View Full Version : Transfers and Rumours!
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In:
Rumoured transfer targets: Ceri Sweeney (Dragons), Richard Mustoe (Ospreys), Aled Brew (Ospreys)
Out: Rob Howley (Wales backs coach)
Possible exits:
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In:
Rumoured transfer targets: Shaun Connor (Ospreys), the Dragons have targeted two unnamed former All Blacks
Out: Michael Owen (Saracens)
Possible exits: Colin Charvis (out of contract summer 2008), Ceri Sweeney (linked to the Blues and Worcester), Richard Mustoe (loan period from Ospreys ends, linked to Blues)
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In: Hale T-Pole (Highlanders), Andrew Hore (elite performance director), Tommy Bowe (Ulster)
Rumoured transfer targets:
Out: Stefan Terblanche (Natal Sharks), Brent Cockbain (Sale), Richie Pugh (released), Martin Roberts (Scarlets)
Possible exits: Hale T-Pole (on a year's contract), Mike Phillips (linked to Worcester), Richard Mustoe (linked to Blues), Shaun Connor (linked to the Dragons), Aled Brew (linked to the Blues)
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In: Mahonri Schwalger, Simon Maling (Suntory), Sililo Martens (Sale), Rob Higgitt (Bristol), Martin Roberts (Ospreys)
Rumoured transfer targets:
Out: Dwayne Peel (Sale), James Hayter, Ian Jones, Daniel George, Alec Jenkins, Rhys Williams, Rhys O Williams (all released)
Possible exits: Garan Evans (out of contract summer 2008), Mahonri Schwalger (out of contract summer 2008), Alix Popham (linked to Brive)
Others:
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Confirmed: Matthew Jones (Moseley-Bridgend), Jason Forster (Neath-Rotherham), Haldane Luscombe (Harlequins-Worcester)
Ones to watch/rumours: Darren Morris (out of contract with Worcester in May), Ceri Sweeney (Dragons-Worcester)
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Captain Morgan
04-04-08, 01:00 AM
I think Aled Brew is more than a rumour, it appears to be pretty much a done deal, lets hope that aint the case with Sweeney.
dullonien
04-04-08, 08:57 AM
What's with all the useless signings made by the Scarlets? I mean Sililo Martens to replace Peel! Scarlets need to get rid of all their journeymen and sign some quality, whether it's Welsh or Foreign. Why aren't they going after the likes of Mustoe to replace the past it Dafydd James?
As Easterby said on Scrum V, you need to have a squad to become successful. I'm worried the Scarlets think that once they have their brand new stadium, everything will be ok. But it won't without some new forwards. They need a top class tight head, second row (to strengthen and help the development of Lou Reed etc) and a no 8 if Popham leaves. Good to see Dafydd Jones back playing well though, he's re-filled the void at 6.
Captain Morgan
04-04-08, 03:10 PM
Heard Sidoli is off to Bristol.
What's with all the useless signings made by the Scarlets? I mean Sililo Martens to replace Peel! Scarlets need to get rid of all their journeymen and sign some quality, whether it's Welsh or Foreign. Why aren't they going after the likes of Mustoe to replace the past it Dafydd James?
As Easterby said on Scrum V, you need to have a squad to become successful. I'm worried the Scarlets think that once they have their brand new stadium, everything will be ok. But it won't without some new forwards. They need a top class tight head, second row (to strengthen and help the development of Lou Reed etc) and a no 8 if Popham leaves. Good to see Dafydd Jones back playing well though, he's re-filled the void at 6.
[/b]
Are LLanelli leaving Stradey or just re-developing it as it is one of my favourite grounds .
Captain Morgan
04-04-08, 03:32 PM
Are LLanelli leaving Stradey or just re-developing it as it is one of my favourite grounds .
[/b]
Are you drunk? But yes they are moving.
Sir Speedy
04-04-08, 03:55 PM
Dull (That actually didn't mean anything, before you say :P), we've also signed the young scrum-half Martin Roberts from the Ospreys. He's probably our best signing so far as he's young and could develop into a brilliant scrum half given half the chance (which he wasn't given at the Ospreys, due to Phillips and Marshall being there).
