Transfer news, rumours, suggestions, frenzied speculation, and outright lies - Season 2023-24

[Which Tyler]

Allegedly, Tuipoluto is attracting interest from both Bath and Quins.

Realistically, Tuipoluto is looking to increase his offer from Glasgow.
Plausibly, Quins are looking to buy in a replacement for André, and looking at Lawrence and Tuipoluto (and others, including trusting Anyanwu).
Given the source, Bath have a hooker called Tuipoluto, and that's enough reason to assume they're interested in a centre called Tuipoluto.

TBH, I don't see Lawrence leaving Bath by choice at this moment in time - he's well paid, he's happy, he's playing with friends, he's an England starter (even if in his 2nd choice position). The only reason I can see that he might, is if there's a large disconnect between his market rate, and his value to Bath.
Even if he does go, I can't see us shopping around, it's already got to be thought to keep him, Redpath and Ojomoh all happy, let alone Butt having a fabulous start to the season, and Hennessey demanding more game time.
ETA: Of course, that strength of depth could create a disconnect in value and value-to-bath; though I still doubt it.

ETA2: Any idea if/how the various Tuipoluto.s out there are related? England's hooker, Wale's prop, Scotland's brace of centres. For all I know, they're all Sateki's kids, but could all be unrelated, and just a fluke that they share a surname.

[Mikey Brown]

Sione has 2 brothers, one at Edinburgh and one still in Aus I think. Not aware of them being any relation (possibly informal cousins?) to the various other rugby playing Tuipulotus.

Pretty much any team would be lucky to have Sione at 12. He's absolutely world class. Aussie skills, Tongan power, Scottish granny. The ultimate triple threat.

With Redpath, Ojomoh and Butt it would seem like an odd priority for Bath, but he's undoubtedly top quality (I say this having been very sceptical when he first arrived at Glasgow) and obviously works very well alongside Russell.

[francoisfou]

Contrary to an earlier rumour, Sam Simmonds has agreed to sign for Lyon next season.

[Puja]

Seb Blake rumoured to be interesting Bath as all their hookers are off-contract at the end of the season. Wouldn't surprise me, as Glaws appear to be preferring Singleton and still have McGuigan to come back, so they may not break the bank to keep him. Wouldn't mind Leicester having a look to replace Montoya tbh, given how thoroughly Blake changed my mind on him last season.

Puja

[FKAS]

Seb Blake rumoured to be interesting Bath as all their hookers are off-contract at the end of the season. Wouldn't surprise me, as Glaws appear to be preferring Singleton and still have McGuigan to come back, so they may not break the bank to keep him. Wouldn't mind Leicester having a look to replace Montoya tbh, given how thoroughly Blake changed my mind on him last season.

Puja

I was thinking that but that would give Tigers three young hookers and then Clare. A more varied age profile might work better for us. I do rate Seb Blake though so would be happy with that move. Joseph Dweba would be my preferred move though as he's out of contract in the summer and is at his peak. Be a nice bridge to FTT and Vanes really kicking on and Clare heading towards retirement.

[Timbo]

Dweba is a bit rubbish though.

[Timbo]

Anyanwu close to sealing a deal to go to France apparently.

[Mikey Brown]

WTF. That's a weird one.

[Puja]

Anyanwu close to sealing a deal to go to France apparently.

Yeesh. Didn't see that coming. Not a disaster for English rugby, but it's disappointing that it's happening in terms of our depth and gives the lie to the "If there were no limits on England selection, why do you even think French clubs would sign most of the EPS?" If they'll take Anyanwu, they'd definitely take Lawrence.

Puja

[Mikey Brown]

Anyanwu close to sealing a deal to go to France apparently.

Where are you seeing this?

[FKAS]

Sheesh talk about just taking the easy money at the first opportunity. Be a real shame for a player who's breaking through to throw in the possible international towel this early.

No wonder there's rumours of Quins looking at recruiting Kata. They must be scrambling for a replacement having thought they'd got a long term answer.

[Banquo]

Sheesh talk about just taking the easy money at the first opportunity. Be a real shame for a player who's breaking through to throw in the possible international towel this early.

No wonder there's rumours of Quins looking at recruiting Kata. They must be scrambling for a replacement having thought they'd got a long term answer.

