Transfer gossip - sometimes even accurate (accidentally) - Season 2022/23

[Banquo]

Maybe. A tiny deal with whatever cap space they have left initially, and then a bigger deal and property empire can magically appear next season for him and his brother (a la the Vunipolae).

I'd think the salary cap should be hugely relaxed.

And sorry to be quick on trigger discussing players futures, very tough on you Wasps fans. Always liked the club myself, its a massive shame.

[Gloskarlos]

Hearle, Atkinson and Theobald-Thomas are all off to Gloucester from Worcester.

Individually they won't be on much, but increasing a squad size by nearly 10% seems a bit much under the cap?

Mark Atkinson out for the season, JFR possibly the same, or at least 4 months out. I can’t tell if they’ve been signed as academy or first team. Suspect the former in most cases. Not breaking any Gloucester bank I reckon.

[Margin_Walker]

So that's Howe and Hearle gone of some capable English outside backs. Hopefully Heward gets picked up too, as he looks like he could do a job somewhere.

Will get more difficult now though with Wasps players on the Market. Worcester players probably fortunate their club went first.

[FKAS]

Hearle, Atkinson and Theobald-Thomas are all off to Gloucester from Worcester.

Individually they won't be on much, but increasing a squad size by nearly 10% seems a bit much under the cap?

Mark Atkinson out for the season, JFR possibly the same, or at least 4 months out. I can’t tell if they’ve been signed as academy or first team. Suspect the former in most cases. Not breaking any Gloucester bank I reckon.

What a great time to pick up Seb Atkinson, quality young IC. No doubt his minor salary will be covered by the injury dispensation. The other two can probably be squeezed in. No need to move house to Gloucester and at this point most of the Wuss guys will be jumping at the first offer as now the Wasps guys are on the market there's even less opportunity and still bills to pay.

[Stom]

Collier is out for the season apparently. Could Quins go in for Koch?

[FKAS]

Collier is out for the season apparently. Could Quins go in for Koch?

Koch, McCallum, Alo, Ryan, Tyack and Medrano there's a tighthead for all budgets on the market currently.

[Scrumhead]

We were being linked with Medrano. Not sure how much truth is in that. I’d probably prefer Alo. I thought he came on massively last season.

[Beasties]

Maybe. A tiny deal with whatever cap space they have left initially, and then a bigger deal and property empire can magically appear next season for him and his brother (a la the Vunipolae).

I'd think the salary cap should be hugely relaxed.

And sorry to be quick on trigger discussing players futures, very tough on you Wasps fans. Always liked the club myself, its a massive shame.

Comforting words Banquo, thank you.

Watching these players dissipate and get signed elsewhere is gonna be heartbreaking for us Wasps fans. Truly felt the team was on the cusp of a big improvement at last with these young players becoming men. It's hard enough posting anything at all right now. Feel like rugby itself’s been taken away from me. I’m just a TV viewer. Christ knows how those at the sharp end must feel.

[jimKRFC]

Comforting words Banquo, thank you.

Watching these players dissipate and get signed elsewhere is gonna be heartbreaking for us Wasps fans. Truly felt the team was on the cusp of a big improvement at last with these young players becoming men. It's hard enough posting anything at all right now. Feel like rugby itself’s been taken away from me. I’m just a TV viewer. Christ knows how those at the sharp end must feel.

Having been through the stripping of players to new clubs where suddenly they're in the England side and a whatever club rising star (Lipman, Mako, Hodgson, Sheridan etc..) it does chafe a little! It's a horrible feeling and it does take time to get over it.

However, (in my experience) for Bristol the club reformed at a lower level, it was more like a "club" than a team. I recall going to Penzance for an early season game and it was like a relay club tour. We, the supporters, were involved (through the Bris trust) with the running of the club, we could freely approach all members of the board, coaches and players and it was a lot more fun. I recall on the Penzance trip seeing a future England prop the worse for drink, naked and karaoke-ing with an inflatable palm tree - would see that now I'm sure! The trust/fans paid for a player, Bernardo Stortoni, which showed (to the fans) that the fans really counted.

If Wasps reform lower down then you can work back up and it will be a roller coaster - but it will be worth it. If they don't maybe you get your weekends back to spend time with family, play yourself or get involved in a local side. But, hard as it is to remember, it's just a game (for you) and no-ones died.

