2012 club signings + rumours thread.

Hagz

There's a fair few signings occurring as of late so I thought it was worth making a new thread.

The most recent ones are Laulala to Munster, Aled Brew to Biarritz, Tom Palmer to Wasps, Nick Kennedy to Toulon, Alasdair Strokosch to Perpignan and Billy Twelvetrees to Gloucester.

thomond2006

http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/

This site is great for keeping up with transfers, gives a bit of background on the players too.

http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?25134-Transfers-2012-13

Here is a table of all the confirmed transfers.

CatFromHue

Any idea where Jeremy Staunton will be heading?

thomond2006

CatFromHue wrote: »

Any idea where Jeremy Staunton will be heading?

No rumour yet, I'd say he'll get a contract from a mid table English club. He would be a good (and versatile) squad player. I know Sale have in the press saying they are in the market for a 10.

irishbucsfan

Racing fan I know is adamant Chabal is going to super XV. Probably would suit rugby-lite.

Hoping to hear something on Thorn next week.

leftleg

Kaino to Ulster "apparently"

http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/jerome-kaino-hints-at-move-abroad-could.html

tolosenc

leftleg wrote: »

Kaino to Ulster "apparently"

http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2012/02/jerome-kaino-hints-at-move-abroad-could.html

Ferris, Kaino and Wilson. Jesus.

MungBean

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Racing fan I know is adamant Chabal is going to super XV. Probably would suit rugby-lite.

Hoping to hear something on Thorn next week.

Going to Australia apparently, no mention of which club yet though.

leftleg

tolosenc wrote: »

Ferris, Kaino and Wilson. Jesus.

and don't forget....JOHN KIRWIN

kerrysdad

leftleg wrote: »

and don't forget....JOHN KIRWIN

Thank G. for Rory McIlroy's cheque book !!!

CiaranMT

Good move for Brew I reckon.

mikedragon32

Lads, there are already dedicated threads for the provinces, so can we try keep this one for transfer/rumour/speculation on other clubs/teams please?

Flincher

It looks like all the Australian Super Rugby teams have denied Chabal is on the way.

Article here on scrum http://www.espnscrum.com/australia/rugby/story/159552.html saying he could play for Balmain.

I wonder is Rugby League another possibility?

wonton

tuilagi is off to japan :eek:? feck sake massive lose for leicester.

Kiwi_knock

Tiny Sydney suburban club Balmain have landed a global coup by signing French rugby icon Sebastien Chabal to take on rivals Petersham next week.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal 'the Caveman' will make a one game cameo in second-division subbies - three levels below Sydney grade rugby - after recently quitting his Paris-based club Racing Metro.

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby-gold/sebastien-the-caveman-chabal-signs-on-to-play-subbies-rugby-with-balmain/story-fn8ti7yn-1226271091860

Seems like he will only be in Australia for the week. I really think the Rebels should try and sign him, might increase interest in the team in the area. Say what you want about Chabal as a player he is still a big draw.

CIARAN_BOYLE

wonton wrote: »

tuilagi is off to japan :eek:? feck sake massive lose for leicester.

Yep that said with hit and Agulla leaving and Geordan getting just a bit older that there is a massive opportunity for Morris over there

chris85

Kiwi_knock wrote: »

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/rugby-gold/sebastien-the-caveman-chabal-signs-on-to-play-subbies-rugby-with-balmain/story-fn8ti7yn-1226271091860

Seems like he will only be in Australia for the week. I really think the Rebels should try and sign him, might increase interest in the team in the area. Say what you want about Chabal as a player he is still a big draw.

One week trial. At that level he will clear up though. he would need to play well to show the big franchises there what he can do and entice them to sign him.

Personally I think he is overrated. For being the most expensive player in the world I dont think he brings a lot to the table in terms of skill anyway. Better players out there.

Hagz

WP Nel to Edinburgh. Bis signing.

leftleg

Hagz wrote: »

WP Nel to Edinburgh. Bis signing.

very powerful scrummager afaik

CiaranMT

Hagz wrote: »

WP Nel to Edinburgh. Bis signing.

