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

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

First topic message reminder :

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 **RDW** Fri Jun 03, 2016 9:28 am

There's plenty backrow resources at Bath for Denton to contend with never mind Cowan too.

There's less at 7 but he's not going to be first choice with Francois Louw there.

Incidently, Leroy Houston has gone back to Aus so Denton doesn't have quite as much competition now with Faletau signing. I can't see Denton being in the first choice back row though, or if he is it'll be at 6.

by funnyExiledScot Fri Jun 03, 2016 9:49 am

It's a slight worry that our international players appear to be seen as Aviva back-up options, however look how well Duncan Taylor has thrived at Sarries. With all the money they appear to have, I did not expect Taylor to nail down the 13 jersey in the 1st XV. So - hope for Denton and Cowan yet.

by **NeilyBroon** Fri Jun 03, 2016 11:02 am

funnyExiledScot wrote:It's a slight worry that our international players appear to be seen as Aviva back-up options, however look how well Duncan Taylor has thrived at Sarries. With all the money they appear to have, I did not expect Taylor to nail down the 13 jersey in the 1st XV. So - hope for Denton and Cowan yet.

I think that's partly what has galvanized Jackson's game recently being second to Gopperth at Wasps, who is outstanding, and now he's been signed as first choice FH at Harlequins because of his talents and putting his hand up. Visser has also been causing a storm down south by actually being allowed to score tries he's put himself back into a free flowing starting XV.

Then you look to the Scottish teams where Glasgow is providing good competition for places - Edinburgh - not so much, or at least if there is Solomons hides it well, I think a lot of our players are actually better off in the Aviva prem.

Laidlaw is another example of someone who has improved his game moving out of Scotland, Hastings has got some (albeit limited) senior gametime for Bath which I think will do him a lot of favours when he makes the full step up to senior. Nairn at Quins, the U20s lad at Newcastle, these are all guys who have a chance to shine. Forcing both Maitland and Cowan to compete for places will improve their game no-end I think - they have got stale over the last season due to LI performing poorly and thus having firm positions in the XV. I can see Sarries using Maitland as a utility sub like they did for Taylor to start, it's up to him if he wants to improve his game, Blair needs to work hard but I can see him upping his game.

Good news all around imo!

by MacKnocked-on Fri Jun 03, 2016 11:11 am

I read that Ben Ransom, the Sarries backup 15 who is apparently SQ, is possibly signing for London Irish in the Championship. Would he not be worth a punt by Glasgow as back up to Hogg who might possibly move on sooner rather than later? From what I've seen of Ransom he looks a good elusive runner.

by **RDW** Fri Jun 03, 2016 11:13 am

That would back up the reports that Maitland has moved to Sarries anyway.

Or has that been confirmed?

by **NeilyBroon** Fri Jun 03, 2016 11:16 am

MacKnocked-on wrote:I read that Ben Ransom, the Sarries backup 15 who is apparently SQ, is possibly signing for London Irish in the Championship. Would he not be worth a punt by Glasgow as back up to Hogg who might possibly move on sooner rather than later? From what I've seen of Ransom he looks a good elusive runner.

He's played with England from U18 up to U20s - I'm not sure he'd be interested. Although could be worth a punt?

by MacKnocked-on Fri Jun 03, 2016 11:20 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:That would back up the reports that Maitland has moved to Sarries anyway.

Or has that been confirmed?

All but confirmed I think. Scott Steele is another at LI who could be wasted in the Championship when Glasgow might possibly have opted for him instead of the latest Fijian.

by **RDW** Fri Jun 03, 2016 11:22 am

MacKnocked-on wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:That would back up the reports that Maitland has moved to Sarries anyway.

Or has that been confirmed?

All but confirmed I think. Scott Steele is another at LI who could be wasted in the Championship when Glasgow might possibly have opted for him instead of the latest Fijian.

On that one I think Steele is better being a regular starter in the Championship (for only one season probably) than 3rd / 4th choice at Glasgow.