I think Aled Brew is more than a rumour, it appears to be pretty much a done deal, lets hope that aint the case with Sweeney. [/b]
Sweeney is also close to being rapped up, story is that Nick McLeod may be heading the other way but I have been told that Sweeney has been in talk with the Blues for a while!
<div class='quotemain'>
Are LLanelli leaving Stradey or just re-developing it as it is one of my favourite grounds .
[/b]
Are you drunk? But yes they are moving.
[/b][/quote]
I have been there for Hcup games with Gloucester and its always been a great atmosphere and felt like a proper rugby club, thats why I like it. Certainly better than going to Cardiffs ground which is dire and lacking any passion.
<div class='quotemain'>
<div class='quotemain'>
Are LLanelli leaving Stradey or just re-developing it as it is one of my favourite grounds .
[/b]
Are you drunk? But yes they are moving.
[/b][/quote]
I have been there for Hcup games with Gloucester and its always been a great atmosphere and felt like a proper rugby club, thats why I like it. Certainly better than going to Cardiffs ground which is dire and lacking any passion. [/b][/quote]
Oh well can't please everyone can we now?
Only another year before we go into our new stadium!!!
snoopy snoopy dog dog
06-04-08, 01:09 PM
Leinster will be busy in the transfer market during the summer.
John Fogarty is already confirmed to join from Connacht which will likely see Brian Blaney lose his contract.
Ollie Le Roux is going back to coach in South Africa and an international prop has been signed in his place. It's not been announced who it is yet but my best guesses would be Rodrigo Roncero (who was over for a visit last year) or Carl Hayman (who Newcastle reportedly can't afford.
Keith Gleeson's retirment opens up a position in the backrow. While Michael Cheika has spoken about promoting Sean O'Brien, Leinster have been strongly linked with Rocky Elsom.
Eoin Reddan rejected a chance to join Leinster a couple of months ago. Chris Whitaker is out of contract and supposedly a southern hemisphere scrum half has been approached. I'm hoping for Fourie Du Preez (but sincerely doubt it!) but expect it to be either a non international player or somebody like Matt Henjak.
Also confirmed to be joining is Alan Gaffney as backs coach wile Neil Back has been strongly linked as forward coach. In today's Times it wasd also revealed that Steve Tuynman and Gareth Jenkins have expressed interest in the forwards coach position.
Cheika said he was looking to promote 3 academy back rows but didn't seem confident on Elsom. Apparently they have also signed Simon Keogh from Harlequins.
Ulster are being strongly linked with BJ Botha
Is anyone going to comment on the "possible exit" of Mike Phillips to Gloucester?
Sure, we just paid shit loads of money for the one form scrum half in wales just to let him go after just one season to an english club, thus making his wales career very unlikely. :lol:
Prestwick
13-04-08, 11:41 AM
I think considering Mike Phillips is an imbecile, he'd be well up for a move to Gloucester!
Maybe he could move to Ulster to join fellow idiots Mat..*wanders off rambling*
An Tarbh
13-04-08, 11:44 AM
Is anyone going to comment on the "possible exit" of Mike Phillips to Gloucester?
Sure, we just paid shit loads of money for the one form scrum half in wales just to let him go after just one season to an english club, thus making his wales career very unlikely. :lol:
[/b]
Well I don't buy too much into this leaving Wales will damage international prospects nonsense, Gatland#s not that stupid, besides given his injury I wouldn't see too much chance of him going anywhere.
No, you've got a fair point there, An_Tarbh, i think Warren was issuing nothing more than an empty threat to keep players in wales which will inevitably help our rugby.
But even without the injury i see nothing in that rumour.
snoopy snoopy dog dog
13-04-08, 02:10 PM
Cheika said he was looking to promote 3 academy back rows but didn't seem confident on Elsom. Apparently they have also signed Simon Keogh from Harlequins.
Ulster are being strongly linked with BJ Botha [/b]
I heard rumours about Keogh alright. I'm not sure what he'd bring to the table seeing as he's nowhere good enough to start. Perhaps he's being brought in for his versatility.
I wouldn't read too much into Cheika's comments about Elsom. Until any deal is officially announced, cold water will be poured on speculation.
It's good to hear him speak about promoting backrow talent from the academy. Recently he's been mentioning Kevin McLoughlin and Sean O'Brien in a very good light in virtually every interview.
