Silly Season Transfer Rumours 19/20

First topic message reminder :

New year, new thread, new scuttlebutt, rumour and misdirection.

I'm shocked. We should be getting the full low down on the last time any time now. I know they were delaying it so they didn't damage the sports reputation for the world cup.....

No 7&1/2 wrote:I'm shocked. We should be getting the full low down on the last time any time now. I know they were delaying it so they didn't damage the sports reputation for the world cup.....

The specifics of the last investigation will not be released, nor any punishment that may have been applied, not even any verdict.

LondonTiger wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:I'm shocked. We should be getting the full low down on the last time any time now. I know they were delaying it so they didn't damage the sports reputation for the world cup.....

The specifics of the last investigation will not be released, nor any punishment that may have been applied, not even any verdict.

Hard to tell but I think 7 was being rather sarcastic

I see TPN is off back to Oz on a short term loan

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47439092

Beeb also mentions Dom Barrow being released by Saints

Yes just a touch carpet.

No 7&1/2 wrote:Yes just a touch carpet.

My question, and I admit I know little about this subject, why would you set up a company with someone else's name, and then a few months latter change the directors to the actual people who set it up???
Is this normal way of doing it ? An intermediary setting it all up to hand over to the actual "owners"? What advantage would that give you?

Loads of players have companies in their name. Launchbury Ltd, MB15 Ltd and MB15 property Ltd (Mike Brown), Danny Care Ltd, etc.

"Under the salary cap regulations, all 'contracts' or 'arrangements' between a club (or any connected party) and a player must be declared to the salary cap manager."

The difference here seems to be that these companies share ownership with Wray, Sarries sponsors and investors. Also that Sarries appear to have not declared this to the salary cap manager, or if they have would not state so when asked for comment prior to publishing. Not that the Mail is renowned for it's faultless journalistic integrity.

Incidentally, when the salary cap breaches were investigated a few years ago I remember talking to a journalist about players owning companies in relation to it. He said that in his opinion the bigger story likely to come out at some point is many high profile internationals with multiple sources of income supposedly using companies based in tax havens to avoid being taxed on all income streams.

carpet baboon wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:Yes just a touch carpet.

My question, and I admit I know little about this subject, why would you set up a company with someone else's name, and then a few months latter change the directors to the actual people who set it up???
Is this normal way of doing it ? An intermediary setting it all up to hand over to the actual "owners"? What advantage would that give you?

Its not unusual. You use nominee directors / company secretary to set up a company, which is then 'sold' to the people who want to operate it.

demosthenes wrote:

carpet baboon wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:Yes just a touch carpet.

My question, and I admit I know little about this subject, why would you set up a company with someone else's name, and then a few months latter change the directors to the actual people who set it up???
Is this normal way of doing it ? An intermediary setting it all up to hand over to the actual "owners"? What advantage would that give you?

Its not unusual.  You use nominee directors / company secretary to set up a company, which is then 'sold' to the people who want to operate it.

Thanks. Is this just it's easier if someone legal handles it first to get the i's dotted and t's crossed, but no other benefits?

The Anscombe to Bath talk will not go away. Apparently Bath are prepared to offer Anscombe 500K per year.

LordDowlais wrote:The Anscombe to Bath talk will not go away. Apparently Bath are prepared to offer Anscombe 500K per year.

Personally as a 10 I dont think he's worth that much.
As a 15 who can also play 10 I think he is.
I just think he is so much better at 15

Bath certainly like throwing money around and not always very intelligently. Anscombe is a good player but that's a lot of money for a good player. For that you want more than good. Personally I'd have thought they'd be better spending some money on their pack to give Burns and that backline some quality ball to play with.

If Cruden is worth 800K per year and only plays one position, then how much do we think Anscombe is worth?

mikey_dragon wrote:If Cruden is worth 800K per year and only plays one position, then how much do we think Anscombe is worth?

Cruden's market value is certainly not 800K now, it has not gone so well for him in France, if it was the rumours about Glasgow would be more nonsensical than they currently are!

Probably a fairer comparison was what Racing paid for Finn Russell, believed to be around 600K. That is probably a good ball park figure to work off.

Anscombe isn't a 500k player even if he could 5 positions (In the English market anyway, France is a different subject). Did Bath not learn with Priestland?

Priestland was seriously overpaid - especially when you consider that for 3 of his 4 seasons he was the backup. Last season was the only one where he started more than half the premiership fixtures.

