Silly season transfer rumours III...

First topic message reminder :

Aaron Jarvis has signed for Clermont (http://www.planetrugby.com/news/ospreys-prop-jarvis-to-join-clermont/). The Osprey's signed Rhodri Jones as a replacement I guess.

Steve Shingler (of is he eligible for Scotland or not fame) has gone to the Blues. Straight swap of Shingler for Patchell. Hope Cardiff are paying less as Scarlets got the better player (http://www.planetrugby.com/news/shingler-swaps-scarlets-for-blues/)

king_carlos wrote:Michael Van Vurren to Bath for next year is being rumoured.

He's the Saffa hooker who has been at Tigers this season first on trial and then signed until the end of the season as injury cover. He's a big unit and seems to have shored up the scrum a couple of times when he's come on. Although his line-out throwing seems as  iffy as most hookers these days.

I'd rather keep him at Tigers and allow Thacker to try his hand at 7 more often but Tigers are well stocked at hooker and Bath currently aren't for next year so it would make sense as a signing.

The only thing place I have seen that being rumoured was one poster on the offy.

king_carlos wrote:Michael Van Vurren to Bath for next year is being rumoured.

He's the Saffa hooker who has been at Tigers this season first on trial and then signed until the end of the season as injury cover. He's a big unit and seems to have shored up the scrum a couple of times when he's come on. Although his line-out throwing seems as  iffy as most hookers these days.

I'd rather keep him at Tigers and allow Thacker to try his hand at 7 more often but Tigers are well stocked at hooker and Bath currently aren't for next year so it would make sense as a signing.

Haven't seen much of him. Would he really be a first choice option? We're lacking quality with Webber off (although he isn't great) and Batty not back in form and/or fit.

Not sure he's first choice material, more squad option. I was hoping he'd stay at Tigers and keep the competition high but it seems not.

Welly - I've heard it from a Bath fan who says that rumours they are signing a squad hooker from Tigers have floated around for a bit and it has been put together that it's Van Vurren. It would make sense as Van Vuuren is good enough to get more game time than he will at Tigers and Bath need hookers.

I haven't checked the offy in a while as I got sick of the constant negativity towards the coaching staff and certain players regardless of performance. To many fans on there seem to believe that Tigers have some divine right to win silverware every year and that if it doesn't happen human sacrifice must be immediately offered from the playing and coaching staff.

Bathite - He wouldn't (or probably better to say shouldn't) be first choice for you but could be a useful squad player if you sign Jack Walker. Walker is talented but will need to be used sparingly in his first season of top flight rugby. Van Vuuren would offer depth for rotation. He's certainly got the physicality for Prem rugby and is solid in the scrum but he hasn't had a chance to show more than that.

We have signed backrower Harrison Orr from Ealing.

Anyone know much about Pat Howard? The Dragons have signed him from Northampton.

So it seems we didn't learn the lesson of Keiron Brookes and Micky Youngs....

Now we're bringing back Joel Hodgson....

GeordieFalcon wrote:So it seems we didn't learn the lesson of Keiron Brookes and Micky Youngs....

Now we're bringing back Joel Hodgson....

Joel Hodgson returning as a 9 or 10?

Mikey I don't think Howard has played for Saints that often. I can't remember seeing him in action.

Hodgson been playing well for Yorkshire hasn't he?

Even the fans of 'Yorkshire' are ashamed to call themselves that.

I think Sinfield has playing 10 with Hodgson coming off the bench. I read his try return was decent but not nailing a starting spot in the Championship isn't massively encouraging.

Sgt_Pooly wrote: but not nailing a starting spot in the Championship isn't massively encouraging.

Should fit right in with Falcons.

Welly wrote:

Sgt_Pooly wrote: but not nailing a starting spot in the Championship isn't massively encouraging.

Should fit right in with Falcons.

And then Tigers will steal him from us, ruin him and he'll come back with his tail between his legs

Sgt_Pooly wrote:

Welly wrote:

Sgt_Pooly wrote: but not nailing a starting spot in the Championship isn't massively encouraging.

Should fit right in with Falcons.

And then Tigers will steal him from us, ruin him and he'll come back with his tail between his legs

Only to move to saints

Haha, I was just about to add that the traitorous

Sgt_Pooly wrote:I think Sinfield has playing 10 with Hodgson coming off the bench. I read his try return was decent but not nailing a starting spot in the Championship isn't massively encouraging.

I bet Sinfield is an incredible on field leader and a defensive rock though. Young 10s generally struggle in those departments.

mikey_dragon wrote:Anyone know much about Pat Howard? The Dragons have signed him from Northampton.

Was on loan with Munster for a season. Good player who does the basics well

formerly known as Sam wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:So it seems we didn't learn the lesson of Keiron Brookes and Micky Youngs....

Now we're bringing back Joel Hodgson....

Joel Hodgson returning as a 9 or 10?

Mikey I don't think Howard has played for Saints that often. I can't remember seeing him in action.

