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DRIVER HAPPY WITH DAYS DEALINGS


Harlequins today unveiled the signings of Kieron Brookes , Riki Flutey , Tom Lindsey and Elliot Daley. It was common knowledge that Driver was out to beef up his pack and the signings of Kieron Brookes and Tom Lindsey have certainly helped with that whilst adding to the clubs policy of building for the future.

'Brookes is a big signing for us as he can play all across the front row and is a massive talent in the game and working with Gary (Gold) and Deano (Dean Richards) will only bring him on leaps and bounds as it will for Tom Lindsey who is a real handful around the park'

Riki Flutey has come to the club from London Wasps and will give Quins a level head at 12 and a great creator of space for the players outside. Elliot Daly is a talented player who plays all across the backline but looks likely to settle for a place on the wing this season.

Bath complete dream centre pairing

This week Bath, announced the signing of in-form outside centre Casey Laulala, who looks set to complete a star studded midfield in the coming weeks, with the return of Francois Steyn from injury. Bathite commented 'we are delighted to welcome Casey to the team, he is a player I have rated very highly for the last few years, he offers a tremendous threat in the 13 channel and his skill set compliments Frans very well.

With the current form of club stalwart Matt Carraro, it is unlikely that Casey will start this weekend, but we can expect him to make an impact off the bench, as he settles into his new surroundings.

On another note, the Bath head coach was delighted to confirm that star flanker Frans Louw will be fit for selection this weekend. His skills at the breakdown, leadership in the pack and dogged determination will be a huge asset ahead of the crunch game.

Bathie refused to confirm rumours that he was considering offloading some members of his squad, but did comment that 'every player has his price and I'm willing to listen to offers to some of our younger players, who can't quite get gametime right now, in order to substantially improve the overall qulaity of the squad'

WASPS CONTINUE OVERHAUL

London Wasps have further strengthened their squad with the signings of Jordan Turner-Hall, Mike Brown, Chris Brooker, Karl Dickson, Jimmy Gopperth, James Fitzpatrick and Michael Lipman. The signings have come at a cost for Wasps, seeing Hugo Southwell, Danny Cipriani, Dominic Waldouck, Jonathan Poff, Tom Lindsay, Nic Berry, Riki Flutey and Rory Clegg depart the club.
Boss stinck has confirmed some of the new signings will be in the squad for the Sale match, and all players will travel.

Can the Saints keep on marching?

Northampton Saints travel to Reaing this weekend and will look to keep the momentum going looking for a 5th win in as many games. Talking to Will Greenwood on the Rugby Club Director of Rugby SJE had this to say:

On his side:

“This week we are looking to continue playing to our own strengths and have gone with a big powerful front 5 to really set the tone in the contact area and at scrum time. With the likes of Haywood, Manoa, Lawes and co we want to make this a big physical game and really make the hits count.

Clark and Wood continue on the flanks and provide us with more big tacklers as well as some expertise at the breakdown. Kieran Read gives us another fantastic carrying option as well as the ability to link the play between forwards and backs. The backrow also provides us with three exceptional lineout jumpers to assist Lawes.

We are delighted to see our internationals back this week. Lee and Johnny come back in at halfback well rested due to different reasons (we aren’t complaining!) and will look to dictate the pace of the game when in possession”

On the opposition:

“Irish have started the season well and most definitely have their own playoff aspirations. Key to their success is the breakdown play of David Pocock and the creativity of Bowden at flyhalf. With good quick ball they can kill a side so we will look to stop them playing by ruining the breakdown. We will be looking to the choke tackle, to force mauls and turnovers hopefully negating Pococks effect on the breakdown.

After analysing the tapes we will look to target the Irish defensive set up in this one. With the usual up and out system on show we will be looking for our back 3, particularly Ashton and Foden, to run lines of our ball carriers against the Irish drift , looking for the offload, to completely break the defensive line and get in behind Irish where we have the pace and ability to finish any chance.

