Transfers 2014/2015 Season

First topic message reminder :

Well silly season is almost upon us so thought I would keep tabs on the comings and goings.  Will put the confirmed transfers, unconfirmed transfers (rumours) and out of contract players into various columns.  Please post any news or rumours and I will keep the original post updated.

Confirmed
Jon Davies (Scarlets) to Clermont
Regan King (Clermont) to Scarlets
Ian Evans (Ospreys) to Toulon
John Afoa (Ulster) to Gloucester
Rory Kockott (Castres) to Toulon (reportedly trying to cancel deal to stay at Castres)
Richard Hibbard (Ospreys) to Gloucester
Mamuka Gorgodze (Montpellier) to Toulon
Sebastien Vahaamahina (Perpignan) to Clermont
Guilhem Guirado (Perpignan) to Toulon
Robin Copeland (Blues) to Munster
Armitev (Northampton) to Russia (unconfirmed club)
Qera (Gloucester) to Toulouse
Casey Laulala (Munster to France (Club unconfirmed but thought to be Racing Metro)
Tom Court (Ulster) to London Irish
Andre Pretorius (Blues) to Worcester
Zac Guildford (New Zealand) to Clermont
Sivivatu (Clermont) to Castres
Aled Brew (Biarritz) to Dragons
Lee Byrne (Clermont) to Dragons
Dwayne Peel (Sale) to Bristol
Thomas Waldrom (Leicester) to Exeter
Dan Evans (Dragons) to Ospreys
Ieuan Jones (Dragons) to Blues
Jean-Philippe Genevois (Biarritz) to Perpignan
Benoit Cabello (Clermont) to Perpignan
Sakiusa Matadigo (Racing) to Perpignan
Jonathan Wisniewski (Racing) to Grenoble
Leigh Halfpenny (Blues) to Toulon
Josh Turnbull (Scarlets) to Blues
Nick Abendanon (Bath) to Clermont
Anthony Perenise (Bath) to Bristol
Craig Mitchell (Exeter) to Blues
Hoani Tui (Exeter) to Lyon
Tavis Knoyle (Gloucester) to Blues
Marland Yarde (London Irish) to Harlequins
Neil Cochrane (Wasps) to Edinburgh
Henry Thomas (Sale) to Bath
Josh Matavesi (Worcester) to Ospreys
Nick Auterac (Saracens) to Bath
Boris Stankovich (Leicester) to Dragons
Bradley Davies (Blues) to London Wasps
Moray Low (Glasgow) to Exeter
Chris Cussiter (Glasgow) to Sale
Matt Stevens (Saracens) to Sharks
Sam Smith (Harlequins) to Worcester
James Gaskell (Sale) to Wasps


Unconfirmed
Martin Moore (Leinster) to France
Freddie Burns (Gloucester) to Leicester
Matthew Morgan (Ospreys) to Leicester/Northampton/Dragons
Toby Flood (Leicester) to Toulon/Toulouse
Niki Genova (Leicester) to Castres
Jim Hamilton (Montpellier) to Japan
Anthony Allen (Leicester) to Leinster
Lote Tuquiri (Leinster) to Connacht
Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier) to Castres
Brice Dulin (Castres) to Racing Metro
Antonie Claassen (Castres) to Racing Metro
Eion Griffin (Connacht) to London Irish
Gavin Henson (Bath) to Dragons



Out of Contract
Adam Jones (Ospreys)
Keith Earls (Munster)
Rob Hawkins (Leicester)
Louis Deacon (Leicester)
Daniel Bowden (Leicester)
Scott Hamilton (Leicester)



Retiring
Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster)
Andrew Sheridan (Toulon - unconfirmed)
Steve Borthwick (Saracens)
Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon) - might be playing on for another season.
Sebastien Bruno (Toulon)
George Chuter (Leicester) moving to Worcester coaching
Johann Muller (Ulster)
Mike Tindall (Gloucester - unconfirmed)
Ian Gough (London Irish - unconfirmed)
Will James (Gloucester)

Can Keating play FB as well as wing? We are pretty well stocked on the wing, even with Yarde leaving, not so much so at full back with JOC also going.

