Silly Season Transfer Rumours 19/20

by **George Carlin** Mon Feb 04, 2019 8:13 pm

First topic message reminder :

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

by Geordie Tue May 14, 2019 11:45 am

Not impressed Eddie.

Squad player no more...we have a few youngsters who i would hope to see ahead of him.

by formerly known as Sam Tue May 14, 2019 11:48 am

carpet baboon wrote:Matt Faddes (Highlanders utility back, ex NZ 7s) signs for Ulster

From the little I've seen of him he's got plenty of pace. Good signing as long as he's not using a NIQ spot.

by carpet baboon Tue May 14, 2019 11:54 am

formerly known as Sam wrote:
carpet baboon wrote:Matt Faddes (Highlanders utility back, ex NZ 7s) signs for Ulster

From the little I've seen of him he's got plenty of pace. Good signing as long as he's not using a NIQ spot.

Believe he will be NIQ due to having played 7s for NZ but not certain.

by **LondonTiger** Tue May 14, 2019 12:21 pm

Mark McCall at the top of RFU's wishlist to replace Eddie, according to Guardian.

by formerly known as Sam Tue May 14, 2019 12:22 pm

carpet baboon wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:
carpet baboon wrote:Matt Faddes (Highlanders utility back, ex NZ 7s) signs for Ulster

From the little I've seen of him he's got plenty of pace. Good signing as long as he's not using a NIQ spot.

Believe he will be NIQ due to having played 7s for NZ but not certain.

In which case he might not be so good a signing. He's not a big name player. If he'd got a tenuous IQ link then he'd a good squad signing capable of playing across the backline.

I thought the nominated second team thing had largely been kicked into the long grass these days.

by formerly known as Sam Tue May 14, 2019 12:25 pm

LondonTiger wrote:Mark McCall at the top of RFU's wishlist to replace Eddie, according to Guardian.

Understandable. He's overseen changes in players and coaching staff but kept Saracens at the top. Very impressive.

by **LondonTiger** Tue May 14, 2019 12:33 pm

https://www.world.rugby/handbook/regulations/reg-8/reg-8

by bluestonevedder Tue May 14, 2019 12:48 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:Not impressed Eddie.

Squad player no more...we have a few youngsters who i would hope to see ahead of him.

Definitely. Next season would be a great opportunity to test your youngsters, so I don't see what this signing brings other than experience perhaps.

Any mention about what some of your regular starters will be doing next season? Wilson, Williams, etc?

by Geordie Tue May 14, 2019 12:59 pm

Not yet...all rumours at the moment mate.

Aside from those already announced of course...

Rumours:
Wilson to Sale on a years loan
Hammersley to Sale on a 2 year deal
Chris Harris to Gloucester on a 1 year loan.

by geoff999rugby Tue May 14, 2019 1:02 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:
carpet baboon wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:
carpet baboon wrote:Matt Faddes (Highlanders utility back, ex NZ 7s) signs for Ulster

From the little I've seen of him he's got plenty of pace. Good signing as long as he's not using a NIQ spot.

Believe he will be NIQ due to having played 7s for NZ but not certain.

In which case he might not be so good a signing. He's not a big name player. If he'd got a tenuous IQ link then he'd a good squad signing capable of playing across the backline.

I thought the nominated second team thing had largely been kicked into the long grass these days.

He is using a NIQ but we are short of experience, but not talent, in our backs.
He is not a big name player for the simple reason after Coetzee and Carter we cant afford one.
We will have only 3 NIQs next year, and no projects. (About half the Munster make up and I suspect Connacht as well)
Indeed we will only have one player (Ludik) who qualifies through residency.
Faddes gives us versatility across the back line
The thing about second teams is it is at the time of the appearance not according to the current regulations.
When he played for the All Black 7s in a WC that counted (no idea if it does now)

by WELL-PAST-IT Tue May 14, 2019 1:27 pm

du Preez twins on loan to Sale next season

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/48266398

Will they have any space left for the odd English player

by formerly known as Sam Tue May 14, 2019 3:11 pm

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:du Preez twins on loan to Sale next season

