Here’s who the Pro12 clubs have signed for the 2016/17 season

First topic message reminder :

http://www.the42.ie/pro12-transfers-201617-signings-2899807-Jul2016/

Cardiff
Powerhouse number eight Nick Williams has left Irish shores for the Welsh capital club, with the exciting out-half/fullback Matthew Morgan joining him after two seasons in England with Bristol.
Morgan is not the only Wales international returning to his native land from England, with loosehead prop Rhys Gill a good signing for the Blues from Saracens.
Hooker Kirby Myhill, out-half Steven Shingler, and South African lock George Earle all join from the Scarlets, while Willis Halaholo is perhaps the most interesting signing of all for Cardiff.
The 26-year-old Kiwi centre has been impressive across 13 appearances for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby this season and will add linebreaking ability when he arrives in Wales in October or November, following Waikato’s Mitre 10 Cup campaign. A three-year deal means Halaholo could qualify to play for Wales under current residency rules.

Connacht
The reigning champions have not recruited extensively, with once-capped Springbok out-half Marnitz Boshoff coming in after the departure of AJ MacGinty to Sale Sharks.
Outside centre Eoin Griffin returns to his native province following two frustrating years with London Irish. Versatile back Cian Kelleher is another who provides Pat Lam with options behind the scrum, having joined from Leinster on a two-year deal.
24-year-old tighthead prop Conor Carey is an interesting addition, having initially come through Ulster’s underage system. The Ireland U20 international shifted to the Championship in 2013, playing for Ealing Trailfinders and then Nottingham.
Connacht’s recruitment also sees two New Zealand-born, Irish-qualified players come on board, in 22-year-old prop Dominic Robertson-McCoy and 27-year-old outside back Josh Rowland. Both have ITM Cup experience, while Rowland is already an Ireland 7s international.

Dragons
The Welsh region haven’t managed to attract a big-name signing from the Southern Hemisphere, but Kiwi centre Sam Beard joins from Edinburgh.
There are three new faces who have made the moved from Cardiff in props Tom Davies, Craig Mitchell and Sam Hobbs.
South African centre Pat Howard will be familiar to Munster fans after his loan spell at the province during the 2014/15 season. The 24-year-old joins from Northampton Saints, while experienced out-half/fullback Nick Macleod has moved from Sale.

Edinburgh
Alan Solomons’ men have lured promising Irish wing Rory Scholes to Scotland from Ulster ahead of the new season, while Scottish international out-half Duncan Weir is another addition.
Out-half Jason Tovey is a permanent signing following his loan spell from the Dragons last season, while brothers Kevin and Glenn Bryce join from Glasgow Warriors.
The 6’5″ Fiji 7s international Viliame Mata is set to sign on after the Olympics [the move has not been official confirmed yet], and would bring dynamism, handling skill and intelligence to the back row or second row.
Tongan international back row Viliami Fihaki has been confirmed after leaving Sale this summer, while former Australia 7s international Solomoni ‘Junior’ Rasolea bolsters the midfield.
Pacy ex-Australia U20 wing Alex Northam joins after a loan spell at La Rochelle last season, and Samoan centre Sasa Tofilau has signed on the back of his impressive performances in Scottish club rugby.

Glasgow
Gregor Townsend’s men have compensated for the departure of Taqele Naiyarovoro by bringing in elusive Italy wing Leonardo Sarto from Zebre.
35-year-old ex-All Black hooker Corey Flynn has brought huge experience from Toulouse, while fellow Kiwi and tighthead prop Jarrod Firth comes on board after featuring for the Chiefs in the 2015 Super Rugby season.
Completing the trio of New Zealanders joining is out-half Hagen Schulte, who had a trial spell in Glasgow last season and qualifies to play for Scotland through one of his grandparents.
England Saxons-capped Rory Clegg comes on board from Oyonnax in France, while Canada international prop Djustice Sears-Duru - who played against Ireland at the World Cup last year – has also signed.
Namibian lock Tjiuee Uanivi, who was also at the 2015 RWC, has the task of replacing Leone Nakarawa, and Fiji international Nemia Kenatale provides a new option at scrum-half.