Irish come in to this game with some recent major transfer activity as well. With Regan King signing in the last week coming into a key defensive position at 13 we will most definitely be looking to test him out and send runners down his channel. In the pack Servat and Palmer come into the side after signing Thursday from Newcastle and with such minimal time at the club we will be expecting a very basic lineout function from Irish this week which we will look to take advantage off.”

ANOTHER WORLD CUP WINNER COMES TO BATH!

Bath are delighted to announce the signing of world cup winning superstar Israel Dagg.

Israel is one of the best backs in world rugby and experienced a very successful world cup, finishing amongst the top try scorers. He will bring a huge attacking threat to our backline and I can't wait to see him link up with countryman Casey Lualala with his trademark breaks in midfield.

With the forward signings of Owen Franks, Simon Shaw and Frans Louw in place, Bath know have real explosive quality in the backs to damage any team in the league

Tranfser Circus Continues at up North

In the past few weeks the Falcons Director of Rugby, Sam Flux, has been busy wheeling and dealing in the transfer market - as a raft of players have come in and out of the doors at Kingston Park. With the recent arrival of David Wilson, Simon Shaw, Lewis Moody, Tom Heathcote and Nick Abendanon from Bath, the Falcons now boast a strong English contingent with solid Premiership experience for the relegation run in. These recent signings also augment previous signings, such as Shingler, Waldlouck, P Hodgson, and young former Falcon Gray to mention a few.

Flux had this to comment on his recent transfer activity;
"I'm always searching out the best players avaialble for the Falcons. My aim is to make this team and this squad a mainstay in the Premiership for years to come, and that can only be done with some prudent and necessary transfers to bring out the best in the squad and the of the players we already have here."

Bath complete first domestic deal

Today Bath announce the signings of South African International and Ulster Captain Johann Muller, England International Magnus Lund, England Saxons Jon Golding and Rory Clegg and talented youngster Josh Beaumont and Tom Catterick.

Proven, in form quality arrives in the pack
Head Coach Bathite commented "We have taken the decision to let some of our squad players leave in order to add some real quality to the starting lineup, especially in the pack, where we have suffered a bit against the top sides. Johann brings a huge presence to the second row and will run our lineout for us. He is in great form for Ulster and alongside Dave Attwood, forms one of the best second rows in the league.

Out with the old.....
Unfortunately, we had to let Simon Shaw and Lewis Moody leave, but Magnus and Johann still have their best years ahead of them and will be available all year, so they represent a big part of the future for Bath Rugby. Lewis has been suffering from injury for most of the season, so we hope the move up North we revitalise him and get him back to form. Magnus has been signed because of his vast experience at the top level and is a player currently enjoying a rich vein of form. He will largely by played at blindside, but his versatility will be key in ensuring we can rotate our back row options. Magnus, Frans and Carl are all hugely versatile and will interchange during the season and their fluidilty allows them to mix up the responsibilities during the game and play as the conditions dictate.

Famous name with the world at his feet
Josh Beaumont is another player who is one to look out for and is making very quick strides for a young player, having already represented England Students. Josh will spend time with Danny Grewcock in the academy and we couldn't ask for a better mentor. Hopefully Josh might feature in some match day squads towards the end of the season.

Wishing them well for the future
Sadly, Bendy has had to leave us, he has been a great player for us for the last few years and is very consistent, however, with the arrival of Israel Dagg, it was a loss we could afford to make. Rory Clegg comes in for Tom Heathcote and brings a level of experience and exposure that Tom hasn't received yet. Rory will be an able back up to Stephen Donald and I expect him to push the beaver hard for first team selection.

The bumper move also sees Jon Golding head South and Bath hope that the change of scenery will help him get back to the form that 18 months ago had him being recommended for International selection. Along with David Flatman, Nathan Catt and Charlie Beech, we now have a barrage of talented EQ looseheads at our disposal, which will be crucial in a long season.

CHIEFS NOT RESTING ON THEIR LAURELS

After registering a first win of the season against high flying Bath at the weekend, Exeter Chiefs head coach Ozzy3213 had this to say.