I thought Keating was equally adept at full back, possibly even that it was his main position. However, I may be incorrect in that assumption.

Pretty sure he has played in the Championship at FB but is mainly a winger. He certainly won't be a starter for you anyway.

Looking at his Rotherham page, it has him listed as a full back, with wing as an alternative position. That makes more sense as a signing for us and will mean we are stocked with quality and depth across the back 3.

" Tom Youngs was never going to make it as a 12 at club level, never mind international and the jury is out whether he actually has."

Yeah Bathite the fact he's been exceptional at Tigers and was brilliant on the Lions tour is clearly the sign of a player failing to prove himself. He's having a tough time with England at the minute but players often have a dip after their initial breakthrough, Hartley did as well. Lions players also tend to underperform or pick up injuries in the season after the tour.

Bit early to say where Burgess will play. Bath will have plans but until he's down at the training ground going through the training routines they won't know for sure.

I think claiming he was brilliant on the Lions tour is stretching things a bit. Good player, still not convinced he is a test class hooker. His basics at times are just not up to scratch at that level.

I wouldn't go so far to say he was brilliant either, he was decent.

Youngs should be nowhere near the England team at the minute though, his throwing is a disgrace.

Perhaps Youngs wouldn't have featured if Hartley had not missed the tour, and Hartley has picked up where he left off (good form which had him down as the favourite to start at hooker in the Lions team).

What's with all the hype surrounding Sam Burgess? This just seems really desperate from England, hoping to find the next SBW or Izzy, that's hopeless. You've a great find already in Burrell.

Impossible Standards wrote:Rumour - Ryan Jones to the Dragons.

Great to see him there but he will need his wellies, I can t see him at Dave.

Great player, even though he's a Newport lad he's too much of an Ospreys-loyalist to return home. If he did make his way here, he'd be shunted to 2nd row and is that really his best position?

glamorganalun wrote:

Impossible Standards wrote:Rumour - Ryan Jones to the Dragons.

Great to see him there but he will need his wellies, I can t see him at Dave.

Isn't he off to Bristol?

Ruaidhri Murphy Brumbies to Ulster

All gossip is Ryan Jones to Bristol.
Strong enough that BT sport were saying as much over the weekend

Ozzy3213 wrote:I think claiming he was brilliant on the Lions tour is stretching things a bit.  Good player, still not convinced he is a test class hooker.  His basics at times are just not up to scratch at that level.

You could say that about every player in the world of rugby.

nathan wrote:

Ozzy3213 wrote:I think claiming he was brilliant on the Lions tour is stretching things a bit.  Good player, still not convinced he is a test class hooker.  His basics at times are just not up to scratch at that level.

You could say that about every player in the world of rugby.

I disagree.

Nobody throws as badly as Youngs in Int rugby.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:

nathan wrote:

Ozzy3213 wrote:I think claiming he was brilliant on the Lions tour is stretching things a bit.  Good player, still not convinced he is a test class hooker.  His basics at times are just not up to scratch at that level.

You could say that about every player in the world of rugby.

I disagree.

Nobody throws as badly as Youngs in Int rugby.

Have you seen Ross Ford for Scotland over the last year or two?

demosthenes wrote:

Sgt_Pooly wrote:

nathan wrote:

Ozzy3213 wrote:I think claiming he was brilliant on the Lions tour is stretching things a bit.  Good player, still not convinced he is a test class hooker.  His basics at times are just not up to scratch at that level.

You could say that about every player in the world of rugby.

I disagree.

Nobody throws as badly as Youngs in Int rugby.

Have you seen Ross Ford for Scotland over the last year or two?

Quite. If it wasn't for gravity helping him, Fordy would probably miss the ground.

