SILLY SEASON TRANSFER RUMOURS 20/21

First topic message reminder :

GeordieFalcon wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:I think Schoeman has been injured for nearly all his time at Bath. Can play 10 and 15 though.

Chiefs look set to sign Leinster second row Dunne a 6ft8 122kg 21 year old for next season. Hasn't played this season yet due to an ankle injury. Replacement for one of the outgoing internationals it seems.

Just what we need!

At least your youngsters will get lots of game time.

London Irish sign Italy international centre Luca Morisi.  Quite a little group of Italian players coming now ... might need to find a few more EQP though ...

Swinson retiring so helps with Tizard getting more games next season.

No 7&1/2 wrote:Swinson retiring so helps with Tizard getting more games next season.

Probably the reason he was signed. I imagine Sarries initially held out hopes that Kruis would return but once he said he was going to retire then the Tizard deal was put together.

Tizard would easily start ahead of Swinson these days I think. No disrespect to Swinson but just think he's more of an affordable steady hand now whereas Tizard is a big talent coming into his own.

king_carlos wrote:Tizard would easily start ahead of Swinson these days I think. No disrespect to Swinson but just think he's more of an affordable steady hand now whereas Tizard is a big talent coming into his own.

Quite. The Tizard and Itoje partnership will be one to watch with interest. Sarries seem to leave out or move Isiekwe to 6 when they want more grunt in the pack, particularly scrum time. Should give Tizard an in from which to build up that partnership and make the shirt his.

Tizard and Itoje isn't a huge partnership....is that an issue or irrelevant as to how good and physical they are...

Doesn't matter in the slightest for me.

I've said it many times but there are very few massive but slower and less skill full locks left in the game for a reason. Paul Willemse fits into the France pack perfectly as their back row is very tall, full of lineout options. Will Skelton has never brought it to international level. Tomas Lavanini is incredibly athletic for 21 stone but isn't a lineout option so kind of a different case but like Willemse fits the Pumas pack perfectly with Kremer or Petti regularly in the back row. Kote Mikautadze was very good for Georgia in the Willemse role prior to injury.

Etzebeth is an anomaly and utterly incredible, rather than the new rule. If he keeps going as he is he'll be pushing for all time great status in the same breath as Eales and Johnson. As a Tigers and England fan who played lock growing up Johnno was my hero. I idolised him as a player. Etzebeth last calendar year for the Boks was better than anything I saw from Johnno. A spectacular player.

I'd take physicality over size. Tizard and Itoje both carry and hit above their weight and they aren't exactly small either. Whilst it would be nice to have a big mobile monster as KC says they are very much the anomaly rather than the rule. Chessum might fill out into that type of player given time but I don't think he's going to hit the Lavanini size. Etzebeth himself is not outrageously big he's just explosive and the comparison to Johnno is apt because he wasn't the heaviest but he was very mobile (for a lock at the time). If we want to play a high tempo game but want a string set piece we're going need mobile physicality and Tizard plus Ollie Chessum are the two coming through who look like they could add to what we have there. Hill is still only 28, if he can pick up where he left off pre injury that'll be a big boost for England as well.

We might have the behemoth in Lewis Chessum and whilst he looks to be filling out into monster lock size (saw him acting as opposition for the first team in the warm up at the weekend, he's getting bigger). I've yet to see the mobility or explosive power that will take him to international rugby.

king_carlos wrote:Tizard would easily start ahead of Swinson these days I think. No disrespect to Swinson but just think he's more of an affordable steady hand now whereas Tizard is a big talent coming into his own.

If you’re going by the online stats on Tizard, don’t. Just seeing him alongside other players suggests that they were compiled in his teens and never updated…

Good to see Eben Ezebeth will be playing in the URC next year for the Sharks.

This is a useful page for URC transfers:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2022%E2%80%9323_United_Rugby_Championship_transfers#Leinster

Collapse2005 wrote:Good to see Eben Ezebeth will be playing in the URC next year for the Sharks.

This is a useful page for URC transfers:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2022%E2%80%9323_United_Rugby_Championship_transfers#Leinster

That's been known for some time now.

I also thought Snyman was off, investors weren't keen on him staying as he's played 2 matches and been injured for the rest of the 2 years.

Yeah I know Mikey but I missed it. I also missed JJ Hanrahan joining the Dragons. Good player.

The three big signings Sharks announced a while ago, that's going to be some team they have next season. Hanrahan we've also known about for some time, and we're happy with that signing. The link you provided is decent, there were a few lower-key signings on there I was unaware of.

Moroni has confirmed he's leaving Tigers on Instagram and Falcons have an announcement due later this week. GF, Sarge, Cumbrian, etc think you could be onto a winner there. Moroni is a fantastic player.

We need to sort out all the on field performances KC. Continue as we have and sadly Moroni will just be another good player who begins to look poor is a woeful side.

I just hope the new coaching set up start to get it right and get the best out of the decent squad we have...

Josh Basham confirmed back to Irish.