Today's Sunday Independent seems to suggest that CJ van der Linde is on the verge of signing for Leinster. He'd almost certainly start at tighthead with Stan Wright shifting to loosehead, leaving Stephen Knoop and Cian Healy as very able backups.
Is anyone going to comment on the "possible exit" of Mike Phillips to Gloucester?
Sure, we just paid shit loads of money for the one form scrum half in wales just to let him go after just one season to an english club, thus making his wales career very unlikely. :lol:
[/b]
Worcseter are after him also, strong rumour I hear and it now appears on the bbc wales rugby rumour and transfers page!
dullonien
13-04-08, 09:19 PM
Dull (That actually didn't mean anything, before you say :P ) [/b]
Most people call me that anyway. When I was in uni in Leiceter no-one could pronounce Dylan (how can it be that hard, everyone can say dull and Ann! It's not pronounced 'Dillyn' English folk) so I ended up introducing myself as Dull or Dill.
My name I use on here dullonien comes from a nickname a friend gave me (never stuck), but it made a good one to use for internet stuff as it's never taken.
Sir Speedy
13-04-08, 09:27 PM
Wait, isn't Dylan pronounced Dill-An? o.O
I'm sure it all depends on where in wales you live.
I know that my mam (a pembrokeshire girl) pronounces it Dull-Ann...as do i, come to think of it.
<div class='quotemain'> Is anyone going to comment on the "possible exit" of Mike Phillips to Gloucester?
Sure, we just paid shit loads of money for the one form scrum half in wales just to let him go after just one season to an english club, thus making his wales career very unlikely. :lol:
[/b]
Worcseter are after him also, strong rumour I hear and it now appears on the bbc wales rugby rumour and transfers page!
[/b][/quote]
Sorry, i didn't mean to sound belittling, but it just seems so very hard to believe.
dullonien
14-04-08, 11:23 AM
Wait, isn't Dylan pronounced Dill-An? o.O [/b]
No. Never heard that pronunciation before. As RC said, it's pronounced Dull-Ann. Call yourself Welsh, tut.
I'm sure it all depends on where in wales you live.
I know that my mam (a pembrokeshire girl) pronounces it Dull-Ann...as do i, come to think of it.
<div class='quotemain'> <div class='quotemain'> Is anyone going to comment on the "possible exit" of Mike Phillips to Gloucester?
Sure, we just paid shit loads of money for the one form scrum half in wales just to let him go after just one season to an english club, thus making his wales career very unlikely. :lol:
[/b]
Worcseter are after him also, strong rumour I hear and it now appears on the bbc wales rugby rumour and transfers page!
[/b][/quote]
Sorry, i didn't mean to sound belittling, but it just seems so very hard to believe.
[/b][/quote]
Belittling .... HA
no on all seriousnesss I don't see him leaving Ospreys soon!
Sir Speedy
14-04-08, 03:03 PM
<div class='quotemain'> Wait, isn't Dylan pronounced Dill-An? o.O [/b]
No. Never heard that pronunciation before. As RC said, it's pronounced Dull-Ann. Call yourself Welsh, tut.
[/b][/quote]
It's pronounced Dill-An up in Merthyr Goddamnit! >.<
<div class='quotemain'> I'm sure it all depends on where in wales you live.
I know that my mam (a pembrokeshire girl) pronounces it Dull-Ann...as do i, come to think of it.
<div class='quotemain'> <div class='quotemain'> Is anyone going to comment on the "possible exit" of Mike Phillips to Gloucester?
Sure, we just paid shit loads of money for the one form scrum half in wales just to let him go after just one season to an english club, thus making his wales career very unlikely. :lol:
[/b]
Worcseter are after him also, strong rumour I hear and it now appears on the bbc wales rugby rumour and transfers page!
[/b][/quote]
Sorry, i didn't mean to sound belittling, but it just seems so very hard to believe.
[/b][/quote]
Belittling .... HA
no on all seriousnesss I don't see him leaving Ospreys soon!
[/b][/quote]
Hm, I believe the Worcester rumour though. Ruddock wants to build a strong team up there, hence him signing Latham and Gear, so I wouldn't have been surprised if Phillips was on his to-buy-next list.
