Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Scottish Arrivals & Departures

First topic message reminder :

With a few players announcing their departures, and few named to replace them, I thought it'd be useful to have an in-out list.

Also a good place to post any rumours or rumours of rumours.

Let me know if I'm missing anyone?!


Edinburgh


In:

Nasi Manu - Highlanders - Flanker     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DsgMvrYr6I
Will Helu - Coventry Wasps - Wing    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luMTcwgcr5U
Nathan Fowles - Sale - SH              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFWzXXhzeQE
Michael Allen - Ulster - Wing/Centre https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHnLKIz0Ecw
Otulea Katoa - Southland - Wing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crq6ZJKaeg4

Duncan Hodge - SRU - Backs Coach

Out:

Tim Visser - Harlequins - Wing
Ollie Atkins - Exeter Chiefs - Lock
Michael Tait - the bar - Centre
Tom Heathcote - Worcester Warriors - FH
Grayson Hart - Glasgow Warriors - SH
Wicus Blaauw - ? - Prop
Brett Thompson - ? -
Nikki Walker - Hawick - Wing


Contract ending:

Hookers: Hilterbrand, Turner
Props: Dickinson, Nel
BR: Leonardi, Du Preez

FH: Bezuidenhout
Centre: Dominguez, Atiga
Wings: Farndale


Glasgow Warriors


In:

Grayson Hart - Edinburgh - SH                    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1ReJ_oz1Rk
Mike Blair - Newcastle Falcons - SH             https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sWN-M8lQ2o
Keiran Low - London Irish - Lock/Flanker       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qszjBclzxds
Simone Favaro - Treviso - Flanker                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAcEaWGY8yk
Sam Johnson - Queensland Reds - Centre      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J_O4sLMfdc
Greg Peterson - Leicester Tigers - Lock
Taqele Naiyaravoro - NSW Waratahs - Wing  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgSC643wJRI
Javan Sebastian - Scarlets Academy - Prop  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9N4q0zcwTo
Jason Hill - Heriot’s - No.8                         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my_UQoN8DM8
Hugh Blake - Edinburgh? - Flanker             https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIIuR-HjFho
Sila Puafisi - Gloucester - Prop                   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXLR_9CXkUs  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqAneyg0Fqw


Dan McFarland - Connacht - Forwards Coach

Out:

Niko Matawalu - Bath - SH
Sean Maitland - London Irish - Wing
John Welsh - Newcastle Falcons - Prop
Dougie Hall - the bar - Hooker
Al Kellock - the bar - Lock
DTH - Scarlets - Wing
Tom Ryder - Northampton - Lock
James Downey - Wasps - Centre
Murray McConnell - Nottingham - Centre
Tommy Spinks - Jersey - Flanker

Shade Munroe - ? - Forwards Coach

Contract ending:

Props: Murray, G.Hunter

SH: Price
FH: Hunter, Lyle
Wings: Hughes
Full Backs: Braid


London Scottish


In:

Drew Locke - Jersey - Centre                 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KcGBGC7FKI
Neale Patrick - Plymouth - Lock              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsi07ANTE04
Russell Weir - Scotland 7's - SH              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agpcYh30H04
David Young - Newport Dragons - Prop    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxIq4nwimCM
Freddie Clarke - Bath - Flanker
Jason Harries - Wales 7's - Centre
Jimmy Litchfield - London Welsh - Prop    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMCPZqsXqHo
James Chisholm - Harlequins - No.8         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl9v5JzpUn0  (scorer of both tries)
Craig Jackson - Hartbury - Full Back         https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jXMZE5Xl-k
Rory Bartle - Gloucester - Lock                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWJF0rIYhms
Tyrone Moran - Leinster - Hooker             https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he4Bq0Dkdfg
Will Carrick-Smith - Exeter - Lock
Joe Marchant - Harlequins - Centre          https://vine.co/v/O2FBmaU6dD2
Kieran Treadwell - Harlequins - Lock        
James Gibbons - Gloucester - Prop
Season long loan from Bath Rugby
Beno Obano - Bath - Prop                       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwqWvAmmYfw  
Tom Woolstencroft - Bath - Hooker          https://vine.co/v/MTDzbLxOxTM