Not sure Sam possibly as someone who covers 9, 10, 15

I'm really happy with our signings, but this one puzzles me and I'm not hugely impressed.

Hope he can prove me wrong

So since Saints ruined Hodgson first does that mean when Falcons turn him into a international player He will go to Tigers?

I don't think Saints have ruined Hodgson, he's just stalled. It was a bad career move move from the lad tbh.

Ollie Curry leaving Irish.

Now that is a youngster I would like to see at Tigers.
Esp If we are not getting another 8 and lock and Slater and Fitzy are being viewed as back row cover.

Rowntree to Quins as forwards coach :0

Good move on all parts IMO.

Rowntree gets a chance to restore his rep. (Which wouldn't of been so damaged if not for Lancasters and Faz fitness ideas.

Quins get a experience forwards coach to help school Easter in the coaching role.

Quins england players must of liked him considering they said they didn't want Lancaster, and Marler played well with him.

If Cockers was to go within the next 2 years i would like Rowntree to replace (Just a hypothetical thing as Murphy is prob the long term DoR prospect).

Glasgow announced today that Nakarawa is confirmed off to a French club (to be announced by the French team) next season.

Also several players leaving including Jerry Yanayanatawa (LH) and Tyrone Holmes (Flanker) who may be of interest to Aviva/Top 14 clubs as squad players for those who need depth.

I transferred from Abu Dhabi to Dubai this year. Just saying.

I can report higher levels of road rage but better restaurants.

How did you find Abu Dhabi George? I'm mulling over a job offer, currently in Bahrain.

What do you drive George? I thought to move to Dubai there were strict vehicle checks and your car had to be gratuitously expensive

I don't think there's such a thing as strict vehicle checks in the Middle East. I've just had my equivalent of an MOT and they basically walked around the car and said its ok.

Welly wrote: Ollie Curry leaving Irish.

Now that is a youngster I would like to see at Tigers.
Esp If we are not getting another 8 and lock and Slater and Fitzy are being viewed as back row cover.

Would be a little left field, I'd think. He's still only 20 and only had 2 or 3 cameos from the bench in the AP and a few Challenge cup starts following an injury crisis at lock. He may well develop into a decent player (and I would have preferred him to stay to find out). Hasn't been involved with England U18/20 as far as I'm aware either, so isn't kicking the door down just yet.

Margin_Walker wrote:

Welly wrote: Ollie Curry leaving Irish.

Now that is a youngster I would like to see at Tigers.
Esp If we are not getting another 8 and lock and Slater and Fitzy are being viewed as back row cover.

Would be a little left field, I'd think. He's still only 20 and only had 2 or 3 cameos from the bench in the AP and a few Challenge cup starts following an injury crisis at lock. He may well develop into a decent player (and I would have preferred him to stay to find out). Hasn't been involved with England U18/20 as far as I'm aware either, so isn't kicking the door down just yet.

I think he would suit Leicester @ Lock not as a 6 (Long term) from what i have seen of him he is big and physical.

Although we do have Maksymiw and Galletly coming up both look promising so either way.

Mind i'm waiting for the mad scramble when Cokanasiga turns 20.

Welly wrote:

Margin_Walker wrote:

Welly wrote: Ollie Curry leaving Irish.

Now that is a youngster I would like to see at Tigers.
Esp If we are not getting another 8 and lock and Slater and Fitzy are being viewed as back row cover.

Would be a little left field, I'd think. He's still only 20 and only had 2 or 3 cameos from the bench in the AP and a few Challenge cup starts following an injury crisis at lock. He may well develop into a decent player (and I would have preferred him to stay to find out). Hasn't been involved with England U18/20 as far as I'm aware either, so isn't kicking the door down just yet.

I think he would suit Leicester @ Lock not as a 6 (Long term) from what i have seen of him he is big and physical.

Although we do have Maksymiw and Galletly coming up both look promising so either way.

Mind i'm waiting for the mad scramble when Cokanasiga turns 20.

Yeah, Cokanasiga will be an interesting one. Massive kid, but also looks a bit of a tug boat when he's turned defensively from what little I've seen. Obviously very early though, so could develop into a real weapon.

Hazel Sapling wrote:Glasgow announced today that Nakarawa is confirmed off to a French club (to be announced by the French team) next season.

Also several players leaving including Jerry Yanayanatawa (LH) and Tyrone Holmes (Flanker) who may be of interest to Aviva/Top 14 clubs as squad players for those who need depth.  

Townsend said that the Nakarawa deal allowed them to strengthen the squad. Interesting to see who's coming in.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:How did you find Abu Dhabi George? I'm mulling over a job offer, currently in Bahrain.

Bahrain is okay in the sense that it's now a stable place to live. 

It completely depends what you're used to and where you currently live. Bahrain is a small country and not as scrubbed up and shiny as some of the other parts of the region. That said, it's an awful lot better than living in Saudi or Kuwait where the quality of life is pretty patchy or Qatar (which is really, seriously, small). It's all about saving money for me (the UAE has no income tax although VAT is coming in the next year) so check what sort of tax Bahrain will ask you to pay. 

