Silly Season Transfer Rumours 16/17

by stnick88 Tue Feb 14, 2017 2:37 pm

First topic message reminder :

Gordon Reid is off to Irish.

by propdavid_london Tue Apr 25, 2017 8:52 am

I have no strong feelings about A.Morris! He was solid enough but also had a few shockers, in a season full of team shockers.
I would be surprised if Quins are looking for another 15!

I guess in the past NEv has also covered there.
Brown, then Chisholm is injury prone, Tim Swiel can cover - yeah, perhaps there is the need if Morris is off.

by Welly Wed Apr 26, 2017 1:15 pm

Ross Chisholm signs a new deal with Quins.

by propdavid_london Wed Apr 26, 2017 2:26 pm

And Charlie Mulchrone

by **Rugby Fan** Fri Apr 28, 2017 2:30 am

Jim Hamilton has heard that Dylan Hartley is looking at a move to Worcester.

He isn't seeing eye-to-eye with Dorian West at Saints. Separately, they also mentioned on the pod that a couple of Saints players told the board they are unhappy with West, and want him out.

by formerly known as Sam Fri Apr 28, 2017 7:17 am

Hartley started at Wuss before moving to Saints early on.

by Scottrf Fri Apr 28, 2017 7:37 am

Players were complaining to the board about West when Matfield was here. Heard that Hartley had a long time ago. Victor said our coaching was 10 years out of date. Though we do have a new CEO.

Hartley has a testimonial dinner in Northampton in December though. Might be awkward if he leaves.

by Geordie Fri Apr 28, 2017 8:46 am

If he's a Worcester lad at heart then I can see why moving there would be appealing. Good coach, pretty strong squad actually, and probably get better. Good stadium and facilities, and would be a fresh challenge for him.

And I cant see him being in the England set up for a huge amount longer...

Saints need a massive shake up. They need to overhaul their whole coaching set up!

by Scottrf Fri Apr 28, 2017 9:05 am

Not sure why he'd be a Worcester lad at heart. He's been at Saints 10 years, wasn't at Wuss senior level (OK 1 game?) and only stayed there a year. Sounds like a 'best guess' to me.

by formerly known as Sam Fri Apr 28, 2017 9:49 am

Quick Google search says he grew up in Sussex. So not really a Worcester lad. Maybe Worcester have offered serious cash and the captaincy.

by beshocked Fri Apr 28, 2017 9:51 am

With the way Saints have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory 3 times in recent games this season I can see why players would be frustated with the Saints coaches. Against arguably their 3 most significant rivals.

Must have been especially annoying for Hartley, being taken off and seeing his side lose vs Saracens.

On the other hand Hartley has played more for England than Saints this season - that won't exactly have helped the situation.

Agree with you Geordiefalcon. Saints need an overhaul.

It's not as if Saints lack good players. They are currently a whopping 31 points behind Wasps. That's bad.

by formerly known as Sam Fri Apr 28, 2017 10:01 am

Saints have certainly lacked bite up front this season. Previously strong Saints teams under Mallinder and West have been built around the aggressive pack and a pragmatic but clinical backline. Now the backline is aimless and the pack only lasts for 50 minutes. Something needs to freshen up.

by Scottrf Fri Apr 28, 2017 10:03 am

Problem is we don't spend the cap particularly wisely, and don't make good use of the squad.

At centre we currently have Hanrahan, Burrell, Tuitavaki, Mallinder, Pisi, Stevenson, Hutchinson. North and Estelles can cover. Yet none are really good enough. About a dozen players who can cover the second row. Our B team game with Sarries really shows how overstocked our squad in, no gametime for most of them.

Squad has no rotation. Front row A. Waller, Haywood, Brookes for every game without fail until Hartley back. Ethan got no gametime and is leaving, Hill is being left on the bench. And it's not like we are dominating scrums, the opposite. Harrison next?

