Silly Season Transfer Rumours 19/20

by **George Carlin** Mon 04 Feb 2019, 7:13 pm

First topic message reminder :

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

by TightHEAD Wed 27 Mar 2019, 10:56 am

Gatlands record against SH team is poor, therefore he isn't good enough for England.

This 6 nations was a last chance to develop for the RWC, clearly Wales went all in to win it whilst others experimented with players and tactics.

Rather see Rob Baxter or Stuart Lancaster take charge.

by No 7&1/2 Wed 27 Mar 2019, 10:57 am

He managed to get a draw against Fiji don't talk him down yappy.

by Eejit Wed 27 Mar 2019, 11:03 am

TightHEAD wrote:Gatlands record against SH team is poor, therefore he isn't good enough for England.

This 6 nations was a last chance to develop for the RWC, clearly Wales went all in to win it whilst others experimented with players and tactics.

Rather see Rob Baxter or Stuart Lancaster take charge.

I call BS, you’re on the wind-up again mate. Gatland’s CV is incredible and if he wanted the England job he would probably get it. For many reasons he won’t want the England job therefore it’s not an issue.

Lancaster is an incredible coach and shouldn’t have been let go in my opinion. He too is unlikely to go as by the sounds of things he is really valued at Leinster and enjoying what he’s doing.

Baxter probably the favourite and there’s an argument to be made that he’s probably done all he can at Exeter.

by TightHEAD Wed 27 Mar 2019, 11:21 am

Gatlands record vs SH opposition is bad.

plus he walks away from the main role with Wales to take a touring team on a summer jolly.

Not the right attitude for England imho. England must come first.

by Eejit Wed 27 Mar 2019, 11:23 am

TightHEAD wrote:Gatlands record vs SH opposition is bad.

plus he walks away from the main role with Wales to take a touring team on a summer jolly.

Not the right attitude for England imho. England must come first.

All fair enough points however the fact remains that you typed it all with a great big smile on your face because you’re looking for a rise out of someone.

Naughty.

by **LondonTiger** Wed 27 Mar 2019, 11:35 am

TightHEAD wrote:Gatlands record vs SH opposition is bad.

plus he walks away from the main role with Wales to take a touring team on a summer jolly.

Not the right attitude for England imho. England must come first.

TightHEAD wrote:Gatland + Edwards with Englands squad would be fantasy rugby imho.

by TightHEAD Wed 27 Mar 2019, 11:51 am

LondonTiger wrote:
TightHEAD wrote:Gatlands record vs SH opposition is bad.

plus he walks away from the main role with Wales to take a touring team on a summer jolly.

Not the right attitude for England imho. England must come first.

TightHEAD wrote:Gatland + Edwards with Englands squad would be fantasy rugby imho.

Fantasy as in its never going to happen at the RFU, Stop twisting and turning like a twisting twirly thing! kiss

by **RiscaGame** Wed 27 Mar 2019, 11:51 am

No 7&1/2 wrote:He managed to get a draw against Fiji don't talk him down yappy.

With his B team. But to be fair, if we have to go back over 8 years to bash him, then it's not bad is it.

by No 7&1/2 Wed 27 Mar 2019, 11:54 am

Don't have to go that far to bash him tbf just throwing a fact in there. I really hope we don't get him post world cup but that's sounding more likely.

by TightHEAD Wed 27 Mar 2019, 11:55 am

Gatland is a legend in Wales, why would he risk all that to take charge of England?

by formerly known as Sam Wed 27 Mar 2019, 12:29 pm

Eejit wrote:
TightHEAD wrote:Gatlands record against SH team is poor, therefore he isn't good enough for England.

This 6 nations was a last chance to develop for the RWC, clearly Wales went all in to win it whilst others experimented with players and tactics.

Rather see Rob Baxter or Stuart Lancaster take charge.

I call BS, you’re on the wind-up again mate. Gatland’s CV is incredible and if he wanted the England job he would probably get it. For many reasons he won’t want the England job therefore it’s not an issue.