Yeah, ruddock's been given a bit of money and he's a good coach and wants a quality squad, so i'm sure the rumours probably are true. But Ospreys will never let Mike leave.
Prestwick
14-04-08, 03:30 PM
Loads of rumours cropping up that Dan Parks has been allowed to take an 18 month sabbatical by the NZRU to go oop north, like. Fellow kicker Evans is rumoured to be following suit.
Considering that the market for Southern Hemisphere players is now saturated, only France has the spending power to buy Parks & Evans.
So, any bets on which club? Stade Francais? Racing Club? Toulon? Toulouse? Biarritz?
Sir Speedy
14-04-08, 03:48 PM
Evans would probably be wrapped up by Paris since Hernandez is apparantly moving to Leicester and Skrela to Toulouse.
Are you saying Dan Parks is moving? Looks like Llanelli can make another quality signing if they hurry.
SmokeyMonkey
14-04-08, 05:28 PM
Loads of rumours cropping up that Dan Parks has been allowed to take an 18 month sabbatical by the NZRU to go oop north, like. Fellow kicker Evans is rumoured to be following suit.
Considering that the market for Southern Hemisphere players is now saturated, only France has the spending power to buy Parks & Evans.
So, any bets on which club? Stade Francais? Racing Club? Toulon? Toulouse? Biarritz? [/b]
I assume you mean Dan Carter, who people actually care about! Also the Dragons are after Evans....
Nic Evans is supposedly a target for the Blues and Dragons!
Sir Speedy
14-04-08, 05:39 PM
Nic Evans is supposedly a target for the Blues and Dragons!
[/b]
I can't believe they signed Ceri Sweeney though. What a waste of good money; Nicky Robinson is bloody better! They should have saved up for a better O-H.
Bullitt
14-04-08, 05:42 PM
Every club in the Northern Hemisphere with more then £5 spare has been linked to Nick Evans abd Dan Carter. You know, because £5 is a years wages in New Zealand. Bloody mercenaries.
Sir Speedy
14-04-08, 05:43 PM
Five pounds? Well, that's us out of the running then.
Nicky Robinson may be better (just!) but you're not exactly comparing him to much.
Robinson is one of the most inconsistent fly halves...ever, and sweeney is just past it.
Cardiff and Dragons need a quality fly half and get rid of the ones the currently have.
Sir Speedy
14-04-08, 05:51 PM
Nicky Robinson may be better (just!) but you're not exactly comparing him to much.
Robinson is one of the most inconsistent fly halves...ever, and sweeney is just past it.
Cardiff and Dragons need a quality fly half and get rid of the ones the currently have.
[/b]
That's what I mean. Instead of buying a better fly-half, they go and pick someone worse! TELL ME, WHERE IS THE COMMON-SENSE IN THAT? /seizure.
lineens weegie army
14-04-08, 06:26 PM
Five pounds? Well, that's us out of the running then. [/b]
and us! :(
Mark McMillan looks set to fill O'Yougs place in the Glasgow squad, while there are rumours Craig Morgan could be joining Glasgow also (dont know why, we have enough wingers).
Nicky Robinson gets much stick, at times he deserves, hes a confident player if he does something well within the first 5 mins of the game he will have a geniually good game otherwise no!
An Tarbh
16-04-08, 07:39 PM
Ian Humphreys is on the way back to Ulster, his stint at Leicester certainly seems to have brought him on as a player and God knows we need both him and Sexton to step up to the mark at international level so good move .
The Echo (Cardiff's paper) have just claimed links between Cardiff Blues and Dan Carter...
snoopy snoopy dog dog
19-04-08, 08:09 AM
LEINSTER ARE set to make a notable signing for next season, having lined up the highly regarded Auckland Blues goalkicking utility back Isa Nacewa, writes Gerry Thornley .
The New Zealand-born 25-year-old, who won a solitary cap for Fiji as a replacement in the 2003 World Cup, is a regular and outstanding player in the gifted Blues' backline and his capture would represent quite a coup.
Given the likelihood of Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald supplementing Leinster's more established Test stars on international duty, when they could have up half a dozen backs unavailable at any one time, Nacewa would provide them with cover from outhalf, centre and at fullback.
