Silly Season Transfer Rumours 19/20

First topic message reminder :

New year, new thread, new scuttlebutt, rumour and misdirection.

Heem linked with a move to Toulon. 

Wasps have signed prop Mike Daniels

Cardiff Blues are linked with Josh Adams again, this time it seems more ‘serious.’ No doubt his stock has been going up. A return to Wales seems likely either way.

Francis was also linked with Blues and not for the first time. We haven’t heard much since and I’m not sure what his current contract is.

From what I can see the Chiefs exercised an option to extend Francis's option by three years back in 2016. If he has a similar clause still then it could be used to circumvent Garland's law again and remain in Exeter. If not then the WRU will be keen to get him back as he will be available. Has the region financing model been agreed yet? International tightheads aren't cheap.

Worcester have confirmed Heem is off at the end of the season and have signed Ed Fidow from Pro2 in France to replace him. Samoan international, should be quick and nowhere the tryline is.

Saracens have also confirmed Burger will leave them in the summer. Unsurprisingly.

It’s to remain the same for another season or two at least, and then we may see the overhaul. Teams with more internationals would get more funding so it could be a WRU-influenced decision on where he ends up, and I imagine he’d be paid around £350-400K.

Could be a close run thing then. Exeter don't generally lose players they want to keep, a mixture of careful financial management, culture and great location make them an attractive proposition. If he has another clause in his contract he might extend until the new funding model comes in, sees where he is with the new Wales coach and what deal he can get. At 26 he could feasibly keep going for another 10 years (particularly with how Exeter rotate their props).

Shaun Edwards reportedly having second thoughts about going to Wigan post WC.
Linked as potential Headcoach for Wasps

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:Shaun Edwards reportedly having second thoughts about going to Wigan post WC.
Linked as potential Headcoach for Wasps

I've seen this too. Had coach, under Dai as DoR.

You could say one reason we have struggled this season is the decision of Danny Wilson to head off to Scotland, and the disruption to the coaching staff that resulted. Additionally, our defence has been, at times, woeful this season, and regardless of title that's one are SE would sort out.

Twitter this morning saying the rumour "has legs", so we'll see. Would be Good News if it comes off.

Ricardo74 wrote:

You could say one reason we have struggled this season is the decision of Danny Wilson to head off to Scotland, and the disruption to the coaching staff that resulted. Additionally, our defence has been, at times, woeful this season, and regardless of title that's one are SE would sort out.

Woeful defence (or arguably good attack) is a common complaint from a number of fans and various clubs this season. The data below shows average points conceded per game and average tries:

Exeter Chiefs , 18.9, 2

Saracens , 21.3, 2.2

Harlequins, 23.7, 2.6

Gloucester Rugby , 22.9, 2.5

Northampton Saints, 22.7, 2.4

Wasps , 26.1, 3

Bath Rugby , 22.2, 2.5

Sale Sharks , 24.1, 3

Leicester Tigers , 28.9, 3.6

Worcester Warriors , 25, 2.9

Bristol Bears , 29, 3.7

Newcastle Falcons , 26.3, 3.2

Interesting stats, LT. Means we (Wasps) don't look quite as bad compared to my perception - although I'd be interested to see the figures for last season in comparison

I think it comes down to the manner of some of the conceded tries, where it has just looked like some of our players (not to name names, but one South African full-back springs to mind) gave up like the #11 in that 100m hooker video that's doing the rounds.

So, we're woeful, but others are more woeful!

Interesting stats as a falcon fan!

GeordieFalcon wrote:Interesting stats as a falcon fan!

While conceding over 3 tries a game is not great, there are worse teams defensively. Falcons main issue is they are the only team scoring less than 20 points per game (18.1)

mikey_dragon wrote:Cardiff Blues are linked with Josh Adams again, this time it seems more ‘serious.’ No doubt his stock has been going up. A return to Wales seems likely either way.

Francis was also linked with Blues and not for the first time. We haven’t heard much since and I’m not sure what his current contract is.

Big article on WOL on who is likely going where next year

maestegmafia wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Cardiff Blues are linked with Josh Adams again, this time it seems more ‘serious.’ No doubt his stock has been going up. A return to Wales seems likely either way.

Francis was also linked with Blues and not for the first time. We haven’t heard much since and I’m not sure what his current contract is.

Big article on WOL on who is likely going where next year

Francis not among the names.

mikey_dragon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Cardiff Blues are linked with Josh Adams again, this time it seems more ‘serious.’ No doubt his stock has been going up. A return to Wales seems likely either way.

Francis was also linked with Blues and not for the first time. We haven’t heard much since and I’m not sure what his current contract is.

Big article on WOL on who is likely going where next year

Francis not among the names.

Navidi was on the list though and it’s just been announced that he’s re-signed with Cardiff Blues. He’s always been a massive player for them, his regular place in the Wales team should’ve come a lot sooner.

