefully long term deal to be announced after championship.

I wouldn't be surprised if Genge leapfrogged Brugnara very quickly then replaced him for next season.

It's a smart signing by Cockers. The new coaches seem to have no confidence in Brugnara and Genge is already a good prop who should keep getting better. Plus he has a handy knack for scoring tries.

Is that the LH from Bristol? If that's so, he's a great signing

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Is that the LH from Bristol? If that's so, he's a great signing

Yep.

Fingers crossed it will be long term.

Both Tuilagis?

Goneva is still a good player. Depends how big and how long a contract you've given him coupled with what his current inure issue is as to whether he's a good signing or not.

Sam - Falcons currently have Anitela and Alesana. Neither of them seem to be of much value currently either.

I believe one of the younger pups also joined their academy last season as well. No idea if he's still there though.

Brian is at Bedford now I think.

Anyway Bristol saying no comment e Genge being at Bristol next season, hopefully means he will be staying @ Tigers.

king_carlos wrote:Sam - Falcons currently have Anitela and Alesana. Neither of them seem to be of much value currently either.

I believe one of the younger pups also joined their academy last season as well. No idea if he's still there though.

Sorry I read that wrong and thought Falcons were lining up additional Tuilagi recruitments.

Watson did look a live wire against us. Definitely one to persist with on a pitch like yours and with a ten like Goode.

Yeah Sam, I meant we currently have Alex and Andy. and they are a waste of the salary budget.

Think they need to be moved on and new younger players scouted.

Watson has been class. But he's impressed defensively aswell.

I wonder whether Watson doing so well could encourage more guys to start coming back from Sevens to club rugby. As the 7s circuit has become more and more successful and specialised many players have moved across permanently then struggled to come back if they have tried.

Watson succeeding as he has may well encourage other Prem clubs to take a chance on live-wire flyers from the 7s circuit who could spice up their attacking play out wide.

Sarries have taken a punt and Quins have taken Eggerton on a short term deal. If those two do as well as Watson then maybe. To be honest I think most clubs would like to go back to using sevens as a developmental tool but that's unlikely given that sevens has now got Olympic status and everything.

Christian Lewis-Pratt was also an unused sub for LI yesterday. Wouldn't be surprised to a few (Alex Gray perhaps) giving 15s another shot after Rio.

Hugh Gustaffson has signed for Ospreys. Former Scarlet, been at the Dragons for a number of years, signed as prop and attempted to convert to hooker but not really good at either, so I'm surprised he's caugh the eye of the Ospreys. Good luck. But will he get any game time whatsoever?

Why didn't Gray succeed @ XV originally? Lack of weight for top flight?

He was very young and from memory he tended to just not have the go forward required. Think I remember some throwaway talk from Brian Smith about converting him to a centre.

He's obviously pretty talented, so it wouldn't surprise me if he came back and made a better fist of it.

Alex Gray, he was a No.8 right? I remember him looking amazing at U20 level like a lot of England's boys, but then he seemed to disappear into obscurity, also like a lot of England's boys...

mikey_dragon wrote:Alex Gray, he was a No.8 right? I remember him looking amazing at U20 level like a lot of England's boys, but then he seemed to disappear into obscurity, also like a lot of England's boys...

The success rate of the U20's is quite impressive over the last 3/4 years. We've obviously cleaned up at this level and the majority of players have managed to step up.

Gray certainly has the talent but didn't take the option to bulk and went down the 7's route.

How is he @ 7's?

IMO he should've stayed at Falcons.

@ 25 still plenty of time left I guess.

I guess with team GB selection there might be a few 7's specialists returning to 15s if they dont make the cut!

From memory Gray did alright for Falcons but then moved down to LI and just couldn't adapt to their style which had some pretty bruising backrow options at the time. Did he struggle to bulk up? He's been in sevens for a while so he must be pretty good.

Vernon converted from 8 to centre for Scotland so I suppose Gray could do the same if he wanted to return to xv a side.

He was pretty young when he left us but had a great offloading game and was strong in the line out, a little like Beaumont now who was also at Falcons.

If he can bulk up without losing too much pace he would be a good option.

Ospreys sign Kieron Fonotia from the Crusaders/Tasman.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/35683785

A very astute signing in my opinion, whenever I've watched him play, he's always impressed (particularly in the ITM Cup) despite not being a big name player.

Greig Tonks from Edinburgh to London Irish apparently.

Again Edinburgh are losing a good squad player who is a decent 15 who can fill in at 10 too (although that hasn't gone so well of late).

RDW_Scotland wrote:Greig Tonks from Edinburgh to London Irish apparently.

Again Edinburgh are losing a good squad player who is a decent 15 who can fill in at 10 too (although that hasn't gone so well of late).

To be honest 15 has not gone well of late either, his form has gone over the edge of a cliff this year and he has been superseeded by the Edinburgh youngsters! He is not going to be a great loss to Edinburgh nor a great acquisition for LI unless he refinds his Mojo and they may well be playing in Div 2 next year anyway. Quite a lot of scottish players may go down with them though.

I've heard that Tonks to Irish is a moving now deal, possibly loan to the end of the season. Might be that he's more likely to play for us as we are in last man standing territory with injuries, and Edinburgh hope by playing he rediscovers some form.

Need more than Tonks to save you if you keep playing like you did yesterday.

Yeah, thanks for that Welly, I'm well aware we are dog Poopie away from home.

Tigers announce signings of McGuigan from Falcons, Brady from Sale and Cilliers from Montpellier.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Tigers announce signings of McGuigan from Falcons, Brady from Sale and Cilliers from Montpellier.

MonkeyOwain12 wrote:Ospreys sign Kieron Fonotia from the Crusaders/Tasman.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/35683785

A very astute signing in my opinion, whenever I've watched him play, he's always impressed (particularly in the ITM Cup) despite not being a big name player.

Just in case Spreys fans are in any doubt about this, that's an absolutely superb signing. He should do for the Os what Bundee Aki did for Connact. Would quite like Edinburgh to get their sh!t together and sign someone of that quality.

Dunno about that Sgt I thought they were all pretty good signings for our squad. Particularly Cilliers. Definite quality addition to our scrum.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Dunno about that Sgt I thought they were all pretty good signings for our squad. Particularly Cilliers. Definite quality addition to our scrum.

think he is talking about it from a Newcastle POV.

Brady isn't the Kiwi flanker is he?

yappysnap wrote:Brady isn't the Kiwi flanker is he?

No that is Braid.

Brady is a Winger

Big step down for McGuigan but I suppose the lack of any decent competition at Tigers will mean he's guaranteed starts.

Munster were apparently after him for Ireland so I guess England might be his main goal.

So just had notification from the falcons site that McGuigan has gone In the summer. Worst kept secret.

Glad he's happy to go and be 3/4 choice Hooker there instead of most like being first choice starter in the prem for us.

Time to recruit then as lawson is getting on and Nelson doesn't seem to be doing much.

Given Thacker looks increasingly likely to move to 7 and that Bateman has not done anything to cement a spot and seems fragile I'd expect McGuigan to be the understudy to Youngs. Unless we sign another hooker which we probably need too unless Farnworth has improved significantly. The upside for McGuigan is that if Thacker is playing seven he won't have to throw in.