Welsh Regions Signings/Departures/Rumours 2013 (Scarlets link with Blues winger Albert Nikoro)

First topic message reminder :

n Harris arrives at Ospreys

In

Tito Tebaldi (Zebra) – Confirmed
Rhodri Williams (Scarlets) - Rumour
Tyler Ardron (Ontario Blues) - Confirmed
Jamie Murphy (Bridgend) - Confirmed
Jeff Hassler (Prairie Wolf Pack) - Confirmed
Mathew Dwyer (Bridgend) - Confirmed
Sam Williams (Aberavon)- Confirmed
Chris Gibbes ( Waikato/ Assistant Coach) - Confirmed
Zac Guilford (Crusaders) -Rumour
Aisea Natoga (Nadroga) - Confirmed


Out

Kahn Fotuali'i (Northampton Saints) - Confirmed
Jonathan Thomas (/Worcester Warriors) - Confirmed
Jonathan Humphries (Scotland Forwards Coach) - Confirmed
Campbell Johnstone ( Russian Club) - Confirmed
George Stowers (Tasman) - Confirmed
Cai Griffiths (London Welsh)- Confirmed
Ian Gough (Dragons) - Rumour

Scarlets

In

Steven Shingler ( London Irish) –Confirmed
Ed Jackson (London Welsh ) – Rumour
Andrew Coombes (Dragons) - Rumour
Gareth Delve ( Melbourne Rebels) - Rumour
Serge Lilo (Wellington Lions) - Rumour
John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors) - Confirmed
Nick Cummins (Western Force) - Rumour
Farid Sid (Perpignan)- Rumour
Opeti Fonua (Agen) - Rumour
Brett Deacon (Leicester Tigers) - Rumour
Regan King (Backs/Skills Coach) - Rumour
Genesis Mamea (Wellington) - Rumour
Darran Harris (Pontypridd) - Confirmed
Jamie Cub Davies (Carmarthen Athletic) - Confirmed
Josh Lewis (Ebbw Vale) - Confirmed
William Helu (Rugby Roma Olimpic) - Rumour
Lachlan McCaffery (Western Force)- Rumour
Rodnet So'oialo (Honda Heat) - Rumour
Frazier Climo (Taranaki) - Rumour
Albert Nikoro (Blues) -Rumour


Out

Tomas vallejos cinalli (Pampas XV) – Confirmed
Gareth Maule (London Irish/Munster) – Rumour
Adam Warren (Cardiff)- Rumour
Scott Williams (Cardiff) – Rumour
Rhodri Williams (Ospreys) – Rumour
Tavis Knoyle ( Gloucester) – Confirmed
Gareth Davies (Blues) –Rumour
Owen Williams (Leicester Tigers) – Confirmed
Jonathan Edwards (Cardiff RFC) – Confirmed
Andy Fenby (London Irish) - confirmed
Morgan Stoddart (Retired) - Confirmed
Dan Newton (London Scottish) - Confirmed
Kieron Murphy (Brive) - Confirmed
George North ( Northampton Saints)- Confirmed
Rheon James (Cornish Pirates)- Confirmed
Richie Pugh (Released) -Confirmed
Rhys Jones (Released) - RumourConfirmed
Dale Ford (Released/Bristol) - Confirmed
Samson Lee (Gloucester) - Rumour
Peter Edwards (London Welsh) -Confirmed
Craig Hawkins (Released) - Confirmed
Craig Price (Leicester Tigers) -Rumour
Lee Williams (Carmarthen Quins)- Confirmed


Dragons

In

Ross Wardle (Bedwas) - Confirmed
Richie Rees (Edinburgh) - Confirmed
Luciano Orquera (Zebre) -Rumour
Martin Muller (Cheetahs) - Confirmed
Juan Gomez (Pampas XV) - Rumour
Netani Talei (Edingburgh) - Confirmed
Francisco Chaparro (Stade Francias) - Confirmed
Kris Burton (Treviso) - Confirmed
Rhys Thomas (Wasps)- Confirmed
Malakai Fekitoa (Auckland) - Rumour
Lyn Jones (London Welsh) -Confirmed
Kingsley Jones (Russia National Team) - Rumour
Mathew Screech (Cardiff Blues) - Confirmed
Franck Montanella (London Welsh) - Rumour
Hudson Tonga’uiha (London Welsh) - Rumour
Jason Tovey (Cardiff Blues)- Confirmed
Ian Gough (Ospreys) - Rumour

