What does you club need?/Who do you want your club to sign for next season?

[Scrumhead]

It'll be interesting to see how Sam Simmonds develops. He looks a great athlete, quick and powerful. Reminds me of a much younger version of Guy Thompson.

Agreed. Simmonds looks very promising and I think the Thompson comparison is pretty accurate.

The only downside with Simmonds is his relative lack of size for a back row forward. He's only 6 foot and under 100kg IIRC.

I'd like to see him developed in the Tipuric/Hooper mould but I'm not sure whether that's how Baxter sees it.

[Timbo]

I think he's put on a fair bit of timber this season. Can't believe he's under 100kg any more.

Edit: he's listed at 16 stone on the Cornish Pirates website where he has been dual registered. Looks about right I'd say.

[TheNomad]

It'll be interesting to see how Sam Simmonds develops. He looks a great athlete, quick and powerful. Reminds me of a much younger version of Guy Thompson.

I'd like to see him developed in the Tipuric/Hooper mould but I'm not sure whether that's how Baxter sees it.

Yup - genuinely quick for a flanker and his ability to get the field, as well as present a a rapid, carrying option from the back row, would be fantastic.

But given Kvesic is going to Exeter, I think it's very unlikely that he'd get much time there and like you say, I don't think Baxter sees it like that

[Puja]

In terms of a full-back, I wouldn't mind Leicester having a look at Chris Elder from Leeds. He's looked very impressive in the playoffs and, while he's got some room to improve, he could turn into a very handy Premiership 15.

Puja

[Tigersman]

In terms of a full-back, I wouldn't mind Leicester having a look at Chris Elder from Leeds. He's looked very impressive in the playoffs and, while he's got some room to improve, he could turn into a very handy Premiership 15.

Puja

Although we have Kriel and Worth as project 15's already I think next season.

[Scrumhead]

Resurrecting this thread given the rumours/transfer chat at the minute ...

I’ll be really interested to see what Gustard does. He’s spoken a few times about reducing the size of the squad but increasing the quality, so I expect a lot of fringe players to be moved on and a couple of bigger name signings to be made.

IMO we need:

A first choice hooker. Crumpton has been a decent signing and is a fairly solid option, Elia has potential (but wild darts) and Ward is fading but can still do a job. None of them, however, are currently of the standard required to be an automatic first choice.

We need a hooker with a strong set-piece game, particularly reliable throwing and I don’t really mind if that comes at the expense of being notably good in the loose. Jack Singleton would have been top choice, but if the rumour that he has signed for Sarries is true, Tommy Taylor would be my preferred target, but I’d also be happy with giving Tom Cruse a starting berth (not to pick on Wasps ...). No-one else in the Premiership really springs to mind?

Along with hooker a top class lock (or two) would be my joint top-priority. On paper, Horwill and Symons are a good combination, but I don’t think they’ve started together yet and I have a sneaky feeling Horwill might be set to retire. My first choice would be RG Snyman - he’s young, nasty and has a surprisingly good, all-round game and Lood de Jäger has been tipped for a move North for a long while now. I’d be happy with either of those. Closer to home, I’d be happy to look at Callum Green or Will Witty.

Our third priority and not far behind the first two is a fly half. Smith obviously has lots of potential but his game isn’t yet mature enough to be first choice and while Lang is a good player, he’s not good enough to be our main man either. Ideally we’d take someone experienced enough to be a credible first choice but who’d also help be to develop Smith and Lang without blocking them. Aaron Cruden would be my first choice, but that’s an absolute pipe dream. It’s a shame Paddy Jackson has way too much baggage. With Perpignan likely to go down to D2, he’d be ideal ...

[Stom]

Resurrecting this thread given the rumours/transfer chat at the minute ...

I’ll be really interested to see what Gustard does. He’s spoken a few times about reducing the size of the squad but increasing the quality, so I expect a lot of fringe players to be moved on and a couple of bigger name signings to be made.

IMO we need:

A first choice hooker. Crumpton has been a decent signing and is a fairly solid option, Elia has potential (but wild darts) and Ward is fading but can still do a job. None of them, however, are currently of the standard required to be an automatic first choice.

