The rumour mill

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ScarletSpiderman wrote:

pioden gorllewin wrote:Leicester Mercury reporter Martin Crowson stating in todays paper that Tigers are after Owen Williams as stand off for next season. Gutted if true, thought he'd push priestland for the starting spot for next season.

The Scarlets are going to have to pull out of the LV= Cup from now on as it is getting to be a bit of a joke now, we have a kid play well for us in it, and then before the season even finishes they get poached by the Jeff side that they helped beat.

That said I wonder how much game time Owen would have got at PYS next season, as we have Priestland as exepected first choice, and then Jordan Williams, Gareth Owen and now Steve Shingler to cover (plus Aled Thomas, if he stays, and Dan Newton too).

How many times has it happened now?

Kahn and North playing together are a scary combo, lucky for everyone else that Myler is inbetween them though!

Myler isn't a bad flyhalf, he's just a very average one. He doesn't have any huge weaknesses but equally he has no huge strengths. Saints have reached an AP, LV and HEC final with Myler at 10. Someone at 12 who can offer real firepower alongside a fit again Pisi with a back three of real quality. Just got to sort that pack out with some more depth and that could be a dangerous team next season.

I was pleasantly surprised by Myler's cameo in the second test v Argentina.  He's never going to set the world alight but he proved in 20 minutes that behind a strong pack, with a few weapons around him he is more than capable of running an efficient, effective game.  Northampton will always have a competitive pack and they have certainly got some weapons in the backs now.  

Fotuali'i will shoulder a lot of the creative and leadership burden whether he plays 9 or 10, allowing his half back partner - be it Dickson or Myler - to stick to the basics.  I think they will be a real threat this season if they keep the bulk of the squad fit.  Still question marks over depth, but they are probably due some luck with injuries.

Nick kennedy going back to the AP as he wants to be able to get picked by lancaster.
As a result Toulon hires Ali Williams  

We'll take Kennedy!

ChequeredJersey wrote:We'll take Kennedy!

That would make a lot of sense.

whocares wrote:Nick kennedy going back to the AP as he wants to be able to get picked by lancaster.
As a result Toulon hires Ali Williams  

 Where did you here this?

Interesting one.  There was talk that he'd rather not move back to England other than for London Irish, but then was in very serious discussions with Gloucester earlier in the year.  I believe he was very close to signing but in the end both parties decided they weren't sure enough so it fizzled.  Apparently Kennedy didn't seem to have his heart in it and Gloucester weren't prepared to take a gamble on that.  Marries in with the stuff about only wanting to play for LI in the premiership.  Could indicate where he's heading, or maybe he's changed his mind and looking for a new challenge.  To be fair, he's won a Heineken Cup in the intervening period, so his outlook and ambition could well have been altered.

Ozzy3213 wrote:

whocares wrote:Nick kennedy going back to the AP as he wants to be able to get picked by lancaster.
As a result Toulon hires Ali Williams  

 Where did you here this?

http://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/top-14/2012-2013/transferts-le-deuxieme-ligne-all-black-ali-williams-rejoint-toulon_sto3834860/story.shtml

Doesnt say where Kennedy would exactly go though

It is a surprising change of mind for him though, as I know Glaws and a few other sides were in talks with him a few months ago and he chose to stay. Now all those sides are sorted and he has rather limited options, albeit Quins are screaming out for a lock - but do they need another middle jumper, light wieght lock or do they need the grunt to replace Kohn?

Ideally the latter but any high class lock will reduce the load on Matthews

jeffwinger wrote:Interesting one.  There was talk that he'd rather not move back to England other than for London Irish, but then was in very serious discussions with Gloucester earlier in the year.  I believe he was very close to signing but in the end both parties decided they weren't sure enough so it fizzled.  Apparently Kennedy didn't seem to have his heart in it and Gloucester weren't prepared to take a gamble on that.  Marries in with the stuff about only wanting to play for LI in the premiership.  Could indicate where he's heading, or maybe he's changed his mind and looking for a new challenge.  To be fair, he's won a Heineken Cup in the intervening period, so his outlook and ambition could well have been altered.

 I'd have him back at Irish in heartbeat.

Wow, I'd be happy if Nick Kennedy came to Quins - not sure what sort of salary he would be after though following a stint at Toulon! Not sure that we could afford him inside the salary cap.

I believe Tigers showed an interest in him before Parling agreed his new deal. Never rated him that highly to be honest but he runs a decent lineout. Tigers are certainly well stocked at the minute with two England internationals, two Saxons, de Chaves, Cain and two England under 20s.

LI or Quins would seem the most likely destination. Skivington being released to join Quins as Kennedy returns to LI? That would be interesting.