"I was pleased with the performance form the boys against a very good Bath team, but it is just one victory and we are still 11th in the table. What we must do is maintain the standards that we set for ourself last time out, and produce those sort of performances consistently for the rest of the year. It has been a difficult period for the club over the past month, but things are now settled and we can move onwards and hopefully upwards. We know that Sale Sharks will provide a stern test this weekend, but I am confident that if we can produce the same sort of display as we did last week, along with the Sandy Park factor, we can get another positive result this time out."

Sale Sign 2 Hookers

In recent weeks, Sale have secured the signatures of two top quality hookers. Gary Botha, is an experienced springbok international who is one of the top set piece hookers around.

Nathan Charles the only proffessional sportsman to suffer from cystic fibrosis has already been called up to the wallabies training squad and made himself first choice for a Super XV franchise all having just turned 23. He is great in the loose and look perfect to compliment Botha.

DRIVER EXPLAINS CARE DEPARTURE

Harlequins chief Driver today revealed the reasons in which England scrum half Danny Care was allowed to make the switch to league leaders Leicester Tigers for £18.5m.

'Danny is obviously a very talented rugby player and has had a wonderful career at Quins but he thinks playing for Tigers will see him really pressure Lee Dickson and Ben Youngs for the England jersey and we applaud Dan's international ambitions and fully understand he's reasons for leaving'

Quins have been linked with a series of names around the globe since Care left mainly players playing there trade in France , Ireland and South Africa. Luke Burgess is said to be top of the list but Driver is remaining tight lipped despite Connor O'Shea flying out to Paris to have a drink with Morgan Parra and Connor Murrey.

Bath snaffle youngster

Bath director of rugby is delighted to announce the signing of young full back Ross Chisholm. We wanted to have another player to challenge Israel for the 15 shirt, something we lacked when we let Bendy go to Newcastle.

Ross is a great young talent and his size and speed will be a real threat to other teams in this league. With Ross' fresh from a potential try of the season last week, he comes full of confidence and ready to challenge for a first team spot

World Cup Winning All Black Joins the Falcons

Newcastle Falcons have announced the signing of New Zealand's World Cup winning blindside flanker Jerome Kaino from the Super 15 side the Blues. There have long been reports once the World Cup had been completed that the dynamic flanker had been looking at a move overseas to further his rugby experience and improve his game.
Kaino was one of the stars of the All Blacks' victorious World Cup campaign and featured in all of their matches at the global showpiece last year.
His fine form saw him winning the New Zealand's Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year trophy and he was amongst the nominees for the IRB International Player of the Year award.

Jerome had this to say on his move to Kingston Park,
"I'm still looking back at what happened in 2011 and that was a huge year,"
"Looking forward to this season, it's going to be tough to replicate it. That's the whole part of sport, challenge yourself to try and get better and I think that's the goal this year." he explained.

Director of Rugby Sam Flux stated that this was a coup for the Falcons and will aid them in their relegation run in. But he has also stated that no-one will be resting on the laurels as players, and coaches maintain a high intensity in their work to ensure the club keeps its head above water come the end of the season.

Flux Delight with Falcons Result

Newcastle Falcons coach Sam Flux admitted his team are in a "nice place" after their hard earned 26 -1 7 victory at Kingston Park, against a well drilled Sale Sharks outfit.

Flux stated "Our attitude today was first class."
"The only way to win games and get the performances you want in this league is to set your stall out, and dictate the game in the way you want it to be played."

“We don't spend much time looking at the league tables. The lads are working hard each week, and we are taking each game as they come. We are working hard to win our home games, which will help us in the long run."

Falcons coach Flux then when on to state that they're scouting a number of players and that the Falcons will be recruiting hopefully one more key signing which will aid their fight to stave off relegation.

Falcons Sign South African Exile and England Star

Today the Newcastle Falcons announced the signing of the former Ulster and Natal Sharks man Ruan Piennar on a long term deal. Flux was clearly delighted at getting Pienaar's signature and stated that he will be a key man in building the club and for them to progress in the future.

