Silly Season Transfer Rumours 22/23

First topic message reminder :

And.....off you go.

king_carlos wrote:

geoff999rugby wrote:Vermuelen is going to Stormers

Interesting when they've already got Evan Roos there. Roos looks like a potentially incredible 8.

Vermuelen is 37 in the summer and would probably be looking at retirement. If Roos is likely to be at the RWC, I assume Vermuelen is cover to give Roos a proper break when he comes back from the RWC...or does he have a Scots granny?

Anthony Watson to Saracens. That would be an excellent signing. They've not really had a top class.winger since Ashton.

No 7&1/2 wrote:Anthony Watson to Saracens. That would be an excellent signing. They've not really had  a top class.winger since Ashton.

Where did you hear that?

He does want to be as close to Surrey as he can so that he's near family so one of the London sides would be his preference. LI the rumour but I did wonder if with Aaron Morris retiring Quins might try and put something together.

Torygraph.

Ioan Lloyd joining Scarlets from Bristol. Beeb suggests he's signed as a flyhalf which seems an odd choice with Costelow on the books though he at least covers most the backline.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Ioan Lloyd joining Scarlets from Bristol. Beeb suggests he's signed as a flyhalf which seems an odd choice with Costelow on the books though he at least covers most the backline.

I think we are losing either Patchell or Dan Jones so makes sense. Ioan & Sam will really push each other.

Putting to bed lots of rumours....Calum Chick signs a new 2 year contract with us.

Leatigaga has left Leicester and joined Waratahs.

Twelvetrees has been released by Gloucester (Rumor to Ealing but still not confirmed)

Harlequins are releasing Taulani, Stafford, Oresanya and Litterick. No destinations given.

Also Masuku leaves Cheetahs and signs for Sharks

Cory Hill is rumoured to be wanted by Cardiff, Scarlets & Dragons alongside a few French clubs.

I know we're in the market for a second row, would be good to see Fifita at his preferred position of 6.

Welshmushroom wrote:Leatigaga has left Leicester and joined Waratahs.

Twelvetrees has been released by Gloucester (Rumor to Ealing but still not confirmed)

Harlequins are releasing Taulani, Stafford, Oresanya and Litterick.  No destinations given.

Just saw he's 34. How did that happen?

Not sure he is the kind of player they need at the moment. Too lightweight at lock for them I think.

What Peel really needs is to get a heavy lock and tighthead in the 20 stone region. I think Fifita would be a better fit at blindside for them. They also need a top draw 7. McLeod is too unlucky with injuries and Davis I don't think is good enough.

Problem is aside from opensides where we have a ton of welsh options. I don't see any locks or tightheads that are welsh or welsh qualified that fit that criteria.

lostinwales wrote:

Welshmushroom wrote:Leatigaga has left Leicester and joined Waratahs.

Twelvetrees has been released by Gloucester (Rumor to Ealing but still not confirmed)

Harlequins are releasing Taulani, Stafford, Oresanya and Litterick.  No destinations given.

Just saw he's 34. How did that happen?

Yep, terrifying. I still remember the gnashing of teeth, most certainly mine included to be fair, when he left Tigers.

He's been a terrific servant to Gloucester.

I still think there's a Premiership player in there for a couple more seasons. Had Gopperth's performances not improved a lot in the latter half of the season I'd have happily taken 36 at Tigers as a direct replacement for instance. Falcons could do a lot worse in a season when Orlando and Moroni will disappear to to the RWC.

Welshmushroom wrote:Leatigaga has left Leicester and joined Waratahs.

Twelvetrees has been released by Gloucester (Rumor to Ealing but still not confirmed)

Harlequins are releasing Taulani, Stafford, Oresanya and Litterick.  No destinations given.

Twelvetrees is going at the end of the season. Leatigaga has gone immediately.

Geordie wrote:Putting to bed lots of rumours....Calum Chick signs a new 2 year contract with us.

Chick is a cracking player. I'm honestly a bit surprised that he isn't Falcons skipper.

I'll miss seeing Leatigaga at Tigers. His departure is in a similar bracket to Goneva and Mulipola before where it made sense from a pragmatic POV but I just really enjoy watching them play!

With West (rumoured to be re-signing), Cronin and Whitcombe at LH it makes sense given Nephi isn't nearly as strong scrummaging on the TH.

