2023-2024 transfers

[Scotty]

Jamie George has extended at Saracens for "a few more years" - not heard any rumours of him leaving, but good to see him sticking around

In the WC i was getting annoyed that Dan was stuck behind George and getting no gametime/experience incase George went down injured and he was under prepared during the tournement, yet i i dont think he's ready to be Englands forst choice and benching behind George isnt a band thing, moving to him starting with experience on the bench, so its good for him and England thats George is sticking around IMO

 

[Groundhog]

Another (very random) one. Tadhg Leader formerly of Connacht is coaching the 5 kicker/punter prospects on the IPP. One of them is former Connacht player Darragh Leader and 3 former GAA players. The other is Harry Mallinder

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I'm pretty ignorant on American Football (all knowledge comes from Madden) - what would set him (/any other rugby player) apart from other kickers/punters? Distance?

I'm guessing the kickers/punters pretty much never get sacked? He might actually die if he took a hit off of an NFL player

 

[BrokenWing]

Well there is a chance he may have to make a tackle… or at least look like he's trying to make a tackle.

 

[pagliaccio_euforico]

Lots of AFL punters in both nfl and college. One Scottish rugby union punter but he moved here in high school cause his dad was RAF. Punter and kicker are two of the most specialist positions don't know why they need five international guys in one class.

 

[BrokenWing]

Do they recruit the IPP with a specific amount of positions in mind, or just see what they've got?

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Good for Mallinder!
Always had the potential I feel if he wasn't being coached by his dad I reckon he might gone far

 

[Geordie]

Codling Sacked...Steve Diamond in as Director of Rugby for Falcons,.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Codling Sacked...Steve Diamond in as Director of Rugby for Falcons,.

Think he'll do well with you tbh - obviously has his limitations but definitely puts the fire back into sides and gets them playing hard
He had a big impact at Wuss

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Think he'll do well with you tbh - obviously has his limitations but definitely puts the fire back into sides and gets them playing hard
He had a big impact at Wuss

Worcester also "had" the money. (Well I guess not had but spent)
He will prob find better rough gems though, falcons recruitment is terrible even at spending

 

[Geordie]

I agree money is a problem..but we actually have a decent "core" to work with...and some young gems.

Codlings selections have really let him down. Back row and lock in particular.

I do wonder if a big backer might be coming in soon...from down the road...

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Yeah, it's getting players playing like they care that I think he's good at - cliche but "pride in the shirt" n that
I remember an interview not long after he went to whichever Scottish club it was where he was buzzing because there'd been a fight at training the day before, and when he'd joined everyone was just going through the motions and didn't care

 

[TRF_Olyy]

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Will be interesting to see which of him and Ross Byrne get the third choice 10 spot for us at the next world cup.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Good luck to Farrell. Good move at the right time.

Saracens really have an end of era feel. Some will hope they fall flat on their arses but the Prem needs as many strong clubs as possible. Itoje, George, Earl and others will keep the flame alive but, smart as he is, it's still a big challenge for McCall.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Sarries will be fine imo
Mako and Billy going would free up a lot of cap to use along with potential cap increase

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

Apparently Sarries haven't confirmed as not all of the deal is actually done yet... Apparently transfer fee

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Sarries will be fine imo
Mako and Billy going would free up a lot of cap to use along with potential cap increase

I think the thing that set Sarries apart for so long was their culture which came from a whole cohort having grown up and played together for years plus some very well selected incomers who stayed for the long term. You can't buy that unity.

Just from the last Champions Cup winning 23 in 2019, Farrell's going, Kruis went, the Vunipolae will probably follow or are past their best, Goode and Maitland can't go on much longer. Barritt, Wiggles and Spencer went after staying a decade or so there. Long serving good club men like Wray and Barrington have also moved on.

That's not just a list of good players, but much of the conscience of the club.

Superstars like Skelton, Burger and Koch who were also in that match day squad went too. Add in other departures of solid players like Malins, Rhodes and Duncan Taylor and that's the heartbeat of the glory years gone.

We've already seen that many of their back ups aren't top class. I doubt they'll fall off the edge of a cliff, but there is a danger they might be 'just another club' for a while.

Itoje and George staying will be big for them.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Sarries have a very good academy, just need that next crop of players to come to maturity - how many of their backbone were of similar age?
Chiefs had a similar scare with however many of their Prem/Europe winning side moving on within a couple of years of each other but are building back up with a very young, very talented side now

Sarries will do the same

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

They'll continue to be a force. I hope they languish in perpetual mediocrity at the foot of the table for eternity, but they won't