Silly Season Transfer Rumours 23/24

First topic message reminder :

I need rumours.....and I need them now!

Edinburgh are also apparently interested in the Cardiff FB Jacob Beetham, who I know very little about.

The article on the BBC website suggests he is in line for a wales call up this 6N, but he is also apparently SQ and EQ, so may be open to offers. Edinburgh are not obviously in need of a FB, but he could certainly be one for the future.

BigGee wrote:Edinburgh are also apparently interested in the Cardiff FB Jacob Beetham, who I know very little about.

The article on the BBC website suggests he is in line for a wales call up this 6N, but he is also apparently SQ and EQ, so may be open to offers. Edinburgh are not obviously in need of a FB, but he could certainly be one for the future.

Decent young player, seems to do everything fairly well. Too soon for him to be in international contention and he is possibly too small for a 15 - IMO. He might get called up now, just to stop anyone else capping him.

Pretty minor story, but there is a rumour that Owen Farrell has signed for Racing on a 2 year contract

Hazel Sapling wrote:Pretty minor story, but there is a rumour that Owen Farrell has signed for Racing on a 2 year contract

Racing are missing a star attraction at 10, Lancaster always favour Farrell when he was England coach. Farrell will turn 33 next September. If he wants to experience rugby in France it's the time to go. Two years in France, couple of years in Japan. Really keep the pension ticking over.

It has been reported by Midi Olympic now, who are ususlly a very reliable source in France.

Looks like he has made up his mind about his England future and it is hard to blame him for that.

Seems to be confirmed. Interesting seeing as there were reports Arundell was dropped from the side due to their scuffle.

The move along with the new hybrid contracts surely means Saracens have a huge wage to offer someone.

The rumour for a while has been that Sarries weren't going to be able to keep Farrell and Itoje beyond this season. They are both outside the salary cap currently as they signed long term deals before the rules changed to one marquee instead of two.

Neither could sign as a marquee at another Prem club either though. So no-one else will realistically sign them under the cap either.

Well over 100 England caps. Second highest point scorer in international rugby. 3 consecutive Lions tours. 3 Six Nations titles. The only lure left would be another RWC tilt having lost a final and then a SF by one point. I could absolutely understand him feeling he can walk away with nothing left to prove though. For a long while I've been a fan and argued his class as well as arguing that the flack he gets is unwarranted. He's a player that I think many England fans feel wont be a loss until he isn't there.

Or maybe not Racing has released a statement saying its not true.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Hazel Sapling wrote:Pretty minor story, but there is a rumour that Owen Farrell has signed for Racing on a 2 year contract

Racing are missing a star attraction at 10, Lancaster always favour Farrell when he was England coach. Farrell will turn 33 next September. If he wants to experience rugby in France it's the time to go. Two years in France, couple of years in Japan. Really keep the pension ticking over.

Was it him on 900K, or was that Itoje? Fair play if he can still be a big earner.

mikey_dragon wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Hazel Sapling wrote:Pretty minor story, but there is a rumour that Owen Farrell has signed for Racing on a 2 year contract

Racing are missing a star attraction at 10, Lancaster always favour Farrell when he was England coach. Farrell will turn 33 next September. If he wants to experience rugby in France it's the time to go. Two years in France, couple of years in Japan. Really keep the pension ticking over.

Was it him on 900K, or was that Itoje? Fair play if he can still be a big earner.

Farrell and Itoje are supposed to both be on £800k.

Racing have denied there's any agreement they've not said they aren't in talks.

Rhys Ruddock to Dragons .

mikey_dragon wrote:Rhys Ruddock to Dragons .

Really?! That’s quite a left field one!

TAFKA The Oracle wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Rhys Ruddock to Dragons .

Really?! That’s quite a left field one!

He's Welsh qualified now, so not as surprising as you'd think. Would be a cracking signing for a region.

His best years are probably behind him, but Wales is short on back-row forwards due to injury and inexperience. I think it would be a good idea to bring him into the fold for a season or two. I don’t think he would actually sign for another club though, wouldn’t that quash his tax breaks?

Lawes potentially off to France. Retweeted by Chris Jones. Second division.

No 7&1/2 wrote:Lawes potentially off to France. Retweeted by Chris Jones. Second division.

Provence. Same as his former teammate Harrison. Same side that have George North incoming for next season and who also have Gopperth and Tomas Francis on the books currently.

Provence could go up next season. They’re third currently, but assume they decide the winner via play-offs.

