Silly Season Transfer Rumours 17/18

First topic message reminder :

Rumours are that I want to move to another company because my boss is an @rse.

And there's something to those rumours, I can assure you.

stnick88 wrote:Couple decent signings for LI in Sam Twomey and TJ Ioane. on paper, they should walk this league despite Ealing being a good side.

Happy with those two, as well as Cilliers. Just a winger left really and then the squad is looking in very good shape.

Fluxy wrote:Schalk Birts set to end his short retirement and sign up with the Bulls up to the RWC.

How old? I thought he was a bit better than Smit when I first seen him, but couldn’t get into the SA team as third choice hooker had to be a person of ‘colour’.

Is Kyle eastmond still club-less?

Ashley Johnson cops a 6 month ban for failed drug test for what sounds like a pretty unfortunate accident. Certainly more believable than Gasquet's excuse.

https://www.planetrugby.com/news/ashley-johnson-banned-for-six-months/


Foden goes to the USA. Is he really lacking offers in the Aviva? I would have thought Japan would have been a better shout or even a move to France.

https://www.planetrugby.com/news/ex-england-full-back-to-play-in-major-league-rugby/

carpet baboon wrote:Is Kyle eastmond still club-less?

Rumoured to be on the verge of joining Tigers as the Toomua situation becomes complicated. Toomua is rumoured to have be negotiating his way out of the contract extension he signed a couple of months back in order to join the Melbourne Rebels at the end of the AP season 2018/19. As he has committed to return to Australia he will be available for selection immediately and for the world cup (a major boost for Chieka). As he is now likely to play for Australia through the autumn and want out of his extension Tigers are going to be looking to reduce his salary as part of the deal and free up additional funds to help secure Eastmond. Hence why no party has officially confirmed anything yet. Presumably Tigers would rather lose him next summer when they can plan a replacement marquee signing to join to after the RWC. Whether that marquee player is another centre of someone else, who knows but a hot topic for debate amongst the Tigers fans.

Hazel, I presume Foden has headed to the states because his wife would prefer to be based there for her pop career.

So when would Toomua leave...before this season starts?

That would be a considerable blow I think. Eastmond is nowhere near the player Toomua is.

At the moment, suggestion is he would leave at the end of this coming season.

Ah right...well that's not as bad. You have time to find a replacement. Though there aren't many Toomuas about.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Ah right...well that's not as bad. You have time to find a replacement. Though there aren't many Toomuas about.

The problem is more that he looks set to be selected for the games in August onwards which means he may well miss the start of the season and potentially be unavailable until November/December if hr then takes part in the Autumn internationals.

I see...in that case may as well let him go. Too disruptive to the team.

GeordieFalcon wrote:I see...in that case may as well let him go. Too disruptive to the team.

Too good a player. Where are we going to find someone that good at both flyhalf and IC at this point? During the six nations Toomua will be a good send and if we have any brains we'll actually rotate the squad this season with Toomua allowing George a rest whilst we blood Worth and Hardwick at 12. Then in theory we will have two talented youngsters pushing Eastmond for the 12 shirt next season and the Toomua money can be spent on the tight five instead. Added bonus that both of those young 12s can play 10 and kick for goal (Worth isn't a natural 10 but Hardwick is). If we play it right this could work in our favour as Toomua is an excellent mentor and the young guns just need a bit more experience.

Following last weekends 7's - It looks as if Aspin-Robinson has been bulking up in the off season. If he's given a shot at tigers he should do well for you guys.
On a positive note Callum Walters for Quins looked very sharp (got player of the tournament) and should be used more by Quins as DC's back up.

Aspland-Robinson and Owolofela should get plenty of game time this season as there's only three wingers ahead of them in May, Holmes and Thompstone.

Tigers have allegedly signed a Samoan prop from Biarritz on a two year deal. 24 years old, big unit and plays both sides. Hopefully that gets confirmed now.

A younger Mulipola replacement Sam?

2 year deal starting 2019 season though.
Massive guy though a full 3 stone heavier than Logo.

I'm being blindly optimistic and hoping we can negotiate him out of the last year of his Biarritz contract.

He's a monster. Bit of a rough diamond but has played in France so not going to be naive at the set piece. Once our strength and conditioning team have got him into shape Boris will hopefully fashion him into Logo 2.0.

Tigers have also announced Kyle Eastmond this morning.

Fluxy wrote:Tigers have also announced Kyle Eastmond this morning.

Aye, can afford to bring him in now that the compensation deal over Toomua has been agreed with ARU

Eastmond confirmed but that really isn't the priority. We need props, ideally two.

So is Toomua away now until November/ December?

He flies back in rest weeks so is technically available for games 1 and 4 and by the sounds of it won't play in the AIs. That will at least mean he can play 10 whilst Ford is with England.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Eastmond confirmed but that really isn't the priority. We need props, ideally two.

MOC told Mercury yesterday that recruitment of a prop (Genge replacement) is progressing but they need to decide if it is for a few months or the whole season. No news on any TH though as far as I can see.

You know...for all the big name signings etc, im actually looking forward to seeing some of the teams academy products.

They seems to be a number at all clubs who look like they could make some big impressions this season. Certainly from personal opinion at the falcons we have a couple.

It'll be interesting to watch.

GeordieFalcon wrote:You know...for all the big name signings etc, im actually looking forward to seeing some of the teams academy products.

They seems to be a number at all clubs who look like they could make some big impressions this season. Certainly from personal opinion at the falcons we have a couple.

