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

[Danno]

Surprise, surprise. Christian Wade to Red Bull as soon as Wigan's Rugby League season is over (which is when?)

October I believe?

[Spiffy]

https://www.planetrugby.com/news/racing ... en-farrell

"I was upset, I felt like vomiting. When he left us, he told us, ‘I am injured, I have a headache, I want to play less. The Saracens offer me this opportunity etc…’ And a few days later, he played with the Lions. He lied to us. I need to say the truth about him. I have the feeling to have been betrayed.”

“It’s something I don’t understand. It’s called lying. It feels good to let him go. I felt betrayed.”
...

“There’s a mentality flaw,” Lorenzetti added. “When you come to a club with a very good salary, you commit yourself, and the counterpart of this salary is still a performance; you have to deliver. And here, it wasn’t delivered.”

Lorenzetti showing his class once again in blaming Fazlet for reporting concussion symptoms, but I can't blame him for being narked at him for disappearing halfway through a contract.


In other news, Jordan Petaia has followed LRZ in failing out of trying to make the NFL and has joined Perpignan: https://www.rugby.com.au/news/former-wa ... de-2025827

Feels like a waste of a bit of his rugby career that could conceivably have included playing agains the Lions, but I'm sure he will be able to dry his eyes with the money that he did make. Hopefully this latest failure (after Gray, Scotland-Williamson, Wade, LRZ, etc) will convince both the NFL and rugby players that these are two separate sports with very little in common and we'll have no further poaching going forwards.

Puja

Puja you sound very sensible here but as long as it's not a player that's going to help England win that's leaving rugby to go to the NFL, it's always quite fun to watch from a far and follow. Basically, it'll just take the right player playing in the right position making the transition at the right time for someone to be a big success. Jordan Mailata has obviously been a big success at Offensive Tackle and I suspect a Will Skelton might get somewhere too. I'm not trying to be a clever-dick but I really wasn't ever convinced that LRZ would make it. He's a very traditional rugby winger in the sense that he's really about straight-line speed and running parallel with the touch line. If you don't have time to become an expert in the plays/rules/complexities then it probably just comes down to you being the right type of athlete. So, would Jason Robinson have succeeded on special teams focussed only on kick return, I'm very sure he would've done, as Kolbe might etc. Got to have the right athletic profile for one of the more simple, less tactical but physical positions I suspect.

You make the NFL sound very complex/complicated. I don't believe it is. It's the ultimate play-by-numbers game which is not rocket science to learn. Many of those who play it successfully are not that bright to say the least.

[FKAS]

https://www.planetrugby.com/news/racing ... en-farrell



Lorenzetti showing his class once again in blaming Fazlet for reporting concussion symptoms, but I can't blame him for being narked at him for disappearing halfway through a contract.


In other news, Jordan Petaia has followed LRZ in failing out of trying to make the NFL and has joined Perpignan: https://www.rugby.com.au/news/former-wa ... de-2025827

Feels like a waste of a bit of his rugby career that could conceivably have included playing agains the Lions, but I'm sure he will be able to dry his eyes with the money that he did make. Hopefully this latest failure (after Gray, Scotland-Williamson, Wade, LRZ, etc) will convince both the NFL and rugby players that these are two separate sports with very little in common and we'll have no further poaching going forwards.

Puja

Puja you sound very sensible here but as long as it's not a player that's going to help England win that's leaving rugby to go to the NFL, it's always quite fun to watch from a far and follow. Basically, it'll just take the right player playing in the right position making the transition at the right time for someone to be a big success. Jordan Mailata has obviously been a big success at Offensive Tackle and I suspect a Will Skelton might get somewhere too. I'm not trying to be a clever-dick but I really wasn't ever convinced that LRZ would make it. He's a very traditional rugby winger in the sense that he's really about straight-line speed and running parallel with the touch line. If you don't have time to become an expert in the plays/rules/complexities then it probably just comes down to you being the right type of athlete. So, would Jason Robinson have succeeded on special teams focussed only on kick return, I'm very sure he would've done, as Kolbe might etc. Got to have the right athletic profile for one of the more simple, less tactical but physical positions I suspect.