In a standard reply - as is the case with their attempts to sign the Springbok prop CJ van der Linden - with regard to Nacewa, Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson merely stated: "We've no comment to make. We never discuss signing players until the end of the season."
Nonetheless, the information from New Zealand is that Nacewa, a standout in this year's Super 14, has agreed a two-year deal with Leinster.
Other signings seem probable, although aside from Van der Linden, attempts to lure Rocky Elsom from the Waratahs are looking a little rocky.
© 2008 The Irish Times
SmokeyMonkey
19-04-08, 12:00 PM
The Dragons have reportedly signed former All Black hooker Tom Willis, and highly-rated Southland lock Hoani Macdonald. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/my_club/ng_dragons/7354602.stm)
Symclaw
21-04-08, 05:38 PM
anyone see scrum v? Jerry Collins to the scarlets?!
Sir Speedy
21-04-08, 08:04 PM
Naw, according to Planet Rugby, ROOOOOOOOOOOOCKY is coming to West Wales.
Elsom, that is.
http://www.planet-rugby.com/Story/0,18259,...3454904,00.html (http://www.planet-rugby.com/Story/0,18259,3551_3454904,00.html)
Jerry Collins has said he does not want to go to a club that wins everything so I think Llanelli are in with a shout!
Sir Speedy
21-04-08, 09:26 PM
Jerry Collins has said he does not want to go to a club that wins everything so I think Llanelli are in with a shout!
[/b]
My guess is he also said that money is worthless and he'll gladly join any club for nada. Looks like a good signing for us then.
Cardiff Blues News:
Ceri Sweeney <------> Dai Flanagan (Dragons)
Marc Stcherbina - Set to be released to make way for an overseas signing
Jason Spice - Possibly Out
Gareth Thomas - Heading out to America with Scott Johnson
Rumoured Targets:
Matt Henjak
Willie Walker
Nick Evans
Thingimubob
22-04-08, 07:56 PM
Is Sweeney a definate now? I hope they don;t get rid of Flanagan, he's an awesome young talent, and could do very well if he stays at the Blues. He's a better prospect than Sweeney as well, so why get rid of him for someone who's flaky and even more in-consistent that Nicky Robinson (who's had decent form this season anyway)? Can't find anything on the Blues website, so any chance of a link?
Is Sweeney a definate now? I hope they don;t get rid of Flanagan, he's an awesome young talent, and could do very well if he stays at the Blues. He's a better prospect than Sweeney as well, so why get rid of him for someone who's flaky and even more in-consistent that Nicky Robinson (who's had decent form this season anyway)? Can't find anything on the Blues website, so any chance of a link? [/b]
thearmspark.co.uk - this site has been great for transfer news, contract signings and unofficial stuff!
Blues:
Ceri Sweeney has signed for the Blues - Officially confirmed today
Dai Flannagan has extdended his contract
James Goode - Returns to NZ for club rugby
Dragons:
Duane Goodfield signed from Blues
Shaun Conner signed from Ospreys
snoopy snoopy dog dog
03-05-08, 02:35 PM
There's going to be quite a bit of player turnover in Connacht come next season. Confirmed to be on the way out are John Fogarty to Leinster and Peter Durcan to La Rochelle.
Confirmed to be arriving are Kieran Campbell from Ulster and Sean Cronin from Shannon/Munster. Tony Ward reported in todays Irish Independent that AIL standout and Leinster academy player Fionn Carr is also moving west while a report on another website suggests that Ian Keatley is coming in from Leinster to play flyhalf.
If all the above rumours are true, Connacht will have recruited well on their small budget and it will be the 2nd year in a row that they've improved the quality at their disposal. Michael Bradley seems to be doing a great job assembling a squad - it's a shame that he's so poor at coaching those players.
snoopy snoopy dog dog
06-05-08, 05:26 PM
Squad News (http://www.connachtrugby.ie/content/view/81345/7/) 06/05/2008 There were major boosts for Connacht rugby on and off the field yesterday with the signing of three players and the extension of the main sponsorship by Bank of Ireland for another three years.
Bank of Ireland's association with Connacht Rugby is one of the longest running sports sponsorships in the country, going back to the outset of the professional era in the mid 1990's. Connacht CEO Gerry Kelly said it was a major boost to the province.
