2016–17 Aviva Premiership Transfers

by **George Carlin** Thu 28 Apr 2016, 7:25 am

Welcome to the almost inconceivably long Jeff transfers thread for the forthcoming season.

Please post any corrections in the thread and I'll update.

I may also try to do a consolidated Jeff, Top 14 and Pro12 thread so that we can all play together nicely.

BATH
Players In
Luke Charteris from Racing 92
Taulupe Faletau from Newport Gwent Dragons
Elliott Stooke from Gloucester Rugby

Players Out
Will Spencer to Worcester Warriors
Ollie Devoto to Exeter Chiefs
Rob Webber to Sale Sharks
Jonathan Evans to Scarlets
Luke Arscott to Bristol Rugby
Max Northcote-Green to London Irish
Brett Herron to Ulster
Stuart Hooper retired
Dominic Day to Toyota Verblitz

EXETER CHIEFS
Players In
Greg Holmes from Queensland Reds
Ollie Devoto from Bath Rugby
Dave Dennis from NSW Waratahs
Lachlan Turner from Toulon

Players Out
Adam Hughes to Newport Gwent Dragons
Josh Jones to Salford Red Devils
Alex Brown to USA Perpignan
Brett Sturgess retiring

GLOUCESTER
Players In
Lewis Ludlow promoted from Academy
Matt Scott from Edinburgh Rugby
Motu Matu'u from Hurricanes
Josh Hohneck from Highlanders

Players Out
Elliott Stooke to Bath Rugby
Steve McColl to Yorkshire Carnegie

HARLEQUINS
Players In
Charlie Mulchrone from Worcester Warriors

Players Out
Kieran Treadwell to Ulster
Tito Tebaldi to Benetton Treviso

LEICESTER TIGERS
Players In
Matt Toomua from Brumbies
JP Pietersen from Sharks
Tom Brady from Sale Sharks
George McGuigan from Newcastle Falcons
Pat Cilliers from France Montpellier

Players Out
Leonardo Ghiraldini to Toulouse
Tommy Bell to London Irish
Laurence Pearce to Sale Sharks
Vereniki Goneva to Newcastle Falcons
Miles Benjamin retired
Sebastian De Chaves to London Irish

LONDON IRISH
Players In
James Marshall from Hurricanes
Mike Coman from Edinburgh Rugby
Tommy Bell from Leicester Tigers
Greig Tonks from Edinburgh Rugby
Andy Symons from Worcester Warriors
Sebastian De Chaves from Leicester Tigers
Dave Porecki from Saracens
England Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi from Northampton Saints
Max Northcote-Green from Bath Rugby

Players Out
Eoin Griffin to Connacht
Ian Nagle to Leinster
Tom Cruse to Wasps
Dominic Waldouck to Ohio
Jimmy Stevens to Nottingham
Nic Rouse retired

NEWCASTLE FALCONS
Players In
Joshua Chisanga from Kenya Sevens
Vereniki Goneva from Leicester Tigers
Sam Lockwood from Jersey
Sam Egerton from Sevens
Harrison Orr from Ealing Trailfinders
Joel Hodgson from Yorkshire Carnegie

Players Out
George McGuigan to Leicester Tigers
Rob Hawkins retiring
Richard Mayhew to Yorkshire Carnegie

NORTHAMPTION SAINTS
Players In
Louis Picamoles from Toulouse
Campese Ma'afu from Provence
Charlie Clare from Bedford Blues

Players Out
Alex Corbisiero sabbatical (released)
Matt Williams to Worcester Warriors
Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi to London Irish
Patrick Howard to Newport Gwent Dragons

SALE SHARKS
Players In
Rob Webber from Bath Rugby
Laurence Pearce from Leicester Tigers
Juandre Kruger from Racing 92
Kieran Longbottom from Saracens
Josh Charnley from Wigan Warriors
AJ MacGinty from Connacht
Dan Mugford from Nottingham

Players Out
Vadim Cobilas to Bordeaux Begles
Tommy Taylor to Wasps
Danny Cipriani to Wasps
Tom Brady to Leicester Tigers
Phil Mackenzie to San Diego
Nick Macleod to Newport Gwent Dragons

SARACENS
Players In
Schalk Burger from Stormers
Alex Lozowski from Wasps
Savenaca Rawaca from Fiji Sevens