Lancaster is an incredible coach and shouldn’t have been let go in my opinion. He too is unlikely to go as by the sounds of things he is really valued at Leinster and enjoying what he’s doing.

Baxter probably the favourite and there’s an argument to be made that he’s probably done all he can at Exeter.

Lancaster is a very good coach but he found himself out if his depth with England unable to control the coaching staff he had working under him. Bust ups between Catt and Farrell over player selection and rumours of Farrell taking the majority of training sessions swirled around the team.

Lancaster is a good bloke and I think is in a great position at Leinster. He's there as a consultant where he can do his thing out of the way of the media and without having to direct a coaching staff. Cullen is a natural leader and having him as the DOR sets a good tone for the region to work from.

Baxter won't leave Exeter. His club, his home and he's happy there. It's where his heart is and I think he'll want some European silverware (Chiefs achilles heel) before he looks at the England job.

Personally I can see Borthwick stepping up to the main job with guidance from Eddie post RWC.

by **Rugby Fan** Wed 27 Mar 2019, 2:56 pm

I'd like Ben Ryan involved with England. It strikes me that he is an unconventional thinker - just as Woodward was - and has a good record at getting the best out of individual players without flogging them, which is always going to be important with our set-up.

by mikey_dragon Wed 27 Mar 2019, 5:40 pm

RiscaGame wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:He managed to get a draw against Fiji don't talk him down yappy.

With his B team. But to be fair, if we have to go back over 8 years to bash him, then it's not bad is it.

If you’re going that far back then why not praise him for the 66-0 beating of Fiji?

The RFU are probably keen, the fans not so keen due to their loser mentality. I can’t see him coaching England personally, he might even have some time off.

by formerly known as Sam Wed 27 Mar 2019, 6:47 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:
RiscaGame wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:He managed to get a draw against Fiji don't talk him down yappy.

With his B team. But to be fair, if we have to go back over 8 years to bash him, then it's not bad is it.

If you’re going that far back then why not praise him for the 66-0 beating of Fiji?

The RFU are probably keen, the fans not so keen due to their loser mentality. I can’t see him coaching England personally, he might even have some time off.

He might take some time off and move back to NZ and see what's available down there. If the AB job isn't going then jobs at Japan and Australia might well be. He could make a further case for the AB job in the future by taking on a Super franchise or just pocket a load of cash in the Japanese league.

He won't be short of options.

by yappysnap Wed 27 Mar 2019, 7:18 pm

Time off is a good shout.

He's done a hell of a lot and probably deserves a break.

Also I guess Australia may need a coach after the RWC and he might like that?

by WELL-PAST-IT Wed 27 Mar 2019, 7:44 pm

Jamal Ford - Robinson leaving Saints for Gloucester. Only 25, but must consider that Hill and Painter are ahead of him in the youngsters pecking order. Gloucester need to take a hard look at his injury record, only a couple of games in recent times for Saints

by mikey_dragon Wed 27 Mar 2019, 11:45 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:
mikey_dragon wrote:
RiscaGame wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:He managed to get a draw against Fiji don't talk him down yappy.

With his B team. But to be fair, if we have to go back over 8 years to bash him, then it's not bad is it.

If you’re going that far back then why not praise him for the 66-0 beating of Fiji?

The RFU are probably keen, the fans not so keen due to their loser mentality. I can’t see him coaching England personally, he might even have some time off.

He might take some time off and move back to NZ and see what's available down there. If the AB job isn't going then jobs at Japan and Australia might well be. He could make a further case for the AB job in the future by taking on a Super franchise or just pocket a load of cash in the Japanese league.

He won't be short of options.

