Transfers 2014/2015 Continued

First topic message reminder :

Well silly season is almost upon us so thought I would keep tabs on the comings and goings.  Will put the confirmed transfers, unconfirmed transfers (rumours) and out of contract players into various columns.  Please post any news or rumours and I will keep the original post updated.

Confirmed
Jon Davies (Scarlets) to Clermont
Regan King (Clermont) to Scarlets
Ian Evans (Ospreys) to Toulon
John Afoa (Ulster) to Gloucester
Rory Kockott (Castres) to Toulon (reportedly trying to cancel deal to stay at Castres)
Richard Hibbard (Ospreys) to Gloucester
Mamuka Gorgodze (Montpellier) to Toulon
Sebastien Vahaamahina (Perpignan) to Clermont
Guilhem Guirado (Perpignan) to Toulon
Robin Copeland (Blues) to Munster
Armitev (Northampton) to Russia (unconfirmed club)
Qera (Gloucester) to Toulouse
Casey Laulala (Munster to France (Club unconfirmed but thought to be Racing Metro)
Tom Court (Ulster) to London Irish
Andre Pretorius (Blues) to Worcester
Zac Guildford (New Zealand) to Clermont
Sivivatu (Clermont) to Castres
Aled Brew (Biarritz) to Dragons
Lee Byrne (Clermont) to Dragons
Dwayne Peel (Sale) to Bristol
Thomas Waldrom (Leicester) to Exeter
Dan Evans (Dragons) to Ospreys
Ieuan Jones (Dragons) to Blues
Jean-Philippe Genevois (Biarritz) to Perpignan
Benoit Cabello (Clermont) to Perpignan
Sakiusa Matadigo (Racing) to Perpignan
Jonathan Wisniewski (Racing) to Grenoble
Leigh Halfpenny (Blues) to Toulon
Josh Turnbull (Scarlets) to Blues
Nick Abendanon (Bath) to Clermont
Anthony Perenise (Bath) to Bristol
Craig Mitchell (Exeter) to Blues
Hoani Tui (Exeter) to Lyon
Tavis Knoyle (Gloucester) to Blues
Marland Yarde (London Irish) to Harlequins
Neil Cochrane (Wasps) to Edinburgh
Henry Thomas (Sale) to Bath
Josh Matavesi (Worcester) to Ospreys
Nick Auterac (Saracens) to Bath
Boris Stankovich (Leicester) to Dragons
Bradley Davies (Blues) to London Wasps
Moray Low (Glasgow) to Exeter
Chris Cussiter (Glasgow) to Sale
Matt Stevens (Saracens) to Sharks
Sam Smith (Harlequins) to Worcester
James Gaskell (Sale) to Wasps
Eoin Griffin (Connacht) to London Irish
Sam Burgess (Rugby League) to Bath
Adam Hughes (Dragons) to Bristol
Sam Parry (Dragons) to Ospreys
Joe Rees (Ospreys) to Worcester
Ian Nagle (Munster) to Newcastle
Tom Guest (Halrequins) to London Irish
Luke Narraway (Perpignan) to London Irish
Freddie Burns (Gloucester) to Leicester
Matthew Morgan (Ospreys) to Bristol
Jim Hamilton (Montpellier) to Saracens
Toby Flood (Leicester) to Toulouse
Lote Tuquiri (Leinster) to NPC
Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier) to Castres
Ryan Jones (Ospreys) to Bristol
Greg Laidlaw (Edinburgh) to Gloucester
Brice Dulin (Castres) to Racing Metro
Antonie Claassen (Castres) to Racing Metro
Gio Aplon (South Africa) to Grenoble
Leonardo Ghiraldini (Treviso) to Leicester
Robert Barbieri (Treviso) to Leicester
Loamanu (Treviso) to Leicester
Rob Hawkins (Leicester) to Newcastle
Ian Gough (London Irish) to Dragons



Unconfirmed
Michele Rizzo (Treviso) to Leicester



Out of Contract
Adam Jones (Ospreys) - Looks like he is signing for Ospreys/WRU as indicated in press
Keith Earls (Munster)
Daniel Bowden (Leicester)
Scott Hamilton (Leicester)



