Transfer news, rumours, suggestions, frenzied speculation, and outright lies - Season 2023-24

[16th man]

Manu Tuilagi has apparently began discussions with Bayonne (and maybe other Top14 clubs too?)

https://www.rugbyrama.fr/2024/03/12/tra ... 821625.php

Now really is the time for him to do it.

His contract is due for renewal it's the same time he always has a chat with some French clubs. Someone will no doubt see him coming out of a French club training ground in the near future. It's the normal games employed by his brother/agent. Whether he'll actually go through with it or not we'll see.

There was mention Perpignan were interested which would probably suit him from a family stand point as he's got a young family and having family nearby is always useful.

It's undoubtedly been a ploy before, but if as rumoured Sale aren't willing to keep paying him what he's on, and the England money is on the way over the horizon, then this is possibly the first time that it's likely to be by far his best financial option, as well as lifestyle factors.

[FKAS]

It's true Manu hasn't really got the same wow factor he had before which kept clubs bending over backwards to meet his demands. It would be a good time for him to head to France or Japan. Japan would be much better on his body which is fairly battered at this point but as it's more likely his wife will want to be closer to home (she's from Leicester) and he has tended to stay closer to family then France seems a more likely fit.

South of France on a chunky three year deal wouldn't be the worst way to finish a career.

[Puja]

I just hope he comes back to England when he's finished. I want his kids going through the Leicester academy, not the Perpignan one.

Puja

[FKAS]

I just hope he comes back to England when he's finished. I want his kids going through the Leicester academy, not the Perpignan one.

Puja

I'm less interested in his and more interested in where the twins Logo Mulipola and Castro's sister brought into the world learn to play their rugby and go on to represent.

[ilovelamp]

Christian Wade now confirmed at Glaws as well. Great signing IMO.

https://www.gloucesterrugby.co.uk/conte ... -kingsholm

[Stom]

Now really is the time for him to do it.

His contract is due for renewal it's the same time he always has a chat with some French clubs. Someone will no doubt see him coming out of a French club training ground in the near future. It's the normal games employed by his brother/agent. Whether he'll actually go through with it or not we'll see.

There was mention Perpignan were interested which would probably suit him from a family stand point as he's got a young family and having family nearby is always useful.

It's undoubtedly been a ploy before, but if as rumoured Sale aren't willing to keep paying him what he's on, and the England money is on the way over the horizon, then this is possibly the first time that it's likely to be by far his best financial option, as well as lifestyle factors.

Well, if the rumours of Andre the giant going home are true, there's a hole in the Quins squad for a big 12...

[Puja]

Well, if the rumours of Andre the giant going home are true...

Confirmed, rather than rumours now, isn't it?

Puja

[Mikey Brown]

Sadly, yes. What a signing that has been for Quins.

I just can’t picture Manu in a Quins shirt. It would be a good laugh though and he does have the sort of injury history we tend to like.

[FKAS]

"Leicester Tigers boss Dan McKellar has moved to strengthen his squad for next season with the double signing of NSW Waratahs outside centre Izaia Perese and Wales loosehead Nicky Smith.

Perese, 26, who was a member of Eddie Jones Wallabies World Cup squad, has now signed for Tigers and will be joining when his contract with Rugby Australia runs out later this year.

Smith, 29, who has played over 180 games since joining the Ospreys in 2012, has exercised an exit clause in his contract that he signed to stay with his hometown region last May."

According to Fissler.

[Mikey Brown]

Perese is a big-hitting, hard running 13, right?

[FKAS]

Perese is a big-hitting, hard running 13, right?

He's not particularly big but he is pacey and powerful iirc and primarily a 13. Could maybe cover wing.

[francoisfou]

https://www.rugbyrama.fr/2024/03/18/tra ... 833042.php

According to the above article from Rugbyrama, it's a done deal. Manu Tuilagi has banked his last England match fee and has signed a two-year deal with Bayonne.
Good luck to him!

