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

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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

international197 wrote:I don't think the Scarlets need to sign Nic Cummins; they already have Kristian Phillips, Aaron Warren and Kyle Evans as wing options for next season, I think they'll be fine with those three as wing options for the 2013/2014 season and I believe they ought to not sign Nic Cummins.

You tell 'em Rhys.

Another rumour doing the rounds that Ex Kiwi Rodney So'oialo has come available and the Scarlets are chasing him. Not sure how much truth is in this rumour, however his brother has recently moved to Connacht. Honda Heat has recently recruited a new 8 in the form of Brown from Western Force....so who know's, maybe some truth in it.

At nearly 34 years old, not sure how much gas he has left in the tank though.

Cardiff Dave wrote:

international197 wrote:I don't think the Scarlets need to sign Nic Cummins; they already have Kristian Phillips, Aaron Warren and Kyle Evans as wing options for next season, I think they'll be fine with those three as wing options for the 2013/2014 season and I believe they ought to not sign Nic Cummins.

You tell 'em Rhys.

Looks like you've found a friend who is just as tiresome.

Rodney would be a good signing for you and perhaps a candidate for captain, he would need help from his pack though.

international197 wrote:I don't think the Scarlets need to sign Nic Cummins; they already have Kristian Phillips, Aaron Warren and Kyle Evans as wing options for next season, I think they'll be fine with those three as wing options for the 2013/2014 season and I believe they ought to not sign Nic Cummins.

Really your getting beyond know. When I first came on hear I thought people were being to harsh on you but know I see why they were now. For stupid comments like above.
I mean I can't work out whether your joking because if you honestly think we can survive all season with Phillips, warren and Evans then you are mad and no nothing about the game. We NEED a player like Cummins.
God for christ sake get a grip like.

pioden gorllewin wrote:Another rumour doing the rounds that Ex Kiwi Rodney So'oialo has come available and the Scarlets are chasing him. Not sure how much truth is in this rumour, however his brother has recently moved to Connacht. Honda Heat has recently recruited a new 8 in the form of Brown from Western Force....so who know's, maybe some truth in it.

At nearly 34 years old, not sure how much gas he has left in the tank though.

I thought this was a stupid joke on Scarlet's Fever

The Saint wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

international197 wrote:I don't think the Scarlets need to sign Nic Cummins; they already have Kristian Phillips, Aaron Warren and Kyle Evans as wing options for next season, I think they'll be fine with those three as wing options for the 2013/2014 season and I believe they ought to not sign Nic Cummins.

You tell 'em Rhys.

Looks like you've found a friend who is just as tiresome.

Rodney would be a good signing for you and perhaps a candidate for captain, he would need help from his pack though.

197 is great.

Jhamer25 wrote:

pioden gorllewin wrote:Another rumour doing the rounds that Ex Kiwi Rodney So'oialo has come available and the Scarlets are chasing him. Not sure how much truth is in this rumour, however his brother has recently moved to Connacht. Honda Heat has recently recruited a new 8 in the form of Brown from Western Force....so who know's, maybe some truth in it.

At nearly 34 years old, not sure how much gas he has left in the tank though.

I thought this was a stupid joke on Scarlet's Fever

Love the apostrophe.

Guys lay off the jibes at each other.

I really prey we don't sign him, we've had no luck with aging former all blacks.

it's that time of year, rumours might have some truth behind them. just never know! only thing i do know we are talking to their agents, so there is a small chance.

also expecting blues to announce a pretty big signing too, soon.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Guys lay off the jibes at each other.

I really prey we don't sign him, we've had no luck with aging former all blacks.

Scarlet's Spiderman says no.

Cardiff Dave wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Guys lay off the jibes at each other.

I really prey we don't sign him, we've had no luck with aging former all blacks.

Scarlet's Spiderman says no.

Dai, to quote you 'love the apostrophe'

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

Cardiff Dave wrote:

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Guys lay off the jibes at each other.

I really prey we don't sign him, we've had no luck with aging former all blacks.

Scarlet's Spiderman says no.

Dai, to quote you 'love the apostrophe'

Jebus, I was having a laugh. Nothing more. It aint news and current affairs you know.

Doubt we will sign So'oialo, he wouldn't be cheap and the deal for Lachlan McCaffery the Western Force no 8 seems all but done, just waiting for WRU approval apparently.

