Transfers for next season (including transfer rumours!)

CouchSmart

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

A few Munster backroom staff have been spotted at Franklin Gardens a couple of times recently apparently, maybe they were looking at Downey

Could be a certain Roger Wilson they're after too. They'd be two excellent signings IMO.

thomond2006 wrote: »

Downey has been strongly rumoured all right.

JdV is out of contract after the World Cup....

JdV never impressed me, I wouldn't waste the money on him. Very meh.

Iron Hide wrote: »

Jerry Collins out of contract in the summer

Wouldn't bother with him either, a journeyman extraordinaire. Not the type of athletic, lineout orientated backrow that Munster require either.

CIARAN_BOYLE

CouchSmart wrote: »

Could be a certain Roger Wilson they're after too. They'd be two excellent signings IMO.

Thought of that but he claims to be settled in Northampton, that said these claims were published ahead of a match between Northampton and his home (ulster)

Cpt_Blackbeard

CouchSmart wrote: »

JdV never impressed me, I wouldn't waste the money on him. Very meh.

I couldn't disagree more, he was Munster's best player in the second half of the season. He took a while to settle but once he did, he scored some important tries.

But the opinion held by some that he was poor could well be a brilliant motivational tool. There is no way that a world class centre like JdV would be happy feeling like he didn't show everyone what a good player he is.

TheRevolution

If I was in Munster's shoes I wouldn't bring back JDV, he always came out second best to both D'arcy and O'Driscoll. If you're going to spend all that money you shouldn't really be looking to someone who came out second best to your main rivals centre pairing.

Also Caucaunibuca is likely out of contract at the end of the season, I wonder if he'd be worth a punt for Munster? Can cover centre and wing, two positions Munster need someone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2NHlCMRxK8

Podge_irl

TheRevolution wrote: »

Also Caucaunibuca is likely out of contract at the end of the season, I wonder if he'd be worth a punt for Munster? Can cover centre and wing, two positions Munster need someone.

Assuming he ever bothers his arse turning up.

TheRevolution

Podge_irl wrote: »

Assuming he ever bothers his arse turning up.

He wouldn't be hard to find around Limerick. A huge 19 stone Fijian walking down Limerick main street wouldn't go unnoticed.

Cpt_Blackbeard

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

I couldn't disagree more, he was Munster's best player in the second half of the season. He took a while to settle but once he did, he scored some important tries.

But the opinion held by some that he was poor could well be a brilliant motivational tool. There is no way that a world class centre like JdV would be happy feeling like he didn't show everyone what a good player he is.

Reckon he couldn't give a flying **** what most of us think!

Pete_Cavan

CouchSmart wrote: »

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

A few Munster backroom staff have been spotted at Franklin Gardens a couple of times recently apparently, maybe they were looking at Downey

Could be a certain Roger Wilson they're after too. They'd be two excellent signings IMO.

Wilson and Downey would be fantastic signings for Munster. They need a specialist 8 (Leamy and Coughlan are really 6's) and Wilson fits the bill perfectly, he has very good ball skills and has huge workrate. Downey is as strong a ball carrier as Tuitupou but he can actually pass the ball, he is also one of the best defenders in AP. Munster would be extremely difficult to beat next season if they signed these guys.

Risteard

Pete_Cavan wrote: »

Wilson and Downey would be fantastic signings for Munster. They need a specialist 8 (Leamy and Coughlan are really 6's) and Wilson fits the bill perfectly, he has very good ball skills and has huge workrate. Downey is as strong a ball carrier as Tuitupou but he can actually pass the ball, he is also one of the best defenders in AP. Munster would be extremely difficult to beat next season if they signed these guys.

I disagree with that tbh. Cooughlan is an out and out 8 IMO. Whenever he's been at 6 he hasn't had the same impact. However at 8 he's been one of our most consistent backrowers over the last 2 seasons IMO and is capable of delivering big performances at club level.

kevin99

James Downey was contracted to Munster before and didn't get a look in.
Why would he go back?
He's probably earning more at Northampton than he would at Munster.

PhatPiggins

kevin99 wrote: »

James Downey was contracted to Munster before and didn't get a look in.
Why would he go back?
He's probably earning more at Northampton than he would at Munster.

