Silly Season Transfer Rumours 19/20

First topic message reminder :

Not a great position for Saints, captain and international level hooker looks likely so they've resorted to signing what is at best squad filler. Presumably Haywood and Fish will carry the bulk of the playing time.

king_carlos wrote:Apparently Dean Richards has offered Jonny May the £325k he is currently on at Tigers for a 2 year deal at Falcons.

Tigers are rumoured to be offering him a £100k pay cut to fit Ford and Genge's increased salaries into the cap.

Cannot blame him if he takes the cash.

LondonTiger wrote:

king_carlos wrote:Apparently Dean Richards has offered Jonny May the £325k he is currently on at Tigers for a 2 year deal at Falcons.

Tigers are rumoured to be offering him a £100k pay cut to fit Ford and Genge's increased salaries into the cap.

Cannot blame him if he takes the cash.

Extra £200k in 2 years, definitely don't begrudge him that. Hardly like he's been poor value for Tigers either. Joint top try scorer in the regular season last season despite playing in an abysmal side. We may well have been relegated without him.

From Tigers perspective I just hope we get a similar quality replacement. Ben Lam would be ideal.

Nadolo either enjoys trolling on social media or is a done deal. If we are still in talks with May despite that being signed then it would suggest there is cap to target another starter if Jonny moves on.

If I was Johnny I'd be asking for assurances of who was coming in to see if it was worth my while staying. Falcons will most likely be relegation fodder again but if Tigers are recruiting as well this summer as they did last summer plus with Borthwick coming onboard then they might be a more attractive proposition.

Can't blame him if he takes the cash.

Is there any truth to the rumour Reffell to Ospreys?

Tough choice for May isn't it? On the one hand he's already settled and done very well as a player at Tigers, and they look to be taking steps as a club to improve so you'd expect them to be mid table next season. But it's a big old pay cut for probably the sides second best back which is a kick in the teeth, especially when you see the same club pull out all the stops to keep Tuilagi.

On the other Falcons are offering a lot more, but their playing style, club and prospects are all worse. Plus he then has to move a fair way further north.

Interesting on May...I would take him in a heartbeat. Imagine a back 3 of Hodge, May and Radwan! (Yet under Richards none would ever touch the ball). We're well under the cap so we could afford to get a few top players in with the increased cash windfall.

Not seeing that Tigers are any better than us when we come back tbh. I'd plump Tigers in with the likes of Worcester, Irish and ourselves (maybe even Wasps) as the struggling clubs in the league. I wouldn't bet against any of those sides finishing bottom next season.

Tigers finished 2nd bottom last season and are currently bottom by 5 pts (on pts won), they seem to be on downward trajectory, rather than an upwards one.

mikey_dragon wrote:Is there any truth to the rumour Reffell to Ospreys?

Apparently Tompkins is meeting with regional coaches this week

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Interesting on May...I would take him in a heartbeat. Imagine a back 3 of Hodge, May and Radwan! (Yet under Richards none would ever touch the ball). We're well under the cap so we could afford to get a few top players in with the increased cash windfall.

Not seeing that Tigers are any better than us when we come back tbh. I'd plump Tigers in with the likes of Worcester, Irish and ourselves (maybe even Wasps) as the struggling clubs in the league. I wouldn't bet against any of those sides finishing bottom next season.

Tigers finished 2nd bottom last season and are currently bottom by 5 pts (on pts won), they seem to be on downward trajectory, rather than an upwards one.

I was going to say! Big words for a team who are likely to finish in the bottom 2/3 for the last couple of seasons (including this one)!

We'll sign Jonny up, it will leave space in the cap for Tigers to bring in more luminaries like Rory Hughes.

Only pulling your leg lads, I see this a slim window to have a few chuckles at your expense.

Quins replace Sinckler with Wilco Louw. Much cheaper.

Sad really though.

maestegmafia wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Is there any truth to the rumour Reffell to Ospreys?

Apparently Tompkins is meeting with regional coaches this week

The WRU do seem to be making a push to bring Welsh talent (or Welsh qualified talent) to Wales. The Reffell rumour was around last year as well. As Reffell extended his contract last March I'd assume he's still under contract for next season. The WRU could try and buy him out but he is getting game time at Tigers who I imagine will be keen to extend his contract again. He's the youngest member of the senior squad and has 13 appearances this season.