God-dammit-Rees-Zammit - linked to a Japan move, and if so out of the Wales reckoning going forward

TAFKA The Oracle wrote:God-dammit-Rees-Zammit - linked to a Japan move, and if so out of the Wales reckoning going forward

He'd be encouraged to opt out of the 6N due to conflicting schedules but would be available for summer tour and AIs.

TAFKA The Oracle wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Rhys Ruddock to Dragons .

Really?! That’s quite a left field one!

He wants to try to play for Wales as he hasn't played for Ireland in 4 years he would be eligable.

I thought that Rhys Ruddock thing was his dad touting it, tbh. We are covered for older 6s already, with Lydiate

Collapse2005 wrote:

TAFKA The Oracle wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Rhys Ruddock to Dragons .

Really?! That’s quite a left field one!

He wants to try to play for Wales as he hasn't played for Ireland in 4 years he would be eligable.

Tbf Rys hasn't said anything. It's his dad that's been quoted. I can see Rys retiring and going into coaching next season.

Lyon linked with Cowan dickie and Jonny hill

Carbery leaving Munster at end of season - no club or next destination yet

Tomos Williams signs for Gloucester next season

Nicky smith linked to bath and Bristol

Ewels linked to Sale

Bill mata signed for Bristol next season

On the Tomos Williams to Gloucester move….

The only, ONLY, small comfort is that this sort of move probably frees up a significant chunk off the wage bill for the regions. I imagine he was on a big contract, and would have been one of the players the WRU was part funding on their salary band thing a few years back but then they pulled their funding contribution and made the regions foot the entire bill until contracts were seen out (regions going from 20% to 100% contribution without much notice!).

What the regions can actually do with the freed up salary remains to be seen? Might allow them to expand the squads a bit as the plans are to get by on 35 players which seems very low given the demands of pro rugby. But I doubt we can splash on marquee players or even decent pros from around the world as that will be against homegrown development policy, and I’m not sure the money will stretch very far in persuading Welsh players back home as they’ll probably be on more than Tomos Williams was, hence why he’s leaving I guess. I should imagine he was probably offered an insulting offer to stay!

Hastings out and Tomos Williams in. Good switch up at halfback overall from Glaws. Charlie Atkinson has also joined and a combination of him at 10, Williams at 9 and Carreras at 15 should give Glaws plenty to work with.

They've struggled to control games and be clinical this season.

Mason Grady is thought to be considering offers from Bath & Sale.

Atkinson and Barton at 10 but a significant upgrade at 9 makes a lot of sense for Glaws to my eyes.

It's been a tough season for them but there's a lot I like in that squad now. Injuries to key front rows have hammered what has been far improved recruitment there since Skivington took over.

I've not watched as much Prem this year. Honestly, I've just drifted away a bit and struggle to engage for the reasons I've discussed a lot across the boards. When I have seen Glaws it seems that centre is a bit of an issue though. Chris Harris has fallen off almost bizarrely. He used to be one of the best in the world defensively and positionally. He's seemed caught out in that regard notably on a few occasions. Maybe a case of a player losing a touch of pace with age and it hurting their game more than others.

king_carlos wrote:Atkinson and Barton at 10 but a significant upgrade at 9 makes a lot of sense for Glaws to my eyes.

It's been a tough season for them but there's a lot I like in that squad now. Injuries to key front rows have hammered what has been far improved recruitment there since Skivington took over.

I've not watched as much Prem this year. Honestly, I've just drifted away a bit and struggle to engage for the reasons I've discussed a lot across the boards. When I have seen Glaws it seems that centre is a bit of an issue though. Chris Harris has fallen off almost bizarrely. He used to be one of the best in the world defensively and positionally. He's seemed caught out in that regard notably on a few occasions. Maybe a case of a player losing a touch of pace with age and it hurting their game more than others.

Doesn't help he's about their only recognised outside centre whereas they have a selection of specialist inside centres.

Skivington is stuck in a rougher patch now. Needs a bit of a squad clearout and refresh before next season. The rest of this season might be a rough one to see out.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

king_carlos wrote:Atkinson and Barton at 10 but a significant upgrade at 9 makes a lot of sense for Glaws to my eyes.

It's been a tough season for them but there's a lot I like in that squad now. Injuries to key front rows have hammered what has been far improved recruitment there since Skivington took over.

I've not watched as much Prem this year. Honestly, I've just drifted away a bit and struggle to engage for the reasons I've discussed a lot across the boards. When I have seen Glaws it seems that centre is a bit of an issue though. Chris Harris has fallen off almost bizarrely. He used to be one of the best in the world defensively and positionally. He's seemed caught out in that regard notably on a few occasions. Maybe a case of a player losing a touch of pace with age and it hurting their game more than others.

