Silly Season Transfer Rumours 23/24

by Sgt_Pooly Mon 14 Aug 2023, 5:22 am

First topic message reminder :

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

by Geordie Thu 27 Jun 2024, 11:29 am

Jeez so we need to listen to his awful tinny, winey voice more often.... Rolling Eyes

by mikey_dragon Thu 27 Jun 2024, 12:40 pm

Cheika is a decent coach, and will provide a bit of entertainment at least.

by **Rugby Fan** Thu 27 Jun 2024, 2:51 pm

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2024/06/27/northampton-saints-sign-george-smith-nfl-international-path/

Saints have signed a 22 year old former Coventry player, who tried out for the NFL in the same class as LRZ.

Northampton Saints have bolstered their squad with a former NFL prospect, adding 6ft 8in lock George Smith to the roster for the upcoming season.

Smith, who weighs 21st 10lb [138kg] and represented Coventry in the Championship last year, was in the same NFL international pathway class that saw Louis Rees-Zammit snapped up by Kansas City Chiefs.

However, during a short trial stint at Saints at the end of 2023-24, Smith demonstrated a level of power that led the Premiership champions to officially sign the towering forward.

“George’s superpower is that he is 6ft 8in and he can move really quickly,” said Phil Dowon, Northampton’s director of rugby.

“The guy is unbelievably physical. When he first arrived, we tested him and his power-per-kilogram scores were incredible – the best we’ve seen in years.

“He is a bright lad and got stuck in from the word go. We’ve got someone who is physical, smart and can play the game.

“George comes from a totally different background, there’s no academy history for him. He played well for Coventry in the Premiership Rugby Cup against Saracens and also scored against Gloucester.”

Prior to joining Coventry in 2022, Smith represented Bristol-based Redcliffians in the fifth tier and earned selection for Somerset in the County Championship.

He was a colleague of Harry Mallinder, an ex-Saint, as well as Rees-Zammit in the NFL player pathway, but jumped at the chance to move back to the United Kingdom.

by Geordie Thu 27 Jun 2024, 2:52 pm

Wow hes a big boy

by mikey_dragon Thu 27 Jun 2024, 7:28 pm

You'd assume he has pretty good hands if he was at least at the stage with the NFL. Big man, should be useful for Saints as their current locks look a bit light.*

*Used to look like it was the case, just checked the Saints squad on their website and all the lock forwards appear to have bulked up. Former LI man Munga on their books as well, a big man too.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 27 Jun 2024, 8:48 pm

They've lost Moon now but was a good 19stone+ from the second row so needed to bring in some bulk. Lockett the young lad has potential and Smith from Coventry will be a cheap punt. He's a giant of a man and at 22 could develop nicely. If not at least the Saints scrum won't go back whilst he's playing.

by WELL-PAST-IT Fri 28 Jun 2024, 8:40 am

Mayanavanua, Munga and Coles are the only 120ish kg locks, which allows no rotation other than through the bench option, we have Atuanya at around 117kg but he is not currently 1st XXiii material, Lockett, great prospect, but needs to put on a few kilos over the summer, and Sylvester who is ridiculously light for a lock these days. Injury has marred his start with Saints but when he joined, he looked like he maybe, a bit like Itoje, a light lock, but very strong for his weight and extremely athletic.

Smith might be the answer, but there are not many locks that can play the Saints game, I would hope he can which would give us two pairs of 120kg locks (with Lockett) and Coles who I would like to see in the 6 shirt to show if he can be the new Lawes, if he can improve his breakdown work, he might just be.

by doctor_grey Fri 28 Jun 2024, 11:40 am

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:Mayanavanua, Munga and Coles are the only 120ish kg locks, which allows no rotation other than through the bench option, we have Atuanya at around 117kg but he is not currently 1st XXiii material, Lockett, great prospect, but needs to put on a few kilos over the summer, and Sylvester who is ridiculously light for a lock these days. Injury has marred his start with Saints but when he joined, he looked like he maybe, a bit like Itoje, a light lock, but very strong for his weight and extremely athletic.

