2016/17 - Scottish Transfers [Edinburgh|Glasgow|Exiles]

by A Simply Mesmeric Try Thu Apr 28, 2016 12:43 am

Transfers for the 2016/2017 season so far. This will be updated as new transfers are announced.

Players who have recently transferred before the season end, and who are listed as current players for their new clubs are not listed here. (e.g. Tonks, Fergusson, Firth, Cusack etc)

Click to show/hide

Edinburgh Transfers:

Glasgow Warriors Transfers:

Scottish Exiles:

by **George Carlin** Thu Apr 28, 2016 6:55 am

Very good Simply.

I've tried to do one for the Jeff: https://www.606v2.com/t62954-201617-aviva-premiership-transfers

and will try to do a consolidated one for the Jeff, Pro 12 and Top14 so that we can all play nicely together.

by **RDW** Thu Apr 28, 2016 8:42 am

Good job with the thread - hopefully we will see a lot of action on here over the summer!

by funnyExiledScot Thu Apr 28, 2016 9:10 am

Great work. Pretty sure the Edinburgh section is just getting started. I think I saw Israel Dagg in a taxi the other day.....

by PhilBB Thu Apr 28, 2016 9:13 am

Who decides the budgets and the players retained / brought in?

Somebody at the SRU?

by **RDW** Thu Apr 28, 2016 9:19 am

The budget is handed to each club by the SRU but the clubs are in charge of recruitment.

Whether the SRU have to approve each signing I don't know.

There are some project players that the SRU partially fund out of each club's budgets - Sean Maitland was one.

by PhilBB Thu Apr 28, 2016 9:21 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:The budget is handed to each club by the SRU but the clubs are in charge of recruitment.

Whether the SRU have to approve each signing I don't know.

There are some project players that the SRU partially fund out of each club's budgets - Sean Maitland was one.

It is amazing that people are expected to support such secretive ventures.

by **RDW** Thu Apr 28, 2016 9:25 am

PhilBB wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:The budget is handed to each club by the SRU but the clubs are in charge of recruitment.

Whether the SRU have to approve each signing I don't know.

There are some project players that the SRU partially fund out of each club's budgets - Sean Maitland was one.

It is amazing that people are expected to support such secretive ventures.

I'm probably going to regret this, but....

Headscratch

by PhilBB Thu Apr 28, 2016 9:28 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:

I'm probably going to regret this, but....

Are you confused? Why?

People are being asked to support ventures that aren't independent, that you don't know who allows / prevents signings, you don't know the playing budget of, you don't know who holds the contracts, who decides who plays where and when.

They are just SRU playthings, like the Irish four are for the IRFU.

I don't know why people spend money supporting that.

by **RDW** Thu Apr 28, 2016 9:32 am

PhilBB wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:

I'm probably going to regret this, but....

Are you confused? Why?

People are being asked to support ventures that aren't independent, that you don't know who allows / prevents signings, you don't know the playing budget of, you don't know who holds the contracts, who decides who plays where and when.

They are just SRU playthings, like the Irish four are for the IRFU.

I don't know why people spend money supporting that.

It is pretty simple - the SRU owns Edinburgh and Glasgow so therefore they are in control of both teams. All players and staff are employees of the SRU. The clubs are 'departments' of the SRU in want of a better word. I don't see why that is a big deal. We support that because they are our clubs and there are currently no alternatives - we don't have a long line of investors looking to spend millions a year supporting pro rugby in Scotland. Also, just because I don't know the answer it doesn't mean it is secretive!

This is a thread about Edinburgh and Glasgow's transfer movements - if your intentions are to turn it into a debate about the relative merits of each union's attitude towards their pro teams then please don't.

by PhilBB Thu Apr 28, 2016 9:40 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:

It is pretty simple - the SRU owns Edinburgh and Glasgow so therefore they are in control of both teams. All players and staff are employees of the SRU. The clubs are 'departments' of the SRU in want of a better word. I don't see why that is a big deal. We support that because they are our clubs and there are currently no alternatives - we don't have a long line of investors looking to spend millions a year supporting pro rugby in Scotland. Also, just because I don't know the answer it doesn't mean it is secretive!