That Fijian is very much just squad cover i reckon.

by MacKnocked-on Fri Jun 03, 2016 11:24 am

NeilyBroon wrote:
MacKnocked-on wrote:I read that Ben Ransom, the Sarries backup 15 who is apparently SQ, is possibly signing for London Irish in the Championship. Would he not be worth a punt by Glasgow as back up to Hogg who might possibly move on sooner rather than later? From what I've seen of Ransom he looks a good elusive runner.

He's played with England from U18 up to U20s - I'm not sure he'd be interested. Although could be worth a punt?

More scope with Scotland than England surely, they've got Brown, Goode, Watson, Mallinder etc etc and we've basically got Hogg, Maitland and young Kinghorn with Jackson able to play there if needed. I sometimes wonder how many caps Matthew Tate would have by now if he had opted to play for Scotland, he would probably be the record holder.

by **BigGee** Fri Jun 03, 2016 12:40 pm

I would imagine that it is very likely that Irish will come straight back up and hopefully SS will come back up a much stronger and better player with them. He is young enough to spend a year in the championship and may well enjoy the winning feeling after two years of going backwards.

Glasgow have got three starting SHs in Price, Hart and Henry, an old veteran squad player in the Fijian and an up and coming kid in Horne. That is about the right mix. With a few injuries and internationals they should all get a decent bit of game time. Horne played a lot last year for LS and will now be eased in at this level.

by Hazel Sapling Fri Jun 03, 2016 2:10 pm

Looking at SH, Glasgow may enter a situation where Hart needs to move on. He probably will never start ahead of Pyrgos and Price will need/take meaningful game time with Horne. If he has international aspirations, he can't be a borderline third choice. If Horne shines and Price develops, a new youngster will take the 4th spot and Hart seems to be the odd man out.

Glasgow could use a young 15 coming through though. Hogg and Seymour away at internationals leaves someone like Jones or Hughes being forced into duty if Murchie is crocked.

by **RDW** Fri Jun 03, 2016 2:15 pm

I don't think Hart is our will ever be international class.

His form improved as the season went on but he was bloody awful for Glasgow up until Christmas!

A solid club player but nothing more IMO.

by EWT Spoons Mon Jun 06, 2016 10:38 am

Old news, but Sarries have confirmed the signing of Maits.

by nickj Mon Jun 06, 2016 4:12 pm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36459911

I'm not sure how you pronounce the guy Maits' signing was announced with?

by funnyExiledScot Mon Jun 06, 2016 4:37 pm

nickj wrote:http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36459911

I'm not sure how you pronounce the guy Maits' signing was announced with?

You pronounce it the same way you address all Sarries supporters.....

by Majestic83 Wed Jun 08, 2016 12:09 pm

Very quiet on the new signings front with both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Would think both still have a few players to bring in.

Thinking of the Glasgow team the one area that really needs improving is the props. Got a few good young players like Fagerson, Rae and allan.

One player that would be ideal to bring in and is possibly looking for a new club is Ben Franks the all black currently at London Irish. Probably on a pretty good salary but he would be excellent not just for his playing ability but also mentoring the likes of Fagerson.

by **RDW** Wed Jun 08, 2016 12:15 pm

Surely Franks wouldn't stay in the Championship?

A world cup winning tighthead certainly wouldn't come cheap though.

by funnyExiledScot Wed Jun 08, 2016 12:27 pm

Franks would be awesome at Glasgow but I can't see it. There'll be plenty big money offers for him from England and France.

Scott Wilson from Falcons would be a decent option I think. Player with a big reputation who seems to have stalled a bit. Polishing rough diamonds is very much the Glasgow way.

by Majestic83 Wed Jun 08, 2016 12:33 pm

funnyExiledScot wrote:Franks would be awesome at Glasgow but I can't see it. There'll be plenty big money offers for him from England and France.

Scott Wilson from Falcons would be a decent option I think. Player with a big reputation who seems to have stalled a bit. Polishing rough diamonds is very much the Glasgow way.

