Silly Season Transfer Rumours 19/20

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mikey_dragon wrote:It’s an unfortunate coincidence I think, but his injury record was exemplary before he linked up with Bath.

His last lengthy injury was a collarbone issue suffered in a Wales training camp. Probably a bit of a mixed bag. It's hard once you start getting injuries to get out of the cycle as often one leads to another, Falatau managed to break the same arm some four or five months apart. Something Billy Vunipola managed as well.

I think Carlos is right. With the financial squeeze clubs are going to look for more value for money and less marquee names. Johnny May certainly found that when he went to discuss his new contract as did Ben Youngs.

I've not specifically looked out for him, but I've watched Leicester 2 or 3 times this season with him playing. Seems decent, lets see how he kicks on, he's still young.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Yea looks more steady Eddy than X factor really. Hodge is the player who could nail down the jersey for years for me, has everything and kicks at goal in the high 90's.

Yeah I wouldn't say Steward was X factor. Steady eddy is perhaps under selling him a bit. He has been growing into the shirt and it was quite funny how Bath kicked short sometimes very short to try and nullify his impact. Spencer clearly knew about him because he didn't even try and take him on one on one and kicked long to chase and to be fair to him score. He's got the physicality for senior rugby down.

Hodge has bags of potential but he looks lightweight and despite making a great break for Chiefs in a rare appearance off the bench against Wasps he also knocked on twice in contact in two carries. He isn't going to be ready for at least another year I wouldn't have thought. It's a big step up in terms of physicality from age grade to senior and it looks like he needs some more time. Should be a great option with that boot and that footwork in the long run though.

Hodge is certainly behind in his physical and playing development, but jeez is he good. I honestly think he'd have had quite a bit of game time for us this season and next. Exeter just seemed to be a premature more for the lad.

Hodge needs a few mince pies in him. He will be very good indeed.

Steward is pretty much a first choice in the 15 shirt for Tigers...that gives him the advantage at the moment over Hodge,.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

No 7&1/2 wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:Odogwu doesn't exactly fit the stereotype for an Eddie style player though. He'd probably fit the Italian game plan a bit better as they have tended to play with more freedom. Would be interesting to see where he fit in the England side as we could do with some actual running options for Ford. 

How many new back three players will Eddie be willing to include because Freddie Steward is looking rock solid at 15 for Tigers is exactly the kind of 15 Eddie would go for you'd have thought. Particularly given Steward's tendency to win the aerial battle both receiving and trying to reclaim kicks (England do a lot of kicking after all).

Yeah for all the talk of Jones looking for a more attacking full back it was only Browns scuffle at training which saw him ousted. Steward actually winning aerial contests constantly would be a relief to me as an England fan.

For all the talk of a more attacking fullback he's still selected the one with the biggest boot in Daly and then Furbank when he hoped for a more solid option in the bad weather. Steward will offer both of those things. Be good to see us competing more for the many kicks we put up there. Steward certainly gave Watson a torrid time at WR last time out, at least one try came from his ability under the high ball.

More for me the excellent kicking from ford.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Yea looks more steady Eddy than X factor really. Hodge is the player who could nail down the jersey for years for me, has everything and kicks at goal in the high 90's.

Hodge will be better. But he isn't as of now.

No 7&1/2 wrote:

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Yea looks more steady Eddy than X factor really. Hodge is the player who could nail down the jersey for years for me, has everything and kicks at goal in the high 90's.

Hodge will be better. But he isn't as of now.

Agree with that, it could really work in Stewards favour though in an England sense. Eddie is a loyal guy, if Steward gets the 15 shirt over the next few years, he may really cement it. I really wish Hodge was getting a bit more game time so we could see them both progress.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Hodge is certainly behind in his physical and playing development, but jeez is he good. I honestly think he'd have had quite a bit of game time for us this season and next. Exeter just seemed to be a premature more for the lad.