Have to say our attacking play has looked much better since January, but defence has suffered.

by **LondonTiger** Fri Apr 28, 2017 12:33 pm

Saracens sign Dominic Day who will join Will Skelton in bolstering their resources at lock. Means they have now replaced Hargreaves and Hamilton.

by mikey_dragon Fri Apr 28, 2017 12:53 pm

Dom Day should serve them well. Had he been playing in Wales he might have got more caps. I understand that Scarlets were looking to bring him home but he accepted a big money offer from the Japanese team. I didn't know he was playing for Rebels, he must be a better player now.

by beshocked Fri Apr 28, 2017 12:56 pm

Tries conceded Saints are 2nd. Tries scored - 9th.

Not going to be challenging for silverware if you are that low.

by Scottrf Fri Apr 28, 2017 1:03 pm

beshocked wrote:Tries conceded Saints are 2nd. Tries scored - 9th.

Not going to be challenging for silverware if you are that low.

Go from Jan.

by **Ozzy3213** Fri Apr 28, 2017 1:21 pm

Scottrf wrote:
beshocked wrote:Tries conceded Saints are 2nd. Tries scored - 9th.

Not going to be challenging for silverware if you are that low.
Go from Jan.

Season started in September.

by **LondonTiger** Fri Apr 28, 2017 1:31 pm

Ozzy3213 wrote:
Scottrf wrote:
beshocked wrote:Tries conceded Saints are 2nd. Tries scored - 9th.

Not going to be challenging for silverware if you are that low.
Go from Jan.

Season started in September.

Not for LI though. Season starts tomorrow.

by Margin_Walker Fri Apr 28, 2017 1:33 pm

If it starts tomorrow, someone should tell the team. They need to get a coach booked.

Game's on Sunday

by **Ozzy3213** Fri Apr 28, 2017 1:38 pm

LondonTiger wrote:
Ozzy3213 wrote:
Scottrf wrote:
beshocked wrote:Tries conceded Saints are 2nd. Tries scored - 9th.

Not going to be challenging for silverware if you are that low.
Go from Jan.

Season started in September.

Not for LI though. Season starts tomorrow.

Longest pre-season ever!

by Scottrf Fri Apr 28, 2017 1:49 pm

Ozzy3213 wrote:
Scottrf wrote:
beshocked wrote:Tries conceded Saints are 2nd. Tries scored - 9th.

Not going to be challenging for silverware if you are that low.
Go from Jan.

Season started in September.

Right and my comment was how the attack improved from Jan.

by **Ozzy3213** Fri Apr 28, 2017 1:52 pm

Scottrf wrote:
Ozzy3213 wrote:
Scottrf wrote:
beshocked wrote:Tries conceded Saints are 2nd. Tries scored - 9th.

Not going to be challenging for silverware if you are that low.
Go from Jan.

Season started in September.
Right and my comment was how the attack improved from Jan.

And the point is that it's no good being improved from halfway through the season. Had the attack been up to scratch from the start perhaps Saints would be in play off contention.

by Scottrf Fri Apr 28, 2017 1:54 pm

Ozzy3213 wrote:
Scottrf wrote:
Ozzy3213 wrote:
Scottrf wrote:
beshocked wrote:Tries conceded Saints are 2nd. Tries scored - 9th.

Not going to be challenging for silverware if you are that low.
Go from Jan.

Season started in September.
Right and my comment was how the attack improved from Jan.

And the point is that it's no good being improved from halfway through the season. Had the attack been up to scratch from the start perhaps Saints would be in play off contention.

Obviously. Kind of a nothing point though, can still discuss changes through the season.

That's like saying you can't comment on an individual game because a season is more than one game.

by Guest Fri Apr 28, 2017 2:17 pm

A lot of it will depend on how the fixture list pans out but there is a stark difference in Northampton's TF/TA rate before and after the new year. 1st half of the season they were last in terms of tries scored (17) but had the second best defence with only 16 conceded. From the half way point to now they are 3rd in tries scored (30) and 7th in tries conceded (26). Will be interesting to look at after the remaining games.

by Welly Sun Apr 30, 2017 2:20 pm

Valentino Mapapalangi -----> Leicester Tigers.

by formerly known as Sam Sun Apr 30, 2017 3:42 pm

Welly wrote:Valentino Mapapalangi -----> Leicester Tigers.

