Silly Season Transfer Rumours 17/18

First topic message reminder :

New season, new thread.

king_carlos wrote:Michele Rizzo is on loan with Edinburgh from Tigers. I can't find a confirmation of how long but apparently around a month. There's the Cockers connection, I was expecting a signing sooner to be honest.

From Tigers perspective I hope it doesn't become a long term move, he's an ideal understudy to Genge and a very solid loosehead.

Edinburgh are really struggling at loosehead with this following Ryan Grant riding the bench against the Falcons last night!

Agreed. We aren't that flush with propping options. Maybe MOC doesn't rate him and is looking to offload.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

king_carlos wrote:Michele Rizzo is on loan with Edinburgh from Tigers. I can't find a confirmation of how long but apparently around a month. There's the Cockers connection, I was expecting a signing sooner to be honest.

From Tigers perspective I hope it doesn't become a long term move, he's an ideal understudy to Genge and a very solid loosehead.

Edinburgh are really struggling at loosehead with this following Ryan Grant riding the bench against the Falcons last night!

Agreed. We aren't that flush with propping options. Maybe MOC doesn't rate him and is looking to offload.

Edinburgh need loosies desperately - we only have 3 fit at any level.

Alasdair Dickinson is not right yet - who knows when he will be back.

Cockers is not stupid - I fully expect Rizzo to receive an offer if he comes through the fitness tests.

George Carlin wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

king_carlos wrote:Michele Rizzo is on loan with Edinburgh from Tigers. I can't find a confirmation of how long but apparently around a month. There's the Cockers connection, I was expecting a signing sooner to be honest.

From Tigers perspective I hope it doesn't become a long term move, he's an ideal understudy to Genge and a very solid loosehead.

Edinburgh are really struggling at loosehead with this following Ryan Grant riding the bench against the Falcons last night!

Agreed. We aren't that flush with propping options. Maybe MOC doesn't rate him and is looking to offload.

Edinburgh need loosies desperately - we only have 3 fit at any level.

Alasdair Dickinson is not right yet - who knows when he will be back.

Cockers is not stupid - I fully expect Rizzo to receive an offer if he comes through the fitness tests.

We have tended to move players around this summer. However, we aren't well stocked at loosehead ourselves to the extent we have Traynor on a short term deal to help cover. If Rizzo is let go I'd be expecting us to be bringing in a replacement from somewhere. 

Our options are;
Genge - young very talented but can be hot headed.
Bateman - converted hooker who has played tighthead more than loosehead.
Mulipola - versatile but will be required at tighthead early doors.
Traynor - short term signing.
Hills - academy prospect who has been hampered with injury

Mourad

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41080504

mikey_dragon wrote:Mourad

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41080504

That does suck but similarly you cannot tell us that the Bjellybaby previously expressed no frustration whatsoever that a very well paid player was often not available to him?

Missing your clubs league final is about the worst thing you can do.

EVERY player should want to play in the most important game of the season for their club. If that means joining the Lions late and training harder to make up for it then that's what you do.

Toulon lost their final because they didn't have someone to kick their points. They paid a player handsomely to kick their points but he sodded off before the final. How well do you think the club management are going to take that?

I understand the Lions is a big deal and he wanted to be there from the get go but loyalty works both ways.

Also rumours Brad Shields will sign for Northampton Saints for the 2018 season.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Also rumours Brad Shields will sign for Northampton Saints for the 2018 season.

I think it's Brussow. Our signing is coming in January, Shields is contracted until July/August?

I see there is a new Vunipola about to be unleashed...Mako and Billys young cousin...

Manu Vunipola - a Fly half for Saracens U18 side....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41089216

The Saracens deity signs new contract till 2022.

Why I call him a deity you might ask? He's seen as one at the club.

It's funny when you have the best team in Europe only averaging 9k attendance or sad, depending on who you are.

The management still haven't realised why more people don't show up.