Leatigaga is an interesting player as he's very much a product of the move to two props on the bench given he's a specialist impact player. Similar to France are doing with Falatea. He makes very few starts but can be fantastic carrying against tiring defences in the last quarter. Tigers utilised him really smartly in that regard last season where they'd utilise the sides improved fitness to string more phases together in the final 20ish minutes as sides tired.

He was also used really smartly in his first season on his weaker TH side to manage Heyes development. Leatigaga made more apps but Heyes more starts as they used each to their relative strengths whilst giving Heyes plenty of exposure as a young TH.

Nephi played important if somewhat underappreciated roles for Tigers prior to his injury this season. As such it's a shame he hasn't been seen since January and now wont get a swansong. I hope he does well with the Tahs as he's one of the good guys as well as a good player.

Welshmushroom wrote:Not sure he is the kind of player they need at the moment.  Too lightweight at lock for them I think.

What Peel really needs is to get a heavy lock and tighthead in the 20 stone region.  I think Fifita would be a better fit at blindside for them.  They also need a top draw 7.  McLeod is too unlucky with injuries and Davis I don't think is good enough.

Problem is aside from opensides where we have a ton of welsh options. I don't see any locks or tightheads that are welsh or welsh qualified that fit that criteria.  

He has an engine on him, though I get what you're saying - as far as I know we're in the market for a lock & I'm unsure what s happening at TH. WGJ needs to be let go & to be honest I would say the same for Samson Lee as we haven't had him anywhere near the level he was. 7 is a luxury & shouldn't be signed in place of a lock or TH.

Do Cardiff never learn? They desperately require a 20 stone carrying lock, and they go for Hill and Screech. It’s 2023, they still need that lock and are targeting Hill again… Someone get after Jake Ball ffs.

Welshmushroom wrote:Not sure he is the kind of player they need at the moment.  Too lightweight at lock for them I think.

What Peel really needs is to get a heavy lock and tighthead in the 20 stone region.  I think Fifita would be a better fit at blindside for them.  They also need a top draw 7.  McLeod is too unlucky with injuries and Davis I don't think is good enough.

Problem is aside from opensides where we have a ton of welsh options. I don't see any locks or tightheads that are welsh or welsh qualified that fit that criteria.  

Agree that none of the regions need Hill, unless they put him at 6.

Bristol have two decent Welsh open-sides, if someone were to bring them in...

Fifita is a good fit at 6, but also at lock. The guy is just class. Shingler still looks like he has a couple years of playing in him too.

There is another Welsh born Tuipulotu who came through with England at age grade, I think he plays hooker. Rumours of Wales trying to lure him back. His sister plays TH for Wales women.

Morris and Williams extend their stay at Ospreys. Both are small for their positions, but very strong and can offer Wales something different.

No news on Nicky Smith, unless anyone has heard anything? He is still wanted by Saracens so I've heard.

Scarlets have also confirmed the following are leaving; Aaron Shingler, Leigh Halfpenny, Rhys Patchell, Lewis Rawlins, Tom Price, Phil Price, Taylor Davies, Daf Hughes, Corey Baldwin, WillGriff John and Iestyn Rees.

Shingler is retiring. Wonder where Patchell is off though, Cardiff surely.

What's happening with Corey Baldwin. He was quite hyped a few years back. Didn't work for him at Chiefs nor back at Scarlets.

I can remember one former member hyping him up here but that’s it.

Manu has agreed a 1 year extension with Sale.

Jack Maunder leaving Exeter - Ben Moon retiring - hadn't realised he was only 33, thought he was older!

Nicky Smith extends with Ospreys for 2 years

Great result for the Ospreys that. Maybe Wales will wake up and select him for the world cup.

Manu doing his silly buggers negotiation again or more accurately his brother doing it as his agent in order to ensure maximum price.

The exodus from Chiefs continues. Solomone Kata also rumoured to be leaving and joining Tigers who's incoming head coach worked with Kata at the Brumbies where he used Kata as a winger.

Great news, Smith has to be in the Wales squad over Thomas. Tom Botha becoming WQ too, he's someone I'd call up just to provide us with an immovable rock at the set piece; that also gives Dillon Lewis more time to improve with Quins/Adam Jones, they've had one of the best set pieces in the prem for a couple seasons now.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Manu doing his silly buggers negotiation again or more accurately his brother doing it as his agent in order to ensure maximum price.