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/48266398

Will they have any space left for the odd English player

I'm not sure that's a good deal is it. One of not both will be involved in the world cup which means no pre season. If they do have pre season it's just after they've finished Super Rugby so they are going to need to be looked after either way. Then come March time they'll be back off to the Sharks for the Super Rugby season again. Say five months of potential availability. Can only think Sale are short on resources and there's longer term deals in the pipeline.

by mikey_dragon Tue May 14, 2019 8:45 pm

Why just on loan?

by formerly known as Sam Tue May 14, 2019 10:01 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:Why just on loan?

Because they've got another year on their contracts with the Sharks in SA. Presumably Sale couldn't buy them out of their contracts but the SA club were unable to stop or maybe financially persuaded to allow the players to use the off-season to play in the premiership. It'll be lucrative for the players and Sale get two very good players during the winter.

by formerly known as Sam Tue May 14, 2019 10:25 pm

Handre Pollard to Montpellier he will he replaced by the returning Morne Steyn.

by mikey_dragon Wed May 15, 2019 2:02 am

Rugby dump listed their entire South African contingent today, it was quite a hefty list!

by **Rugby Fan** Wed May 15, 2019 5:28 am

Rugby Fan wrote:
mikey_dragon wrote:Dean Ryan is set to take over Dragons as head coach. What do the English guys think of this, good or crap appointment for us?
....It's possible that the RFU budget woes mean he can't see any way to achieve what he originally planned...

Telegraph thinks that might be true

The RFU board will also discuss plans to axe over £2.5 million from the professional game board, with expected cuts to the age-group budget thought to have been one of the factors behind Dean Ryan’s decision to resign as head of international player development to become director of rugby at Pro 14 side Dragons on Tuesday.

by geoff999rugby Wed May 15, 2019 9:30 am

I see Gareth Owen has moved from Leicester to Falcons.
Not wishing to be a downer but I view a lot of the Premiership and I reckon he was the worst centre I watched this season

by **LondonTiger** Wed May 15, 2019 10:50 am

geoff999rugby wrote:I see Gareth Owen has moved from Leicester to Falcons.
Not wishing to be a downer but I view a lot of the Premiership and I reckon he was the worst centre I watched this season

Did you see any of Eastmond's rare appearances?

by formerly known as Sam Wed May 15, 2019 11:33 am

LondonTiger wrote:
geoff999rugby wrote:I see Gareth Owen has moved from Leicester to Falcons.
Not wishing to be a downer but I view a lot of the Premiership and I reckon he was the worst centre I watched this season

Did you see any of Eastmond's rare appearances?

Eastmond started the season well... Injuries and suspensions meant that after that he was pretty useless. Having said that I'd have done a better job defending at 13 than Owen. My knees are probably in a similar condition to his and we are a similar age but I'd back my positioning to be better.

by geoff999rugby Wed May 15, 2019 11:35 am

Agreed he wasn't great but Owen took non existent defence to a whole new level.
I do recall one game when Austin Healey, and I have to say justifiably, totally took the piss out of Owen's defence
Regarding Tigers from the games I saw, which was nearly every one on BT Sport, what are they going to do about 4 to 8
They have a top front row, 2 excellent half backs and some decent backs but 4 to 8 has mediocre going through it like a stick of rock

by **LondonTiger** Wed May 15, 2019 11:56 am

geoff999rugby wrote:Agreed he wasn't great but Owen took non existent defence to a whole new level.
I do recall one game when Austin Healey, and I have to say justifiably, totally took the piss out of Owen's defence
Regarding Tigers from the games I saw, which was nearly every one on BT Sport, what are they going to do about 4 to 8
They have a top front row, 2 excellent half backs and some decent backs but 4 to 8 has mediocre going through it like a stick of rock

Tomas Lavanini signed in second row. Jordan Taufua in back row and a big Saffer rumoured.

by Geordie Wed May 15, 2019 2:29 pm

Lock Toby Salmon signed from Exeter...