Think Scott Wilson has been injured for pretty much all of last season but should be fully fit for the new season.
He does look a very good player and would have been very handy for Scotland, shame England capped him at Saxons level to stop Scotland capping him.

by Majestic83 Wed Jun 08, 2016 12:34 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:Surely Franks wouldn't stay in the Championship?

A world cup winning tighthead certainly wouldn't come cheap though.

Think he will be on a big wage, however Glasgow must have a decent amount of money to spend. Big T was on a huge contract so him going back to oz will have freed up a decent amount as well as the bit of compensation money they are getting from the ARU.

by Hazel Sapling Wed Jun 08, 2016 12:42 pm

Why not just bring Welsh back?

by **RDW** Wed Jun 08, 2016 12:43 pm

Hazel Sapling wrote:Why not just bring Welsh back?

That would be a very good idea - it really wasn't a good decision to let him go, albeit they didn't know that they would have to do without De Klerk too.

by nickj Wed Jun 08, 2016 1:03 pm

The rumours are that Glasgow are bringing in 23-year-old Stormers prop Oliver Kebble in as a “project player”. But you could definitely argue we could do with more experience too.

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby-union/scotland/stormers-star-huw-jones-could-be-the-next-true-scottish-hero-1-4108641

by Majestic83 Wed Jun 08, 2016 1:34 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
Hazel Sapling wrote:Why not just bring Welsh back?

That would be a very good idea - it really wasn't a good decision to let him go, albeit they didn't know that they would have to do without De Klerk too.

Don't think they'd be able to get Welsh back. Think it is a 3 year deal he is on at the Falcons and can't imagine they'd be interested in releasing him so would probably cost Glasgow a fair bit in compensation.

by Hazel Sapling Wed Jun 08, 2016 2:39 pm

Welsh has been hurt most of the season and maybe they want to spend money elsewhere. Low seems to have found a spark at Exeter so would not want to bring him back.

If you have Kebble and assume Fagerson will get called up to Scotland, Kebble/Puafisi/Rae is enough cover. I feel after seeing how well Rae did for 78 minutes against Connacht, Glasgow need to play him more.

by **BigGee** Fri Jun 10, 2016 11:37 am

Grant Sheils to LS.

A good move for him, as he really aught to get some game time with them, which he has bee sadly lacking for the past few years. He was a player wiith some promise, so hopefully the best is yet to come.

by **RDW** Fri Jun 10, 2016 11:41 am

Good move for both parties and I'm glad LS have been able to sign a quality player given the dire straights the SRU left them in.

He would have been a good player for Edinburgh but there was just too much competition.

by Hazel Sapling Fri Jun 10, 2016 11:50 am

Right move and a good loosehead. Think he will start for LS and was poorly handled by the SRU. Would have been a better option than Grant for Glasgow.

by **BigGee** Fri Jun 10, 2016 11:50 am

The mighty Mike Cussack also picks up another contract, 2 years with Yorkshire Carnegie.

Someone clearly still thinks he has something left in the tank. I was wondering if he might have headed down to Richmond as well. I hope he gets fit and gets some games for them.

by **RDW** Thu Jun 23, 2016 10:10 am

It has gone worryingly quiet on the transfers front.

Anyone got any gossip??

by **George Carlin** Thu Jun 23, 2016 11:22 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:

It has gone worryingly quiet on the transfers front.

Anyone got any gossip??

I can confirm that my Mad Aunt Doris has been transferred to a home. Fee undisclosed.

by funnyExiledScot Thu Jun 23, 2016 2:05 pm

George Carlin wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:

It has gone worryingly quiet on the transfers front.

Anyone got any gossip??
I can confirm that my Mad Aunt Doris has been transferred to a home. Fee undisclosed.

