Transfer news, rumours, suggestions, frenzied speculation, and outright lies - Season 2023-24

[Scrumhead]

The Anscombe signing is a bit frustrating given that it’ll likely limit Charlie Atkinson’s game time. However, it is only a year long contract and as a mentor/someone to push him, Anscombe isn’t the worst option.

The signings I have more of an issue with are the journeymen. I often struggle to see how the B rate South Africans/Antipodeans are markedly better than what already exists here. With a decent bit of shopping around, there’s plenty of evidence to show that the Championship and even competitions like BUCS can be a very viable route for squad players in the Premiership and possibly beyond.

I want to see clubs limiting their imports to their first choice 23. Using a current example of Tigers’ rumoured signings - I’m fine with Perese, less so Eloff.

[Banquo]

The signings I have more of an issue with are the journeymen.Using a current example of Tigers’ rumoured signings - I’m fine with Perese, less so Eloff.

That was my point, probably a bit harsh being 'triggered' by Anscombe, but at 32 he's a bit a of journeyman these days, having journeyed back from Japan.

[FKAS]

The Anscombe signing is a bit frustrating given that it’ll likely limit Charlie Atkinson’s game time. However, it is only a year long contract and as a mentor/someone to push him, Anscombe isn’t the worst option.

The signings I have more of an issue with are the journeymen. I often struggle to see how the B rate South Africans/Antipodeans are markedly better than what already exists here. With a decent bit of shopping around, there’s plenty of evidence to show that the Championship and even competitions like BUCS can be a very viable route for squad players in the Premiership and possibly beyond.

I want to see clubs limiting their imports to their first choice 23. Using a current example of Tigers’ rumoured signings - I’m fine with Perese, less so Eloff.

Eloff being only 24 and a ball carrying prop that can play both sides equally well makes him extremely useful at a time when Tigers could be providing three tightheads to international squads but also need LH cover.

All three tightheads are locals, Cole from Hinckley, Heyes from Newark (just over the border in Nottinghamshire) and Hurd from Ashby. At loosehead we have local boy Whitcombe and two more in the development squad but at 21 and 19 we need cover. As Eloff likely replaces van Wyk the EQ South African in the squad I don't see it making a material difference.

If the Tiger Cubs can't oust him over the next couple of seasons they are unlikely to threaten any sort of international recognition.

Perese I'm actually more sceptical about as we have EQ centres and two former England age grade centres in the development squad. Despite being a good player he's more likely to block development though as the more promising centre is a 12 possibly not to much.

[Banquo]

nope, still finding it depressing.

[twitchy]

[Which Tyler]

Goddrick-Clarke
Goddrick-Clarke
Goddrick-Clarke

[FKAS]

Goddrick-Clarke
Goddrick-Clarke
Goddrick-Clarke

Sod off, I'm hoping he's coming in as the starter at Tigers to replace Cronin (could please Banquo upping the EQ numbers in Tigers 23).

There were rumours of interest from Exeter as well.

[Banquo]

Goddrick-Clarke
Goddrick-Clarke
Goddrick-Clarke

Sod off, I'm hoping he's coming in as the starter at Tigers to replace Cronin (could please Banquo upping the EQ numbers in Tigers 23).

There were rumours of interest from Exeter as well.

its not just EQ tho....Mike Brown ffs

[Puja]

Jake Polledri calls it quits: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/68468416

You always felt it was coming, but a shame for the poor sod after all the work he put in to come back.

Puja

[Banquo]

Jake Polledri calls it quits: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/68468416

You always felt it was coming, but a shame for the poor sod after all the work he put in to come back.

Puj

such a shame, really good player

[Mellsblue]

Jake Polledri calls it quits: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/68468416

You always felt it was coming, but a shame for the poor sod after all the work he put in to come back.

Puj

such a shame, really good player

Big shame but at least he has something to fallback on:
https://www.justpressedcider.co.uk/

[Mikey Brown]

Yeah, not surprising news but horrible for him that had to drag out over however many seasons.

[Banquo]

Jake Polledri calls it quits: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/68468416

You always felt it was coming, but a shame for the poor sod after all the work he put in to come back.

Puj

such a shame, really good player

Big shame but at least he has something to fallback on:
https://www.justpressedcider.co.uk/

Good lad

[Mr Mwenda]

Goddrick-Clarke
Goddrick-Clarke
Goddrick-Clarke

... Riding through the glen?

[fivepointer]

Brantingham to Saracens next season confirmed.

[Captainhaircut]

With Carre also rumoured to be going to Sarries plus West, Adams-Hale and Mawi already there, I wonder if they might play Brantingham at 3. He’s played both sides plenty in youth teams.

Not sure what status is with Mako, Mawi and Adams-Hale though.

[FKAS]

I think Mawi has one more year. Mako not sure. Adams-Hale I think is out of contract. There's some rumours that West only signed a one year deal.

[FKAS]

Carre from Cardiff back to Sarries. Could rule him out of international contention if he doesn't pick up five more caps before he makes the switch.

[Puja]

Carre from Cardiff back to Sarries. Could rule him out of international contention if he doesn't pick up five more caps before he makes the switch.

Gatland doesn't rate him anyway, so shrewd pickup from Sarries.

With Carre also rumoured to be going to Sarries plus West, Adams-Hale and Mawi already there, I wonder if they might play Brantingham at 3.

I bloody hope not - we've already got Opoku-Fordjour, Fasogbon, and Sela coming through on the tighthead, so we need to keep some of our young talent on the loose.

Puja

[FKAS]

On the upside for us Puja, we might see Tom West back at Tigers.

[FKAS]

Quins to sign Titi Lamositele as a replacement for Will Collier who's off to Castres.

[Captainhaircut]

Carre from Cardiff back to Sarries. Could rule him out of international contention if he doesn't pick up five more caps before he makes the switch.

Gatland doesn't rate him anyway, so shrewd pickup from Sarries.

With Carre also rumoured to be going to Sarries plus West, Adams-Hale and Mawi already there, I wonder if they might play Brantingham at 3.

I bloody hope not - we've already got Opoku-Fordjour, Fasogbon, and Sela coming through on the tighthead, so we need to keep some of our young talent on the loose.

Puja

We have Rodd, Baxter and Haffer at loosehead.

Plus Carre who will qualify for England next year I believe…

[Puja]

Carre from Cardiff back to Sarries. Could rule him out of international contention if he doesn't pick up five more caps before he makes the switch.

Gatland doesn't rate him anyway, so shrewd pickup from Sarries.

With Carre also rumoured to be going to Sarries plus West, Adams-Hale and Mawi already there, I wonder if they might play Brantingham at 3.

I bloody hope not - we've already got Opoku-Fordjour, Fasogbon, and Sela coming through on the tighthead, so we need to keep some of our young talent on the loose.

Puja

We have Rodd, Baxter and Haffer at loosehead.

Plus Carre who will qualify for England next year I believe…

True on the first three, albeit Brantingham looks the most promising of those players. We are going to have a decent selection of props in a few years, if all of them develop as we hope.

Yep, lots of good scrummaging, mobile, quality props. Plus there'd also be Carre.

Puja

[FKAS]

Carre last played for Wales in Feb 23 (against England). So would be another two years as long as he's got some English parentage.

[Puja]

Carre last played for Wales in Feb 23 (against England). So would be another two years as long as he's got some English parentage.

I shall wait with bated breath.

Puja