Silly Season Transfer Rumours 17/18

by **George Carlin** Thu Apr 05, 2018 5:42 pm

First topic message reminder :

Rumours are that I want to move to another company because my boss is an @rse.

And there's something to those rumours, I can assure you.

by Bathite Thu Jan 10, 2019 12:51 pm

LondonTiger wrote:
Bathite wrote:It's becoming all too common for clubs to cancel contracts before the end (Allinson this week, G.Mercer and Sisi in the past), as well as not offering deals to players because it doesn't fit their cap (James Wilson, Banahan, Maddock etc.).
Not really the place, but as good as any. Interesting to see Sisi named in the Italian 6Ns squad this week.

Agree. Really chuffed for him. Never really got a fair crack here, then got unlucky that Mercer came along so quickly.

by Fluxy Mon Jan 14, 2019 12:50 pm

Breaks my heart to say it, but supposedly Exeter are set to sign Will Witty on a two year deal.

by propdavid_london Mon Jan 14, 2019 3:06 pm

Welly wrote: Stuart seems like he is 100% off to Bath, and Brookes linked to France.
Trouble with Wasps moving to Coventry is that this was a bit predictable.

No offence to Cov but it ain't Bath, Bristol, London etc.
Wasps can't rely on the history to help it like Tigers can, Tigers have a core of players who grew up going to Tigers games in Leicester.
Wasps don't have that benefit, how many of the Wasps lads are Coventry lads who grew up watching Wasps?
Wasps had league position to help but currently the gap between them and the 9 clubs (Exeter and Saracens miles ahead) is the smallest it has been since the move.

Add in the financial talk and it's easy to see why they might have struggles.
Dai can blame the salary cap as it's the easy way out but the big problem is Wasps have no foundations to build upon at coventry they moved from their roots and into a area that is heavily contested between Tigers, Worcester etc. I know a few Wasps current academy are Leicester Tigers fans growing up.

So I guess will they be loyal to Wasps in a few years time or if say Tigers came calling with a similar offer to Wasps would they move?

I thought Wasps was supposed to be one of the wealthier clubs in the prem following their move to Coventry?
So why all the talk about their squad still mucking about in sub-standard training facilities!
Does anyone have a bit more insight on what the issues are?

by formerly known as Sam Mon Jan 14, 2019 3:19 pm

propdavid_london wrote:
Welly wrote: Stuart seems like he is 100% off to Bath, and Brookes linked to France.
Trouble with Wasps moving to Coventry is that this was a bit predictable.

No offence to Cov but it ain't Bath, Bristol, London etc.
Wasps can't rely on the history to help it like Tigers can, Tigers have a core of players who grew up going to Tigers games in Leicester.
Wasps don't have that benefit, how many of the Wasps lads are Coventry lads who grew up watching Wasps?
Wasps had league position to help but currently the gap between them and the 9 clubs (Exeter and Saracens miles ahead) is the smallest it has been since the move.

Add in the financial talk and it's easy to see why they might have struggles.
Dai can blame the salary cap as it's the easy way out but the big problem is Wasps have no foundations to build upon at coventry they moved from their roots and into a area that is heavily contested between Tigers, Worcester etc. I know a few Wasps current academy are Leicester Tigers fans growing up.

So I guess will they be loyal to Wasps in a few years time or if say Tigers came calling with a similar offer to Wasps would they move?

I thought Wasps was supposed to be one of the wealthier clubs in the prem following their move to Coventry?
So why all the talk about their squad still mucking about in sub-standard training facilities!
Does anyone have a bit more insight on what the issues are?

The stadium and the surrounds were all purchased through loan notes. They are due for repayment and some point and require interest payments in the interim. It has meant they haven't managed to fund the new training facilities yet and much of the squad didn't get much choice about moving north.

by marty2086 Mon Jan 14, 2019 3:24 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:
propdavid_london wrote:
Welly wrote: Stuart seems like he is 100% off to Bath, and Brookes linked to France.
Trouble with Wasps moving to Coventry is that this was a bit predictable.