Doesn't help he's about their only recognised outside centre whereas they have a selection of specialist inside centres.

Skivington is stuck in a rougher patch now. Needs a bit of a squad clearout and refresh before next season. The rest of this season might be a rough one to see out.

I agree with you, but it still seems that their talent is better than their record.

Taine Basham to the Scarlets by all accounts.

Kieran Hardy to Cardiff.

Oakdene wrote:Kieran Hardy to Cardiff.

Scarlets really need a front 5. Seems a logical move now Tomos has gone to Gloucester.

Welshmushroom wrote:

Oakdene wrote:Kieran Hardy to Cardiff.

Scarlets really need a front 5.  Seems a logical move now Tomos has gone to Gloucester.

We do, especially given Fifita & Louisi are leaving.

Oakdene wrote:Taine Basham to the Scarlets by all accounts.

If true I'm happy about this as long as Dai actually buys some front 5 forwards. Brown is being linked with England and given he's barely been on the field the last 2 years I would totally let him go as well.

My real concern is that none of the Welsh regions can identify talent properly. There will be some really good players available in the summer who will be available all year round.

None of the Head coaches at the regions are particularly savvy in the transfer market. I just hope Dai realizes he needs to stop going holding on to former stars and actually opts to sign multiple fringe players looking to make a name for themselves.

Given the salary caps at regions i probably would raise the overseas limit from 6 to 10 next year but only for that year.....that way they can at least go after some of these lesser known players who will do a job.

Oakdene wrote:

Welshmushroom wrote:

Oakdene wrote:Kieran Hardy to Cardiff.

Scarlets really need a front 5.  Seems a logical move now Tomos has gone to Gloucester.

We do, especially given Fifita & Louisi are leaving.

Is Fifita leaving? I though he only signed last year on a monster 400K 3 year deal at the time.

Welshmushroom wrote:

Oakdene wrote:

Welshmushroom wrote:

Oakdene wrote:Kieran Hardy to Cardiff.

Scarlets really need a front 5.  Seems a logical move now Tomos has gone to Gloucester.

We do, especially given Fifita & Louisi are leaving.

Is Fifita leaving?  I though he only signed last year on a monster 400K 3 year deal at the time.

Louisi is 100% off & could be released early so he can join a Super Rugby team.

Fifita is rumoured to be unhappy so he may be released too.

Fergus Burke (Crusaders) to Glasgow (and potentially Scotland, it seems he is SQ)

Currently injured with a rupturrd Achilles but the SRU have apparently been speaking to him.

BigGee wrote:Fergus Burke (Crusaders) to Glasgow (and potentially Scotland, it seems he is SQ)

Currently injured with a rupturrd Achilles but the SRU have apparently been speaking to him.

The SRU hoarding flyhalfs? Hopefully a sign Fin Smith has opted for the land of his birth.

I thought Hastings was inbound to Glasgow as well.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

BigGee wrote:Fergus Burke (Crusaders) to Glasgow (and potentially Scotland, it seems he is SQ)

Currently injured with a rupturrd Achilles but the SRU have apparently been speaking to him.

The SRU hoarding flyhalfs? Hopefully a sign Fin Smith has opted for the land of his birth.

I thought Hastings was inbound to Glasgow as well.

All a bit unclear atm, no doubt we will know more once the international squads are announced.

For my money, it was always highly unlikely Finn Smith would switch. If for no other reason than he probably has a clearer run at the England shirt than the Scottish one.

I think he made up his mind last year, when England hsd more options and Scotland were trying out the Blair Switch project. That would have been the ideal time to jump and he would likely have gone to the WC

Glad to see the falcons "Going for the youth policy " is going well

https://www.planetrugby.com/news/exclusive-saracens-sign-promising-england-prospect-who-has-caught-steve-borthwicks-eye

BigGee wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

BigGee wrote:Fergus Burke (Crusaders) to Glasgow (and potentially Scotland, it seems he is SQ)

Currently injured with a rupturrd Achilles but the SRU have apparently been speaking to him.

The SRU hoarding flyhalfs? Hopefully a sign Fin Smith has opted for the land of his birth.

I thought Hastings was inbound to Glasgow as well.

All a bit unclear atm, no doubt we will know more once the international squads are announced.

For my money, it was always highly unlikely Finn Smith would switch. If for no other reason than he probably has a clearer run at the England shirt than the Scottish one.

