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

[Puja]

Koch and Odogwu confirmed at Stade Francais

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/63411121

Expected on Koch, but a really decent move for Odogwu. I think he'll thrive in France (and become one of those players that pundits tear their hair about our England-based selection policy, despite form in France not often translating to form in England). Hopefully he'll make himself available for Italy.

Puja

[FKAS]

https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/63414769

Toulon after Biggar immediately.

[Which Tyler]

Biggar to Toulon effective immediately is being talked about.

Assuming Toulon are paying him the same, or more, than his Saints contract; then only his salary up to the end of October would count within the cap; and Saints can simply move their next best paid, eligible player into the marquee spot; freeing up the difference between that player's salary, and Biggar's-to-date; meaning they should have freed a reasonable chunk of cap to take on Wuss / Wasps players.

If true.

ETA: Dammit, ninja.d

[Puja]

Damn, that could be a hell of a boost to Saints. In this depressed market, that kind of available budget could get them 3-4 really high quality players.

Puja

[FKAS]

Sorry Which.

We've been talking about Saints having some issues in certain areas of their squad and this move could potentially allow them to sign two or three quality players to help with that. That being said losing Biggar would be a considerable blow as he's often the tactical element in an otherwise attacking backline.

[francoisfou]

Biggar to Toulon effective immediately is being talked about.

Assuming Toulon are paying him the same, or more, than his Saints contract; then only his salary up to the end of October would count within the cap; and Saints can simply move their next best paid, eligible player into the marquee spot; freeing up the difference between that player's salary, and Biggar's-to-date; meaning they should have freed a reasonable chunk of cap to take on Wuss / Wasps players.

If true.

ETA: Dammit, ninja.d

Hmm. I’ve just read the same on MIDI Olympique. I’d heard Toulon were wanting to sign him, but not mid season!

[Adam_P]

The only Warriors / Wasps player I'd sacrifice Biggar for for the rest of the season would be Koch, who is already taken. There are certainly plenty of high quality players on the market from the two clubs, but I can't think of any that I'd think would make an equivalent impact to Biggar other than Koch as our front row is the main area of weakness.

[fivepointer]

A bit lower key but Dan Frost has been snapped up by Exeter. Not a bad signing i reckon.

[Timbo]

Koch and Odogwu confirmed at Stade Francais

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/63411121

Expected on Koch, but a really decent move for Odogwu. I think he'll thrive in France (and become one of those players that pundits tear their hair about our England-based selection policy, despite form in France not often translating to form in England). Hopefully he'll make himself available for Italy.

Puja

Happy to be wrong, but I really don’t think Odogwu is very good. A few months of exciting form is doing a lot of heavy lifting for his career. Since coming back from his ACL he’s been very mediocre.

[fivepointer]

Never the same after Jones brought him into a 6N's squad and left him twiddling his thumbs.

A move to France might kickstart his career.

[Puja]

Koch and Odogwu confirmed at Stade Francais

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/63411121

Expected on Koch, but a really decent move for Odogwu. I think he'll thrive in France (and become one of those players that pundits tear their hair about our England-based selection policy, despite form in France not often translating to form in England). Hopefully he'll make himself available for Italy.

Puja

Happy to be wrong, but I really don’t think Odogwu is very good. A few months of exciting form is doing a lot of heavy lifting for his career. Since coming back from his ACL he’s been very mediocre.

I don't think he's as good as some very feverish pundits think (as you say, he's trading on reputation earned across just one season), but I think he does have the raw materials to do better than he's shown and a move to France could be just the thing to kick-start him. If he's in an environment where he's treated like a star and expected to be one, he might start playing like it (as opposed to being a middling Prem and occasional EPS inclusion).

As I said earlier in the thread - I don't see him as an England international quality player, but I think he could be an excellent club player and potential standout for Italy.