On the same day Falcons also announced the arrival of powerful England loosedhead prop Alex Corbisiero, along with Tongan international Chris Hala'ufia, and promising youngster Adam Thompstone on loan for the rest of the season. Flux went on to say, that these sort of signings will benefit the club in long run, and will continue to search for deals that will help the club grow in the future.

Irish boast monster pack

London Irish manager has this week made a signing this week which he describes as 'one of the missing pieces'. Scottish International Euan Murray has signed for Irish, bolstering the front row.

Euan is a fantastic acquisition for the club. His experience both on the pitch and around the club will be invaluable. We now feel we have great competition in the front row department, which is great headache to have.

London Irish have also signed the talented number 8 Tom Guest, and hooker Rob Vickers on loan.

Leaving the club was Alex Corbisiero and Chris Hala'ufia Pullthestrings thanked them for their efforts and wished them all the best for the future. Adam Thompstone has also gone on loan to Newcastle to gain some valuable first team experience.

Quiet before the storm
It has all been quiet down in the West Country for the last month or so, with the Bath side letting their results do the talking. The team currently sits in 3rd place, having been in a playoff spot all season. A narrow loss at home to the Northampton Saints was seen as a huge opportunity missed to close the gap to the top two sides.

Taking the positives
However, always the realist and optimist, this experience has enthused the Bath manager Bathite "That game showed that we can compete with the very best in this league and although we got a losing bonus point, many thought we were going to win, which is hugely encouraging. We learnt a lot from that game and have identified an area that we will be looking to improve upon quickly.

New additions?
The set piece down at Bath is now in great shape, with leaders all over the park, but rumours are rife that the side are looking to bring in another ball carrying option into the back row.

Bathite state "Louw is a breakdown specialist and in a huge vein of form and we continue to be impressed with the potential of Carl Fearns whilst Magnus has come in and slotted seamlessly into the side, following the loss of Lewis [Moody]. However, we are always looking to improve the side and add competition for places, as we look to build for the playoff run in."

Back row bargaining
Unconfirmed reports are that Dan Lydiate and Toby Faletau have been sounded out for moves, with some papers reporting that the likes of Schalk Burger, Theirry Dusatoir and Richie McCaw are tempted with a stint with the wealthy West Country side. Bathite refused to comment on rumours, but added "we have been spending a long time deciding on our next target, the back row is a crucial part of the modern game and it is all about balance".

DRIVER DELIGHTED WITH SIGNING OF FARRELL

Speaking to journalists at Quins training camp in Neath , Driver has signalled his delight at the signing of Owen Farrell from Saracens. Farrell arrives at Quins with 5 England caps to his name and is expected to take the 12 shirt from Riki Flutey who is set to be released at the end of the season.

FALCONS BOSS FINAL RALLY CRY, BEFORE DO-OR-DIE GAME

Reporting back from a training camp in the Brecon Beacons for the past week, Director of Rugby Sam Flux stated that his squad are prepared for their final game of the season, in which could be a make or break game for the club.

Flux continued to state that the elimination from the Aviva cup was a blessing in disguise as it has allowed his squad to train an extra week, and also have a weekend off. Leaving the squad fresh and ready, to do battle this coming Saturday.

Flux finished the interview, saying that he has the complete confidence in his team for fighting until the end, and at the end of the day, if the result doesn't come their way - they'll come back fighting next time.[b]

Quins release 'X' from Squad ahead of next season.


Out

Joe Marler - Saracens
Dan Cole - Returns to Leicester from Loan
Ollie Kohn - Bedford Blues (Free Transfer)
Riki Flutey - Ricoh Black Rams (Japan)

Ins

Owen Farrell - Saracens
Jack Clifford - Quins Academy
Andy Short - Quins Academy


Quins scouts have already booked there flights to far off lands to discuss deals with a number of players. Top of Quins targets appear to be a loosehead , openside and Wing with Connor O'Shea flying to Northern Ireland last week to meet Ulster prop John Afoa and Munster man Wian Du Preez.