Point to prove

Worked well for Gerry Flannery, Damien Varley and Tony Buckley

kevin99

kevin99 wrote: »

James Downey was contracted to Munster before and didn't get a look in.
Why would he go back?
He's probably earning more at Northampton than he would at Munster.

I wouldn't be too sure on that front at all. Tax breaks can go a very very long way. Basic wages are incomparable and frankly unknown also!

Sin a bhfuil

According to James Downey's profile, he got a 3 game trial with Munster and he was offered a contract by Munster which he turned down.

Presumably he realised that Trevor Halstead would be the starting 12 and you have to admire him for going to Italy to get more gametime. Don't forget, he had just spent a couple of seasons in Connacht and Leinster as well.

GerM

Sin a bhfuil wrote: »

According to James Downey's profile, he got a 3 game trial with Munster and he was offered a contract by Munster which he turned down.

Presumably he realised that Trevor Halstead would be the starting 12 and you have to admire him for going to Italy to get more gametime. Don't forget, he had just spent a couple of seasons in Connacht and Leinster as well.

That was precisely it. He was also approached by a T14 side whilst at Connacht but knocked them back. I think it was Montabaun. He was certainly wanted in Irish rugby, just happened to behind some great players in Leinster and then went through an injury nightmare at Connacht. Getting out of here has turned out to be the best thing he ever did. Now that he has improved and got his career back on track it would be the ideal time to return home.

its_phil

Fetu'u Vainikolo signs for Connacht
http://www.espnscrum.com/celticleague-2010-11/rugby/story/137784.html

Good signing and a good replacement for Carr

jolley123

its_phil wrote: »

Fetu'u Vainikolo signs for Connacht
http://www.espnscrum.com/celticleague-2010-11/rugby/story/137784.html

Good signing and a good replacement for Carr

Any idea where Carr is going?

profitius

jolley123 wrote: »

Any idea where Carr is going?

It wouldn't surprise me to see him in Munster now after Dowlings retirement.

TheRevolution

I hope he goes to Munster tbh.

TheRevolution

TheRevolution wrote: »

I hope he goes to Munster tbh.

agreed, think he'll get more gametime than at Leinster, and still have a great chance of impressing Irish coaches and getting involved in HEC and Internationals.

It'd be a more savvy place for the IRFU to have him too imo

Cpt_Blackbeard

The last thing Munster need is another good winger. Munster already have:

Howlett: Fantastic Player.
Earls: Another brilliant player. With a good coach, he could be world class.
Hurley: Extremely solid player ala Dowling but poses a bigger threat coming in off the blindside wing.
Johne Murphy: Was a top Premiership winger and isn't a centre or fullback.
Mafi: He doesn't really have the passing game for centre and there are those who think that wing would be his best position.
Zebo: A very promising player who could be very good if he keeps his ego under control.
Barry Murphy: He has played wing a lot for Munster, although he is a better 13.
Danny Barnes: He has gotten his only shots at professional rugby on the wing, but is also a better centre.

Munster have no lack of depth or quality on the wing, we need centres.

Jemo

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

The last thing Munster need is another good winger. Munster already have:

Howlett: Fantastic Player.
Earls: Another brilliant player. With a good coach, he could be world class.
Hurley: Extremely solid player ala Dowling but poses a bigger threat coming in off the blindside wing.
Johne Murphy: Was a top Premiership winger and isn't a centre or fullback.
Mafi: He doesn't really have the passing game for centre and there are those who think that wing would be his best position.
Zebo: A very promising player who could be very good if he keeps his ego under control.
Barry Murphy: He has played wing a lot for Munster, although he is a better 13.
Danny Barnes: He has gotten his only shots at professional rugby on the wing, but is also a better centre.

Munster have no lack of depth or quality on the wing, we need centres.