This is a thread about Edinburgh and Glasgow's transfer movements - if your intentions are to turn it into a debate about the relative merits of each union's attitude towards their pro teams then please don't.

It is secretive as it is not, as far as I can see, in the public domain.

I'll leave it as 'currently no alternatives' and then think as to why a 7k crowd in Glasgow is celebrated as a thing of achievement.

by **RDW** Thu Apr 28, 2016 9:45 am

PhilBB wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:

It is pretty simple - the SRU owns Edinburgh and Glasgow so therefore they are in control of both teams. All players and staff are employees of the SRU. The clubs are 'departments' of the SRU in want of a better word. I don't see why that is a big deal. We support that because they are our clubs and there are currently no alternatives - we don't have a long line of investors looking to spend millions a year supporting pro rugby in Scotland. Also, just because I don't know the answer it doesn't mean it is secretive!

This is a thread about Edinburgh and Glasgow's transfer movements - if your intentions are to turn it into a debate about the relative merits of each union's attitude towards their pro teams then please don't.

It is secretive as it is not, as far as I can see, in the public domain.

I'll leave it as 'currently no alternatives' and then think as to why a 7k crowd in Glasgow is celebrated as a thing of achievement.

Because 5 years ago they were lucky to get 3k watching, in a city that is so overwhelmingly football orientated.

In terms of Scottish sport, a 7k crowd would probably rank in the top 5 of all sporting attendances over a weekend - Celtic, Rangers, Hibs and Hearts being the only clubs that would regularly top that - and that is football!

Anyway, if you want to give us all your opinion on Scottish rugby then please put it in another thread.

by thebandwagonsociety Thu Apr 28, 2016 10:47 am

It'll be sad to see Nakarawa head off to France, and with a year left in his contract (so presume whichever french club it is had to buy out the contract). The ball in one hand and some of the offloads were ridiculous. He's a player that always seems to have time to look around and decide what to do, a rare quality in todays game.

by nickj Thu Apr 28, 2016 10:50 am

Great job.

Glasgow have also signed:

Jarrod Firth - TH prop - Counties Manukau / Chiefs
Rory Clegg - Flyhalf - Oyannax

by Nematode Thu Apr 28, 2016 10:58 am

It's definitely sad to see Nakarawa leaving - a great player who won't be matched - although I feel for Glasgow to make the next step their pack needs to be more dominant.

If they can use the money to get a player like Richie Gray to partner Jonny and maybe a quality tighthead, then Glasgow could profit from selling Nakarawa. I just hope they spend the money well.

by nickj Thu Apr 28, 2016 11:05 am

Agreed Naka certainly had the X factor. I really hope his replacement (s) are all sorted and they are just waiting to announce them. There can't be much value left in the market for next season now, so I'd assume either the current squad is it or we're yet to see the finishing touches.

by bsando Thu Apr 28, 2016 8:40 pm

Racing Metro are the new Toulon it would seem.. what a squad they'll have for next season!!

It'll be sad to see Nakarawa leave but Glasgow got to have a good chunk of his career and he was a big part of them winning the Pro12 last season and hopefully this season too! His trophy cabinet could be overflowing by the time he retires.

For next season I am certain Townsend will have a couple of decent signings on the cards. The current squad as we know it for next season will still be great but if they want to compete in Europe you need 4-5 special players starting in your lineup. Hogg and Russell are those I would say, but having three more players similar to Nakarawa, DTH and Matawalu would certainly help. Likes of Gray, Strauss, Dunbar, Bennet and Seymour are all hugely talented but perhaps lack that little extra spark that the before mentioned have. The big match winning ridiculous offload or chip ahead.