Probably makes sense for him post uni. Back near family. There are 5 other guys in the LI squad that he played with in the same school teams, before you even get to those he played U18s with.

king_carlos wrote:Moroni has confirmed he's leaving Tigers on Instagram and Falcons have an announcement due later this week. GF, Sarge, Cumbrian, etc think you could be onto a winner there. Moroni is a fantastic player.

I like the look of him....but thought he was more of a 13? Is he just as comfortable at 12? I can't say I've really noticed him that much tbh.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:

king_carlos wrote:Moroni has confirmed he's leaving Tigers on Instagram and Falcons have an announcement due later this week. GF, Sarge, Cumbrian, etc think you could be onto a winner there. Moroni is a fantastic player.

I like the look of him....but thought he was more of a 13? Is he just as comfortable at 12? I can't say I've really noticed him that much tbh.

Nope he's a 13. Played wing in his younger days, probably not quick enough for that now. I doubt there's many better defenders of the 13 channel, a guy who puts team outcome over personal outcome every time. Great example was I think it was the Bristol game where he grubbers ahead for himself realises that Ashton could also make to the ball so slows his run to ensure he's in the way of the cover defence and Ashton gets an easy score. Clever player, very fiesty in defence and hits above his weight. If you look up the stats it will say he misses a few but it's normally because he's shooting out the line to stop an overlap or isolate an attacker from his support.

I don't know a Tigers fan who's happy he's leaving. The Tigers offy board is almost in mourning. Doesn't help the Falcons need for a 12 but it might well help fix your defence.

Well the defence requires some work. Orlandi is a 13....not sure if they line up together for Argentina tbh. We really need a 12 not a 13.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Well the defence requires some work. Orlandi is a 13....not sure if they line up together for Argentina tbh. We really need a 12 not a 13.

I think de la Fuente normally plays 12 and then one of the other two plays 13. Orlandi I would have thought is the more likely option to move to 12. You've still got Lucock there as well.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Well the defence requires some work. Orlandi is a 13....not sure if they line up together for Argentina tbh. We really need a 12 not a 13.

I think de la Fuente normally plays 12 and then one of the other two plays 13. Orlandi I would have thought is the more likely option to move to 12. You've still got Lucock there as well.

Lucock isn't quite cutting the mustard and we have Stephenson who's quite impressive when fit at 13 too.

I saw 'Stephenson' is a centre discussion and got fleetingly excited that Tom Stephenson as giving it another crack. He looked an absolutely terrific player prior to the injuries.

Ben Stevenson does look good too from what I've seen of him though to be fair!

Ben is really good....strong defence, loads of gas, good break. Just always injured!

Probably just putting two-and-two together to get five. We'll wait expectantly for his signing, then be told we've actually signed some duffer from the Championship that will disappear into our squad for a couple of years, only to leave after a handful of appearances from the bench.

I'm letting my sunny disposition shine through...

Sgt, I think Lucock can be the 12 we're looking for. Hes not flashy but in a few games he was very good at just hard carrying and hard tackling...and shifting the ball on where required.

If he can stay fit and get some games under his belt...he could be what we need with some creativity around him

I still think we'll see Schoeman there a bit aswell...and theres also a lad in the acadamy (not prem ready) who will probably get a few games in the A games and cups games. Looks a good 12.

Ben Stevenson is a good player...was injured most of last season.

Cumbrian wrote:Probably just putting two-and-two together to get five. We'll wait expectantly for his signing, then be told we've actually signed some duffer from the Championship that will disappear into our squad for a couple of years, only to leave after a handful of appearances from the bench.

I'm letting my sunny disposition shine through...

Also my inability to actually read the news.

Tigers have also released Juan Pablo Socino as well, if Falcons are really desperate for an inside centre.

He was class in his first stint Sam, but wouldnt take him back now.

I'd rather move Orlando to 12, or as i said above hope Lucock gets a run injury free and gets some games in. Theres Wakecoke also, but he just doesnt seem to be backed there...i suspect it may be his defensive side rather than the attacking one.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Sgt, I think Lucock can be the 12 we're looking for. Hes not flashy but in a few games he was very good at just hard carrying and hard tackling...and shifting the ball on where required.

If he can stay fit and get some games under his belt...he could be what we need with some creativity around him

I still think we'll see Schoeman there a bit aswell...and theres also a lad in the acadamy (not prem ready) who will probably get a few games in the A games and cups games. Looks a good 12.

Ben Stevenson is a good player...was injured most of last season.

Fair point about Shoeman, might see him lining up at a bit.

Socino looked good, if a bit rusty in defensive positioning due to lack of game time, when he played for Tigers. He was still carrying as hard into contact and running good lines same as ever. Tigers strength at centre plus Cokanasiga and Gopperth joining as 12 options just mean he was surplus to requirements. He'd still make a really solid signing for a club needing 12 cover though.

Didn’t know Koch was going to Wasps. That must be a big money move.

mikey_dragon wrote:Didn’t know Koch was going to Wasps. That must be a big money move.

