Silly season transfer rumours III...

by Hazel Sapling Fri 04 Mar 2016, 11:33 am

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/)

by formerly known as Sam Thu 23 Jun 2016, 9:02 pm

I thought they were going all South African in their coaching set up at Bath?

There's some high profile jobs going with LI also on the lookout. Though I would expect them to promote internally after the catastrophic big name coach signing last simmer.

by Bathite Thu 23 Jun 2016, 10:04 pm

Van Graahan looks like to have gone cold. Blackadder was the favorite last week, but Ryan is the new news, as someone mentioned previously

by formerly known as Sam Fri 24 Jun 2016, 9:11 am

Are the Meyer rumours still circling? Van Graahan was to be the head coach and Meyer the DOR.

by mikey_dragon Mon 27 Jun 2016, 1:59 pm

After Sale miss out on a high class SA bruiser of a lock, they sing.... Lou Reed...

by **LondonTiger** Mon 27 Jun 2016, 7:00 pm

Martin Haag as DoR to LI doing the rounds.

by Heaf Mon 27 Jun 2016, 10:11 pm

LondonTiger wrote:Martin Haag as DoR to LI doing the rounds.

Although Ozzy thinks not - and he normally has good info ...

However, George Robson confirmed ..

by **LondonTiger** Tue 28 Jun 2016, 8:07 am

I doubt it too, especially as I cannot see LI being able to pay the compensation the RFU would demand.

by Sgt_Pooly Tue 28 Jun 2016, 8:10 am

Luke Fitzgerald to retire apparently

by **George Carlin** Tue 28 Jun 2016, 8:13 am

Scotland apparently transferring to Europe.

Terms undisclosed. Braveheart

by stnick88 Tue 28 Jun 2016, 12:21 pm

Matt Symons to Wasps.

Haag isn't going to LI. Decent replacement will be announced soon though.

by **George Carlin** Tue 28 Jun 2016, 2:17 pm

Tjiuee Uanivi from the Sharks to Glasgow - confirmed.

Interesting signing. He has massive boots to fill with Big Naka leaving.

by **Rugby Fan** Wed 29 Jun 2016, 4:52 pm

He must have looked enviously at the evergreen Phil Vickery and decided he wanted back into rugby.

http://www.planetrugby.com/news/racing-92-sign-ali-williams/

by **Rugby Fan** Wed 29 Jun 2016, 4:55 pm

Actually, this should probably just be in the silly season transfer rumours thread, if a mod happens to notice...

by **George Carlin** Wed 29 Jun 2016, 6:13 pm

Rugby Fan wrote:Actually, this should probably just be in the silly season transfer rumours thread, if a mod happens to notice...

by yappysnap Wed 29 Jun 2016, 6:37 pm

He has years left in him yet

by formerly known as Sam Wed 29 Jun 2016, 7:11 pm

Eastmond has left Bath after they withdrew their contract offer that was verbally agreed by both parties in January. Eastmond is expected to sign for Sale whilst Bath are trying to bring in Mermoz from Toulon.

by Welly Wed 29 Jun 2016, 8:17 pm

Mermoz staying in toulon last i heard.

by **LondonTiger** Thu 30 Jun 2016, 9:36 am

Eastmond being reported in the press as having now signed for Sale.

Dean Ryan leaves Worcester, unhappy that Worcester board wanted him to increase the number of EQPs in the squad, and nothing whatsoever to do with the possibility of taking the Bath job.

by chris_501 Thu 30 Jun 2016, 9:50 am

LondonTiger wrote:Eastmond being reported in the press as having now signed for Sale.

Dean Ryan leaves Worcester, unhappy that Worcester board wanted him to increase the number of EQPs in the squad, and nothing whatsoever to do with the possibility of taking the Bath job.

Should have expected nothing less from Ryan I suppose. Makes all the noises about being at Wuss for the long haul, only to jump ship a few weeks before pre-season will begin.