Players Out
Charlie Hodgson retiring
Thretton Palamo to USA Sevens
Rhys Gill to Cardiff Blues
Catalin Fercu to Timișoara Saracens
Kieran Longbottom to Sale Sharks
Dave Porecki to London Irish

WASPS
Players In
Marty Moore from Leinster
Tommy Taylor from Sale Sharks
Danny Cipriani from Sale Sharks
Tom Cruse from London Irish
Guy Armitage from London Welsh

Players Out
Charles Piutau to Ulster
Alex Lozowski to Saracens
George Smith to Suntory Sungoliath
Jamie Stevenson to London Scottish

WORCESTER WARRIORS
Players In
Ben Te'o from Leinster
Jackson Willison from Grenoble
Will Spencer from Bath Rugby
Marco Mama from Bristol Rugby
Perry Humphreys promoted from Academy
Dewald Potgieter from Yamaha Júbilo
Matt Williams from Northampton Saints
Francois Hougaard from South Africa Sevens

Players Out
Darren O'Shea to Munster
Andy Symons to London Irish
Charlie Mulchrone to Harlequins
Jean-Baptiste Bruzulier to Nevers

by yappysnap Thu 28 Apr 2016, 8:28 am

That Harlequins list is painfully small.

I fear for next season tbh, reminds me of a couple of seasons ago when we tried to go all academy and pretty much lost all of our momentum from winning the Jeff.

We need another older lock, another fly half, another scrum half and another fullback/wing.

I'd then get rid of Hopper and Chisholm to make space for them.

by **LondonTiger** Thu 28 Apr 2016, 12:30 pm

Gloucester coaches Paddy Anson and Nick Walshe will both be moving on from the club at the end of the season, it has been confirmed.

Walshe, who arrived at Kingsholm in the summer of 2014 as attack and backs coach, will leave his post after reaching the end of a two-year contract.

He was director of rugby David Humphreys' first appointment upon his arrival in the same year and is joined in leaving by Anson, who has resigned after serving as the club's head of strength and conditioning since 2012.

Humphreys announced their departures during his speech at the club's end-of-season dinner at Cheltenham Racecourse, which Anson did not attend. It is not as yet clear what prompted Anson's exit.

Humphreys said: "In particular to Nick, most of you won't know that Nick was the first person I spoke to having taken the role at this club. He was the first person I appointed to come in and coach.

"Nick has played a huge role in what we have achieved over the course of the last couple of years. I would you to join me in wishing Nick, Paddy and the rest of the players every success for the future."

It has also been confirmed that Elliott Stooke, James Hudson, Tom Hicks, Steph Reynolds and Steve McColl will all be leaving Gloucester at the end of the campaign.

by Welly Thu 28 Apr 2016, 12:35 pm

Been confirmed for tigers that
JDV --> retiring
Morris -> Off
Camacho -> Off
Loamanu -> Off

Pretty happy with tigers recruitment so far.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 28 Apr 2016, 12:44 pm

Tigers are moving the squad along nicely. Be good to see some internal promotion to flesh out the backs. Another prop might be helpful given our stable of development looseheads are uninspiring.

Steph Reynolds leaving Glaws, was he the speedster that lit up the sevens the last couple of years? If so England sevens might be interested or pretty much any club with back three space willing to take a punt.

by Heaf Thu 28 Apr 2016, 1:51 pm

London Irish - prop Oliver Hoskins from Western Force.

by Geordie Thu 28 Apr 2016, 2:16 pm

Falcons:
In:
Ben Sowrey - Hooker Worcester

Out:
Tuilagi Brothers - Who knows, who cares!
Todd Clever - US league , but who cares
Ruki Tipuna - Leeds

Also rumours:
Furno, Kane Thompson leaving.
Another rumour Will Witty U20 lock going to Gloucester - Would be genuinely gutted! Even more than Barrow leaving.
Marcus Watson - Going back to the 7's squad for Rio. I hope not...hes been class.

PS Chisanga is from Kenyan full XV not 7's

by king_carlos Thu 28 Apr 2016, 2:33 pm

The Exeter recruitment really is impressive. 4 squad players out and 4 potential starters coming in.