I think he made up his mind last year, when England hsd more options and Scotland were trying out the Blair Switch project. That would have been the ideal time to jump and he would likely have gone to the WC

I don't know of a single Scotland fan who thinks Fin Smith will end up playing for us. The press have created this non-existent 'tension' just so they have something to write about. Like people who actually thought the film Indecent Proposal might possibly be about Demi Moore rejecting Robert Redford for 2 hours.

Geordie wrote:Glad to see the falcons "Going for the youth policy " is going well

https://www.planetrugby.com/news/exclusive-saracens-sign-promising-england-prospect-who-has-caught-steve-borthwicks-eye

Hammer blow for Falcons. Sarries in desperate need of some fresh blood at LH. Mako is on his way out. Mawi seems to struggle to stay fit and West hasn't settled and his form has suffered. Can't blame the young lad when Sarries no doubt offered him a significant uplift in cash and the chance to play at the top end of the league.

Sam, that feels a touch harsh on Mawi there! 24 apps for Sarries and 6 for Fiji in '21/22. 24 apps for Sarries and 3 for Fiji in '22/23. Then already 10 for Fiji and 5 for Sarries this season. AFAIK this calf injury is his first significant layoff. He's expected back during the Six Nations.

Mawi to me represents the great work that McCall etc do in recruitment and development. He was signed as a relative unknown and they developed him into a terrific LH who was consistently impressive throughout the RWC. McFarland being similar there. I think that side of Sarries squad building sometimes gets overlooked due to still being sullied by the salary cap fallout.

Brantingham is a quality signing though. He should do very well in that environment.

I'd very happily have West back at Tigers.

Fair point on Mawi. He's at an age where Sarries can develop him further, good business.

Sarries are going to hit a transitional bit now. So many of their core group are either in or moving into their mid 30s. George, Mako, Billy, Farrell, Goode. Spine of the team is going to need to be refreshed over the next couple of seasons.

Yeah, it'll be interesting to see how McCall handles it. I think he's the best coach in England and he has a fantastic team of younger coaches he's mentored. The Vunipola's aren't the forces they were though. Goode is a class act but not getting any younger. Faz could move on.

George and Itoje might end up being a bit like Slade at Chiefs. Senior heads from the hey days in a predominantly younger squad.

I'd back McCall to make a success of the transition. It will be really interesting to see how he approaches it and the time scale required though.

Even if Faz goes the cap increasing should allow them to improve their starting 9, hence put more responsibility on SH rather than FH. With the cap dropping McCall must have astutely identified SH as a potential budget position given they could load playmaking and tactical kicking onto quality players elsewhere in the backline. The swing in cap spend from Spencer and Wigglesworth to Davies, van Zyl and de Haas (now Simpson) must have been gargantuan!

Oakdene wrote:

Welshmushroom wrote:

Oakdene wrote:Kieran Hardy to Cardiff.

Scarlets really need a front 5.  Seems a logical move now Tomos has gone to Gloucester.

We do, especially given Fifita & Louisi are leaving.

Both are great players and will be very difficult to replace. It's no surprise to see one Tongan after the other leave, given how bad the team and environment has become. Hardy is a very poor signing for Cardiff and doesn't play to their strengths, unless they can train him up but so far nobody has been able to.

All of a sudden it's as if Wales has a shortage of high quality 9s - very unfortunate to lose Varney but we had Davies, Webb and Williams all playing very well at the time. Let's nab Nye Thomas from Sale.

As soon as I read a Welsh team is interested in Basham, I knew it'd be Scarlets. That wouldn't be a great signing tbh. He is better than Dan Davis and Letherbarrow, but you would be better of finding an actual blindside or No8; better yet a few lock forwards as Wales can usually find a few good flankers.

Mason Grady linked with move from Cardiff to Sale.

mikey_dragon wrote:As soon as I read a Welsh team is interested in Basham, I knew it'd be Scarlets. That wouldn't be a great signing tbh. He is better than Dan Davis and Letherbarrow, but you would be better of finding an actual blindside or No8; better yet a few lock forwards as Wales can usually find a few good flankers.

Apparently we're recruiting in the front 5 by all accounts.

Oakdene wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:As soon as I read a Welsh team is interested in Basham, I knew it'd be Scarlets. That wouldn't be a great signing tbh. He is better than Dan Davis and Letherbarrow, but you would be better of finding an actual blindside or No8; better yet a few lock forwards as Wales can usually find a few good flankers.

Apparently we're recruiting in the front 5 by all accounts.

Anyone else going through the exit door? It seems like a good idea to get Foxy and Scott Williams off the books.