I expect a long old season is in store.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 30 Jun 2016, 12:08 pm

Depends who Wuss can get in and when. If they can recruit a coach within the next week or so then disruption can be kept to a minimum. If it takes a month or more then it could well be a long season with a strong possibility of relegation.

Would Ford fancy the Wuss job? If he's living near Bath that's not a bad commute.

by **LondonTiger** Thu 30 Jun 2016, 2:08 pm

Moving forward, Warriors' senior management team will consist of Head Coach Carl Hogg and High Performance Director Nick Johnston, both of whom will report to CEO Jim O'Toole.

by Recwatcher16 Thu 30 Jun 2016, 2:21 pm

There is to be a Bath announcement 1 July, on hopefully a managerial structure.

Decisions can then be taken on the player squad rather than just letting players go because their contract is now considered to be too high - Eastmond - who was only awarded the terms on account of Devoto leaving for rivals Exeter. We now have only one IC in Dan Bowden, in what is one of the smallest AP squads.
The whole saga around Mike Ford's departure has been very disappointing.

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Thu 30 Jun 2016, 2:35 pm

I can't understand why a team like Bath would want Ryan, surely they are more ambitious than that?!

by Recwatcher16 Thu 30 Jun 2016, 2:50 pm

Bruce Craig aims for an English dominated staff roster and that includes coaches. However the smart money appears to be on a SH coach this time and not from SA either.

by **LondonTiger** Thu 30 Jun 2016, 3:03 pm

Michael Foley or Steve Meehan returning to the Rec?

by Recwatcher16 Thu 30 Jun 2016, 5:22 pm

Steve Meehan would be welcomed back by most Bath fans, Foley less likely.

by Welly Thu 30 Jun 2016, 7:52 pm

Can't see Meehan ever coming back.

by Geordie Thu 30 Jun 2016, 8:32 pm

Ah I think Ryan has just seen our signings for next season and thought f&*k this they're going to smash us this season we're going down!!!! Very Happy

by Fluxy Fri 01 Jul 2016, 12:03 pm

Wasps have signed the inspirational... Nick De Luca Shocked

Albeit as short term injury cover.

http://www.planetrugby.com/news/wasps-sign-centre-de-luca/

by WELL-PAST-IT Fri 01 Jul 2016, 12:17 pm

Soane Tonga’uiha is returning to the UK with Bristol, a great signing if he is up to his old levels of play.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36672703

by **LondonTiger** Fri 01 Jul 2016, 12:30 pm

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:Soane Tonga’uiha is returning to the UK with Bristol, a great signing if he is up to his old levels of play.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36672703

He isn't at those levels, but will probably be cheap. Slightly surprised Bristol have gone down this route, especially as it makes getting the EQP payments harder - and they will have seen some very good props in the championship.

by **Ozzy3213** Fri 01 Jul 2016, 1:18 pm

And Irish have signed.......

Brendan Venter as technical director, with Nick Kennedy under him as Director of Rugby.

by Geordie Fri 01 Jul 2016, 1:40 pm

Not sure Tonga'huia is a good move. He was a major force but far from that now.

by **George Carlin** Fri 01 Jul 2016, 8:26 pm

Fluxy wrote:Wasps have signed the inspirational... Nick De Luca Albeit as short term injury cover.

http://www.planetrugby.com/news/wasps-sign-centre-de-luca/

Crikey. There literally is nothing else one can say.

Apart from the fact that his agent is a genius and should immediately join up with Chuck Norris to sort out this whole Brexit thing.

by DaveM Sat 02 Jul 2016, 12:24 am

formerly known as Sam wrote:Eastmond has left Bath after they withdrew their contract offer that was verbally agreed by both parties in January. Eastmond is expected to sign for Sale whilst Bath are trying to bring in Mermoz from Toulon.

Devoto would have been first choice at 12. I wonder if he now regrets leaving?

by formerly known as Sam Sat 02 Jul 2016, 7:51 am

DaveM wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:Eastmond has left Bath after they withdrew their contract offer that was verbally agreed by both parties in January. Eastmond is expected to sign for Sale whilst Bath are trying to bring in Mermoz from Toulon.