I would always recommend a change of scene as it keeps you fresh and sharp. I still maintain (although I would say that) that the UAE is the best place in the region though. Liberal country (I can go to my local church freely), no direct tax (a sh!t-ton of indirect ones, mind), good weather, a large ex-pat community and the whole country still has money to spend which means that there's a fair amount to see and do, whilst also being a decent springboard to the rest of the word if you want to travel. 

For example, I can go and watch Dara O'Briain (which I did last month) but at the same time I am going to see Placido Domingo in the new Dubai Opera House in August. As I said, depends what you're used to. I lived in London for 10 years so I think I needed a city like this, but if I'd come straight from Glasgow, I might not think that Bahrain was too bad. 

Abu Dhabi is a great city, incidentally. The capital, so understated old money, but very nice locals and geographically very compressed. Great place to raise kids. If you get a chance to go there (or Dubai), you should think seriously about taking it.

yappysnap wrote:What do you drive George? I thought to move to Dubai there were strict vehicle checks and your car had to be gratuitously expensive

True dat. I drive a Volkswagon because my wife has become curiously adept at spending all of our money.

Thanks George. I've been in Bahrain 18 months so have the general jist, it's a pretty cool place. I've done Dubai a far bit, but feel I'd be dead in a year or two with all the partying options!

I've heard Abu Dhabi is a comfortable middle ground between Bahrain and Dubai so might give it a shot. It's a decent pay rise too which always helps.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Thanks George. I've been in Bahrain 18 months so have the general jist, it's a pretty cool place. I've done Dubai a far bit, but feel I'd be dead in a year or two with all the partying options!

I've heard Abu Dhabi is a comfortable middle ground between Bahrain and Dubai so might give it a shot. It's a decent pay rise too which always helps.

Ah. I misread your email. I thought that Bahrain was the destination. 

In that case, it's a no-brainer. Abu Dhabi is a much nicer place to live than Manama and the whole country is more pleasant. PM me if you need a steer on where to live because I can feel the boredom from the other people on this thread but it's the best time in the (40 year) history of the country to move into good quality accommodation. Aim for Saadiyat Island (stunning) or Sowwah Square if you're one of those corporate youngfellers that I probably used to be.

Ben Sowerby confirmed from Wuss.

Cant work that one out.

Thanks George, I'll message you if I take the position.

Odd one GF, will he add anything?

See Lockwood made Championship team of the year.

Well it leaves us in the position of:

1 Senior Experienced Hooker - Lawson whos not getting any younger

and

3 "Work in progress" kids none of whom have had any significant premiership experience??

Nelson and Socino has impressed in the A games but they've had no exposure to Premiership rugby?? ANd neither has Sowerby from what Wuss fans say.

Lockwood is apparently a beast of a scrummager. Lets hope he is...will work well with Welsh.

What was the point in getting Ben Harris??

Rob Andrew resigning to be replaced by Nigel Melville

Mafi leaving Bath after a bust up with backroom staff over physio time. Won't be coming back next season.

OHHHHH he would sort out Tigers 8 needs.

I'd guess that Mafi will just go back to Japan given the money he gets in the Top League.

He might be available for another contract from January, as Bath signed him on, if a side is looking for a big carrier to shake up their back row for the second half of the season.

I'm not sure Tigers have any needs at 8 Welly. The two sevens plus Williams at six is the best balance we've had in the back row since 2009 when we had three open sides in the back row (Moody, Woods, Newby). Pick two of Evans, McCaffery and BOC and we're good, we have Fonua for impact and Crane is great when the weather is awful.

Luke Hamilton of Agen to Leicester tigers

Had to google him. Looks a pretty uninspiring signing Welly.

Top tackler in the Top 14 (or top 2)

Yeh very uninspiring.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/remarkable-story-unknown-unwanted-welshman-11156801

You could associate the tackling stats to where Agen lie in the table I guess?

Some strange recruitment in the pack for Tigers of late. They've signed some great backs, Toomua will really add something. A lot of mediocre players coming into the forward line though.

Are Tigers going to be able to continue to compete with the big boys next season?

Saracens sign Schlak Burger, Tigers sign Luke Hamilton.....(I know it's not as simple as that obviously)

As the comments on that article state, he is one of the top tacklers in the Top 14 as Agen are gash and spent about an hour each game without the ball. I'd have decent tackle numbers playing for them, as that's all I'd be doing.

Ozzy3213 wrote:As the comments on that article state, he is one of the top tacklers in the Top 14 as Agen are gash and spent about an hour each game without the ball.  I'd have decent tackle numbers playing for them, as that's all I'd be doing.

Well Irish could of done with you then, considering there top tackler makes what 3 tackles a game despite being relegation fodder

Mind Irish could be in a low enough league that you could actually play for them in the not so distance future.