Transfers rumours

[UlsterRugby2012]

Gotcha. Yeah Franco played for us last year, he wasn't awful, but I'd rank him behind PSdT, Bresler, Lewies, Marais just at the Sharks.

So not really a great choice of replacement for Muller then from an Ulster perspective?

 

[Draggs]

I haven't seen too much of Muller. Van Der Merwe will be solid, make his tackles, catch whatever is thrown at him in the lineout. He didn't have notable wheels or strength, but there are worse players out. I would prefer him over Flip, because Flip is at least -6 points per game.

 

[Groundhog]

Shane O'Leary: Grenoble--> Connacht.
20 years old. Former Young Munster player who used to play in the halfbacks but shifted to centres. Also a Canadian U20 international but is still Irish qualified.

 

[flashash2k9]

Ospreys supposedly signed Rynier Bernado a lock from SA, only 22! We've also supposedly got a Kiwi scrum half coming, believe he's coming as a NWQ player and not being targeted, unlike Bernado I believe? Gareth Thomas, loosehead from Scarlets is being signed, pretty sure he'll be announced tomorrow. Good loosehead, unlucky to be in a team with Phil John, and Rob Evans really.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Ospreys supposedly signed Rynier Bernado a lock from SA, only 22! We've also supposedly got a Kiwi scrum half coming, believe he's coming as a NWQ player and not being targeted, unlike Bernado I believe? Gareth Thomas, loosehead from Scarlets is being signed, pretty sure he'll be announced tomorrow. Good loosehead, unlucky to be in a team with Phil John, and Rob Evans really.

Most likely candidates for that scrumhalf position will probably be Willi Heinz (Crusaders) and Chris Smylie (Hurricanes).

 

[flashash2k9]

Most likely candidates for that scrumhalf position will probably be Willi Heinz (Crusaders) and Chris Smylie (Hurricanes).

They fit the bill quite well! We've got two decent S/H's in Habberfield and Rhys Webb, just Webb's away with Wales and Habbers is too skinny and small at the moment? So the new scrum half will be used to bring on habbers and when Webb is away or injured. Unless he becomes like fotuali'i, which I kind've hope he doesn't. Kahn really damaged Webb's game.


It's nice at the moment, for once in a while I don't feel like we need a drastic recruitment drive! We've got two full academy sides in the prem more or less. Swansea have been given the brunt of the young boys in the pack, and in all honesty the boys there are highly likely to play pro level. Watch out for Nicky Smith, Scott Otten, and Nicky Thomas in the future, guys! Looking very, very promising!

 

[ratsapprentice]

Clarification of the Hamilton --> Saracens move.

 

[gaston le gaff]

Its still not a done deal but if he leaves Sarries have to buy out the last 2 years of his contract as he signed a 3 yr firm contract. Charteris could be a replacement but at the moment everything is hush hush.

 

[munstermuffin]

Its still not a done deal but if he leaves Sarries have to buy out the last 2 years of his contract as he signed a 3 yr firm contract. Charteris could be a replacement but at the moment everything is hush hush.

How's he going over there for ye?

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Why do I get the sinking feeling Borthwick retiring ends up- after some shuffling- with a SA club losing a quality lock to Mont Pol...

 

[gaston le gaff]

How's he going over there for ye?

Started a little average, He had a couple of injuries in the middle kept him out for a couple of months, and seems now to be going good but we are winning so its always easier, but would be a shame to loose him, we will see, i dont take much notice of the media as a lot they write is just speculation, i work with them at the club and now how they play always looking for the spectalular or the disaster run of the mill stuff does not interest them. but thanks for asking!!!!!!!!!

 

[ratsapprentice]

Rumour going round that Freddie Burns to Leicester is off and that Fred is without a club currently.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Rumour going round that Freddie Burns to Leicester is off and that Fred is without a club currently.

This wouldn't surprise me, and if true then he's f***ed.
Gloucester won't want to keep him, and he'll want to be first choice wherever he ends up, and I can't think of anywhere that needs a 10 (especially with Wasps signing Jackson).

He might have to bide his time until the Championship playoffs are decided and see if the promoted want him.

 

[ratsapprentice]

I'm guessing we'll find out pretty soon whether this one is true.

 

[Patchey]

Not good for all concerned if this is true. Tigers will need to sign another ten, although with Williams improving as he is they only really need a player who can be second choice. Burns needs a club asap and Glos have signed Laidlaw (presumably as a ten) for no reason. Potentially Burns could stay and Laidlaw play nine, but then Robson and/or Cowan (is he staying?) won't exactly be pleased with that.

Considering that the move to Tigers seems to be what messed with Burn's head so much this season its all a bit of a mess!

If Bristol go up they wont need him. I guess Newcastle might be an option, or possibly Irish? He'd have to battle it out to be first choice at either though. Who in the Pro12 needs a new (or better, if he gets some form back) 10?

 

[Peat]

I haven't seen too much of Muller. Van Der Merwe will be solid, make his tackles, catch whatever is thrown at him in the lineout. He didn't have notable wheels or strength, but there are worse players out. I would prefer him over Flip, because Flip is at least -6 points per game.

Muller's been running on fumes this last year. I'll be sad to see him go, but I'd expect vdM to replace him as a player - no one can replace Muller as a leader, but that's life.

Ok, big one here...

Farrell to Toulon post World Cup

edit: If Saints had any room in the cap, I could see them gambling on Burns. They've gambled on every other running 10 in the Prem...

 

[ratsapprentice]

Farrell to Toulon post World Cup

Sauce?

 

[Mrs. Peter Quinn]

I'd still take him in a hearbeat given the choice.

Goode's loss of that half-yard of pace has been a nail in the coffin - he's been pretty dreadful this season.
Carlisle can't defend.
No idea about Jackson.
Burns has a higher ceiling than all of them.
I reckon other clubs will also express an interest

 

[Peat]

Now Rugby forums. Long time poster saying he heard it from back room staff at a pro club.

 

[Patchey]

Muller's been running on fumes this last year. I'll be sad to see him go, but I'd expect vdM to replace him as a player - no one can replace Muller as a leader, but that's life.

Ok, big one here...

Farrell to Toulon post World Cup

edit: If Saints had any room in the cap, I could see them gambling on Burns. They've gambled on every other running 10 in the Prem...

Please, take Farrell as long as we can keep Ford, Slade and Cips for the future. Do in Toulon!

How reliable is that source?

Also, have Saint's signed anyone for next year yet? They might have room, especially as he's hardly going to be able to command big money.

I'd still take him in a hearbeat given the choice.

Goode's loss of that half-yard of pace has been a nail in the coffin - he's been pretty dreadful this season.
Carlisle can't defend.
No idea about Jackson.
Burns has a higher ceiling than all of them.
I reckon other clubs will also express an interest

Four fly-halves? Jackson looks half decent, better than Carlisle and he'll probably have been given some game time guarantee as he's chasing the Scotland 10 jersey (Weir can't keep it under Vern Cotter). He and Goode will be the top two I'm guessing but I don't see how you could afford to have a fourth 10, both financially but also because having that much competition may well be counterproductive.