Peter Richards - LS - Promoted to Head Coach
Tim Payne - London Irish - Forwards Coach


Out:

Adam Preocanin - Ealing Trailfinders - Lock
Gregor Gillanders - Blackheath - Flanker
James Phillips - Bristol - No.8
Jamie Stevenson - Wasps - Scrum Half
Kieran Moffat- returned to New Zealand - Centre
Lovejoy Chawatama - Rosslyn Park - Prop
Mark Lilley - Rosslyn Park - Prop
Matt Hawke - Rosslyn Park - Centre
Mike Doneghan - AS Macon - Wing
Neil Best - Retired - Flanker
PJ Gidlow - Stade Rouennais - Centre
Ross Doneghan - Retired - Flanker
Stewart Maguire - East Grinstead - Prop
Tai Tuisamoa - returned to USA - Flanker

Mike Friday - USA 7's - Head Coach

I'd say scrum half is weak for Edinburgh. S-H-C is a clear front runner with a significant drop in quality to Kennedy, Fowles and Glashan (although they may obviously improve .

Really don't know why Hart was moved to Glasgow given the above, plus the fact that they already have Pyrgos, Blair and Price. If Hart had stayed at Edinburgh I think both teams will have had the right balance at 9.

RDW_Scotland wrote:I'd say scrum half is weak for Edinburgh. S-H-C is a clear front runner with a significant drop in quality to Kennedy, Fowles and Glashan (although they may obviously improve .

Really don't know why Hart was moved to Glasgow given the above, plus the fact that they already have Pyrgos, Blair and Price. If Hart had stayed at Edinburgh I think both teams will have had the right balance at 9.

I thought Glashan had been released, not in the Academy line up and no contract. Never quite made the grade.

Well that's worse then, when Sammy is away with Scotland we'll have Kennedy and Fowles and no one else!

You forgot Hugh Fraser, he's still on our books.

justified sinner wrote:You forgot Hugh Fraser, he's still on our books.

Who??

OK,  EDP signed 2014 played through age grade, but not U20s, been down South for a while. Young but obviously promising, basically a Glashan replacement.

Shame about Glashan, I had heard good things.

Maybe we can convert Andries Strauss into a scrum half.

Another question for Edinburgh is what has happened with Cochrane, Hilterbrand, Leonardi and Dominguez? Their contracts were all up this year but they weren't named in the leaving dinner and there's been no mention of new deals.

Looking at the squad list the only one still there is Cochrane, which is fine by me - he's the only player I would have kept! He'll do a good job for us if Ford and McInally are away at the WC, George Turner on the bench.

Also, atiga is no longer listed as a 'player'!

Dominguez has signed for Cognac in the French third tier. Ambitious club who have made a few big signings and a lovely part of the world.

I was going to applaud you for your knowledge of lower league French rugby, but then I saw that it was in the Evening News yesterday!

Yep.

A rather opaque Tweet suggests that Colin 'Budgie' Gregor is retiring from rugby.
Or Sevens. Or something. It's really not clear.
Perhaps he's going to stop buying children's clothes to avoid the tax. Allegedly.

BBC has it pretty much covered. Forced to retire due to a knee injury.

Shame for him.

Glasgow have announced some temporary signings to provide cover during the RWC.

The GUINNESS PRO12 champions have signed stand-off Rory Clegg and Scottish club props George Hunter, Gary Strain and Steven Findlay on short-term contracts to provide added depth and competition during the Rugby World Cup.

http://www.glasgowwarriors.org/news/15/07/17/four-players-signed-ahead-new-campaign

Not desperately exciting, and I won't add them to the above list unless they sign full contracts, but it's potentially a good opportunity for these club players and hopefully Toonie unearths a gem or two in the process.

I suppose that's slightly unfair on Clegg who has played at a high level. Sadly already tied to England.