[FKAS]

Corné Beets the Boks under 20s number 8 rumoured to be heading to the Tigers.

[Puja]

Corné Beets the Boks under 20s number 8 rumoured to be heading to the Tigers.

Now confirmed. Excellent signing and just the kind of young talent we should be looking at.

Puja

[FKAS]

Corné Beets the Boks under 20s number 8 rumoured to be heading to the Tigers.

Now confirmed. Excellent signing and just the kind of young talent we should be looking at.

Puja

Agreed. Hopefully he makes the step up quickly though as our backrow looks incredibly one paced outside of our starting options.

[FKAS]

Nicky Smith now confirmed as joining Tigers on a "multi-year" deal. Presume that's a 2+1 deal.

[Puja]

Nicky Smith now confirmed as joining Tigers on a "multi-year" deal. Presume that's a 2+1 deal.

Wild to have him *and* Cronin *and* Van Wyk. Guess there's not much faith in Whitcombe coming through.

Puja

[francoisfou]

Billy Vunipola is said to be in advanced talks with Montpellier.

Edit: where he'd be in contention with Sam Simmonds for the No8 shirt.

Just read in Midi Olympique that Billy V is going to sign a two-year contract with Montpellier.

Sam Simmonds to 12?

[Mikey Brown]

Simmonds isn't adequately filling the Mercer void then? Interesting they'd now switch to whatever Vunipola is offering these days.

[Which Tyler]

Simmonds isn't adequately filling the Mercer void then? Interesting they'd now switch to whatever Vunipola is offering these days.

Huge catering bill?

[FKAS]

Nicky Smith now confirmed as joining Tigers on a "multi-year" deal. Presume that's a 2+1 deal.

Wild to have him *and* Cronin *and* Van Wyk. Guess there's not much faith in Whitcombe coming through.

Puja

I think van Wyk is out of contract this summer. If we've used some of the budget originally allocated for Weise (contract offer rumoured to be £350k a season) to strengthen loosehead that's not a bad move.

Izaia Perese now confirmed as well. Likely to be a Matt Scott replacement. Adds some pace and power to the backline which is good. If Porter does indeed stay then Kata/Kelly at 12 with Perese/Porter at 13 gives us four good options at centre.

[FKAS]

Simmonds isn't adequately filling the Mercer void then? Interesting they'd now switch to whatever Vunipola is offering these days.

Huge catering bill?

Montpellier are having a miserable season. Could be they want to change up the squad in a big way in the off season. Adding substantially to their catering bill is an interesting move.

[francoisfou]

Simmonds isn't adequately filling the Mercer void then? Interesting they'd now switch to whatever Vunipola is offering these days.

Huge catering bill?

Montpellier are having a miserable season. Could be they want to change up the squad in a big way in the off season. Adding substantially to their catering bill is an interesting move.

True, although they’re now out of the relegation zone but for a club that were Champions a couple of seasons ago it’s a chastening experience, so maybe significant changes to the club’s catering will bring about a change in fortunes?

[FKAS]

Huge catering bill?

Montpellier are having a miserable season. Could be they want to change up the squad in a big way in the off season. Adding substantially to their catering bill is an interesting move.

True, although they’re now out of the relegation zone but for a club that were Champions a couple of seasons ago it’s a chastening experience, so maybe significant changes to the club’s catering will bring about a change in fortunes?

Joking aside BillyV is no longer a viable international option but at club level is still half decent. He's still got a higher work rate than most 8s his size even if he's lost the explosive element to his ball carrying.

[Banquo]

Montpellier are having a miserable season. Could be they want to change up the squad in a big way in the off season. Adding substantially to their catering bill is an interesting move.

True, although they’re now out of the relegation zone but for a club that were Champions a couple of seasons ago it’s a chastening experience, so maybe significant changes to the club’s catering will bring about a change in fortunes?

Joking aside BillyV is no longer a viable international option but at club level is still half decent. He's still got a higher work rate than most 8s his size even if he's lost the explosive element to his ball carrying.

also still pretty skilful.