Warriors have surprised their fans in the past with this seasons signing Naiyavoro (spelling definitely incorrect) and Carlin Isles for a stint.. Huge guess, but De Villiers may be on the radar as a player/coach, he is leaving Leicester this season. Another stab in the dark for me would be Huw Jones and Oliver Kebble both mentioned in a Scotsman article few days ago. Several younger players for Glasgow look like they're showing a lot of promise. Also, Maitland, will he return? Irish are surely going down. Why should he stay? He is a British and Irish Lion who has played for Crusaders and Glasgow Warriors and will now be playing championship rugby for a team who may not even make it back into the Premiership. Also, how many championship rugby players are in the current Scotland squad? No disrespect to Irish or the championship but surely he and possibly a few others will leave.

I actually met a Glasgow Warriors staff member at the bar I was working in last year and he told me about three signings (who all eventuated in the end). Perhaps I should dig up his card he gave me and fire him a text Very Happy

by A Simply Mesmeric Try Fri Apr 29, 2016 1:20 am

nickj wrote:Great job.

Glasgow have also signed:

Jarrod Firth - TH prop - Counties Manukau / Chiefs
Rory Clegg - Flyhalf - Oyannax

Thought about adding those two but they're both already signed to the Warriors, and are listed as in the squad for this current season. Whether or not we'll see Firth in action before next season is another matter. And as for Clegg - this season he's [almost?] played more rugby for the Warriors than for Oyannax if you include his WC cover.

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Fri Apr 29, 2016 7:41 am

bsando wrote:Huge guess, but De Villiers may be on the radar as a player/coach, he is leaving Leicester this season.

He's only managed to get on the pitch for Leicester twice I think, not sure after wasting a load of money on Big T that Glasgow should be looking to sign JDV in any kind of playing capacity!

by Hazel Sapling Fri Apr 29, 2016 9:36 am

I think if we are going after a big name it would have to be in the pack. Another centre makes no sense with Dunbar, Bennett, Horne, Vernon and Johnson all there (and potentially H Jones or A Groves) even if Horne plays more 10 next season. I would want a true 6 or a LH. Someone like Liam Messam who is playing his rugby in Japan, just turned 32, and recently an All Black. He would be worth a 2 year deal. I would prefer Victor Vito who is 29 but he is more of an 8 and will probably be around the AB set-up until the Lions tour.

by **RDW** Fri Apr 29, 2016 9:55 am

For Glasgow priority has to be a top quality loosehead and 2nd row, with the odd squad player of reasonable quality added in the back row and back 3.

Edinburgh's problem is that we are going to have depth in most positions, but are lacking top quality even in some of our 1st choice picks. Thinking what our 1st squad will be next season:

1 Dickinson
2 Ford
3 Nel
4 Bresler
5 Gilchrist/Toolis
6 Du Preez
7 Hardie
8 Manu

9 Hidalgo-Clyne
10 Weir
11 Brown
12 Burleigh
13 Allan
14 Hoyland
15 Kinghorn

Subs: Sutherland, McInally, Berghan, Gilchrist/Toolis, Watson, Kennedy, Tovey (assumed), Rasolea

It is clear in therms of strongest 23 that we do need not any more forwards, other than a quality backup to Nel. That may well be Berghan but we just don't know.

That backline is distinctly average though. All good Pro 12 standard but none of them would get a start for a decent AP or Top 14 team - that's the yardstick we need to use. We really need some star performers in there who can change games like Russell and Hogg can do.

I'd prioritise 13 and a winger, but we already have decent cover in those positions. As I said though, currently it is quantity not quality!

I'd be surprised if we see many more Edinburgh sigings TBH - the squad is now pretty full.

I'd definitely take Maitland though - Nel can show him how to score tries!

by king_carlos Fri Apr 29, 2016 10:00 am

Rumour from a Heriots member I know is that Jason Hill has signed with Jersey in the championship.

It's a shame he never got a chance this season. I'm no expert on Scottish rugby but have watched a fair few Scottish Prem matches since being based in Edinburgh for the last few years and he's always looked impressive when I've seen him.