True, but Carr is better than all of those except Howlett and Earls (possibly Murphy). Earls often moves between positions too. Carr may be just the thing Munster need for a little backline penetration. Centre is the main area they should look at but Carr is Irish and could be effective.
Also, Earls is going to the RWC presumably and Murphy will likely be on standby

CIARAN_BOYLE

Jemo wrote: »

True, but Carr is better than all of those except Howlett and Earls (possibly Murphy). Earls often moves between positions too. Carr may be just the thing Munster need for a little backline penetration. Centre is the main area they should look at but Carr is Irish and could be effective.
Also, Earls is going to the RWC presumably and Murphy will likely be on standby

You also have to wonder how long Howlett will stay at Munster. Will he accept one year contracts for ever or will his decline really set in.

WeeBushy

And Earls will be gone for much of the season with Ireland so it would be a great move for all involved imo. Have him playing at the highest level and under the watchful eye of the IRFU. Everyone wins really.

Except for Connacht of course, but this lad looks pretty decent so hopefully will offset the loss of Carr.

PhatPiggins

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

You also have to wonder how long Howlett will stay at Munster. Will he accept one year contracts for ever or will his decline really set in.

Wouldn't have given him an extension at the end of last season but he's having probably his best season in a red jersey this year :rolleyes: go figure.

Another attempt at luring Luke McAllister to Munster would surely be worth a shot.

bamboozle

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

The last thing Munster need is another good winger. Munster already have:

Howlett: Fantastic Player.
Earls: Another brilliant player. With a good coach, he could be world class.
Hurley: Extremely solid player ala Dowling but poses a bigger threat coming in off the blindside wing.
Johne Murphy: Was a top Premiership winger and isn't a centre or fullback.
Mafi: He doesn't really have the passing game for centre and there are those who think that wing would be his best position.
Zebo: A very promising player who could be very good if he keeps his ego under control.
Barry Murphy: He has played wing a lot for Munster, although he is a better 13.
Danny Barnes: He has gotten his only shots at professional rugby on the wing, but is also a better centre.

Munster have no lack of depth or quality on the wing, we need centres.

Carr is streets ahead of all of these bar Howlett & Earls, however i wonder if he'd be suited to the Munster style of play, work horse wingers like dowling & Hurley seem to be favoured over 'traditional' wingers (ie guys with speed and an eye for the line)
i'd love to see Carr head to Munster if it meant he was going to get a run of games and see some ball, if so he'd certainly be in line for international recognition.

GerM

I think Carr wouldn't be a great signing for Munster at this point in time. Carr's strength is his nose for the try line. Give him good ball in space at pace and he'll do the business. He'll get on the shoulder of a breaking centre etc and finish. At Munster they play a game through the forwards. They've tried to put it through the backs in the past and have made little headway with the first London Irish game being the obvious example. With no centres able to provide ball to the wings there will always be a lack of tries for their wide men. Carr will score a few tries for Munster if he went there but nothing significantly more than others in my opinion. He'll get on the end of a few things in the same way that someone like Hurley does. He's not in Howlett's class when it comes to sizing up the defence and calling for a kick through or cross field kick. I can see him doing alright in the ML when he's against weaker opposition and Munster cut loose but at HEC level I doubt he'd be particularly effective. You'd also lose out on the physicality and power that someone like Hurley would bring to the side. If Carr moves, he'll want HEC rugby and I don't think he'll be getting that at Munster.

thomond2006

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3825_6856795,00.htmlç

Edinburgh fly-half David Blair is to take a step back from the professional game when he leaves the club at the end of the Magners League season.

Blair, who signed back in 2007, has made 60 appearances, contributing 154 points between league and Heineken Cup business.

The 25-year-old has represented his country at A team, U21, U19 and U18 level, and had a spell with Sale before moving back to Edinburgh.

He plans to now pursue a career in education, and looked back appreciatively on his eight years in the professional sphere.

"It's been a tremendous privilege to be part of this environment, and I've met some great people along the way," he told the Edinburgh website.

lologram

thomond2006 wrote: »

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3825_6856795,00.htmlç

Thomond, that link doesn't work. Think you added in a cedilla at the end by mistake.

eoferrall

thomond2006 wrote: »

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3825_6856795,00.htmlç

Edinburgh fly-half David Blair is to take a step back from the professional game when he leaves the club at the end of the Magners League season.

Blair, who signed back in 2007, has made 60 appearances, contributing 154 points between league and Heineken Cup business.