The answer is obvious - the team is the priority. It's why you have the situation of a very successful team but poor support.

It's the elephant in the room which is rarely talked about.

I used to be one of their most loyal supporters and I only go to 1-2 games a year now.


Should a club just be about the team and just about winning? I am not convinced it should but that's what Saracens is.


Player wise, Saracens are one of the best. It's why they do so well in the transfers. Is it enough? I'd say no.

George Carlin wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Mourad

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41080504

That does suck but similarly you cannot tell us that the Bjellybaby previously expressed no frustration whatsoever that a very well paid player was often not available to him?

International rugby is the bees knees, and shouldn't be held to ransom by big kids like Mourad. I would have advised Leigh to just not go to France in the first place.

mikey_dragon wrote:

George Carlin wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Mourad

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41080504

That does suck but similarly you cannot tell us that the Bjellybaby previously expressed no frustration whatsoever that a very well paid player was often not available to him?

International rugby is the bees knees, and shouldn't be held to ransom by big kids like Mourad. I would have advised Leigh to just not go to France in the first place.

mikey dragon I am sorry but this comes across as bias towards Halfpenny because he's Welsh.

I am no fan of Mourad's favouring of foreign stars instead of academy products but it's him who pays Halfpenny's salary.

I agree with Sam.

Halfpenny decided to take the significant money, offered by Mourad and that means he has certain commitments.

Scottrf wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:Also rumours Brad Shields will sign for Northampton Saints for the 2018 season.

I think it's Brussow. Our signing is coming in January, Shields is contracted until July/August?

Rumour I heard is that Shields will be a signing for the 2018/19 season so when his contract expires. He's apparently EQ qualified and there are some ambitions (allegedly). Brussow might well be joining you in January, that rumour is still about as far as I know.

beshocked wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

George Carlin wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Mourad

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41080504

That does suck but similarly you cannot tell us that the Bjellybaby previously expressed no frustration whatsoever that a very well paid player was often not available to him?

International rugby is the bees knees, and shouldn't be held to ransom by big kids like Mourad. I would have advised Leigh to just not go to France in the first place.

mikey dragon I am sorry but this comes across as bias towards Halfpenny because he's Welsh.

I am no fan of Mourad's favouring of foreign stars instead of academy products but it's him who pays Halfpenny's salary.

I agree with Sam.

Halfpenny decided to take the significant money, offered by Mourad and that means he has certain commitments.

You're one to talk about bias mind !

Halfpenny gave his all whilst at Toulon, I don't think he can be accused of not being committed or anything. Like most he just prioritises international rugby which is the pinnacle. I thought it was also distasteful when Mourad was threatening to terminate the contract because of his knee injury.... I thought the same about his treatment of Habana, Quade Cooper, Nonu; I've sure there have been others so I'm not really biased on this one.

Prioritising international rugby is fair reason to accuse him of not being committed to his club, no?

Scottrf wrote:Prioritising international rugby is fair reason to accuse him of not being committed to his club, no?

Not after he's been there a couple years training and playing week in, week out. If he didn't would that make him not at all committed to international rugby in your eyes? Where does the madness end...

mikey_dragon wrote:

beshocked wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

George Carlin wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Mourad

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41080504

That does suck but similarly you cannot tell us that the Bjellybaby previously expressed no frustration whatsoever that a very well paid player was often not available to him?

International rugby is the bees knees, and shouldn't be held to ransom by big kids like Mourad. I would have advised Leigh to just not go to France in the first place.

mikey dragon I am sorry but this comes across as bias towards Halfpenny because he's Welsh.

I am no fan of Mourad's favouring of foreign stars instead of academy products but it's him who pays Halfpenny's salary.

I agree with Sam.

Halfpenny decided to take the significant money, offered by Mourad and that means he has certain commitments.

You're one to talk about bias mind !