You make the NFL sound very complex/complicated. I don't believe it is. It's the ultimate play-by-numbers game which is not rocket science to learn. Many of those who play it successfully are not that bright to say the least.

By the time a rookie gets to the NFL they'll have played at least three years in college which is basically a professional environment in anything but name and the big colleges have better setups than most if not all rugby club sides. Before they'll have played high school level and the top high school set ups can be pretty eye opening and they'll basically be at a semi pro sort of level without the payment. By the time that rookie is at the NFL they are at an experienced level you'd expect from a rugby player in their mid twenties. That's quite a bit of experience to try and replicate for a rugby player who's spent a few months training to come across and is trying to remember things than are so drummed into the the American Football guy that they do it without thinking.

Thinking takes time and that split second can be a key difference.

[Mikey Brown]

And I don’t think ‘intelligence’ has virtually anything to do with most sports.

[Puja]

https://www.planetrugby.com/news/racing ... en-farrell



Lorenzetti showing his class once again in blaming Fazlet for reporting concussion symptoms, but I can't blame him for being narked at him for disappearing halfway through a contract.


In other news, Jordan Petaia has followed LRZ in failing out of trying to make the NFL and has joined Perpignan: https://www.rugby.com.au/news/former-wa ... de-2025827

Feels like a waste of a bit of his rugby career that could conceivably have included playing agains the Lions, but I'm sure he will be able to dry his eyes with the money that he did make. Hopefully this latest failure (after Gray, Scotland-Williamson, Wade, LRZ, etc) will convince both the NFL and rugby players that these are two separate sports with very little in common and we'll have no further poaching going forwards.

Puja

Puja you sound very sensible here but as long as it's not a player that's going to help England win that's leaving rugby to go to the NFL, it's always quite fun to watch from a far and follow. Basically, it'll just take the right player playing in the right position making the transition at the right time for someone to be a big success. Jordan Mailata has obviously been a big success at Offensive Tackle and I suspect a Will Skelton might get somewhere too. I'm not trying to be a clever-dick but I really wasn't ever convinced that LRZ would make it. He's a very traditional rugby winger in the sense that he's really about straight-line speed and running parallel with the touch line. If you don't have time to become an expert in the plays/rules/complexities then it probably just comes down to you being the right type of athlete. So, would Jason Robinson have succeeded on special teams focussed only on kick return, I'm very sure he would've done, as Kolbe might etc. Got to have the right athletic profile for one of the more simple, less tactical but physical positions I suspect.

You make the NFL sound very complex/complicated. I don't believe it is. It's the ultimate play-by-numbers game which is not rocket science to learn. Many of those who play it successfully are not that bright to say the least.

What the others said. It's not a game for being clever, but it is a game which has been steadily optimised and perfected, so it gives a huge advantage to those who have been steeped in it and have been inculcated into all the *right* techniques and decisions being instinct and thus a split second faster than the newbies who have to think about it.

I remember an interview that Wade did after he got his first touchdown - it was a preseason game and he ran a kick back, made two lovely steps to split the line and then rounded the last man to score, which looked lovely to me as a layman, but he revealed afterwards that he'd actually been chided for it by the coaches. He'd gone the wrong way and was carrying the ball incorrectly and made the wrong decision, and the only reason the hole opened up is because that defence were so well drilled that they knew what the "optimal" play would've been in that situation and had started defending that, completely unprepared for someone looking up and making a decision! Apparently the reaction was, "Yes, well done, you made the most of that, but 9 times out of 10 you doing that ends badly for us - stop trying to make decisions and just do the playbook cause we already have the right answer."

Puja

[Danno]

This discussion is reaffirming my rather low opinion of American football.