Priestland was a pretty terrible bit of business when you consider how much they have paid him. Freddie Burns is already in the payroll. Surely they could save themselves some money and sign a more reasonably priced flyhalf to be second fiddle and then buy a decent tighthead. What am I saying, I'm a Tigers fan. Go on Bath splash out on a player you don't really need.

lostinwales wrote:I see TPN is off back to Oz on a short term loan

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47439092

Beeb also mentions Dom Barrow being released by Saints

I wonder if Dean would fancy him back..if we are losing Green and Witty aswell as Davidson?

GeordieFalcon wrote:

lostinwales wrote:I see TPN is off back to Oz on a short term loan

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47439092

Beeb also mentions Dom Barrow being released by Saints

I wonder if Dean would fancy him back..if we are losing Green and Witty aswell as Davidson?

He is a bloody good player but.........


I was really disappointed when he left us mid season following a bust up with MOC. There were however suggestions about his injuries (trying not to be libellous) that reading between the lions have also been felt at Saints.

Latest transfer rumour - half the Ospreys squad to Scarlets

Yeah, id be wary of taking yet another injury prone player back to the Falcons, after the season we've had! The physio team must have been working their socks off!

GeordieFalcon wrote:Yeah, id be wary of taking yet another injury prone player back to the Falcons, after the season we've had! The physio team must have been working their socks off!

Especially an "injury" prone player

LondonTiger wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:

lostinwales wrote:I see TPN is off back to Oz on a short term loan

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47439092

Beeb also mentions Dom Barrow being released by Saints

I wonder if Dean would fancy him back..if we are losing Green and Witty aswell as Davidson?

He is a bloody good player but.........


I was really disappointed when he left us mid season following a bust up with MOC. There were however suggestions about his injuries (trying not to be libellous) that reading between the lions have also been felt at Saints.

Not just a rumour it seems:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47442933

Pity, Saints have never really got much out of him due to constant injuries. Good player who on form should be pushing for a start in the 23.

I see the rugby paper is saying Zac Kibirige to bath or Wasps.

Cant blame the lad. He's a class act, and is seemingly ignored by Dean when everyone is fit.
He's getting a run now due to injuries and showing how good he is.

BigGee wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:If Cruden is worth 800K per year and only plays one position, then how much do we think Anscombe is worth?

Cruden's market value is certainly not 800K now, it has not gone so well for him in France, if it was the rumours about Glasgow would be more nonsensical than they currently are!

Probably a fairer comparison was what Racing paid for Finn Russell, believed to be around 600K. That is probably a good ball park figure to work off.

Cruden is no Carter and I never thought he was worth that much. Same for Priestland, however Anscombe is better than Priestland and Burns. 600K for a player that can go missing is a lot too. I wouldn’t say GA goes missing but he has his off days in an international jersey and realistically speaking he should be third choice (behind Biggar and Patchell), whilst Jarrod Evans is also overtaking him at the Blues. Either way if Bath are offering 500K then they must be rolling in it.

LondonTiger wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:

lostinwales wrote:I see TPN is off back to Oz on a short term loan

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47439092

Beeb also mentions Dom Barrow being released by Saints

I wonder if Dean would fancy him back..if we are losing Green and Witty aswell as Davidson?

He is a bloody good player but.........


I was really disappointed when he left us mid season following a bust up with MOC. There were however suggestions about his injuries (trying not to be libellous) that reading between the lions have also been felt at Saints.

I was disappointed as well. But if you're going to start a fight at Oval Park and then throw your dummy out the pram and storm off when the club captain steps in and sorts you out. Having a cry and a b*tch to your agent in the local Waitrose cafe demanding a move then attitude doesn't look great.

(That's a cobbled together story from several sources. I doubt we're unlikely to get the true story anytime soon.)

I imagine he'll head back off to France and pad out his bank balance.

Latest i'm hearing is Tana Umaga to Dragons as head coach.

Also, Read confirmed as leaving NZ post world cup. Was it Montpellier he was linked with, or Ospreys?

mikey_dragon wrote:Also, Read confirmed as leaving NZ post world cup. Was it Montpellier he was linked with, or Ospreys?

He's going to Japan.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Also, Read confirmed as leaving NZ post world cup. Was it Montpellier he was linked with, or Ospreys?

He's going to Japan.

Confirmed to Toyota Verblitz along with Willie le Roux.

JD2 rumoured to have met with Geordan Murphy.

