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2023-2024 transfers

So for England I reckon shortlist is in order
Borthwick
Edwards
Robertson
Baxter

I reckon the shortlist should be
Edwards
Robertson
Borthwick
Baxter
Should just be straight up Borthwick vs Edwards, for me

Not sure which I'd prefer/which is more likely
Imagine Edwards will be looking for an international HC role after the RWC - think whatever beef there was between the RFU and Edwards is fully in the past and his recent media engagements makes me think he's angling for the England job

Borthwick definitely seems like he's the next in line as he was part of EJ's initial coaching setup that was meant to produce the next England coach. Imagine he'd snap it up if offered - but also think he might like to build more of a legacy with Tigers (continued success plus a European cup) so might not be actively chasing it as much as others might. Still young, both in terms of years and coaching experience, so might not mind another RWC cycle at club level (or maybe 2 more years at club then angle for an assistant England role with an eye on taking over in 2027)

Hell, having both would be ideal, but I do think Edwards will be looking for a top role (he mentioned that he was interested in taking a HC role somewhere before being offered the defence coach gig with France)
 
Should just be straight up Borthwick vs Edwards, for me

Not sure which I'd prefer/which is more likely
Imagine Edwards will be looking for an international HC role after the RWC - think whatever beef there was between the RFU and Edwards is fully in the past and his recent media engagements makes me think he's angling for the England job

Borthwick definitely seems like he's the next in line as he was part of EJ's initial coaching setup that was meant to produce the next England coach. Imagine he'd snap it up if offered - but also think he might like to build more of a legacy with Tigers (continued success plus a European cup) so might not be actively chasing it as much as others might. Still young, both in terms of years and coaching experience, so might not mind another RWC cycle at club level (or maybe 2 more years at club then angle for an assistant England role with an eye on taking over in 2027)

Hell, having both would be ideal, but I do think Edwards will be looking for a top role (he mentioned that he was interested in taking a HC role somewhere before being offered the defence coach gig with France)

My biggest issue with Borthwick is dude has only had 1 real season as head coach without the covid inference.

Tigers obviously had a great season but those last minute wins v Saracens and Bristol go the other way and would Tigers have won the competition? Hard to say really.

He's certainly destined for it, but how many coaches have drifted away after one successful second season?
 
He's certainly destined for it, but how many coaches have drifted away after one successful second season?
Yup, this is what I was thinking too
Be interesting to see if he gets "second season syndrome" with Tigers this year - I don't think he will, but he's unproven so it's always a risk

I wonder when the RFU will make their decision, considering they already know that EJ is leaving?
Don't want to do a Bristol and offer Borthwick (or whoever) and a long term deal early and then see them nose dive straight after
 
So for England I reckon shortlist is in order
Borthwick
Edwards
Robertson
Baxter

I reckon the shortlist should be
Edwards
Robertson
Borthwick
Baxter
What sort of coach is Robertson? Attack or defence? Or what? Not English so unlikly to be the HC as RFU want English HC right? Would he be interested in been part of the set up? I literally know next to nothing about him.

Edwards is the best choice IMO. Get us a top defence by a tested international English coach.

Borthwick gets 4 more years(maybe 2 to join the team as successor) at Tiger and get some good experience as he's still young.

Baxter is a wierd one, obv great coach and has done a great job for Chiefs building for many years but im not sure he would work as well having the squad for a short time, seems more of a man manager.
 
Yup, this is what I was thinking too
Be interesting to see if he gets "second season syndrome" with Tigers this year - I don't think he will, but he's unproven so it's always a risk

I wonder when the RFU will make their decision, considering they already know that EJ is leaving?
Don't want to do a Bristol and offer Borthwick (or whoever) and a long term deal early and then see them nose dive straight after
I don't think he will either. He's known for being meticulous and I think he'll have been planning ahead from the minute Burns' drop goal went over.

For the most part they have a settled squad, but Genge and Ford are massive losses and while Cronin and Pollard are very good replacements, they have different strengths to the outgoing players.

Genge did a lot of the carrying and considering Wiese is away with SA too, they'll need to think about who is going to take that on. Cronin isn't known for his carrying, so I suspect the likes of Martin and Liebenberg will be asked to take on the lion's share.

If they can start well and build momentum, Pollard's arrival could be really well timed to keep it going and maintain it when other teams are losing key players to the 6N.
 
Is really want to see Baxter involved but as an assistant coach or team manager etc I think he's experience and rugby culture would be good for the team.
 
So for England I reckon shortlist is in order
Borthwick
Edwards
Robertson
Baxter

I reckon the shortlist should be
Edwards
Robertson
Borthwick
Baxter
Yup agreed. Would love to see Edwards with the top job. Even as a league player he always had that extra aura about him. Demanding, but seems to command respect. I think he's ready.
 
Is really want to see Baxter involved but as an assistant coach or team manager etc I think he's experience and rugby culture would be good for the team.
I did kind of think this and i suppose going from being a 1 club coach he cant expect straight to the top over Edwards and Borthwick who both have internation experience already.

I can see him being a very good assistant to Edwards and is good with the media side of things lightening the load. In rugby terms though would he come in as a forwards coach? Or what because doubt the RFU would page enough for him to just be a team manager. And would he leave Chiefs he's got it very good there.
 
I can see him being a very good assistant to Edwards and is good with the media side of things lightening the load. In rugby terms though would he come in as a forwards coach? Or what because doubt the RFU would page enough for him to just be a team manager. And would he leave Chiefs he's got it very good there.
Didn't he manage to go from one of the most generally liked coaches to bring just about everyone's least favourite during the covid period? I wouldn't call media/PR his specialty.
 
RFU need to decide on how they want England to play.
Because under Borthwick I don't see Marcus Smith being his type of 10.
Robertson yes, Edwards maybe but Borthwick is a hard no.
 
Didn't he manage to go from one of the most generally liked coaches to bring just about everyone's least favourite during the covid period? I wouldn't call media/PR his specialty.
Your not wrong he hasnt handled some things as well as should of. I guess i was talking more he speaks well and did build up that reputation of being well liked and a likeable guy. What coach hasnt said something or done something that made people look different at them but overall he is good with the media, not a specialist be would be trusted to share the load.
 
Chiefs have signed Solomone Kata from Moana Pasifika. Can't say I've ever heard of him but he looks to be a very powerful, physical wing/centre option. Anyone know any more about him? Is he likely to challenge for O'Flaherty's vacant wing spot or is he just a squad player?
 
Chiefs have signed Solomone Kata from Moana Pasifika. Can't say I've ever heard of him but he looks to be a very powerful, physical wing/centre option. Anyone know any more about him? Is he likely to challenge for O'Flaherty's vacant wing spot or is he just a squad player?
Looks quick and powerful, with Nowell being rested after internationals and O'Flaherty gone(pretty big loss this) then i think at the start of the season he will see some game time.

Could be a good signing powerful winger from a Rugby League background, started union in 2020. But i also dont know alot about him either.
 
Saracens have signed James Flynn from Jersey

Has gone really well in the championship since leaving us, by all accounts

Be interesting to see how he looks back in the Prem
 
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