The exodus from Chiefs continues. Solomone Kata also rumoured to be leaving and joining Tigers who's incoming head coach worked with Kata at the Brumbies where he used Kata as a winger.

AFAIK Freddie isn't Manu's agent anymore. I'm pretty certain he wasn't during the final negotiations at Tigers even.

I'm very happy with Kata to Tigers though which sounds all but announced. A powerful runner at 12 as backup for Kelly who can also play wing is fairly ideal for Tigers needs.

Gareth Anscombe - leaving Ospreys

Young Falcons 7 Guy Pepper signs a new 2 year extension.

Was getting a lot of attention from elsewhere.

Apparently we have another 5/6 signings to be announced also.

LCD's move to Montpellier might be in doubt, allegedly arrived for medical hungover, and his history of neck injuries may make him ineligible to play in the Top 14.

I think Peel has worked out the dead wood down at the Scarlets. He didn't go far enough though and I reckon there were at least another 6 or 7 I would have cut.

Ospreys have said they won't be signing hardly anyone in the off season. Scarlets have indicated they will be bringing players in. Cardiff don't have any budget so probably in the same boat as Ospreys. Dragons probably did have a chance to recruit but largely Dai decided to renew a lot of contracts.

Welshmushroom wrote:I think Peel has worked out the dead wood down at the Scarlets.  He didn't go far enough though and I reckon there were at least another 6 or 7 I would have cut.

Ospreys have said they won't be signing hardly anyone in the off season.  Scarlets have indicated they will be bringing players in.  Cardiff don't have any budget so probably in the same boat as Ospreys.  Dragons probably did have a chance to recruit but largely Dai decided to renew a lot of contracts.  

I thought Peel/Scarlets would keep Daf Hughes, he’s a decent hooker. Hopefully Cardiff can snap him up but as you say, they seem the ones least likely to do any recruitment at all. Shingler definitely had 2 years playing left, and would have been needed when their internationals are away. Carwyn has a lot to do next season. Jac Price should have been fobbed off, but apparently they’re looking for players anyway. TH and lock required there.

Dragons aren’t in the same boat as Cardiff, at least according to Dai. We need 10 new players but we’ll probably get 4 if we’re lucky. Forward pack and back 3 was mentioned. With AOB moving back to fly-half, and with Hewitt and Williams looking a bit slower, I have to agree with him.

Ospreys could do with front 5 players, some additional coaches and a better winger than Luke Morgan. Part of their issue is losing so many players to international call-ups. It’s hard work for the players and coaching team. As they’re cutting their squad I think it will only get worse for them. Hopefully Owen Williams becomes a permanent signing, I think they’ll bring in one new player at least but apart from that they have a good enough squad.
A bit sad that Booth is getting abuse on Twitter, keyboard warriors are a cancer. I think he has run his course at the Ospreys but I don’t see any changes being made there. Booth comes across as a great forwards coach to be fair.

Rumours Logo is off to Australia

Geordie wrote:Rumours Logo is off to Australia

Makes sense if he's got family back home to be closer. He's got a family of his own as well (I think he's still married to Castro's sister).

Any news on who's incoming for Falcons? I heard Ollie Leatherbarrow is on his way in which is a great deal for Falcons. He's got a bit of the Hamish Watson about him. Menace over the ball and he carries well. Having him and Pepper available should give you good options at openside. Add Chick, Rubiolo and Lockwood in and that's some good young options that won't cost a lot but will want to prove their worth.

Fluxy wrote:LCD's move to Montpellier might be in doubt, allegedly arrived for medical hungover, and his history of neck injuries may make him ineligible to play in the Top 14.

That would be pretty brain dead if true.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Geordie wrote:Rumours Logo is off to Australia

Makes sense if he's got family back home to be closer. He's got a family of his own as well (I think he's still married to Castro's sister).

Any news on who's incoming for Falcons? I heard Ollie Leatherbarrow is on his way in which is a great deal for Falcons. He's got a bit of the Hamish Watson about him. Menace over the ball and he carries well. Having him and Pepper available should give you good options at openside. Add Chick, Rubiolo and Lockwood in and that's some good young options that won't cost a lot but will want to prove their worth.