Yeah good shout. It's not clear if he wants the top job in NZ right now, but either way he'd have to wait at least another 4 years before getting it. They'll likely go with Foster for now, and they value SR experience very highly. Depending on what he's doing in two years time I wouldn't rule him out of coaching the Lions again...

by WELL-PAST-IT Thu 28 Mar 2019, 2:38 pm

Saints have signed three relative unknowns, Ryan Olowofela, Lewis Bean and Karl Garside. Ryan Olowofela is an established English 7s player, the others are from lower leagues and have guested for Saints recently. Lewis Bean is a lock that weighs in at 123kg so with Api Ratuniyarawa we have the possibility of probably the heaviest second row in the GP

by **LondonTiger** Thu 28 Mar 2019, 2:41 pm

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:Saints have signed three relative unknowns, Ryan Olowofela, Lewis Bean and Karl Garside. Ryan Olowofela is an established English 7s player, the others are from lower leagues and have guested for Saints recently. Lewis Bean is a lock that weighs in at 123kg so with Api Ratuniyarawa we have the possibility of probably the heaviest second row in the GP

He is Jordan's twin. Was released from our system to the England 7s setup - not sure if he played in the World Series much, or just the Euro series.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 28 Mar 2019, 2:52 pm

LondonTiger wrote:
WELL-PAST-IT wrote:Saints have signed three relative unknowns, Ryan Olowofela, Lewis Bean and Karl Garside. Ryan Olowofela is an established English 7s player, the others are from lower leagues and have guested for Saints recently. Lewis Bean is a lock that weighs in at 123kg so with Api Ratuniyarawa we have the possibility of probably the heaviest second row in the GP

He is Jordan's twin. Was released from our system to the England 7s setup - not sure if he played in the World Series much, or just the Euro series.

Surprised he's leaving the 7s setup now. Are 7s not being retained for the Olympics? I thought that would have been the big goal before coming back to 15s.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 28 Mar 2019, 2:54 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:
mikey_dragon wrote:
RiscaGame wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:He managed to get a draw against Fiji don't talk him down yappy.

With his B team. But to be fair, if we have to go back over 8 years to bash him, then it's not bad is it.

If you’re going that far back then why not praise him for the 66-0 beating of Fiji?

The RFU are probably keen, the fans not so keen due to their loser mentality. I can’t see him coaching England personally, he might even have some time off.

He might take some time off and move back to NZ and see what's available down there. If the AB job isn't going then jobs at Japan and Australia might well be. He could make a further case for the AB job in the future by taking on a Super franchise or just pocket a load of cash in the Japanese league.

He won't be short of options.

Yeah good shout. It's not clear if he wants the top job in NZ right now, but either way he'd have to wait at least another 4 years before getting it. They'll likely go with Foster for now, and they value SR experience very highly. Depending on what he's doing in two years time I wouldn't rule him out of coaching the Lions again...

Lions is a good shout. Time off then a year of Lions planning. Post Lions see what jobs are about. If he still fancies the AB job then he could do a couple of years in Super 15 to help out his name forward. That would bridge the gap between RWCs quite nice for him.

by king_carlos Thu 28 Mar 2019, 5:34 pm

The same Argentine press source who first reported Gigena, Cortes, Camacho and Ezcurra to Tigers are saying Lavanini has signed for after the RWC.

He wouldn't be my first choice but given Tigers are a long way from first snout at the trough these days I'd be happy with Lavanini signing. He'd add some physicality that the pack is direly missing.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 28 Mar 2019, 6:41 pm

king_carlos wrote:The same Argentine press source who first reported Gigena, Cortes, Camacho and Ezcurra to Tigers are saying Lavanini has signed for after the RWC.

He wouldn't be my first choice but given Tigers are a long way from first snout at the trough these days I'd be happy with Lavanini signing. He'd add some physicality that the pack is direly missing.

A pack next season of;

Genge, Youngs, Cole
Lavanini, Spencer
Thomson, Denton, Taufua

I could live with that. Good back up pack of;

Bateman, Kerr, Heyes
Green, Wells
Wallace, Kalamafoni, Reffell

by demosthenes Thu 28 Mar 2019, 6:48 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:
king_carlos wrote:The same Argentine press source who first reported Gigena, Cortes, Camacho and Ezcurra to Tigers are saying Lavanini has signed for after the RWC.

He wouldn't be my first choice but given Tigers are a long way from first snout at the trough these days I'd be happy with Lavanini signing. He'd add some physicality that the pack is direly missing.