International 197. As it seems you're dead against all NWQ players how about we get rid of Barcley, Earl, Snyman, Manu and Adriannse and replace then with some inexperienced youngsters who've no more than a season or 2 of semi pro rugby between them and see how we cope in the rabbo and Heineken cup is it?

BuzzScarlet wrote:Doubt we will sign So'oialo, he wouldn't be cheap and the deal for Lachlan McCaffery the Western Force no 8 seems all but done, just waiting for WRU approval apparently.

Thats my thinkng too. Quite possible that Timani is training with the squad now as a back up plan, in case the WRU block McCaffrey. After all nothing official has been said about him returning. Could be if McCaffrey doesn't sign Timani will, but if McCaffrey does then Timani ends up at the quins. Which would see us within the nwq quota too.

Rodney seems a bit too old and too expensive to take serious.

Timani coming back? I didn't hear that rumour... You should be bending over backwards to get him back, he was probably the best back 5 player in the Scarlets.

Yeah, Timani's been back in per season training with the Scarlets after his move 2 Agen fell through. Good player on his day but nowhere near consistent enough, if he could become more consistent then he'd be worth a shot as an 8, not sure if he's rejoining us or just training with us until he finds himself a new club?

Not sure if it's fair to say he wasn't consistent. He was overlooked for inferior players, a lot like your best scrum half is (Gareth Davies). He was a good 6 and a very effective ball carrier, I could see him moving to 8 in place of McCusker. You seem fairly well stocked at lock.

Cue 197 saying he doesn't think or agree with Timani coming back in when the Scarlets have Player A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H I, J, etc.

Saint, agreed, he is a good 6, he had a stormer at 6 away to Leinster last season and played well there on other occasions but in a fair few games he was pretty anonymous hence my opinion he is inconsistent. I would however have given him more games in the back row last season and if we don't sign an 8 I'd give him a shot there as well. Interesting take on Gareth Davies, I really rate him as a player but for some reason he didn't play that we'll when he started games but always made an impact when coming on as a sub.

O yeah, if Timani comes back I think international 197 will have a ment!

I think GD is an excellent No.9 who has a good basic skill set and could play Gatland's type of game (best successor to Phillips IMO). I think the fact that I don't rate Knoyle or Aled Davies (or is it Evans) that helps GD's case with me. Well at least Rhodri Williams is hitting good form again too.

Timani is back training and it looks like he will be offered a new contract. although locky looks a done deal, it has stalled slightly on our side.....lot clouded over with the NWQ issues at the moment. Plus we are still talking to Cummins.

pioden gorllewin wrote:
also expecting blues to announce a pretty big signing too, soon.

Keep hearing conflicting messages about this, I haven't heard anything concrete yet :/

wales606 wrote:

pioden gorllewin wrote:
also expecting blues to announce a pretty big signing too, soon.

Keep hearing conflicting messages about this, I haven't heard anything concrete yet :/

Been reading it on here for a couple of months now. Maybe they will announce it today at the shirt thing in the Hayes?

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

BuzzScarlet wrote:Doubt we will sign So'oialo, he wouldn't be cheap and the deal for Lachlan McCaffery the Western Force no 8 seems all but done, just waiting for WRU approval apparently.

Thats my thinkng too. Quite possible that Timani is training with the squad now as a back up plan, in case the WRU block McCaffrey.  After all nothing official has been said about him returning.  Could be if McCaffrey doesn't sign Timani will, but if McCaffrey does then Timani ends up at the quins.  Which would see us within the nwq quota too.

Rodney seems a bit too old and too expensive to take serious.

Possibly right there. I mean he came out of favour for Highlanders and the All Blacks for a reason and now plays for a Japanese team, so he is hardly going to be the player he was and he isn't getting any younger. Have to wait and see I guess. Mccaffrey is more likely to come to us though

Coleman wrote:

wales606 wrote:

pioden gorllewin wrote:
also expecting blues to announce a pretty big signing too, soon.

Keep hearing conflicting messages about this, I haven't heard anything concrete yet :/

Been reading it on here for a couple of months now. Maybe they will announce it today at the shirt thing in the Hayes?

They are still recruiting, mainly at 10, center and tight head. I hope they sign a good center to be honest because they need more attack in their back line apart form back 3. With Jamie gone they need to some attack in midfield.