He's been in and around some of the NZ super 15 teams training squads. Hopefully MOC has some inside knowledge on him from his Tonga days. Handy development option, particularly is Kalamafoni continues to struggle with his shoulder.

by king_carlos Sun Apr 30, 2017 11:12 pm

Welly wrote:Valentino Mapapalangi -----> Leicester Tigers.

He seems a powerful player with some set-piece ability from when he played second row. It seems like a good squad signing with the budget left given the lack of ball carriers in our back row.

If Kalamafoni and Mapapalangi are MOC and Cohens two number 8 addition then I hope the cap freed up by Ayerzas retirement is used on a replacement for Maxime Mermoz.

by formerly known as Sam Mon May 01, 2017 7:15 pm

We are definitely going to need some reinforcement in the back division. If it could be a centre that can rampage over the gain line and possibly also play wing that would be very useful.

Mauger has joined the Highlanders as assistant coach.

Hearing rumours of a minor Bath exodus including Sisi and Fruean.

by Margin_Walker Mon May 01, 2017 9:03 pm

Sounds more like Sisi has been released to be fair. Not really kicked on combined with being pretty injury prone.

by formerly known as Sam Mon May 01, 2017 9:52 pm

A big physical specimen prone to breaking down. Bath need a clear out really, the squad isn't that we'll balanced particularly when you consider they have two international 8's on the books and Mercer who has every chance of becoming an 8 in the future. It's not like they are even short at 6 where you'd normally look to redistribute multiple talented 8's.

Personally I wouldn't be shocked if Denton followed as well. He's not the best and Bath need to invest at tighthead.

by Bathite Mon May 01, 2017 10:03 pm

One guy who has barely played and couldn't get in the Irish side last year is out of contract and leaving

One guy signed on short term injury contract but has been injured a lot is still considering a bath offer alongside many others

Not really a clear out!

by Bathite Tue May 02, 2017 3:56 am

Agreed that Denton is a waste of cap and not needed. Back row for next season looks a little over stocked, even though faletau, Denton, Louw and maybe underhil/Mercer also soon away on international

6. Garvey/Ellis/Denton/Douglas
7. Louw/Underhill
8. Faletau/Mercer/Denton/Grant

Needing a tight head desperately, still haven't replaced Wilsons massive wage and Thomas long term injury but not quite good enough for first choice yet.

by Recwatcher16 Tue May 02, 2017 7:03 am

This has been a disastrous season for injuries at Bath with virtually every position missing front line players for extended periods.
Just about the only player not injured was George Ford but then he was missing for about fifteen weeks of the season with internationals and the training weeks.
Some of these injury replacements at hooker, back row and centres will probably not be renewed. Denton has been a disappointment, Fruen rarely fit and Charteris would be no great loss either.

Not sure if a new TH and possibly scrum half from the southern hemisphere will be the priority though.
A period of stability is definitely required and the players at TH have done surprisingly well. Shaun Knight extending his contract suggests that with Lahiff, Thomas & Palma-Newport not going anywhere, Bath are probably sticking with what we have.

Key to next season is how Freddie Burns settles in and rotates with Priestland, who might get lucky and stay injury free.

by **BigGee** Tue May 02, 2017 8:25 am

Recwatcher16 wrote:This has been a disastrous season for injuries at Bath with virtually every position missing front line players for extended periods.
Just about the only player not injured was George Ford but then he was missing for about fifteen weeks of the season with internationals and the training weeks.
Some of these injury replacements at hooker, back row and centres will probably not be renewed. Denton has been a disappointment, Fruen rarely fit and Charteris would be no great loss either.

Not sure if a new TH and possibly scrum half from the southern hemisphere will be the priority though.
A period of stability is definitely required and the players at TH have done surprisingly well. Shaun Knight extending his contract suggests that with Lahiff, Thomas & Palma-Newport not going anywhere, Bath are probably sticking with what we have.

Key to next season is how Freddie Burns settles in and rotates with Priestland, who might get lucky and stay injury free.

Is Denton still under contract for next season?. I would have thought he is surplus to requirements with all the other back row options available to Bath but there seems to have been no rumours about a moved for him.