A pack next season of;

Genge, Youngs, Cole
Lavanini, Spencer
Thomson, Denton, Taufua

I could live with that. Good back up pack of;

Bateman, Kerr, Heyes
Green, Wells
Wallace, Kalamafoni, Reffell

Given the news today I will be surprised if you see Denton again. If he isn't back now, I just expect that he won't ever fully recover. A pity as we could be pretty good on his day.

by formerly known as Sam Thu 28 Mar 2019, 9:20 pm

It's a fear of mine. At the same time he's been training back with the squad for a while. If they thought it was a bit go I'd imagine he'd have announced his retirement today so that we could pursue other options. He's seen the specialists who clearly feel there's a good chance for him to get back.

by Geordie Fri 29 Mar 2019, 11:28 am

I think Green might surprise you and be more than just a back up player Sam.

His lineout ability for a guy who is only 6'4 is right up there with the best in the league (top in lineout takes and 3rd in lineout steals so far this season), and he does the dirty stuff around the park to a consistently high level.

I think its a few players like him that the Tigers are missing!

by formerly known as Sam Fri 29 Mar 2019, 12:34 pm

Hope so GF. There needs to be some squad rotation next season and with Lavanini's international commitments he will be missing for a chunk of the season anyway. It'll be hotly contested area in the squad with a string of young lads vying for places in the next few years. Green will be a good example for them, bit of a Louis Deacon thing about him. Doesn't do much stand out but makes the pack that 10% better just by being there and doing the unfashionable stuff.

by Geordie Fri 29 Mar 2019, 12:42 pm

This is of course assuming it is a done deal, we still haven't had it confirmed.

by Eejit Fri 29 Mar 2019, 12:49 pm

I posted this on the Glasgow/Edinburgh thread a few pages back but Scarlets forum seem pretty convinced that Steff Evans has signed for Glasgow for next season.

by mikey_dragon Fri 29 Mar 2019, 4:56 pm

Strange move for him.

by **BigGee** Fri 29 Mar 2019, 5:03 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:Strange move for him.

A good player who seems to have fallen out of favour at Scarlets and with Pivac going into the Welsh job, maybe does not fancy his international chances all that much here on.

Maybe just fancies a change of scenery and a move to a team who will play to his strengths. Glasgow would certainly be happy with a player who won't have any international commitments.

by mikey_dragon Fri 29 Mar 2019, 5:07 pm

That could be it, but I had assumed he still harboured international ambitions. He has regressed a little so maybe a move would do him some good. Now Scarlets need another winger as I'm not sure what they have is ready to replace him.

by Eejit Fri 29 Mar 2019, 5:41 pm

I thought it was odd too but he’s obviously not Pivac’s first choice and he’s only 24 so he’s definitely young enough to head back to Wales after two years and probably be a better player for it.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 29 Mar 2019, 8:52 pm

Rumours that Scarlets 15 Clayton Blommetjies is set to join Tigers on loan until the end of the season with a number of injuries to Tigers fullbacks.

by mikey_dragon Fri 29 Mar 2019, 9:11 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:Rumours that Scarlets 15 Clayton Blommetjies is set to join Tigers on loan until the end of the season with a number of injuries to Tigers fullbacks.

I think the fans would be of the view that you are welcome to him. CB and the south African No.8 have turned out to be very underwhelming signings.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 29 Mar 2019, 9:48 pm

mikey_dragon wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:Rumours that Scarlets 15 Clayton Blommetjies is set to join Tigers on loan until the end of the season with a number of injuries to Tigers fullbacks.

I think the fans would be of the view that you are welcome to him. CB and the south African No.8 have turned out to be very underwhelming signings.

We're down to a 20 year old utility back and an 18 year old academy full back. He was talked up when he joined the Scarlets so let's hope he finds some of that ability. I doubt he'll be staying beyond the end of the season because we have signed another utility back that will cover 15 next season and we have the two young lads coming through, the academy lad is an England under 18 international and is one too watch (looks like a lock plays like a natural strike runner from 13 or 15).