Leinster
Ireland international centre Robbie Henshaw is among the best signings in the league this summer, although his plan for an early impact has been ruined by a knee injury.
Kiwi native Jamison Gibson-Park had been due to arrive earlier this month, but the scrum-half has been playing impressive cameo roles off the bench for the Hurricanes in their drive to the Super Rugby semi-finals and remains in New Zealand.
He has again been named on the bench for the Canes’ semi-final against the Chiefs on Saturday [KO 8.35am Irish time, Sky Sports 1].
Returning to Leinster on a short-term deal is Niall Morris, who won a Premiership title with Leicester Tigers but had last season ruined by injury. Finally, returning to professional rugby is former Munster lock Ian Nagle.

Munster
David Nucifora’s plans for more inter-provincial transfer movement have seen the highly-promising centre Sam Arnold move south from Ulster this summer, bringing with him impressive athletic ability.
32-year-old tighthead prop John Andress returns to Ireland following his nine-year stint abroad, while lock Darren O’Shea is back with his home province after two seasons of gaining valuable experience with Worcester in England.
Munster’s most recent signing is the 22-year-old South African lock Jean Kleyn, who looks like a very strong addition.

Ospreys
Kiwi centre Kieran Fonotia is an excellent signing for the Ospreys, after a strong Super Rugby season with the Crusaders. A tiler before turning professional in rugby, the 28-year-old will bring power to the Welsh side’s midfield this season.
The signing of 56-times capped Wales lock Bradley Davies is another impressive piece of transfer business for Steve Tandy’s outfit, as he makes the move back to home soil from Wasps.
Wales international tighthead Rhodri Jones, still only 24, has moved from the Scarlets and hooker Hugh Gustafson joins from the Dragons.

Scarlets
The Scarlets have seen many players depart, but their recruitment has been highly positive in the off-season.
Wales and Lions centre Jonathan Davies is back after two seasons with Clermont in the Top 14, while 25-year-old Kiwi wing Johnny McNicholl will be an excellent addition later this season. A three-year deal may put him in line for Welsh caps.
23-year-old Wales international fullback/out-half Rhys Patchell makes the move from Cardiff, as centre Richard Smith and wing Tom Williams join him in moving from the capital.
Experienced South African tighthead Werner Kruger, who has four Springbok caps, should strengthen the set-piece, with his compatriot Rynier Bernardo moving from the Ospreys to compete for a second row place.
Irishman Tadhg Beirne will be doing the same following his transfer from Leinster. The 24-year-old lock was capped by Ireland at U19 and U20 levels before making four senior appearances for the eastern province.
Scrum-half Jonathan Evans moves back to Wales after a year with Bath.

Treviso
The big Southern Hemisphere signing of the season for Treviso is Marty Banks, the Highlanders’ back-up out-half, who should prove to be a superb acquisition.
Italy international out-half Tommaso Allan has also joined from Perpignan, while he is joined by fellow Test players in outside back Tommaso Benvenuti, wing David Odiete and scrum-half Tito Tebaldi.
22-year-old prop Tiziano Pasquali moves home to Italy after attending school in Scotland and coming through the Leicester academy, as 31-year-old Kiwi wing Michael Tagicakibau joins from the Scarlets.
Of most interest to Irish rugby fans is Treviso’s signing of out-half Ian McKinley, who featured for Zebreon permit terms in the Pro12 last season. His progress will be followed closely.

Ulster
The capture of All Blacks-capped fullback Charles Piutau is surely the most exciting inbound transfer of any in the Pro12 this summer, with his dangerous running game certain to thrill fans at the Kingspan Stadium.
Springboks back row Marcell Coetzee is another big-name signing for the northern province, although he suffered a serious knee injury following confirmation of the move.
Imposing lock Kieran Treadwell is a clever addition from Harlequins and looks like a potential future international, while Ireland-capped tighthead Rodney Ah You shifts up from Connacht.
Brett Herron has landed in to provide an option at out-half behind Paddy Jackson, while Ireland Clubs scrum-half Angus Lloyd has earned a contract on the back of his impressive form for Trinity in the Ulster Bank League.