Retiring
Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster)
Andrew Sheridan (Toulon - unconfirmed)
Steve Borthwick (Saracens)
Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon)
Sebastien Bruno (Toulon)
George Chuter (Leicester) moving to Worcester coaching
Johann Muller (Ulster)
Mike Tindall (Gloucester - unconfirmed)
Will James (Gloucester)

He's really come on this year, as has the scrummaging of all our props. A combination of Paul James arriving and also the make that Hatley has worked. The problem is a TH! Someone needs to have a word in Waller's ear and get him playing there full time, as it will take a year for us to sort out Henry Thomas!  

No worries, Sinckler is here to save the day!


Not really, he's not ready but he is improving his scrummaging at an impressive rate!

I know im like a broken down record...but Brookes is a cracking TH and i would take him to NZ...a good scrummager, a big ol unit and he's great in the loose aswell. Then you have Scott Wilson and Sinkler doing great sutff at their age!!

TH will not be a problem at all.

Bathite wrote:The problem is a TH! Someone needs to have a word in Waller's ear and get him playing there full time, as it will take a year for us to sort out Henry Thomas!  

Not sure which Waller you are referencing but it was the younger Waller Ethan who was tried at TH last season but according to someone on the Saints forum with an inside to the club he was switched back to LH this year because he couldn't get the required size to switch sides, his frame just wasn't big enough to take the extra bulk. Even with the extra size he did manage to pack on the club (and player himself) felt it was negatively impacting his game too much to proceed with the switch anyway. Same poster did say that Saints have very high hopes for Ethan and that he is seen as potentially better at his current age than his brother was at that age. I didn't see the game myself but he is supposed to have caused Henry Thomas real issues in the Amlin game last week which resulted in young Henry seeing yellow.

Ironic thing is that Alex Waller probably has/had the size to play TH but he is older and too far down the line in his development already. Plus he looks a fine LH in his own right.

ChequeredJersey wrote:No worries, Sinckler is here to save the day!


Not really, he's not ready but he is improving his scrummaging at an impressive rate!

You joke but I could see him fast tracked into the Saxons quite easily. I believe Marler was only a year older when he played for England (might be wrong).

Don't forget that when he's back fit Collier was just coming into a rich vein of form (after seasons of poop) and had got into the Saxons too.

We have just confirmed the signing of Worcester No.8 Semisi Tauvala.

Not exactly thrilled by this one. He's been injured most of the season and at 31 isnt likely to get any better.

Interesting signing following the Lemi comments!

Yeah isnt it...

Scot Steele to Irish

 got themselves a very talented 9 there and very very good young player.

 a huge shame for tigs but we have Youngs, Mele and Harrison.
 
 and Tressider coming up.

Bathman_in_London wrote:Interesting signing following the Lemi comments!

What Lemi comments? Think i've missed this

Welly wrote:Scot Steele to Irish

 got themselves a very talented 9 there and very very good young player.

 a huge shame for tigs but we have Youngs, Mele and Harrison.
 
 and Tressider coming up.

Also Conor Gilsenan to Irish from Connacht.

Bathite wrote:

Bathman_in_London wrote:Interesting signing following the Lemi comments!

What Lemi comments? Think i've missed this

Deano basically responded to speculation that Newcastle were signing Lemi by saying that he was too old for them to consider and that it was false.

He said there were better options available and Lemi was pretty much past it at 32 for a winger.

To be fair he had a point but it kind of came out the wrong way. I wouldn't want Lemi at Newcastle.

Look like Gavlar is staying at Baaarf   

Not a surprise Steele is off. Good young 9 but bit lightweight and 4th choice. Think he'll suit LI and their fans will take to him. Tressider is coming through but not sure he'll threaten the first team much. Steele, Harrison and Tressider are all playmaker 9 that can kick for goal and have well rounded footballing games. They all lack a bit of bite and I'm not sure they have the running games to tie in defences at AP level.