[Beasties]

Comforting words Banquo, thank you.

Watching these players dissipate and get signed elsewhere is gonna be heartbreaking for us Wasps fans. Truly felt the team was on the cusp of a big improvement at last with these young players becoming men. It's hard enough posting anything at all right now. Feel like rugby itself’s been taken away from me. I’m just a TV viewer. Christ knows how those at the sharp end must feel.

Having been through the stripping of players to new clubs where suddenly they're in the England side and a whatever club rising star (Lipman, Mako, Hodgson, Sheridan etc..) it does chafe a little! It's a horrible feeling and it does take time to get over it.

However, (in my experience) for Bristol the club reformed at a lower level, it was more like a "club" than a team. I recall going to Penzance for an early season game and it was like a relay club tour. We, the supporters, were involved (through the Bris trust) with the running of the club, we could freely approach all members of the board, coaches and players and it was a lot more fun. I recall on the Penzance trip seeing a future England prop the worse for drink, naked and karaoke-ing with an inflatable palm tree - would see that now I'm sure! The trust/fans paid for a player, Bernardo Stortoni, which showed (to the fans) that the fans really counted.

If Wasps reform lower down then you can work back up and it will be a roller coaster - but it will be worth it. If they don't maybe you get your weekends back to spend time with family, play yourself or get involved in a local side. But, hard as it is to remember, it's just a game (for you) and no-ones died.

I know. Worse things happen at sea. And on land. Just an overwhelming feeling of sadness right now. I’ll give myself a shake.

[Puja]

Comforting words Banquo, thank you.

Watching these players dissipate and get signed elsewhere is gonna be heartbreaking for us Wasps fans. Truly felt the team was on the cusp of a big improvement at last with these young players becoming men. It's hard enough posting anything at all right now. Feel like rugby itself’s been taken away from me. I’m just a TV viewer. Christ knows how those at the sharp end must feel.

Having been through the stripping of players to new clubs where suddenly they're in the England side and a whatever club rising star (Lipman, Mako, Hodgson, Sheridan etc..) it does chafe a little! It's a horrible feeling and it does take time to get over it.

However, (in my experience) for Bristol the club reformed at a lower level, it was more like a "club" than a team. I recall going to Penzance for an early season game and it was like a relay club tour. We, the supporters, were involved (through the Bris trust) with the running of the club, we could freely approach all members of the board, coaches and players and it was a lot more fun. I recall on the Penzance trip seeing a future England prop the worse for drink, naked and karaoke-ing with an inflatable palm tree - would see that now I'm sure! The trust/fans paid for a player, Bernardo Stortoni, which showed (to the fans) that the fans really counted.

If Wasps reform lower down then you can work back up and it will be a roller coaster - but it will be worth it. If they don't maybe you get your weekends back to spend time with family, play yourself or get involved in a local side. But, hard as it is to remember, it's just a game (for you) and no-ones died.

I know. Worse things happen at sea. And on land. Just an overwhelming feeling of sadness right now. I’ll give myself a shake.

You're allowed your sadness mate. Massive part of your life changing and possibly disappearing entirely - just cause worse things happen at sea doesn't mean you're not allowed to be sad about the bad thing in front of you.

Puja

[Banquo]

Comforting words Banquo, thank you.

Watching these players dissipate and get signed elsewhere is gonna be heartbreaking for us Wasps fans. Truly felt the team was on the cusp of a big improvement at last with these young players becoming men. It's hard enough posting anything at all right now. Feel like rugby itself’s been taken away from me. I’m just a TV viewer. Christ knows how those at the sharp end must feel.

Having been through the stripping of players to new clubs where suddenly they're in the England side and a whatever club rising star (Lipman, Mako, Hodgson, Sheridan etc..) it does chafe a little! It's a horrible feeling and it does take time to get over it.

However, (in my experience) for Bristol the club reformed at a lower level, it was more like a "club" than a team. I recall going to Penzance for an early season game and it was like a relay club tour. We, the supporters, were involved (through the Bris trust) with the running of the club, we could freely approach all members of the board, coaches and players and it was a lot more fun. I recall on the Penzance trip seeing a future England prop the worse for drink, naked and karaoke-ing with an inflatable palm tree - would see that now I'm sure! The trust/fans paid for a player, Bernardo Stortoni, which showed (to the fans) that the fans really counted.