Wow my god, we are really pulling out all the inspring signings arent we!!!

by bluestonevedder Wed May 15, 2019 3:12 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:Lock Toby Salmon signed from Exeter...

Wow my god, we are really pulling out all the inspring signings arent we!!!

Gareth Owen AND Toby Salmon?! Leave some for the rest of us GF.

In all seriousness, you have my sympathy. Having flirted with relegation this season for the first time, it is a horrible experience. Considering Newcastle's strong showing last season it must be even harder to digest.

by mikey_dragon Thu May 16, 2019 9:21 pm

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/48216216

A bit of common sense prevailing, even though he could probably play until he's 40.

by **RiscaGame** Fri May 17, 2019 12:39 am

I wonder whether the rumour about him going to Merthyr had any legs. The source of my rumour is pretty connected to the Welsh Prem.

by Geordie Fri May 17, 2019 1:50 pm

Prop Mark Tampin rumoured to be on his way to us.

He was linked last summer but never arrived, but theres talk he's on his way.

by Geordie Mon May 20, 2019 4:42 pm

Rumours saying Chris Harris to Gloucester but on a 3 year deal.

And they're also after hooker George McGuigan...well they are welcome to him...

by **LondonTiger** Mon May 20, 2019 5:05 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:Rumours saying Chris Harris to Gloucester but on a 3 year deal.

And they're also after hooker George McGuigan...well they are welcome to him...

I saw an article mentioning those but also saying McGuigan could be heading back to WR. picard

Seen a number of Premiership Teams of the Season and every one has Harry Thacker. (Bloody MOC)

by Geordie Mon May 20, 2019 5:18 pm

Anyone is welcome to McGuigan...and his chain smoking habbit.

by Geordie Mon May 20, 2019 5:19 pm

Yeah harry has had a pretty impressive season...ah you lost that one, but i think Tigers have the bit between the teeth now after this horror season...and they'll be back.

by king_carlos Mon May 20, 2019 6:32 pm

The pain of how well Thacker has done at Bristol hasn't been eased by the form of TPN who's on a wage that could well have kept him at Tigers.

As upset as I was for Harry to go I was admittedly delighted with Polota-Nau joining Tigers. An experienced international who carries well and tackles like the best blindsides seemed just the ticket. Sadly we are yet to see that player.

I really hope that the additions of Lavanini, Taufua and Liebenberg in the weakest area of Tigers pack allows the front row to flourish. The scrum has been good this season for the most part but hopefully we will start seeing the talent in the front row more prominently in the loose as part of a stronger unit. Even the younger front rows coming through in Kerr, Heyes and Gigena are really good players.

by mikey_dragon Mon May 20, 2019 7:47 pm

Well after all that Cardiff sign Boyde anyway, another No.7 on their books.

by Geordie Tue May 21, 2019 10:22 am

Chris Harris confirmed to Gloucester on a permanent deal

by **LondonTiger** Tue May 21, 2019 10:28 am

I think that is good for Falcons.

by Geordie Tue May 21, 2019 10:49 am

Yeah i do too....when he came on the scene he was a revelation on the wing, running insane angles at pace etc...but now he's a shadow of that player.

by formerly known as Sam Tue May 21, 2019 11:25 am

As an international he'll be wanting more money as well so a good cost saving. Plus you've signed Owen to replace him...

by Geordie Tue May 21, 2019 11:36 am

My concern however is that this seems to have happened to too many of our players.

its almost like they are having the excitement and fun factor coached out of them. We have players of high ability ball in hand etc and yet they seem jaded, unadventurous, predictable, with no fun to get hold of the ball and just pin their ears back.

Radwan did it on Saturday several times, and yet i fear he'll have that coached out of him very quickly.

by **George Carlin** Tue May 21, 2019 11:40 am

Kyle Traynor is retiring, bless his socks.