No offence to Cov but it ain't Bath, Bristol, London etc.
Wasps can't rely on the history to help it like Tigers can, Tigers have a core of players who grew up going to Tigers games in Leicester.
Wasps don't have that benefit, how many of the Wasps lads are Coventry lads who grew up watching Wasps?
Wasps had league position to help but currently the gap between them and the 9 clubs (Exeter and Saracens miles ahead) is the smallest it has been since the move.

Add in the financial talk and it's easy to see why they might have struggles.
Dai can blame the salary cap as it's the easy way out but the big problem is Wasps have no foundations to build upon at coventry they moved from their roots and into a area that is heavily contested between Tigers, Worcester etc. I know a few Wasps current academy are Leicester Tigers fans growing up.

So I guess will they be loyal to Wasps in a few years time or if say Tigers came calling with a similar offer to Wasps would they move?

I thought Wasps was supposed to be one of the wealthier clubs in the prem following their move to Coventry?
So why all the talk about their squad still mucking about in sub-standard training facilities!
Does anyone have a bit more insight on what the issues are?

The stadium and the surrounds were all purchased through loan notes. They are due for repayment and some point and require interest payments in the interim. It has meant they haven't managed to fund the new training facilities yet and much of the squad didn't get much choice about moving north.

It doesn't help that they were falsifying accounts information and that they seem to cost about £10m a year more to run than other teams

by propdavid_london Tue Jan 15, 2019 8:20 am

Ah..thanks for the clarification chaps.
So its not all calm waters behind the scene at Wasps then.

by **BigGee** Tue Jan 15, 2019 8:22 am

Alan Dell to London Irish, confirmed by Cockers at press conference yesterday

by TightHEAD Tue Jan 15, 2019 11:39 am

Nathan Hughes signs for Bristol

by Fluxy Tue Jan 15, 2019 12:21 pm

Willie le Roux confirmed to leave at the end of the season as well.

by Geordie Tue Jan 15, 2019 12:33 pm

Fluxy wrote:Breaks my heart to say it, but supposedly Exeter are set to sign Will Witty on a two year deal.

What??

Edit...
Just seen the Falcons forum...look like its confirmed. 2 year deal. Big blow!

Calum Green linked with Tigers
Calum Chick is still interesting Tigers and Saints
Glen Young To Quins

Not a good position to be in!

by propdavid_london Tue Jan 15, 2019 1:13 pm

Who is Glen Young?
It would be useful if Quins started confirming or denying some of these rumours.

by Cumbrian Tue Jan 15, 2019 1:15 pm

Are we going to have any locks left? There has to be a plan? Surely?

by Geordie Tue Jan 15, 2019 1:34 pm

Well we'll have...

Cavubati - The big Fijian...jury is out
Sean Robinson - Our best lock (in my opinion) who is permanently injured
Andrew Davidson - Young scot who I rate very highly
Montgommery - The young academy lock who is rated VERY highly by the coaching staff.

by Geordie Tue Jan 15, 2019 1:43 pm

propdavid_london wrote:Who is Glen Young?
It would be useful if Quins started confirming or denying some of these rumours.

He is a tall athletic lock who has been through our academy. He is Scottish.
He has progressed well for several year but last year and particularly this year has just realised his potential and has been very good.

by Geordie Tue Jan 15, 2019 1:44 pm

Seems the rats are jumping ship.

I wonder if there is things going on behind the scenes at KP that we don't know about.

by Cumbrian Tue Jan 15, 2019 1:54 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:Well we'll have...

Cavubati - The big Fijian...jury is out
Sean Robinson - Our best lock (in my opinion) who is permanently injured
Andrew Davidson - Young scot who I rate very highly
Montgommery - The young academy lock who is rated VERY highly by the coaching staff.

We have missed Robinson.