[FKAS]

Puja you sound very sensible here but as long as it's not a player that's going to help England win that's leaving rugby to go to the NFL, it's always quite fun to watch from a far and follow. Basically, it'll just take the right player playing in the right position making the transition at the right time for someone to be a big success. Jordan Mailata has obviously been a big success at Offensive Tackle and I suspect a Will Skelton might get somewhere too. I'm not trying to be a clever-dick but I really wasn't ever convinced that LRZ would make it. He's a very traditional rugby winger in the sense that he's really about straight-line speed and running parallel with the touch line. If you don't have time to become an expert in the plays/rules/complexities then it probably just comes down to you being the right type of athlete. So, would Jason Robinson have succeeded on special teams focussed only on kick return, I'm very sure he would've done, as Kolbe might etc. Got to have the right athletic profile for one of the more simple, less tactical but physical positions I suspect.

You make the NFL sound very complex/complicated. I don't believe it is. It's the ultimate play-by-numbers game which is not rocket science to learn. Many of those who play it successfully are not that bright to say the least.

What the others said. It's not a game for being clever, but it is a game which has been steadily optimised and perfected, so it gives a huge advantage to those who have been steeped in it and have been inculcated into all the *right* techniques and decisions being instinct and thus a split second faster than the newbies who have to think about it.

I remember an interview that Wade did after he got his first touchdown - it was a preseason game and he ran a kick back, made two lovely steps to split the line and then rounded the last man to score, which looked lovely to me as a layman, but he revealed afterwards that he'd actually been chided for it by the coaches. He'd gone the wrong way and was carrying the ball incorrectly and made the wrong decision, and the only reason the hole opened up is because that defence were so well drilled that they knew what the "optimal" play would've been in that situation and had started defending that, completely unprepared for someone looking up and making a decision! Apparently the reaction was, "Yes, well done, you made the most of that, but 9 times out of 10 you doing that ends badly for us - stop trying to make decisions and just do the playbook cause we already have the right answer."

Puja

If memory serves Wade stepped away from his blockers and took on the defenders one on one. The smart play is to stay with your blockers and let them shelter you.

Alex Gray said the pandemic did for him as he ended up pretty much stranded in the UK. He also said he could do all the skills bits like the one handed catches and the beating the man but it was the basics that were automatic to everyone else that caused the issues. Not jumping offside on the play etc.

[Puja]

While looking for something on the predictiosn thread, came across this transfer announcement about Bath signing three uni students who play prop: https://www.bathrugby.com/content/bath- ... sity-props

Not really of massive interest to anyone outside of phenomenal rugby nerds, until I came to this sentence addressing them all by first name and was taken back by how beautifully and unequivocally Bath (the city, rather than the club) it was - “We’re delighted to welcome Alfie, Henry and Claudius [to the club]."

Puja

[FKAS]

While looking for something on the predictiosn thread, came across this transfer announcement about Bath signing three uni students who play prop: https://www.bathrugby.com/content/bath- ... sity-props

Not really of massive interest to anyone outside of phenomenal rugby nerds, until I came to this sentence addressing them all by first name and was taken back by how beautifully and unequivocally Bath (the city, rather than the club) it was - “We’re delighted to welcome Alfie, Henry and Claudius [to the club]."

Puja

Henry Mountford came through the Tigers academy but ended up at Uni closer to Bath so makes sense him moving across. Don't think he was considered to be a first team contender anytime soon.

Newcastle are rumoured to be announcing contracts for three young back three players;

Harrison Obatoyinbo - Winger (Elliots younger brother)
Joel Grayson - Winger (Twin brother of Ethan already at the club)
Sam Waugh - Full back, 6'6...

The scouting team seems to be operating on asking their senior squad whether they have siblings. The big fullback though, that feels like a Diamond pick up.

[Puja]

Naulago joins Wuss.

Puja

[Oakboy]

Not sure if it has been mentioned. Liam Williams is unemployed at 34. Why does nobody want him?

[Mikey Brown]

Not sure if it has been mentioned. Liam Williams is unemployed at 34. Why does nobody want him?

Was he still at Saracens? Or did he go off to Japan/France? I can’t even remember. I’m amazed he’s gone this long to be honest.

[FKAS]

Not sure if it has been mentioned. Liam Williams is unemployed at 34. Why does nobody want him?

