Transfers rumours

[Leonormous Boozer]

In any case, is the URC that much more stable? It certainly seems like the Welsh clubs are very financially challenged and I wouldn't be surprised if it's similar up in Scotland.

The premiership average attendance is double the Welsh and Scottish sides to be fair, well run clubs would be fine.

I think the Scottish clubs are fairly sustainable, Glasgow regularly have a higher average attendance than Scotstoun's capacity because they move the Edinburgh game. Both clubs own their stadium too which is big.

Can't say I want the prem clubs though, I want time for rivalries with SA teams to be built before any more change. The Welsh actively want to join the prem, dont know why the English clubs would want that* but it'd be better for the URC as a brand than having the English join in my opinion.

Saying that, money would win out and if a viable offer was on the table they'll be doing everything they can to join in.

*or the Welsh for that matter outside of refusing to acknowledge how poorly they're run).

 

[pagliaccio_euforico]

I feel like the Welsh and possibly Scottish are almost destined to join the English league in order to form a proper two tier professional system. Then the ball will be in the Irish's court. I think SA will be without a dance partner unfortunately.

Edit: and Italy, how could I forget about Italy

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I feel like the Welsh and possibly Scottish are almost destined to join the English league in order to form a proper two tier professional system.

That would take a complete restructure of rugby in England, though - not saying it's not possible in the future but it's not as simple as just smushing the regions+scots+prem sides together into a two tier league so would definitely be a long term pipe dream rather than something that could be implemented in a couple of seasons time

I think SA will be without a dance partner unfortunately.

Don't threaten me with a good time

 

[pagliaccio_euforico]

it would probably take some time and negotiation. The PRL doesn't have public regulations so I'm assuming they are willing to do whatever they want.
The RFU has provisions for clubs to play league schedules if they aren't members and for them to join at a certain level of the pyramid. I think the biggest obstacle will be the booting of semi-pro teams from the championship.

 

[pagliaccio_euforico]

English rugby in meltdown amid RFU statement as disgraced star set for dismissal

The latest rugby headlines and news bulletins from Wales and beyond

www.walesonline.co.uk

Jantjies to Toulon. Match made in heaven.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

French press are saying Langdon has signed for Montpellier for the rest of the season

Bad timing for us with Akker's knee going bye bye last night

 

[unrated]

Rugby 365 reporting that the Sharks are said to be in talks to sign Burger Odendaal from the Wasps

 

[saulan]

Rugby 365 reporting that the Sharks are said to be in talks to sign Burger Odendaal from the Wasps

Sharks really after all the centres at the moment. Already got Shaun Venter, RJVR and now after Odendaal? Surely with the SA salary cap and who they have on hand they're going to hit that cap quite soon. Also feel it would be better for Burger and his game time for him to maybe head back to the Lions.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

 

[TRF_Olyy]

If Pollard's re-injury is serious then Tigers should look at Atkinson

Borthwick definitely reads these forums

 

[will311293]

He be a fantastic signing, he's such a talent and is leading Wasps this season. Would love to see him go to Leicester and flourish, honestly think he's one of the most talented young fly halves in the league.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Borthwick definitely reads these forums

Haha talk is might be Burns replacement end of year also

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Tom Willis to Ulster

 

[Pieter Steph du Teague]

Tom Willis to Ulster

Pretty rogue considering they've got Vermuelen and Timoney. Is Willis Irish qualified? They could be looking to hold onto him for the long haul.

 

[BPM]

Apparently, yes. Tom Willis has got to look after number one, but flip me, if he becomes an Ireland international, that's a staggering own goal for English rugby.

 

[Scotty]

Apparently, yes. Tom Willis has got to look after number one, but flip me, if he becomes an Ireland international, that's a staggering own goal for English rugby.

England can still pick him though whilst playing in the URC cant they given what the RFU said. So maybe playing both sides to cap him quickly see who wins the race.

 

[Vieux Talonneur]

Apparently Ulster tried to get Jack a couple of years ago too.

On planet Jones Tom is behind Binny, Dombrandt, Simmonds, seemingly Barbeary and quite possibly Mercer when he returns too. I don't agree with that order but you could understand him getting tempted by any immediate interest from Ireland rather than waiting to see what the new coach thinks.

Raises the possibility of brother v brother at international level. Sure that must have happened plenty of times but the only one I can think of was when the Bachop brothers, both All Blacks, played against each other at the 99 RWC, slightly bizarrely in the Japan v Samoa game. Jamie Joseph also turned out for Japan that day.

 

[will311293]

The fact Tom Willis hasn't been capped staggers me, he stats were insane last season. For me a short term contract with Alex Doms injury at Quins would be perfect.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Seen someone (possibly Ruck, lol) say Jack Willis to Tigers next season to replace Reffell who is being forced to move to Wales

 

[BPM]

Apparently Ulster tried to get Jack a couple of years ago too.

On planet Jones Tom is behind Binny, Dombrandt, Simmonds, seemingly Barbeary and quite possibly Mercer when he returns too. I don't agree with that order but you could understand him getting tempted by any immediate interest from Ireland rather than waiting to see what the new coach thinks.

Raises the possibility of brother v brother at international level. Sure that must have happened plenty of times but the only one I can think of was when the Bachop brothers, both All Blacks, played against each other at the 99 RWC, slightly bizarrely in the Japan v Samoa game. Jamie Joseph also turned out for Japan that day.

The thing is, signing for Ulster doesn't necessarily mean he'll be picked for Ireland. Right now, they have Conan, Doris and Coombes. Personally, I think Tom Willis is currently better than the latter and has the potential to reach Conan/Doris' level, but he's not there right now.

It does, however, create the potential for the unedifying situation Scotty described:

England can still pick him though whilst playing in the URC cant they given what the RFU said. So maybe playing both sides to cap him quickly see who wins the race.

Best case scenario is that it's a short term deal until the end of the season, he benefits from the experience and a Premiership club picks him up for 2023/24.