If Wasps reform lower down then you can work back up and it will be a roller coaster - but it will be worth it. If they don't maybe you get your weekends back to spend time with family, play yourself or get involved in a local side. But, hard as it is to remember, it's just a game (for you) and no-ones died.

I agree with the 'club' point. Its happened at my 'club'. who have really just focused on the 1st team with a dash of mini and youth, and IMO its a lesser place as a result.

[Which Tyler]

You're allowed your sadness mate. Massive part of your life changing and possibly disappearing entirely - just cause worse things happen at sea doesn't mean you're not allowed to be sad about the bad thing in front of you.

Here here - sadness is not competitive.
Anyone is allowed to feel sad for any reason; and W&W fans have a huge reason to feel sad right now; it's a massive loss from your lives.

[Scrumhead]

FWIW, I’m sad about it too. Clearly, not to the same level as Worcester or Wasps fans, but I didn’t want to lose either club.

I’m really worried about the future of rugby right now.

[Banquo]

FWIW, I’m sad about it too. Clearly, not to the same level as Worcester or Wasps fans, but I didn’t want to lose either club.

I’m really worried about the future of rugby right now.

perfect storm.

[FKAS]

The Ruck being the bastion of truth we all know it is are suggesting Jack Willis to Tigers as the first Wasps player to sign for a new club.

[jimKRFC]

The Ruck being the bastion of truth we all know it is are suggesting Jack Willis to Tigers as the first Wasps player to sign for a new club.

Fissler has Jack W in talks with Bristol as injury cover for Jeff Reece.

[Puja]

The Ruck being the bastion of truth we all know it is are suggesting Jack Willis to Tigers as the first Wasps player to sign for a new club.

Would make sense, with Reffell potentially off to Wales at the end of the season. More than likely The Ruck flailing at connections in hope of guessing right.

Biyi Alo rumoured to be off to France. Would make sense - he would very much suit the French game.

Puja

[Beasties]

Thanks chaps. Appreciated.

[FKAS]

The Ruck being the bastion of truth we all know it is are suggesting Jack Willis to Tigers as the first Wasps player to sign for a new club.

Would make sense, with Reffell potentially off to Wales at the end of the season. More than likely The Ruck flailing at connections in hope of guessing right.

Biyi Alo rumoured to be off to France. Would make sense - he would very much suit the French game.

Puja

The media in Wales seem convinced Reffell has signed a rolling contract with Tigers in a similar way to what Francis did with Chiefs. The English media keep hinting we might look to replace him. Suggest no one actually knows though a return to Wales doesn't tend to be the best move for an English raised player if they want to win things.

Atkinson linked with Tigers as well, presumably more of a replacement for Burns who's contract is up next summer and is being linked with a return to Japan.

Alo to France makes lots of sense. He'd do well over there.

I thought Bristol were struggling having spent to the cap ceiling and so used the Jeffries compensation to bring Batley in? They are going to be making that injury dispensation really work hard if they bring in Willis as well.

[Timbo]

Telegraph reporting that Barbeary has held talks with 3 English clubs and there is interest from Bordeaux.

And one some of you guys are going to really hate, Tom Willis could well be off to Ulster as he’s Irish qualified.

[Mellsblue]

Aren’t we just going to have to accept the salary cap is a thing of the past (legitimately not Sarries or Leicester style) for at least the next couple of years? The alternative is losing top players to different leagues, and middling players and non-elite academy players to different careers

[FKAS]

And one some of you guys are going to really hate, Tom Willis could well be off to Ulster as he’s Irish qualified.

Dan MacFarland is doing good things at Ulster and be a great chance to learn off of Vermulen. Not a bad move for him particularly if Dan Mac ends up as England coach (fingers crossed).

Picking up T Willis and Sutherland is good business for Ulster out of this mess.

[Scrumhead]

Tom Willis has got to look after number one, but flip me, if he becomes an Ireland international, that’s a staggering own goal for English rugby.

[FKAS]

Tom Willis has got to look after number one, but flip me, if he becomes an Ireland international, that’s a staggering own goal for English rugby.

He'll do well, the Irish production line of backrow (particularly from the Dublin branch) is outstanding. More likely he goes there to the end of the season then comes back to the Prem.

He should definitely look after number 1 though. Playing top level European Rugby in an Ulster team that are both pretty brutal up front but throw it around in the backs should be good for him.