"We've enjoyed a very strong relationship with Bank of Ireland and we're very grateful for the support they've shown us", he said.
Donal Flynn, Regional Manager West, Bank of Ireland, said they were pleased to extend their sponsorship of Connacht Rugby.
"Bank of Ireland has enjoyed a very good relationship with Connacht Rugby over the years and have been proud to be part of their success story. We look forward to many more great days ahead."
Meanwhile, Connacht are pleased to announce the signings of three Irish players for the forthcoming season.
Leinster backs Fionn Carr and Ian Keatley will both be moving West and scrumhalf Frank Murphy will be returning to Ireland from Leicester Tigers in the forthcoming season.
http://www.connachtrugby.ie/images/stories/news_images/squad/carr_fionn/060224_carr_u21_wal_ap.jpg
Carr in action during the 2005/06 Ireland U21 Six Nations campaign. INPHO/Andrew Paton
22 year old Carr, who can play at centre, wing or full back and 21 year old outhalf, Keatley, are two highly rated young players who Connacht CEO Gerry Kelly sees as having great potential who are sure to benefit Connacht in the coming season.
http://www.connachtrugby.ie/images/stories/news_images/squad/keatley_ian/070316_keatley_ire_ita_ds.jpg
Ian Keatley playing in last year's Ireland U20's Six Nation campaign against Italy. INPHO/Dan Sheridan.
"We're delighted to announce that we've signed two exciting prospects for the coming season" he said. "Fionn and Ian have both shown great ability at age group levels for Ireland and it is our hope we will develop them into future Irish internationals."
http://www.connachtrugby.ie/images/stories/news_images/squad/murphy_frank/071110_murphy_lei_ds.jpg
Frank Murphy featuring for Leicester Tigers in this season's Heineken Cup against Leinster. INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Kelly was equally pleased with the signing of 26 year old Frank Murphy from Leicester Tigers. Murphy brings with him a wealth of experience having previously played with Munster and Kelly is anticipating an increased level of competition for first team appearances come the beginning of the 2008/09 season.
"Frank Murphy will provide an experienced link between our forward pack and these young backs. With Frank, Conor O'Loughlin and Kieran Campbell we should have great competition for the scrum half berth and the ability to vary our game to all conditions and opposition."
shazbooger
07-05-08, 06:26 PM
Good moves by all sides really. The young talent gets to play regularly at a level that will benefit Irish rugby, and Connaght get some serious talent to help form a more competitive team. Delighted with this news.
snoopy snoopy dog dog
07-05-08, 09:11 PM
Good moves by all sides really. The young talent gets to play regularly at a level that will benefit Irish rugby, and Connaght get some serious talent to help form a more competitive team. Delighted with this news. [/b]
I too am happy that Keatley and Carr will have a shot at more regular gametime. Hopefully both will return to Leinster down the line as better players. My fear is that they're joining a squad with a culture of defeat and it may ruin them. In that regard, I hope Michael Bradley isn't around to coach them. He has grown stale with Connacht.
I was thinking about something earlier today. Do these signings along with those of Kieran Campbell and Sean Cronin indicate the IRFU are beginning to view Connacht as a serious option with regards supplying players for the international team? Campbell is the third Ireland international to join them in two seasons, following in the footsteps of Johnny O'Connor and Gavin Duffy. Keatley and Cronin seem destined for international honours down the road while Carr too has a shot. With the IRFU allowing the three other provinces sign more non-Irish qualified talent, are they making up for this by loading Connacht with young talent who have a genuine shot at making the Ireland squad (not immediately but a couple of years in the future) while playing in Galway? If Connacht can add a bit of creativity to the centre (Barry Murphy? Kieran Lewis? Darren Cave?), a winger and a number 8 to their ranks along with a coach with fresh ideas, they have the makings of a good team.
Greg Somerville is headed to Llanelli
snoopy snoopy dog dog
07-05-08, 10:42 PM
Greg Somerville is headed to Llanelli [/b]
Has that been confirmed? Good signing if true. For all the talk of French and English clubs hoovering up all the top talent, Irish and Welsh sides are more than holding their own in terms of attracting quality players from abroad. The likes of Somerville, Lyons, Botha, Nacewa, Elsom (reportedly), Van Der Linde et al will add significantly to the Magners League next year.