I'm always slightly surprised when a Welsh region recruits a winger because you guys tend to churn them out at a rate.

by mikey_dragon Fri 29 Mar 2019, 10:11 pm

We do get a few good backs coming through, and some of them wingers but not often in the mould of Julian Savea. NZ still has the best wingers, by far. Aside from Jarrod Evans things have also been a little quiet in the fly-half factory for the last few years. Scarlets should probably recruit or wait and see if Liam Williams is coming home after the world cup.

by formerly known as Sam Fri 29 Mar 2019, 10:40 pm

Don't generally get Savea types coming through in Britain. Need access to the PI genetics to get that kind of monster. I do hope that Tigers can emerge some local monsters with the varied genetic makeup we have in the city. Then again we'd have to start selecting from out side of the private schools for that...

by mikey_dragon Fri 29 Mar 2019, 10:47 pm

I'm sure all the Tuilagi's are scattered throughout Leicestershire now?

by geoff999rugby Fri 29 Mar 2019, 11:12 pm

Hearing both McGrath and Faddes done deals to Ulster, also a youngster from Quins called Hyde (IQ)

by king_carlos Sat 30 Mar 2019, 2:55 am

mikey_dragon wrote:I'm sure all the Tuilagi's are scattered throughout Leicestershire now?

Freddie (the oldest brother who is now an agent) has two boys. Brian ended up in the Sarries academy, made little headway and now plays in France. Fred jnr is in the Tigers squad but hasn't moved beyond squad player yet.

Henry I believe has settled in France after retirement. Sanele is still playing in France.

I couldn't tell you where Alesana and Anitele have settled. Alesana is still playing in occasional invitational/charity games though!

Logo Mulipola has twin sons with the sister of Martin Castrogiovanni however. If ever there were genetics for some fun props to watch that is it.

by TheMildlyFranticLlama Sun 31 Mar 2019, 10:15 am

Desperate times at Leicester who have brought in Mike Ford as a senior coach. So expect him to have wormed his way into being head coach before too long

by **LondonTiger** Sun 31 Mar 2019, 11:39 am

TheMildlyFranticLlama wrote:Desperate times at Leicester who have brought in Mike Ford as a senior coach. So expect him to have wormed his way into being head coach before too long

Yeah, just heard that on the radio. To be seen what his exact role will be.

by WELL-PAST-IT Sun 31 Mar 2019, 12:37 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:
mikey_dragon wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:Rumours that Scarlets 15 Clayton Blommetjies is set to join Tigers on loan until the end of the season with a number of injuries to Tigers fullbacks.

I think the fans would be of the view that you are welcome to him. CB and the south African No.8 have turned out to be very underwhelming signings.

We're down to a 20 year old utility back and an 18 year old academy full back. He was talked up when he joined the Scarlets so let's hope he finds some of that ability. I doubt he'll be staying beyond the end of the season because we have signed another utility back that will cover 15 next season and we have the two young lads coming through, the academy lad is an England under 18 international and is one too watch (looks like a lock plays like a natural strike runner from 13 or 15).

I'm always slightly surprised when a Welsh region recruits a winger because you guys tend to churn them out at a rate.

Harry Mallinder's little brother? No he is too pretty to look like a lock.

by formerly known as Sam Sun 31 Mar 2019, 6:24 pm

LT, I'm surprised it took this long. There's been talk about Mike Ford for over a year. We've needed a defence coach and additional experience on the coaching staff for a while and Phil Blake hasn't really brought what we wanted. Mike has worked with Geordan before and Geordan has said before that he had a good rapport with Mike and has talked things over with him previously. Makes sense to have him as a consultant (Lancaster/Leinster style) until the end of the season. Revisit things in the summer once the board have their preferred DOR.

WELL-PAST-IT wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:
mikey_dragon wrote:
formerly known as Sam wrote:Rumours that Scarlets 15 Clayton Blommetjies is set to join Tigers on loan until the end of the season with a number of injuries to Tigers fullbacks.

I think the fans would be of the view that you are welcome to him. CB and the south African No.8 have turned out to be very underwhelming signings.