We need a hooker with a strong set-piece game, particularly reliable throwing and I don’t really mind if that comes at the expense of being notably good in the loose. Jack Singleton would have been top choice, but if the rumour that he has signed for Sarries is true, Tommy Taylor would be my preferred target, but I’d also be happy with giving Tom Cruse a starting berth (not to pick on Wasps ...). No-one else in the Premiership really springs to mind?

Along with hooker a top class lock (or two) would be my joint top-priority. On paper, Horwill and Symons are a good combination, but I don’t think they’ve started together yet and I have a sneaky feeling Horwill might be set to retire. My first choice would be RG Snyman - he’s young, nasty and has a surprisingly good, all-round game and Lood de Jäger has been tipped for a move North for a long while now. I’d be happy with either of those. Closer to home, I’d be happy to look at Callum Green or Will Witty.

Our third priority and not far behind the first two is a fly half. Smith obviously has lots of potential but his game isn’t yet mature enough to be first choice and while Lang is a good player, he’s not good enough to be our main man either. Ideally we’d take someone experienced enough to be a credible first choice but who’d also help be to develop Smith and Lang without blocking them. Aaron Cruden would be my first choice, but that’s an absolute pipe dream. It’s a shame Paddy Jackson has way too much baggage. With Perpignan likely to go down to D2, he’d be ideal ...

I don't know what's happening with Rob Buchanan...but if he manages to return to fitness, he's a solid hooker. I'd get rid of Ward pronto, I don't think he's good enough. Elia I think is, and just needs to develop.

I agree lock is a desperate area for improvement. We could do with 2 players there, depending on Horwill.

You forgot the Cat. Who is, erm, well...not very good.

If we clear some of the deadwood (Luamanu, Alofa, Glynn, McNulty, Visser, Lewis), then we make space for a lock, while we'd need a wing. If Boyce and Walker go, we definitely need a wing and a LHP.

Marler, Auterac, Lambert
Crumpton, Buchanan, Elia
Sinckler, Collier, Swainston, Ibuanokpe
Symonds, South, NEW PLAYER
Horwill, Merrick, NEW PLAYER
Robshaw, Dombrandt, Bothma
Wallace, Clifford, White
Chisholm, Kunatani
Care, Mulchrone, Waters
Smith, Lang, Cat
Tapuai, Lasike, Saili
Marchant, Cheeseman
Earle, Ibitoye, Murley, Chisholm, NEW PLAYER
Brown, Morris

[Scrumhead]

Unfortunately Buchanan is one of those long-term absentees where it looks more likely that he’ll be forced to retire than return. Our apparent interest in Cowan-Dickie might just have been agent talk or it could be that Guatard’s looking out for a first-choice hooker.

I agree with your assessment on the rest of the squad on the whole. However, I think we should definitely include the Cat and Archie White in the dead wood. Both are not up to standard.

I expect Gustard to weild the axe quite brutally.

[Stom]

Unfortunately Buchanan is one of those long-term absentees where it looks more likely that he’ll be forced to retire than return. Our apparent interest in Cowan-Dickie might just have been agent talk or it could be that Guatard’s looking out for a first-choice hooker.

I agree with your assessment on the rest of the squad on the whole. However, I think we should definitely include the Cat and Archie White in the dead wood. Both are not up to standard.

I expect Gustard to weild the axe quite brutally.

Cat will have one more year left, though?

And White is an academy grad who's still young. He still has time to improve and I'd give him next season to show it.

I forgot Lamb. Could get by with just 1 extra lock...Should be a really top lock, though. Someone to seriously improve the team.

If we can get rid of Luamanu, Alofa, Glynn, McNulty, Visser, Lewis and we lose Boyce and Walker, and only bring in an extra LHP, lock and winger, we're going to have money to spend.

[Gloskarlos]

I'd rather Glos didn't sign any new players now and we consolidate the squad we have. Think we have enough cover everywhere as long as everyone stays fit. I don't think we are carrying much dead wood either, nobody springs to mind as an easy cash saving off load.

[Scrumhead]

Unfortunately Buchanan is one of those long-term absentees where it looks more likely that he’ll be forced to retire than return. Our apparent interest in Cowan-Dickie might just have been agent talk or it could be that Guatard’s looking out for a first-choice hooker.

I agree with your assessment on the rest of the squad on the whole. However, I think we should definitely include the Cat and Archie White in the dead wood. Both are not up to standard.

I expect Gustard to weild the axe quite brutally.