Smith might be the answer, but there are not many locks that can play the Saints game, I would hope he can which would give us two pairs of 120kg locks (with Lockett) and Coles who I would like to see in the 6 shirt to show if he can be the new Lawes, if he can improve his breakdown work, he might just be.

Smith is just north of 300 lbs., upwards of 22 stone. That is huge. And for a lock to weigh that much and be able to get around the field for the full 80 would be truly remarkable. We need to see, but on paper could be terrific.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 28 Jun 2024, 12:07 pm

doctor_grey wrote:
WELL-PAST-IT wrote:Mayanavanua, Munga and Coles are the only 120ish kg locks, which allows no rotation other than through the bench option, we have Atuanya at around 117kg but he is not currently 1st XXiii material, Lockett, great prospect, but needs to put on a few kilos over the summer, and Sylvester who is ridiculously light for a lock these days. Injury has marred his start with Saints but when he joined, he looked like he maybe, a bit like Itoje, a light lock, but very strong for his weight and extremely athletic.

Smith might be the answer, but there are not many locks that can play the Saints game, I would hope he can which would give us two pairs of 120kg locks (with Lockett) and Coles who I would like to see in the 6 shirt to show if he can be the new Lawes, if he can improve his breakdown work, he might just be.
Smith is just north of 300 lbs., upwards of 22 stone. That is huge. And for a lock to weigh that much and be able to get around the field for the full 80 would be truly remarkable. We need to see, but on paper could be terrific.

Probably see him lighten the load a bit to be able to keep up with the Saints tempo. Could be a good impact sub or if expecting tough conditions where scrum, lineout and big carries from your forwards are going to be key.

by Geordie Fri 28 Jun 2024, 5:20 pm

Falcons have signed Flanker Tom Gordon from Glasgow...don't know much about him but seems a well received one.

by **BigGee** Fri 28 Jun 2024, 5:31 pm

A decent player, very tough and abrasive. Was very near a Scotland cap a couple of years back before being eclipsed by Rory Darge

by formerly known as Sam Fri 28 Jun 2024, 6:15 pm

Hunter-Hill joins Saints from Sarries.

by WELL-PAST-IT Fri 28 Jun 2024, 7:28 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:Hunter-Hill joins Saints from Sarries.

Thats the other 120kg lock they need, Mayanavanua is the only other lock with much experience other than Coles. It gives them the ability to cover Coles international absences and also allow Coles to play 6 whilst giving the others experience off the bench.

by Geordie Fri 28 Jun 2024, 8:13 pm

BigGee wrote:A decent player, very tough and abrasive. Was very near a Scotland cap a couple of years back before being eclipsed by Rory Darge

Thanks Big Gee...that's EXACTLY what we need..tough and abrasive. It's a general theme in most of Diamonds signings so far...but to be fair we were soft and weak.

by **Rugby Fan** Mon 01 Jul 2024, 4:12 pm

https://www.bristolbearsrugby.com/bristol-bears-men/dave-walder-departs-bears-with-immediate-effect/

Dave Walder has left the Bristol coaching team

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/bristol-bears-announce-departure-senior-9379873

Bristol Bears have announced that highly respected attack and backs coach Dave Walder has left the club after just one season.

Former fly-half Walder joined the Bears as senior backs and attack skills coach ahead of the 2023/24 season, replacing director of rugby Pat Lam's long-time coaching assistant Conor McPhillips. Before moving to Bristol, Walder was head coach at Newcastle Falcons having moved into the top job after several years as backs and attack coach at Kingston Park.

Walder's move to Bristol was heralded as a big moment for the club as he was one of the first outside hires Lam had made since his arrival in 2017, having previously kept a close circle of coaches he already had a relationship with, bringing over his team from his previous club Connacht and promoting from within, bringing through the likes of former Bristol captain Jordan Crane who is now defence coach at the Premiership side.