Was a surprise when it was announced, real coup for Wasps. Wasps have lost a few big names so had some spare cap and Sarries were probably looking to shave their spend down to get under the cap. Might not be a big payrise for Koch but more of maintaining what he's on currently and not having to put up with a pay cut.

Ratuniyarawa staying in the Premiership, London Irish have confirmed the signing of Saints lock Api Ratuniyarawa.

On the form he has been this year, that is a great signing, would have loved to have him stay at the Gardens for a couple more years.

Will Witty granted early release by Chiefs to join Perpignan.

Marco van Staden leaves Tigers to return to SA where he'll continue rehabilitation from his concussion injury.

Bryce Hegarty rumoured to be heading back to Australia as well.

Tigers leaving

Aspland-Robinson
Ford
Genge
Moroni
Socino
Van Staden
Taute

Law
Rowntree

Robinson
Agbongbon - bit surprised at this one thought he had something about him.

At Saints, I think the players coming in are a step up from those leaving. Most of the players who are leaving are past their prime or will not get a reasonable shot at game time. So, despite the reduction in salary cap, I think Saints did very well. Though, in the spirit of transparency, I would have liked to see a prop who eats raw-meat, broken glass, and nails. Still a gap in the squad.

In:
Callum Braley - SH
Ethan Waller - P
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto - 2R/BR
Angus Scott-Young - BR
Robbie Smith - H
Sam Graham - BR
James Ramm - W
Alfie Petch - P
Aaron Hinkley - BR

Out:
Teimana Harrison - BR
Ahsee Tuala - FB/W
Api Ratuniyarawa - 2R
Piers Francis - C
Taqele Naiyaravoro - W
Frank Lomani - SH
Danny Long-Martinez - W
Reece Marshall - H
Nick Auterac - P
JJ Tonks - F
Connor Tupai - SH
Connor Carey - P
Karl Garsdie - P
Josh Gillespie - W
Ollie Newman - BR
Leroy O'Neil - C
Tom Wood - BR

formerly known as Sam wrote:Tigers leaving

Aspland-Robinson
Ford
Genge
Moroni
Socino
Van Staden
Taute

Law
Rowntree

Robinson
Agbongbon - bit surprised at this one thought he had something about him.

Any idea where Aspland-Robinson is heading off to? He looked to be a fairly decent prospect when he left Quins, and got a fair bit of gametime with the Tigers 1st team (I thought) in the dark-years for Tigers.
About the same time Olowofella was getting a lot of minutes in.

propdavid_london wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:Tigers leaving

Aspland-Robinson
Ford
Genge
Moroni
Socino
Van Staden
Taute

Law
Rowntree

Robinson
Agbongbon - bit surprised at this one thought he had something about him.

Any idea where Aspland-Robinson is heading off to?  He looked to be a fairly decent prospect when he left Quins, and got a fair bit of gametime with the Tigers 1st team (I thought) in the dark-years for Tigers.  
About the same time Olowofella was getting a lot of minutes in.

Probably the Championship. He seemed to be liked by Geordie but broke his leg and hasn't managed to get a look in since. Has been out of on loan in the Championship since Borthwick arrived.

Olowofella is a surprise omission from the leaving list. I suspect he'll be off on loan somewhere again next season as he doesn't really fit with what Borthwick likes in a winger.

Rumour of Regan Grace going to Racing 92 from St Helen’s. He is qualified for both England and Wales.

i see Alex King Has left Gloucester as Attack Coach.

I wonder if he fancies a stint oop North....? We desperately need an attack coach.

mikey_dragon wrote:Rumour of Regan Grace going to Racing 92 from St Helen’s. He is qualified for both England and Wales.

On a 1yr trial contract with option to extend if required.
Sounds like a good option for his transition to Union.

propdavid_london wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Rumour of Regan Grace going to Racing 92 from St Helen’s. He is qualified for both England and Wales.

On a 1yr trial contract with option to extend if required.  
Sounds like a good option for his transition to Union.  

Makes sense. Racing will pay him good money and be giving him a great chance to show off his attacking skills. He could then be called up for Wales or England from there for the world cup (as long as he promises to go to a club there post world cup) should he perform well enough.

London Irish sign Joe Powell from the Rebels and So'otala Fa'aso'o from Brive as the Phipps and Tuisue replacements respectively. Both widely rumoured.

Fa'aso'o an interesting one as he's been a real linchpin for Brive this season at 8.

So'otala Fa'aso'o looks like a monster.

mikey_dragon wrote:So'otala Fa'aso'o looks like a monster.

Yeah, he's a big boy. Has been very effective in France, so looking forward to seeing whether that translates to the prem.

Curtis Rona looking for an early LI release so he can head to the Western Force.

Bryce Hegarty has already agreed similar in principle with Tigers and is just waiting to confirm the date, probably after the AIs.

No drama. We'll just stick Arundell at 13 whilst Joseph learns the ropes.