Goes to show that you don't need to be particularly great at anything to have had a solid club career as a prop. If you look up 'journeyman' in the OED, there's a gigantic two page picture of Kyle. Good for him.

by Geordie Tue May 21, 2019 11:48 am

formerly known as Sam wrote:As an international he'll be wanting more money as well so a good cost saving. Plus you've signed Owen to replace him...

Yeah thanks for that...

Ill be genuinely pee'd off if he takes the gametime away from Ben Stevenson, Charlie Wilson, Tom Penny, George Wacoekcoke, Ikenna Obonna...

We have some seriously talented kids in the backs coming through and some big lads aswell, so they need to be developed this season.

by Geordie Tue May 21, 2019 11:50 am

We have confirmed the signing of Prop Mark Tampin from Ealing.

by formerly known as Sam Tue May 21, 2019 11:52 am

I do wonder whether modern rugby with its patterns of attack often discourages individual flair amongst many players. Most teams have one or two players outside of the halfbacks who are given free reign to invent as they go but the rest play to script. It's rare you see the freedom given to a homegrown player as well it's nearly always a player that's been brought in that's given the attacking freedom. Most often a PI player.

by stnick88 Tue May 21, 2019 12:00 pm

irish sign ruan botha. him and coleman could be a pretty decent lock pairing.

by Geordie Tue May 21, 2019 12:50 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:I do wonder whether modern rugby with its patterns of attack often discourages individual flair amongst many players. Most teams have one or two players outside of the halfbacks who are given free reign to invent as they go but the rest play to script. It's rare you see the freedom given to a homegrown player as well it's nearly always a player that's been brought in that's given the attacking freedom. Most often a PI player.

I agree hugely Sam, which is crazy when you have players like Goneva, Sinoti, Johnny Williams, Takulua etc etc...

by Cumbrian Tue May 21, 2019 1:02 pm

It is interesting isn't it? It is like we've typecast our own players. It isn't like there haven't been maverick homegrown players in the past either. Jason Robinson, James Simpson-Daniel and Nick Abendanon come immediately to my mind. It seems we end up forcing them to conform (Antony Watson) or out of the game (Christian Wade) now.

by bluestonevedder Tue May 21, 2019 1:13 pm

George Carlin wrote:Kyle Traynor is retiring, bless his socks.

Goes to show that you don't need to be particularly great at anything to have had a solid club career as a prop. If you look up 'journeyman' in the OED, there's a gigantic two page picture of Kyle. Good for him.

Did his international caps come at a time when the cupboard was particularly bare? Or was there a period when he fully justified his call up with decent displays?

by SirBurger Tue May 21, 2019 1:13 pm

stnick88 wrote:irish sign ruan botha. him and coleman could be a pretty decent lock pairing.

Very decent, although will probably only play a handful of games together.

by EWT Spoons Tue May 21, 2019 1:23 pm

bluestonevedder wrote:
George Carlin wrote:Kyle Traynor is retiring, bless his socks.

Goes to show that you don't need to be particularly great at anything to have had a solid club career as a prop. If you look up 'journeyman' in the OED, there's a gigantic two page picture of Kyle. Good for him.

Did his international caps come at a time when the cupboard was particularly bare? Or was there a period when he fully justified his call up with decent displays?

It was during the yearly Scottish prop injury crisis. His caps weren't earned on merit.

That said, he's a nice bloke.

by Geordie Tue May 21, 2019 1:30 pm

Hammersley confirmed to Sale

Like the Chris Harris one, im not actually bothered about it...i think we have better coming through.

Hammersley's kicking is aimless and put us in danger more than not.

by formerly known as Sam Tue May 21, 2019 2:19 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:Hammersley confirmed to Sale

Like the Chris Harris one, im not actually bothered about it...i think we have better coming through.

Hammersley's kicking is aimless and put us in danger more than not.

Hmm, slightly disappointed Tigers couldn't put something together to bring him to WR. We need a bit more cover in the back three, particularly at 15. Murphy has a good track record improving fullbacks as well so could have worked out nicely.

by Sponsored content