Out

Andrew Coombes (Scarlets) – Rumour
Dan Lydiate (Racing Metro)- Confirmed
Steve Jones (Retired)- Confirmed
Tom Brown (Released/Jersey) - Confirmed
Tondi Chavhanga (Released) - Confirmed
Iestyn Thomas (Retired) - Confirmed
Josh Tyler (Released) - Confirmed
Hywel Stoddart (Released) - Confirmed
Tim Ryan (Coventry) - Confirmed

Blues

In

Filo Paulo (North Harbour) - confirmed
Matthew Rees (Scarlets) Confirmed
Liam Davies (confirmed - until end of season)
Gethin Jenkins (Toulon) - Confirmed
Rhys Gill (Saracens) - rumoured
Adam Warren (Scarlets) - rumoured
Scott Williams –(Scarlets) – rumoured
Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets) – rumour
Gareth Davies ( Scarlets) - rumour
Rodney So'oialo (Honda Heat) - Rumour

Out

Jamie Roberts (Racing Metro) - confirmed
Tom James (Exeter Chiefs) -confirmed
Richard Mustoe (retirement) -confirmed
Fau Filise - (retirement) rumour
Ceri Sweeney (Exeter Chiefs) - Confirmed
Leigh Halfpenny (Clermont) - Rumour
Michael Paterson (Sale Sharks) - Confirmed
Campese Ma'afu (Nottingham) -Confirmed
Corry Hill (Cornish Pirates) - Confirmed
Andy Kyriacou (Retired)- Confirmed
Xavier Rush (Leaves) - Confirmed
Mathew Screech (Bedwas/Dragons) - Confirmed
Nathan Trevett  (London Welsh) - Confirmed
Jason Tovey (Dragons) - Confirmed

Cardiff Dave wrote:

dragon4life wrote:Blues need a 10 who could that be? (Other than hook)

Possibly a southern hemisphere type who Lord D and the rest of us haven't heard of. Could be Hook though. We made an approach before he went to France so who knows.

How many no 10's do the Scarlets have on their books at the moment ? Perhaps they could get one of either Sam Davies, Rhys Preistland or Jordan Williams rather than looking around the SH unemployment lists, lets not forget if these NWQ players were any good they would not be comming up here unless it was for the money, and what money can any of the Welsh regions offer the SH super stars ?

LordDowlais wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

dragon4life wrote:Blues need a 10 who could that be? (Other than hook)

Possibly a southern hemisphere type who Lord D and the rest of us haven't heard of. Could be Hook though. We made an approach before he went to France so who knows.

How many no 10's do the Scarlets have on their books at the moment ? Perhaps they could get one of either Sam Davies, Rhys Preistland or Jordan Williams rather than looking around the SH unemployment lists, lets not forget if these NWQ players were any good they would not be comming up here unless it was for the money, and what money can any of the Welsh regions offer the SH super stars ?

Sam Davies is with the Ospreys buddy. With Dan Biggar & Sam Davies at the Ospreys, maybe Mathew Morgan might look for a move....was talk about it last season.

The Scarlets are looking pretty bare when it comes to out and out fly halves. We have Priest and Aled THomas. Then the likes of Jordan, Shingler and Owen who are really more like utility backs that can cover fly half than realistic regional starters there.

pioden gorllewin wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

dragon4life wrote:Blues need a 10 who could that be? (Other than hook)

Possibly a southern hemisphere type who Lord D and the rest of us haven't heard of. Could be Hook though. We made an approach before he went to France so who knows.