I forgot about Ford, I still think Youngs would destroy him though

" Youngs should be nowhere near the England team at the minute though, his throwing is a disgrace."

Over exaggerating much. Did he lose any lineouts vs Scotland? I think he only over shot the one vs France. In a game where he made some big carries he gets crucified for one over throw. Didn't realise Stuart Barnes posted on here. I'd happily have him back at Tigers during this period as England look poor and we need his wrecking ball impact at Welford Rd.

Another player being stolen from Rotherham, they must be gutted that their quality recruitment is being picked apart by bigger clubs time and time again.

The lineout went wrong when he was throwing twice against Scotland. Whether that was his fault is debatable

fkas

He came on and overthrew a key attacking lineout vs. France. He was then part of a scrum that gave a way a penalty in front of the sticks. These things had an impact on the result.

Against Scotland we were 100% in the lineout until he came on, and he then messed up 2 in a row. Neither proved crucial as Scotland are gash, but it doesn't change the fact that his set piece work has not been up to scratch, and that is not acceptable from an international hooker, however well he carries the ball.

formerly known as Sam wrote:" Tom Youngs was never going to make it as a 12 at club level, never mind international and the jury is out whether he actually has."

Yeah Bathite the fact he's been exceptional at Tigers and was brilliant on the Lions tour is clearly the sign of a player failing to prove himself. He's having a tough time with England at the minute but players often have a dip after their initial breakthrough, Hartley did as well. Lions players also tend to underperform or pick up injuries in the season after the tour.

Bit early to say where Burgess will play. Bath will have plans but until he's down at the training ground going through the training routines they won't know for sure.

Based on what has followed, I think my comment of the "the jury is out" is a pretty accurate representation of people's thoughts.

formerly known as Sam wrote:" Youngs should be nowhere near the England team at the minute though, his throwing is a disgrace."

Over exaggerating much. Did he lose any lineouts vs Scotland? I think he only over shot the one vs France. In a game where he made some big carries he gets crucified for one over throw. Didn't realise Stuart Barnes posted on here. I'd happily have him back at Tigers during this period as England look poor and we need his wrecking ball impact at Welford Rd.

Another player being stolen from Rotherham, they must be gutted that their quality recruitment is being picked apart by bigger clubs time and time again.

I had him down as missing 3 out of 4 throws against Scotland, not just just missing but nowhere near.

His hooking basics are a disgrace, anyone but a biased Tigers fan would agree.

Oooh a disgrace but pre 6N he had a 91% lineout accuracy at Tigers. He didn't struggle with the Lions either. Only with Lawes calling it for England does he seem to wobble.

Someone dropped this quote in on the Tiger board:

Quote from Lancaster on sky sports website

"Certainly the first two lineouts were definitely not Tom's fault and I think all the boys felt for him a bit.

"As hookers do, he got the criticism but actually it was other areas that caused the problem. He is a British Lion, he is a quality player and a quality person and we stick by him, definitely."

And that may be true, although the fact that Lancaster has blatantly lied twice in the past 2 1/2 weeks in the media doesn't help

"Coach publicly defends player who's messed up" - Shocker!

So Lawes manages to call 20 out of 20 perfectly before Youngs comes on against Scotland, but suddenly can't do that with Youngs throwing in.  Sorry mate, but I'm not buying it.

I fully accept that it's not always the hookers fault when the lineout goes wrong, but some of his throwing is appalling.  You can throw out whatever stats you want, but it does not tell a story really does it.  Were the ones he hit to the front, middle or back, or under pressure or not.  I'm pretty sure I could hit my front jumper 90% of the time when under no pressure in the middle of the pitch.

Not sure if it's been posted yet. But a US rugby site is reporting Carlin Isles has signed for Glasgow.

http://rugbymag.com/americans-overseas-/10511.html

Chris Cusiter has signed for Sale from Glasgow. Reported on the Sale site.