Monty is still only 19 and lightweight. I may have got this wrong, but I was under the impression that Davidson may return to Scotland in the near future. He joined in May 2016 on a three year deal and I haven't read anything about an extension. That leaves us with two kids (one of whom may leave soon) and two players with patchy injury records. We definitely need some fresh blood.

by Geordie Tue Jan 15, 2019 1:58 pm

Ah I wasn't saying Monty is ready for the first team...merely saying he's what we have. He needs to bulk up considerably in my opinion.

A bit Like young flanker marshal who has played a few first team games...needs a stone or two on him.

by Fluxy Wed Jan 16, 2019 11:36 am

So Wasps have confirmed Malakai Fekitoa for next season.

by propdavid_london Wed Jan 16, 2019 1:04 pm

Fluxy wrote:So Wasps have confirmed Malakai Fekitoa for next season.

I am not sure the Harlequins special relationship with the NZRU is working very well!

by Bathite Wed Jan 16, 2019 1:20 pm

Fekitoa left the NZRU a few seasons ago. No incentive for them to look after him. They are much better looking at contracted players and youngsters that will be contracted in the future.

by Welly Wed Jan 16, 2019 2:46 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:Well we'll have...

Cavubati - The big Fijian...jury is out
Sean Robinson - Our best lock (in my opinion) who is permanently injured
Andrew Davidson - Young scot who I rate very highly
Montgommery - The young academy lock who is rated VERY highly by the coaching staff.

RugbyPass saying Davidson is in talks with Glasgow to return home and Cavubati in talks with a few other clubs.

by Collapse2005 Wed Jan 16, 2019 4:57 pm

Fluxy wrote:So Wasps have confirmed Malakai Fekitoa for next season.

Must have offered him a lot of money as they aren't a great side right now. Would they not be better off spending their money on home grown talent?

by Welly Wed Jan 16, 2019 5:16 pm

Collapse2005 wrote:
Fluxy wrote:So Wasps have confirmed Malakai Fekitoa for next season.

Must have offered him a lot of money as they aren't a great side right now. Would they not be better off spending their money on home grown talent?

Depends if he is a marquee player or not.

by Collapse2005 Wed Jan 16, 2019 11:00 pm

Marquee like Sopoaga, Campagnaro and Le Roux? Dont think they need any more.

by Welly Wed Jan 16, 2019 11:19 pm

Collapse2005 wrote:Marquee like Sopoaga, Campagnaro and Le Roux? Dont think they need any more.

Le Roux is leaving.

by formerly known as Sam Thu Jan 17, 2019 9:20 am

I doubt Campagnaro was a marquee signing.

by Geordie Thu Jan 17, 2019 11:42 am

Welly wrote:
GeordieFalcon wrote:Well we'll have...

Cavubati - The big Fijian...jury is out
Sean Robinson - Our best lock (in my opinion) who is permanently injured
Andrew Davidson - Young scot who I rate very highly
Montgommery - The young academy lock who is rated VERY highly by the coaching staff.

RugbyPass saying Davidson is in talks with Glasgow to return home and Cavubati in talks with a few other clubs.

Cavubati wouldn't be a loss in my opinion...but I cant believe they would let Davidson go if we are already losing Witty, Green AND Young!!

IF it is true...what the hell is going on!!

by Fluxy Thu Jan 17, 2019 11:53 am

Wasps have signed AB TH, Jeff Toomaga-Allen for next season. And confirmed that Will Stuart is leaving as well.

by **LondonTiger** Thu Jan 17, 2019 11:58 am

Fluxy wrote:Wasps have signed AB TH, Jeff Toomaga-Allen for next season. And confirmed that Will Stuart is leaving as well.

And Wasps lose another former academy lad and replace him with a Kiwi journeyman.

by formerly known as Sam Thu Jan 17, 2019 11:59 am

That's a statement signing at TH. Will have required a wedge to keep him away from France or Japan. Bit of a Kiwi base building in Coventry.

by Welly Thu Jan 17, 2019 12:06 pm

is it really a statement signing?