LondonTiger wrote:JD2 rumoured to have met with Geordan Murphy.

I can't decide whether this is games being played with the Tuilagi camp.

It's that or the mess across the Severn Bridge is starting to hurt Welsh rugby and see their stars looking abroad for some financial security. JD2 wouldn't be a like for like replacement, he's got nowhere near the explosive impact of Manu but he'd offer some nous and organisation to the backline and that might help Fordy out as at the minute he seems to be shouldering most of the burden when it comes to organising Tigers.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:JD2 rumoured to have met with Geordan Murphy.

I can't decide whether this is games being played with the Tuilagi camp.

It's that or the mess across the Severn Bridge is starting to hurt Welsh rugby and see their stars looking abroad for some financial security. JD2 wouldn't be a like for like replacement, he's got nowhere near the explosive impact of Manu but he'd offer some nous and organisation to the backline and that might help Fordy out as at the minute he seems to be shouldering most of the burden when it comes to organising Tigers.

He has taken a few bad injuries in his career already and maybe is unsure about doing another full WC cycle and is thinking about maxing out the income. It would not surprise me if a few of the senior Welsh players were looking at their options now.

BigGee wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:JD2 rumoured to have met with Geordan Murphy.

I can't decide whether this is games being played with the Tuilagi camp.

It's that or the mess across the Severn Bridge is starting to hurt Welsh rugby and see their stars looking abroad for some financial security. JD2 wouldn't be a like for like replacement, he's got nowhere near the explosive impact of Manu but he'd offer some nous and organisation to the backline and that might help Fordy out as at the minute he seems to be shouldering most of the burden when it comes to organising Tigers.

He has taken a few bad injuries in his career already and maybe is unsure about doing another full WC cycle and is thinking about maxing out the income. It would not surprise me if a few of the senior Welsh players were looking at their options now.

To be honest if he wanted to max his income then France or if he wants cash and to try for the next RWC then Japan. Tigers have some money to play with but we aren't the biggest fish in the pond when it comes to finances. He had a few years in Clermont so he won't be skint. What Tigers will offer is security, he'll get at least two if not three years with no chance of the team disappearing.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

BigGee wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:JD2 rumoured to have met with Geordan Murphy.

I can't decide whether this is games being played with the Tuilagi camp.

It's that or the mess across the Severn Bridge is starting to hurt Welsh rugby and see their stars looking abroad for some financial security. JD2 wouldn't be a like for like replacement, he's got nowhere near the explosive impact of Manu but he'd offer some nous and organisation to the backline and that might help Fordy out as at the minute he seems to be shouldering most of the burden when it comes to organising Tigers.

He has taken a few bad injuries in his career already and maybe is unsure about doing another full WC cycle and is thinking about maxing out the income. It would not surprise me if a few of the senior Welsh players were looking at their options now.

To be honest if he wanted to max his income then France or if he wants cash and to try for the next RWC then Japan. Tigers have some money to play with but we aren't the biggest fish in the pond when it comes to finances. He had a few years in Clermont so he won't be skint. What Tigers will offer is security, he'll get at least two if not three years with no chance of the team disappearing.

He has done France and I am not so sure it went so well for him there, it is a much greater culture shock and he may just want to be a bit nearer home where they speak a language he understands.

He will earn more at Tigers as a Marque player and as you say, will get the security of a long term contract. I am sure he has got 50 caps now, so it won't affect his ability to play on for Wales either way.

As you say, it may depend on what Manu decides to do, but for all we know, that may already have been called.

If Manu goes we have possibly two marquee spots available as Toomua leaving frees up one. There may be a riot amongst the fans if the board allocate both spots to centres again. The pack is desperate for some additional muscle. Depending on how much he wants he might fit under the cap without the need for a marquee spot, as there's some cap freed up Tait, Smith and Owen all leaving at the end of the season with academy options on the way through at 10, 12 and 15 there's certainly need for options at 13.

Too much to hope we could fit him and Many into the squad as well as adding to the pack significantly.

Tigers really need some grunt in the pack, they're sinking each season because he recruitment in the forwards has been so poor. A big nasty South African lock or two(Etzebeth etc) and a ball carrying 8 would go a long way. I really like the Crusaders 6 you've signed, he'll add some physicality at least.

If we can get Taufua into the backrow alongside Thompson and Denton then there's some nice physicality and aggression there. Plenty of dynamic ball carriers as well. When fit Spencer is a good lock that is physical but we definitely need another option to play alongside or rotate him with. I was hoping for Snyman personally.