Tidy bit of business for them. It'll be after the S15 though when he arrives I assume?

irishbucsfan

CiaranMT wrote: »

Hagz wrote: »

WP Nel to Edinburgh. Bis signing.

Tidy bit of business for them. It'll be after the S15 though when he arrives I assume?

Currie Cup I'd imagine

Podge_irl

chris85 wrote: »

One week trial. At that level he will clear up though. he would need to play well to show the big franchises there what he can do and entice them to sign him.

Personally I think he is overrated. For being the most expensive player in the world I dont think he brings a lot to the table in terms of skill anyway. Better players out there.

Pretty sure the most expensive player bit takes into account his merchandising. In his defence, he's a very marketable player and certainly is one of the better know players amongst non-hardcore fans.

Flincher

For a franchise like the Rebels who are establishing a new support base, Chabal might certainly help to draw a few new supporters in.

With the likes of Beale and O'Connor in their ranks, they would hopefully play decent enough rugby to bring those supporters back.

PhatPiggins

thomond2006 wrote: »

http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/

This site is great for keeping up with transfers, gives a bit of background on the players too.

.

Thats a really good website Thomond, thanks for highlighting it. The content is up to date and I love that the writers give an opinion of how they see each move working out.

[Jackass]

thomond2006 wrote: »

http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/

This site is great for keeping up with transfers, gives a bit of background on the players too.

http://www.therugbyforum.com/forum/showthread.php?25134-Transfers-2012-13

Here is a table of all the confirmed transfers.

That transfer website is great, cheers for posting that.

It's interesting, going back through some of the older news, that Hernandez is leaving Racing Metro at the end of the season, supposedly favouring Stade Francais, but seeing as nothing is agreed yet and he seems certain to move, it could be some coup for Munster, seeing as he's only 29, can play 10 or full-back, is a quality player, and would be a good interm player between ROG and Keatley.

Still no sign of any youngish great locks becoming available for Leinster !!!

chris85

Podge_irl wrote: »

Pretty sure the most expensive player bit takes into account his merchandising. In his defence, he's a very marketable player and certainly is one of the better know players amongst non-hardcore fans.

I understand that, I did mentioned he doesnt bring much in terms of skills. Agreed he has somewhat a decent merchandising quality.

CiaranMT

[Jackass] wrote: »

That transfer website is great, cheers for posting that.

It's interesting, going back through some of the older news, that Hernandez is leaving Racing Metro at the end of the season, supposedly favouring Stade Francais, but seeing as nothing is agreed yet and he seems certain to move, it could be some coup for Munster, seeing as he's only 29, can play 10 or full-back, is a quality player, and would be a good interm player between ROG and Keatley.

Still no sign of any youngish great locks becoming available for Leinster !!!

Would be a fantasy signing, I wouldn't go for him based on (assumed) wage level and proneness to injury.

Hagz

Woah, I only realized now that WP Nel is heading to Edinburgh because he has Scottish grandparents so he's eligible for Scotland! WP Nel and Visser are two very nice players to help out the national side.

irishbucsfan

Gethin Jenkins to Toulon, 2 year deal.

Otacon

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Gethin Jenkins to Toulon, 2 year deal.

How will that impact his Wales career?

EDIT: Hmm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17110717

Jenkins would join the likes of Mike Phillips, James Hook, Lee Byrne, Luke Charteris and Aled Brew in France.

"I definitely will not be with the Blues next season, and yes, I am going to France," he told WalesOnline.

"I was offered a deal by the Blues, but that was after talks were put off about an extension on several occasions.

"In the end they said they couldn't pay me while I was fulfilling international commitments and so I felt I had no choice.

"I had to think about my future, just like any player or anyone in any walk of life would do.

"I won't leave with any bitterness and will give the Blues everything between now and the end of this season, just the same as I have always done.

"But after that, it will be time for me to have a fresh start and a new challenge."

jacothelad

Ian Whitten possibly not getting a new contract at Ulster which I find strange. He is a decent player and hasn't let Ulster down as a rule. I would say he is a better, younger version of Downey.