The 25-year-old has represented his country at A team, U21, U19 and U18 level, and had a spell with Sale before moving back to Edinburgh.

He plans to now pursue a career in education, and looked back appreciatively on his eight years in the professional sphere.

"It's been a tremendous privilege to be part of this environment, and I've met some great people along the way," he told the Edinburgh website.

Correct link

conf101

thomond2006 wrote: »

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3825_6856795,00.htmlç

Edinburgh fly-half David Blair is to take a step back from the professional game when he leaves the club at the end of the Magners League season.

Blair, who signed back in 2007, has made 60 appearances, contributing 154 points between league and Heineken Cup business.

The 25-year-old has represented his country at A team, U21, U19 and U18 level, and had a spell with Sale before moving back to Edinburgh.

He plans to now pursue a career in education, and looked back appreciatively on his eight years in the professional sphere.

"It's been a tremendous privilege to be part of this environment, and I've met some great people along the way," he told the Edinburgh website.

I was just reading this on the Magners League website. Seems an odd decision doesn't it? I guess for us regular punters who will never get the chance to play rugby professionally it seems unthinkable to turn your back on a rugby career but obviously we don't know his personal circumstances.

thomond2006

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/13033917.stm

Alun Wyn Jones re-signs for the Ospreys on a 3 year contract.

thomond2006

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_6865771,00.html

Wasps have bolstered their second row stocks with the signature for former All Blacks lock Ross Filipo from French club Bayonne.

The 31-year-old former Crusader has agreed a two-year deal from next season.

Filipo, who has five caps for the All Blacks, won three Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders before moving to France.

Filipo is the fifth player to be signed by the club in recent weeks following announcements that Jeremy Castex (Narbonne), Nicky Robinson (from Gloucester), Ryan Davis (from Exeter) and Chris Bell (from Sale) will also join London Wasps next season

thomond2006

http://www.sports.fr/cmc//scanner/rugby/201114/toulouse-burgess-et-mcalister-ca-avance-dit-bouscatel_343449.html?popup

Toulouse have signed Lionel Beauxis, Gary Botha and Guthro Steenkamp and are in "advanced negotiations" to sign Luke Burgess and Luke McAlister.

GerM

thomond2006 wrote: »

http://www.sports.fr/cmc//scanner/rugby/201114/toulouse-burgess-et-mcalister-ca-avance-dit-bouscatel_343449.html?popup

Toulouse have signed Lionel Beauxis, Gary Botha and Guthro Steenkamp and are in "advanced negotiations" to sign Luke Burgess and Luke McAlister.

They're becoming no better than the other clubs that have money men behind them with these supposed signings. The 9 foreign players they already have on their books are all pretty high quality player (admittedly I'm sure they're losing some of them) and these will all be on silly money also. In another 3 or 4 years, the make up of their first 15 will be no different from that of Racing or Toulon. Bouilhou, Jauzion, Poux, Heymans and Servat will all be gone and the likes of Poiternaud, Michalak, Clerc, Lamboley and Dusautoir will be close to retirement.

It's a far cry from the days like the epic final against Wasps when they had 13 Frenchmen starting with only Brennan and Maka being foreign. I suppose they have to act accordingly in the transfer market to keep up with their rivals.

Gracelessly Tom

Mike Phillips is on his way out of the Ospreys. Good signing for whomever gets him.

http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/phillips-to-leave-ospreys-501102.html

thomond2006

Gracelessly Tom wrote: »

Mike Phillips is on his way out of the Ospreys. Good signing for whomever gets him.

http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/phillips-to-leave-ospreys-501102.html

Rumoured that Toulouse are looking at him, nothing has been agreed with Burgess yet.

jolley123

Gracelessly Tom wrote: »

Mike Phillips is on his way out of the Ospreys. Good signing for whomever gets him.

http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/phillips-to-leave-ospreys-501102.html

"I have a contract with the Ospreys that has three more years after this one and that is that really," Phillips told the Western Mail.

"I am happy to be there. Talk of me leaving is nonsense.


Nonsense: Subject matter, behavior, or language that is foolish or absurd.