Australian Mitch Lees joins Exe from London Welsh - woop woop. Adam Hughes from Dragons and Elvis Taoine from Jersey to be announced shortly - more whoop whoop

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Australian Mitch Lees joins Exe from London Welsh - woop woop.  Adam Hughes from Dragons and Elvis Taoine from Jersey to be announced shortly - more whoop whoop

Really liked Adam Hughes at the Dragons - very nippy and fearless player

munkian wrote:

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Australian Mitch Lees joins Exe from London Welsh - woop woop.  Adam Hughes from Dragons and Elvis Taoine from Jersey to be announced shortly - more whoop whoop

Really liked Adam Hughes at the Dragons - very nippy and fearless player

Glad to hear that, munchkin - he'll be adding squad depth for us initially, but hopefully he can be developed a la Phil Dollman

Apparently London Irish Hala'ufia signed for the Scarlets officially last night. Others we seemed to be linked with are Saracens Tasgicakibau & Leinsters Leo Au'uva . Although apparently with the bureaucracy in Wales for signing a non domestically qualified players it's hard to announce these signings.

Didn't realise until recently that in Wales (not sure same elsewhere) before you can offer an overseas player a contract. It has to go before a panel consisting of a WRU rep, another region's rep and a bannister.

If you can keep him fit and out of trouble with referees you've got a really good player there. I know most Irish fans will be sorry to see Mr Hala'ufia go.

A bannister? Like this?

Notch wrote:A bannister? Like this?

  

Dragons snap up South African lock Ligtoring Landman

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/11141347.Dragons_snap_up_South_African_lock_Ligtoring_Landman/

Ozzy3213 wrote:If you can keep him fit and out of trouble with referees you've got a really good player there.  I know most Irish fans will be sorry to see Mr Hala'ufia go.

Hopefully so Ozzy -didn't he come to the game late? So hopefully he's still got plenty left in the tank for us. Doesn't he get used more of an impact sub for you guys?

Sounds like we are targeting another 8 too. We did go after Taulava, but unfortunately lost out to Newcastle, so maybe Leo Auva'a is an option.

Well if the rumours are right we have signed Rob Hawkins, the Leicester hooker.

Not insipring after the Taulava signing either....

That would give us 4 hookers with Hawkins 3/4th choice, very strange signing.

The two areas (hooker & lock) that we are well stocked and we've signed players over the last week.

I just cant work out what is going on. Green i can understand...he looks a good player.

But Hawkins when we have Lawson, Thompson, McGuigan (who will start games next season) and even young David Nelson coming through the academy aswell.

EDIT: Well there appears to be alot of Leicester fans giving glowing reports about Hawkins, so maybe he is a decent signing.

Hawkins is a good hooker, very mobile and gets around the park. Jettison Lawson and get in Hawkins and that'll be good business for you guys.

Hawkins has been a great hooker for us if we weren't getting a Italian international I would be seriously peed off he was leaving, Hawkins was in the form of his life before THAT injury happened.

 He works hard at the breakdown, has got a good throw and have never seen him put anything less than 100% in, a very very good signing shocked that Falcons fans aren't happy by this signing and saying he would be 3/4th choice (when he was 2nd choice at Leicester) is laughable.


 Will be with you all season is another plus.

pioden gorllewin wrote:Apparently London Irish Hala'ufia signed for the Scarlets officially last night. Others we seemed to be linked with are Saracens Tasgicakibau & Leinsters Leo Au'uva . Although apparently with the  bureaucracy in Wales for signing a non domestically qualified players it's hard to announce these signings.

Didn't realise until recently that in Wales (not sure same elsewhere) before you can offer an overseas player a contract. It has to go before a panel consisting of a WRU rep, another region's rep and a bannister.

To be honest I would like to see all of them down our end. Hala'ufia would be considered as a first team starter and Tasgicakibau, Leo Au'uva can add strength in depth especially Au'va at 8. As long as they can offer something off the bench or fill in when needed and come cheap, then i see no problems with any of them coming here. Lets hope the board see it that way.

