Transfer gossip - sometimes even accurate (accidentally) - Season 2022/23

[Mellsblue]

[francoisfou]

One of the world's best wingers, Damian Penaud (26 with 37 caps for France), is leaving Clermont at the end of the season to join Union Bordeaux/Bègles, having been with Clermont since 2014.
His Dad is Alain Penaud (37 caps at outside half for France) who played for Brive, notably in the spectacular win over Leicester in the 1997 Heineken Cup final in Cardiff.
It had been thought that his preference was for Toulouse, but he's off to UBB.

[Puja]

One of the world's best wingers, Damian Penaud (26 with 37 caps for France), is leaving Clermont at the end of the season to join Union Bordeaux/Bègles, having been with Clermont since 2014.
His Dad is Alain Penaud (37 caps at outside half for France) who played for Brive, notably in the spectacular win over Leicester in the 1997 Heineken Cup final in Cardiff.
It had been thought that his preference was for Toulouse, but he's off to UBB.

My initial skim-read saw Damian Penaud, leaving Clermont to join, and Leicester and then I was very disappointed when I read it properly.

Puja

[francoisfou]

One of the world's best wingers, Damian Penaud (26 with 37 caps for France), is leaving Clermont at the end of the season to join Union Bordeaux/Bègles, having been with Clermont since 2014.
His Dad is Alain Penaud (37 caps at outside half for France) who played for Brive, notably in the spectacular win over Leicester in the 1997 Heineken Cup final in Cardiff.
It had been thought that his preference was for Toulouse, but he's off to UBB.

My initial skim-read saw Damian Penaud, leaving Clermont to join, and Leicester and then I was very disappointed when I read it properly.

Puja

Ahh! Damian Penaud at Leicester would've been rather good, n'est ce pas?

[FKAS]

Great signing for Bordeaux though a bit of an odd one. Bordeaux have some good players but don't appear to have the ridiculous depth that some of the bigger sides have.

[francoisfou]

Semi Radrada may also be going to Bordeaux, the club for whom he played before joining Bristol.

[FKAS]

That would indicate Bordeaux are very much going for it next season.

9. Lucu
10. Jalibert
11. Penaud
12. Lamerat
13. Radrada
14. Moefana
15. Cordero

Now that's a backline. If they can keep hold of Tom Willis and add a bit more backrow firepower to give the backs good ball that would help.

[francoisfou]

That would indicate Bordeaux are very much going for it next season.

9. Lucu
10. Jalibert
11. Penaud
12. Lamerat
13. Radrada
14. Moefana
15. Cordero

Now that's a backline. If they can keep hold of Tom Willis and add a bit more backrow firepower to give the backs good ball that would help.

They are indeed! They sacked coach Christophe Urios earlier this season and Yannick Bru will take charge next season (so I'm led to believe). Bru (ex Toulouse and France hooker) is currently with Natal Sharks, and he'll be joined by the France XV performance director Thibault Giroud after the World Cup.
Cordero's contract expires at the end of the season and he may not be retained, but even without him, that's an impressive back line. As for Tom Willis, he's due to leave at the end of the season and Saracens are apparently interested in signing him.

[Timbo]

From what I’ve heard Tom Willis to Sarries is done. Not sure where that leaves Billy (and presumably Mako). I’d guess they both have another year left on their contracts, but something can probably be worked out for them to leave early to go abroad. Or maybe they’ll stay, who knows.

[FKAS]

Oghre and TCD leave Tigers after finishing their short term deals.

Sam Wolstenholme joins on a short term deal.

[Puja]

Oghre and TCD leave Tigers after finishing their short term deals.

Sam Wolstenholme joins on a short term deal.

TCD is no great loss in the grand scheme, but sad to lose Oghre, even if it has been coming. I'd've preferred to've lost Clare instead, tbh. Does that mean that Dolly is near a return, do we think?

Wolstenholme's a solid get for during the 6N. Suggests Wiggy has no intention of a cameo return.

Puja

[Mellsblue]

I'd've preferred to've lost Clare instead

Puja

That’s a poor start to 2023

[Peej]

From what I’ve heard Tom Willis to Sarries is done. Not sure where that leaves Billy (and presumably Mako). I’d guess they both have another year left on their contracts, but something can probably be worked out for them to leave early to go abroad. Or maybe they’ll stay, who knows.

God that will kill off some Wasps fans

[FKAS]

Kolisi is off to Racing 92 for next season. The French clubs have still got plenty of cash to splash.

[Adam_P]

Saints have signed Curtis Langdon for next season.

[Banquo]

Saints have signed Curtis Langdon for next season.

probably a good move, though I was surprised at how well Mike Haywood went last Sunday- always thought he's a little undersung, but he looked on his last legs last season.

[FKAS]

I thought Robbie Smith would do well there having moved from Falcons. He doesn't really seem to have had a run at it.

[Beasties]

From what I’ve heard Tom Willis to Sarries is done. Not sure where that leaves Billy (and presumably Mako). I’d guess they both have another year left on their contracts, but something can probably be worked out for them to leave early to go abroad. Or maybe they’ll stay, who knows.

God that will kill off some Wasps fans

I can confirm that your understanding about Wasps fans is correct.

[FKAS]

Elliott Stooke has left Bristol for Montpellier.

[jimKRFC]

Elliott Stooke has left Bristol for Montpellier.

He was injury cover for Joe Joyce who's now fit again. Didn't make much impact on the pitch but had little chance really.

[Puja]

Nathan Earle leaves Newcastle to join Ealing.

Puja

[FKAS]

Nathan Earle leaves Newcastle to join Ealing.

Puja

He couldn't get a game at Falcons was probably wasn't cheap. Good move to get him off the books by Falcons.

[Banquo]

Elliott Stooke has left Bristol for Montpellier.

He'll go well in France. They like his sort of lock.

[FKAS]

The Ruck reporting that Bristol will use the freed up cap from Radrada and Piatau leaving in the summer to target Tom Curry and Anthony Watson. Obviously it's the Ruck so take that with the normal cup of salt.

[Margin_Walker]

Yeah, Ruck are proper make stuff up territory usually with their exclusives.

Clearly there will be a bit of cash to spend next season at Bristol though.