Silly Season Transfer Rumours 16/17

Nit before the Lions tour. Don't think any of the All Black internationals will end their career pre tour.

Eggchasers podcast linked Carl Fearns with a move to Leicester next season.

That Fearns to tigers is a rumour that's been a while now. Starting to pick up speed

I would imagine it's one of those that's agreed behind closed doors but won't be announced until closer to the end of the season. It may be confirmed unofficially by Comers before then. Tigers like to have the player in a Tigers shirt for a PR photo before announcing their arrival (usually). Hed certainly fit in with the type of player we are looking to sign.

Big risk for Tigers, Fearns has quite the injury list, and Leicester have a pretty poor track record with players and injuries.

Could be a waste of money if true.

We have a good list of options and he'd add to that nicely Yappysnap. Not to concerned about him playing every week as such. We don't have a great track record with injuries but we do have with eventually getting players completely free of injury. Tait and Barrow both joined with serious injuries and we took our time and got them right. So a potential risk but that is modern rugby.

Incidentally we have a Tuilagi number 8 coming through the system and playing in the A league at the moment so hopefully next year they'll be two new options for  big ball carrying 8's.

Loumanu extended his contract with Quins.

Fearns isn't that injury prone is he?
2016/17 - 5 games
2015/16 - 19 games
2014/15 - 25 games
2013/14 - 22 games
2012/13 - 15 games
2011/12 - 12 games
2010/11 - 22 games
2009/10 - 22 games
2008/09 - 13 games

Not really injury prone compared to rest of the league.

Surprised by those stats, it certainly did feel like he was injured a lot at bath. Whenever he got a few games together, he would get a knock and be out for 3/4 weeks. hes such a abrasive player, it isn't surprising, but it was so frustrating that he didn't run games together.

propdavid_london wrote:Loumanu extended his contract with Quins.

Brilliant, the A team need their 20 stone water boy

There was the hope that he would be a bit more of a like for like replacement of Maurice Faasavalou - perhaps he just needs a bit more time.

Hope none of the Welsh teams are planning to make a play on Owen.

Welly wrote: Hope none of the Welsh teams are planning to make a play on Owen.

Owen Williams? I'd expect the Dragons and the Scarlets to definitely make some sort of offer. Maybe the Cardiff Blues as well. Be silky not to and I think Gatland (who previously included Williams in squad before injury and suspension took him back out) would like to see him in Wales as well. Controlling flyhalf with big boot that has the ability to make the backline move. Oh and he's built like a flanker.

I haven't read anything - Williams almost seems to be forgotten man these days. If he came home it would likely be to a team in the RCC. That won't be Scarlets or Dragons. Cardiff Blues is probably the best bet - a good team that's well coached and they have an established fly-half which would enable him to compete for the jersey, and I get the impression he does well if he's made to earn his place. Whoever gets his services should be very grateful to Leicester for helping him fulfil his potential. I still can't believe the Turks rated Shingler and Priestland over this guy.

RCC? For that he'd stay in England. His game management means he's a much more useful option at 10 than Pratchell who let's face it will probably end up at 15 if the other Williams head off for the cash.

I'm happy for him to be the forgotten man. His game management is well beyond most 24 year olds and whilst he's not particularly flashy or dynamic he provides a platform to make the other backs look good. That's what I like in a flyhalf, a controlling general, I prefer my playmaking maverick at 12 or 15.

It sounds very likely that Greig Laidlaw is off the Clermont at the end of the season.

Been quite a few signings for Bath in recent weeks, so thought I'd summarize

CONFIRMED
Aled Brew - Loan until end of season. Injury cover
Robbie Fruean - Confirmed, joins in November at end of Mitre Cup, multiple season deal
Shaun Knight - Confirmed on loan as cover for Davey Wilson who has moved to Falcons. Rumoured that a 'big' TH signing is lined up for next season. Owen Franks after the Lions tour maybe? Can only dream
Paul Grant - N8. Joins after Mitre Cup, probably end of November, until end of season. Cover for Faletau and Denton, especially as Houston goes home in December
Jack Wilson - Winger. Joins after Mitre Cup, probably end of November, until end of season. Cover for Watson (int/inj) and Roko (int)

RUMOURS
Ben Tapuai. Centre/Wing from S14.

formerly known as Sam wrote:RCC? For that he'd stay in England. His game management means he's a much more useful option at 10 than Pratchell who let's face it will probably end up at 15 if the other Williams head off for the cash.

I'm happy for him to be the forgotten man. His game management is well beyond most 24 year olds and whilst he's not particularly flashy or dynamic he provides a platform to make the other backs look good. That's what I like in a flyhalf, a controlling general, I prefer my playmaking maverick at 12 or 15.