<div class='quotemain'> Greg Somerville is headed to Llanelli [/b]
Has that been confirmed? Good signing if true. For all the talk of French and English clubs hoovering up all the top talent, Irish and Welsh sides are more than holding their own in terms of attracting quality players from abroad. The likes of Somerville, Lyons, Botha, Nacewa, Elsom (reportedly), Van Der Linde et al will add significantly to the Magners League next year. [/b][/quote]
He was going when Phil Davies was still there, then he decided hed think about it and now he is about to sign an agreement! We shall wait and see
snoopy snoopy dog dog
08-05-08, 02:21 PM
http://www.galwayadvertiser.ie/content/index.php?aid=11875
Connacht set to sign Super 14 centre
Linley MacKenzie
Connacht are set to bag their biggest Southern Hemisphere signing.
Super 14 player, Niva Ta’auso, who is currently with the Otago Highlanders, is epxected to finalise his new deal with the province this week. He will comes to Ireland with an impressive CV, a big reputation, and is just the type of player the Irish province has craved for the last three seasons.
The 27-years-old former Junior All Black is a outside centre who has carved a reputation as a line-breaker and a destructive runner. Currently with the Otago Highlanders, a franchise that is struggling in the Super 14, the Samoan born Niva Ta’auso started his rugby career with Counties Manukau - the provincial side for which Connacht’s Troy Nathan also played.
He made his debut in 2001 when Counties Manukau was in division one of the NPC, and he has made 63 provincial appearances, bagging 105 points. In 2005 he made his first start for the Chiefs in the Super 14, establishing a regular place in the side during his three seasons. Although plagued by an ankle injury during that time, his solid form earned him selection on the Junior All Blacks squad in 2006 before he was drafted into the Highlanders this season.
Co-editor of Rugbyheaven.co.nz (http://rugbyheaven.co.nz/), Mark Hinton, a former Qantas Award winner and New Zealand Sports Journalist of the Year, has described Niva Ta’auso as one “hell of a player”.
“He’s a line breaker, a physical presence, and a reasonable sort of creative force down the midfield channels. He’s got a bit of speed in his make-up, too.”
Hinton believed the Highlanders got the “steal of the whole selection process” when he was drafted into the Dunedin-based outfit at the start of the season.
Now after four seasons in Super 14 rugby, the hard-running 185cm centre is transferring to the Northern Hemisphere and Ireland to join fellow New Zealanders Ray Ofisa and Troy Nathan in the Connacht squad. Still contracted to Counties Manukau till the end of the NZ season, he is expected to travel in early October to Galway.
The hope is that his presence will give Connacht some much-needed penetration in a backline that has struggled this season to make the necessary impact. And there will certainly be a new look to that make-up for next season with the addition of three more players who have signed this week.
.................................................. ...........................
If true, Ta’auso will be Connacht's 6th addition to their squad against 5 departures (Mostyn, Yapp, Durcan, Fogarty and supposedly McPhillips). I know next to nothing about Ta’auso but he must bring something extra to their centre because, to be honest, they've been pitiful in that area this season.
shazbooger
08-05-08, 03:48 PM
Jesus its all go.
I read in the Times today, Gerry Thornley I think, (Irelands rugby equivilent of Graham Hunter) that Leinster are sniffing around Jerry Collins no less. Absolutely no faith in these rumours but add them to the Scarlets, Ospreys rumours and it looks like he's put himself up for sale.
Jesus its all go.
I read in the Times today, Gerry Thornley I think, (Irelands rugby equivilent of Graham Hunter) that Leinster are sniffing around Jerry Collins no less. Absolutely no faith in these rumours but add them to the Scarlets, Ospreys rumours and it looks like he's put himself up for sale. [/b]
Phil Davies spoke to Collins and what he said was that Jerry Collins has said that he wants to go to a side with a bit of history, that does not win things and has a good squad!
Steve-o
08-05-08, 04:26 PM
Collins has half of Britain dancing to his tune
SaintsFan_Webby
08-05-08, 04:28 PM
<div class='quotemain'> Jesus its all go.