I think he would have learned to play in a team who is struggling/ on the back-foot (our current purple patch excepted) if he'd have stayed with us. I think with Exeter he is likely to get an armchair ride more/too often. He could have spent a contract learning how to deal with filth at the back for us, then headed to Exeter a more experienced/ rounded player at 22/23.

Not the way we've been going this season Marra....
Arm chair ride all the way...

Hes not getting a great deal of game time but as said by a host he needs some bulk. He will likely get mins during the 6 nations though. One good thing about the larger league if it comes about is that the youngsters will get more opportunities.

Yes, thats a big factor 7.5, the is less pressure on youngsters getting a run out, with no relegation.

No 7&1/2 wrote:Hes not getting a great deal of game time but as said by a host he needs some bulk. He will likely get mins during the 6 nations though. One good thing about the larger league if it comes about is that the youngsters will get more opportunities.

I keep thinking of Johnny May. He isnt huge by any means, very lean, but he has visibly put some muscle on over the years, and is a powerful guy. Josh just needs to put on some thing like that. He's at the right place to do that though.

I don't really have any worries about him being too lightweight in the future, he's actually deceptively tall (around 6 ft 1in/ 6ft 2in) and will naturally put on about a stone or so over the next year or two. This will give him a similar physique to Liam Williams, which would be perfect for him IMO.

Absolutely. Dont want him walking around looking like James Haskell.

Cumbrian wrote:I don't really have any worries about him being too lightweight in the future, he's actually deceptively tall (around 6 ft 1in/ 6ft 2in) and will naturally put on about a stone or so over the next year or two.  This will give him a similar physique to Liam Williams, which would be perfect for him IMO.

Chiefs website has him at 12 stone 5 or 80kg. Liam Williams is closer to 14 stone or 90kg. If Hodge can get up to that it will help as he's currently built like a twiglet. It's a mental thing as well so a bit of extra muscle might help his confidence. Give him time to work on his technique as well.

Tough comparison to Freddie Steward who at 6ft5 and nearly 16 stone but who could possibly put on a little more as he fills out, making him more backrow sized but nevermind. Could see Steward keep the 15 shirt as the rock at the back and Hodge come in on the wing.

ive said it many times...Hodge reminds me of Balshaw...so he could very well move to wing full time.

It will be interesting to watch how and where he develops.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Cumbrian wrote:I don't really have any worries about him being too lightweight in the future, he's actually deceptively tall (around 6 ft 1in/ 6ft 2in) and will naturally put on about a stone or so over the next year or two.  This will give him a similar physique to Liam Williams, which would be perfect for him IMO.

Chiefs website has him at 12 stone 5 or 80kg. Liam Williams is closer to 14 stone or 90kg. If Hodge can get up to that it will help as he's currently built like a twiglet. It's a mental thing as well so a bit of extra muscle might help his confidence. Give him time to work on his technique as well.

Tough comparison to Freddie Steward who at 6ft5 and nearly 16 stone but who could possibly put on a little more as he fills out, making him more backrow sized but nevermind. Could see Steward keep the 15 shirt as the rock at the back and Hodge come in on the wing.

Fair enough, I was going by Liam Williams' wikipedia page (dangerous I know) which would put him about a stone and 4lbs heavier than Hodge.  Yeah Hodge is very skinny, but he is essentially still a kid at the moment. I agree with the comment above, I wouldn't want to see him bulk up excessively.

God knows what Steward is going to be like when he grows up!

GeordieFalcon wrote:ive said it many times...Hodge reminds me of Balshaw...so he could very well move to wing full time.

It will be interesting to watch how and where he develops.

Balshaw was the most exciting back to crash onto the England scene since David Duckham back in the seventies, he was absolutely electric and near unplayable at times and yet he proved to be a star that burnt very brightly then faded quite quickly. He never really fulfilled his potential.

I can see the comparison to him for Hodge, but hope his career does not go the same way.