It seems a shame more 'late developers' from the Scottish Prem aren't given a chance as there are a lot of talented players in it and a good number of teams trying to play a positive style of rugby.

by EWT Spoons Fri Apr 29, 2016 10:12 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:Edinburgh's problem is that we are going to have depth in most positions, but are lacking top quality even in some of our 1st choice picks. Thinking what our 1st squad will be next season:

1 Dickinson
2 Ford
3 Nel
4 Bresler
5 Gilchrist/Toolis
6 Du Preez
7 Hardie
8 Manu

9 Hidalgo-Clyne
10 Weir
11 Brown
12 Burleigh
13 Allan
14 Hoyland
15 Kinghorn

Subs: Sutherland, McInally, Berghan, Gilchrist/Toolis, Watson, Kennedy, Tovey (assumed), Rasolea

It is clear in therms of strongest 23 that we do need not any more forwards, other than a quality backup to Nel. That may well be Berghan but we just don't know.

That backline is distinctly average though. All good Pro 12 standard but none of them would get a start for a decent AP or Top 14 team - that's the yardstick we need to use. We really need some star performers in there who can change games like Russell and Hogg can do.

I'd prioritise 13 and a winger, but we already have decent cover in those positions. As I said though, currently it is quantity not quality!

I'd be surprised if we see many more Edinburgh sigings TBH - the squad is now pretty full.

I'd definitely take Maitland though - Nel can show him how to score tries!

Think with Scholes coming in we have another option on the wing, he's looked pretty decent when i've seen him, think he can cover centre as well.

I think you are right though I would be amazed if we see many more coming in, we've signed up a fair few, and unless we lose someone unexpected (buying out a contract for example) then we're relatively well stocked with numbers, sadly the depth of quality is a bit shallow, in some places.

by **RDW** Fri Apr 29, 2016 10:19 am

I don't see Scholes as being much of a step up from Brown or Hoyland - i.e. good Pro 12 standard with the potential to push on, but he may just remain as a good squad player.

I do however appreciate that we're hardly a glamorous club and we don't have cash to burn so may struggle to attract top international players (unless they are SQ).

by Tattie Scones RRN Fri Apr 29, 2016 10:23 am

Interesting article on the BBC....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36165209

In particular....

This week it was announced Fijian second-row Leone Nakarawa would be leaving Scotstoun for France with a year left on his contract. It was closely followed by news of a further nine players departing at the end of the season, including forwards Jerry Yanuyanutawa and Tyron Holmes.

Hooker Kevin Bryce has also signed a two-year deal with rivals Edinburgh, with back-row James Eddie announcing his retirement from rugby with immediate effect, having played 126 matches with the Warriors.

So is the mass departure a sign of things to come, or just a necessary slimming down of a bloated squad?

"We do have a big squad, 48 trained on Monday this week and there's another seven injured but there was always going to be players leaving like any season and players replacing them through our academy," Townsend explained.

"[Money from the sale of Nakarawa] is really to reinvest in the squad and we've already done that to an extent with players re-signing or bringing in a couple that we've already announced, so we're almost complete with our recruitment for next year.

"I'm delighted with the squad we're putting together for next year but it will be two or three less than this season."

by EWT Spoons Fri Apr 29, 2016 10:25 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:I don't see Scholes as being much of a step up from Brown or Hoyland - i.e. good Pro 12 standard with the potential to push on, but he may just remain as a good squad player.

I do however appreciate that we're hardly a glamorous club and we don't have cash to burn so may struggle to attract top international players (unless they are SQ).