I read in the Times today, Gerry Thornley I think, (Irelands rugby equivilent of Graham Hunter) that Leinster are sniffing around Jerry Collins no less. Absolutely no faith in these rumours but add them to the Scarlets, Ospreys rumours and it looks like he's put himself up for sale. [/b]
Phil Davies spoke to Collins and what he said was that Jerry Collins has said that he wants to go to a side with a bit of history, that does not win things and has a good squad!
[/b][/quote]
I think you'll find he's actually Northampton's for the taking in that case...
Steve-o
08-05-08, 04:32 PM
See what I mean
:blink:
<div class='quotemain'> <div class='quotemain'> Jesus its all go.
I read in the Times today, Gerry Thornley I think, (Irelands rugby equivilent of Graham Hunter) that Leinster are sniffing around Jerry Collins no less. Absolutely no faith in these rumours but add them to the Scarlets, Ospreys rumours and it looks like he's put himself up for sale. [/b]
Phil Davies spoke to Collins and what he said was that Jerry Collins has said that he wants to go to a side with a bit of history, that does not win things and has a good squad!
[/b][/quote]
I think you'll find he's actually Northampton's for the taking in that case...
[/b][/quote]
I never mentioned he was deffo going to a Welsh club just he was linked to Llanelli a few weeks ago ... and im only the mokey carrying the tea!
the Ospreys????????? we need someone different who can score tries!!!!
Incredible Schalk
17-05-08, 07:51 PM
Springbok world cup winning prop CJ Van Der Linde has been linked to Leinster, sorry if thats already been mentioned.
http://www.galwayadvertiser.ie/content/index.php?aid=11875
Connacht set to sign Super 14 centre
Linley MacKenzie
Connacht are set to bag their biggest Southern Hemisphere signing.
Super 14 player, Niva Ta’auso, who is currently with the Otago Highlanders, is epxected to finalise his new deal with the province this week. He will comes to Ireland with an impressive CV, a big reputation, and is just the type of player the Irish province has craved for the last three seasons.
The 27-years-old former Junior All Black is a outside centre who has carved a reputation as a line-breaker and a destructive runner. Currently with the Otago Highlanders, a franchise that is struggling in the Super 14, the Samoan born Niva Ta’auso started his rugby career with Counties Manukau - the provincial side for which Connacht’s Troy Nathan also played.
He made his debut in 2001 when Counties Manukau was in division one of the NPC, and he has made 63 provincial appearances, bagging 105 points. In 2005 he made his first start for the Chiefs in the Super 14, establishing a regular place in the side during his three seasons. Although plagued by an ankle injury during that time, his solid form earned him selection on the Junior All Blacks squad in 2006 before he was drafted into the Highlanders this season.
Co-editor of Rugbyheaven.co.nz (http://rugbyheaven.co.nz/), Mark Hinton, a former Qantas Award winner and New Zealand Sports Journalist of the Year, has described Niva Ta’auso as one “hell of a player”.
“He’s a line breaker, a physical presence, and a reasonable sort of creative force down the midfield channels. He’s got a bit of speed in his make-up, too.”
Hinton believed the Highlanders got the “steal of the whole selection process” when he was drafted into the Dunedin-based outfit at the start of the season.
Now after four seasons in Super 14 rugby, the hard-running 185cm centre is transferring to the Northern Hemisphere and Ireland to join fellow New Zealanders Ray Ofisa and Troy Nathan in the Connacht squad. Still contracted to Counties Manukau till the end of the NZ season, he is expected to travel in early October to Galway.
The hope is that his presence will give Connacht some much-needed penetration in a backline that has struggled this season to make the necessary impact. And there will certainly be a new look to that make-up for next season with the addition of three more players who have signed this week.
.................................................. ...........................
If true, Ta’auso will be Connacht's 6th addition to their squad against 5 departures (Mostyn, Yapp, Durcan, Fogarty and supposedly McPhillips). I know next to nothing about Ta’auso but he must bring something extra to their centre because, to be honest, they've been pitiful in that area this season.
[/b]
Ta'auoso is ok, he's not the quickest but breaks the gainline enough and is a decent defender. Just the sort of solid midfield play that Connacht need i would say.
Take it no ones coming to Scotland :ph34r:
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