Transfer news, rumours, speculation, insinuations, and outright transfer slanders - Season 2025/26

[Puja]

Rumours suggesting Tigers have brought in Tonga Kofe the USA tighthead for next season. Big lad at 140kg (22 Stone) who was playing for Utah in the MLR.

That's an interesting signing. He's definitely not Premiership quality just yet, but, with a bit of time in a professional environment, he's got the raw materials. At 29, he's a bit old to describe as a project, but I'd certainly feel happier with him in a XXIII rather than being forced to chuck Miell into the fire if he's not ready.

Puja

[FKAS]

Rumours suggesting Tigers have brought in Tonga Kofe the USA tighthead for next season. Big lad at 140kg (22 Stone) who was playing for Utah in the MLR.

That's an interesting signing. He's definitely not Premiership quality just yet, but, with a bit of time in a professional environment, he's got the raw materials. At 29, he's a bit old to describe as a project, but I'd certainly feel happier with him in a XXIII rather than being forced to chuck Miell into the fire if he's not ready.

Puja

Miell is a LH so will be fourth choice in the depth chart and probably out on loan to Notts.

We're desperately short at tighthead with Cole opting to retire fairly late in the season and Hoyt moving on. I don't think he's played rugby all that long as he was an American Football player in college, dunno how long he was in college but those American Football guys can spend quite a while there. If he's big and mobile he might be at least handy as an impact sub.

If we don't sign anybody we are heading into the season as Tubuna Maka as third choice. Maka is a decent prospect but he's 19. He needs to be out to Leicester Lions or Loughborough University to gain experience not having to do the job of traveling reserve.

[Puja]

Rumours suggesting Tigers have brought in Tonga Kofe the USA tighthead for next season. Big lad at 140kg (22 Stone) who was playing for Utah in the MLR.

That's an interesting signing. He's definitely not Premiership quality just yet, but, with a bit of time in a professional environment, he's got the raw materials. At 29, he's a bit old to describe as a project, but I'd certainly feel happier with him in a XXIII rather than being forced to chuck Miell into the fire if he's not ready.

Puja

Miell is a LH so will be fourth choice in the depth chart and probably out on loan to Notts.

We've had this conversation before, haven't we? Miell swings both ways, so to speak, so probably would be next cab off the rank. Though I wouldn't be thrilled about it, given his inexperience and the fact that what little he has is based around loosehead.

We're desperately short at tighthead with Cole opting to retire fairly late in the season and Hoyt moving on. I don't think he's played rugby all that long as he was an American Football player in college, dunno how long he was in college but those American Football guys can spend quite a while there. If he's big and mobile he might be at least handy as an impact sub.

If we don't sign anybody we are heading into the season as Tubuna Maka as third choice. Maka is a decent prospect but he's 19. He needs to be out to Leicester Lions or Loughborough University to gain experience not having to do the job of traveling reserve.

Just looked and it's only his second season of rugby! In which case he's done incredibly well to get as far as he has already - definitely worth a pickup and see if we can turn him into something.

I guess it's less of a stress this season, as there should only be two weekends where Prem and England international training camps clash, and none where we'd have to release Hurd as well, but I would still be a touch worried at only having Heyes, Hurd, Kofe, and Maka.

Puja

[FKAS]

That's an interesting signing. He's definitely not Premiership quality just yet, but, with a bit of time in a professional environment, he's got the raw materials. At 29, he's a bit old to describe as a project, but I'd certainly feel happier with him in a XXIII rather than being forced to chuck Miell into the fire if he's not ready.

Puja

Miell is a LH so will be fourth choice in the depth chart and probably out on loan to Notts.

We've had this conversation before, haven't we? Miell swings both ways, so to speak, so probably would be next cab off the rank. Though I wouldn't be thrilled about it, given his inexperience and the fact that what little he has is based around loosehead.

We're desperately short at tighthead with Cole opting to retire fairly late in the season and Hoyt moving on. I don't think he's played rugby all that long as he was an American Football player in college, dunno how long he was in college but those American Football guys can spend quite a while there. If he's big and mobile he might be at least handy as an impact sub.

If we don't sign anybody we are heading into the season as Tubuna Maka as third choice. Maka is a decent prospect but he's 19. He needs to be out to Leicester Lions or Loughborough University to gain experience not having to do the job of traveling reserve.

Just looked and it's only his second season of rugby! In which case he's done incredibly well to get as far as he has already - definitely worth a pickup and see if we can turn him into something.