Snyman ---> Quins

Doing the rounds now. Would be a big signing for any club but especially Quins in an area they need to strengthen.

who is Snyman??

RG Snyman. 24 year old Springbok lock and an absolute monster.

Springbok locks all over the place these days, certainly an area of strength for them.

He's their new Bakkies Botha. A monster of a human.

bluestonevedder wrote:He's their new Bakkies Botha. A monster of a human.

This crazy mother...

Haha, that's a brilliant photo

mikey_dragon wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Cardiff Blues are linked with Josh Adams again, this time it seems more ‘serious.’ No doubt his stock has been going up. A return to Wales seems likely either way.

Francis was also linked with Blues and not for the first time. We haven’t heard much since and I’m not sure what his current contract is.

Big article on WOL on who is likely going where next year

Francis not among the names.

Navidi was on the list though and it’s just been announced that he’s re-signed with Cardiff Blues. He’s always been a massive player for them, his regular place in the Wales team should’ve come a lot sooner.

Hasn’t Tom Francis still got an extension on his Chiefs contract and pre latest Gatlands Law?

Fluxy wrote:

bluestonevedder wrote:He's their new Bakkies Botha. A monster of a human.

This crazy mother...

That's the chap.

Cracking photo. I hope he's got this covering an entire wall in his house

Wow quins linked with him and we're linked with....Toby Salmon the Exeter lock.

Inspiring!
Must be a swap deal...Witty for Salmon.

Fluxy wrote:

bluestonevedder wrote:He's their new Bakkies Botha. A monster of a human.

This crazy mother...

He's mobile and not bad at the breakdown for an absolute giant either. Was really hoping Toomua's marquee spot was being allocated to him. Tigers could do with that level of mobile aggression.

The guy who should have had a red card vs england.

maestegmafia wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Cardiff Blues are linked with Josh Adams again, this time it seems more ‘serious.’ No doubt his stock has been going up. A return to Wales seems likely either way.

Francis was also linked with Blues and not for the first time. We haven’t heard much since and I’m not sure what his current contract is.

Big article on WOL on who is likely going where next year

Francis not among the names.

Navidi was on the list though and it’s just been announced that he’s re-signed with Cardiff Blues. He’s always been a massive player for them, his regular place in the Wales team should’ve come a lot sooner.

Hasn’t Tom Francis still got an extension on his Chiefs contract and pre latest Gatlands Law?

For now, but I think he’d lose the privilege if he re-signs with Exeter when a Welsh team openly wants to sign him. It would be better for us to have him play for a team in Wales no?

mikey_dragon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Cardiff Blues are linked with Josh Adams again, this time it seems more ‘serious.’ No doubt his stock has been going up. A return to Wales seems likely either way.

Francis was also linked with Blues and not for the first time. We haven’t heard much since and I’m not sure what his current contract is.

Big article on WOL on who is likely going where next year

Francis not among the names.

Navidi was on the list though and it’s just been announced that he’s re-signed with Cardiff Blues. He’s always been a massive player for them, his regular place in the Wales team should’ve come a lot sooner.

Hasn’t Tom Francis still got an extension on his Chiefs contract and pre latest Gatlands Law?

For now, but I think he’d lose the privilege if he re-signs with Exeter when a Welsh team openly wants to sign him. It would be better for us to have him play for a team in Wales no?

I think I read there was a further condition on his contract that again exemplified him because there was an option on the contract being another three years prior to the 60 cap amendment.

mikey_dragon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:Cardiff Blues are linked with Josh Adams again, this time it seems more ‘serious.’ No doubt his stock has been going up. A return to Wales seems likely either way.

Francis was also linked with Blues and not for the first time. We haven’t heard much since and I’m not sure what his current contract is.

Big article on WOL on who is likely going where next year

Francis not among the names.

Navidi was on the list though and it’s just been announced that he’s re-signed with Cardiff Blues. He’s always been a massive player for them, his regular place in the Wales team should’ve come a lot sooner.

Hasn’t Tom Francis still got an extension on his Chiefs contract and pre latest Gatlands Law?

For now, but I think he’d lose the privilege if he re-signs with Exeter when a Welsh team openly wants to sign him. It would be better for us to have him play for a team in Wales no?

Maybe. He'd be available for more international training. Unlikely any region in Wales will have the prop depth and hence rotate him as much as Exeter though. Not clear cut.

Each welsh team now has an international at TH so there’d probably be rotation, just slightly less than Exeter unless there’s an injury crisis.

I still think it is crazy to force someone who has only ever played and lived in one country to move to another and accept a pay cut so they can extend their international career.

I understand not wanting to lose talent, but this is very different.

LondonTiger wrote:I still think it is crazy to force someone who has only ever played and lived in one country to move to another and accept a pay cut so they can extend their international career.

I understand not wanting to lose talent, but this is very different.

Have to agree. I would love to be a fly on the wall during the conversations which it's decided which players are going to be forced into a decision.