That's very interesting! I'd heard that Laidlaw was their target? Maybe that makes him available for us now?

Youngs can't be defended, he's awful.

You bring up stats and quotes but it's plain to see the guy can't throw at Int level.

Ok, I am not a hooker and so don't claim to be an expert on the matter but can someone tell me what the difference is between throwing to a line out in the Club match (Prem or HC) and an International match? For me it's not like a scrum where you might come up against lesser props at club level and get found out at international level. It seems to me that a line out is a line out and the only difference is the calls that are made, but in reality you are throwing it either to the front, middle or back. If this is the case, why can someone who is good enough to throw at 91% at club level not be able to throw at international level? This is a serious question, not trying to start an argument with anyone, despite being a Tigers fan.

Pressure and expectation.

To me it's the increased pressure (he will often fluff a throw for Tigers when in own 22) and that he's unable to adapt to a new system/caller.

Coleman wrote:Not sure if it's been posted yet. But a US rugby site is reporting Carlin Isles has signed for Glasgow.

http://rugbymag.com/americans-overseas-/10511.html

Rugby's fastest player, moves to Scotland?!    Excuse me while I say 'What the Frak!'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-2561637/Lion-Matt-Stevens-heads-home-swansong-Super-15-Natal-Sharks.html

Matt Stevens to Natal Sharks according to the daily mail.


Tom Youngs lineout throwing vs Gloucester was further proof that he is going through a very poor patch at the lineout. Did show that he's very good around the park but when your throwing is that far off the mark you become a liability.

Isles, Hogg and Maitland, fastest back 3 in club rugby, in the world?!

yappysnap wrote:

Coleman wrote:Not sure if it's been posted yet. But a US rugby site is reporting Carlin Isles has signed for Glasgow.

http://rugbymag.com/americans-overseas-/10511.html

Rugby's fastest player, moves to Scotland?!    Excuse me while I say 'What the Frak!'

Scotstoun is a surface that is absolutely made for his twinkly feet

What positions are clubs looking to fill?

I know Bath are looking at a new 9.

Saracens are potentially looking at a new lock to replace the retired Borthwick, likely signing a new tighthead to replace Stevens and potentially a new 9 to replace De Kock who I expect could retire.

Gloucester need a new 10 or two with Mills and Burns leaving - who do you think they are?

Chris Cusiter signs for Sale Sharks. Didn't see that coming - great signing for Sale - a Top 14 championship winner and British Lion with a rapid pass and an eye for the gap. Just too many scrum halfs in the queue at Glasgow, I guess. He would be my second choice behind Matawalu.

Sam - are you pleased with this?

" You bring up stats and quotes but it's plain to see the guy can't throw at Int level."

Well rounded argument there then Sgt. I think he's just going through a dodgey post Lions patch which isn't unusual. His form is stable but he's not at his best.

Beshocked, Tigers are after another prop, 8 and possibly a little more back cover depending on whether Bowden stays or goes.

Sam you after a tighthead or loosehead prop? I ask because there's a huge difference in my opinion. Tighthead are far harder to acquire as you know.

Which players are on your realistic shopping list?

George carlin when you think about it - it makes sense. The Scots seem to like Sale as a destination because it's closer to Scotland. Sale have an opening at 9 with Peel leaving.

Sam, I just don't see this Lions argument.

Youngs has on the majority thrown poorly for England, it's been more of a surprise when he has thrown well. Even when he has had a good run (last 6N?) he would throw one shocker every few throws. He's also never been able to adapt outside the Tigers callers.

I understand you want to defend him but looking at it as a neutral you must be able to see his set piece is nowhere near good enough.

beshocked wrote:George carlin when you think about it - it makes sense. The Scots seem to like Sale as a destination because it's closer to Scotland. Sale have an opening at 9 with Peel leaving.

