RugbyRebels

Puja wrote: ↑Tue Aug 12, 2025 5:13 pm Speaking on unfounded speculation, Telegraph have drawn a conclusion between Marchant being in his last year of Stade Francais contract and him being engaged to Hollie Shearer (who has some notable family in the Newcastle area) and posited Falcons Red Bulls as his destination for his next move. Would be good to have him back as an option for England.

Puja

FKAS wrote: ↑Tue Aug 12, 2025 6:51 pm A prop/hooker that's a throwback to the Puma forwards of old isn't it.

I doubt Newcastle will buy Marchant out of the final year of his contract but they'll probably have him lined up for next summer.

Puja wrote: ↑Tue Aug 12, 2025 7:32 pm

FKAS wrote: ↑Tue Aug 12, 2025 6:51 pm A prop/hooker that's a throwback to the Puma forwards of old isn't it.

I doubt Newcastle will buy Marchant out of the final year of his contract but they'll probably have him lined up for next summer.

Diamond's already said that there'll be no splurging of cash immediately to get players in at short notice (and was dismissive about the prospect of LRZ, although from Diamond, that probably means he signed 3 weeks ago) and that this season is about consolidation with all the major movement being done for 26-27. Seems sensible - it's too late to make big moves without paying over the odds, especially with NH-based players. Better to be patient and plan the big rebuild next season.

Interestingly enough, I've seen a few articles saying variations on, "Diamond is staying on as director of rugby for now to 'ensure continuity'", which suggests Red Bull have already come to the conclusion that he's not the man for the long term (although I cannot find any direct quotes about it, which means it could just be arrant speculation. Wouldn't surprise me if he ended up moving up to the board like he did at Sale. Gods only know that Newcastle owe him a debt for keeping their heads above water so successfully, so I think there'd be unrest if he was just turfed out on the street. Plus he's an experienced rugby administrator and a very savvy operator - if I were Red Bull, I'm not sure he'd be the man I'd pick to coach my new toy to Premiership glory, but I'd certainly be keen on using his knowledge around general rugby operations, stadium, academy, contacts in the transfer market, etc.

Puja

Which Tyler wrote: ↑Thu Aug 14, 2025 10:11 am Tom Christie
Crusaders => Newcastle, confirmed

Puja wrote: ↑Thu Aug 14, 2025 11:18 am

Which Tyler wrote: ↑Thu Aug 14, 2025 10:11 am Tom Christie
Crusaders => Newcastle, confirmed

And also chucks in a "something special happening" comment. Gotta love the classics. Wonder if he'll be scouring his family tree for a Scots or Welsh grandparent now he's coming up north?

I don't know a huge amount about him, aside from him being a regular for the Crusaders. What's he like as a player?

Puja

Puja wrote: ↑Thu Aug 14, 2025 11:28 am Bizarre non-Newcastle post in the transfer rumours thread - Telegraph reckon that Brizzle have got Rees-Zammit to sign up for this season.

Puja

Mellsblue wrote: ↑Thu Aug 14, 2025 2:47 pm Acceptable wing men to Rich Lane’s Maverick.

FKAS wrote: ↑Fri Aug 15, 2025 2:03 pm Unless Chiefs have some injury issues or someone about to be announced as leaving.

Which Tyler wrote: ↑Fri Aug 15, 2025 2:23 pm

FKAS wrote: ↑Fri Aug 15, 2025 2:03 pm Unless Chiefs have some injury issues or someone about to be announced as leaving.

Even then, you'd surely aim higher than someone who's garnered 20-odd appearances over 12 years as a pro

Which Tyler wrote: ↑Fri Aug 15, 2025 4:48 pm Fair.
I can't seen him being any higher than 4th choice in either propping berth.
Weren't Ex one of the teams making a thing about not spending up to the cap last year? Though of course, A] that doesn't mean they're not planning to this year, and B] having space in the cap =/= having £ in the bank