Literally no idea Sam.

Im actually quite happy with the signings so far...upgrades on players leaving. Ie we Expect Petersen to be on his way but have replaced him already with in my opinion a better player in Kieran McDonald. Trevor Davison i was gutted to lose but Murray will go a little towards replacing him.

We have a lot of the kids out of contract this summer such as Brantingham etc...we need to get them nailed down.

We have some good players and some good academy lads...such as Lockwood, Ollie Fletcher, Pepper Etc etc...hopefully Codling and his new coaching team can wipe the slate and gel them in to a team that works.

Ive said for years we should be playing a high tempo, pacy game...and now we have some big mobile carriers in the pack..that should enhance the need for that style...hopefully Codling can see that also.

7 is going to be a strong position for us....and Im a big fan of Connor Collett but he plays a similar style to Sam Underhill and is more a danger to himself than anyone else. Hes been rested the last 3 months due to concussion protocols due to too many headknocks.

Im fascinated to see who we are signing.

doctor_grey wrote:

Fluxy wrote:LCD's move to Montpellier might be in doubt, allegedly arrived for medical hungover, and his history of neck injuries may make him ineligible to play in the Top 14.

That would be pretty brain dead  if true.  

Sorry should rephrase this, he didn't even arrive for the second day of his medical.

Not sure if I've seen it on here - Anthony Watson linked with a move to Saracens

Other rumours:

Tom Collins being lined up to go to Irish
Rhys Webb to Biarritz

Owen Williams has signed a contract to stay with the Ospreys, Anscombe will be moving on. Win-win for them.

There seems to be a lot more players signing for French D2 club nowadays. They got the budget for it I suppose.

mikey_dragon wrote:Owen Williams has signed a contract to stay with the Ospreys, Anscombe will be moving on. Win-win for them.

There seems to be a lot more players signing for French D2 club nowadays. They got the budget for it I suppose.

They get decent crowds a lot of the time considering it's second tier and are normally sponsored by local businesses. I've seen a few players who've played at that level note that it's a lot of fun as you get a lot of trappings of the professional game but are also allowed to let your hair down more whilst basically touring round France.

Welshmushroom wrote:I think Peel has worked out the dead wood down at the Scarlets.  He didn't go far enough though and I reckon there were at least another 6 or 7 I would have cut.

Ospreys have said they won't be signing hardly anyone in the off season.  Scarlets have indicated they will be bringing players in.  Cardiff don't have any budget so probably in the same boat as Ospreys.  Dragons probably did have a chance to recruit but largely Dai decided to renew a lot of contracts.  

It's all well & good saying there are others who should have been cut but if they are in contract for another 12 months we can't simply cut them.

Another Openside signed...27 year old from Coventry...
Josh Bainbridge....

Back row overhaul...!

Signings so far:
Bainbridge - Openside (Coventry)
Murray McCallum - Prop (Edinburgh)
John Kelly - 6/8 (Doncaster),
Ollie Leatherbarrow - 7/8 (Exeter Chiefs)
Tim Cardall - Back 5 (Melbourne Rebels)
Kiran McDonald - Lock (ex-Munster)
Ben Redshaw - Centre (academy graduate)

New Head Coach Alex Codling
and new coaches expected with mark Wilson etc leaving this summer confirmed.

Oakdene wrote:

Welshmushroom wrote:I think Peel has worked out the dead wood down at the Scarlets.  He didn't go far enough though and I reckon there were at least another 6 or 7 I would have cut.

Ospreys have said they won't be signing hardly anyone in the off season.  Scarlets have indicated they will be bringing players in.  Cardiff don't have any budget so probably in the same boat as Ospreys.  Dragons probably did have a chance to recruit but largely Dai decided to renew a lot of contracts.  

It's all well & good saying there are others who should have been cut but if they are in contract for another 12 months we can't simply cut them.

You renewed Jac Price though.

mikey_dragon wrote:

Oakdene wrote:

Welshmushroom wrote:I think Peel has worked out the dead wood down at the Scarlets.  He didn't go far enough though and I reckon there were at least another 6 or 7 I would have cut.