Anyone else been thinking of Gonzalo Tiesi as an option? I don't think he has signed for anyone since Welsh have released him. An option though I think

I think the Scarlets don't need to sign an eight; they already have Sion Bennett, Craig Price and Rob McCusker competing for the eight shirt next season, I believe that's more than enough competition.

I want them to not sign anyone else for the new season, especially from outside the region.

international197 wrote:I think the Scarlets don't need to sign an eight; they already have Sion Bennett, Craig Price and Rob McCusker competing for the eight shirt next season, I believe that's more than enough competition.

I want them to not sign anyone else for the new season, especially from outside the region.

Jesus H Christ, you're still on this one are you?

How come you're allowed to live in Cardiff when it's not in your region?

Great, another number 8 rumour is brewing on Scarlet fever.
Phillip Van Der Wait
Would be a better signing than Mccafrey but how many 8 rumours have we had now, can't we just sign someone already and stop all these  rumours. I mean come on it's driving me mad.

Van Der Wait? Hmm, that sounds suspiciously non-Welsh to me! Boo-urns!

Jhamer, I think it is name a NWQ number 8 and see if people start to discuss him season on there at the moment.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Jhamer, I think it is name a NWQ number 8 and see if people start to discuss him season on there at the moment.

So far they have said we are looking at an alternative to Mccafrey because they have delayed signing Mccafrey because there are still a few different options open (Apparently). Then someone mentioned that he was the alternative
Personally would much prefer Van Der Walt because i have seen him play and he is a young promising 8. But maybe i'm being harsh on Mccafrey because i have never seen him play. But on a CV, Van Der Walt is much better.

Still think we should try and get Dan Baker though before anyone else

http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/club/principalitypremiership/27591.php#.Ue5JdWTXhX8 (WRU) wrote:Neath have pulled off a coup for the 2013-14 season by signing Dale Ford from the Scarlets.

Looks like Dale Ford is going to Neath RFC, another winger leaving the Scarlets after George North leaves for Northampton and Andy Fenby leaves for London Irish. Luckily, the Scarlets have secured the services of wingers Kyle Evans, Kristian Phillips and Aaron Warren for the 2013/2014 season, therefore I think there is no need for the Scarlets management to sign another winger for the West and North Wales region for the 2013/2014 season.

Losing Fenby was a mistake

munkian wrote:Losing Fenby was a mistake

I don't think there was much we could have done with Fenby, he has to think about his post-rugby career and had also just got engaged to his misses who lives that way. I think it was more a decision based on the future, post-rubgy, than being at the best side possible for him. You can't really fault him for it.

Looks like Rodney is set to sign for us now, would be a good signings but very risky. I just hope that if he does sign, that risk will pay off.

What's going to happen to dross like Turnbull and McCusker now then? Hopefully this stops them getting selected for Wales ahead of better players as well.

The Saint wrote:What's going to happen to dross like Turnbull and McCusker now then? Hopefully this stops them getting selected for Wales ahead of better players as well.

Not as long as McBryde is in the selectors pot. Not a chance.

Surely the tour in Japan has made a dent on him having his say... Saying that, Howley tends to select some dross too.

I'd be surprised I'f we get So'oialo now as its just been confirmed that we've given Sione Timani a new contract so that's our 6 NWQ places taken. Also there's a rumour Chris Chejkai coming to the Scarlets but nothing concrete as of yet.

BuzzScarlet wrote:I'd be surprised I'f we get So'oialo now as its just been confirmed that we've given Sione Timani a new contract so that's our 6 NWQ places taken. Also there's a rumour Chris Chejkai coming to the Scarlets but nothing concrete as of yet.

Increases the chances the Blues will get him them

Losing Czekaj would be annoying though, we don't have many wingers (although first team rugby at the Scarlets would attract him)

BuzzScarlet wrote:I'd be surprised I'f we get So'oialo now as its just been confirmed that we've given Sione Timani a new contract so that's our 6 NWQ places taken. Also there's a rumour Chris Chejkai coming to the Scarlets but nothing concrete as of yet.

Were did you hear that from and yes people in Scarlet fever have said Chris is being linked to us. Would be understandable if Chris did come to us, more game time for him. He didn't play that much last season but he has been promising in the past. I for one would like him to join us.