BigGee wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:ive said it many times...Hodge reminds me of Balshaw...so he could very well move to wing full time.

It will be interesting to watch how and where he develops.

Balshaw was the most exciting back to crash onto the England scene since David Duckham back in the seventies, he was absolutely electric and near unplayable at times and yet he proved to be a star that burnt very brightly then faded quite quickly. He never really fulfilled his potential.

I can see the comparison to him for Hodge, but hope his career does not go the same way.

Small things can dent players and often there are things behind the scenes which we're not aware of. Balshaw never really shone (longevity wise) at international level but he had a great club career.

No 7&1/2 wrote:

BigGee wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:ive said it many times...Hodge reminds me of Balshaw...so he could very well move to wing full time.

It will be interesting to watch how and where he develops.

Balshaw was the most exciting back to crash onto the England scene since David Duckham back in the seventies, he was absolutely electric and near unplayable at times and yet he proved to be a star that burnt very brightly then faded quite quickly. He never really fulfilled his potential.

I can see the comparison to him for Hodge, but hope his career does not go the same way.

Small things can dent players and often there are things behind the scenes which we're not aware of. Balshaw never really shone (longevity wise) at international level but he had a great club career.

Never seemed the same at international level post Lions tour (Cheers Henry), and more or less went off the radar all together after going to France, 5 years at Biarritz notwithstanding. 30 odd caps but yes did seem like another unfulfilled talent.

Cumbrian wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Cumbrian wrote:I don't really have any worries about him being too lightweight in the future, he's actually deceptively tall (around 6 ft 1in/ 6ft 2in) and will naturally put on about a stone or so over the next year or two.  This will give him a similar physique to Liam Williams, which would be perfect for him IMO.

Chiefs website has him at 12 stone 5 or 80kg. Liam Williams is closer to 14 stone or 90kg. If Hodge can get up to that it will help as he's currently built like a twiglet. It's a mental thing as well so a bit of extra muscle might help his confidence. Give him time to work on his technique as well.

Tough comparison to Freddie Steward who at 6ft5 and nearly 16 stone but who could possibly put on a little more as he fills out, making him more backrow sized but nevermind. Could see Steward keep the 15 shirt as the rock at the back and Hodge come in on the wing.

Fair enough, I was going by Liam Williams' wikipedia page (dangerous I know) which would put him about a stone and 4lbs heavier than Hodge.  Yeah Hodge is very skinny, but he is essentially still a kid at the moment. I agree with the comment above, I wouldn't want to see him bulk up excessively.

God knows what Steward is going to be like when he grows up!

Yeah I hope we're passed the days of bulking up our back three players to the point they lose their top end pace. I remember when Cueto did that, really hurt his game for a short period.

Freddie Steward when he grows up? The English Frans Steyn?

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Cumbrian wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Cumbrian wrote:I don't really have any worries about him being too lightweight in the future, he's actually deceptively tall (around 6 ft 1in/ 6ft 2in) and will naturally put on about a stone or so over the next year or two.  This will give him a similar physique to Liam Williams, which would be perfect for him IMO.

Chiefs website has him at 12 stone 5 or 80kg. Liam Williams is closer to 14 stone or 90kg. If Hodge can get up to that it will help as he's currently built like a twiglet. It's a mental thing as well so a bit of extra muscle might help his confidence. Give him time to work on his technique as well.

Tough comparison to Freddie Steward who at 6ft5 and nearly 16 stone but who could possibly put on a little more as he fills out, making him more backrow sized but nevermind. Could see Steward keep the 15 shirt as the rock at the back and Hodge come in on the wing.

Fair enough, I was going by Liam Williams' wikipedia page (dangerous I know) which would put him about a stone and 4lbs heavier than Hodge.  Yeah Hodge is very skinny, but he is essentially still a kid at the moment. I agree with the comment above, I wouldn't want to see him bulk up excessively.

God knows what Steward is going to be like when he grows up!