Bristol Live understands that despite the Bears attack finding top gear in the season half of the season with some stunning displays, Walder had been frustrated with the lack of coaching time and input he was able to have under Lam's coaching set-up.

by **Rugby Fan** Mon 01 Jul 2024, 11:09 pm

It's confirmed Toulouse have signed scrum half Naoto Saitō, who started for Japan in the recent Test against England. Baptiste Germain moved to Bayonne, so the French champions were looking for Dupont cover.

by doctor_grey Tue 02 Jul 2024, 12:38 am

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:Hunter-Hill joins Saints from Sarries.

Thats the other 120kg lock they need, Mayanavanua is the only other lock with much experience other than Coles. It gives them the ability to cover Coles international absences and also allow Coles to play 6 whilst giving the others experience off the bench.

Is he good? I've never heard of him.

by **BigGee** Tue 02 Jul 2024, 8:04 am

Yes, was captain of Scotland U20s a while back and was very much seen as an international in waiting.

Injuries have very much stalled his progress since then and he ended up moving south to Sarries in search of some game time. He has proved a decent squad player there for the past 3 years even if he still seems a bit injury prone every time he looks like establishing himself as a starter.

He will hopefully go well at Saints.

by WELL-PAST-IT Tue 02 Jul 2024, 8:07 am

Sarries squad player for about the last 3 years, played about 80 games. Scottish, came through their U20s with Robbie Smith and Rory Hutchinson. He is obviously no slouch to get that far, but who knows with Saints.

Saints usually have a good eye for locks, so hopefully okay.

by Geordie Wed 03 Jul 2024, 8:39 am

Well Tom Pennys contract is now out, and not renewed by Falcons yet.

Looks like Falcons have offered a low contract and Tom has refused...understandably. But hes a small lad really for the centres...and Diamond has brought some big units in plus we have some very good kids...so Penny might be away.

Hed be a very good signing for most teams in the prem...

by mikey_dragon Thu 04 Jul 2024, 12:43 pm

Lloyd Evans leaves Glaws and is linked with a move to the URC. Dragons have been quiet on the transfer front but he seems to fit the description of what Dai mentioned. That’ll probably be announced soon.

by TAFKA The Oracle Thu 04 Jul 2024, 2:10 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:Lloyd Evans leaves Glaws and is linked with a move to the URC. Dragons have been quiet on the transfer front but he seems to fit the description of what Dai mentioned. That’ll probably be announced soon.

Would like to see him come to the Dragons. Just looked him up re. his international qualification. Seems like he is English, played England age group, but qualifies for Wales through his father who is……….former Scarlets chairman Huw Evans. I wonder if that might influence where he goes if his father still has links down West?

by mikey_dragon Thu 04 Jul 2024, 2:48 pm

Confirmed as signing for Dragons now.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 04 Jul 2024, 5:23 pm

Lloyd Evans is a good club player. Reliable goal kicker. Has tended to look most dangerous from fullback for Glaws.

by mikey_dragon Thu 04 Jul 2024, 5:38 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:Lloyd Evans is a good club player. Reliable goal kicker. Has tended to look most dangerous from fullback for Glaws.

Exactly what we require. It means we’ll probably see more of Reed at 10 mind, which isn’t good.

by mikey_dragon Thu 04 Jul 2024, 5:40 pm

Cardiff have signed Josh McNally from Bath. Big man, seems like another average signing but I could be wrong.

by king_carlos Thu 04 Jul 2024, 5:47 pm

McNally was really good for Bath for a few seasons. Just a rock solid club lock who did the basics well and was decent enough at carrying off 9. Then he got some injuries, struggled to stay on the park and his impact fell off drastically. He'll be cheap, which is presumably why Cardiff have taken a punt on potentially getting him fit and firing again.

by mikey_dragon Thu 04 Jul 2024, 5:59 pm

He has good experience, but if I were them I would be looking at bringing in another lock and TH.