Halfpenny gave his all whilst at Toulon, I don't think he can be accused of not being committed or anything. Like most he just prioritises international rugby which is the pinnacle. I thought it was also distasteful when Mourad was threatening to terminate the contract because of his knee injury.... I thought the same about his treatment of Habana, Quade Cooper, Nonu; I've sure there have been others so I'm not really biased on this one.

Well except of course for skipping one of Toulon's biggest games of the season he was committed....

Wasn't even as if Halfpenny played well during the season and picked up an injury - he was poor in the ERCC. I am not surprised Mourad was annoyed.

You yourself admit Halfpenny's priority was not Toulon.


Scottrf well said.

beshocked wrote:http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41089216

I used to be one of their most loyal supporters and I only go to 1-2 games a year now.

Should a club just be about the team and just about winning? I am not convinced it should but that's what Saracens is.

Wow you really do have a very negative attitude towards the club you defend so strenuously....

beshocked wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

beshocked wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

George Carlin wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Mourad

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41080504

That does suck but similarly you cannot tell us that the Bjellybaby previously expressed no frustration whatsoever that a very well paid player was often not available to him?

International rugby is the bees knees, and shouldn't be held to ransom by big kids like Mourad. I would have advised Leigh to just not go to France in the first place.

mikey dragon I am sorry but this comes across as bias towards Halfpenny because he's Welsh.

I am no fan of Mourad's favouring of foreign stars instead of academy products but it's him who pays Halfpenny's salary.

I agree with Sam.

Halfpenny decided to take the significant money, offered by Mourad and that means he has certain commitments.

You're one to talk about bias mind !

Halfpenny gave his all whilst at Toulon, I don't think he can be accused of not being committed or anything. Like most he just prioritises international rugby which is the pinnacle. I thought it was also distasteful when Mourad was threatening to terminate the contract because of his knee injury.... I thought the same about his treatment of Habana, Quade Cooper, Nonu; I've sure there have been others so I'm not really biased on this one.

Well except of course for skipping one of Toulon's biggest games of the season he was committed....

Wasn't even as if Halfpenny played well during the season and picked up an injury - he was poor in the ERCC. I am not surprised Mourad was annoyed.

You yourself admit Halfpenny's priority was not Toulon.


Scottrf well said.

But I've given you other examples of Mourad's stupidity? If Mourad is right then surely no international player should play for their international team.... Madness.

GeordieFalcon wrote:

beshocked wrote:http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41089216

I used to be one of their most loyal supporters and I only go to 1-2 games a year now.

Should a club just be about the team and just about winning? I am not convinced it should but that's what Saracens is.

Wow you really do have a very negative attitude towards the club you defend so strenuously....

And after all the tickets they offer for £5 on Groupon.

Theres playing for your international team, and then theres playing for your wage paying club in the key end of season games.
You need to get the balance right...Halfpenny...DIDNT!

mikey_dragon wrote:

beshocked wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

beshocked wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

George Carlin wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Mourad

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/41080504

That does suck but similarly you cannot tell us that the Bjellybaby previously expressed no frustration whatsoever that a very well paid player was often not available to him?

International rugby is the bees knees, and shouldn't be held to ransom by big kids like Mourad. I would have advised Leigh to just not go to France in the first place.

mikey dragon I am sorry but this comes across as bias towards Halfpenny because he's Welsh.

I am no fan of Mourad's favouring of foreign stars instead of academy products but it's him who pays Halfpenny's salary.

I agree with Sam.

Halfpenny decided to take the significant money, offered by Mourad and that means he has certain commitments.

You're one to talk about bias mind !

Halfpenny gave his all whilst at Toulon, I don't think he can be accused of not being committed or anything. Like most he just prioritises international rugby which is the pinnacle. I thought it was also distasteful when Mourad was threatening to terminate the contract because of his knee injury.... I thought the same about his treatment of Habana, Quade Cooper, Nonu; I've sure there have been others so I'm not really biased on this one.

Well except of course for skipping one of Toulon's biggest games of the season he was committed....