Would he be taking a pay cut? Saying he’s being forced is a bit of a stretch but still, exaggerating is what we’ve come to expect from English posters lately. If Francis wants to prolong his Wales career then we believe it’s in everyone’s best interests for him to play for a region for a few years. He’s still young so no doubt that after a few years he could go elsewhere outside of Wales and maybe command a better wage.

If he wants to play for Wales he has to go there to play. With the tightened monetary constraints apparently about to hit the region's I cannot see any of them matching his Exeter salary.

If Wales want to have a rule it is completely up to them, but I just cannot see that it makes sense to spend the money, tie up a spot in a team for someone in Francis situation.

So what is his Exeter salary?

mikey_dragon wrote:So what is his Exeter salary?

All of the boiled chickens he can eat.

George Carlin wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:So what is his Exeter salary?

All of the boiled chickens he can eat.

He is Nandos person I suspect.

The contract extension due at the end of this season is due to lift his wages to about £450k. Looking into that it does seem as maestegmafia indicates above that being a contract extension not a new contract provides a loophole.

Saint injury crisis at hooker is such that they have had to sign Dawidiuk on loan from Coventry. With both Hartley and Haywood long term injuries (Hartley went for an op on his knee last week) it only takes one more and we will be playing the kids.

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:Saint injury crisis at hooker is such that they have had to sign Dawidiuk on loan from Coventry. With both Hartley and Haywood long term injuries (Hartley went for an op on his knee last week) it only takes one more and we will be playing the kids.

The kids are doing well elsewhere in the team.

We are playing the academy now in Fish and Marshall, all we have in reserve is Ma'asi, great prospect but I wouldn't want to see him playing against the Bristol front row. He only signed his pro contract this season and has yet to feature in the premiership.

Luke Wallace to Tigers replacing Brendan O'Connor who is off to Japan. Quins replacing him with Will Evans from Tigers. Openside merry go round.

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:Saint injury crisis at hooker is such that they have had to sign Dawidiuk on loan from Coventry. With both Hartley and Haywood long term injuries (Hartley went for an op on his knee last week) it only takes one more and we will be playing the kids.

https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/darren-dawidiuks-incredible-cancer-recovery-1277251

It's a great achievement for Dawidiuk to have come back from 6 months with testicular cancer to have the possibility of further Premiership rugby. Congratulations to the guy, takes a hell of a lot of fortitude to not let that stop you.

king_carlos wrote:

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:Saint injury crisis at hooker is such that they have had to sign Dawidiuk on loan from Coventry. With both Hartley and Haywood long term injuries (Hartley went for an op on his knee last week) it only takes one more and we will be playing the kids.

https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/darren-dawidiuks-incredible-cancer-recovery-1277251

It's a great achievement for Dawidiuk to have come back from 6 months with testicular cancer to have the possibility of further Premiership rugby. Congratulations to the guy, takes a hell of a lot of fortitude to not let that stop you.

You saying the man has balls?

(Terrific story by the way)

formerly known as Sam wrote:Luke Wallace to Tigers replacing Brendan O'Connor who is off to Japan. Quins replacing him with Will Evans from Tigers. Openside merry go round.

Seems odd. I really rate Wallace as a dynamic 7 who can play well in attack and defense and get turnovers. He's a great squad player. What's Evans like? I can only assume we want more physicality in the position as that's what Wallace lacks.

yappysnap wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:Luke Wallace to Tigers replacing Brendan O'Connor who is off to Japan. Quins replacing him with Will Evans from Tigers. Openside merry go round.

Seems odd. I really rate Wallace as a dynamic 7 who can play well in attack and defense and get turnovers. He's a great squad player. What's Evans like? I can only assume we want more physicality in the position as that's what Wallace lacks.

Yeah physicality, well Evans does punch well above his weight. As he's all of about 13/14 stone... Very skillful and good at the breakdown. Young and most Tigers fans dissatisfied with the possibility of him leaving.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Luke Wallace to Tigers replacing Brendan O'Connor who is off to Japan. Quins replacing him with Will Evans from Tigers. Openside merry go round.

That sucks, and weakens the squad.

LondonTiger wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:Luke Wallace to Tigers replacing Brendan O'Connor who is off to Japan. Quins replacing him with Will Evans from Tigers. Openside merry go round.

That sucks, and weakens the squad.

It should provide scope for the young guys coming through to get more game time. BOC and Evans have had plenty of injuries and we will still have Thompson. Reffell has looked good when given the opportunity and they are queuing up behind him. I'd have preferred to keep Evans obviously but Wallace should do for a couple of years as the transition in the squad takes place.

Interesting article flying around Twitter re Saracens players including Farrell and the Vunipolas being directors of various property investment companies where Nigel Wray is the sole other director....

There's quite a long article here:

have Sarries broken salary cap rules?

Could all be above board assuming the players put all their own money in ...