Silly Season Transfer Rumours 22/23

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And.....off you go.

Confirming long running rumours, Ewan Ashman moves from Sale to Edinburgh.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Yes and no. Something is very stale at Chiefs, they are in desperate need of a shake up. Moving on some of the older guys isn't a big deal as it'll allow them to rebuild again as those guys are big earners. Williams, Nowell and Ewers haven't been at their best recently and are at an age where they want prime contracts. I agree though LCD and S Simmonds are big losses and Chiefs do need some reinforcement at hooker and 8 before next season. Otherwise the expected 23 doesn't look bad.

Sio, Frost, Painter
Gray, Dunne
Roots, Tshiunza, ?
Becconsall, Haydon-Wood
Hawkins, Slade
Wyatt, Hodge, Woodburn

Yeandle, Hepburn, Street, Jenkins, Capstick, Maunder, Devoto, Kata.

They could do with another back three option as well though with  the flyer Renton and the Welsh talent Feyi-Waboso there they might generate internally.

You'd imagine Fisilua (former Wasps prospect) or Tuima would rotate at 8/back-row, with Capstick

Fluxy wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:Yes and no. Something is very stale at Chiefs, they are in desperate need of a shake up. Moving on some of the older guys isn't a big deal as it'll allow them to rebuild again as those guys are big earners. Williams, Nowell and Ewers haven't been at their best recently and are at an age where they want prime contracts. I agree though LCD and S Simmonds are big losses and Chiefs do need some reinforcement at hooker and 8 before next season. Otherwise the expected 23 doesn't look bad.

Sio, Frost, Painter
Gray, Dunne
Roots, Tshiunza, ?
Becconsall, Haydon-Wood
Hawkins, Slade
Wyatt, Hodge, Woodburn

Yeandle, Hepburn, Street, Jenkins, Capstick, Maunder, Devoto, Kata.

They could do with another back three option as well though with  the flyer Renton and the Welsh talent Feyi-Waboso there they might generate internally.

You'd imagine Fisilua (former Wasps prospect) or Tuima would rotate at 8/back-row, with Capstick

They'd definitely be options but I'd expect a new signing to come in to provide some experienced ball carrying presence.

Hazel Sapling wrote:Confirming long running rumours, Ewan Ashman moves from Sale to Edinburgh.

Makes sense for Ashman, Edinburgh and Scotland. He should really be on the bench ahead of Brown now on performance IMO.

Ashman is a cracking player from what I’ve seen. Edinburgh should have a good team next season.

Javan Sebastian I don’t see occupying the Scottish jersey much, maybe 3rd choice. He gives 100% every time though which has seen him move up the pecking order at Scarlets, he’ll be a good fit at Edinburgh.

Ross Moriarty is to leave the Dragons with immediate effect to take up a playing opportunity overseas.

It’s apparently Brive.

There was some rumours Moriarty might head to Chiefs. A move to France will fill out his bank balance better I suspect.

Good luck to Moriarty. Deserves better than Dragons. We are screwed without his and Rowlands physicality though.

Seeing a lot of people linking Lydiate with us, the past couple of days.

I wouldn’t mind Lydiate bolstering us in the back-row. We’ll likely have Wainwright and Griffiths as the first choice No.8’s next season, followed by Basham when Ollie inevitably spends most of the season injured. I really hope we’re bringing in two new locks though.

Sam Davies to Cardiff is rumoured.

Dane Blacker linked with Dragons again. Hopefully this means Lewis Jones is history. Not sure how much time Gonzalo has left with us.

mikey_dragon wrote:Dane Blacker linked with Dragons again. Hopefully this means Lewis Jones is history. Not sure how much time Gonzalo has left with us.

Would prefer to see Hardy leave but he is still under contract so we lose Blacker.

Dillon Lewis leaving Cardiff for Quins next season.

Fluxy wrote:Dillon Lewis leaving Cardiff for Quins next season.

And Jarrod Evans.

We knew both were going for some time, now it's official. The Nicky Smith rumours seem to blow hot and cold. AWJ was linked to LI and Saracens, both could be tenuous links.

mikey_dragon wrote:Dane Blacker linked with Dragons again. Hopefully this means Lewis Jones is history. Not sure how much time Gonzalo has left with us.

This is about the only good transfer news it we pull it off. Exactly the type of player we need to bring to the Dragons.

mikey_dragon wrote:I wouldn’t mind Lydiate bolstering us in the back-row. We’ll likely have Wainwright and Griffiths as the first choice No.8’s next season, followed by Basham when Ollie inevitably spends most of the season injured. I really hope we’re bringing in two new locks though.

I really hope not. We will be lucky to get 6 games out of Lydiate. He barely stays fit long enough. He is a quality player on his day but those days come rarely now and given his injury history the last 3 seasons would make a poor investment. We did the same with Rob Evans and that clearly backfired for us as well.

Also backrow is not the area we need to strengthen. Its a enforcer lock and props we need.