Wasn't even as if Halfpenny played well during the season and picked up an injury - he was poor in the ERCC. I am not surprised Mourad was annoyed.

You yourself admit Halfpenny's priority was not Toulon.


Scottrf well said.

But I've given you other examples of Mourad's stupidity? If Mourad is right then surely no international player should play for their international team.... Madness.

If you walk out on your team outside of an international window without permission then don't whine when you don't get a new contract. If you want the big money in France you have to accept that the club will want you to play in the big games. If he wanted to focus on international rugby then he needed to stay in Wales and not chase the cash. 

Mourad is a tool but it doesn't mean he isn't justified in this instance.

Given his treatment during his time with injury, then told he would get a new contract, only to find out he was lied to whilst on the other side of the world I think he can moan. Half the team and their previous coaches each have a case for Mourad-moaning. He's ruining rugby. I think you'd all have a few things to say about it if the player was English.

Exactly we all know Mourad is the way he is and Halfpenny knew that when he went seeking that new contract. You can't demand the big money and then not turn up for your job. This is why there are international windows so that clubs and players have defined schedules. The nationality of the player doesn't bother me, in fact he was representing me as he was playing for the B&I Lions.

Guy Mercer joins the Ospreys on loan for the rest of the season.

You just hit another point Mikey..

He's been out injured for quite a while...hence not playing for his club, then as soon as he's fit...disappears off. Hardly worth it to the club for the money Morad is paying is he?

And as for "if he was English" I think most English fans would still think the same way...don't bite the hand that's feeding you...especially when you know that hand can be temperamental

As I said I would have advised against joining Toulon, but I'm not Halfpenny's agent.

Is Mercer any good? Don't know much about him.

Mercer is a fair squad player. Been around a while at Bath whilst never commanding a starting berth. He's an openside and a decent all rounder but don't expect him to be anything other than reliably solid.

He might be useful during those international weekends you all dislike so much. With Underhill's departure Ospreys didn't have a proper No.7 after Tipuric.

lequipe reckon Moriarty to the Turks next season.

munkian wrote:lequipe reckon Moriarty to the Turks next season.

There's been rumours about him leaving Glaws for some time. He hasn't moved yet. It may depend how he gets on with new Glaws head coach Ruan Ackermann or on how many of the Lions Ackermann brings with him.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

munkian wrote:lequipe reckon Moriarty to the Turks next season.

There's been rumours about him leaving Glaws for some time. He hasn't moved yet. It may depend how he gets on with new Glaws head coach Ruan Ackermann or on how many of the Lions Ackermann brings with him.

Few journos on Twitter reckon its pretty much a done deal. I think if the Scarletts replicate last season's performance then it will certainly help.

I think it's highly likely Moriarty will go. There had been speculation his injury was going to keep him out for the season, but it sounds like it'll just be a few months. Nevertheless, it leaves him little time to play under Ackermann before a decision is required. Our form over recent years has been poor and the lack of Champions Cup rugby is an issue, which is why I expect to see him move on.

Glaws have some great young talent in the backrow in the likes of Ackermann Jnr, Ludlow, Rowan and Polledri. We just need a wise old head to join them, if and when Moriarty leaves; the rumours of Jaco Kriel joining persist...

Can't see Jaco Kirel leaving SA till after the 2019 RWC.

George Lowe retires due to injury......I guess its been a long time coming as he has been plagued by injuries.
Sad as he is another one of those players that could have had more recognition than he did if not for a bit of bad luck.

Moriarty is set to join Dragons, linking up with the returning Faletau - least that's what I read.

Really?

I mean really?

I mean really really?

i mean really really really?

It's what my sources say, although these players do have a knack for agreeing to join us then changing their mind at the last minute when they get a better offer. Eben Etzebeth and Charles Piutau being prime examples.

Scoundrels the lot of them

GeordieFalcon wrote:You just hit another point Mikey..

He's been out injured for quite a while...hence not playing for his club, then as soon as he's fit...disappears off. Hardly worth it to the club for the money Morad is paying is he?