Cus is also good mates with Nathan Hines as they played together at Perpignan, so Hines coming in the summer would have made the decision a bit easier. Diamond is also a smooth talking son of a gun, which presumably also has to be factored in.

beshocked wrote:What positions are clubs looking to fill?

If we get Eoin Griffin from Connacht and Michael Keating from Rotherham, I think that will be it for outside backs shopping for us. We are still talking to Stephen Brett, and if we get him I think that will be it for the backline.

Up front, we are looking definitely at a lock, and another back row forward. Unless some real top quality becomes available I suspect that we will stick with what we have in the front row and have Phil Keith-Roach continue to work with them to get them up to scratch.

updated a few more

Needs a new thread mushroom, this one will go bang soon.

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

yappysnap wrote:

Coleman wrote:Not sure if it's been posted yet. But a US rugby site is reporting Carlin Isles has signed for Glasgow.

http://rugbymag.com/americans-overseas-/10511.html

Rugby's fastest player, moves to Scotland?!    Excuse me while I say 'What the Frak!'

Scotstoun is a surface that is absolutely made for his twinkly feet

Only if he's hovering above it! Poor bloke is in for a shock...

beshocked wrote:What positions are clubs looking to fill?


Gloucester need a new 10 or two with Mills and Burns leaving - who do you think they are?

We do need 2 FHs and the names being mentioned the most are Gareth Anscombe, Johan Goosen and Tom Heathcote. I'm pretty sure we're no longer interested in Priestland and Stephen Brett; given Nigel Davies has suggested he wants an 80%+ goal kicker it seems to make sense why these 2 would now be off the radar. I know a number of Glaws fans are rather hopeful we could prize Hodgson away as he's out of contract, but I can't see that ever happening.

We need a back up FH too and I believe we have signed this person, as in our recent fans forum ND confirmed we have signed one and I think it's more likely to be the back up. This really could be anyone. We've been linked to old boy Tristan Roberts at Bristol. Given Lamb has joined Wuss I wouldn't be adverse to Mieres joining. As the 3 main names linked are all relatively young I think it is important we sign a more experienced FH.

Ultimately in recent years Glaws have had the wonderful side of the mavericks Lamb and Burns, but have also had the dire side too. Whilst the creativity is a joy to behold, I'm not sure if it completely makes up for the bad times. For me the best FH Glaws have had in the last 20 years was Ludovic Mercier - no international commitments, a proper siege cannon boot and accuracy of well over 75%. He wasn't the most creative and did butcher a few opportunities (and arguably cost us the miracle match in Munster!) but I'd have him back in a flash.

Exe will be looking for another tighthead - don't think Baxter is too fussed if it's a seasoned or a project player - plus a centre to cover for the anticipated loss of Shoey and likely retirement from injury of Naqer. Scrum half is also a little up in the air with Haydn Thomas rumoured to be off, and the choice between James Phillips and Kai Horstmann is still open too

ASBO, you could do worse than sign Rupert Harden at TH. His stock has rightly crashed in the last 18 months with a series of poor performances, but he was a Saxons player on the cusp of the main EPS and with a bit of confidence coupled with some improved technical coaching I think he could get back to those levels of performance. He has been made a scapegoat for a lot of Glaws' scrum issues, but it goes far deeper than just his body position.

HongKongCherry wrote:ASBO, you could do worse than sign Rupert Harden at TH. His stock has rightly crashed in the last 18 months with a series of poor performances, but he was a Saxons player on the cusp of the main EPS and with a bit of confidence coupled with some improved technical coaching I think he could get back to those levels of performance.  He has been made a scapegoat for a lot of Glaws' scrum issues, but it goes far deeper than just his body position.

Hmm, he might be an interesting shout, HKC, altho we don't have a specific 'scrummaging coach' just Rob Cowling (academy) and Rob Hunter (forwards) - would very much depend on if they thought he could scale his previous heights. Henry Thomas would have been good for us, altho I'd personally see if we couldn't wait and get Scott Wilson next summer