by **RiscaGame** Thu 04 Jul 2024, 9:08 pm

I think McNally is a good signing tbh. I’m a little biased, but I think he is what a lot of the pro teams need size wise. He’s definitely a good club player. Was never really worthy of his England cap (imo), but certainly will do a job for Cardiff.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 04 Jul 2024, 9:38 pm

McInally is a decent lock. He's big and tough (military iirc). Injuries and discipline kept him from kicking on and pushing for more than the one cap he got. Given the scarcity of locks a couple of years back he could have been in the picture for more.

by bsando Thu 04 Jul 2024, 11:14 pm

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/articles/cprqlv8rqjlo

Gray Jr to Bordeaux (officially)

by Kingshu Fri 05 Jul 2024, 9:51 am

Josh Ioane former all black OH to Connacht.

by Geordie Sun 07 Jul 2024, 8:20 pm

Jack Willis potentially signing a very lucrative extension with Toulouse...

by Pete330v2 Wed 10 Jul 2024, 1:44 pm

Kingshu wrote:Josh Ioane former all black OH to Connacht.

Good business from Connacht, much better business than Ulster. I'd take Ioane over Morgan, proven over the unknown.

by LeinsterFan4life Wed 10 Jul 2024, 1:59 pm

Pete330v2 wrote:
Kingshu wrote:Josh Ioane former all black OH to Connacht.

Good business from Connacht, much better business than Ulster. I'd take Ioane over Morgan, proven over the unknown.

Are you sure? Kiwi fans don't rate Ioane at all from what I've seen. They were far more positive on Morgan.

by Pete330v2 Wed 10 Jul 2024, 3:28 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:
Pete330v2 wrote:
Kingshu wrote:Josh Ioane former all black OH to Connacht.

Good business from Connacht, much better business than Ulster. I'd take Ioane over Morgan, proven over the unknown.
Are you sure? Kiwi fans don't rate Ioane at all from what I've seen. They were far more positive on Morgan.

Munster fans were very positive about Flannery like a car salesman offloading a lemon Smile

From what I've seen of Ioane he's a cracking player, Morgan is a cracking prospect. I'm not saying Morgan won't be far better, he looks like he may well have a load of talent but it's still a gamble.

by formerly known as Sam Wed 10 Jul 2024, 4:12 pm

Pete330v2 wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:
Pete330v2 wrote:
Kingshu wrote:Josh Ioane former all black OH to Connacht.

Good business from Connacht, much better business than Ulster. I'd take Ioane over Morgan, proven over the unknown.
Are you sure? Kiwi fans don't rate Ioane at all from what I've seen. They were far more positive on Morgan.

Munster fans were very positive about Flannery like a car salesman offloading a lemon

From what I've seen of Ioane he's a cracking player, Morgan is a cracking prospect. I'm not saying Morgan won't be far better, he looks like he may well have a load of talent but it's still a gamble.

Ioane looks like a solid squad player. Don't think he's ever really kicked on like it was hoped he would, at 28 it's unlikely he's going to suddenly start ripping things up. Cracking might be stretching things.

by Geordie Fri 19 Jul 2024, 5:37 pm

Falcons have signed centre Sammy Arnold from Brive.

We've signed some size and power in the backs now...we might lack the quality of some of the sides above us, but we're going to be a FAR more physical team than previous seasons....

by Welshmushroom Fri 19 Jul 2024, 11:20 pm

Aled Davies leaving Saracens to join Cardiff......

by formerly known as Sam Sat 20 Jul 2024, 7:14 am

Geordie wrote:Falcons have signed centre Sammy Arnold from Brive.

We've signed some size and power in the backs now...we might lack the quality of some of the sides above us, but we're going to be a FAR more physical team than previous seasons....

That should be a handy signing for Falcons. Pretty sure he's EQ again by now as well just to help with the quotas/credits.

