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

[FKAS]

Is he completely out of the picture for Wales? I’d assume it’s in expectation of both JM/FB being out for international windows.

I don't think there's supposed to be too much crossover between Prem and international windows this season. PRC first rounds are during the AIs then the final rounds and knock out rounds during the 6N.

Does that include the pre-window training weeks before the AIs and 6N though? That's two weeks where they'd expect to be down to third choice.

It's good business for them anyway - they'd need a third loosehead to provide rotation and injury cover.

Puja

Good point. As third choice LHs go he's a great option to have. From Jones POV he'll be hoping working with the other Jones will help him bring back his best form and get him a good deal for the season after.

[FKAS]

Rumours Marler might be missing the start of the season as well.

[Puja]

Rumours Marler might be missing the start of the season as well.

Wouldn't surprise me. The moon-boot in the summer wasn't ideal and, even if he is fit, he has a young family and previous pressure on his mental health, so taking a couple of extra weeks would not be beyond the pale.

Puja

[Puja]

Mike Catt is apparently in line to join McKellar at the Waratahs. Shame - was hoping he'd come to England!

Puja

[FKAS]

Mike Catt is apparently in line to join McKellar at the Waratahs. Shame - was hoping he'd come to England!

Puja

Ha, after last season McKellar not holding back on the budget for an attack coach.

With the noises over the difficulty in keeping Sinfield on in a part time role due to budget I guess the England men's team coaching budget is already accounted for.

I was hoping he might take a role at a Prem club with the view to taking a step up to a head coach role in the near future. Be good for the league to have his expertise in it.

[francoisfou]

Siya Kolisi is said to have asked for his three-year contract with Racing to be terminated.
To say that year one of his time at Racing was less than successful would be an understatement. I've read that although he's been popular with his team-mates, the owner of Racing, Jack Lorenzetti, has been rather critical of the Springbok captain's club form despite the fact that he was injured for part of the season, gained a bit of weight and struggled to regain fitness (too much confit de canard?).
The Sharks in Durban is where he's probably heading.

Owen Farrell will be the next big signing to come under the scrutiny of Lorenzetti!

[Banquo]

Siya Kolisi is said to have asked for his three-year contract with Racing to be terminated.
To say that year one of his time at Racing was less than successful would be an understatement. I've read that although he's been popular with his team-mates, the owner of Racing, Jack Lorenzetti, has been rather critical of the Springbok captain's club form despite the fact that he was injured for part of the season, gained a bit of weight and struggled to regain fitness (too much confit de canard?).
The Sharks in Durban is where he's probably heading.

Owen Farrell will be the next big signing to come under the scrutiny of Lorenzetti!

Lancaster next in line I’d think…

[Mikey Brown]

They seem to have a history of these big name signings not really paying off. I feel like Sexton, Roberts, Carter, Nakarawa, Mujati all kind of flopped too.

[FKAS]

I thought Sexton did alright there though ultimately a lack of silverware suggests not well enough. Feels like they are trying to recreate what Toulon had but badly.

[Banquo]

They seem to have a history of these big name signings not really paying off. I feel like Sexton, Roberts, Carter, Nakarawa, Mujati all kind of flopped too.

All well past their best iirc

[francoisfou]

Siya Kolisi is said to have asked for his three-year contract with Racing to be terminated.
To say that year one of his time at Racing was less than successful would be an understatement. I've read that although he's been popular with his team-mates, the owner of Racing, Jack Lorenzetti, has been rather critical of the Springbok captain's club form despite the fact that he was injured for part of the season, gained a bit of weight and struggled to regain fitness (too much confit de canard?).
The Sharks in Durban is where he's probably heading.

Owen Farrell will be the next big signing to come under the scrutiny of Lorenzetti!

Lancaster next in line I’d think…

Racing under-achieved last season and Lancaster will certainly be under pressure.

[Mikey Brown]

They seem to have a history of these big name signings not really paying off. I feel like Sexton, Roberts, Carter, Nakarawa, Mujati all kind of flopped too.

All well past their best iirc

Carter was the only one who had hit 30.

[Banquo]

They seem to have a history of these big name signings not really paying off. I feel like Sexton, Roberts, Carter, Nakarawa, Mujati all kind of flopped too.

All well past their best iirc

Carter was the only one who had hit 30.

fair, but lots of miles in the 29 year olds

[FKAS]

All well past their best iirc

Carter was the only one who had hit 30.

fair, but lots of miles in the 29 year olds

Unbalanced squads, overhyped coaches and an overly demanding owner with little patience probably didn't help much either.

[Banquo]

Carter was the only one who had hit 30.

fair, but lots of miles in the 29 year olds

Unbalanced squads, overhyped coaches and an overly demanding owner with little patience probably didn't help much either.

aye, not blaming the players at all. Not sure R92 have learned tbh.

[Spiffy]

fair, but lots of miles in the 29 year olds

Unbalanced squads, overhyped coaches and an overly demanding owner with little patience probably didn't help much either.

aye, not blaming the players at all. Not sure R92 have learned tbh.

Yes - if they fail to win something, the knee-jerk is to have a pop at the star player.

[FKAS]

Unbalanced squads, overhyped coaches and an overly demanding owner with little patience probably didn't help much either.

aye, not blaming the players at all. Not sure R92 have learned tbh.

Yes - if they fail to win something, the knee-jerk is to have a pop at the star player.

Should be fun when Farrell gets there then.

[FKAS]

Tigers set to sign Ben Volavola on a one year deal. The experienced utility back is to provide cover at flyhalf whilst Pollard is at the Rugby Championship.

[FKAS]

Exeter confirm the signings of;
Tamati Tua (Centre)
Kwenzo Blose (LH Prop)

Look like squad additions but you can never be sure with Baxter.

[Puja]

Exeter confirm the signings of;
Tamati Tua (Centre)
Kwenzo Blose (LH Prop)

Look like squad additions but you can never be sure with Baxter.

Tua injured for the start of the season as well. Wimbush getting the best possible chance he can have to cement a place.

Puja

[Banquo]

good to see young english talent being developed. £33m well spent.

[Puja]

good to see young english talent being developed. £33m well spent.

Exeter do tend to be one of the better clubs for bringing through English talent, but you're not wrong that those are exemplars of the kind of average squad-filler signings that we don't want.

Puja

[Banquo]

good to see young english talent being developed. £33m well spent.

Exeter do tend to be one of the better clubs for bringing through English talent, but you're not wrong that those are exemplars of the kind of average squad-filler signings that we don't want.

Puja

Quite

[Scrumhead]

A bit harsh on Tua. I think he could be a very good signing.

Genuinely never heard of the prop though. At least they also signed Goodrick-Clarke.

[FKAS]

From what I can see the prop has barely played for the Stormers in Super Rugby or URC. Sio and WGC are likely to be the two in the 23 and then Blose will be fighting it out with Keast to be the third choice.

As Puja says the centre is injured, neck injury requiring an op and rehab, so unlikely to be playing much anytime soon. Should help Wimbush get game time but does leave them a bit short on centres with only the three recognised options. Don't know if anyone they've got in the academy/BUCS set up is any good.