Devoto would have been first choice at 12. I wonder if he now regrets leaving?

Given pre season is imminent and they have no head coach, an unbalanced squad which is rather small and a forward pack that spent most of last year going backwards. Probably not.

If Meyer joins and brings a couple of Boks to flesh the squad out and gets Bath playing like SA did at the RWC then he might have some regrets.

by Fluxy Mon 04 Jul 2016, 1:18 pm

Bit of a clear out at London Irish: Noakes, McCuckser and Halavatu all released.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 04 Jul 2016, 1:58 pm

Niall Morris signs a short term deal with Leinster. I hope he can impress them.

by yappysnap Mon 04 Jul 2016, 4:21 pm

Ozzy3213 wrote:And Irish have signed.......

Brendan Venter as technical director, with Nick Kennedy under him as Director of Rugby.

Interesting to have Dr Venter back in England. I assume in his new role he won't be doing interviews...

by propdavid_london Mon 04 Jul 2016, 4:40 pm

Na, they will have the old team mates of Kennedy and Bob Casey intimidating all the reporters!

by formerly known as Sam Mon 04 Jul 2016, 4:56 pm

Nick Kennedy being possibly the least intimidating international second row ever. Seriously good news he's got the job, stops him commentating. Wonder if he could sort Ugo a job out there as well?

Morris going back home to Leon sterling makes sense, they've tried to bring him home before and his family are all based in that part of the world. If he gets back his fitness and form then he'll fit in nicely and the Leinster fans will appreciate what he offers.

by Fluxy Mon 04 Jul 2016, 5:31 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:Nick Kennedy being possibly the least intimidating international second row ever. Seriously good news he's got the job, stops him commentating. Wonder if he could sort Ugo a job out there as well?

Surely Steve 'the scab' Borthwick takes that moniker? Whistle

by formerly known as Sam Mon 04 Jul 2016, 6:36 pm

Fluxy wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:Nick Kennedy being possibly the least intimidating international second row ever. Seriously good news he's got the job, stops him commentating. Wonder if he could sort Ugo a job out there as well?

Surely Steve 'the scab' Borthwick takes that moniker?

At least he looks like he could be intimidating with the bald head and broken nose. He was also a passable player (very good club, not so much internationally) during his career.

by propdavid_london Tue 05 Jul 2016, 8:16 am

OK, perhaps intimidating was the wrong word........Vertically imposing!

by **RDW** Fri 08 Jul 2016, 8:51 am

Hogg to Bristol doing the rounds but it would be an utterly bizarre move for him - various reports also rubbishing the rumours!

by yappysnap Wed 13 Jul 2016, 7:12 pm

Fissler reporting that Todd Blackadder may be the new Bath coach

Numpty wrote:Hearing Todd Blackadder for Bath's DOR with Tabai Matson as head coach. Could be announced before the weekend. #rugbyunited @TheRugbyPaper

The mans a tool but often correct with these calls.

by formerly known as Sam Wed 13 Jul 2016, 7:26 pm

Will Hurrell the Doncaster inside centre signs for Bristol after making their defence look as containing as a colander during the play off finals. Be interesting to see if he can step up to AP level, he's a powerful runner but his distribution is only passable and I don't think he has a kicking game. He'll be a massive loss to Doncaster that's for certain.

by nathan Wed 13 Jul 2016, 9:29 pm

Tigers have apparently signed the irish U20 pro Ben Betts after the IRFU decided not to offer him an contract.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 14 Jul 2016, 11:04 am

Yeah I heard that Nathan, 19 year old tight head. The Merc seems to think he's a real prospect but we'll see how he does. Can't see him getting near the first team this season.

by **RDW** Fri 15 Jul 2016, 11:43 am

Edinburgh sign Tongan number 8 Viliami Fihaki from Sale.

Any Sharks fans able to give the lowdown on him?

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