Thompkins might be available because of the salary cap fallout. He is under contract but both parties might be open to cancelling.

LondonTiger wrote:Quins replace Sinckler with Wilco Louw. Much cheaper.

Sad really though.

I have not seen much super rugby recently - Does anyone know more about Wilco Louw than is in the press release?

Johnny May - one of the best wingers in the world...but i would still say no thanks.

We need to be putting big money into our front rows and Fly halves!!

We also have Radwan, Morgan Passman and a few other electric wingers coming through.

Get your priorities right Dean for gods sake.

Aside from the fact he'd never see the flippin ball if he played for us,

GeordieFalcon wrote:Johnny May - one of the best wingers in the world...but i would still say no thanks.

We need to be putting big money into our front rows and Fly halves!!

We also have Radwan, Morgan Passman and a few other electric wingers coming through.

Get your priorities right Dean for gods sake.

Aside from the fact he'd never see the flippin ball if he played for us,

Expensive wingers are a luxury item. Better to spend money on the pack and half backs first. Every good prem team has a good scrum and lineout those are more important.

Exactly Sam...something we are badly missing! A strrong scrum...

propdavid_london wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:Quins replace Sinckler with Wilco Louw. Much cheaper.

Sad really though.

I have not seen much super rugby recently - Does anyone know more about Wilco Louw than is in the press release?

Did he play for Cheetahs?

Sam if Reffell is still in contract then I don’t imagine it will be happening next season. It would be silly of Ospreys to try and buy him out when Dan Thomas is available.

Dai Young to Ospreys a new rumour

mikey_dragon wrote:Sam if Reffell is still in contract then I don’t imagine it will be happening next season. It would be silly of Ospreys to try and buy him out when Dan Thomas is available.

Well I am assuming we weren't stupid and only gave him a one year deal. It would be an odd move to go all out and get him at this point.

LondonTiger wrote:Dai Young to Ospreys a new rumour

You vicious rumour-starter

formerly known as Sam wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Sam if Reffell is still in contract then I don’t imagine it will be happening next season. It would be silly of Ospreys to try and buy him out when Dan Thomas is available.

Well I am assuming we weren't stupid and only gave him a one year deal. It would be an odd move to go all out and get him at this point.

As he was in the 23 I thought he could be on 2 year pro contract at least. If he's out of contract then I think they stand an okay chance of enticing him home - that's what the message for all Wales and WQ players in England seems to be.

Toby Booth being linked with the Ospreys coach role. Looking at his CV it's probably not a move I would make, because Ospreys require something a lot more given their dire straits.

Toby Booth would be an experienced forwards coach who's done ok in the jobs he's had. If I remember rightly he was head coach at LI for a bit. Don't think he's going to set the Ospreys on a path to greatness but I imagine he'll make them tougher to beat.

Liberated from a different forum;

TRP Rumours:

Matt Kvesic - Exeter >>> Worcester
Alex Lozowski - Saracens >>> Bath
Will Skelton - Saracens >>> La Rochelle
Harry Sloan - Ealing >>> Saracens
Jaco Venter - Jersey >>> Saracens
Alec Carey - Jersey >>> Saracens

Coaches:

Joe Worsley or Dave Walder linked to Wasps

Sam Hidalgo-Clyne signs a two year deal with Exeter

mikey_dragon wrote:Toby Booth being linked with the Ospreys coach role. Looking at his CV it's probably not a move I would make, because Ospreys require something a lot more given their dire straits.

I have never seen a group of players look so discontent during a warm up as I did when I saw Booth coached Bath pre-game.

Good luck Neath/Swansea.

A few mutterings on the falcons board that there might be something happening with scrum half...Tane Takulua

GeordieFalcon wrote:A few mutterings on the falcons board that there might be something happening with scrum half...Tane Takulua

Leaving or injured or?

Been one of your stars for the last few seasons.

Ben Earl out to Bristol on loan is rumoured

Talk is Takalua is off to Toulon with immediate effect as a replacement for Webb....