This is the most interesting quote:

Gregor Townsend wrote:"We’re also close to adding further depth to our squad ahead of the new season."

Though 'depth' makes it sound like more of the same. Got to assume all the major signings are done now.

Oh and how many times will Gregor Hunter be re-announced as a signing!? He's been there 5 years!!!!

madmaccas wrote:I suppose that's slightly unfair on Clegg who has played at a high level. Sadly already tied to England.

This is the most interesting quote:

Gregor Townsend wrote:"We’re also close to adding further depth to our squad ahead of the new season."

Though 'depth' makes it sound like more of the same. Got to assume all the major signings are done now.

It'll probably be Keir Hardie and Sexton Blake.

jimbopip wrote:

madmaccas wrote:I suppose that's slightly unfair on Clegg who has played at a high level. Sadly already tied to England.

This is the most interesting quote:

Gregor Townsend wrote:"We’re also close to adding further depth to our squad ahead of the new season."

Though 'depth' makes it sound like more of the same. Got to assume all the major signings are done now.

It'll probably be Keir Hardie and Sexton Blake.

That would be quite funny. Poor Blake came to Scotland to get a chance at a 7 shirt, yet Hardie may block him here as he did in Otago.

Hardie and Blake at Glasgow would finish off Fusaro and Holmes.

London Scottish have signed World Rugby Junior Player of the Year James Chisholm on a dual deal.

http://www.espn.co.uk/rugby/story/_/id/13311060/world-rugby-junior-player-year-james-chisholm-signs-london-scottish-dual-contract

Normally these things wouldn't be of note, but this guy is tipped for the very top.

Added in videos for the new signings for Glasgow and Edinburgh. Will look for the LS ones later.

Solomons sounds like they're done on recruitment for the year

Alan Solomons wrote:“So, by and large, the recruitment is done and we will have good strength in depth when everybody comes back from the World Cup.

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/latest/pro12-top-six-an-absolute-minimum-for-edinburgh-1-3845845

I thought they were still to bring in a world class player (centre)???

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/32769440

We could do with one (especially if SQ) but we do have solid enough options currently.

It certainly isn't as desperate as the Glasgow tighthead situation!

Perhaps we'll see something of Chris Dean this season at 13.

Solomons has said as much in several different interviews, but I suspect it will come down to how his knees hold up.

If only he could have a Russell/Bennett breakthrough season for us, that would be good!

A few rumours saying Tongan international winger / fullback Otulea Katoa has signed for Edinburgh...

nickj wrote:A few rumours saying Tongan international winger / fullback Otulea Katoa has signed for Edinburgh...

He’s listed as an Edinburgh player in the Tonga squad listing here

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_World_Rugby_Pacific_Nations_Cup

Can’t see it being overly popular with the Edinbrugh faithful give

A – we don’t really need another back 3 player
B – He is NSQ
C – His appearance will mean less gametime for Hoyland/Brown etc.

I spotted that too. I'm pretty ok with the signing to be honest. While I absolutely hope it doesn't mean less time for the likes of Hoyland and Robbins, I hope it does mean we see more of Tonks at 10, Helu and Allen at 13 and less of Cuthbert altogether.

Sadly if this guy signs it isn’t becoming overly difficult to come up with an (almost) entire NSQ Edinburgh backline:

9 –
10 – Burleigh
11 – Helu
12 – Strauss
13 – Beard
14 – Allen
15 – Katoa (if he’s coming)

I don’t think Glasgow would even come close to a full NSQ backline. Which is a fair point actually – surely Glasgow’s need for a winger is greater than ours?? Even if Big T does come!

Compare that to an SQ backline

9 – Hidalgo-Clyne
10 – Tonks
11 – Hoyland
12 – Scott
13 – Dean
14 – Fife
15 – Cuthbert

I know which one I’d prefer!