Ospreys have said they won't be signing hardly anyone in the off season.  Scarlets have indicated they will be bringing players in.  Cardiff don't have any budget so probably in the same boat as Ospreys.  Dragons probably did have a chance to recruit but largely Dai decided to renew a lot of contracts.  

It's all well & good saying there are others who should have been cut but if they are in contract for another 12 months we can't simply cut them.

You renewed Jac Price though.

Agreed but who do you replace him with though? For similar money? I have heard we may have a second rower coming in but no idea who it is.

Oakdene wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

Oakdene wrote:

Welshmushroom wrote:I think Peel has worked out the dead wood down at the Scarlets.  He didn't go far enough though and I reckon there were at least another 6 or 7 I would have cut.

Ospreys have said they won't be signing hardly anyone in the off season.  Scarlets have indicated they will be bringing players in.  Cardiff don't have any budget so probably in the same boat as Ospreys.  Dragons probably did have a chance to recruit but largely Dai decided to renew a lot of contracts.  

It's all well & good saying there are others who should have been cut but if they are in contract for another 12 months we can't simply cut them.

You renewed Jac Price though.

Agreed but who do you replace him with though? For similar money? I have heard we may have a second rower coming in but no idea who it is.

I just wouldn't have re-signed him and looked elsewhere, which is what you say that you're already doing.

mikey_dragon wrote:

Oakdene wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

Oakdene wrote:

Welshmushroom wrote:I think Peel has worked out the dead wood down at the Scarlets.  He didn't go far enough though and I reckon there were at least another 6 or 7 I would have cut.

Ospreys have said they won't be signing hardly anyone in the off season.  Scarlets have indicated they will be bringing players in.  Cardiff don't have any budget so probably in the same boat as Ospreys.  Dragons probably did have a chance to recruit but largely Dai decided to renew a lot of contracts.  

It's all well & good saying there are others who should have been cut but if they are in contract for another 12 months we can't simply cut them.

You renewed Jac Price though.

Agreed but who do you replace him with though? For similar money? I have heard we may have a second rower coming in but no idea who it is.

I just wouldn't have re-signed him and looked elsewhere, which is what you say that you're already doing.

I think we will be using Fifita as a 6 next season following Shingler's retirement which means that we need Price (who will be relatively cheap) along with another to come in.

I'm also not sure on this but am I right in saying the URC won't be starting until after the RWC?

Looks like fearns and Greg Petersen on their way..Petersen was expected...Carl not.

Rumours now that Mateo Carreras on his way also.

Geordie wrote:Looks like fearns and Greg Petersen on their way..Petersen was expected...Carl not.

Rumours now that Mateo Carreras on his way also.

Peterson and Fearns aren't particular losses. You've got two better locks joining and Fearns looks on his last legs. If he's cheap and you are looking for 10 games a season from him then great but I don't think Falcons can afford to carry squad men like that and Fearns probably ain't cheap.

Carreras would be a big blow to Falcons. The current back three are electric and three you'd really want to keep hold of. Some mutterings that Moroni might be off but no idea whether that's true or not.

Oakdene wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

Oakdene wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

Oakdene wrote:

Welshmushroom wrote:I think Peel has worked out the dead wood down at the Scarlets.  He didn't go far enough though and I reckon there were at least another 6 or 7 I would have cut.

Ospreys have said they won't be signing hardly anyone in the off season.  Scarlets have indicated they will be bringing players in.  Cardiff don't have any budget so probably in the same boat as Ospreys.  Dragons probably did have a chance to recruit but largely Dai decided to renew a lot of contracts.  

It's all well & good saying there are others who should have been cut but if they are in contract for another 12 months we can't simply cut them.

You renewed Jac Price though.

Agreed but who do you replace him with though? For similar money? I have heard we may have a second rower coming in but no idea who it is.

I just wouldn't have re-signed him and looked elsewhere, which is what you say that you're already doing.

I think we will be using Fifita as a 6 next season following Shingler's retirement which means that we need Price (who will be relatively cheap) along with another to come in.

I'm also not sure on this but am I right in saying the URC won't be starting until after the RWC?

I believe that is your intention but if Fifita has to go back to lock then no bother, he is class. I don't see Price making the second team tbh. Lousi, Jones, AN Other, Fifita.

I believe so yes.