If Owen Williams has any sense he'd stay put and make sure his performances at Leicester make Gatland take notice. No fly half would want to play behind a scarlets pack that comes off second best most games and the blues have underachieved for years

True Raven wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:RCC? For that he'd stay in England. His game management means he's a much more useful option at 10 than Pratchell who let's face it will probably end up at 15 if the other Williams head off for the cash.

I'm happy for him to be the forgotten man. His game management is well beyond most 24 year olds and whilst he's not particularly flashy or dynamic he provides a platform to make the other backs look good. That's what I like in a flyhalf, a controlling general, I prefer my playmaking maverick at 12 or 15.

If Owen Williams has any sense he'd stay put and make sure his performances at Leicester make Gatland take notice.  No fly half would want to play behind a scarlets pack that comes off second best most games and the blues have underachieved for years

Perhaps, but if he signs a new contract then he comes under Gatland's law. He's out if contract next summer and if the WRU say to him that playing in Wales will firmly advance his international prospects he may well consider it. Plus the Tigers pack is blowing hot and cold at the minute and will probably take a kicking up in Glasgow next weekend.

Yeah I agree that Gatlands law could force him into returning to Wales but I cannot stand the fact that players have their careers dictated by unions. Players like Owen Williams, Ross moriarty, Sam Underhill are developing nicely where they are and by all accounts seem to be pleased yet there are ridiculous rules in place that deters them from international rugby.

I don't think Owen Williams would have developed had he stayed in west wales, Ross moriarty and Sam underhill seemingly are only in professional rugby thanks to the clubs they are in now. Keep them where they are and let them play international rugby

Bathite wrote:Been quite a few signings for Bath in recent weeks, so thought I'd summarize

CONFIRMED
Aled Brew - Loan until end of season. Injury cover
Robbie Fruean - Confirmed, joins in November at end of Mitre Cup, multiple season deal
Shaun Knight - Confirmed on loan as cover for Davey Wilson who has moved to Falcons. Rumoured that a 'big' TH signing is lined up for next season. Owen Franks after the Lions tour maybe? Can only dream
Paul Grant - N8. Joins after Mitre Cup, probably end of November, until end of season. Cover for Faletau and Denton, especially as Houston goes home in December
Jack Wilson - Winger. Joins after Mitre Cup, probably end of November, until end of season. Cover for Watson (int/inj) and Roko (int)

RUMOURS
Ben Tapuai. Centre/Wing from S14.

Getting ridiculous now... I expect Bath might actually stay in the top 6 for a change though.

Andrew Fifta To Leicester Tigers in the rugby paper

Welly wrote:Andrew Fifta To Leicester Tigers in the rugby paper

The rugby league unit that is currently courting controversy? Bad boy edition of Sam Burgess.

Mauger might like the idea but I can't see him being Cockers cup of tea.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Welly wrote:Andrew Fifta To Leicester Tigers in the rugby paper

The rugby league unit that is currently courting controversy? Bad boy edition of Sam Burgess.

Mauger might like the idea but I can't see him being Cockers cup of tea.

Cockers has said he likes aggressive mean forwards (Genge) which Fifta is certainly is. As Cockerill said he would rather be pulling players from a fight than having to push them towards one.

Guess it will come down to cost potentially.

Cockers does like aggression and Genge has certainly been a great signing for us. We've never been interested in league converts previously and I've never heard Cockers show any interest in it. If this guy was un union I think Cockers would be interested. Six foot four and 19 stone according to Wiki so he is a big bloke, woth Pearce gone we haven't got a project we've just got young Tuilagi coming through.

http://www.planetrugby.com/news/etzebeth-set-to-join-saracens/

If this is true I'm guessing it couldn't be an injury replacement for the retired Hargreaves, who has only 4 caps which he gained in 2010/11. So it's either a deal made some time ago but kept very quiet or Saracens went into the season with a massive chunk of the cap unused. Or I suppose he could be coming over to earn 50k a year like Smit did

Fissler is tweeting that it is as an injury replacement, which slightly baffles me. But then hey it's Sarries so I shouldn't be surprised.

Surely Eben is just chasing the money here? He's potentially going to be fu led by the time super rugby comes around, he'll have had no break then go straight into another season.

Salary cap LOL

I think Hargreaves was club captain when he signed a new contract. Etzebeth can be over here for a few months, maybe win a trophy or two and the  be back in SA for next year's four nations. Incidentally the injury cap is 400k (in total for all injury replacements). The player is supposed to be of a similar experience level and play in a similar position.

Fuzzy Dunlop wrote:http://www.planetrugby.com/news/etzebeth-set-to-join-saracens/

If this is true I'm guessing it couldn't be an injury replacement for the retired Hargreaves, who has only 4 caps which he gained in 2010/11. So it's either a deal made some time ago but kept very quiet or Saracens went into the season with a massive chunk of the cap unused. Or I suppose he could be coming over to earn 50k a year like Smit did

Good cover for Itoje/Kruis during internationals. He's actually a little overrated in my opinion. Easy to wind up.