Combined backline of

9 – Hidalgo-Clyne
10 – Tonks
11 – Helu
12 – Scott
13 – Dean/Beard (no idea what to expect of Dean)
14 – Fife
15 – Cuthbert

The problem being that Burleigh isn’t in there, but to accommodate him you’d have to move Matt Scott (12) to 13. That may still be seen as a better option than Dean or Beard just now though. I personally don’t agree (Matt Scott needs a good run of games at 12 to get his form and confidence back) but what do I know!

You have a point, but I'd rather Edinburgh have a squad that is equipped to compete throughout the upcoming season that worry to much about the current SQ blend. The next generation is champing at the bit according to Solly (http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/latest/alan-solomons-young-guns-hungry-for-pro12-action-1-3845630) and the squad could look very different pretty soon, with the very real prospect of the following back line in 1 or 2 season's time:  
9 – Hidalgo-Clyne
10 – Kinghorn
11 – Robbins / Hoyland
12 – Scott
13 – Dean/Beard (like you say we have no idea what to expect of Dean, but Sam should be qualified by then)
14 – Fife
15 – ???

I don't like the idea of us signing Katoa. Players like Hoyland, Robbins and Farndale will not simply become good players by virtue of the passing of time. They need to be starting games this season in order to improve and learn the game at that level. They will not get the skills by sitting in the stands watching a couple of Tongans running about.

We need a 10, not a winger.

Hoyland is absolutely ready, but farndale seems to have completely disappeared from any discussions and Robbins is very young still.

I agree with you though on this guy though. Unless he's being signed as a 15 only, in which case it makes a bit more sense.

Well remember we also have Nick McLennan (NSQ I believe) as cover at 15, unless we are letting him go. Aren't Cuthbert, McLennan and Brown sufficient?

As a 15 the signing makes a bit more sense, and I agree that Farndale and Robbins have a long way to go, but this guy would need to be pretty special to justify the signing in my book. With Helu and Allen both signed up and NSQ, I don't think we want to have the dubious honour, as you note above, of having 11 of a potential XV being NSQ.

1. 2. 3.Andress 4.Bresler 6.Coman 7.Du Preez 8.Manu 9. 10.Burleigh 11.Helu 12.Strauss 13.Beard 14.Allen 15.Katoa

Farndale isn't listed on the updated ER website or as an Academy player.

Robbins has been playing full back in NZ. Scoring trys and primary set place kicker.

McLennan is SQ whether he is good enough has yet to be determined. http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/latest/edinburgh-rugby-tie-up-scots-qualified-trio-1-3309172

Is there also not a young guy from Ireland on the wing? McFarland or something. Is he anywhere near the first team?

Rossouw de Klerk allegedly stalked a young woman:

http://www.scotsman.com/news/scotland/top-stories/klerk-exits-glasgow-warriors-after-stalking-charge-1-3848166

Hope he didn't forget his binoculars on his way out!

The real revelation is that there is young women in the Glasgow area

cp10 wrote:Farndale isn't listed on the updated ER website or as an Academy player.

Robbins has been playing full back in NZ. Scoring trys and primary set place kicker.

McLennan is SQ whether he is good enough has yet to be determined. http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/latest/edinburgh-rugby-tie-up-scots-qualified-trio-1-3309172

Thanks for the correction. Still, I don't see Stuart Hogg losing too much sleep over his Scotland Jersey.

That's Nasi Manu arrived in Edinburgh - very much looking forward to seeing what he can do!

Hopefully he's still got some motivation left for his career - must be a hell of a come down from captaning the SR winning team to playing against zebre in front of a few thousand people in the rain...

He's only 26 so I suspect he'll have plenty motivation to make this move work. If it's true that Hardie is going to join Edinburgh, then we could have a pretty tasty back row during the World Cup:

6.Du Preez
7.Hardie
8.Manu

That's a serious back row.

26?? He's had a tough paper round!

I'm.assuming he'll start his own pre - season now and we might not see him until after the season has started.

We're not exactly short of back the options so there's no immediate rush.