And as for "if he was English" I think most English fans would still think the same way...don't bite the hand that's feeding you...especially when you know that hand can be temperamental

There's also the context that Toulon had a poor season last year, and the final was their shot at redemption. It might have seemed natural to Halfpenny to opt for Lions duty over the final but he should have stopped to consider other players who have made that choice. Nathan Hines did it in 2009, and Perpignan weren't happy. Hines joined Leinster for the following season, knowing he'd burned his bridges. If Halfpenny thought there'd be no repercussions, then he was naive. I don't think his agent did him any favours either. Toulon's owner is notoriously fickle, so that contract needed to be nailed down before his client committed to the Lions. It really shouldn't have been a bolt from the blue when it all fell through.

I've heard Toulon supporters generally think Halfpenny is a nice guy but they feel shortchanged. because most of his his injuries occurred on Test duty. That's just unlucky but it colours their attitude towards him when he pulled out of the final. Especially since Wilkinson turned down the Lions in 2013 to concentrate on getting fit for Toulon's next season.

mikey_dragon wrote:As I said I would have advised against joining Toulon, but I'm not Halfpenny's agent.

Is Mercer any good? Don't know much about him.

Ok squad player, but not a starter, always gets found out at top level. Tendency to give away a lot of penalties

Niko Matawalu returns to his spiritual home.

Smart piece of business by Dave Rennie. He's made it clear that he is currently bottom of the pecking order for scrum halves at the moment, but that he will come in handy during the international window when Glasgow is traditionally decimated (they lost 21 players to Toonie's first international squad meeting a week ago).

Rhys Webb rumoured to be joining Dan Biggar in leaving Ospreys

BamBam wrote:Rhys Webb rumoured to be joining Dan Biggar in leaving Ospreys

Both heading out of Wales? How will that effect Gatland's Law? 

What's going on with the Ospreys, they got an underwhelming write up at the weekend and didn't really show up at WR in preseason.

Ospreys were going really well up until that loss to Stade Francais, I think they've won like one game since that (the recent one against Zebre). Any indication on where Webb is headed? If he doesn't fall under the law then Gareth Davies will go back to No.1 choice, and Patchell to play 10 if he continues in this form.

One source is saying Saints the rest France and likely Toulon.

I would advise England to them, and not Toulon if they still want to play international rugby. Saracens or anyone in the top 6!

mikey_dragon wrote:I would advise England to them, and not Toulon if they still want to play international rugby. Saracens or anyone in the top 6!

Saracens have a conveyorbelt of 9s coming through. Not sure they'll be signing many, emphasis might have to be on re-signing players. Tigers are well stocked as are Exeter (though White didn't have a great debut) and Wasps. At Bath Kahn is getting on (35 now) and Cook is talented but has the capacity for brain farts, so that could be a possible destination. Saints well who knows what they are going for these days.

The English clubs would be equally unimpressed if their player walked out midway through the playoffs. Of course the AP owners aren't as bad as Mourad.

Who is this Canadian prop Jake ILnicki we've signed?

We've just thumped wasps in the A league...

formerly known as Sam wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:I would advise England to them, and not Toulon if they still want to play international rugby. Saracens or anyone in the top 6!

Saracens have a conveyorbelt of 9s coming through. Not sure they'll be signing many, emphasis might have to be on re-signing players. Tigers are well stocked as are Exeter (though White didn't have a great debut) and Wasps. At Bath Kahn is getting on (35 now) and Cook is talented but has the capacity for brain farts, so that could be a possible destination. Saints well who knows what they are going for these days.

The English clubs would be equally unimpressed if their player walked out midway through the playoffs. Of course the AP owners aren't as bad as Mourad.

If Webb was available you're telling me none of them would want him on their books? I don't think there's a better 9 in England...

We haven't really had much trouble getting players back from England clubs, although we really should stop hosting games outside the international window.