With the exchange rate going back to South Africa what it is, Hargreaves being club captain when signing his contract and Schalk Burger probably a big influence in his ear it is possible that Sarries could get him within the cap. Plus with rotation alongside Itoje/Kruis (and to an extent Hamilton) his workload can be managed.

On the other hand the decision by almost the entire Prem to 'forgive and forget' the last salary cap investigation suggests that few were taking it seriously then and probably won't be now either.

Beyond the usual salary cap stuff when big names get thrown around, it would be a good signing for Sarries. Thinking more broadly than that good for England too. It should mean less strain on England's starting locks.

4. Etzebeth
5. Kruis
6. Itoje
7. Burger
8. Billy V

Wouldn't mind seeing that step on to the field at some point!

Not against Quins!

http://www.planetrugby.com/news/montpellier-to-lure-cruden-to-france/
Montpellier after Aaron Cruden.....shame as there were rumours that Quins were going to try for him.
But interestingly the article says Dimitri Catrakilis has been announced as joining Harlequins at end of season.

yappysnap wrote:Not against Quins!

Ah don't worry it'll be against us...!

BamBam wrote:4. Etzebeth
5. Kruis
6. Itoje
7. Burger
8. Billy V

Wouldn't mind seeing that step on to the field at some point!

Who would the front row be? Petrus Du Plessis is uncapped so at some point he could play for England right? Presumably he's one the best TH's in the league/in Europe.

BamBam wrote:4. Etzebeth
5. Kruis
6. Itoje
7. Burger
8. Billy V

Wouldn't mind seeing that step on to the field at some point!

Thank God Glaws are playing Sarries during the AIs

mikey_dragon wrote:

BamBam wrote:4. Etzebeth
5. Kruis
6. Itoje
7. Burger
8. Billy V

Wouldn't mind seeing that step on to the field at some point!

Who would the front row be? Petrus Du Plessis is uncapped so at some point he could play for England right? Presumably he's one the best TH's in the league/in Europe.

Forgot about the front row .. 1st choice is Mako, George then probably Koch coming in as the number 1 SA tighthead will get the starting jersey fairly soon?

That's a frightening pack for a club side

Very impressive Bam if not lacking pace. If they stick to the 10 man rugby they'll be very tough to beat.

I think that will be Figallo down to 3rd choice, jeez has that guy fell from grace.

mikey_dragon wrote:

BamBam wrote:4. Etzebeth
5. Kruis
6. Itoje
7. Burger
8. Billy V

Wouldn't mind seeing that step on to the field at some point!

Who would the front row be? Petrus Du Plessis is uncapped so at some point he could play for England right? Presumably he's one the best TH's in the league/in Europe.

Nah he just does a job. Similar to Barrington on the loosehead (Mako's undestudy). They are solid enough at the scrum and mobile enough around the park to fill in to the Sarries game plan. Doubt either will get as far as international recognition.

mikey_dragon wrote:

BamBam wrote:4. Etzebeth
5. Kruis
6. Itoje
7. Burger
8. Billy V

Wouldn't mind seeing that step on to the field at some point!

Who would the front row be? Petrus Du Plessis is uncapped so at some point he could play for England right? Presumably he's one the best TH's in the league/in Europe.

Petrus probably won't considering he is 35!

Oh right, I was unsure of their age and limitations. Koch is the current SA tighthead isn't he? I wasn't aware that they'd signed him. Are Sarries still being investigated for salary cap breaches or has that been swept under the rug? It's a superstar team - I think they'll have a period of dominance like that Toulon team did.

TBF whilst that pack has done of talents the backs are largely built by Saracens.

In fact
M. Vunipola signed from @ 20
George sarries academy
Itoje sarries Academy
Kruis sarries Academy
Vunipola signed @ 20
Farrell sarries academy
Goode sarries academy
Taylor signed from a championship club
Barritt signed as a super rugby reject

Big imports are Burger, Brits, Ashton
Etzebeth is likely a loan injury replacement so not in cap.

They get 500,000 cap space for home grown players.

Honestly I can see them just being in the cap.

I believe Du Plessis was spotted at championship level, so he was also brought up to this level by Sarries.

Ah shoot.....its now official - http://www.quins.co.uk/news/harlequins-sign-demetri-catrakilis/

Your DOR has made some uninspiring signings since coming in...

Rowntree seems to have been a inspired signin though judging by the packs progression of late.

Okay, but was specifically referring to guys like... Luc Jones. That and Quins seem to be a lot worse than previous seasons. They were a top 4/6 team prior to now.

Luc Jones is only a 3mth deal to cover international absentees - I think
I think Kingston (DOR) is a pretty uninspiring selection in himself..........

You are right Welly - I didn't realise this until TV coverage of the Saints game - apparently Quins have the best scrum in the prem (which is good to know, shame about the lineout though). In any event, it seems that Rowntree might be doing some good.