How many no 10's do the Scarlets have on their books at the moment ? Perhaps they could get one of either Sam Davies, Rhys Preistland or Jordan Williams rather than looking around the SH unemployment lists, lets not forget if these NWQ players were any good they would not be comming up here unless it was for the money, and what money can any of the Welsh regions offer the SH super stars ?

Sam Davies is with the Ospreys buddy. With Dan Biggar & Sam Davies at the Ospreys, maybe Mathew Morgan might look for a move....was talk about it last season.

Sorry, yes you are correct, I was just thinking of his old man and got a little confused.

pioden gorllewin wrote:

LordDowlais wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

dragon4life wrote:Blues need a 10 who could that be? (Other than hook)

Possibly a southern hemisphere type who Lord D and the rest of us haven't heard of. Could be Hook though. We made an approach before he went to France so who knows.

How many no 10's do the Scarlets have on their books at the moment ? Perhaps they could get one of either Sam Davies, Rhys Preistland or Jordan Williams rather than looking around the SH unemployment lists, lets not forget if these NWQ players were any good they would not be comming up here unless it was for the money, and what money can any of the Welsh regions offer the SH super stars ?

Sam Davies is with the Ospreys buddy. With Dan Biggar & Sam Davies at the Ospreys, maybe Mathew Morgan might look for a move....was talk about it last season.

That's wishful thinking. Morgan has already stepped up. What makes you think Davies will?

Saint - Nipper was tried by the Ospreys over the last few years, and his lack of stature seems to have been an issue. So maybe Sam will get more chances due to him being slightly less frail.

LordDowlais wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

dragon4life wrote:Blues need a 10 who could that be? (Other than hook)

Possibly a southern hemisphere type who Lord D and the rest of us haven't heard of. Could be Hook though. We made an approach before he went to France so who knows.

How many no 10's do the Scarlets have on their books at the moment ? Perhaps they could get one of either Sam Davies, Rhys Preistland or Jordan Williams rather than looking around the SH unemployment lists, lets not forget if these NWQ players were any good they would not be comming up here unless it was for the money, and what money can any of the Welsh regions offer the SH super stars ?

Let's not also forget that Cardiff Blues have signed some very good SH players in the past.
Perhaps they could get one of the players you have mentioned. Perhaps not. Maybe they have tried and were told to go away quickly. Who knows.
I see Gareth Davies has been roped into the 7s squad, so maybe we need to sign more than one number 10 coz we only really have Patchwell at present. Wouldn't surprise me either if he gets called up in the Autumn to hold tackle bags a la Knoyle.

Just confirmation on what has already been reported on here before. Scarlets have signed Ebbw Vale Josh Lewis & Pontypridd's hooker Darran Harris:

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Scarlets-add-promising-youngsters/story-19463732-detail/story.html#axzz2XyE5pta4

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Cai-Griffiths-joins-London-Welsh-loan-spell-ends/story-19476578-detail/story.html#axzz2Y4KnwmbG

Did Super Cai even play of Irish? I know signed for them and all but wen back to Ospreylia pretty quick.

think he played a handful of games, but don't think the move worked out for him. got a feeling cai will be one of those guys who never fulfilled his potential. saying that as a TH he's earned a fair amount of money from the game.

pioden gorllewin wrote:think he played a handful of games, but don't think the move worked out for him. got a feeling cai will be one of those guys who never fulfilled his potential. saying that as a TH he's earned a fair amount of money from the game.

I heard TH props get paid the most, but when you take out their higher than average food bills, the cost of having their beds and chairs re-inforced etc, they don't actually make that much money.

Not really a big loss is it. He was descent around the park i guess but never really at that level with his scrummaging. But with Adam Jones, Aaron Jarvis and Nicky Thomas so he wont really be missed. A good signing for London welsh though

Robin Davey on twitter suggesting that Gough might be heading back to RP.

Hes like 40 would be a bad signing and would play very few games

Gough and Sid in the row is a Grandslam winning partnership.