1.Hepburn, Holmes, Moon
2.Yeandle, LCD, Taione
3.Francis, Low, Williams, Rimmer, Brown
4.Lees, Atkins, Stevenson
5.Parling, Welch
6.Ewers, Dennis, Johnson
7.Salvi, Armand, White
8.Waldrom, Horstmann

9.Chudley, Lewis, Thomas
10.Slade, Steenson, Hooley

11.Woodburn, Short
12.Hill, Devoto
13.Whitten, Campagnara
14.Nowell, Jess
15.Turner, Dollman

I'm sure I've missed some squad players in amongst that.

It's the same kind of blend of first class starters, depth in important positions, valuable squad players and talented youngsters that have made Sarries so formidable across the regular season.

by HongKongCherry Thu 28 Apr 2016, 4:29 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:
Another rumour Will Witty U20 lock going to Gloucester - Would be genuinely gutted! Even more than Barrow leaving.

That's been doing the rounds for some time and does appear increasingly likely given we're losing Stooke, Hudson and Hicks. I'd expect one more lock to be added to the ranks too.

Sean Maitland has been heavily linked to Glaws too. McColl has been confirmed as leaving and Rob Cook hasn't been offered a new contract yet, so this move could be a real possibility and would provide good competition to Marshall.

Nick Wood hasn't been offered a new contract either.

by king_carlos Thu 28 Apr 2016, 5:25 pm

I was under the impression that Rob Cook has been having enough solid season for Gloucs. Given his goal kicking, ability to cover the back three and physical/defensive solidity he's always struck me as a very useful player to have around a Prem squad.

Seb De Chaves signed for LI because he wanted more Prem game time. If they go down he might have a get out clause he looks to activate. Gloucs could do much worse than add him to Thrush, Savage, Galarza and an impressive youngster such as Witty. He wouldn't cost an arm and a leg either and has a good injury record - the kind of signing which is likely to be worth the investment.

Witty would be another Falcons academy graduate/prospect leaving too early for his own good though IMO.

by Bathite Thu 28 Apr 2016, 5:26 pm

Exeter looking the strongest based on ins and outs. Bit worried about the strength in depth at bath. We are so threadbare this year and we are losing many more than we are gaining. Faletau and charteris likely to be on int duty for much of it too.

Plus looks like mafi won't stay. And alafoti future in doubt after his court appearance for knocking out a student. Plus Priestland probably leaving.

Desperately need a hooker, lock, 9, 12

by Bathite Thu 28 Apr 2016, 5:29 pm

king_carlos wrote:The Exeter recruitment really is impressive. 4 squad players out and 4 potential starters coming in.

1.Hepburn, Holmes, Moon
2.Yeandle, LCD, Taione
3.Francis, Low, Williams, Rimmer, Brown
4.Lees, Atkins, Stevenson
5.Parling, Welch
6.Ewers, Dennis, Johnson
7.Salvi, Armand, White
8.Waldrom, Horstmann

9.Chudley, Lewis, Thomas
10.Slade, Steenson, Hooley

11.Woodburn, Short
12.Hill, Devoto
13.Whitten, Campagnara
14.Nowell, Jess
15.Turner, Dollman

I'm sure I've missed some squad players in amongst that.

It's the same kind of blend of first class starters, depth in important positions, valuable squad players and talented youngsters that have made Sarries so formidable across the regular season.

Devoto leaves bath to get more playing time because he is the second choice 12 and 13 as one of only three centres, one of which is with England, also with opportunity 10 cover. To move to Exeter to be second choice 12, third choice 13 adm forth choice 10. Exeter clearly the better team, but I do worry this will hold him back.

by Welly Thu 28 Apr 2016, 5:57 pm

Isn't witty in contract still?

by king_carlos Thu 28 Apr 2016, 6:07 pm

My issue with how Devoto has been used at Bath is that when Eastmond and Ford have been fit he has been used very little in big games even when conditions or the opposition might make him the better option. I'm an Eastmond fan but given the difference in their skill sets there have inevitably been games where Devoto could have offered a very welcome tactical alternative but he hasn't be utilised.