If Au'va can rediscover his form of 2 years ago he could be a handy squad player. He is a big ball carrier but just doesn't have the work rate.

GeordieFalcon wrote:I just cant work out what is going on. Green i can understand...he looks a good player.

But Hawkins when we have Lawson, Thompson, McGuigan (who will start games next season) and even young David Nelson coming through the academy aswell.

EDIT: Well there appears to be alot of Leicester fans giving glowing reports about Hawkins, so maybe he is a decent signing.

I've only seen 3 or 4 Newcastle games this season but Lawson has been one of the few bright sparks when I have. Solid in the set piece and prominent in the loose with a decent work-rate.

No doubt a decent player GF but in an area we have 3 good options when we're crying out for a 10 & LH

Goneva has signed for 2 more years at tigers.

http://www.connachtrug...ee-aki/#ConnachtNews

Bundee Aki to Connacht!!!

LeinsterFan4life wrote:http://www.connachtrug...ee-aki/#ConnachtNews

Bundee Aki to Connacht!!!

 Good signing.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:http://www.connachtrug...ee-aki/#ConnachtNews

Bundee Aki to Connacht!!!

Link doesn't work

LeinsterFan4life wrote:http://www.connachtrug...ee-aki/#ConnachtNews

Bundee Aki to Connacht!!!

He any good?

Thought they would have been looking for a fullback and bring in Henshaw into the centre.

Hopefully it doesnt hint at Henshaw moving to Leinster.

Golden wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:http://www.connachtrug...ee-aki/#ConnachtNews

Bundee Aki to Connacht!!!

He any good?

Thought they would have been looking for a fullback and bring in Henshaw into the centre.

Just back from shoulder injury. Been a regular with super rugby champions, the Chiefs, during their successful run. Excellent signing for Connacht.


Fullback is sorted with Darragh Leader coming through.

Ye big fan of Leader.

Heard from a Connacht friend that there was rumour they were looking at O'Dea as well. Any word from a Munster POV?

Golden wrote:Ye big fan of Leader.

Heard from a Connacht friend that there was rumour they were looking at O'Dea as well. Any word from a Munster POV?

O'Dea is a quality player but injury prone. Munster will have to offload some back 3 players so chances are he could be going. He can play wing or fullback. Personally I think fullback could be his best position.

LOD would be a great signing for them! TOH can also cover FB so Id say they should concentrate on signing a 10, a backup 9 and maybe another LH to cover for Wilko's retirement.

Simon Cohen just said on Radio Leicester that Loamanu will be at Tigers next season

LeinsterFan4life wrote:http://www.connachtrug...ee-aki/#ConnachtNews

Bundee Aki to Connacht!!!

3 year contract. Project player?

Great player who has been unlucky at the chiefs this season with so many talented players there. V big signing for Connacht.

with henshaw and Aki that centre partnership could well become the best in Ireland imo.

Well so far we have signed:

Juan Pablo Socino (centre, Rotherham),
Ruki Tipuna (scrum half, Bristol),
Calum Green (lock, Leeds),
Semesi Taulava (number 8, Worcester)
Rob Hawkins (Hooker, Leicester)

Hardly inspiring..but a few solid signings.

Not going to get the fans renewing their season tickets in their droves mind...

Green was a very good player when at tigers injury meant he would never get a proper look in.

 But Hawkins a very good signing.

 Also Terrance Heptema is rumoured to be looking at Wuss or Falcons,  although he is still under contract, now he is a very promising player like Bowden but younger and bigger.

 But as said he is still under contract so doubt anything will happen at least next season.

Do we need 4 hookers though Welly?

Lawson, Hawkins, Thompson (whos just last or so signed a new contract) and young McGuigan who has been amongst our best players when hes played and will feature more next season.

maybe one is leaving to a better/another club, don't know what your contract situations are.

at Leicester we had Youngs, Hawkins, Briggs and Thacker (being like McGuigan showing a lot of promise)

 and with Lawson potentially at Scotland like Youngs never underestimate a player like Hawkins to steady the ship and provide experience if needed.