Transfers rumours

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

Interesting that if Jones stays for 2 years after the world, the RFU are looking at sending his successor to a tier 2 country (Like Georgia) to get head coach experience (guessing if that was a inexperienced candidate)

 

[BPM]

Shouldn't have bothered, Tigs... those are shite.

Haha - Tigs also missed probably the best one - Andre Esterhuizen from Sharks to Sale.

That would make sense, particularly if it's true that RJvR has chosen Gloucester over Sale.

Luke James and Redpath are very promising, but Diamond wouldn't want to go in to a season with those to as his options at 12.

 

[BPM]

Arno Botha to Ulster apprently according to rugbyinsideline.......

Ealing v Irish will be interesting.

I always take RIL with a massive pinch of salt. I'd be surprised if Botha wants to go to Ulster after they pulled out or signing him a year ago.

I'm surprised there aren't more Premiership clubs having a sniff. Botha's been really impressive in the games he's played in. So have van Zyl.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

I always take RIL with a massive pinch of salt. I'd be surprised if Botha wants to go to Ulster after they pulled out or signing him a year ago.

I'm surprised there aren't more Premiership clubs having a sniff. Botha's been really impressive in the games he's played in. So have van Zyl.

Players don't hold grudges like some think they would.

Botha failed a medical and had a bad injury record, If Ulster offer him the right money I doubt he would turn them down.

 

[ratsapprentice]

Botha would be a great signing for any prem club. Bris should spend that dolla.

 

[munstermuffin]

Players don't hold grudges like some think they would.

Botha failed a medical and had a bad injury record, If Ulster offer him the right money I doubt he would turn them down.

Not sure but don't think it's be sanctioned if Deysel has an NIQ slot as well as their forgotten SAFFA.

 

[BPM]

Botha would be a great signing for any prem club. Bris should spend that dolla.

I was watching the Wasps game earlier thinking that they're going to be light in the back row with Haskell and Thompson leaving and Jones' retirement.

Shields replaces one and I know Nizaam Carr has been linked with a return at the end of the Super Rugby season. They've also been linked with Jaco Kriel, but it looks like he's off to Gloucester.

Taylor being back and Cruse having a great season will probably mean that Johnson is considered as a back row player who can cover hooker rather than vice versa, which will help, but Rieder is also out injured for a while. I know Tom Willis is very highly rated, but it's a risk to be relying on a kid to come in at a serviceable level straight away (although Jack has done that).

Well worth a look at Botha.

 

[curtbob7]

id take Mermoz back

 

[will311293]

Will be interesting to see how many players leave Irish...

They have some good players and would amaze me if they weren't pilfered to boost certain squads especially the young EQP players.. Irish do have a history of producing young talent from their academy... Watson, S Armitage, D Armitage, M Yarde, A Corbisiero, J Gibson, J Joseph etc.....

Plus Williams, Cokisinga, Trophy Clews..

 

[ratsapprentice]

One of the major reasons to get rid of pro/rel.

Cipriani --> Bath

Presumably also ridding themselves of Priestland?

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Dan McFarland is leaving the Scottish coaching staff for a head coaching position.

http://www.scottishrugby.org/news/18/04/30/mcfarland-leave-scotland-set-mid-january

Scotland Assistant Coach Dan McFarland will leave the national team set-up mid-January to take on a Head Coach opportunity.

McFarland, who joined the Scotland coaching team from Glasgow Warriors in 2017, will remain in post for a nine-month notice period as the recruitment process for his replacement gets underway.

Former Scotland back-row and current Worcester Warriors Head Coach, Carl Hogg, has been added to the national team coaching set-up on an interim basis.

He will share forwards-coaching duties with McFarland on the 2018 Summer Tour to Canada, USA and Argentina.

It was reported this morning by Des Berry on twitter and in the Irish Independent that he could be Ulster's new head coach. Looks like he got the scoop.

 

[LeinsterMan (NotTigsMan)]

One of the major reasons to get rid of pro/rel.

Cipriani --> Bath

Presumably also ridding themselves of Priestland?

Heard cips to Bath isn't happening.
But then Burns to Glous is a rumour so who knows.

 

[Big_Grumper]

But then Burns to Glous is a rumour so who knows.

That one's been doing the rounds for a couple of weeks. Shedheads are divided on the topic.

 

[munstermuffin]

Kieran Keane leaving Connacht. Sacked 1 year in to his 3 year deal.

 

[munstermuffin]

Joey Carbery met Schmidt (Schmidt pictured with Joey and agent) and was supposedly told he doesn't have to go to Ulster but if he stays his World Cup spot is in big jeopardy as the Ian Madigan scenario at RWC15 was bad and needs to be avoided. So may be big move occurring soon. Also Ulster seem to have been told no NIQ 10 is coming so will be interesting

 

[MPress01]

Joey Carbery met Schmidt (Schmidt pictured with Joey and agent) and was supposedly told he doesn't have to go to Ulster but if he stays his World Cup spot is in big jeopardy as the Ian Madigan scenario at RWC15 was bad and needs to be avoided. So may be big move occurring soon. Also Ulster seem to have been told no NIQ 10 is coming so will be interesting

Probably a fair enough stance by the IRFU - in reality the last thing you want is to force a player to move to somewhere they don't wish to go as this will inevitably impact their playing standard/development.

Going against the general consensus of Ulster Rugby Supporters, i actually am not that keen on Joey coming to Ulster. I don't think he has the requisite game management skills to run as a 10 (albeit that could develop during a season as a starter....). Even though i am not convinced by his speed-bumpesque defensive skills, i feel the last few weeks Johnny McPhillips has demonstrated and increased level of maturity to his game play.

 

[Groundhog]

Kieran Keane leaving Connacht. Sacked 1 year in to his 3 year deal.

Weird decision in my opinion. Connacht regressed sure, but that's not just a Keane thing. It's a very limited in terms of talent thing too. Also hope they have a replacement lined up because if not they're about to enter Ulster territory of limbo. Took them a good long while to line up a decent replacement

 

[will311293]

Interesting comments on Wasps on Rugby Pod..

I know Goode is Wasps but was saying that the Chris Foy article is coming from a player who is leaving but its 100% not Haskell.. he calls it sour grapes, people are annoyed that training facility not sorted but new location to be announced soon, the image rights was from last year and that although club is losing money, entity of Wasps (stadium, casino, hotel etc. ) is making money..

obviously biast but interesting to confirm its not rubbish but slightly twisted.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Wouldn't place too much thought into what Goode says, he's a paid shill

 

[will311293]

Wouldn't place too much thought into what Goode says, he's a paid shill

true but I do reckon its a player outgoing who has sour grapes...