Was he still at Saracens? Or did he go off to Japan/France? I can’t even remember. I’m amazed he’s gone this long to be honest.

Went to Japan but then wanted to return to the UK for family reasons so left his Japan contract early and joined Sarries on a short term deal that hasn't been renewed.

[jimKRFC]

Naulago joins Wuss.

Puja

He will great, injured and sent off for them!

[Peej]

Puja you sound very sensible here but as long as it's not a player that's going to help England win that's leaving rugby to go to the NFL, it's always quite fun to watch from a far and follow. Basically, it'll just take the right player playing in the right position making the transition at the right time for someone to be a big success. Jordan Mailata has obviously been a big success at Offensive Tackle and I suspect a Will Skelton might get somewhere too. I'm not trying to be a clever-dick but I really wasn't ever convinced that LRZ would make it. He's a very traditional rugby winger in the sense that he's really about straight-line speed and running parallel with the touch line. If you don't have time to become an expert in the plays/rules/complexities then it probably just comes down to you being the right type of athlete. So, would Jason Robinson have succeeded on special teams focussed only on kick return, I'm very sure he would've done, as Kolbe might etc. Got to have the right athletic profile for one of the more simple, less tactical but physical positions I suspect.

You make the NFL sound very complex/complicated. I don't believe it is. It's the ultimate play-by-numbers game which is not rocket science to learn. Many of those who play it successfully are not that bright to say the least.

What the others said. It's not a game for being clever, but it is a game which has been steadily optimised and perfected, so it gives a huge advantage to those who have been steeped in it and have been inculcated into all the *right* techniques and decisions being instinct and thus a split second faster than the newbies who have to think about it.

I remember an interview that Wade did after he got his first touchdown - it was a preseason game and he ran a kick back, made two lovely steps to split the line and then rounded the last man to score, which looked lovely to me as a layman, but he revealed afterwards that he'd actually been chided for it by the coaches. He'd gone the wrong way and was carrying the ball incorrectly and made the wrong decision, and the only reason the hole opened up is because that defence were so well drilled that they knew what the "optimal" play would've been in that situation and had started defending that, completely unprepared for someone looking up and making a decision! Apparently the reaction was, "Yes, well done, you made the most of that, but 9 times out of 10 you doing that ends badly for us - stop trying to make decisions and just do the playbook cause we already have the right answer."

Puja

It's why they don't pass beyond the line of scrimmage, they're too afraid of losing the ball and nobody expects them to, so they'd probably drop it.

The Gray interview was quite interesting. Basically the NFL teams are looking for athletic freaks who can be applied to the game. Weridky i think Ted Hill woukd be the msot likely to suceed, playing Tight End.

I think Osi Umenyiora said when LRZ left; in the NFL, he's just really not that special in terms if physical gifts. There are 1000s of guys taller, faster, stronger, all who have more of an instinctive background in the sport.

[FKAS]

You make the NFL sound very complex/complicated. I don't believe it is. It's the ultimate play-by-numbers game which is not rocket science to learn. Many of those who play it successfully are not that bright to say the least.

What the others said. It's not a game for being clever, but it is a game which has been steadily optimised and perfected, so it gives a huge advantage to those who have been steeped in it and have been inculcated into all the *right* techniques and decisions being instinct and thus a split second faster than the newbies who have to think about it.

I remember an interview that Wade did after he got his first touchdown - it was a preseason game and he ran a kick back, made two lovely steps to split the line and then rounded the last man to score, which looked lovely to me as a layman, but he revealed afterwards that he'd actually been chided for it by the coaches. He'd gone the wrong way and was carrying the ball incorrectly and made the wrong decision, and the only reason the hole opened up is because that defence were so well drilled that they knew what the "optimal" play would've been in that situation and had started defending that, completely unprepared for someone looking up and making a decision! Apparently the reaction was, "Yes, well done, you made the most of that, but 9 times out of 10 you doing that ends badly for us - stop trying to make decisions and just do the playbook cause we already have the right answer."