He could be retired out the game next week, if you are a young pro, why wouldn't you take money (esp given the perilous state of English club rugby finances)-- he's also 23, and has had to battle up through Champ rugby (maybe if he gets a call from sloth ballache, it might help) and just got dropped . Its not 'easy' money though.

[Puja]

Sheesh talk about just taking the easy money at the first opportunity. Be a real shame for a player who's breaking through to throw in the possible international towel this early.

No wonder there's rumours of Quins looking at recruiting Kata. They must be scrambling for a replacement having thought they'd got a long term answer.

He could be retired out the game next week, if you are a young pro, why wouldn't you take money (esp given the perilous state of English club rugby finances). Its not 'easy' money though.

Agreed - it's not like he's very close to international selection and England money (although if he keeps going the way he is, I'm not sure he's too far away) and if there's a guaranteed wedge and a fun life experience, it's hard to blame him.

Puja

[FKAS]

Sheesh talk about just taking the easy money at the first opportunity. Be a real shame for a player who's breaking through to throw in the possible international towel this early.

No wonder there's rumours of Quins looking at recruiting Kata. They must be scrambling for a replacement having thought they'd got a long term answer.

He could be retired out the game next week, if you are a young pro, why wouldn't you take money (esp given the perilous state of English club rugby finances)-- he's also 23, and has had to battle up through Champ rugby (maybe if he gets a call from sloth ballache, it might help) and just got dropped . Its not 'easy' money though.

You could get hit by a bus tomorrow, you aren't going to make all your decisions today based on that worst case scenario outcome for tomorrow.

I have no problem with someone maximising their income I think it's just a bit sad he's not more ambitious. He's not in the current England reckoning but he's probably not far away. The incumbents in the squad aren't really guaranteed to retain those places. Northmore and Lozowski don't appear likely long term selections, Slade is there to add leadership in the short term. He keeps Northmore out the side for Quins and then his name will be in the frame. It's his first year really starting regularly he's not likely to go straight into the international squad at this point.

[Mikey Brown]

Sheesh talk about just taking the easy money at the first opportunity. Be a real shame for a player who's breaking through to throw in the possible international towel this early.

No wonder there's rumours of Quins looking at recruiting Kata. They must be scrambling for a replacement having thought they'd got a long term answer.

He could be retired out the game next week, if you are a young pro, why wouldn't you take money (esp given the perilous state of English club rugby finances)-- he's also 23, and has had to battle up through Champ rugby (maybe if he gets a call from sloth ballache, it might help) and just got dropped . Its not 'easy' money though.

You could get hit by a bus tomorrow, you aren't going to make all your decisions today based on that worst case scenario outcome for tomorrow.

I have no problem with someone maximising their income I think it's just a bit sad he's not more ambitious. He's not in the current England reckoning but he's probably not far away. The incumbents in the squad aren't really guaranteed to retain those places. Northmore and Lozowski don't appear likely long term selections, Slade is there to add leadership in the short term. He keeps Northmore out the side for Quins and then his name will be in the frame. It's his first year really starting regularly he's not likely to go straight into the international squad at this point.

Yep. Pretty much my feeling.

Of course the money would be nice, and it will be a great life experience for him, but it's a shame.

Maybe Borthwick has finally vocalised his stance that if you wear 12 for club you're not going to play for England.

[Timbo]

Anyanwu close to sealing a deal to go to France apparently.

Where are you seeing this?

A couple of French rugby publications. Actually being reported as a done deal, but probably wait for something more mainstream to confirm.

You can see both sides of it, but without knowing the figures involved and his personal situation it’s hard to comment. Quins have been strongly linked with centre signings, so maybe he thinks he’s not particularly valued? Even if he’s going to be paid well it’s undoubtedly a risk without much of a body of work behind him. Big French clubs won’t think twice about ditching him or sitting him in the stands if he has a poor start or gets injured early, especially being non-JIFF. Then his next contract might involve a significant cut- see Ibitoye for example who went to France young.

Don’t be surprised if several other promising young English players follow him across to the Top 14 for next season.

[Banquo]

Sheesh talk about just taking the easy money at the first opportunity. Be a real shame for a player who's breaking through to throw in the possible international towel this early.

No wonder there's rumours of Quins looking at recruiting Kata. They must be scrambling for a replacement having thought they'd got a long term answer.