To be fair to him, injuries have killed his time with you and he has hardly played.

by Geordie Tue May 02, 2017 11:32 am

Falcons have a new player announcement at lunchtime today.....

Now that's very curious...wonder who it could be??

EDIt: Rumours it could be Cavubatti the lock from Worcester.

by formerly known as Sam Tue May 02, 2017 12:08 pm

BigGee wrote:
Recwatcher16 wrote:This has been a disastrous season for injuries at Bath with virtually every position missing front line players for extended periods.
Just about the only player not injured was George Ford but then he was missing for about fifteen weeks of the season with internationals and the training weeks.
Some of these injury replacements at hooker, back row and centres will probably not be renewed. Denton has been a disappointment, Fruen rarely fit and Charteris would be no great loss either.

Not sure if a new TH and possibly scrum half from the southern hemisphere will be the priority though.
A period of stability is definitely required and the players at TH have done surprisingly well. Shaun Knight extending his contract suggests that with Lahiff, Thomas & Palma-Newport not going anywhere, Bath are probably sticking with what we have.

Key to next season is how Freddie Burns settles in and rotates with Priestland, who might get lucky and stay injury free.

Is Denton still under contract for next season?. I would have thought he is surplus to requirements with all the other back row options available to Bath but there seems to have been no rumours about a moved for him.

To be fair to him, injuries have killed his time with you and he has hardly played.

His lack of work rate in the tight or should I say lack of effective work rate in the tight killed his time at Bath. I suspect he signed a multi year contract when he joined but Bath are unlikely to be fussed if he wanted out early. Third best 8 at the club.

by Geordie Tue May 02, 2017 12:35 pm

Cavubati confirmed to falcons.

by Cumbrian Tue May 02, 2017 1:59 pm

It might be easier to write a list of who isn't leaving Worcester this summer, BBC have announced that they are letting 16 (Sky is saying 23!) players go.

Ryan Lamb
Derrick Appiah
Tom Biggs
Connor Braid
Jaba Bregvadze
Tevita Cavubati
Mike Daniels
Phil Dowson
Tiff Eden
Ryan Grant
James Johnston
Na'ama Leleimalefaga
Val Rapava Ruskin
Andy Short
Auguy Slowik
Chris Vui
Cooper Vuna

Some academy players being let go too.

George de Cothi
Ben Fowles
Charlie Hewitt
Kailus Hutchinson
Sam Ripper-Smith

by Scottrf Tue May 02, 2017 2:06 pm

Cumbrian wrote:It might be easier to write a list of who isn't leaving Worcester this summer, BBC have announced that they are letting 16 (Sky is saying 23!) players go.

Ryan Lamb
Derrick Appiah
Tom Biggs
Connor Braid
Jaba Bregvadze
Tevita Cavubati
Mike Daniels
Phil Dowson
Tiff Eden
Ryan Grant
James Johnston
Na'ama Leleimalefaga
Val Rapava Ruskin
Andy Short
Auguy Slowik
Chris Vui
Cooper Vuna

Some academy players being let go too.

George de Cothi
Ben Fowles
Charlie Hewitt
Kailus Hutchinson
Sam Ripper-Smith

Hartley must be commanding a big salary...

by Cumbrian Tue May 02, 2017 2:07 pm

Scottrf wrote:
Cumbrian wrote:It might be easier to write a list of who isn't leaving Worcester this summer, BBC have announced that they are letting 16 (Sky is saying 23!) players go.

Ryan Lamb
Derrick Appiah
Tom Biggs
Connor Braid
Jaba Bregvadze
Tevita Cavubati
Mike Daniels
Phil Dowson
Tiff Eden
Ryan Grant
James Johnston
Na'ama Leleimalefaga
Val Rapava Ruskin
Andy Short
Auguy Slowik
Chris Vui
Cooper Vuna

Some academy players being let go too.

George de Cothi
Ben Fowles
Charlie Hewitt
Kailus Hutchinson
Sam Ripper-Smith

Hartley must be commanding a big salary...

by king_carlos Tue May 02, 2017 2:08 pm

Cavubati is a good coup for Falcons. He offers a different skill set to Robinson and Green but to a much better standard that Civetta.