From what I have seen this season in the URC and team that really wants to aim for top 8 finish can't be done without a solid tight five and backup forwards bench. It's a primary issue with all the Welsh sides currently. Most the Props at Welsh regions simply are not up to the new standard in the league.

Kudos to the South African sides as they have improved forward play/power in the league which has now shown up forwards who can't really play at this level.

Welshmushroom wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:I wouldn’t mind Lydiate bolstering us in the back-row. We’ll likely have Wainwright and Griffiths as the first choice No.8’s next season, followed by Basham when Ollie inevitably spends most of the season injured. I really hope we’re bringing in two new locks though.

I really hope not.  We will be lucky to get 6 games out of Lydiate.  He barely stays fit long enough.  He is a quality player on his day but those days come rarely now and given his injury history the last 3 seasons would make a poor investment.  We did the same with Rob Evans and that clearly backfired for us as well.

Also backrow is not the area we need to strengthen.  Its a enforcer lock and props we need.

From what I have seen this season in the URC and team that really wants to aim for top 8 finish can't be done without a solid tight five and backup forwards bench.  It's a primary issue with all the Welsh sides currently.  Most the Props at Welsh regions simply are not up to the new standard in the league.

Kudos to the South African sides as they have improved forward play/power in the league which has now shown up forwards who can't really play at this level.

Don't disagree with you on any of that. If he comes over, he might not get in the first team anyway. He could be considered as someone to rely on when the internationals are away. I've said before how I'd much rather James Ratti (about the time I was saying I'd like us to nick Ben Thomas too). Not sure what has become of Rob Evans as I haven't seen him in ages, but yeah, I would say that's backfired.

The South Africans have a good front 5 no matter who they put out. They are someone we should aspire to emulate, although I think I read they have squads of 60 players - I don't see us emulating that any time soon.

Well anyway, Dai seems to know the score. Someone I think we don't need is Huw Taylor. I would have also got shot of Joe Davies.

"Dan personally would be somebody we will take a big interest in. It is whether we can make it happen.

"I haven't spoken to Dan, I haven't even started a conversation, but again, does it fit is the question we always have to ask. Person-wise he would be ideal, but we also need big men in the pack.

"If you look at Glasgow they had four locks 6ft 7in plus. We have big locks but we don't have a 6ft 7in or 6ft 8in guy. So we may take our time and look at that route.

"We are quite settled in the back row. We have got lock who can play six very well and that allows us to move others to eight to cover that.

"We have to look at the profile of the group. This give us the opportunity to go out, take our time and find the right people."

Jack Willis extends in Toulouse for 3 years...

Geordie wrote:Jack Willis extends in Toulouse for 3 years...

Bye bye Jack....it was fun whilst it lasted. A final nail in any potential England career then.

Unless the ban is lifted?

Geordie wrote:Unless the ban is lifted?

Can't see it Geordie...it could become a big issue.

It could. So Pearson to Replace.

Willis should not be available for the World Cup now.

Geordie wrote:It could. So Pearson to Replace.

Willis should not be available for the World Cup now.

I guess so, unless they extend the current rules to post WC possibly?

I think Pearson should be involved even if Willis is retained personally, he's a cracking player.

Yeah i agree about Pearson looks to be the complete alrounder.

England have some alot of potential in the back row...much of it untested at this level as of yet...

Pearson, Ted HIll, Martin etc etc....they need to get out on the pitch in the warm ups.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:

Geordie wrote:It could. So Pearson to Replace.

Willis should not be available for the World Cup now.

I guess so, unless they extend the current rules to post WC possibly?

I think Pearson should be involved even if Willis is retained personally, he's a cracking player.

I thought the Wasps and Wuss exemptions ran until after the world cup? World cup being classed as this season and then from next season on there's no longer an exception if they aren't back playing in the Prem.

Charlie Ewels to Bulls; they must be losing someone as they’re well stocked in this area.

mikey_dragon wrote:Charlie Ewels to Bulls; they must be losing someone as they’re well stocked in this area.

It's only short term. Ewels has returned from injury much quicker than expected but as he wasn't expected to play this season Bath have spent the cap elsewhere. So he's gone on loan for the Currie Cup to try to prove fitness for the RWC camps.

Falcons have signed "back 5" player John Kelly from Doncaster, happy to play anywhere from 4 to 8 but 6 and 8 are his favorites.
6'4 and 19st...

Apparently his game is no nonsense based on big carries and very physical defence.

Some very good signings so far this season.

Geordie wrote:Falcons have signed "back 5" player John Kelly from Doncaster, happy to play anywhere from 4 to 8 but 6 and 8 are his favorites.
6'4 and 19st...

Apparently his game is no nonsense based on big carries and very physical defence.

Some very good signings so far this season.

He has a mullet, that'll do for me.

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Sgt_Pooly wrote:

Geordie wrote:It could. So Pearson to Replace.

Willis should not be available for the World Cup now.

I guess so, unless they extend the current rules to post WC possibly?

I think Pearson should be involved even if Willis is retained personally, he's a cracking player.

I thought the Wasps and Wuss exemptions ran until after the world cup? World cup being classed as this season and then from next season on there's no longer an exception if they aren't back playing in the Prem.