2 years in to a 4 year contract.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Talk is Takalua is off to Toulon with immediate effect as a replacement for Webb....

2 years in to a 4 year contract.

Can't blame him. Double his money and the climate is more erm... Warm. I'd imagine Falcons will have got a few quid out of it.

A one year loan deal for Earl would be perfect for Sarries. Not sure it'd be good for Bristol. Look at Wilson at Sale. England call ups will limit availability and worse with Earl is your developing a young player for a rival the following season.

Well it leaves us with Michael Young who is meh, Sam Stuart whos distinctly average and barely been seen this season..Joel Hodgson covering and young England un18s Pascoe and Kelemeti who havent played a senior game.

Well done Dean once again.

I could see Earl being used as a bargaining chip in Bristol talking to Kvesic. Either way it suggests Brizz are losing Dan Thomas.

GeordieFalcon wrote:Well it leaves us with Michael Young who is meh, Sam Stuart whos distinctly average and barely been seen this season..Joel Hodgson covering and young England un18s Pascoe and Kelemeti who havent played a senior game.

Well done Dean once again.

I doubt there's much Dean could have done really. There's probably a get out in his contract once you're in the Championship. It's a blow but you'll get promoted without him and now have several months to get a replacement.

king_carlos wrote:I could see Earl being used as a bargaining chip in Bristol talking to Kvesic. Either way it suggests Brizz are losing Dan Thomas.

Kvesic rumoured to have agreed a deal to return to Worcester.

LondonTiger wrote:

king_carlos wrote:I could see Earl being used as a bargaining chip in Bristol talking to Kvesic. Either way it suggests Brizz are losing Dan Thomas.

Kvesic rumoured to have agreed a deal to return to Worcester.

Another in the long line of players who shouldn't have left in the first place!

chris_501 wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:

king_carlos wrote:I could see Earl being used as a bargaining chip in Bristol talking to Kvesic. Either way it suggests Brizz are losing Dan Thomas.

Kvesic rumoured to have agreed a deal to return to Worcester.

Another in the long line of players who shouldn't have left in the first place!

Maybe, but staying did not help Pennell.

In Worcester rumours apparently Ryan Mills has agreed an early release from his contract and is set to move on thi ssummer.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:Well it leaves us with Michael Young who is meh, Sam Stuart whos distinctly average and barely been seen this season..Joel Hodgson covering and young England un18s Pascoe and Kelemeti who havent played a senior game.

Well done Dean once again.

I doubt there's much Dean could have done really. There's probably a get out in his contract once you're in the Championship. It's a blow but you'll get promoted without him and now have several months to get a replacement.

We have been linked several times with Spencer from Saracens...which raised a few eyebrows amongst the falcons as to why we would need him...now it suddenly becomes more...intriguing

As you say...we'll be fine in the championship...with Stuart and Young.

i just hope the kids get some gametime. They are talented.

Brett Connon is finally starting at 10 with flood at 12 and hes been fantastic.

6 Ted HIll
7 Matt Kvesic

That'll be a canny flank combo!!!

LondonTiger wrote:

chris_501 wrote:

LondonTiger wrote:

king_carlos wrote:I could see Earl being used as a bargaining chip in Bristol talking to Kvesic. Either way it suggests Brizz are losing Dan Thomas.

Kvesic rumoured to have agreed a deal to return to Worcester.

Another in the long line of players who shouldn't have left in the first place!

Maybe, but staying did not help Pennell.

In Worcester rumours apparently Ryan Mills has agreed an early release from his contract and is set to move on thi ssummer.

Kvesic didn't quite find the move he wanted at Glaws but he's had some good times at Chiefs. Little surprised he's leaving there to be honest but I suppose their backrow isn't getting any younger so they may be looking for fresh blood.

Any news on where Mills is off to? I can imagine a number of clubs who'd be interested though not as many as would be if he didn't have such issues with his knee.

I heard Bath wanted Mills.

LondonTiger wrote:I heard Bath wanted Mills.

Would be a great replacement for Roberts. Still a lump but has a lot more to his game as well.