Muller, coombes, gough,Sid, screech & Jones not a bad stable of locks to be truthful. Dragons seem to be building some depth in their squad.

Wow that would be a great signing for them. You just have to watch the games he played in this years Heineken cup to know that he still has it. Still a great force on the field smashing people from ruck to ruck. Always rated him as a player never understood why he was never chosen for international rugby anymore.
Dragons have had the best recruitment on and off the season so far from all the regions, well done and i hope they do sign him because he is going to fall lower in the ranks at Ospreys with young Lloyd Pears coming through at and he has a bit left in him.

Pioden dont forget Nimmo

dragon4life wrote:Pioden dont forget Nimmo

true forgot about nimmo. big season for him, his contract is up next summer so he's playing for a new deal.

dragon4life wrote:Hes like 40 would be a bad signing and would play very few games

Don't think he is quite that old - more of a player coach role methinks, excellent if the deal can be/is done

Gough is one of my all time favourite players. A real good tackler - I reckon he was the role model for Lydiate with his quick out of the line take downs! If he's still got it I'd love to see him back - in fact he was one of those players who I said I'd be happy to see return in a few years if it didn't work elsewhere. A real man of Gwent and once helped my friends nan when she was confused and lost in the street! Legend!

If Gough signs then it will be another Gwent boy returning from elsewhere, andhopefully sharing his experience from elsewhere, which may help keep some of the younger lads like Faletau, Coombs, and L Evans at the Dragons when their contracts are up.

I think he will be useful on the field, but probably far more useful off it, in training and attitude of players.

Exactly right, SS.

Was just going to add actually that you can't read too much into Goughie's age because he was always streets ahead of his contemporaries in terms of his strength and conditioning work. 37 in Gough years is probably a bit less than it is in other players of his day. Could see him doing a Charv if he comes back where he belongs and being a key player for us.

I would love Goughy back for all the reasons specified. You can tell how highly he is regarded at RP still, with the picture of him still up in Rodney Hall.

He would probably add some much needed experience to a young side

He's still got plenty of dog and grunt to offer as well, which we couldn't ever turn down.

A pack of:

Owen Evans
T Rhys Thomas
Chapparo
Gough
Coombes
Talei
L Evans/D Waters
Faletau

Would be a good start in my opinion - although others might be a better pick over Owen Evans. I've just had a bit of a loosehead mind block. Alternatively, we could have Muller in the 2nd row and Coombes at 6. With Faletau away with Wales we could have Talei to 8, L Evans to 6 and Waters or Cudd to 7. The point being that we've got options all of a sudden. Fantastic!

Griff wrote:A pack of:

Owen Evans
T Rhys Thomas
Chapparo
Gough
Coombes
Talei
L Evans/D Waters
Faletau

Would be a good start in my opinion - although others might be a better pick over Owen Evans. I've just had a bit of a loosehead mind block. Alternatively, we could have Muller in the 2nd row and Coombes at 6. With Faletau away with Wales we could have Talei to 8, L Evans to 6 and Waters or Cudd to 7. The point being that we've got options all of a sudden. Fantastic!

I've always rated phil price at LH for you. Be interesting to see how he comes on this season playing with a competitive pack.

Yep, I'm a fan of Price too. Just noticed Owen Williams being picked more towards the end of the season. Hoping the competition between them will push them on.

Scarlets have offered Lachlan "Locky" McCaffery a contract. He wasn't offered an Super 15 contract so, we've stepped in and he looks to be our new 8.

Griff wrote:A pack of:

Owen Evans
T Rhys Thomas
Chapparo
Gough
Coombes
Talei
L Evans/D Waters
Faletau

Would be a good start in my opinion - although others might be a better pick over Owen Evans. I've just had a bit of a loosehead mind block. Alternatively, we could have Muller in the 2nd row and Coombes at 6. With Faletau away with Wales we could have Talei to 8, L Evans to 6 and Waters or Cudd to 7. The point being that we've got options all of a sudden. Fantastic!

Don't forget Ieuan Jones, Griff. This could be a big season for him.