I'd guess that Devoto must believe that:

1. Baxter will rotate his centres more and get Devoto more big game starts than Ford would

2. Baxter will view Devoto as a starting option for the Chiefs biggest games if/when tactics mean he'd be a better option than the alternatives

It's no coincidence that Baxter has got hold of two 12s with contrasting skill sets. I expect that he will use them in a horses for courses manner when it suits.

by **George Carlin** Thu 28 Apr 2016, 6:10 pm

Chiefs and the Tigers in particular seem to be crushing it this year.

by WELL-PAST-IT Thu 28 Apr 2016, 6:17 pm

Saints need another tight head and an alternative to Myler. Denman and JJ just do not work. Denman due to be sub-standard, JJ due to his natural game not suiting Saints style and his very, very hit and often miss kicking game.

Another 9 would be useful as well as rumours say that Kahn may be on his way. Kessel looks OK, but we will need cover.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 28 Apr 2016, 6:42 pm

HongKongCherry wrote:
GeordieFalcon wrote:
Another rumour Will Witty U20 lock going to Gloucester - Would be genuinely gutted! Even more than Barrow leaving.

That's been doing the rounds for some time and does appear increasingly likely given we're losing Stooke, Hudson and Hicks. I'd expect one more lock to be added to the ranks too.

Sean Maitland has been heavily linked to Glaws too. McColl has been confirmed as leaving and Rob Cook hasn't been offered a new contract yet, so this move could be a real possibility and would provide good competition to Marshall.

Nick Wood hasn't been offered a new contract either.

No contract for Nick Wood? He's got a couple of years left, I thought he'd be a lifer at Glaws with a coaching role when he finished playing. I'd take him at Tigers as a back up for a season, maybe two. Given were likely to release our development looseies Brugnara and Sio, Wood would be a handy back up whilst Genge develops.

by **George Carlin** Thu 28 Apr 2016, 7:03 pm

HongKongCherry wrote:
GeordieFalcon wrote:
Another rumour Will Witty U20 lock going to Gloucester - Would be genuinely gutted! Even more than Barrow leaving.

Sean Maitland has been heavily linked to Glaws too. McColl has been confirmed as leaving and Rob Cook hasn't been offered a new contract yet, so this move could be a real possibility and would provide good competition to Marshall.

Maitland would make a lot of sense, particularly given that I expect his international muckers Scott and Laidlaw will be well established backline stalwarts of the Cherries next year. Maitland would be a step-up from any of the incumbents if he can just get back to 100% fitness.

by Welly Thu 28 Apr 2016, 7:14 pm

Heavily LOL you mean Fissler has said Glous are interested.

by king_carlos Thu 28 Apr 2016, 7:21 pm

Latest is that Brugnara will be staying at Tigers, Sam. I do worry that means Genge might be staying at Briz for next season. Sad

The kid's a huge talent.

Castrogiovanni lookalike Tiziano Pasquali is probably moving on though. He'd be a useful pick up for a Championship club and in the past has looked like having the potential to push onto be decent Prem TH. He just hasn't had any game time this season.

by Welly Thu 28 Apr 2016, 7:34 pm

Last I heard Brugnara had signed a contract before Genge had come so might not be relateable the fact he is still at Tigers although Bristol are starting the playoffs is interesting.

Tiz is off to Wuss I heard although this was months ago.

What do people think there likely 15 will be judging on the current transfers?

For me Tigers
1) Ayerza
2) Youngs
3) Cole
4) Barrow
5) Slater
6) Williams
7) O'Connor
8) McCaffrey
9) Youngs
10) Burns
11) JPP
12) Toomua
13) Manu
14) Betham
15) Veainu
16) Thacker
17) Logo
18) Cilliers
19) Fitzgerald
20) Croft
21) Harrison
22) Williams
23) Thompstone

by HongKongCherry Thu 28 Apr 2016, 7:59 pm

Welly, Fissler and quite a few blokes down the pub who swore they heard it from someone's neighbour...

