Brits abroad

[Mellsblue]

Hayden Thompson-Stringer, formerly of Saracens, Bedford (where he converted to front row), Brive and more recently, La Rochelle, has signed for Pau.

Other recent recruits for Pau include Jo Simmonds and legendary NZ 2nd row Sam Whitelock.

FTFY

Oh merde! How could I have omitted the Goldington Road finishing school?

Exactement

[francoisfou]

Alistair Crossdale has signed a two-year extension to his contract with Perpignan and Brad Shields is going home to the Hurricanes.

[francoisfou]

According to Le Figaro (https://www.lefigaro.fr/sports/rugby/to ... t-20230630) and the Beeb (https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/66001980), Ian Vass, who's been Northampton's attack coach for three seasons, is to join Clermont for the next two seasons as the "kicking skills coach", replacing former All Black Benson Stanley.

[FKAS]

Saints defence coach. If he's had anything to do with Saints tactical kicking than Clermont may be in trouble. He's certainly not covered himself in glory on the defence side of things.

[francoisfou]

Saints defence coach. If he's had anything to do with Saints tactical kicking than Clermont may be in trouble. He's certainly not covered himself in glory on the defence side of things.

Yes, defence, thank you for the correction. Clermont were in plenty of trouble last season , and for once, even failed to qualify for the Chamions’ Cup. We will see what sort of impact he has.

[francoisfou]

Marland Yarde's time at Bayonne has come to an end as his contract hasn't been renewed.
No news yet of another club, but maybe an ambitious ProD2 club will sign him?

[francoisfou]

Former Wasps, Bristol and Worcester fly half, Billy Searle, will join Toulouse as a World Cup joker during September and October.

[Peej]

That is punching

[FKAS]

Former Wasps, Bristol and Worcester fly half, Billy Searle, will join Toulouse as a World Cup joker during September and October.

During the world cup period they are probably scratching round for players.

[francoisfou]

Former Wasps, Bristol and Worcester fly half, Billy Searle, will join Toulouse as a World Cup joker during September and October.

During the world cup period they are probably scratching round for players.

Indeed they are! The usual suspects for France, Mallia and Chocabares with Argentina, Richie Arnold with Australia, Ange Capuozzo, returning from injury, will probably be included in the Italy squad.

[francoisfou]

Biarritz have signed Charlie Matthews.

[francoisfou]

Biarritz have signed Charlie Matthews. - Twice!

[Mellsblue]

Anyone know if Charlie Mathews has signed for Biariritz etc etc?

[francoisfou]

Anyone know if Charlie Mathews has signed for Biariritz etc etc?

Don’t believe all that you read on RR.

[Mellsblue]

Anyone know if Charlie Mathews has signed for Biariritz etc etc?

Don’t believe all that you read on RR.

I’ve been here long enough to know not to believe anything I read on here - including my own posts…

[Peej]

Odogwu starts for Italy this weekend

[francoisfou]

Odogwu starts for Italy this weekend

And Dino Lamb.

[FKAS]

Varney as well. David Sisi played last weekend.

[Puja]

Odogwu, Varney, Sisi, and Lamb all make Italy's RWC squad.

Puja

[francoisfou]

British fly halves were prominent in last weekend's Top14 fixtures:

Billy Searle was fly half for Toulouse in their win at Oyonnax on Saturday and scored 15 points with his boot.
Jo Simmonds is playing well at 10 for Pau and scored 20 points in his team's thrashing of Lyon.
Zack Henry was at 10 for Stade Français who are unbeaten after three rounds and are clear leaders in the table.

Paddy Jackson (is he a true Brit?) was less than prominent at 10 for Lyon at Pau.

[Puja]

Paddy Jackson (is he a true Brit?) was less than prominent at 10 for Lyon at Pau.

I think we'll be all right without claiming him and his legal history that I am specifically not going to comment on to avoid getting Hammy into trouble.

Puja

[francoisfou]

Midi Olympique are reporting that Top14 clubs are interested in signing some England players - Stuart, Ludlam, Daly and Sinkler's names were mentioned.
After yesterday's game, maybe they're having second thoughts?

[FKAS]

Midi Olympique are reporting that Top14 clubs are interested in signing some England players - Stuart, Ludlam, Daly and Sinkler's names were mentioned.
After yesterday's game, maybe they're having second thoughts?

I don't think they watch England games. Jack Nowell got a contract at La Rochelle for instance.

[francoisfou]

Although Jimmy Gooperth isn’t a true Brit, he’s well-known and well-respected in the Premiership, and he’s playing fly half for Provence Rugby in round 6 of ProD2 this evening, and if his side wins, they’ll be top of the table. Ex Saint Teimana Harrison will wear 8 for Provence this evening.

[Puja]

Although Jimmy Gooperth isn’t a true Brit, he’s well-known and well-respected in the Premiership, and he’s playing fly half for Provence Rugby in round 6 of ProD2 this evening, and if his side wins, they’ll be top of the table. Ex Saint Teimana Harrison will wear 8 for Provence this evening.

I hadn't realised that Gopperth had picked up another contract. Fair play to him for keeping going - he'll be the first 50 year old pro rugby player at this rate.

Puja