Zebre
The Italian side’s biggest signing of the summer is New Zealand sevens international Kurt Baker, who previously played Super Rugby with the Highlanders.
There are four new South African faces in the shape of ex-Lions back row Derick Minnie, 22-year-old prop Bart le Roux, former Baby Boks wing Lloyd Greeff, and scrum-half Carlo Engelbrecht from the Blue Bulls.
Four incoming Italy internationals should boost the club’s quality, with second row Josh Furno, experienced hooker Carlo Festuccia and 36-times capped outside back Giovanbattista Venditti all signing.
22-year-old wing Mattia Bellini, capped five times already, is also on board on a permanent deal after playing on permit terms last season.

profitius wrote:Walesonline held a prediction pole. The results are

1 Glasgow
2 Scarlets
3 Cardiff
4 Ospreys
5 Leinster
6 Ulster
7 Munster
8 Connacht
9 Dragons
10 Edinburgh
11 Zebre
12 Treviso


http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/predict-how-guinness-pro12-table-11755469

Love their optimism

profitius wrote:Walesonline held a prediction pole. The results are

1 Glasgow
2 Scarlets
3 Cardiff
4 Ospreys
5 Leinster
6 Ulster
7 Munster
8 Connacht
9 Dragons
10 Edinburgh
11 Zebre
12 Treviso


http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/predict-how-guinness-pro12-table-11755469

I think that sums up the intelligence of the average Walesonline reader.

Scarlets are top of that poll now. A Welsh 1-2-3. Embarrassing.

Dai Llewod wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:
Who is Andy Howell?

A terrible excuse for a journalist that writes lazy misconceptions similar to yours above.

 Who is 'we'?

Anybody that reads the misconceptions noted above.

What are the league placings for the four regions over the last five years?

I'm sure you have the internet.

Thanks. The point about Andy Howell is lost on you. 'We' means you.
Ospreys don't normally finish in the bottom half of the table. They had a poor season last year compared to their previous form. This isn't a misconception.

Pot Hale wrote:
Ospreys don't normally finish in the bottom half of the table.  They had a poor season last year compared to their previous form.  This isn't a misconception.  

So you've gone from "The Welsh regions" to "Ospreys" have had a poor showing?

Did the Ospreys come where you think they deserve to come given their squad make up?

Pot Hale wrote:

I'm not your mate.   I'll write whatever I wish to write within forum guidelines.  I have debated with you previously on other issues.   I don't get into seeking apologies or humility from you.  
You made your argument, I agreed with it.  Don't go looking for the whipped cream with a cherry on top - you'll be disappointed.

Oh, right. I see.

Pot Hale wrote:
Thanks.  The point about Andy Howell is lost on you.  'We' means you.  
Ospreys don't normally finish in the bottom half of the table.  They had a poor season last year compared to their previous form.  This isn't a misconception.  

That kind of analysis excludes any attempt to even consider the impact of losing players to Team Wales.

That's what makes it lazy.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Scarlets are top of that poll now. A Welsh 1-2-3. Embarrassing.

A Regions 1-2-3 is pushing it, but I can certainly see three Regions with a top 6 finish. Ospreys, Scarlets and Cardiff can all achieve top 6, along with Ulster, Munster, Leinster, Connacht and Glasgow.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Scarlets are top of that poll now. A Welsh 1-2-3. Embarrassing.

The 4 regions are averaging a league position of 4.5 on that poll. (2nd+3+4+9)/4.

If you take it per country, last season gave us the following

Irish teams, 3.25
Scottish teams 6
Welsh teams 7.5
Italian teams 11.5


This season I think the Irish teams position will finish higher (worse) but still under 4. Having said that I think Munster will be improved.
Scottish could be lower (better), around 5-6.
I don't think the Welsh will change their average much because I think Dragons will finish lower.
I think the Italians will be lower (better) this season. At least they literally cannot get any worse!

Dai Llewod wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:
Ospreys don't normally finish in the bottom half of the table.  They had a poor season last year compared to their previous form.  This isn't a misconception.  

So you've gone from "The Welsh regions" to "Ospreys" have had a poor showing?

Did the Ospreys come where you think they deserve to come given their squad make up?

Yes they finished where they deserved to finish given their squad's performance.

Did they finish where you expected them to? And where do you expect them to finish this season?

PhilBB wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:
Thanks.  The point about Andy Howell is lost on you.  'We' means you.  
Ospreys don't normally finish in the bottom half of the table.  They had a poor season last year compared to their previous form.  This isn't a misconception.  

That kind of analysis excludes any attempt to even consider the impact of losing players to Team Wales.