From the batallion announced as leaving Warriors today I expect that Cooper Vuna and Jaba Bregvadze will be raising most interest.

Bregvadze and Niall Annett have swept under the radar at Warriors but for consistency at set-piece they are two of the top hookers in the Prem IMO. I'd very happily see Bregvadze come to Tigers as a third hooker which is a needed addition.

by formerly known as Sam Tue May 02, 2017 2:39 pm

Bregvadze is poor at the lineout but aggressive and can definitely scrummage. He'd be a good squad player for most. Vuna has fallen from grace spectacularly, I suspect he'll disappear to Japan.

by king_carlos Tue May 02, 2017 3:27 pm

I disagree that Bregvadze is poor in the line-out. I think he's one of the most consistent in the Prem - although there are a lot of pish darts thrown in the Jeff. His and Annetts work is all the more impressive given the lack of standout jumpers at Worcs.

With Kitchener and/or Slater as targets I'd happily see him playing for Tigers. A strong third hooker is especially important given OTYs form this season.

by formerly known as Sam Tue May 02, 2017 6:43 pm

I'd happily take him but I've seen botch some pressure throws this season. Annett's lineout work is considerably better. We can work on his lineout work and as you say we have some good jumpers and a clever lineout general in Kitch. We can work round an average lineout operator and possibly have Thacker throw from 7. What we can't do with out is aggression around the park and a solid scrum.

The form of OTY has become worrying. He's really struggling and I'm not sure why. Unless there's something going on with his personal life he should be doing better. On current form he's dropped down to about third choice behind Thacker. He's probably saved by Thacker moving to openside full time.

by king_carlos Tue May 02, 2017 7:08 pm

I'm not privy to exact details (nor am I interested in being as it's obviously none of my business) but Tom Youngs has been dealing with some horrible personal issues this season. It's obviously been a tumultuous season for many reasons and one in which his form and captaincy has fairly been questioned. Regardless of what decisions are made regarding the captaincy for next season it speaks volumes of the man that his side are still on the cusp of the playoffs despite having played some terrible rugby with repeatedly changing coaching staff and a huge injury list.

by Sgt_Pooly Tue May 02, 2017 7:39 pm

Another bloody lock!

by formerly known as Sam Tue May 02, 2017 8:56 pm

king_carlos wrote:I'm not privy to exact details (nor am I interested in being as it's obviously none of my business) but Tom Youngs has been dealing with some horrible personal issues this season. It's obviously been a tumultuous season for many reasons and one in which his form and captaincy has fairly been questioned. Regardless of what decisions are made regarding the captaincy for next season it speaks volumes of the man that his side are still on the cusp of the playoffs despite having played some terrible rugby with repeatedly changing coaching staff and a huge injury list.

I thought/was hoping Mrs Youngs had pulled through (agree private life should mean just that). I've got a lot of time for Tom but I think it might be easier for him if he wasn't captain. Concentrate on just doing his thing. Slater or Barrow would be my captain choice.

by yappysnap Tue May 02, 2017 9:42 pm

Shame for James Johnston. He was a very promising prop that Quins had mounded into the best in the league back in 2012. Then some poor career moves and the change in the scrum laws and he's not even able to stay at Worcester.

Hopefully he'll get a place at a good championship side or French side and can settle for a bit.

by formerly known as Sam Tue May 02, 2017 10:34 pm

yappysnap wrote:Shame for James Johnston. He was a very promising prop that Quins had mounded into the best in the league back in 2012. Then some poor career moves and the change in the scrum laws and he's not even able to stay at Worcester.

Hopefully he'll get a place at a good championship side or French side and can settle for a bit.

Dunno about best in the league. He was a big unit that never bind properly and relied on a big hot to diatablise the opposition loosehead before the ref spotted him. Flip a coin as to whether he won or conceded the penalty. The change in the laws highlighted how poor his technique was, just as he signed his big money deal at Sarries...

by geoff999rugby Wed May 03, 2017 9:10 am

Jim Hamilton to Ulster

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