Sam, it is surprising Woody doesn't have a contract offer. He is the longest standing player at the club and whilst not the player he once was, he still has the technique to cause trouble and be an able back up.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 28 Apr 2016, 8:36 pm

That's what I thought HKC. He's what you want as an example to the young players and you know if he's called upon the scrum will go well on his side. Ideal squad option and it's not like Glaws have a stack of powerful props.

by Bathite Thu 28 Apr 2016, 10:51 pm

Guess bath would be

Auterac
??? / batty
Wilson / Thomas
Charteris
Attwood
Denton
Louw
faletau
Cook / fotauli (apparently)
Ford
Banahan
Eastmond
Joseph
Roko
Watson

Catt
???
Thomas / Wilson
Garvey
Houston
Cook / Kahn
Bowden / Priestland (hopefully back to Wales)
Agulla (maybe leaving) / new outside back / homer (ugh)

by Bathite Thu 28 Apr 2016, 10:52 pm

Guess bath would be

Auterac
??? / batty
Wilson / Thomas
Charteris
Attwood
Denton
Louw
faletau
Cook / fotauli (apparently)
Ford
Banahan
Eastmond
Joseph
Roko
Watson

Catt
???
Thomas / Wilson
Garvey
Houston
Cook / Kahn
Bowden / Priestland (hopefully back to Wales)
Agulla (maybe leaving) / new outside back / homer (ugh)

by formerly known as Sam Fri 29 Apr 2016, 7:27 am

Denton over Garvey, really or are you a bit short of first team locks?

by SirBurger Fri 29 Apr 2016, 8:03 am

Welly wrote: Last I heard Brugnara had signed a contract before Genge had come so might not be relateable the fact he is still at Tigers although Bristol are starting the playoffs is interesting.

Tiz is off to Wuss I heard although this was months ago.

What do people think there likely 15 will be judging on the current transfers?

For me Tigers
1) Ayerza
2) Youngs
3) Cole
4) Barrow
5) Slater
6) Williams
7) O'Connor
8) McCaffrey
9) Youngs
10) Burns
11) JPP
12) Toomua
13) Manu
14) Betham
15) Veainu
16) Thacker
17) Logo
18) Cilliers
19) Fitzgerald
20) Croft
21) Harrison
22) Williams
23) Thompstone

No Kitchener?

by Welly Fri 29 Apr 2016, 8:30 am

SirBurger wrote:
Welly wrote: Last I heard Brugnara had signed a contract before Genge had come so might not be relateable the fact he is still at Tigers although Bristol are starting the playoffs is interesting.

Tiz is off to Wuss I heard although this was months ago.

What do people think there likely 15 will be judging on the current transfers?

For me Tigers
1) Ayerza
2) Youngs
3) Cole
4) Barrow
5) Slater
6) Williams
7) O'Connor
8) McCaffrey
9) Youngs
10) Burns
11) JPP
12) Toomua
13) Manu
14) Betham
15) Veainu
16) Thacker
17) Logo
18) Cilliers
19) Fitzgerald
20) Croft
21) Harrison
22) Williams
23) Thompstone

No Kitchener?

On current form not ATM, Fitz is prob more versatile off the bench although close.

by Geordie Fri 29 Apr 2016, 8:39 am

Welly wrote:Isn't witty in contract still?

He had signed an extention but we're not sure if that is until next season or this summer.

I genuinely hope not.

IF as is suggested we might lose Thompson and Furno then why on earth would you get rid of a youngster like him!

Alternatively...

Why would you keep 2 old injury prone locks who you'll lose to internationals over a young lad whos come through the academy, has played for the England u20's and is a big physical presence???!!!

I just cant work it out if that's the case!

by Welly Fri 29 Apr 2016, 8:58 am

GeordieFalcon wrote:
Welly wrote:Isn't witty in contract still?

He had signed an extention but we're not sure if that is until next season or this summer.

I genuinely hope not.

IF as is suggested we might lose Thompson and Furno then why on earth would you get rid of a youngster like him!

Alternatively...

Why would you keep 2 old injury prone locks who you'll lose to internationals over a young lad whos come through the academy, has played for the England u20's and is a big physical presence???!!!

I just cant work it out if that's the case!

Hopefully there isn't a 6th place clause like Barrow.

by **LondonTiger** Fri 29 Apr 2016, 9:28 am

Welly wrote:
SirBurger wrote:
Welly wrote:
4) Barrow
5) Slater

19) Fitzgerald

No Kitchener?

On current form not ATM, Fitz is prob more versatile off the bench although close.

For me on top form it is:

4 Slater/Barrow
5 Kitch/Fitz

However on current form Barrow is deserving of the starting berth.