I agree, it was more from a depth point of view.

by Hazel Sapling Fri Apr 29, 2016 10:38 am

I would put Rasolea at 13 outside of Burleigh. He is a big lump and not that much better than other options but he offers go forward ball as a power runner rather than the rapier that the Edinburgh backs are now. Edinburgh backs are young. Burleigh is oldest at 30 (in October) by about 4 years. Kinghorn, SHC and Hoyland could all end up being top players.

by MacKnocked-on Fri Apr 29, 2016 12:43 pm

Would Junior's brother Andrew be worth a punt at 13 for Edinburgh? He seems to be a constant in the Doncaster team who have finished second in the championship (I assume they won't make it through the playoffs to the Prem but who knows), either at 13 or on the wing. If he shares similar speed to his brother then I imagine he would be a far more dangerous attacking player than Dean and he's SQ.

by **RDW** Fri Apr 29, 2016 1:33 pm

MacKnocked-on wrote:Would Junior's brother Andrew be worth a punt at 13 for Edinburgh? He seems to be a constant in the Doncaster team who have finished second in the championship (I assume they won't make it through the playoffs to the Prem but who knows), either at 13 or on the wing. If he shares similar speed to his brother then I imagine he would be a far more dangerous attacking player than Dean and he's SQ.

Again he would be another adding quantity but not a step up of quality into the squad.

If he's SQ then he should get preferential treatment over a NSQ player who isn't any better than him, but we're well stocked for squad players at centre for Edinburgh.

by Majestic83 Fri Apr 29, 2016 11:23 pm

Jade te rure leaving Edinburgh, contract finishes today and is off to a new club.
Harry Leonard leaving Yorkshire Carnegie. Possible return to Edinburgh.

by funnyExiledScot Fri Apr 29, 2016 11:27 pm

Te Rure is off?? RDW will be devastated!!

I'd be more than happy to have Leonard back. I never felt he should have left in the first place. Weir, Tovey and Leonard would be a pretty useful group of 10s, with cover from Kinghorn as and when required.

by Majestic83 Fri Apr 29, 2016 11:32 pm

Will Te Rure do the usual, leave Edinburgh having never really played or performed and now go on to be a top performer somewhere else like piers Francis.

by funnyExiledScot Fri Apr 29, 2016 11:39 pm

Probably. They all do!

by **RDW** Sat Apr 30, 2016 8:48 am

Te Rure is off??

Yahoo

by Majestic83 Sat Apr 30, 2016 9:38 am

Yep had on his Instagram It was the end of his contract yesterday and was looking forward to his new club.

by **RDW** Sat Apr 30, 2016 9:40 am

Well he's not played all season so it's hardly a surprise.

We can file him in the Mike Penn category.

by **RDW** Tue May 03, 2016 9:06 am

Edinburgh sign a 29 year old Melrose tighthead - he's a big lad!

The 29-year-old tighthead said: “It’s massive to be signed at this stage in my career by Edinburgh.

“I never thought it was going to happen, I thought opportunities like this would have passed me by, then I got into the club international side two years ago for the first time. I still never thought anything would come of it as I was obviously older.

“However after speaking to Alan he reckons I’ve got a fair few years playing in me, that I’m reaching my prime as a tighthead.

“I don’t want this opportunity to pass me by so I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”

Beavon, who started playing for Melrose Minis and worked his way through the Borders age grades, made his club debut in the black and yellow when he was 17.

Until the age of 15 he played fullback/centre, citing Alan Tait as a role model. Beavon also took time out to play southern hemisphere rugby during spells in Australia and New Zealand.

A self-employed joiner, Beavon has been training with Edinburgh on a trial basis since January.

He said: “I was coming up to train two days a week and working the other three, to keep the money coming in. The people I’ve been sub-contracting have been really good, they obviously accept I’ve been given this opportunity and wish me all the best.

“Everyone at the club has been really welcoming and helping me out in any way they can. I’ve played with a few of the current players – Damien [Hoyland] and now Lewis [Carmichael] – and against a few of them, too, while I’ve been with Melrose!”

Head coach Alan Solomons said: "Nick was, similar to Rory Sutherland, brought in from the club game for a trial period.

“I am delighted that he has proved worthy of a professional contract and am sure that he will continue to develop and add depth in a vital position.

“He is a good bloke who has fitted in well and we look forward to him continuing his development with us."