Cat will have one more year left, though?

And White is an academy grad who's still young. He still has time to improve and I'd give him next season to show it.

I forgot Lamb. Could get by with just 1 extra lock...Should be a really top lock, though. Someone to seriously improve the team.

If we can get rid of Luamanu, Alofa, Glynn, McNulty, Visser, Lewis and we lose Boyce and Walker, and only bring in an extra LHP, lock and winger, we're going to have money to spend.

Not sure? I thought the Cat was on a 2yr deal which would be finishing this season.

I’m OK with keeping Glynn and McNulty. Neither is going to trouble our 23 but both are good enough to be useful.

White just isn’t good enough IMO. Whenever I’ve had the chance to watch him play, I’ve always watched him fairly intently to try to understand what he’s good at and I still don’t know. He also strikes me as lazy which is a real no-no for a flanker. Championship player at best. Kenningham looks like a far better prospect.

Re. Gloucester, I agree with Gloskarlos. Their squad is among the most balanced in the league and there’s no surgery required. They have some good prospects in their academy too who could help to round out the squad.

[Tigersman]

I’m sure there are more Lions plays Ackers can sign though!

[Gloskarlos]

I’m sure there are more Lions plays Ackers can sign though!

let it go

[Gloskarlos]

I would however love Faf at castle grim.....

[Mellsblue]

Faf- Cips - Atkinson axis. Woof!

[Tigersman]

I’m sure there are more Lions plays Ackers can sign though!

let it go

Just having a giggle.

Takes the mind of Tigers.

[Tigersman]

Tigers POV we need
A New CEO
A New DOR
A New Defence coach

Then I would chop.
McMillon, Gigena, Hills, Fitzgerald, Kitchener, Williams, O'Connor, F.Tuilagi, Mapapalangi, J.Ford, Owen, Smith, Tait, C.Thacker, Thompstone,

Give senior contracts to
Heyes, Grahamslaw, Lewis, Reffell, White, Simmons, Hardwick, Aspland-Robinson, Olowofela

Which would leave a current squad of:
1. Genge, Bateman, Faeo, Grahamslaw,
2. Polota-Nau, Youngs, Kerr, Stevens
3. Cole, Heyes, Cortes,
4. Spencer, Lewis
5. Wells, Voss
6. Kalamafoni, Denton, Reffell,
7. Evans,
8. Thompson,
9. Youngs, Harrison, White, Simmons
10. Ford, Hardwick
11. May, Olowfela
12. Eastmond, Worth
13. Tuilagi
14. Holmes, Aslpand-Robinson,
15. Veainu,

With that in mind I would have
2 x props. (Ideally Hill and Leatigaga)
2 x Locks (Ideally Synman and This Sam Carter guy)
1 x Openside (Ideally Kwagga Smith)
1 x Number 8 (Ideally anyone...... Has Mafi been sentanced?......)
1 x 10/12 (Ideally Mills or Devoto although Devoto might not like the whole Ford, Eastmond thing again lol.)
1 x 13 (Ideally de allande, Laumape or Kriel)
1 x 11/14/15 (Ideally Cordero)

Then try and pinch some more younger player for some depth.

With a development squad of
1. Lines, Maxwell,
2. Mahoney
3. Whitecombe
4. Jordan,
5. Martin,
6. Lavin,
7. Gough,
8. Smith,
9. Law
10. Costelow
11. Phoenix
12. Du Rant
13. Dunn (Hopefully visa sorted)
14. Browning,
15. Steward

Good U18 lot coming up for Tigers in the likes of Whitecombe, Martin, Steward, Phoenix. Some really good back rowers coming up in the year below that as well as a couple of props who are the sons of former Internationals in Jack Rowntree and Rob Hardwick so interesting to see how they go.

[Mellsblue]

Just a bit of tinkering then!

[Tigersman]

Just a bit of tinkering then!

For me the time for minor changes was 4 years ago but tigers have signed too much mediocre players now for that too happen.

[Gloskarlos]

VRR out for 3 - 4 months.

He is a cracking player, but so far injured more often than not for Glaws.

So I will revise my wish list please for another Loose Head, just in case 3 - 4 months is more recurrent than we would all like.

[fivepointer]

Its Gloucester! He seldom missed any games with Worcester. Sometimes its just down to luck.....