LondonTiger wrote:

king_carlos wrote:I could see Earl being used as a bargaining chip in Bristol talking to Kvesic. Either way it suggests Brizz are losing Dan Thomas.

Kvesic rumoured to have agreed a deal to return to Worcester.

I thought Bristol was rumoured more likely for Kvesic.

Apparently Worcester are trying to bring Will Spencer back as well. That would make sense with Fatialofa's horrible injury.

Ben Lam signs with Bordeaux.

I really hope Jonny May re-signs with Tigers if we've missed out on Lam. Nadolo is a terrific player but realistically we need a starter such as him on the right wing in addition to May on the left.

Sarries wise:

Confirmed
George and Daly ---> Publicly stated they are staying
Gallagher ---> Munster

Rumoured

Faz and Itoje ---> Apparently are staying on same basis as George and Daly but nothing confirmed
Barrington and Wray ---> Club men who want to stay
Taylor and Maitland ---> Offered to SRU but Glasgow/Edinburgh can't match their wages. Both are apparently happy to move if others can match wages.

Mako and Billy ---> Lyon on 1 year deals
Earl ---> Bristol on 1 year deal
Kruis ---> Japan (Sabbatical?)
Koch ---> Super Rugby
Skelton ---> Top 14
Isiekwe ---> Quins
Singleton ---> Tigers
Tompkins ---> Scarlets
Lewington ---> Irish
Malins ---> Exeter
Carre ---> Cardiff
Gray ---> Quins
Crossdale ---> Tigers

Wigglesworth ---> Released
Rhodes ---> Released
Clark ---> Released

Michael Rhodes probably still has a few good innings in him d’you reckon?

Rhodes has had a lot of injury issues recent but I expect someone will pick him up. He's a very good player and covers lock as well as blindside.

Cobus Wiese was meant to have signed for Sarries before the salary cap announcements. If that deals off he could be a target for several clubs as well. Plays like Rhodes but only 22 and without the injury history.

There has been a suggestion that CW might be heading to Glasgow

I think most fans would be happy with that if it happens.

Ben Spencer ---> Advanced talks with Bath
Alex Lozowski ---> Talking to Sale as well as Bath
Nick Isiekwe ---> Talking to Sale as well as Quins
Wigglesworth ---> Sale (player/coach)
Kpoku ---> Agreed terms with Saints but not signed, waiting to see what happens with Skelton and Kruis

king_carlos wrote:Ben Spencer ---> Advanced talks with Bath
Alex Lozowski ---> Talking to Sale as well as Bath
Nick Isiekwe ---> Talking to Sale as well as Quins
Wigglesworth ---> Sale (player/coach)
Kpoku ---> Agreed terms with Saints but not signed, waiting to see what happens with Skelton and Kruis

Bit short sighted really, at Saints he would have been playing most weeks, especially in international squad periods. Lawes is not getting younger and he would have been the natural replacement playing alongside Ribbans. If it is loyalty, then good on him, but playing in the championship is not going to highlight his skills no matter how awesome it may look.

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:

king_carlos wrote:Ben Spencer ---> Advanced talks with Bath
Alex Lozowski ---> Talking to Sale as well as Bath
Nick Isiekwe ---> Talking to Sale as well as Quins
Wigglesworth ---> Sale (player/coach)
Kpoku ---> Agreed terms with Saints but not signed, waiting to see what happens with Skelton and Kruis

Bit short sighted really, at Saints he would have been playing most weeks, especially in international squad periods. Lawes is not getting younger and he would have been the natural replacement playing alongside Ribbans. If it is loyalty, then good on him, but playing in the championship is not going to highlight his skills no matter how awesome it may look.

Understatement of the season WPI.

The championship is woeful!

Joel Kpoku to Saints isn't off the cards from what I understand. Just not a done deal as others have reported. I could see him leapfrogging Ribbans and Moon quite quickly. I rate both those players highly but think Kpoku looks like a beast of a second row. 20 stone, 20-year olds with his agility and line-out ability are rare indeed.

Joels twin brother Jon is in the Sarries set-up with him. It may even be the case that he fancies playing at the same club as his twin. Twins sharing the second row in Professional rugby would be quite an experience for them to cherish.