Gary Gold has also flew back home to South Africa to meet up with Cheifs centre Sonny Bill Williams according to some reports but more likely sources say he is talking to Zane Kirchner and Martin Rodriguez.

Dean Richards has took the easy route and drove across the 7 bridge to discuss a deal with a number of Welsh players. One who is believed to be James Hook alongside George North.

Players linked to Quins

John Afoa
Wian Du Preez
Sonny Bill Williams
Zane Kirchner
Martin Rodriguiz
James Hook
George North

I'm not sure I believe this to be your shopping list at all fella. Smokes and mirrors, Fergie style.

Bath rumoured to be drawing up a shortlist of players for end of season recruitment....

Funny how I have always rated Afoa, especially on the old game and people weren't convinced he was good enough. Pretty satisfying to see him become such a dominate force in the NH and the HC, which has to be one of the toughest tests for a SH TH

Quins defeat Legends team in President's day fixture

Quins played out there annual presidents day game against Quins legends and came away convincing winners in what was to be truthful a one sided affair. Owen Farrell made his first venture into Quins life pulling on the 10 jersey.

QUINS 38 LEGENDS 12

T:J Clifford , A A Cooper , N Evans , T Lindsey , A Short; W Carling , D Luger
C: O Farrell (5) ; B Gollings (1)
P: O Farrell ; N/A

Harlequins

Manager – Driver

01.Mark Lambert	09.Luke Burgess
02.Tom Lindsey	10.Owen Farrell
03.Chris Budgen
04.Charlie Matthews	11.Scott Hamilton
05.George Skivington	12.Tom Casson
06.Chris Robshaw(c)	13.Adam Ashley Cooper
07.Will Skinner	14.Andy Short
08.Jack Clifford	15.Nick Evans

QUINS LEGENDS

Manager – Dean Richards

01.Jason Leonard	09.Andy Gommersall
02.Keith Wood(c)	10.Ben Gollings
03.Ceri Jones
04.Nick Easter	11.Daffyd James
05.James Percival	12.Will Greenwood
06.Pat Sanderson	13.Will Carling
07.Paul Volly	14.Dan Luger
08.Tony Diprose	15.Hal Luscombe

I'd pay to see Budgie vs Leonard!!

Saracens bring in legend in advisory coaching role

Saracens' new manager, ChequeredJersey, has decided to do away with their conservative and defensive reputation once and for all by giving an advisory coaching position to one of the Club's most talented attacking geniuses of recent years, Le Petit Prince, Thomas Castaignede. Castaignede once played Fly Half and Fullback and Centre for the Club and is an experienced French international renowned for his flair and charisma.

The legend will be taking up an attack advisor Position. We will post more on this story as it becomes apparent, but Castaignede was quoted as being "flattered and very happy" with the proposal

It can now be confirmed that Castaignede's role has been increased to a part-time attack coach working with Andy Farrell, with the view to replacing him as a Backs coach in the long-term once he has built up experience in case of Farrell receiving other job offers.

QUINS CONTINUE SUMMER RECRUITMENT

Harlequins this week unveiled the signings of Wale's international Rhys Gill from Saracens and former Leinster man Jason Harris-Wright from Bristol.

Gill joins for the chance of more game time in the hopes of pushing for the Wales 1 jersey when Gethin Jenkins finally hangs up his boots. Gill had this to say on the move 'I'm delighted to have been able to join Quins , they are a club who have layed some solid foundations this season and have some world class players in there ranks such as Chris Robshaw , Luke Burgess , Nick Evans , Owen Farrell and Adam Ashley-Cooper'

Jason Harris Wright found his oppertunities limited at Leinster and moved to Bristol to complete his University studies but has opted to join Quins ahead of a return to the Irish giants.