Same one as Schizoid?

by highland_scot Thu Jun 23, 2016 3:36 pm

I heard Glasgow had seen that Andries Strauss is a free agent, figured that the last Strauss they snapped up turned out alright and that they usually sign Edinburgh duds to great effect, and signed him on a 5 year contract.

Sorry

by **RDW** Mon Jun 27, 2016 12:37 pm

Edinburgh Rugby can today confirm the signing of centre Sasa Tofilau on a one-year deal ahead of the 2016/17 season.

The powerful midfield player, who is adept at both inside and outside centre, received plaudits on the domestic circuit with some stellar performances for BT National League Division 2 side, Kirkcaldy, who he joined in October 2015.

Tofilau in action at Melrose 7s

Samoan born Tofilau, 21, said: “I’m really excited to be involved at the club and I’m grateful to the coaches for putting faith in me. Hopefully I can return the favour in the way I train and play.

“I am excited and a little bit nervous for pre-season, but I’m looking forward to getting started. It’s going to be tough, but I know it’s all going to help me adapt to the environment and push me to achieve my goals and dreams.”

Following his performances for the Fife club last season, he was soon invited to train with the capital outfit. He further bolstered his growing reputation with a fine performance in a training game against Scotland under-20 after being named to start at centre.

He said:

“My involvement with Edinburgh so far has brought so much to my game and made me realise how much of an opportunity I have ahead of me.

“I’m grateful, also, to Kirkcaldy. My time there taught me a lot, and they’re fully behind me in grabbing the opportunity, so I think it will be good for them to hopefully see one of their own pull on the shirt and do them proud this season.”

In March of this year, Tofilau was named by Roddy Grant in Edinburgh Rugby’s squad for Melrose Sevens, and cast himself into the public eye with four tries during the day. He crossed the whitewash to score the match-winning try in Edinburgh’s 29-19 victory over Jed-Forest, which secured the Ladies’ Cup for the men in black and red.

He continued: “I loved the experience of being able to play at Melrose Sevens.

“I was delighted and thankful to Roddy [Grant] for picking me in the squad, and it was great to be part of something so historic and prestigious.”

Head Coach Alan Solomons said: “We are delighted to welcome Sasa to the club.

“He is a talented young player, who has represented Australia at under 20 level

“I have no doubt he will make his mark at Edinburgh and look forward to working with him".

Edinburgh Rugby signings for the 2016/17 season

The signing of Tofilau brings the total to 29 player signings for next season, additional to those already committed to Edinburgh until the end of May 2017 and beyond. The list kicked off in early December 2015 with Scottish age grade back row Jamie Ritchie extending his contract for another three years. The coaching staff, led by Alan Solomons, recently announced their continued commitment into the new season.

Scotland internationalists

Kevin Bryce, Grant Gilchrist, Ross Ford, Tom Brown, Duncan Weir, Damien Hoyland, Stuart McInally, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Alasdair Dickinson and Ben Toolis

Scottish qualified players

Nick Beavon, Lewis Carmichael, George Turner, Fraser McKenzie, Sean Kennedy, Nathan Fowles, Glenn Bryce, Allan Dell, Simon Berghan, Neil Cochrane, Chris Dean and Jamie Ritchie

Non-Scottish qualified signings for 2016/17

Sasa Tofilau, Alex Northam, Jason Tovey, Solomoni Rasolea, Rory Scholes, Phil Burleigh and Cornell Du Preez

by **George Carlin** Mon Jun 27, 2016 1:49 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
Edinburgh Rugby can today confirm the signing of centre Sasa Tofilau on a one-year deal ahead of the 2016/17 season.

The powerful midfield player, who is adept at both inside and outside centre, received plaudits on the domestic circuit with some stellar performances for BT National League Division 2 side, Kirkcaldy, who he joined in October 2015.

Tofilau in action at Melrose 7s

Samoan born Tofilau, 21, said: “I’m really excited to be involved at the club and I’m grateful to the coaches for putting faith in me. Hopefully I can return the favour in the way I train and play.

