Transfers rumours

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Should they though? At one point they were dominant because they pulled in crowds like no other team (they still do) and were able to sustain much larger budgets than other teams largely from gate receipts.

Through a combination of the salary cap, increasing central funding from television deals and the RFU, rich people bankrolling other teams etc., the Tigers' impressive attendance figures no longer count for as much. Tigers can't automatically outspend teams anymore, so I think the expectation from Tigers' fans should be rebalanced. Gloucester are paying as much, if not more, on their squad, yet routinely finish below Tigers. I'm not really seeing why Tigers should have higher expectations to be honest.

The lower expectations are prob Glous main reason for failure recently IMO.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

James Hart to Munster

 

[Groundhog]

James Hart to Munster

I could see that. What I couldn't see though is Ben Smith to Munster as reported by Pundit Arena. Two foreign Fullbacks in the country already. If we had the money to throw around and it went on Smith I would throw a canary.

 

[munstermuffin]

James Hart to Munster

He appears to have approached us too.
Thought Ulster would've been ideal spot.

 

[munstermuffin]

I could see that. What I couldn't see though is Ben Smith to Munster as reported by Pundit Arena. Two foreign Fullbacks in the country already. If we had the money to throw around and it went on Smith I would throw a canary.

So far that is complete BS. We aren't in market for a back 3 guy.

Keatley set to sign with Bayonne too.

 

[JJFlash]

.
Keatley set to sign with Bayonne too.

Bayonne are currently second bottom and eight points adrift of the next team, so are firm favourites for relegation to ProD2, so maybe Keatley has a get out clause if they are indeed relegated

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Goosen to Glouscester in a deal that would make Sale look like angels.

Prob ******** though.

 

[munstermuffin]

Bayonne are currently second bottom and eight points adrift of the next team, so are firm favourites for relegation to ProD2, so maybe Keatley has a get out clause if they are indeed relegated

Or he's prepared to bring them back up if necessary

 

[JJFlash]

Or he's prepared to bring them back up if necessary

Quite possible, as Oyonnax and Agen who were relgated last year are currently first and second in ProD2, but would he really want to play 2nd tier rugby, for a season - at least?

 

[munstermuffin]

Quite possible, as Oyonnax and Agen who were relgated last year are currently first and second in ProD2, but would he really want to play 2nd tier rugby, for a season - at least?

Well if he's a starter and the project is right he'd buy in to it. He's a good pro

 

[Every Time Ref]

http://m.bathchronicle.co.uk/bath-r...-next-summer/story-29996321-detail/story.html

Definite sense of momentum building on this one

 

[Which Tyler]

http://m.bathchronicle.co.uk/bath-r...-next-summer/story-29996321-detail/story.html

Definite sense of momentum building on this one

Actually - I felt that that article didn't really shed any light on anything; Blackadders says that actual negotiation isn't his remit (it's Tarquin's), and that all he can do is try to keep George's mind on playing the best rugby he can.

There is a certain feeling of inevitability about it all though.

 

[ncurd]

Sounds like Bladders was asked a direct question about the rumours and answered it in the only reasonable way. I don't think it reveals much but I hate waiting to find out how true and how much desire to leave really exists.

I suspect it will mainly matter on Bath's position at the end of the season, I wouldn't be surprised if this has more to do with missing out on top-flight european rugby this season.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Blackadder will be next for the chop if he contradicts Glorious Leader Craig again

 

[Every Time Ref]

Sounds like Bladders was asked a direct question about the rumours and answered it in the only reasonable way. I don't think it reveals much but I hate waiting to find out how true and how much desire to leave really exists.

I suspect it will mainly matter on Bath's position at the end of the season, I wouldn't be surprised if this has more to do with missing out on top-flight european rugby this season.

He didn't completely deadbat it though.

Maybe I'm reading too much into it.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

From what I have heard

George 100% wants out
Tigers and Sale the two clubs most likely, George has a more preferred option of the two but a lot depends on how much Craig wants.

Blackadder can say he is talking with other clubs etc but end of the day Craig has final say on if he goes and how much he goes for.

Basically this story is nothing new, but Telegraph wording it to make it seem new.

 

[Duck a l'Orange]

Was in a Guardian article recently, Blackadder saying "I just want George Ford to enjoy his last season wi-... The rest of his season" or similar.

 

[Peat]

I kinda want Ford to go to Sale just to witness Olyy's reaction.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Can he play tight head lock?

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Diamond the only forwards coach ever to not want to sign big name forwards.