Driver had this to say on the signing of JHW 'He's a cracking young player and with Joe Grey being named in the summer tour squad it's likely he'll be involved with England a lot more and Tom Lindsey is knocking hard on the door for England it was a area we needed some depth and now have 4 great young players in that position'

Northampton Saints End of Season Awards

After the disappointment of losing for the first time this season and finishing the season early Northampton Saints hosted the usual team dinner party. The end of year awards were announced as follows:


Player of the Year

Johnny Sexton - An ever present when available, Sextons direct running and smooth distribution from the fly half channel has given some great moments to the fans this season. Has been instrumental at key moments for the club.


Young Player of the Year

Jamie Elliot – A member of the Franklin Gardens academy, Elliot has seen plenty of game time this season and the flying winger cum centre looks like being around the first team for many years to come.


English Player of the Year

Lee Dickson - Offering leadership to the team from the base of the ruck, Dickson has been instrumental in the way Saints have gone about playing the game this season.

Overseas Player of the Year

Kieran Read – The first signing under the new Saints management team, Read settled in from the start and provides a big lift to the team with his strong breaks from the back of the scrum. Another born leader in this Saints side.




During the event ESPN were able to get a few words with DOR SJE regarding his team’s performance:

“It was a massive disappointment going down at home in the semi finals but we just weren’t clinical enough and Gloucester were just the better side on the day so fair dues to then”

On the playoff final:

“Its looking like a fantastic game with some fantastic runners on show in both backlines but that front 5 battle is just as intriguing with two world class tight heads looking to anchor big scrummaging units”

Plans going forward:

“We are excited at the prospect of Heineken Cup rugby at the Gardens next season but the league is our bread and butter. The fans here have been waiting for that elusive league title for so long and we aim to win it for them.

I can confirm we have had envoys out in Clermount and Cardiff in recent weeks as we look to strengthen the midfield area for next season but discussions are ongoing and we have nothing more to report back at the moment”

Falcons Continue Recruitment

Over the past week Newcastle Falcons Director of Rugby Sam Flux, has continued to recruiting new players for the Falcons squad prior to the start of the pre-season. Recently Flux has welcomed talented flanker Jamie Gibson, the promising Steve Mafi and the exciting Topsy Ojo and Adam Thompstone into his squad. Flux continues to make strides towards remodelling his squad for next season, as his side were saved from relegation earlier this week due to the facility requirements.

Flux went on to state that he was sad to see Kaino leave, and thanked him for his contribution to the Falcons cause last season. He also extended the same sentiment to Shaw, Tuilagi and Hufanga, as they find new pastures for next season.

Quins Run Rampant in Ricoh

Harlequins came out on top against Coventry RFC in a game to help raise funds for the struggling Coventry. Quins went with a full strength side tonight with new boy Ben Tameifuna featuring for 20 minutes from the bench. The game itself sold 30,000 tickets and proved a useful exercise for Quins at the same time.

Quins 55 Coventry 26

T: Williams (2) , Payne , Robshaw , Easter , Short (2) , Gill
C: Farrell (8)

Harlequins

Manager – Driver

01.Rhys Gill	09.Luke Burgess
02.Jason Harris Wright	10.Nick Evans
03.Cencus Johnstone
04.Tom Denton	11.James Short
05.Charlie Matthews	12.Owen Farrell
06.Chris Robshaw(c)	13.Adam Ashley-Cooper
07.Matt Kvesic	14.Tom Williams
08.Nick Easter	15.Jared Payne

Cencus Johnstone stepping in for his younger brother

You looking to play Farrell at 12 next season mate?

Saracens mix their squad up a little:

Saracens RFC are proud to announce they have signed New Zealand and Crusaders Captain Richie McCaw at number seven and talented young Scottish Flyhalf Harry Leonard.

"I can't wait to start playing with my old teammate Conrad, and think this club are really going to go places this year" said McCaw

"I see a real opportunity at Saracens and can't wait to learn from great controllers of the game like (Charlie) Hodgson and (Morgan) Parra. I've spoken to Andy Robinson and he assured me that moving to England won't detract from my International aspirations. My skipper Kelly Brown is here too and I feel the club has a great environment."