Might Coombes play a lot more at 6 to effectively replace Lydiate if Gough does come in. You want all your best players on the field. Dragons are looking much more competitive for next season with their signings.

doctornickolas wrote:Might Coombes play a lot more at 6 to effectively replace Lydiate if Gough does come in. You want all you best players on the field. Dragons arelooking muck more competitive for next season with their signings.

I guess with the likes of Groves, L Evans, Coombes and Talei there are a few decent players than can really play in two or three different shirts, so the option is there to shuffle them around as required.

Personally I think a back row of Coombes, Evans, and Faletau looks pretty bruising with ball in hand, and then having Talei and Groves on the bench means that shirts 4-8 are covered should a replacement be needed.


As for Locky McCaffery to the Scarlets, I am still between minds. I have seen a few different highlights videos of him, and he looks promising, but I am not too sure he is going be able to oust McGog from the shirt just yet. But he could be one of those signings that pays off the season after (if that makes sence).

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:

Griff wrote:A pack of:

Owen Evans
T Rhys Thomas
Chapparo
Gough
Coombes
Talei
L Evans/D Waters
Faletau

Would be a good start in my opinion - although others might be a better pick over Owen Evans. I've just had a bit of a loosehead mind block. Alternatively, we could have Muller in the 2nd row and Coombes at 6. With Faletau away with Wales we could have Talei to 8, L Evans to 6 and Waters or Cudd to 7. The point being that we've got options all of a sudden. Fantastic!

Don't forget Ieuan Jones, Griff. This could be a big season for him.

Sorry Luckless, completely forgot! Yes, expecting big things from him when Faletau is away with Wales, and expect him to take over the helm if Toby does not renew his contract. On that note, I think we've got some decent depth now:

Owen Evans/Phil Price
T Rhys Thomas/Sam Parry/Gus
Chapparo/Dan Way/Buck
Gough/Sid/Screech/Nimmo
Coombes/Muller/Adam Jones
Talei/L Evans/Groves
L Evans/D Waters/Cudd
Faletau/I Jones

Johnny Evans/R Rees/Wayne Evans
Burton/Steffan/Tovey
Prydie/Pewtner
Robling/Dixon/Smith
Hughes/Leach
Hallam Amos/Harries
Dan Evans

Where we're a bit light is on the wing, although we have a number of players who can switch around and play those positions if need be and cover fullback too. Just looking at the squad online and they've put in the new signings and seem to have taken out those leaving - Mike Poole doesn't seem to be there anymore so has he left? Heard rumours about his injuries, etc. but can't remember anything official. Tuilagi is not listed either so deffo gone (can't remember that being announced officially either - am I getting old, my memory is shot!).

I haven't heard anything concrete about Poole leaving. I was thinking about him on Saturday when Christian Wade was celebrating with the rest of the Lions squad. I was really worried about him when Wasps came to Dave Parade, but there was no way he was getting past Pooley!

pioden gorllewin wrote:Scarlets have offered Lachlan "Locky" McCaffery a contract. He wasn't offered an Super 15 contract so, we've stepped in and he looks to be our new 8.

Really, might as well stay with Rob then. He is young though so maybe he can improve, I would have liked a more experienced 8 though

Latest I've heard is that Mike Poole's latest injury will put an end to his rugby career.

Stone Motif wrote:Latest I've heard is that Mike Poole's latest injury will put an end to his rugby career.

That's a shame if true - never going to be top drawer but some of his hits were unbelievable! 

I think Lachlan McCaffrey would be an unneccessary signing for the Scarlets. I believe he's not the hard running number eight the Scarlets want and I suspect he's expensive, especially for a position that is already well covered at the Scarlets; the likes of Craig Price, Rob McCusker and Sion Bennett are all competing for the Scarlets number eight shirt for the 2013/2014 season. I believe the Scarlets would be foolish to sign him, or any other NWQ number eight.