It'll be interesting to watch.

There does seem a number of age grade players in the cusp of first team squads. For the first time in a while Tigers are looking at the development squad with expectation as opposed to hope.

Aspland-Robinson and Owolofela should get plenty of time on the wing. There's a real hope that the support cast to the backline will be academy players in the coming years with some pushing on through. It's at the point where we could almost legitimately field an entire Tigers academy backline. Which is a large change on a couple of years ago.

Having seen Radwan at the 7s you Falcons boys must be excited to see him run out on the fake turf this season.

Radwan was excellent last season Sam, but he looks like he's developed even since then. I mentioned on the unoffy that his defence is what excited me more. He dumped one player and his cover tackling was exceptional. That's what wins games...and when you have a player of his pace and attacking ability who is improving considerably with his defence...it bodes well. It looks like for all he's lean and small, his strength has gone up considerably.
Kibirige is another who is finally looking like what we wanted several years ago. He's over his injury and the court case....

Plus a few others...

So yes...im keen to see all the teams academy lads coming through.  It can only help the national side in the long run.

Ps..it looks like we're imminently about to announce the signing of the Portuguese national and 7's outside centre Pedro Bettenncourt. 24, 6'2, 15 & half stone.

Could this be another of Deans little under the radar gems.

Henry Speight joins Ulster until Christmas.

Bath sign Lions prop Jacques van Rooyen.

Portuguese outside centre Bettencourt confirmed.

So far surprised Sale have not strengthened their front 3 beyond Joe Jones. Makes me nervous for the new season as our weakest area was the front 5, however our backs look on paper fantastic, though some doubts on backup for 9 and 10, and no out and out fullback but Ashton did well out in France there.

englishborn wrote:So far surprised Sale have not strengthened their front 3 beyond Joe Jones. Makes me nervous for the new season as our weakest area was the front 5.

Same story different season.

Joe Gray signs to Saints as injury cover.

Is Gray out of contract at Quins or just not fancied.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Is Gray out of contract at Quins or just not fancied.

Thought they released him at end of season.

LondonTiger wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:Is Gray out of contract at Quins or just not fancied.

Thought they released him at end of season.

Slightly surprising he can only get himself a short term injury cover contract. He's only 30 and it wasn't that long ago he was being talked up as potentially making the England squad. Injuries haven't been kind but with the extended A league competition you'd have thought he'd have picked up a contract somewhere.

I thought that Gray was heading to the Pro-D2. But presumably that has fallen through.
As Sam said, I think he contract just wasn't renewed - Quins have a few options with Ward and Buchannan. Recently recruited Max Crumpton and then Elia Elia seems to be a preferred bench option (when fit).

Gray was always the more 'accurate' option for Quins, while Buchannan offered a carrying option and Ward was the breakdown guy.

USA International Tight head Paul Mullen signs on a 4 month contract

GeordieFalcon wrote:USA International Tight head Paul Mullen signs on a 4 month contract

Hope you have more luck than we had with our USA international tighthead last season.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:USA International Tight head Paul Mullen signs on a 4 month contract

Hope you have more luck than we had with our USA international tighthead last season.

I was thinking that when GF posted, but thought I would let someone else say it first

its ok we had an American LH and he was pants.

This suggests to me that one of Davy or Scott Wilson is not in good shape, despite reports saying they were both having tip top preseasons.

Ma'a Nonu signing up for the Blues for the 2019 Super Rugby Season

Last hurrah before retirement. He's what 36 now. Might earn himself another stint in Japan after his Blues deal which should out the icing on the cake of his pension.

It will reunite the SBW/Nonu centre combination, that should be worth a watch. Will help the Blues with Moala heading to Clermont.

Dorian West joins Sale as forwards coach.

Graham Rowntree has joined the Georgia national team as forwards coach.

Good moves for the pair of them.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Graham Rowntree has joined the Georgia national team as forwards coach.

Good moves for the pair of them.

Where's Phil Vickery? I read some rubbish about him having retired.

Hate to be the one that has to break it to you, George. You seem to have been away for a long time and are obviously out of the loop.

This is Phil Vickery's last season as a player. His pace is a little off where it used to be and Jones has stated he wouldn't be able to bring him to the WC. I think retirement is the right choice under the circumstances.

SecretFly wrote:Hate to be the one that has to break it to you, George.  You seem to have been away for a long time and are obviously out of the loop.

This is Phil Vickery's last season as a player.  His pace is a little off where it used to be and Jones has stated he wouldn't be able to bring him to the WC.  I think retirement is the right choice under the circumstances.

I take it the move out to the wing wasn't a success then

lostinwales wrote:

SecretFly wrote:Hate to be the one that has to break it to you, George.  You seem to have been away for a long time and are obviously out of the loop.

This is Phil Vickery's last season as a player.  His pace is a little off where it used to be and Jones has stated he wouldn't be able to bring him to the WC.  I think retirement is the right choice under the circumstances.

I take it the move out to the wing wasn't a success then

And that's despite Phil springing for his new CR7 boots and go-faster stripe tattoo.

Can't remember who floated the idea - probably Andy Goode on the Rugby Pod - but scuttlebutt says Willie le Roux might stay in South Africa and end his time with Wasps in the very near future.

It's random rumour season.

I've heard rumours linking Tigers with bids for loosehead Boyce at Quins and Tommy Taylor from Wasps.

Tomas Francis linked with a move to Wales in order to enhance his team Wales credentials. Anyone know if there’s much truth in this?