Transfers rumours

[munstermuffin]

Can't see Maitland coming and doing a 'Flutey' after getting capped by Scotland. Munster really need a few centers though.

Is Howlett signed for next season too?

Also struggling to see Taylor but well Howlett will be discussed in next few weeks. It more than likely he will coach backs next season

 

[Peat]

As for Owen Williams the Scarlets 10, I think he's got a good opportunity to develop at the Scarlets. Aled Thomas is a very ordinary player, and there's no guarantee that Priestland will ever re-discover form. I could see Williams quite quickly becoming their first choice if he continues to improve, whereas he could just be completely forgotten about in Leicester.

Mebbe, mebbe not. Tigers are odd ones on youth development, some Cockerill pushes to the max, some he goes all meh on. Given they've got out and signed him and all, I'll guess pushed. He doesn't seem to like using Bowden at 10 much, and Flood is injury-prone and likely to hang around the EPS a bit longer, which means he'll see some gametime. I've seen worse moves, although I wouldn't be surprised if he disappeared for a season before reappearing from nowhere.

 

[psychic duck]

Scott "Gibbs" Williams to the Blues.

Owen Williams from Scarlets to Tigers.

Scott Williams to the Blues could be a good signing. But I have a feeling that the Blues may be ripped off on that deal and pay more than he's worth as Scott Williams' reputation is a little better than he actually is a player. So it could come as cost to money for elsewhere in the squad.

Having said that though, he's not indispensable to the Scarlets as Davies/Williams hasn't really worked that well and have Shingler (who could possibly offer something different at 12 than JD2 and Williams?) and it saves the Blues from more of that Hewitt/Evans partnership.

I'd take Owen Williams (standoff, Turks->Tiggers) at the Dragons, but that would surprise no one.

Surprised at that Owen Williams move if true. On the first glances of his performances this year, he seems to be a very competent and reliable fly half. And I thought he was now overtaking the World Cup winning hero at 10 and may well have become first choice next season ahead of Priestland unless Priestland returns much improved on 2012 form.

Scarlets really should have kept hold of Owen Williams, would be better off staying in Wales.

As for Owen Williams the Scarlets 10, I think he's got a good opportunity to develop at the Scarlets. Aled Thomas is a very ordinary player, and there's no guarantee that Priestland will ever re-discover form. I could see Williams quite quickly becoming their first choice if he continues to improve, whereas he could just be completely forgotten about in Leicester.

Agree totally with his. Exactly what I think as well.

 

[04perryo]

Blair Cowan ----> London Irish

Ed Jackson, Ben Pienaar and Ryan Burrows are all players Hill is looking to recruit. I prefer Cowan myself

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Northampton and Leinster are in the hunt for Biarritz prop Wicus Blaauw.
http://www.rugby-transferts.com/top...ton-et-le-leinster-sur-un-pilier-biarrot.html

 

[Tony Manx]

Toulon and Leicester have now agreed a fee for Castro to move..................

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Tom May ---> London Welsh

Max Lahiff ---> Melbourne Rebels / Reds

Leigh Halfpenny ---> Clermont

 

[munstermuffin]

Lee Byrne will think he can't shake off Halfpenny

 

[TRF_Olyy]

That'd be a good signing for Welsh.
Really rate Tom May, one of my favourite players.

 

[Peat]

Have we mentioned that Munster are talking to Luke Fitzgerald yet?

 

[Feicarsinn]

Have we mentioned that Munster are talking to Luke Fitzgerald yet?

Not worth the time really. Luke will stay.

 

[munstermuffin]

Agreed with Feic. Don't think it even a rumour here anymore. Luke won't come and well Conway signed up already I think Luke Firz just gets thrown in when his contract nears expiry because of Kerry links but remember we can't offer him a cent more than Leinster as per IRFU rules and besides money why else would he come

 

[Peat]

Because walking into Munster's team post-Howlett will be easier than staying in Leinster's, particularly if he's still possessed of that absurd belief he's really a full-back.

I would be surprised, but the usual inside sources on other forums are adamant that talks have happened. Hard to believe there was nothing in them - although maybe the only reason someone blabbed is that it's not happening after all.

 

[munstermuffin]

But Fitzgearld wouldn't be guaranteed a 15 shirt here and Nacewa getting old and a fully fit Luke Fitz will own a jersey in Leinster backs especially as BOD and D'Arcy are on last legs

 

[profitius]

Agreed with Feic. Don't think it even a rumour here anymore. Luke won't come and well Conway signed up already I think Luke Firz just gets thrown in when his contract nears expiry because of Kerry links but remember we can't offer him a cent more than Leinster as per IRFU rules and besides money why else would he come

Pay him €100,000 to host a question and answers session, Saracens style!

 

[munstermuffin]

Pay him €100,000 to host a question and answers session, Saracens style!

Except every cent we spend goes through IRFU so no funny business and as I said Luke Fitz wants to come here no more than Donnacha Ryan wanted to go to Leinster last year.

 

[munstermuffin]

For Peat and Co. Trimble set to sign new 2 year deal this week and Ferris linked with Japan at end of season. Could be smart move with less years left at higher money.

 

[Draggs]

I can't see how Ferris can realistically play anymore. Every year he does his knee, he must start thinking about well being post-rugby.

I can remember Peter Hynes saying that his later surgeries were not so that he could play again, but to be able to have usable legs years on.

 

[Peat]

Fez will continue playing because he wants to and he can. No offence Draggs, but it's slightly grating to see the same worries brought up every time, when the man quite clearly intends to return and is getting medical advice that says he can.

Gutted to see him go, injuries and all - and I think this is real - but, all being well (no guarantees), he may indeed be back. And very grating to wonder whether Ulster, left to themselves, mightn't have found a better offer than the IRFU.

As for Trimble, that's old news - said he wasn't going! Nice to have it more or less confirmed though, along with McKinney.

 

[Draggs]

None taken, I just have concern for players after injuries.
I have seen many good friends have diminished quality of life after years of rugby. One of my mates is barely 20 and already has arthritis in his leg and shoulder, dislocates his knee on a regular basis, has been concussed for the past two months, yet he insists on playing on to try and get a new contract. (Not rugby, but still sporting attitudes). Countless surgeries after playing on, it just seems pointless in the long run, but it's his career, body, and choice. It's why I don't play. Any bang on the head, bad limp, etc means my job is done before it can start.