Didn't realise Edinburgh (and Scotland) have got former Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at the Crusaders and S&C for both Wallabies and All Blacks as their Head of S&C.

http://store.r80rugby.com/content/r80/endorsements/ashley-jones.aspx
http://www.edinburghrugby.org/content/ash-jones

RDW_Scotland wrote:26?? He's had a tough paper round!

I'm.assuming he'll start his own pre - season now and we might not see him until after the season has started.

We're not exactly short of back the options so there's no immediate rush.

True. Captain Coman, Roddy Grant, James Ritchie and Magnus Bradbury can provide ample cover until Manu has completing his Solomons-esque induction. I haven't seen photos, but I assume the Edinburgh squad have been forced to give Ben Atiga a piggyback up Arthur's Seat this summer, or something equally gruelling.

Edinburgh could actually be quite useful next season.

cp10 wrote:Didn't realise Edinburgh (and Scotland) have got former Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at the Crusaders and S&C for both Wallabies and All Blacks as their Head of S&C.

http://store.r80rugby.com/content/r80/endorsements/ashley-jones.aspx
http://www.edinburghrugby.org/content/ash-jones

It says he's also been working with the Scotland squad as well ahead of the World Cup. Good pedigree. Whisper it quietly but the SRU are making some really good hires at the moment, Scott Johnson aside.

funnyExiledScot wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:26?? He's had a tough paper round!

I'm.assuming he'll start his own pre - season now and we might not see him until after the season has started.

We're not exactly short of back the options so there's no immediate rush.

True. Captain Coman, Roddy Grant, James Ritchie and Magnus Bradbury can provide ample cover until Manu has completing his Solomons-esque induction. I haven't seen photos, but I assume the Edinburgh squad have been forced to give Ben Atiga a piggyback up Arthur's Seat this summer, or something equally gruelling.

Edinburgh could actually be quite useful next season.

They've had a besting by all accounts.  So has every other team though.

We could be, if Solomons realises there are positions on the pitch outside of number 10!

RDW_Scotland wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:26?? He's had a tough paper round!

I'm.assuming he'll start his own pre - season now and we might not see him until after the season has started.

We're not exactly short of back the options so there's no immediate rush.

True. Captain Coman, Roddy Grant, James Ritchie and Magnus Bradbury can provide ample cover until Manu has completing his Solomons-esque induction. I haven't seen photos, but I assume the Edinburgh squad have been forced to give Ben Atiga a piggyback up Arthur's Seat this summer, or something equally gruelling.

Edinburgh could actually be quite useful next season.

They've had a besting by all accounts.  So has every other team though.

We could be, if Solomons realises there are positions on the pitch outside of number 10!

Freudian slip there, old chap, since most teams bested the MFL last season.

jimbopip wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:

RDW_Scotland wrote:26?? He's had a tough paper round!

I'm.assuming he'll start his own pre - season now and we might not see him until after the season has started.

We're not exactly short of back the options so there's no immediate rush.

True. Captain Coman, Roddy Grant, James Ritchie and Magnus Bradbury can provide ample cover until Manu has completing his Solomons-esque induction. I haven't seen photos, but I assume the Edinburgh squad have been forced to give Ben Atiga a piggyback up Arthur's Seat this summer, or something equally gruelling.

Edinburgh could actually be quite useful next season.

They've had a besting by all accounts.  So has every other team though.

We could be, if Solomons realises there are positions on the pitch outside of number 10!

Freudian slip there, old chap, since most teams bested the MFL last season.

With one or two rather odorous exceptions....

London Scottish have announced the double signing of Will Carrick-Smith from Exeter Chiefs and Tyrone Moran from Leinster.

Carrick-Smith is currently the tallest player in English rugby at 6'11, so shouldn't have many problems in the lineout!

Here are some highlights of hooker Moran

Apparently Hugh Blake has resolved the Kramer vs Kramer dispute by choosing the more successful parent who will give him lots of shiny trophies to play with as he grows up.
Welcome to Scotstoun Shug.

Glasgow now have 5 specialist opensides. Edinburgh have 2. 3 if Hardie joins as rumoured.