Puja

It's why they don't pass beyond the line of scrimmage, they're too afraid of losing the ball and nobody expects them to, so they'd probably drop it.

The Gray interview was quite interesting. Basically the NFL teams are looking for athletic freaks who can be applied to the game. Weridky i think Ted Hill woukd be the msot likely to suceed, playing Tight End.

I think Osi Umenyiora said when LRZ left; in the NFL, he's just really not that special in terms if physical gifts. There are 1000s of guys taller, faster, stronger, all who have more of an instinctive background in the sport.

Pretty much every player on an NFL roster is a genetic freak. That's what their game is based on. Being easy to direct and reliably able to run scripted routes are key skills. In theory that translates well to rugby but in reality in rugby you get more touches with a greater emphasis on beating the man to make ground, in the NFL it's better to be predictable and make safe yardage.

Ted Hill would probably find similar issues to LRZ, his size and speed are unusual in the small talent pool that rugby has, in the US where the population is 340m it occurs more regularly. Most tightends are similar in height and weight to Hill (if not marginally heavier) they are all pretty quick and know the game inside out. Hill might off an extra little bit of speed on the average tight end but would require a lot more coaching.

[Mr Mwenda]

Anybody ever played American footy? The way it's described here makes it seem pretty dull but surely not everyone in the US is playing for the NFL dream, right?

[fivepointer]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... gvp25kx9eo

Bringing in Blackett strikes me as a very good move.

[Which Tyler]

Dammit!

I hope it goes well for him, and that that's the end of the assistant coaching merry-go-round.

So Wiggles worth is now defence, ElAbd is now... erm... also involved, and Sinfield is what? Steve's personality prosthesis?

[Puja]

Anybody ever played American footy? The way it's described here makes it seem pretty dull but surely not everyone in the US is playing for the NFL dream, right?

The way I understand it, there's not really much of a social sports scene in Yank country, like there is in the UK. You play sports in school and, once that's done, you either go on to the higher level of college football (which is basically a full-time job with the aim of going pro) or you just stop playing. There's no real amateur leagues where untalented people just play for fun.

Puja

[Oakboy]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... gvp25kx9eo

Bringing in Blackett strikes me as a very good move.

Definite grounds for optimism! Apart from his role as attack coach, I'd guess he will be a good influence in all areas.

[Mr Mwenda]

Anybody ever played American footy? The way it's described here makes it seem pretty dull but surely not everyone in the US is playing for the NFL dream, right?

The way I understand it, there's not really much of a social sports scene in Yank country, like there is in the UK. You play sports in school and, once that's done, you either go on to the higher level of college football (which is basically a full-time job with the aim of going pro) or you just stop playing. There's no real amateur leagues where untalented people just play for fun.

Puja

The Swedish town where I live has the main American football team. It wins the title every year. The number of people it has participating is huge, loads of youth teams packed with kids (the moribund rugby club games on sorrowfully). I clearly need to make enquiries about the appeal. I feel it must be more flexible in approach over here. Otherwise their impressive sustainability and success don't make sense to me at all.

[Puja]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... gvp25kx9eo

Bringing in Blackett strikes me as a very good move.

Definite grounds for optimism! Apart from his role as attack coach, I'd guess he will be a good influence in all areas.

I mean, let's not get too optimistic - he'll end up being moved to breakdowns coach in the next reshuffle in 6 months' time, when Wiggy decides he wants a new department.

Puja

[Oakboy]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... gvp25kx9eo

Bringing in Blackett strikes me as a very good move.

Definite grounds for optimism! Apart from his role as attack coach, I'd guess he will be a good influence in all areas.

I mean, let's not get too optimistic - he'll end up being moved to breakdowns coach in the next reshuffle in 6 months' time, when Wiggy decides he wants a new department.

Puja

Miserable sod! I had you down as a 'glass half-full' guy too.

[Mikey Brown]

Who remembers the latest on Sinfield’s role? Skills and kicking is it? I remember there was a lot of talk of him stepping back, but it seems funny he and Wigglesworth have now essentially swapped roles from where they were both brought in.