Nick Beavon

H: 6ft

W: 126kg

DoB: 21.03.87 in Edinburgh

Youth Rugby: Earlston HS, Melrose Mini/Midi, Melrose Wasps, South U16, U17, U18

Senior Rugby: Melrose 1st XV, South U19, University of Western Australia, North Western Australia provincial team. Wairarapa Bush (NZ) NPC (NZ)

by nickj Tue May 03, 2016 11:23 am

A unit. I wonder if he's any good?

Rumours starting around Api Ratuniyarawa joining Glasgow from Agen.

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14466213.Outgoing_Warriors_desperate_to_end_on_a_high_note/?ref=arc

by **RDW** Tue May 03, 2016 11:30 am

You've got to feel for Hugh Dan when he sees these kind of names rumoured as potential signings!

by nickj Tue May 03, 2016 11:31 am

Api Ratuniyarawa AKA Appyasyouknowit?

by **RDW** Tue May 03, 2016 11:33 am

nickj wrote:Api Ratuniyarawa AKA Appyasyouknowit?

Clap your hands?

That's his nickname decided on then!

by nickj Tue May 03, 2016 12:13 pm

Its all go this morning. http://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/latest-news/25771/ruaridh-jackson-to-join-harlequins/

by **RDW** Tue May 03, 2016 12:16 pm

Good move for him with Botica off and Evans getting old - will Evans still be at Quins next season?

by EWT Spoons Tue May 03, 2016 12:29 pm

Not really a transfer, well it kind of is, but apparently George Hunter is off to the Bahamas to play international rugby for them.

by nickj Tue May 03, 2016 12:47 pm

And remaining at Edinburgh?

by Nematode Tue May 03, 2016 1:11 pm

"It's going to be an exciting couple of weeks for Ayr prop George Hunter as he heads to the Bahamas to represent them in a match against Mexico on Saturday 7th May.

George's grandfather was born on the islands and the 24-year-old got in touch with the Bahamian Olympic Commission a few months ago to find out if he could play for the country and received confirmation in March that he would be pulling on the jersey for them in a Rugby Americas North Championship tie.

'I'm really excited to be making my international debut for the Bahamas,' says George. 'It's a new experience and I'm looking forward to upholding my grandfather's heritage.'

We wish George and the Bahamas the best of luck."

Don't you just love residency/nationality laws!

by nickj Tue May 03, 2016 1:20 pm

Fair play to him. Also chuffed for Jacko. He seems to have rediscovered his mojo in Londonium, so I'm glad he's bagged a spot that looks like a good fit for him.

by A Simply Mesmeric Try Tue May 03, 2016 4:22 pm

Anyone else eagerly awaiting the London Irish fire sale?

Some big names surely not wanting to play Championship rugby next season.

by **RDW** Tue May 03, 2016 4:24 pm

When you read interviews with some of the existing players they seem to think the vast majority of players are staying.

Out of all the Scottish players Maitland will probably find himself most in demenad, with maybe Cowan going to Newcastle or Worcester or somewhere like that.

I can't see Steele or Tonks going anywhere.

by A Simply Mesmeric Try Tue May 03, 2016 4:37 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:When you read comments from some of the existing players the same to think the vast majority of players are staying.

Out of all the Scottish players Maitland will probably find himself most in demenad, with maybe Cowan going to Newcastle or Worcester or somewhere like that.

I can't see Steele or Tonks going anywhere.

I think you're right there, although there surely must be some players with release clauses in their contracts. They've signed a good few players for next season too - I wonder how many will still move?

I'd like to see Steele move to another premiership outfit or to Scotland - but Glas & Edin already have 6 good SHs. Maybe swap him for Sean Kennedy?

Glasgow have got rid of Holmes and Bordill, leaving Fusaro, Favaro and Blake. Cowan to Glasgow maybe? I'd like to see that.

As for Maitland - I can can see him going anywhere in England or France. Slim chance he'll come back north.

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