I would not be keen on a Barrow-Slater combo.

by Welly Fri 29 Apr 2016, 9:30 am

LondonTiger wrote:
Welly wrote:
SirBurger wrote:
Welly wrote:
4) Barrow
5) Slater

19) Fitzgerald

No Kitchener?

On current form not ATM, Fitz is prob more versatile off the bench although close.

For me on top form it is:

4 Slater/Barrow
5 Kitch/Fitz

However on current form Barrow is deserving of the starting berth.

I would not be keen on a Barrow-Slater combo.

So you would start Kitch ahead of Slater?

It's tough as Kitchener at his best is brilliant but he just hasn't quite reached that this season yet.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 29 Apr 2016, 10:55 am

I thought Kitch was incredible vs Racing last weekend. Rest of the season he's been solid but unspectacular. Last weekend he was everywhere making tackles whilst Barrow had his first half meltdown. Kitch I'd definitely start, he's our best line out guy as well.

by yappysnap Tue 10 May 2016, 10:11 pm

So Quins have signed:

Jackson from wasps 10/15
Mulchrone from Worcester 9
A Lithuanian wing

Slightly worried about the lack of forwards!

But glad to see another scrum half come in, does any one know if he's any good??

by Margin_Walker Tue 10 May 2016, 10:17 pm

Saw Charlie a fair bit for Rotherham when they had the good run under Blackett a few seasons ago. Was very important for their high tempo game. Obviously hasn't really worked at Worcester, but he probably is a good fit for Quins.

by yappysnap Tue 10 May 2016, 11:01 pm

That's pretty much what Dean Ryan said about him, hopefully he'll work out well

by Geordie Wed 11 May 2016, 8:27 am

NEWCASTLE FALCONS - Updated

Players In
Sam Lockwood (LH Prop) from Jersey
Ben Sowery ( Hooker) from Worcester
Andrew Davidson (Lock) from Scotland Academy
Nick Civetta (Lock) from US
Harrison Orr (6/8) from Ealing Trailfinders
David Tameilau (Back Row 6/8)from US
Joshua Chisanga (No.8)from Kenya Rugby
Sam Egerton (SH) from Sevens
Joel Hodgson (9/10/15) from Yorkshire Carnegie
Vereniki Goneva (Wing) from Leicester Tigers

Players Out
George McGuigan to Leicester Tigers
Rob Hawkins retiring
Richard Mayhew to Yorkshire Carnegie
Ruki Tipuna to Yorkshire Carnegie
Josh Furno - Zebra
Tuilagi Brothers - Who knows, who cares!
Gonzalo Tiesi - Confirmed leaving, but not sure where
Todd Clever - New US league team - San Diego

by yappysnap Wed 11 May 2016, 9:25 am

Poopie that's a lot of turnover by Falcons!

How can you hope for continuity on the pitch of the players change so much?

by yappysnap Wed 11 May 2016, 9:27 am

Quins have apparently two more signings to announce over the summer. Not sure if they'll be a big deal or not but hopefully it's two forwards or at least a lock and a 10.

by Geordie Wed 11 May 2016, 10:02 am

Yappy

The majority of those going (and there will be more - Kane Thompson etc) were peripheral figures in the squad...either injury prone or just never playing. Mayhew and Tipuna were good but Dean seemingly didn't rate them and they have been replaced already.
We have another batch who are finishing their Academy stint who will come in aswell. Ie U20 England lock Will Witty whos a big lump and less injury prone or away on international duty than Furno and Kane Thompson.
We have that in several positions this season....and it will free up budget also.

Im actually happy with the way things have gone. Really shedding all the dead wood and old hasbeens and replacing them with young hungry players.

A couple of the signings don't have top flight experience but they look very interesting so hopefully we have a couple of shrewd clever signings.

The only one people might mention is McGuigan...but in Santiago Socino (Juan Pablos younger brother) we have a brute lump coming through the academy whos shown very well in the A team...and new Signing Sowerby could be very good once we sort his lineout (which McGuigans wasn't great anyway)

by stnick88 Wed 11 May 2016, 11:13 am

Few more Irish outgoings

Halani Aulika to Sale
Andy Fenby retired
Eoin Sherriff to Rotherham

by stnick88 Wed 11 May 2016, 12:39 pm

and add Tom Guest to that list as well, another one to retire

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