Transfers rumours

[Scotty]

Maybe because it's so integral to how they play they're happy prioritising top quality locks over backs.

I agree we prioritise forwards and if he came available im glad we got him but we do have very little quality depth at centre unless there is some promising young lads i dont know about.

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

I agree we prioritise forwards and if he came available im glad we got him but we do have very little quality depth at centre unless there is some promising young lads i dont know about.

Am I missing something about our centre stocks? Slade, Devoto, Whitten and Hill are all proven Premiership players; how many other clubs can say they have 4 specialist centres, all with 100+ Prem appearances? beyond that, Hendrickson and Bodilly have never looked out of place and Nowell's always stepped up to the plate when he's had to fill in at 13. Of the younger generation, both Karea and Wyatt have looked good when they've played for the Braves (I have really big hopes for Karea). I'd say that as far as Prem clubs go we've got better depth than most.

On the other hand, I'd argue that Hill, Witty, South and Price are the only true locks we have, and 3 of those have hardly seen any senior rugby for us, and don't really look like they will in the future. Dennis, Skinner, Vermeulen and Kirsten are all good players but I'd argue all are more suited to the back row. Dennis is only 6'3, Skinner's only 111kg and Kirsten and Vermeulen spent almost all of their time in SA as back rowers. I'd also say that of the young bunch, Cory Teague is the only true lock and with all due respect to him he's hardly banging down the door. Caufield, Lonsdale, Parker-Cook and Pearson are all 6'4 or under; for a Premiership lock you really want to be looking at 6'5 or over to be more than cover. A team that's as forward orientated as the Chiefs need proper locks - not back rowers who can just about do a job there.

Basically, I think Gray would be exactly what we need.

 

[General Melchett]

I recall reading before that Gregor Townsend's brother has some connection with the Chiefs and played a part in Hogg's move. Perhaps he has also had a hand in Gray's (potential) move. With only two pro clubs in Scotland maybe the Chiefs are viewed by Townsend/SRU as a preferred destination for Scotland's best players (who are keen to ply their trade elsewhere and fulfil earning potential) given their reputation and recent success under Baxter.

 

[Geordie]

On the other hand, I'd argue that Hill, Witty, South and Price are the only true locks we have, and 3 of those have hardly seen any senior rugby for us, and don't really look like they will in the future.

Basically, I think Gray would be exactly what we need.

I heard Witty has been injured...is that correct? The general feeling up here at the falcons was that he is a big guy, with a lot of power and great pace for a lock...but doesnt impose himself physically on a game as he really should. He has the ability to be a huge carrier, big defender etc.

The thoughts were that Exeter of all places would be the team to really bring that out of him...and get him to start using that power and size.

 

[Scotty]

I heard Witty has been injured...is that correct? The general feeling up here at the falcons was that he is a big guy, with a lot of power and great pace for a lock...but doesnt impose himself physically on a game as he really should. He has the ability to be a huge carrier, big defender etc.

The thoughts were that Exeter of all places would be the team to really bring that out of him...and get him to start using that power and size.

We signed Witty and Price, both were injured is why we brought in South i believe.

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Witty has played for the Braves quite recently.

 

[Geordie]

Aw well...you might see him start to develop now. If Baxter can bring get him to impose himself on the games as he should...then boy you'll have some lock.

 

[will311293]

Shields to Saints was mentioned on Rugby Pod this morning and Goode said Nick Grigg is joining Wasps. Would be happy with that as Wasps are crying out for an inside centre.

If we stay up (fingers crossed) then its going to be huge upheaval as we turn players over.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Hopefully cause you get relegated and not us

 

[will311293]

Hopefully cause you get relegated and not us

Let's agree on London Irish haha

 

[will311293]

Hopefully cause you get relegated and not us

Although if Prem gets ringfenced then we will both be safe haha

 

[Not Mike Brown's Sock]

Rhodes, Clark and figallo to leave sarries and George kruis to japan

 

[will311293]

Rhodes, Clark and figallo to leave sarries and George kruis to japan

Shame about Kruis but seemed logical, wonder whether this might make it more likely that Kpoku will stay.

I'd love Kruis but would always be away with England and we need class locks who stay around, wonder whether we will go for Rhodes or Clark seeing as i think we have room in the future and Shields could be on his way out as well as Sops and a few others.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Clark to Tigers



................................



Thats not even funny the *****

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Clark to Tigers



................................



Thats not even funny the *****

Shame Cockers is gone,
First training session would be long studs and ruck training

 

[will311293]

Shame Cockers is gone,
First training session would be long studs and ruck training

Hawkins standing in the car park with a few other lads waiting for him

 

[Which Tyler]

Hawkins standing in the car park with a few other lads waiting for him

Od pay money to see that - probably more than I'd pay to see Leicester play rugby

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Od pay money to see that - probably more than I'd pay to see Leicester play rugby

TBH a car park would still be a better ground to play in than the wreck.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Matt Gallagher from Sarries to Munster.

 

[Chief Pete]

George Kruis to Saints according to Ruck...