He could be retired out the game next week, if you are a young pro, why wouldn't you take money (esp given the perilous state of English club rugby finances)-- he's also 23, and has had to battle up through Champ rugby (maybe if he gets a call from sloth ballache, it might help) and just got dropped . Its not 'easy' money though.

You could get hit by a bus tomorrow, you aren't going to make all your decisions today based on that worst case scenario outcome for tomorrow.

probably the worst non analogy I have seen.

[Banquo]

He could be retired out the game next week, if you are a young pro, why wouldn't you take money (esp given the perilous state of English club rugby finances)-- he's also 23, and has had to battle up through Champ rugby (maybe if he gets a call from sloth ballache, it might help) and just got dropped . Its not 'easy' money though.

You could get hit by a bus tomorrow, you aren't going to make all your decisions today based on that worst case scenario outcome for tomorrow.

I have no problem with someone maximising their income I think it's just a bit sad he's not more ambitious. He's not in the current England reckoning but he's probably not far away. The incumbents in the squad aren't really guaranteed to retain those places. Northmore and Lozowski don't appear likely long term selections, Slade is there to add leadership in the short term. He keeps Northmore out the side for Quins and then his name will be in the frame. It's his first year really starting regularly he's not likely to go straight into the international squad at this point.

Of course the money would be nice,

Its his job. Nice??

[Banquo]

Anyanwu close to sealing a deal to go to France apparently.

Where are you seeing this?

Don’t be surprised if several other promising young English players follow him across to the Top 14 for next season.

of course. Our clubs are a mess....if squad numbers are capped (tho I hear the RFU might bottle it) then clubs are going to have to make choices tween established and young, and within young player group. Quins have a big squad for example.

[Mikey Brown]

You could get hit by a bus tomorrow, you aren't going to make all your decisions today based on that worst case scenario outcome for tomorrow.

I have no problem with someone maximising their income I think it's just a bit sad he's not more ambitious. He's not in the current England reckoning but he's probably not far away. The incumbents in the squad aren't really guaranteed to retain those places. Northmore and Lozowski don't appear likely long term selections, Slade is there to add leadership in the short term. He keeps Northmore out the side for Quins and then his name will be in the frame. It's his first year really starting regularly he's not likely to go straight into the international squad at this point.

Of course the money would be nice,

Its his job. Nice??

Yes???

What are you even asking me?

[fivepointer]

Thats disappointing. Just starting to make genuine headway. Is he realistically an England player? He could be I guess but it seems he's not interested in finding out.

[Banquo]

Of course the money would be nice,

Its his job. Nice??

Yes???

What are you even asking me?

That saying the money is nice implies its an optional hobby. He's not doing it (if he is) because the money is a nice to have, but because he has a finite career, I'd think. sorry to upset ye

[FKAS]

Its his job. Nice??

Yes???

What are you even asking me?

That saying the money is nice implies its an optional hobby. He's not doing it (if he is) because the money is a nice to have, but because he has a finite career, I'd think. sorry to upset ye

There's more to any job than money. Yes, you want what you feel you are owed but the salary is not the start and the end of any decision about who you choose to be employed by. Or at least it shouldn't be.

[Timbo]

Where are you seeing this?

Don’t be surprised if several other promising young English players follow him across to the Top 14 for next season.

of course. Our clubs are a mess....if squad numbers are capped (tho I hear the RFU might bottle it) then clubs are going to have to make choices tween established and young, and within young player group. Quins have a big squad for example.

Exactly. Quins need to resign Marcus Smith, Finn Baxter, Will Evans & Tyrone Green (among others) this season. Anyanwu would be some way down the list of priorities. Then factor in that they have 3 centres- Northmore, Beard & Joseph- who have all been in England squads recently, both England u20 centres from the junior World Cup are Quins & a couple of other promising midfielders in their squad.

[Banquo]

Yes???

What are you even asking me?

That saying the money is nice implies its an optional hobby. He's not doing it (if he is) because the money is a nice to have, but because he has a finite career, I'd think. sorry to upset ye

There's more to any job than money. Yes, you want what you feel you are owed but the salary is not the start and the end of any decision about who you choose to be employed by. Or at least it shouldn't be.

no sh't but when you have a finite and likely quite short career, with not huge windows of opportunity for maximum value, the decision making picture is skewed. Plus factor in the experiencial reports from France.....and I'm surprised at the surprise and angst.