I guess it's less of a stress this season, as there should only be two weekends where Prem and England international training camps clash, and none where we'd have to release Hurd as well, but I would still be a touch worried at only having Heyes, Hurd, Kofe, and Maka.

Puja

I'd forgotten Miell was adaptable. Hopefully he's retained that ability as it is very useful.

Yeah, even with Kofe in the tighthead depth does look a bit precarious. An injury that keeps Heyes out for a few months and it's not looking too great.

Kofe is the sort of signing I'd like us to make though. Masses of raw power, really big unit we could improve and could offer some much needed bench impact.

The only thing on the clubs mind might be that we've got a few good tighthead prospects coming through and signing multiple experienced options is going to leave them no game time.

[FKAS]

The USA national team have him listed as a Tigers player.

https://eagles.rugby/news/usa-mens-eagl ... se-2025814

[Puja]

The USA national team have him listed as a Tigers player.

https://eagles.rugby/news/usa-mens-eagl ... se-2025814

Oops! Well, that's probably a hint then! I expect the club'll be a bit narked at getting scooped.

The only thing on the clubs mind might be that we've got a few good tighthead prospects coming through and signing multiple experienced options is going to leave them no game time.

What we really need is an old stager who'll be around just for this season, who can provide dependable cover and advice/coaching to the youngsters, before bowing out gracefully. It really is a shame that Cole didn't have just one more season left in him - he'd certainly still be good enough to cut it at the top level, although one can't begrudge him bowing out when he feels he needs to go. Not like he hasn't contributed enough to Leicester over the years!

Puja

[FKAS]

The USA national team have him listed as a Tigers player.

https://eagles.rugby/news/usa-mens-eagl ... se-2025814

Oops! Well, that's probably a hint then! I expect the club'll be a bit narked at getting scooped.

The only thing on the clubs mind might be that we've got a few good tighthead prospects coming through and signing multiple experienced options is going to leave them no game time.

What we really need is an old stager who'll be around just for this season, who can provide dependable cover and advice/coaching to the youngsters, before bowing out gracefully. It really is a shame that Cole didn't have just one more season left in him - he'd certainly still be good enough to cut it at the top level, although one can't begrudge him bowing out when he feels he needs to go. Not like he hasn't contributed enough to Leicester over the years!

Puja

Yeah exactly that, one more year of Big Dan, even if it was part time. Sounds like he might have had it in the tank but that with the two he was closest to in the changing room leaving this summer (Youngs and Montoya) he decided it was best to bow out before any major decline happened.

Kofe has been confirmed by Tigers now. Unusual for a Saturday announcement, at a guess that was supposed to be something for next week or when he arrived post USA games.

There's also a couple of NTU students who've been around the Nottingham squad on trial and some of the Yorkshire academy players have been training with the academy.

[FKAS]

Rumours Munster are interested in signing Rhys Carre from Sarries as he's about to be/is now eligible for Ireland.

[Scrumhead]

Haven’t seen this mentioned anywhere here, but George Hammond has joined Suntory Sungoliath.

Playing with Kolbe and Cane will be a step down from playing with Marcus and Dommers but good luck to him.

[FKAS]

Haven’t seen this mentioned anywhere here, but George Hammond has joined Suntory Sungoliath.

Playing with Kolbe and Cane will be a step down from playing with Marcus and Dommers but good luck to him.

Pleased he's got a contract. He was unlucky not to get a Prem deal but his development stalled at an unfortunate time. He'll probably be back in the league before long, the EQ requirements make that more likely. Could see him at Newcastle next summer maybe.

[Which Tyler]

Swapping the Blue Bulls for the Red Bulls, South African fly-half Boeta Chamberlain has become Newcastle's latest recruit ahead of the new season.

The 26-year-old will arrive on Tyneside following the conclusion of the Currie Cup in his homeland, joining on a one-year deal.

Doesn't seem quality, but a much needed warm body - who covers FH & FB.
Exactly what's needed right now, quality can come in for next year, and even then it just needs to be "good enough" whilst academy, pathways and coaching are improved.

[FKAS]

Dunno how good he is, looks to have been a squad player for the Bulls, a back up no longer needed now they've splashed the cash on Pollard. Looks like he knows how to slot a drop goal.

[Danno]

Dunno how good he is, looks to have been a squad player for the Bulls, a back up no longer needed now they've splashed the cash on Pollard. Looks like he knows how to slot a drop goal.

Oh god my ears

[FKAS]

Dunno how good he is, looks to have been a squad player for the Bulls, a back up no longer needed now they've splashed the cash on Pollard. Looks like he knows how to slot a drop goal.