And on Turnball and Mccusker, Mccusker will still be a regular in our team whether that's starting on on the bench. It hasn't been confirmed yet but thy are saying it's highly likely Rodney will sign, wouldn't put it past them mind i mean they said Carriza was a near definite  
Turnball on the other hand is at risk, he was awful last season and I've never really thought much of him anyway (good for us but no where near the international level). I would have sold him to a club to get a bit more dosh. Both Rob and Aaron are ahead of him at 6 and he isn't a 7. Should have got money for him while he was still in contract i think.

Jhamer, it was confirmed at the crys16 meeting that Timani has had a new contract. Chris would be an improvement on kristian Philips and is also WQ which is a bonus no we've resigned Timani.

Luckless Pedestrian wrote:Boo-urns!

 

Turnbull is a very good flanker and IMO the better of him and Gog, but was carrying a knock for most of last season. He has had his op, and whould be back firing properly next season. I wouldn't be too suprised to see him getting a fair bit of game time next season.

Josh Turnbull looked very good the season before last. I've never been a fan of McCusker.

Apparently we are after a goal kicking winger too.

think what was confirmed with nigel short yesterday evening was:

still in the process of an 8: was going to be mcCaffery, then So'oialo came available and we are preety far down the line in signing him. although with the blues now coming in who knows.....We've told McCaffery he is still an option.

Wing: with signed an unknown wing with an 84% kicking rate.

Timani has signed again, and is now view as an 6/8.

Gone over our NWQ quote so are registering a few of them with feeder teams.

Is all a bit messy really! Looking at the Dragons doing all their signings early, and brining in an experienced coaching team. I do worry that we might be the bottom Welsh region.

Evening post think we've lost out on So'oialo:

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/Scarlets-continue-search-8-signing/story-19573911-detail/story.html#axzz2a8xzGQtN

pioden gorllewin wrote:Is all a bit messy really! Looking at the Dragons doing all their signings early, and brining in an experienced coaching team. I do worry that we might be the bottom Welsh region.

Chin up, I remember there were a fair few of us who were cacking ourselves this time last year with our second row options being Aaron Shingler, Sione Timani, Josh Turnbull and Rob McGog. But by the time the season started we had a pretty well stocked at lock, and it was probably one of our best performing positions last season.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

pioden gorllewin wrote:Is all a bit messy really! Looking at the Dragons doing all their signings early, and brining in an experienced coaching team. I do worry that we might be the bottom Welsh region.

Chin up, I remember there were a fair few of us who were cacking ourselves this time last year with our second row options being Aaron Shingler, Sione Timani, Josh Turnbull and Rob McGog.  But by the time the season started we had a pretty well stocked at lock, and it was probably one of our best performing positions last season.

positives are we do look stronger in the front five. adriaanse will have a full pre season under his belt and will push samson lee for a starting spot. smiler has left, so will lose a bit of experience there, time for ken to step up with his leadership role. earle and snyman will continue to improve this season, and one will possibly captain the team. barclay was a great signing and is a proper 7 for us. a ball carrying 8 is really the missing jigsaw.

the backline is fine apart for the wing berths. not much experience there - can see liam williams moving over to the wing and jordan/shingler slotting in at 15. this new kicking winger is a positive as he'll take some pressure off priestland on the kicking duties.

do question our coaching set-up, but I'll reserve judgement on them.

I would assume options, with players sticking to just one shirt would be (just off the top of my head)

15 - Shingler / Jordan / Owen
14 - Sanjay / Kyle
13 - Foxy / Maule
12 - Scott / Ad Warren
11 - Phillips / Aa Warren
10 - Priestland / Thomas
9 - A Davies / G Davies

1 - Jones / John / Evans
2 - Owens / Phillips / Myhill
3 - Lee / Adriaanse / Manu
4 - Earle / Ball
5 - Snyman / Kelly
6 - A Shingler / Turnbull
7 - Barclay / Cub
8 - McGog / Timani

That is not too far off a team as good as last season, and with Jock Shingler playing at fullback, or Jordan I guess, we have a decent goal kicking option to relieve pressure of Rhys and let him do what he does best. And if your back line is playing a fluid flowing game, I have confidence that whoever is on the wing will be able to finish.