Yeah I hope we're passed the days of bulking up our back three players to the point they lose their top end pace. I remember when Cueto did that, really hurt his game for a short period.

Freddie Steward when he grows up? The English Frans Steyn?

I could get onboard with that...

Huw Jones to Bayonne being touted around.

London Irish seemed to be in the frame, but you would imagine the wonga will be significantly better (and the weather) down in South West France.

Not likely to win much with them though, seem to be perennial strugglers.

mikey_dragon wrote:Looks like Dragons have signed Joe Thomas too, not wanted or needed.... unless he’s a good defender at 13. Roberts is the man in the midfield, hopefully we’re looking at how to replace him when he finally hangs up his boots.

Dragons have clarified this in the Argus and he’s only there on a training deal and not expected to play. Strange

Looks like its legit we've offered Cipriani a contract till the end of the season....

Geordie,
That's a great move for you boys. Little down side and plenty of up.

Possibly...not confirmed if hes accepted or not.

Maybe if hes looking for a nice big contract abroad he'll want to put himself in the shop window with some top class performances.

In theory he adds loads of attacking genius to a currently well performing team. However, his kicking percentages are awful so either Flood at 12 or Connon at 15 will be required to look after the kicking. Falcons also are playing an aggressive pragmatic game plan, two things you don't normally associate with Danny turnstile in defence, run it from his own try line Cipriani.

I'm 50/50 on whether this is potentially brilliant or horror show. A deal until the end of the season doesn't tie Falcons into to much if it doesn't work.

I agree Sam, Cips doesnt add up to the right 10 for us. I'd personally prefer to stay away from this one, and just keep focusing on Connon at 10, and young Haydon Wood coming through.

Not too mention Flood and Connon are having a horror show from the tee at the moment themselves.

Cips signing seems against everything positive we have going on right now, very strange.

Yeah, id rather focus on Connon, who ignoring his kicking, is actually doing quite good.

Just needs to develop working the backs more in the next half of the season. But that is something the team will work on.

And maybe try to give young Haydon Wood a few cheeky run outs in the last 10 mins of games.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Possibly...not confirmed if hes accepted or not.

Maybe if hes looking for a nice big contract abroad he'll want to put himself in the shop window with some top class performances.

Think its the opposite. If he were purely motivated by money he would've gone abroad as soon as the world cup dream was gone, he turned down a move to Japan back in spring. His recent history has shown he's a player motivated to excel and keep playing at the highest levels he can, not purely driven by money.

There's worse signings that could have been made and as I understand it this would just be a short term till the end of the season deal, so nothing that has a big impact on Newcastles future if he doesn't pan out. Its not like he's significantly older than a large chunk of the backs who have taken Falcons to the top. Another bit of quality squad depth surely adds more than it takes away?

Building a side by playing the kids has merit of course but this could prove to be Newcastles biggest chance of honours, a little bit of short termism to build on the great start to the season they've had can surely be forgiven? Fair enough if you just don't think he's good enough but if that's the case he wont play much and the worst that's happened is the club are a few quid down. I personally think he has a enough quality to help lift Falcons especially at the sharp end of the season where the playoffs tend to be favour skilled rugby, but that's OPINION.

I was under the impression Cips was done with Rugby. Was he just done with Glaws? Why? If Lloyd Evans continues on an upwards trajectory you can expect the Wales selectors to come calling .

Gustard leaving Quins......
General Manager to take over head coach till end of season - Hopefully giving management time to find a suitable replacement.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/55738219

propdavid_london wrote:Gustard leaving Quins......
General Manager to take over head coach till end of season - Hopefully giving management time to find a suitable replacement.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/55738219

Just seen this was posted on the prem page - apologies for duplication.