“I am excited and a little bit nervous for pre-season, but I’m looking forward to getting started. It’s going to be tough, but I know it’s all going to help me adapt to the environment and push me to achieve my goals and dreams.”

Following his performances for the Fife club last season, he was soon invited to train with the capital outfit. He further bolstered his growing reputation with a fine performance in a training game against Scotland under-20 after being named to start at centre.

He said:

“My involvement with Edinburgh so far has brought so much to my game and made me realise how much of an opportunity I have ahead of me.

“I’m grateful, also, to Kirkcaldy. My time there taught me a lot, and they’re fully behind me in grabbing the opportunity, so I think it will be good for them to hopefully see one of their own pull on the shirt and do them proud this season.”

In March of this year, Tofilau was named by Roddy Grant in Edinburgh Rugby’s squad for Melrose Sevens, and cast himself into the public eye with four tries during the day. He crossed the whitewash to score the match-winning try in Edinburgh’s 29-19 victory over Jed-Forest, which secured the Ladies’ Cup for the men in black and red.

He continued: “I loved the experience of being able to play at Melrose Sevens.

“I was delighted and thankful to Roddy [Grant] for picking me in the squad, and it was great to be part of something so historic and prestigious.”

Head Coach Alan Solomons said: “We are delighted to welcome Sasa to the club.

“He is a talented young player, who has represented Australia at under 20 level

“I have no doubt he will make his mark at Edinburgh and look forward to working with him".

Edinburgh Rugby signings for the 2016/17 season

The signing of Tofilau brings the total to 29 player signings for next season, additional to those already committed to Edinburgh until the end of May 2017 and beyond. The list kicked off in early December 2015 with Scottish age grade back row Jamie Ritchie extending his contract for another three years. The coaching staff, led by Alan Solomons, recently announced their continued commitment into the new season.

Scotland internationalists

Kevin Bryce, Grant Gilchrist, Ross Ford, Tom Brown, Duncan Weir, Damien Hoyland, Stuart McInally, Sam Hidalgo-Clyne, Alasdair Dickinson and Ben Toolis

Scottish qualified players

Nick Beavon, Lewis Carmichael, George Turner, Fraser McKenzie, Sean Kennedy, Nathan Fowles, Glenn Bryce, Allan Dell, Simon Berghan, Neil Cochrane, Chris Dean and Jamie Ritchie

Non-Scottish qualified signings for 2016/17

Sasa Tofilau, Alex Northam, Jason Tovey, Solomoni Rasolea, Rory Scholes, Phil Burleigh and Cornell Du Preez

A poor man's Junior Bulumakau? Discuss. 2016/17 - Scottish Transfers [Edinburgh|Glasgow|Exiles] - Page 3 1347041234

by **RDW** Mon Jun 27, 2016 1:59 pm

Well this guy is a big lump of a centre, Junior is a small fast winger!

GC (et al) - get your Scottish Rugby award nominations in! https://www.606v2.com/t63477-scottish-rugby-end-of-season-awards

by **RDW** Tue Jun 28, 2016 1:18 pm

And the replacement for Nakarawa is...... drumroll

Tjiuee Uanivi

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36651657

Yep, me neither. Headscratch

by **George Carlin** Tue Jun 28, 2016 1:27 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:And the replacement for Nakarawa is......

Tjiuee Uanivi

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36651657

Yep, me neither.

Actually this smells like one of Toonie's rough diamonds.

To even get into the Sharks training squad, you need to be a unit and he's only 25 years of age.

He's got solid RWC experience too and at 6'7" is going to be a proper line out option with Oscar/Jeff Peterson and Jonny.

I know that we haven't heard of him, but I'm actually quite encouraged by this.

by funnyExiledScot Tue Jun 28, 2016 1:34 pm

Where do they find these guys??

Still, young-ish player and he looks physically impressive.

I still think Sarto is going to turn out as the pick of the bunch.

by **RDW** Tue Jun 28, 2016 1:43 pm

George Carlin wrote:
RDW_Scotland wrote:And the replacement for Nakarawa is......