At the same time, strong Clubmen Rodd Penney and James Pritchard have been released. "we'd like to thank James and Rodd for their hard work and wish them the best of luck in their futures. Both have been great players but we mutually agreed it was time to move on." said ChequeredJersey, the Head of Saracens

Saracens name two squads for concurrent matches at their tour of the Scottish Borders. One side will play a side from Melrose and will comprise of;

Wyles
Smith
Smith
Powell
Tagibakibau
Hodgson
Spencer (k.)
Wray
Burger
Fa'asavalu
Borthwick (c.)
Skivington
Vunipola
Smit
Mullan

With Saunders, Allen, Kruis, York, Baldwin, Leonard and Ransom on the bench

The other will play a team from Kelso, with the following squad:

Goode
Monye
Tomkins
Allen
Maddock
Hougaard
Parra (k.)
Joubert
McCaw
Brown (c.)
Botha
Vyvvan
Nieto
Brits
Dickinson

Subs- du Plessis, Hawkins, Smith, Fraser, Wigglesworth, Geraghty, Turner

Then the Thatchers 7s team will play at a mini tournament on the Borders 7s circuit and the players without game time will replace them in the squad to play Glasgow and Edinburgh Teams

The Borders tour has been a great success, with all matches won.

Saracens' final match of the tour is against Edinburgh's full squad, then before we lose our International players to Summer tours, we would like to play an all- English exhibition friendly match against another Premiership club, using the following 15-

Mullen
Allen
Vunipola
Borthwick (c.)
Skivington
York
Fraser
Wray
Wigglesworth
Hodgson
Monye
Geraghty
Tomkins
Smith
Goode

Du Plessis
Saunders
Hawkins
Botha
Kruis
Spencer
Stanley
Ransom

CJ...have you heard where York is off to yet?

No, maybe Yappy or one of the others might have. I'd have liked to keep him but I understand him leaving

I know ; - )

ChequeredJersey wrote:
The Borders tour has been a great success, with all matches won.

Saracens' final match of the tour is against Edinburgh's full squad, then before we lose our International players to Summer tours, we would like to play an all- English exhibition friendly match against another Premiership club, using the following 15-

Mullen
Allen
Vunipola
Borthwick (c.)
Skivington
York
Fraser
Wray
Wigglesworth
Hodgson
Monye
Geraghty
Tomkins
Smith
Goode

Du Plessis
Saunders
Hawkins
Botha
Kruis
Spencer
Stanley
Ransom

Bath accept the challenge of Sarries and name the following all English 22, which features a number of young talented players that will be pushing hard for starting positions in the league next year.

Catt
Mears (c)
Palmer-Newport
Attwood
Beaumont
Skirving
Mercer
Fearns
Cook
Clegg (k)
Woodburn
Williams
Eastmond
Biggs
Chisholm

Flatman
Batty
Golding
Spencer
Skuse
Keyte
Catterick
Cook

Is it def???

I think he's an outstanding talent. Fast, physical and a great offload. Needs to bulk up a little but looked the business at start of season. Can see why he does't fancy 3rd choice 8

By all accounts it's 99% done , My dad always talks to Mark Laycock (know each other from West and Mark coached my age groups backs now and again) and he said it's pretty much done because York had a falling out with Easter or something like that.

It's not the end either with a big name in the J-League to come. Watch us bag Sam Norton Knight!

Jaque Fourie....

He won't get past Hueller.....

Brad Thorn

Or both!!!

No need for Du Preez though we've got Lawson.

I know yea....lol

Quite like Lawson though and a def step up from what we have. Not the best service and never makes a run but great defence and good basics.

That makes sense- York is from the Richards era with us after all, and he is a good player and should fit in well at Falcons. I hope you play him at 8, think if he gets regular game time he might eventually (a few years) press for England honours? Best of luck to him

Cool, can we arrange a neutral arena Bathite? Somewhere smallish.

Bedford? About halfway ish between

Shall we have a all english 15 round?

Yeah that sounds good- show off the domestic talent!

Bedford sounds great, Bathite

Wait i don't have a EQ 9 at all!