Nonsense: Subject matter, behavior, or language that is totally correct.

David900

Possibly the two Armitages to Toulon:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-1376606/Steffon-Armitage-targets-French-club-Toulon.html

And although this isn't a player, but Johnson a possible candidate for the Lions job?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/britishandirishlionsrugby/8451787/Martin-Johnson-in-the-spotlight-as-British-and-Irish-Lions-budget-for-long-term-coach.html

wixfjord

Jamie Smith to Dragons :eek:
Weird one, I thought he could have been good, and to go to Dragons is a huge step down.
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/rugbynation/rugby-news/2011/04/14/dragons-sign-young-ulster-star-jamie-smith-91466-28521304/

Kiwi_knock

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12334_6870352,00.html

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/rebels-sign-kurtley-beale-from-nsw-20110413-1ddv3.html

Kurtley Beale has signed for the Melbourne Rebels for the next Super Rugby campaign. It has to be one of the biggest surprises this year, really thought he would play a major part in the star studded back line of the Tahs next year. Will be a fantastic signing for the Rebels who are starting to look very promising. Always rumours that the Rebels are looking at James O'Connor as well, would be another top signing. I do think that with Beale and possibly O'Connor signing it will lead to Cipriani heading back to the NH most likely to France.

Great piece of business by the Rebels to get Beale.

conf101

David900 wrote: »

Possibly the two Armitages to Toulon:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-1376606/Steffon-Armitage-targets-French-club-Toulon.html

And although this isn't a player, but Johnson a possible candidate for the Lions job?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/britishandirishlionsrugby/8451787/Martin-Johnson-in-the-spotlight-as-British-and-Irish-Lions-budget-for-long-term-coach.html

Jesus, how big is their squad going to be next year? It's getting ridiculous at this stage. I know this sounds horrible but I hope they have a terrible season next year, rugby shouldn't be about building a star-studded team completely from scratch and then going on to win major trophies.

I know Steffon Armitage isn't exactly 'star-studded' but you get what I mean.

Toulon will be able to have 3 XVs next year at this rate...

porterbelly

Deleted User wrote: »

Toulon will be able to have 3 XVs next year at this rate...

Salary Cap my arse

thomond2006

The Armitages are prime examples of the Sky Sports Premiership hype machine. I don't rate either of them. With their money Toulon could do so much better.

Jemo

thomond2006 wrote: »

The Armitages are prime examples of the Sky Sports Premiership hype machine. I don't rate either of them. With their money Toulon could do so much better.

I thought Steffan was good under the old interpretations, really got over the ball at ruck time and was pretty powerful in the loose. I haven't seen much of him since but I suppose that tells its own story.

bamboozle

thomond2006 wrote: »

The Armitages are prime examples of the Sky Sports Premiership hype machine. I don't rate either of them. With their money Toulon could do so much better.

throw is Tom Croft & Courtney Lawes good players elevated to world class status by sky sports (also Hape & Banahan who are sh1t but sky big up all the time), got great enjoyment out of Ulster match seeing Dan Touhy absolutely nailing Lawes not to mention seeing the pummeling Croft took at the hands of the Leinster back row.

The squad Toulon are assembling is going to be comical next season, trying to keep all the players & squad morale happy will be the main issue.

Gracelessly Tom

Benson Stanley off to Connacht! Great signing for them, good work from Elwood and the rest.

http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/connacht-poised-to-sign-all-black-501363.html

JustinDee

Gracelessly Tom wrote: »

Benson Stanley off to Connacht! Great signing for them, good work from Elwood and the rest.

http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/connacht-poised-to-sign-all-black-501363.html

Hold on. There is nothing signed.

wixfjord

Gracelessly Tom wrote: »

Benson Stanley off to Connacht! Great signing for them, good work from Elwood and the rest.

http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/connacht-poised-to-sign-all-black-501363.html

That would be an epic signing. He would tear up the ML.

wixfjord

Gracelessly Tom wrote: »

Benson Stanley off to Connacht! Great signing for them, good work from Elwood and the rest.

http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/connacht-poised-to-sign-all-black-501363.html

That would be an epic signing. He would tear up the ML.