Ospreys are being linked with Kiwi Michael Collins, SR regular for a number of years and has had a spell with Scarlets. He also has a Welsh grandfather - I didn't actually know that. Now that Dan Evans is 32, and with Protheroe being too skinny, Collins would be a very astute signing. He also plays at centre and has expressed desire to represent Wales, therefore if the planned move goes ahead I expect he will be capped in an instant. Ospreys squad starting to look better, and should they continue an upwards trajectory they aren't far off putting out two competitive teams.

Cipriani saying he is taking a break from rugby until the start of the new season, and he hopes to sign for another Prem side or a French team.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Cipriani saying he is taking a break from rugby until the start of the new season, and he hopes to sign for another Prem side or a French team.

Good on him for taking the time. It is a strange season anyway and if he needs time to get himself right, having the different quarantine issues to deal with may not be best for him.

In other news, Jamie Bhatti is returning to Glasgow next season. Hopefully, he can build some form and confidence with Bath to close out this season.

Rumours:

Ashton ---> Worcester (Due to be announced imminently according to some)

Jordan Taufua ---> Lyon (Apparently a done deal and might move before the season ends)

Marco van Staden ---> Tigers (A potential direct replacement)

Freddie Burns ---> Tigers (Ermmm...)

Sinoti Sinoti ---> Worcester (Has been on trial the past week)

Theo Brophy-Clews ---> Newcastle (That could work well IMO)

Van Staden would be a very good replacement for Taufua. Still be a shame to see Taufua go though I understand that more cash and warmer weather always help. His house in Leicester has been broken in to twice as well which probably doesn't help matters.

The return of Freddie Burns? Can't see that at all. For starters we have options at 10 and secondly I don't think he particularly appreciated the way we palmed him off to Bath either.

Olly Lawrence - According to The Rugby Paper, the powerhouse centre is reportedly out of contract next summer, and is already in negotiations to join Newcastle Falcons.

Why are wuss stockpiling wingers...

Scottish Thistle podcast suggesting that they are hearing a George Horne to Bristol rumour.

There may be something in a move for GH, as he will deserve a decent pay rise on this contract and yet Glasgow, with Price established and the wunderkid Dobie on the up, probably don't need three top quality SHs and Georgie may do do better with a move to establish himself as a starting player rather than the ultimate impact sub.

The question would be, why Bristol, who already have Randall, in truth, a very similar player, who he is likely to sit behind in the pecking order as well. I am sure it would be a good move for him financially, but maybe not so much on the development front.

Be an odd signing for Bristol and in fact so much so I'd call agent chatter. Bristol have Randall and very good Prem player Uren who came through the academy. They picked up Cook from Bath last summer and have agreed to sign Sarries 9/10 Whiteley for next season already. Bath as a back up to Spencer would make more sense.

Horne is good enough to be a starting 9, you would hope if he moves anywhere, he would have that in mind.

formerly known as Sam wrote:The return of Freddie Burns? Can't see that at all. For starters we have options at 10 and secondly I don't think he particularly appreciated the way we palmed him off to Bath either.

Rumours that if Bonilla re-signs Henry will be on his way.

Agreed that Burns was unhappy with the way he got moved on but the entire setup has changed since then to be fair. CEO, board, coaches, head of recruitment all gone. It's the genius of Tigers staff churn. Players can't possibly harbour poor feelings for the club if there's a new deck every two years.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:Olly Lawrence - According to The Rugby Paper, the powerhouse centre is reportedly out of contract next summer, and is already in negotiations to join Newcastle Falcons.

That would be a fantastic signing for us! I can't help but feel we're being used as a negotiating tool though...

The rugby paper bit is rubbish.
It even said they have to wait a year to open talks.

So basically it is Falcons are putting a early interest in OL, which I would imagine every team in the league is doing.

As much as i rate him so highly I wouldnt read anything into the Lawrence rumour..aint likely to come here.

We also have our own young dynamite centre Chidera Obonna who i would genuinely hope is getting regular game time over the next year.

Is dean going back through his phase of rewarding young players with a run of games? It seems theres either tonnes of them or none of them getting chances in a cycle?