RugbyRebels

I think he's an upgrade just not the star player they need at half back to really give them something different. There's some solid signings coming in for Exeter but I'm not sure where the players that are going to make a real difference to them are going to come from. They need a bit in all areas.

https://www.lequipe.fr/Rugby/Actualites ... ux/1549020

Stade appear to be scrambling and possibly successfully. Gustard to get a contract extension (no doubt with proper head coach money), confirmed as the man in charge for the next few seasons and to be allowed to select his own backroom staff if he stays at Stade. Rumours in France were he'd already gone in to hand in his resignation but Stade were desperate for him to see out his contract until 2026 instead of returning to Leicester.

Sounds like more bad off field news for Tigers, right in the heels of the rumours that Chieka threw defence coach Everard out of the first team environment and banned him from Welford Road whilst travelling to a PRC game and without consulting the board before he did so. Everard is currently in limbo whilst still employed but not actually doing anything, Tigers I assume are hoping to keep him for next season after Chieka is gone. Worcester are however, interested in Everard becoming their head coach for next season.

Jacques Vermeulen to join Sale from Exeter. Two year deal.

https://www.salesharks.com/2025/03/24/s ... vermeulen/

Huh. International cover now Ben has established himself? Seems like a slightly strange move. Potential move in to a semi-coaching role or something?

In terms of style I’m sure he’ll be a great fit, just didn’t picture him at a different prem club at this stage.

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Mon Mar 24, 2025 4:58 pm Huh. International cover now Ben has established himself? Seems like a slightly strange move. Potential move in to a semi-coaching role or something?

In terms of style I’m sure he’ll be a great fit, just didn’t picture him at a different prem club at this stage.

Agreed - I thought he was supposed to be fighting off interest from Pro D2 and Japan?

It's possible that the injuries have lowered his market value somewhat and Exeter haven't offered him a contract as they're looking to rebuild around younger and more reliably available players. Sale have been keen to shop in the bargain bucket before and a 2 year contract might mean a 1+1 or a release clause if he gets his value back up again and can secure a pension move abroad?

Puja

Is he a replacement for one of the du Perez brothers? I'd imagine they'd both be in high demand. A big bruising 4/5/6/8 from SA is a very Sale signing.

Is he really a lock option? Got knows what wearing the 7 shirt for Exeter really means.

Looks to be a week of signings for Tigers. Yesterday was some board shuffling and Leon Lloyd joining as a non-exec. Today is Tom Manz and Emeka Ilione both renewing. Hopefully some coaching and new signings to come.

FKAS wrote: ↑Tue Mar 25, 2025 3:39 pm Looks to be a week of signings for Tigers. Yesterday was some board shuffling and Leon Lloyd joining as a non-exec. Today is Tom Manz and Emeka Ilione both renewing. Hopefully some coaching and new signings to come.

"Huh. I wonder what Leon Lloyd did after he retired."

{googles}

https://leonlloyd.co.uk/business/
Centrum is a multi-faceted recruitment provider helping both clients and candidates to unlock their maximum potential, specialising in Elite Transition & Executive Search.
...
More recently created a bespoke elite speaker training programme (B.E.S.T)... through a variety of training opportunities including residential stays, masterclasses & e-learning modules.
...
The name is a seamless fusion of practical and academia, reflecting their commitment to bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Key sessions include: teamwork, people, success, sweet & sour, and transition.

"Yup, that helps not even a little bit."


I guess the short answer is "made money from businesspeople", which I guess is a very useful skill to have on the board.

Puja

As far as I can tell Llyody left made money, then did a rugby charity thing.

Tommy Reffell has also signed a new deal which is a massive result.

Ben Redshaw to Glaws from Newcastle. Really like this signing, he’s got a high ceiling and will get lots of opportunity with us.

Falcons to Gloucester always seems like a strange move. I mean do you want an England cap or not? Make your mind up.

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Wed Mar 26, 2025 1:59 pm Falcons to Gloucester always seems like a strange move. I mean do you want an England cap or not? Make your mind up.

As we have been dubbed the ‘5th region’ maybe he has a Welsh granny?

ilovelamp wrote: ↑Wed Mar 26, 2025 1:54 pm Ben Redshaw to Glaws from Newcastle. Really like this signing, he’s got a high ceiling and will get lots of opportunity with us.

Can't blame him, but it's heartbreaking for Newcastle. Brantingham, Blamire, Davison, Robinson, Rubiolo, GPepper, Haydon-Wood, Johnson, Radwan, MPepper, Carreras, now Redshaw - it's not quite a full XV of players developed by Newcastle going elsewhere, but it's pretty close to one.

Puja

Add Josh Hodge and t'other Pepper in there to help fill the backs positions Puja.

ilovelamp wrote: ↑Wed Mar 26, 2025 1:54 pm Ben Redshaw to Glaws from Newcastle. Really like this signing, he’s got a high ceiling and will get lots of opportunity with us.

Indeed. Obviously not a like for like replacement for Carreras but definitely a player who will fit the way Gloucester are playing and should keep getting better.

Mikey Brown wrote: ↑Wed Mar 26, 2025 1:59 pm
Falcons to Gloucester always seems like a strange move. I mean do you want an England cap or not? Make your mind up.

With Atkinson x 2, Joseph, Loader and now Redshaw, maybe things will change. Gloucester is looking like a pretty good location for young English backs.

Amena Caqusau signs for Saints. Scotland under 20 winger who's also EQ and I think Fijian qualified. Not sure a young winger is what Saints need particularly but there you go.

Agree that wing isn't the most pressing position for us to strengthen, but with Seabrook rumoured to be off to you guys and Freeman potentially shifting to 13 a bit more I don't think a young, promising project winger is that awful a use of resources. Different in style to all our other wings too.

FKAS wrote: ↑Wed Mar 26, 2025 3:44 pm Amena Caqusau signs for Saints. Scotland under 20 winger who's also EQ and I think Fijian qualified. Not sure a young winger is what Saints need particularly but there you go.

Fijian name, born in Salisbury and then went to school in Dunblane. I'll take "Son of an army man!" for £500!

Puja

Puja wrote: ↑Wed Mar 26, 2025 5:12 pm

FKAS wrote: ↑Wed Mar 26, 2025 3:44 pm Amena Caqusau signs for Saints. Scotland under 20 winger who's also EQ and I think Fijian qualified. Not sure a young winger is what Saints need particularly but there you go.

Fijian name, born in Salisbury and then went to school in Dunblane. I'll take "Son of an army man!" for £500!

Puja

“I’m really happy to be making the move to Northampton Saints,” said Caqusau whose father played rugby for the British Army. “I’ve been watching the Premiership my whole life, and I’ve really enjoyed watching Saints play over the last couple of years.


We have a winner.

Fissler hamming up five bits of transfer news. Releasing one an hour from lunchtime today. First is as vague as you'd expect with some loose noise around Sale looking to bring Junior Kpoku back to England.

Let me guess - the next one will be Exeter looking to bring Jr Kpoku back to England
Then Saracens looking to bring Jr Kpoku back to England
Then Bath looking to...

Which Tyler wrote: ↑Fri Mar 28, 2025 12:11 pm Let me guess - the next one will be Exeter looking to bring Jr Kpoku back to England
Then Saracens looking to bring Jr Kpoku back to England
Then Bath looking to...

I'm expecting at least one possibly more linking Tigers with an unrealistic flyhalf signing.

Dammit - yeah, knew I was forgetting something obvious.

First flyhalf (ish) mentioned and not even linked with Tigers. Damian Willemse linked with a move from the Stormers to Leinster as a replacement for Barrett after his sabbatical.