A big monster of an 8 would also go down very nicely and allow rotation of Denton and Taufua at 6. Nasty locks and monster 8s are wanted by pretty much everybody though.

Latest rumours coming from France is that Manu has signed a 3 year extension with Tigers now. This all feels like groundhog day after the last Manu extension.

king_carlos wrote:Latest rumours coming from France is that Manu has signed a 3 year extension with Tigers now. This all feels like groundhog day after the last Manu extension.

Sounds about right. As usual there's been lots posturing and hints at one side wanting too much or being prepared to pay too little. End of the day Manu is a Tiger and he likes playing for England. Those were always significant draws. Hopefully pen is put to paper before Racing can make a counter offer.

Fran Louw just extended for another year. Big news. Think that means only these guys are out of contract for next year. Priestland the big question mark, along with Lahiff, the rest wouldn't have much impact, as are solid squad players

Attwood (Bristol)
Priestland (Bristol or maybe stay at Bath for a year)
Lahiff (no news)
Batty (no news - looks like Blackadder has lost patience with his discipline)
Charteris (likely retiring and barely plays)
Cooper Vuna (no news - originally injury cover and been great, but 5/6th winger)
Jack Wilson (no news - but barely plays)

Bathite wrote:Fran Louw just extended for another year. Big news. Think that means only these guys are out of contract for next year. Priestland the big question mark, along with Lahiff, the rest wouldn't have much impact, as are solid squad players

Attwood (Bristol)
Priestland (Bristol or maybe stay at Bath for a year)
Lahiff (no news)
Batty (no news - looks like Blackadder has lost patience with his discipline)
Charteris (likely retiring and barely plays)
Cooper Vuna (no news - originally injury cover and been great, but 5/6th winger)
Jack Wilson (no news - but barely plays)

Has Lahiff really jumped on at Bath? Can't recall seeing his name on the team sheet regularly, but I remember him being considered a real prospect when he was at Irish.

bluestonevedder wrote:

Bathite wrote:Fran Louw just extended for another year. Big news. Think that means only these guys are out of contract for next year. Priestland the big question mark, along with Lahiff, the rest wouldn't have much impact, as are solid squad players

Attwood (Bristol)
Priestland (Bristol or maybe stay at Bath for a year)
Lahiff (no news)
Batty (no news - looks like Blackadder has lost patience with his discipline)
Charteris (likely retiring and barely plays)
Cooper Vuna (no news - originally injury cover and been great, but 5/6th winger)
Jack Wilson (no news - but barely plays)

Has Lahiff really jumped on at Bath? Can't recall seeing his name on the team sheet regularly, but I remember him being considered a real prospect when he was at Irish.

Yeah he's been solid for us. Maybe not first choice when Henry Thomas is fit (not common), but pretty close

Bathite wrote:

bluestonevedder wrote:

Bathite wrote:Fran Louw just extended for another year. Big news. Think that means only these guys are out of contract for next year. Priestland the big question mark, along with Lahiff, the rest wouldn't have much impact, as are solid squad players

Attwood (Bristol)
Priestland (Bristol or maybe stay at Bath for a year)
Lahiff (no news)
Batty (no news - looks like Blackadder has lost patience with his discipline)
Charteris (likely retiring and barely plays)
Cooper Vuna (no news - originally injury cover and been great, but 5/6th winger)
Jack Wilson (no news - but barely plays)

Has Lahiff really jumped on at Bath? Can't recall seeing his name on the team sheet regularly, but I remember him being considered a real prospect when he was at Irish.

Yeah he's been solid for us. Maybe not first choice when Henry Thomas is fit (not common), but pretty close

Good to hear. You hoping Lahiff will extend his contract then? I always thought he would end up getting an EPS call up a few years ago. Similarly I thought Thomas would really add to his 7 or so caps!

Official confirmation from Tigers that Manu has extended his contract.

Great news on Manu! Love seeing him fit and firing in the prem and for England!

Yes excellent news good luck & well done Manu

That should leave some decent options for Tigers next season, pretty much rounds off the backline acquisitions (u less Thompstone is forced to retire then we'll need another back three option).

Now the forwards...

https://twitter.com/EllisGenge/status/1105814504343027713

Ellis Genge and Telusa Veainu having a bit of fun on twitter following the announcement...

I see Kibirige to Wasps is looking to have some legs.