[Peej]

A bit of luck is exactly what Wasps need right now

[Which Tyler]

My last post was 2 seasons ago; so I'm not going to bother dissecting where I cocked up.

Up front, we've a few overpriced players who came in to sore up an injury crisis and had us over a barrel in negotiations; and the odd player who simply hasn't lived up to the promise.
At LHP; with Catt, Obano and Van Rooyen - we're okay, but nothing spectacular; there's room for someone to come in and target 1st choice starter with some development - but Paz has proven to be an expensive waste of salary.
At THP; Thomas and Lahiff are fine; whilst Delmas is simply a warm body to put in the shirt rather than forfeit (shoulda kept KPN for that role); whilst Perenise is effective but aging.
At hooker - Van Vuuren is that warm body as 4th choice; and in that role, he's fine... I guess
Rumours suggest Boyce and Stuart may be coming in; both will have a very good shot at being 2nd choice within a season; and both could well move on to become starters as they progress; with that Cornish Pirates lad as well; that seems a fair redistribution of salary and role assuming Paz, Perenise and Delmas depart; should be saving a few quid at the same time.

At lock, Ewels and Stooke look good going forwards, whilst Charteris looks to have gone a year too far; Douglas and Garvey are fine as injury-cover; but if Attwood is going, we really need someone to fill that void those braces. The rumoured Mike Williams would be closer to the second pair than the former. Ideally we'd also want someone to take over the Attwood role as starter for E&S to keep learning from; but I wouldn't be expecting to need them more than a year or two, so wouldn't be unhappy if that didn't happen - would also save some cash again by not replacing Attwood and Charteris salaries directly (depending on upgrades for E&S). We have some more promising locks coming through the academy in a few years time.

Backrow is arguably the best in the Prem, and I want to keep them all - the only question is how much Louw is worth if he does / does not retire from international rugby (I'd be eyeing him up for a coaching role too, seems the sort to be well-suited to it - but please; at the academy level!). We'll probably lose someone who wants more game-time. The likes of Ellis, Bayliss, Grant are too good to be needing injuries / internationals to give them any gametime.


We need new halfbacks; desperately. We need a marquee level SH, and a reliable FH; with Kahn, Cook and Allinson all leaving, along with Priestland and (I think) Davies; we'll have some cash to splash here. Chudley and Green should be there to stay; but I want them fighting for the bench spot.

JJ looks like he's off at the end of the season, and it's just a question of where to; however, Roberts and Willison have been good for us; whilst Clarke and Wright have looked at home when they've had the chance... as has Vuna when he's stood in at centre... I'm not sure we actually need to replace JJ - certainly not with an equivalent salary (spend it on the halfbacks!).

In the back 3; Jack Wilson looks as superfluous as ever; whilst everyone else has really stood up and counted this year; Vuna looks reborn, McConnochie already looks really good; albeit with a few work-ons, and Coka is eyeing up a RWC slot. Problems this far back have been caused by the half backs, not the talent out there.



TL:DR:
Rumour mill has the props sorted already.
We really need to shell out money on the halfbacks; a marquee SH a starting FH, and a backup FH (still seems too early for DeGlanville yet).
I'd like us to keep/replace Attwood; but it shouldn't need to be a long-term signing.
We probably want a centre, but doesn't have to be like-for-like with JJ.
It'd be nice to have a better 4th choice hooker than Van Vuuren; but not too many around happy to be that far down the pecking order.

[Peej]

In terms of a full-back, I wouldn't mind Leicester having a look at Chris Elder from Leeds. He's looked very impressive in the playoffs and, while he's got some room to improve, he could turn into a very handy Premiership 15.

Puja

Just to say that Elder is ex-Wasps academy too, and it's funny that he moved in to the position another ex-Wasps academy, Jonah Holmes, left to go to Leicester

[jimKRFC]

From a Bristol perspective:
1st objective: re-sign Luatua, Madigan, Morahan and Leuia
2nd; A naiiled on starting 9 to bring Uren and Randell on (stirzaker proving not to be the man) - Faf would be great.
3rd; Replacements for Afoa and Muldowny (both getting on a bit)
4th; Extra year & coach slot for George (He wants to play into 2020)
5th; Inside centre, Pisi's contracts up, and need a bit more of play maker than Hurrell

That's provided we stay up of course.....