That's what makes it lazy.

Yes you've made your point - a number of times.

Finished now?

Pot Hale wrote:

Dai Llewod wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:
Ospreys don't normally finish in the bottom half of the table.  They had a poor season last year compared to their previous form.  This isn't a misconception.  

So you've gone from "The Welsh regions" to "Ospreys" have had a poor showing?

Did the Ospreys come where you think they deserve to come given their squad make up?

Yes they finished where they deserved to finish given their squad's performance.  

Did they finish where you expected them to? And where do you expect them to finish this season?

I didn't say performance. I said "make up". i.e. - the quality of the players that they have, due to what they can afford. It's less than most of the teams above them. I'd expect The Scarlets Blues and Ospreys to finish behind all 4 Irish teams and Galsgow for certain, maybe even Edinburgh too. The only Welsh team that finished anywhere unexpected last season was the Scarlets. Outperforming a team like Munster with their budget was a massive achievement.

Infact I'd go so far as saying that the only "poor showings" related to league placings were Munster and Edinburgh.

Dai Llewod wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:

Dai Llewod wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:
Ospreys don't normally finish in the bottom half of the table.  They had a poor season last year compared to their previous form.  This isn't a misconception.  

So you've gone from "The Welsh regions" to "Ospreys" have had a poor showing?

Did the Ospreys come where you think they deserve to come given their squad make up?

Yes they finished where they deserved to finish given their squad's performance.  

Did they finish where you expected them to? And where do you expect them to finish this season?

I didn't say performance. I said "make up". i.e. - the quality of the players that they have, due to what they can afford. It's less than most of the teams above them. I'd expect The Scarlets Blues and Ospreys to finish behind all 4 Irish teams and Galsgow for certain, maybe even Edinburgh too. The only Welsh team that finished anywhere unexpected last season was the Scarlets. Outperforming a team like Munster with their budget was a massive achievement.

Infact I'd go so far as saying that the only "poor showings" related to league placings were Munster and Edinburgh.

Fair enough. Good to read your opinion on these matters. Thanks.

Pot Hale wrote:

Dai Llewod wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:
Ospreys don't normally finish in the bottom half of the table.  They had a poor season last year compared to their previous form.  This isn't a misconception.  

So you've gone from "The Welsh regions" to "Ospreys" have had a poor showing?

Did the Ospreys come where you think they deserve to come given their squad make up?

Yes they finished where they deserved to finish given their squad's performance.  

Did they finish where you expected them to? And where do you expect them to finish this season?

PH, to your questions at the end, in my OP to last season I put in that we had finished 3rd, 4th or 5th with mainly 3rd, the previous 4 or 5 seasons, that we would finish around the same position, with the proviso that if we suffered significant injuries in key positions, that would be thrown out of the window, this is what happened, and as for this season, I expect us to be in the top 4 and to be top Welsh team, the experience that a lot of our youngsters will stand us in good stead, the only positions, I feel we are seriously lacking cover in is 10 and 15, unless Dafydd Howells really shows his prowess in the latter, and the youngster Luke Price really matures considering his bad leg break a couple of seasons ago.

wayne wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:

Dai Llewod wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:
Ospreys don't normally finish in the bottom half of the table.  They had a poor season last year compared to their previous form.  This isn't a misconception.  

So you've gone from "The Welsh regions" to "Ospreys" have had a poor showing?

Did the Ospreys come where you think they deserve to come given their squad make up?

Yes they finished where they deserved to finish given their squad's performance.  

Did they finish where you expected them to? And where do you expect them to finish this season?

PH, to your questions at the end, in my OP to last season I put in that we had finished 3rd, 4th or 5th with mainly 3rd, the previous 4 or 5 seasons, that we would finish around the same position, with the proviso that if we suffered significant injuries in key positions, that would be thrown out of the window, this is what happened, and as for this season, I expect us to be in the top 4 and to be top Welsh team, the experience that a lot of our youngsters will stand us in good stead, the only positions, I feel we are seriously lacking cover in is 10 and 15, unless Dafydd Howells really shows his prowess in the latter, and the youngster Luke Price really matures considering his bad leg break a couple of seasons ago.

Thanks Wayne. I think Scarlets will give you a run for your money as top region - looking forward to seeing how this season goes after last season's travails.