I've also heard on the jungle grapevine that most of Ulster's coaching staff may be being replaced with the obvious exception of McL.

profitius

Irish, Scottish and probably Italian clubs are strengthening for next season but the Welsh are getting weaker. I can't see this doing much for their attendances next season.

thomond2006

jacothelad wrote: »

Ian Whitten possibly not getting a new contract at Ulster which I find strange. He is a decent player and hasn't let Ulster down as a rule. I would say he is a better, younger version of Downey.

I've also heard on the jungle grapevine that most of Ulster's coaching staff may be being replaced with the obvious exception of McL.

Very strange if Whitten is let go, given that he is an option as a winger now.

He would be a very strong squad player for Munster IMO.

irishbucsfan

thomond2006 wrote: »

jacothelad wrote: »

Ian Whitten possibly not getting a new contract at Ulster which I find strange. He is a decent player and hasn't let Ulster down as a rule. I would say he is a better, younger version of Downey.

I've also heard on the jungle grapevine that most of Ulster's coaching staff may be being replaced with the obvious exception of McL.

Very strange if Whitten is let go, given that he is an option as a winger now.

He would be a very strong squad player for Munster IMO.

There are a lot of centers now in Ulster in fairness.

Wallace, Cave, Spence, Marshall, Farrell

I would say Whitten holds the least long term value of all those players, so it may be that they are clearing space for the young'ns.

I like Whitten as a 12, someone is going to get a great player out of this, hopefully he stays in the RDP12.

thomond2006

irishbucsfan wrote: »

There are a lot of centers now in Ulster in fairness.

Wallace, Cave, Spence, Marshall, Farrell

I would say Whitten holds the least long term value of all those players, so it may be that they are clearing space for the young'ns.

I like Whitten as a 12, someone is going to get a great player out of this, hopefully he stays in the RDP12.

Replacement for Fa'fili at Connacht? With Downey signed Munster won't come calling.

We'd like Whitten at Leinster.

irishbucsfan

Gabriel Pitiful Stitch wrote: »

We'd like Whitten at Leinster.

Nah we have Darce/McFadden/O'Shea/Fitz

Connacht though could do with him

leftleg

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Nah we have Darce/McFadden/O'Shea/Fitz

Connacht though could do with him

Dont forget we've also seen D Kearney play there; and Boss irc

irishbucsfan

leftleg wrote: »

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Nah we have Darce/McFadden/O'Shea/Fitz

Connacht though could do with him

Dont forget we've also seen D Kearney play there; and Boss irc

Wouldn't consider either of those guys options at 12 unless it was an emergency

D'Arcy won't be up to top level rugby by start of 2013's season imo.

McFadden will be our 12 with Fitz as backup imo, both of whom will have aspirations with the national side (approx 1/4 of the season).

This will mean that Macken or O'Shea will "have to make the step", having a player like Whitten involved is very useful, the guy has bags of Rabo experience, played across the entire backline, and with some decent coaching in a decent team he could be a pretty reasonable bench option.

Would he be interested in a bit-part role at Leinster though? I'm not sure he would.

CiaranMT

If I were Whitten I'd look west. With White there now, rumours of Parks, the real possibility of regular first-team action, playing with up-and-comers like Jarvis, TOH and Griffin, the Borlase revelation (mark my words!!!), and possible first-team HEC action if Connacht get in via the back-door again, there's a lot to attract him there.

Tox56

CiaranMT wrote: »

If I were Whitten I'd look west. With White there now, rumours of Parks, the real possibility of regular first-team action, playing with up-and-comers like Jarvis, TOH and Griffin, the Borlase revelation (mark my words!!!), and possible first-team HEC action if Connacht get in via the back-door again, there's a lot to attract him there.

I'd say some players will need confirmation of HEC action before they make the move.

burkomadlad

Nice to see White going to connacht. He will strengthen up the connacht scrum hugely, something they need desperatley

CiaranMT

Tox56 wrote: »

I'd say some players will need confirmation of HEC action before they make the move.