That's the way I understand it as well.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:

Geordie wrote:Falcons have signed "back 5" player John Kelly from Doncaster, happy to play anywhere from 4 to 8 but 6 and 8 are his favorites.
6'4 and 19st...

Apparently his game is no nonsense based on big carries and very physical defence.

Some very good signings so far this season.

He has a mullet, that'll do for me.

Half of our youth team have a mullet, must be the in thing.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:

Geordie wrote:Falcons have signed "back 5" player John Kelly from Doncaster, happy to play anywhere from 4 to 8 but 6 and 8 are his favorites.
6'4 and 19st...

Apparently his game is no nonsense based on big carries and very physical defence.

Some very good signings so far this season.

He has a mullet, that'll do for me.

Might be Carl Fearns replacement....(minus the mullet)

Theres a lot of this squad out of contract in the summer.

Geordie wrote:

Sgt_Pooly wrote:

Geordie wrote:Falcons have signed "back 5" player John Kelly from Doncaster, happy to play anywhere from 4 to 8 but 6 and 8 are his favorites.
6'4 and 19st...

Apparently his game is no nonsense based on big carries and very physical defence.

Some very good signings so far this season.

He has a mullet, that'll do for me.

Might be Carl Fearns replacement....(minus the mullet)

Theres a lot of this squad out of contract in the summer.

At 28 he's not exactly an up and comer but could be a very budget friendly signing that offers some good squad coverage.

Hes labelled as a ball carrier, with a big defence and workload....and an insane mullet. And hes a big unit.

If he can bring that at this level he could be a very shrewd acquisition. IF he can being the key word.

I think we'll see Sean Robinson at 6 alot this year.

Jacques Nienaber is joining Leinster after the world cup

Jac Morgan has re-signed with the Ospreys.

The Ospreys are also favourites to sign James Ratti.

I had hoped we could get Ratti, severely under-utilised at Cardiff who's squad is seeming to look worse next season.

Speaking of Ospreys, on the weekend I was further convinced that club rugby is the ceiling for Gareth Thomas. He seems too slow for international rugby, and on a couple of occassions a soon to be retiree gave him a tuning. Nicky Smith is much better.

mikey_dragon wrote:I had hoped we could get Ratti, severely under-utilised at Cardiff who's squad is seeming to look worse next season.

Speaking of Ospreys, on the weekend I was further convinced that club rugby is the ceiling for Gareth Thomas. He seems too slow for international rugby, and on a couple of occassions a soon to be retiree gave him a tuning. Nicky Smith is much better.

There's no disagreement there, he has to be involved in the summer matches.

I wouldn't have minded Ratti at the Scarlets really, he's a player who seems to always be fit so will be handy.

We've signed Ioan Lloyd from Bristol.

Falcons sign Ollie Leatherbarrow from Exeter on a 2 year deal.

He was a standout player in the Scotland U20 team of that generation, one of the few truth be told and deserves his chance to have a crack at premiership rugby. A few to many of them in the back row queue for him at Chiefs unfortunately and he will likely do much better at Newcastle.

Oakdene wrote:We've signed Ioan Lloyd from Bristol.

Not a secret... Small player, but a very good player with great potential. Patchell must be off, unless he's being considered 12 or 15.

Seiuli has signed a new deal with Dragons... Not sure about that one. I think it could work so long as there is a better TH to work with, Coleman looks semi-pro. Hopefully we are actually going to sign some new additions.

Falcons sign Ollie Leatherbarrow from Exeter. 21 year old Scotland back rower...another big carrier.

Seems theres been a target for much more ball carriers in the pack for next season.

Sam Davies (Dragons) being linked with a move to France. I was never a huge fan. Ok in patches. But maybe 3rd choice now behind Reed and Hanrahan.

Lloyd Williams (Cardiff) being linked with a move to England. A solid, consistent player but not at the same level as the likes of Webb, Tomos Williams or Gareth Davies so never quite pushing for international duty unless there were severe injury shortages. Getting on a bit now so Cardiff looking to get him off the books to reduce spend and squad size I presume. Any 9s at Cardiff coming through after Tomos Williams???

mikey_dragon wrote:

Oakdene wrote:We've signed Ioan Lloyd from Bristol.

Not a secret... Small player, but a very good player with great potential. Patchell must be off, unless he's being considered 12 or 15.

I've no idea why but I think Dan Jones might be off.

Oakdene wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:

Oakdene wrote:We've signed Ioan Lloyd from Bristol.

Not a secret... Small player, but a very good player with great potential. Patchell must be off, unless he's being considered 12 or 15.

I've no idea why but I think Dan Jones might be off.

Wouldn't be a bad thing. Cardiff were being linked with Davies and Patchell, and Davies is likely to opt for France. Probably his ceiling too. He never kicked on but was always a limited player, just overrated at Ospreys.

Vermuelen is going to Stormers

geoff999rugby wrote:Vermuelen is going to Stormers

Interesting when they've already got Evan Roos there. Roos looks like a potentially incredible 8.