As for Gough going back to the Dragons, I think that would be good as he is from the Dragons region and not the Ospreys region. He's also WQ and will compete with the likes of Rob Sidoli, Adam Jones, Jevon Groves, Martin Muller, Ian Nimmo for the second row berths at the Dragons for next season. I believe he's elderly, however many rugby players have played into their mid/late thirties; the likes of John Davies*, Colin Charvis*, Simon Shaw and others. I believe if he [Gough] is good enough to compete for a Dragons starting berth during the 2013/2014 season then I believe he's young enough to represent the region. It's not about age, it's about the quality of the player, whether he's 16- or 40+, it really doesn't matter IMO.

*http://www.scarlets.co.uk/eng/heritage/2165.php
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_Charvis

international197 wrote:I think Lachlan McCaffrey would be an unneccessary signing for the Scarlets. I believe he's not the hard running number eight the Scarlets want...  
I believe the Scarlets would be foolish to sign him, or any other NWQ number eight.

So even if he was the hard-running number eight the Scarlets want, you'd be dead against them signing him?

Looks like the scarlets are going to go over the agreed NWQ limit. Timani's move to Agen has fallen through and he's back in pre season training with us. The deal to bring Aussie 8 Locky McCaffery looks a done deal. Also rumours that we are still looking to recruit Tongan winger Wil Helu.

Does anyone know if NWQ limit agreement is enforceable?

pioden gorllewin wrote:Looks like the scarlets are going to go over the agreed NWQ limit. Timani's move to Agen has fallen through and he's back in pre season training with us. The deal to bring Aussie 8 Locky McCaffery looks a done deal. Also rumours that we are still looking to recruit Tongan winger Wil Helu.

Does anyone know if NWQ limit agreement is enforceable?

Bloody hell. I197 is going to have a fit over this.

I think the likes of international197, international197 and international197 will be against the signing of so many NWQs.

*http://parody.

pioden gorllewin wrote:Looks like the scarlets are going to go over the agreed NWQ limit. Timani's move to Agen has fallen through and he's back in pre season training with us. The deal to bring Aussie 8 Locky McCaffery looks a done deal. Also rumours that we are still looking to recruit Tongan winger Wil Helu.

Does anyone know if NWQ limit agreement is enforceable?

Great, I can just see the Western Fail and Roger having a feild day with this, calling for only 3 regions as one is not playing ball etc.

How does a region stand if they have their limit of NWQs but they utilise other NWQs who are contracted to a feeder club? Say Timani, for instance, goes back to Carmarthen, and then we use him in the Rabo/LV=? Also is the NWQ limit a HEC squad only thing like the salary cap of full squad of players feilded in any competition?

At present the Scarlets NWQs are Adriaanse, Manu, Earle, Snyman, & Barclay. Maybe there could be time serving conditions (but I thought htey ditched them).

ha guess int97 on't be happy with this news - he will be pleased that we've signed a wales 7's u18 player Rob Stevenson from some english private school. apparently he has a big future in the game.

He'll also be pleased that the dragons are preparing a new contract for toby faletau on his return from oz.

it might be the case that timani is only training with us until he finds an new club, and the other tongan winger doesn't materialise keeping us within our limited.

but just wondering isn't it that 17 of the match day squad of 23 have to be WQ (allowing 6 NWQ in match day squad) does that mean you can still have more NWQ players in the extended squad, just not the match day squad? if that makes sense?

Pioden - IF there is a limit and the Scarlets are lookng to break it, you can be damn sure there is a loophole somewhere in the deal that we are looking to exploit, as opposed to it just being just hoping to get away with it.

I say good on the Scarlets much as it pains me to say it. If there is a business need to sign a foreign player and they reckon it's worth more to them to say FU to the participation agreement than to toe the line with Rog then more power to them.

Stone Motif wrote:I say good on the Scarlets much as it pains me to say it. If there is a business need to sign a foreign player and they reckon it's worth more to them to say FU to the participation agreement than to toe the line with Rog then more power to them.

Translation -: This means the Scarlets remain the number one region (when it comes to most disliked) and IF we reduce to 3 regions, it will be them for the chop.