Puja

[FKAS]

The only Warriors / Wasps player I'd sacrifice Biggar for for the rest of the season would be Koch, who is already taken. There are certainly plenty of high quality players on the market from the two clubs, but I can't think of any that I'd think would make an equivalent impact to Biggar other than Koch as our front row is the main area of weakness.

Yeah it's a bit late to make a play at significant recruitment. West in at loosehead might help a bit, Odendaal in at 12. They both help out in areas of need. McCallum is still on the market but whilst he's decent and can cover both sides I don't think he's really better than what you already have.

[Puja]

Isn't Ryan still available as a tighthead? Plus acquiring Robson would help take the pressure off Mitchell.

Puja

[Beasties]

Isn't Ryan still available as a tighthead? Plus acquiring Robson would help take the pressure off Mitchell.

Puja

Ryan going back to Munster isn’t he?

[FKAS]

Yeah, Ryan is back at Munster until the end of the season.

Robson is not a bad shout.

[Scrumhead]

The only Warriors / Wasps player I'd sacrifice Biggar for for the rest of the season would be Koch, who is already taken. There are certainly plenty of high quality players on the market from the two clubs, but I can't think of any that I'd think would make an equivalent impact to Biggar other than Koch as our front row is the main area of weakness.

Yeah it's a bit late to make a play at significant recruitment. West in at loosehead might help a bit, Odendaal in at 12. They both help out in areas of need. McCallum is still on the market but whilst he's decent and can cover both sides I don't think he's really better than what you already have.

Yep.

Odendaal would be the obvious target for Saints IMO. They’re also light on experienced back three players, so someone like Kibirige or Humphreys would be handy on a short term basis.

[Adam_P]

Isn't Ryan still available as a tighthead? Plus acquiring Robson would help take the pressure off Mitchell.

Puja

Doubt we'll be in for a 9 as we've got James, Braley and Garside behind Mitchell who are all capable (or potential in Garside's case). Odendall could be a fair shout though and would make an impact for our backline. Would leave us with a lot of centres in our squad in and around the first team though

[Timbo]

Odendaal looks like he’s off to Japan.

[Puja]

Odendaal looks like he’s off to Japan.

That'll be where the money is, this time of the year.

Puja

[Adam_P]

The only Warriors / Wasps player I'd sacrifice Biggar for for the rest of the season would be Koch, who is already taken. There are certainly plenty of high quality players on the market from the two clubs, but I can't think of any that I'd think would make an equivalent impact to Biggar other than Koch as our front row is the main area of weakness.

Yeah it's a bit late to make a play at significant recruitment. West in at loosehead might help a bit, Odendaal in at 12. They both help out in areas of need. McCallum is still on the market but whilst he's decent and can cover both sides I don't think he's really better than what you already have.

Yep.

Odendaal would be the obvious target for Saints IMO. They’re also light on experienced back three players, so someone like Kibirige or Humphreys would be handy on a short term basis.

Can't see either of those coming in to add to Furbank, Freeman, Collins, Sleightholme, Skosan and Ramm. Definitely money better spent elsewhere.

[Scrumhead]

My logic was more that Furbank is with England, Freeman is injured and Ramm is an unknown quantity. If you could get someone like Kibirige in on a cheap, short term deal to cover the AIs and 6N, it might not be a bad idea.

[FKAS]

Saints have got Hendy to cover for Furbank during the AIs then three wingers available for two spots plus Proctor can cover there and Hutchinson can cover 15 as well if he's not in the Scotland 23.

[Banquo]

Saints have got Hendy to cover for Furbank during the AIs then three wingers available for two spots plus Proctor can cover there and Hutchinson can cover 15 as well if he's not in the Scotland 23.

Biggar is probably leaving asap, so I reckon Saints are looking to make a big signing.

[Adam_P]

Saints have got Hendy to cover for Furbank during the AIs then three wingers available for two spots plus Proctor can cover there and Hutchinson can cover 15 as well if he's not in the Scotland 23.

Aye good point, somehow forgot about Hendy

[Mellsblue]

Erm, we’ll keep him at Bedford, please.