He has 1 NZ cap from 2013.

by Fluxy Thu Jan 17, 2019 12:21 pm

He's highly rated down in NZ, despite the lack of caps. Will probably do well up here.

by rosbif Thu Jan 17, 2019 1:01 pm

Breaks my heart to say it, but supposedly Exeter are set to sign Will Witty on a two year deal.

Who is he?

by Cumbrian Thu Jan 17, 2019 2:12 pm

rosbif wrote:Breaks my heart to say it, but supposedly Exeter are set to sign Will Witty on a two year deal.

Who is he?

Twist the knife there marra. Very Happy

by formerly known as Sam Thu Jan 17, 2019 2:30 pm

Welly wrote: is it really a statement signing?

He has 1 NZ cap from 2013.

I never said it was an impressive statement signing. They'll have splashed the cash to get him up here and have unveiled him the day after Fekitoa in what I presume is part of a push to convince season ticket holders to renew.

He's a decent all round prop and has won titles with the Canes.

by Welly Thu Jan 17, 2019 6:58 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:
Welly wrote:
GeordieFalcon wrote:Well we'll have...

Cavubati - The big Fijian...jury is out
Sean Robinson - Our best lock (in my opinion) who is permanently injured
Andrew Davidson - Young scot who I rate very highly
Montgommery - The young academy lock who is rated VERY highly by the coaching staff.

RugbyPass saying Davidson is in talks with Glasgow to return home and Cavubati in talks with a few other clubs.

Cavubati wouldn't be a loss in my opinion...but I cant believe they would let Davidson go if we are already losing Witty, Green AND Young!!

IF it is true...what the hell is going on!!

Few other Newcastle Players are leaving that haven't been rumoured elsewhere as well.

by Geordie Thu Jan 17, 2019 7:10 pm

Apparently 4 senior starters have just signed extensions so will be announced next few weeks.

by formerly known as Sam Fri Jan 18, 2019 3:43 pm

Bath confirm Jutge, Boyce, Stuart and Mike Williams.

Can't say many Tigers fans will be sad to see Williams leave. Has had a disturbing tendency to jump out the line and get stepped. Has cost us tries.

by propdavid_london Fri Jan 18, 2019 4:39 pm

Disappointed that Lewis Boyce is leaving Quins.
Useful in the loose, but still working on scrum technique.

by formerly known as Sam Fri Jan 18, 2019 6:30 pm

I was hoping Tigers might get Boyce. Our scrum coach is excellent and would have fine tuned his technique in no time.

by Fluxy Mon Jan 21, 2019 12:16 pm

Rumour that Bath are chasing the signature of Aaron Cruden.

by formerly known as Sam Mon Jan 21, 2019 12:38 pm

Sale have signed Steven Kitshoff on a three year deal. 500k a year. Much needed addition to their front row which along with Cooper-Wooley is starting to look decent for next season.

by Geordie Mon Jan 21, 2019 12:50 pm

So everyone is signing players ...and we are just losing them...sums it up.

by No 7&1/2 Mon Jan 21, 2019 12:52 pm

That sale front row is starring to look very good.

by SirBurger Mon Jan 21, 2019 1:00 pm

London Irish in for three Wallabies: Adam Coleman, Nick Phipps and Curtis Rona.

by Geordie Mon Jan 21, 2019 1:22 pm

Are irish promoted yet? Or anytime now.

by Heaf Mon Jan 21, 2019 1:33 pm

Not yet - still a lot of games to go until we're safe. Currently 9 points clear of Ealing - fortunately we beat them away in the first game of the season and have them at home for the rematch - but hopefully by then it will all be done and dusted.

by **LondonTiger** Mon Jan 21, 2019 3:01 pm

Bath sign the LI skipper for next season.

by carpet baboon Mon Jan 21, 2019 3:06 pm

LondonTiger wrote:Bath sign the LI skipper for next season.

Will bath ever run there own academy or just continue to use London Irish?

by Heaf Mon Jan 21, 2019 3:26 pm

At least he wasn't one from our academy but it has got beyond tedious seeing our best players move to Bath - it's not as if Bath actually achieve the potential they should with the resources and players they have.

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