Skivington never really settled at Tigers did he Sam?
Shame, as he was looking good for Wasps before leaving them.

formerly known as Sam wrote:I believe Tigers showed an interest in him before Parling agreed his new deal. Never rated him that highly to be honest but he runs a decent lineout. Tigers are certainly well stocked at the minute with two England internationals, two Saxons, de Chaves, Cain and two England under 20s.

LI or Quins would seem the most likely destination. Skivington being released to join Quins as Kennedy returns to LI? That would be interesting.

I'd be surprised to see Skivs released to be honest.  He was a big player for us at the end of last season.  Skivs paired with Kendo in the engine room is where it's at! 

I was really impressed by Skivington last season in the games I saw him in, especially Irish's victory at Kingsholm where he was immense. He would certainly form a good pair with Kennedy, but has Sam stumbled upon a possible move??

Kennedy and Quins seem like the perfect fit to me ! If kennedy is forgoing all that wedge to try make the world cup then he needs to change to a top four team and with Kohn going there are large boots to fill in the chequered jersey. I love that kennedy is giving it ago to get into the RWC and i really rate him and think he is soo much more than a lineout merchant but at the moment the england lock line up is something near to this.

1)Parling
2)Launchberry
3)Attwood
4)Lawes
5)Slater
6)Kitchener
7)Robson
8)Botha
9)Deacon
10)Palmer
12)Myall
13)Kruis
14)Matthews
15) Kennedy ?

sirtidychris wrote:Kennedy and Quins seem like the perfect fit to me ! If kennedy is forgoing all that wedge to try make the world cup then he needs to change to a top four team and with Kohn going there are large boots to fill in the chequered jersey. I love that kennedy is giving it ago to get into the RWC and i really rate him and think he is soo much more than a lineout merchant but at the moment the england lock line up is something near to this.

It's possible that he's been in contact with Lancaster over the course of the season. He's the sort of lock that Lancaster seems to like, and I'd have him alot higher that you've ranked him when he's on form.

Skivington settled well at Tigers and was doing good things. His wife was pregnant and with the baby due to arrive and all the family down near London George understandably asked to be allowed to move closer to home. He went with the clubs best wishes. He's a quality lock but Kennedy was a Smith favourite and if LI have limited budget then one in one out with Skivs being a pretty ideal signing for Quins that was just a guess.

I'd have that ideally LI would like more tight five depth and another lock and loosehead would go down well.

Skivington is now club captain - I would be very surprised and disappointed if he was let go to accommodate Kennedy (as much as I want Nick to return).

I knew Skivs had skippered the side a couple of times but didn't realise he was now club captain. Given that I'd expect him to stay then. Smith wouldn't have made him captain if he wasn't considered central to the clubs plans.

The coaches also named him as player of the season...

 

Cheers for ruining my dreams SirBurger!

Falcons have now confirmed big Dom Barrow has signed a 2 year deal.

Crackin signing...

GeordieFalcon wrote:Falcons have now confirmed big Dom Barrow has signed a 2 year deal.

Crackin signing...

I dunno, big clubs stealing young talent from smaller ones. Bloomin disgraceful.  

Sky Sports now reporting that Kennedy will join Quins.

LondonTiger wrote:

GeordieFalcon wrote:Falcons have now confirmed big Dom Barrow has signed a 2 year deal.

Crackin signing...

I dunno, big clubs stealing young talent from smaller ones. Bloomin disgraceful.  

 

Oh LT...

Actually im dissapointed that he's coming from Leeds. They've put together a cracking young team that was playing some quite fantastic rugby in the second half of the season.
I genuinely hope they can replace Joe Ford and Barrow and keep everyone else and get promoted next season.
They need to keep Jakub Rowan aswell though,....thats crucial.

Aye GF.

I am actually dreading that I will get a tigers Text saying we have just signed Rowan.

He's a very impressive player...and a young Captain aswell. I think its going to be tough for Leeds to keep him.

I feel sorry for them...as i know how it feels to have your team raided  

Rowan will go to Exe - you heard it here first

Apparently Tongan winger will Helu has singed for wasps. Scarlets were chasing him too.

I don't think Tigers will go for Rowan before next summer and even then only if Salvi indicates the 2014/15 season will be his last.

Kennedy to Quins confirmed. Glad it's happened but it doesn't strengthen our squad as we've lost Ollie anyway but certainly as good as a replacement even if not like for like as was possible

ChequeredJersey wrote:Kennedy to Quins confirmed. Glad it's happened but it doesn't strengthen our squad as we've lost Ollie anyway but certainly as good as a replacement even if not like for like as was possible

Damn - Quins will never love him as much as we do!

So does that mean your SR's are Matthews, Robson and Kennedy...guess Matthews is going to get some games this year as the only powerhouse SR...

Kennedy will improve the Quins lineout. Good signing. Still lacking grunt in the pack though.

Now watch as we sign Simon Shaw