We're down to a 20 year old utility back and an 18 year old academy full back. He was talked up when he joined the Scarlets so let's hope he finds some of that ability. I doubt he'll be staying beyond the end of the season because we have signed another utility back that will cover 15 next season and we have the two young lads coming through, the academy lad is an England under 18 international and is one too watch (looks like a lock plays like a natural strike runner from 13 or 15).

I'm always slightly surprised when a Welsh region recruits a winger because you guys tend to churn them out at a rate.

Harry Mallinder's little brother? No he is too pretty to look like a lock.

https://mobile.twitter.com/leicestertigers/status/1079768429031317505

That's the lad on the right, the lad on the left is playing lock for England under 18 and is probably the brightest prospect in the Leicester academy since George Ford. Freddie Steward is playing for England under 18s and the similarities with Mallinder are there but I don't think we're going to see him in the playmaker role like with Mallinder.

by **LondonTiger** Mon 01 Apr 2019, 7:07 am

Apparently Ford only brought in after discussions with Sean Edwards were vetoed by his bosses. Talks are however ongoing about a long term position.

by formerly known as Sam Mon 01 Apr 2019, 10:38 am

LondonTiger wrote:Apparently Ford only brought in after discussions with Sean Edwards were vetoed by his bosses. Talks are however ongoing about a long term position.

Heard that rumour. Seems we are looking at appointing a DOR with Ged Glynn taking a reduction in his role. Talks with first Chieka and now Edwards are positive steps in my opinion, the kind of people we should be looking at the oversee the club's development. Geordie has knowledge but not the experience, very obvious we need someone above him to help.

Not surprised Wales vetoed the deal. Don't need one of their key men getting distracted before the World Cup. The Welsh defence was the vital element to them securing the Grand Slam.

by king_carlos Mon 01 Apr 2019, 2:42 pm

If Geordie is happy to work with Ford in the short term then I'm alright with it. The dead cat bounce claiming a couple of wins to save the season is what Tigers need.

I hope he doesn't stay long term though. His past record suggests that he won't work on a background role long term, it also suggests he has some pretty poor man management skills.

In terms of longer term DOR options. Edwards would be excellent given he's a world class defence coach.

Cheika has brought through young coaches in his set-ups well before which would make him a good candidate given Tigers have some well respected young coaches who need experience. If we are going for a more hands off DOR mentoring the younger coaches then I'd much prefer Lancaster be the target than Cheika though.

Likewise if the BOD are looking at paying out a big sum for Cheika then there's others I'd much rather they target. To name one, Wayne Smith has been working with Italy on a consultancy basis and is a fantastic tactician.

by Geordie Mon 01 Apr 2019, 3:31 pm

Great to see Zac Kibirige has signed a new 2 year extention.

Been on fire recently and with Goneva and Sinotti not getting any younger, Zach will be leading the way.

Hopefuly radwan can get more gametime aswell.

by formerly known as Sam Mon 01 Apr 2019, 4:19 pm

king_carlos wrote:If Geordie is happy to work with Ford in the short term then I'm alright with it. The dead cat bounce claiming a couple of wins to save the season is what Tigers need.

I hope he doesn't stay long term though. His past record suggests that he won't work on a background role long term, it also suggests he has some pretty poor man management skills.

In terms of longer term DOR options. Edwards would be excellent given he's a world class defence coach.

Cheika has brought through young coaches in his set-ups well before which would make him a good candidate given Tigers have some well respected young coaches who need experience. If we are going for a more hands off DOR mentoring the younger coaches then I'd much prefer Lancaster be the target than Cheika though.

Likewise if the BOD are looking at paying out a big sum for Cheika then there's others I'd much rather they target. To name one, Wayne Smith has been working with Italy on a consultancy basis and is a fantastic tactician.

Lancaster didn't have the leadership to manage the coaches with England. That was his downfall really. He's best in the consultant role he has with Leinster. I'm not sure Geordie is quite as experienced as Cullen yet though. Need a firm hand in the tiller to guide the club and continue developing Murphy.

Would love Wayne Smith but he's now in his 60s and was not well last year. A little consultancy work to keep busy is not the same as being the DOR of Tigers. It would be a big role and require him to move away from NZ.

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