Oh god my ears

I watched it on mute, I assume the backing music is horrendous.

[Scrumhead]

Haven’t seen this mentioned anywhere here, but George Hammond has joined Suntory Sungoliath.

Playing with Kolbe and Cane will be a step down from playing with Marcus and Dommers but good luck to him.

Pleased he's got a contract. He was unlucky not to get a Prem deal but his development stalled at an unfortunate time. He'll probably be back in the league before long, the EQ requirements make that more likely. Could see him at Newcastle next summer maybe.

Yeah. I had reasonably high hopes from him. I always preferred him to Tizard at age grade and early on, he looked like he had the skillset to be a good Premiership regular at the very least, but he never really kicked on. In a team that hasn’t had outstanding locks, he had a great opportunity to be a regular starter but it didn’t happen for whatever reason.

As you say, I can see him returning to the Premiership in the next couple of seasons but I’d see him more as a decent squad player rather than challenging to start.

[Scrumhead]

Dunno how good he is, looks to have been a squad player for the Bulls, a back up no longer needed now they've splashed the cash on Pollard. Looks like he knows how to slot a drop goal.

Given Newcastle have hardly any backs, acquiring a 10 who specialises in long range drop goals could be a nod to their intended game plan. Basically copy England in the RWC 2023 Semi Final.

[FKAS]

Haven’t seen this mentioned anywhere here, but George Hammond has joined Suntory Sungoliath.

Playing with Kolbe and Cane will be a step down from playing with Marcus and Dommers but good luck to him.

Pleased he's got a contract. He was unlucky not to get a Prem deal but his development stalled at an unfortunate time. He'll probably be back in the league before long, the EQ requirements make that more likely. Could see him at Newcastle next summer maybe.

Yeah. I had reasonably high hopes from him. I always preferred him to Tizard at age grade and early on, he looked like he had the skillset to be a good Premiership regular at the very least, but he never really kicked on. In a team that hasn’t had outstanding locks, he had a great opportunity to be a regular starter but it didn’t happen for whatever reason.

As you say, I can see him returning to the Premiership in the next couple of seasons but I’d see him more as a decent squad player rather than challenging to start.

Depends if he kicks on again. Players don't always develop in nice consistent patterns. Moving away from Quins might be good for him as well, having to adapt to a different way of playing with new coaches and culture.

[FKAS]

Dunno how good he is, looks to have been a squad player for the Bulls, a back up no longer needed now they've splashed the cash on Pollard. Looks like he knows how to slot a drop goal.

Given Newcastle have hardly any backs, acquiring a 10 who specialises in long range drop goals could be a nod to their intended game plan. Basically copy England in the RWC 2023 Semi Final.

Falcons weren't great in the red zone last season. Having someone who can comfortably dink it over as soon as it looks like the attack is faltering isn't a bad option. Keep the scoreboard moving.

[Scrumhead]

Wenger to Quins now confirmed. Boris, not Arsene … although I would be happy if Boris could achieve some of his namesake's success

[FKAS]

Wenger to Quins now confirmed. Boris, not Arsene … although I would be happy if Boris could achieve some of his namesake's success

The Wenger bus is coming to the Stoop.

[Epaminondas Pules]

Patrick Hogg, hugely rated Falcons and England U18 backrower has signed a senior academy contract with Sale Sharks!

[FKAS]

Patrick Hogg, hugely rated Falcons and England U18 backrower has signed a senior academy contract with Sale Sharks!

I can well imagine how annoyed Diamond and Red Bull are by that one. Exactly the sort of player they'd want to be retaining with the extra funds available.

[Mikey Brown]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union ... h-defence/

I can’t tell what this is based on (if anything) but the idea of now shifting El Abd to forwards so Wigglesworth can have a go at being a defence coach sounds ridiculous.

[Danno]

Hopefully that's just yet more of Charles Richardson being a Charles Richardson

[Puja]

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union ... h-defence/

I can’t tell what this is based on (if anything) but the idea of now shifting El Abd to forwards so Wigglesworth can have a go at being a defence coach sounds ridiculous.

Wiggy has coached international defence before for Canada, so it's not entirely illogical, but it seems barking. I would be thoroughly in favour of us getting Blackett in, as he seems like a superb attack coach, but El-Abd's defence was one of the highlights of the summer and we only just got him in, at great expense and trouble, so it seems wild to then move him!

If we can get Blackett, then just move Wiggy to being full-time no.2 and let him dip his oar in as and how he likes. Let's not fuck about with a good thing.

Puja