Indeed.

justsomebloke

mikedragon32 wrote: »

Lads, there are already dedicated threads for the provinces, so can we try keep this one for transfer/rumour/speculation on other clubs/teams please?

Lads can we keep talk of the inter pro signings to their relevant threads

CatFromHue

Deleted User wrote: »

D'Arcy won't be up to top level rugby by start of 2013's season imo.

McFadden will be our 12 with Fitz as backup imo, both of whom will have aspirations with the national side (approx 1/4 of the season).

This will mean that Macken or O'Shea will "have to make the step", having a player like Whitten involved is very useful, the guy has bags of Rabo experience, played across the entire backline, and with some decent coaching in a decent team he could be a pretty reasonable bench option.

Would he be interested in a bit-part role at Leinster though? I'm not sure he would.

I agree I think if he were to move to Leinster it would be a good move. McFadden is a better winger than centre, Fitz is a winger not a centre and I don't think he's any interest in playing there, so that just leaves D'arcy and the academy guys. If Whitten were to move to us he could be alot more than a bit part player I think i.e. I could see him getting ahead of McFadden and putting real pressure on D'arcy.

CiaranMT wrote: »

If I were Whitten I'd look west. With White there now, rumours of Parks, the real possibility of regular first-team action, playing with up-and-comers like Jarvis, TOH and Griffin, the Borlase revelation (mark my words!!!), and possible first-team HEC action if Connacht get in via the back-door again, there's a lot to attract him there.

Whitten would be a far better signing then any of the south sea islanders they have at the moment I think and should be the type of guys Connacht should be targeting.

[Jackass]

I don't think Leinster should sign Whitten. He's a quality player, but we've got McFadden, O'Malley, Macken, Fitzgerald, Reid even Madigan who can all play there from the senior squad (looking beyond D'Arcy and O'Driscoll of course) and with guys like Sherian and O'Shea coming through at 12, and Hudson, Conway, D Kearney, Coughlin-Murray to name but a few back 3 players coming through on top of the existing back 3 talent, we need to make room for our best players, and Fitz could well end up in centre, but either way, we've enough talent to focus on already...never mind what will come through in the last 2 or 3 seasons left in D'Arcy, and McFadden is an international quality replacement 12 we already have imo..

Why on earth would Ulster let him go though? They're building a superb squad up there...

its_phil

CatFromHue wrote: »

Whitten would be a far better signing then any of the south sea islanders they have at the moment I think and should be the type of guys Connacht should be targeting.

I'd like to see him at Connacht too.

Money is another issue, if we got Fa'afili off the books okay but if we take Whitten on too thats far too much money invested in one area that isn't a problem in terms of the many weakness in the squad. Much rather see the money go towards 9/10.

jacothelad

thomond2006 wrote: »

Very strange if Whitten is let go, given that he is an option as a winger now.

He would be a very strong squad player for Munster IMO.

[QUOTE='[Jackass]

Why on earth would Ulster let him go though? They're building a superb squad up there...[/QUOTE]

its_phil wrote: »

I'd like to see him at Connacht too.

Money is another issue, if we got Fa'afili off the books okay but if we take Whitten on too thats far too much money invested in one area that isn't a problem in terms of the many weakness in the squad. Much rather see the money go towards 9/10.

I can't understand it. He has had a good season and played well in the Heineken Cup. Rougerie and Fofana didn't get a look in against him. He can play 11, 12, 13, 14 and has even played 10. He doesn't lack skill - or at least he didn't when he appeared first, before Ulster's 'skills' coach took over. He is big fast and tackles like a tank. I hope for his sake that the information is incorrect.

CatFromHue

I've only seen him on the wing once or twice but both times he looked a bit uncomfortable.

jacothelad

CatFromHue wrote: »

I've only seen him on the wing once or twice but both times he looked a bit uncomfortable.

Yeah. It's not his normal position but after a few games there he was getting in to the groove nicely. He was pretty poor last Friday though but he was in good company. He's not a brilliant player but he is a goodish one who usually is reliable and fearless. Also at 16stone + he's a big unit.