Tjiuee Uanivi

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/36651657

Yep, me neither.
Actually this smells like one of Toonie's rough diamonds.

To even get into the Sharks training squad, you need to be a unit and he's only 25 years of age.

He's got solid RWC experience too and at 6'7" is going to be a proper line out option with Oscar/Jeff Peterson and Jonny.

I know that we haven't heard of him, but I'm actually quite encouraged by this.

To be fair he's not exactly had much competition to get into the Namibia squad!

He is certainly in the rough diamond category - he's got a fair deal of pro experience but sounds like he's had to move around quite a lot in his career to try and get a contract, which isn't a great sign.

He'll certainly be athletic but being big isn't enough (snigger) - there's plenty huge 2nd rows in the English Championship who never make it.

So is that Glasgow now well stocked in the 2nd row department with Gray, Swinson, Peterson, Cummings and this bloke, with Harley covering as well as a couple of youngsters? Huge drop of in quality below Gray though.

by A Simply Mesmeric Try Tue Jun 28, 2016 3:58 pm

Updated OP.

RE: Tjiuee Uanivi - Absolutely nobody knew how good Leone Nakarawa was going to be (except for maybe Toonie). So fingers crossed that another uncut gemstone will be polished by the Scotstoun team.

As for Sasa Tofilau, is he really only 20 years old? And how was a former Australia u20 international Samoan playing for Kirkcaldy of all clubs?

by **RDW** Tue Jun 28, 2016 4:10 pm

Apparently he knew the Kirkaldy head coach (who is also Samoan) who brought him over.

He must have been an absolute beast at National 2 level!

He certainly doesn't look 21 though - tough paper round!

by funnyExiledScot Wed Jun 29, 2016 9:16 am

RDW_Scotland wrote:Apparently he knew the Kirkaldy head coach (who is also Samoan) who brought him over.

He must have been an absolute beast at National 2 level!

He certainly doesn't look 21 though - tough paper round!

It reminds me of when David Moyes described Yakubu as being "Nigerian 25".

by A Simply Mesmeric Try Sat Jul 09, 2016 6:21 am

Fly half Hagen Schulte signs on a one year deal with Glasgow Warriors, from Canterbury, in partnership with Glasgow Hawks. He's got a Scottish Granny too.

by MacKnocked-on Wed Jul 13, 2016 2:40 pm

I've read that Alex Grove has now signed for Moseley, very strange for a international player who is still only 28 to be playing down the leagues. I feel he's been somewhat unlucky with his career, he was steady enough in his few Scotland games.

by **RDW** Wed Jul 13, 2016 2:43 pm

To be fair he last played for Scotland several years ago and in that time he's not been able to get a game for Worcester, and I saw him play for London Scottish and he wasn't much of a standout.

I suspect the Championship is his level now.

by MacKnocked-on Wed Jul 13, 2016 2:52 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:To be fair he last played for Scotland several years ago and in that time he's not been able to get a game for Worcester, and I saw him play for London Scottish and he wasn't much of a standout.

I suspect the Championship is his level now.

Moseley were relegated last season so he's not even playing at Championship level now. Speaking of vanishing players, any news on whether your old fav' Te Rure has been signed by anyone?

by **RDW** Wed Jul 13, 2016 2:53 pm

MacKnocked-on wrote: Speaking of vanishing players, any news on whether your old fav' Te Rure has been signed by anyone?

I think it is fair to say there aren't many things in the world I care less about! Very Happy

by MacKnocked-on Wed Jul 13, 2016 2:57 pm

RDW_Scotland wrote:
MacKnocked-on wrote: Speaking of vanishing players, any news on whether your old fav' Te Rure has been signed by anyone?

I think it is fair to say there aren't many things in the world I care less about!

If you say so....

by **RDW** Wed Jul 13, 2016 2:59 pm

He's maybe starting his own super team with Mike Penn and Brett Thomson...

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