Steve Diamond definitely putting his stamp on things.

by mikey_dragon Sat 20 Jul 2024, 9:52 am

Welshmushroom wrote:Aled Davies leaving Saracens to join Cardiff......

Simply an awful signing of an awful player. Still no idea how he even got his first ever pro contract. Cardiff let go of a lot of average players only to replace them with more average players - I can't see anything changing next season.

by Geordie Sat 20 Jul 2024, 10:28 am

formerly known as Sam wrote:
Geordie wrote:Falcons have signed centre Sammy Arnold from Brive.

We've signed some size and power in the backs now...we might lack the quality of some of the sides above us, but we're going to be a FAR more physical team than previous seasons....

That should be a handy signing for Falcons. Pretty sure he's EQ again by now as well just to help with the quotas/credits.

Steve Diamond definitely putting his stamp on things.

Yeah he's EQ Sam. Diamond specifically said yes rhe type their looking for...100 top flight games decent age and EQ. And physical.

Teams might not look forward to coming to KP once again...it won't be as easy anymore.

by formerly known as Sam Sat 20 Jul 2024, 5:37 pm

Geordie wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:
Geordie wrote:Falcons have signed centre Sammy Arnold from Brive.

We've signed some size and power in the backs now...we might lack the quality of some of the sides above us, but we're going to be a FAR more physical team than previous seasons....

That should be a handy signing for Falcons. Pretty sure he's EQ again by now as well just to help with the quotas/credits.

Steve Diamond definitely putting his stamp on things.

Yeah he's EQ Sam. Diamond specifically said yes rhe type their looking for...100 top flight games decent age and EQ. And physical.

Teams might not look forward to coming to KP once again...it won't be as easy anymore.

Expecting anymore to come in Geordie?

by Geordie Sat 20 Jul 2024, 11:16 pm

Don't think so now to be honest. They've done better than I thought..and there's a few 'hopes' I think like the twin props. Supposedly very highly rated but supposed and actual are two different things.

I think the key will be keeping everyone fit..Luin De Bruin might be a physical prop but he's had his injury concerns etc

Others like Ben Stevenson for example Is a player I rate so highly...top class prem winger. But last season he barely played due to injury. Get him back firing and there's a powerful talented winger with a strong defence. People rave about Radwan but at his peak I'd say Stevenson was a far better winger.

by **Rugby Fan** Sun 21 Jul 2024, 7:26 am

Ardie Savea has signed to the NZRU until 2027 but will leave the Hurricanes and join Moana Pasifika. He put the reveal on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C9q-0nQRgAy/

by formerly known as Sam Sun 21 Jul 2024, 8:57 am

Savea gets to play with his brother and help promote Samoan rugby. Great for Moana but a blow for the Canes.

by geoff999rugby Mon 22 Jul 2024, 10:36 am

Have to say that Sam Arnold is a hard man but it frequently crosses over to thuggish behaviour.
Not popular at Ulster

by formerly known as Sam Mon 22 Jul 2024, 9:12 pm

Martin Moloney formerly of Leinster is on trial at Exeter Chiefs.

Looks like Ollie Devoto is going to sign for Nat League 2 West side Taunton Titans where he'll be a player coach. Apparently he wasn't keen on moving out of the South West.

by Geordie Tue 23 Jul 2024, 8:39 am

geoff999rugby wrote:Have to say that Sam Arnold is a hard man but it frequently crosses over to thuggish behaviour.
Not popular at Ulster

Well i dont condone thuggish behavior, but by god we need a few tough blokes in this side now (which Diamond has brought in) . Hopefully he can bring the physicality we need but keep it legal, and not idiotic.

by Geordie Tue 23 Jul 2024, 8:51 am

formerly known as Sam wrote:Martin Moloney formerly of Leinster is on trial at Exeter Chiefs.

Looks like Ollie Devoto is going to sign for Nat League 2 West side Taunton Titans where he'll be a player coach. Apparently he wasn't keen on moving out of the South West.

A my cousins son plays for them.

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