Transfers 2011/12

[TRF_Olyy]

He started at 7 on the weekend (I think?) so thought he was a 7 - keep Seymour at 7 then Vernon 8 with Easter bench, sorted!
Ormsby is leaving at the end of the season, apparently - if he isn't then put him in at lock, he's a better lock than backrow

Gaskells problem is that he's slight for a forward - maybe not in weight but just to look at him he's like a beanpole - he's good in the lineout and is very athletic - however he does lack a lot of grunt you'd want from your forwards. I dunno, I do like him as a player, but I don't think he warrants a start every week as he does atm - we miss a lot of physicality playing him every week - I wish they'd put him back at lock, and get him to stick there and work on that set of skills, then you could player a proper backrower on the backrow (we've been playing without a 7 for a while now because they want Gaskell at 6, which moves Fearns to 7 at the expense of McMillan)

 

[Draggs]

For the Dragons lineup:
3 Dan Way
13 Adam Hughes

Lloyd Burns could be starting hooker as well.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Got a flyer through from Sale Sharks today about next season, and it says that Karena Wihongi is staying on (he's still under contract anyway, it was only speculation that a French team was buying him out of it) - so you can take him off of the "outs" for Sale

 

[TRF_Olyy]

It's about the "Revolution" trying to flog season tickets at Sale and says Existing frontrow stars (Andrew Sheridan, Karena Wihongi, Neil Briggs) are to be bolstered by the incoming Tony Buckley, Vladim Cobalas and Joe Ward, and that star backs Mark Cueto, Nick MacLeod and Dwayne peel are to be joined by the various people that are joining - I think Tony Buckley is the replacement for Eiffion Lewis-Roberts (in size and in the squad in general)

Interesting to note that Paul Williams isn't mentioned, so that could mean he is off - I bloody hope not though!

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I reckon Cipriani, of those
Geech said before that he was a big fan of his, and with Beales signing (and the rumours about JOC) that could signal his departure from Rebels

Would've been convinced it'd be Luke McAlister if he hadn't already signed for Toulouse

 

[nickdnz]

I reckon Cipriani, of those
Geech said before that he was a big fan of his, and with Beales signing (and the rumours about JOC) that could signal his departure from Rebels

Would've been convinced it'd be Luke McAlister if he hadn't already signed for Toulouse

McAlister denies that he has been signed by Toulouse, it's all very confusing.

 

[Teh Mite]

Geech is desperate to have the salary cap removed and break the bank signing Carter. It's no great secret.

McAlister denies that he has been signed by Toulouse.

Of course he has. Hendry already hates him and the only returned to NZ to play in the World Cup.

 

[nickdnz]

Geech is desperate to have the salary cap removed and break the bank signing Carter. It's no great secret.



Of course he has. Hendry already hates him and the only returned to NZ to play in the World Cup.

Seems weird that he returned two years prior to the RWC though. Not saying it wan't a factor, just it'd have made more sence returning later than he did, as he'd have more of a chance at the Rugby World Cup. He'd also look fairly stupid saying he hasn't signed, when we'll find out soon enough if he actually has ot not. The reasons he gave for his return, was that he was hoping to see more of his family, so it looks pretty odd if he has signed for Toulouse.

Not saying he hasn't, just things don't seem to be adding up.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Forgot about that

Think he said they were in talks, but he hasn't literally signed the piece of paper yet - so presume he's said "I'll definitely play for you" but hasn't done the paperwork yet
Could be keeping his options open/world cup dreams alive

 

[Feicarsinn]

It's John Schwalger if you're not arsed clicking the link.

 

[nickdnz]

It's John Schwalger if you're not arsed clicking the link.

Not much of an All Black...but I am wondering if there are going to be any props left in New Zealand...

 

[OptimisticJock]

Very optimistic then

Might be a bit more if we announce/have a coach before the start of the season. I think it was a no in the end anyway :wah:

 

[TRF_Olyy]

This is the fly half rumour shortlist:

Derick Hougaard - Saracens - apparently mates with Claassens, and would be available with Saracens signing Hodgson and the emergence of Owen Farrell, but would he get "the majority of the rugby world will really sit up and take notice"?

Brock James - Clermont - a proven European point scorer, and Clermont have signed Skrela, but again would he get "the majority of the rugby world will really sit up and take notice"?

Danny Cipriani - Melbourne Rebels - The Sun of all sources said this one, has been coached by Sir Geech before, but he has been saying he is happy in Australia recently, would be more likely to get the "the majority of the rugby world will really sit up and take notice"?

A reserve Springbok/Wallaby/All Black - No source, but can't see who else would fit their marquee signing, maybe Peter Grant, Berrick Barnes, Colin Slade, Stephen Donald or André Pretorius

There isn't a marquee signing - Newport Gwent Dragons once said they were hoping to bring in some "marquee names" in 2008, those "marquee names" ended up being Tom Willis and Hoani MacDonald.

Rumours abound that they're working on securing Michalak as their new FH

 

[Amobokoboko]

Would be cool to see Kelleher play for SF.

 

[OptimisticJock]

James Eddie being released by Glasgow

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

Just to say with regards to the Starting XVs on the first page, Ospreys-wise Ian Gough said he was going to retire before the end of the year on Scrum V a couple of months ago and there's no way Huw Bennet should be above Richard Hibbard.

 

[Teh Mite]

"It is with a great degree of sadness that we have to announce that after many years of total commitment and loyalty to The Saints, Bruce Reihana is moving on and finishing off his illustrious career in France with Bordeaux.
It is a big move for Bruce, but at 35 years of age, he still has a couple of good years in him, and we know that he will leave with the blessing and good wishes of every true Saints fan that has supported Bruce over the past 9 years. In that time he has become a true Saints legend and can be very proud of the unwavering effort that he has put in to our club.
Because of various commitments and other issues, we are very sorry to announce that the testimonial game planned for 30th May 2011 will unfortunately not be going ahead. Instead we will be organising a farewell event for Bruce which will give all true Bruce and Saints supporters the opportunity to say goodbye to him before he leaves. Full details will be announced later in May and the event will take place early in June."
http://www.brucereihana.com/

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Waaaaaaaaah?
No testimonial even?
Massive shame





On another note, apparently Castres are trying to buy Karena Wihongi out his contract at Sale, so who knows what's going to happen there

 

[Duckdee]

Look at the bright side, more game time for Tonks!

No testimonial is a bit sucky.

 

[Teh Mite]

Look at the bright side, more game time for Tonks!

<_<