How's your team looking for 21/22?

[Puja]

Just looking through the Leicester squad to see where we still needed to sign and I'm actually pretty pleased with the squad. It wouldn't hurt to have another lock forward, but if Borthwick's got faith in Martin and the Chessums to step into the first team row, then I'll trust to his judgement (and Liebenberg can moonlight in an emergency). Nice pleasant surprise to have the squad sorted so early - hopefully we'll have an attack coach in place quickly and we can enjoy a good and full pre-season rather than our usual scrambling about, trying to put the pieces together.

What's your side still looking for in the off-season?

LHP:
Genge, Leatigaga, van Wyk, (Whitcombe)

Hooker:
Montoya, TYoungs, Clare, Dolly, (Vanes)

THP:
Cole, Heyes, Leatigaga, Hurd

Lock:
Wells, Green, Snyman, Henderson, Martin, (Chessum)

Back row:
Wiese, Liebenberg, Reffell, Martin, van Staden, Brink, (Ilione), (Smith)

S/H:
BYoungs, JVP, Wigglesworth, Simmons, (Law)

F/H:
Ford, Burns, Hegarty, Socino

Wings:
Nadolo, Potter, Porter, van Wyk, Olowofela*, Aspland-Robinson**, Simmons

Centre:
Moroni, Kelly, Scott, Socino, Taute**, Porter, Worth*

Full-back:
Steward, Murimurivalu, Hegarty, Burns, Olowofela*, Worth*


*Assuming in Borthwick's favour. Unknown after spending 2021 on loan
**Assuming ever able to be fit for a prolonged period of time.
And, yes there are players who can play other positions if needed, like Muri and Steward on the wings - I just didn't want to keep repeating names over and over and over for the really versatile ones.

Puja

[Which Tyler]

Bath 21-22.jpg

We know we've been hunting for a lock (as have a number of other clubs) and it's presumed we haven't found one - but... it's possible we have found one in South Africa, who doesn't want to announce until they've played against / for the Lions.

Otherwise I would imagine that Williams will put on some weight over the off-season and move to lock; with Richards as 5th choice

Bath 22-23.jpg

[FKAS]

For Tigers I think a prop plus another lock/backrow option will probably be announced. Sometime back it was rumoured we'd signed a backrow and it makes no sense to sign someone other than a lock/backrow that could offer physicality to the row on a budget whilst the young guys come through. I presume more SA based shopping.

A squad prop just in case we see Genge, Heyes and Leatigaga all required internationally. That would leave us very thin on the ground. Just an injury away from having issues. Whether that's depth or another former under 20 looking to kick on style player.

I'm still hoping we'll get our hands on a young playmaker as well as there's a couple of very classy ones possibly available in the under 20s. Dan Lancaster by preference as he cover more positions and a loan back to Yorkshire for part of the season would suit all parties.

[Gloskarlos]

Not sure this is 100% accurate as the Glos website is nowhere near up to date, but my best attempt is:-

Tighthead Kirill Gotovtsev, Fraser Balmain, Jack Stanley, Ciaran Knight
Hooker Jack Singleton, Santiago Socino, Henry Walker, Todd Gleave
Loosehead Jamal Ford-Robinson, Alex Seville, Val Rapava Ruskin
Second Row Mathias Alemano, Andrew Davidson, Alex Craig, Ed Slater
Flanker Lewis Ludlow, Jack Clement, Jordi Reid, Freddie Clarke
No. 8 Seb Nagle-Taylor, Jake Polledri, Ruan Ackermann, Ben Morgan

Scrum Half Charlie Chapman, Joe Simpson, Stephen Varney
Fly Half Adam Hastings, Lloyd Evans, George Barton
Left Wing Jonny May, Charlie Sharples, Ollie Thorley
Inside Centre Billy Twelvetrees, Mark Atkinson,
Outside Centre Chris Harris, Giorge Kveseladze, Tom Seabrook
Right Wing Santiago Carerras, Louis Rees-Zammit,
Full Back Kyle Moyle, Jason Woodward

24/38 EQP

Elite Academy Squad (and below)

Ollie Adkins Prop
Jack Bartlett Prop
Jenson Boughton Prop
Conor Maguire Prop
Bryan O'Connor Prop
Arthur Clark Lock
Cameron Jordan Lock
Freddie Thomas Back row
Toby Venner Scrum-half
Louis Hillman-Cooper Centre
Alex Morgan Wing
Jacob Morris Wing

[Puja]

Not sure this is 100% accurate as the Glos website is nowhere near up to date...

I actually find Wikipedia to be pretty good on updated Prem squads.

A squad prop just in case we see Genge, Heyes and Leatigaga all required internationally. That would leave us very thin on the ground. Just an injury away from having issues. Whether that's depth or another former under 20 looking to kick on style player.

I don't know how much of a priority I find that. Even in that scenario, we've got Van Wyk and Cole, with Whitcombe and Hurd as players we've trusted in the past. And it's unlikely that those three will all be away long-term as Samoa don't have muchpower on internationals and Heyes is behind Sinckler and Stuart so would probably be sent home from the EPS in international midweeks.

I mean, I can see a potential situation where we might wind up with a youngster on the bench that we'd prefer not to, but props are expensive and I don't think it's a good use of our cap to sign another Gigena or Jerome Schuster to earn money for old rope.

Puja

[Gloskarlos]

Yes thanks - just sanity checked it against Wiki, and concluded I have some overlap between the Senior squad and the Elite Academy Squad.... I may have to do a colour coded update.

We really need a tough Loosehead, a lock and a 12 in my view.

[FKAS]

Not sure this is 100% accurate as the Glos website is nowhere near up to date...

I actually find Wikipedia to be pretty good on updated Prem squads.

A squad prop just in case we see Genge, Heyes and Leatigaga all required internationally. That would leave us very thin on the ground. Just an injury away from having issues. Whether that's depth or another former under 20 looking to kick on style player.

I don't know how much of a priority I find that. Even in that scenario, we've got Van Wyk and Cole, with Whitcombe and Hurd as players we've trusted in the past. And it's unlikely that those three will all be away long-term as Samoa don't have muchpower on internationals and Heyes is behind Sinckler and Stuart so would probably be sent home from the EPS in international midweeks.

I mean, I can see a potential situation where we might wind up with a youngster on the bench that we'd prefer not to, but props are expensive and I don't think it's a good use of our cap to sign another Gigena or Jerome Schuster to earn money for old rope.

Puja

It's a fair point. Perhaps just come to an arrangement with Notts that we can borrow from them in an emergency but will loan them some development players in positions of need as recompense.

Also comparing Gigena to Schuster is unnecessarily harsh.

[Digby]

Moseley are opening the clubhouse and having a 1st XV run out. It's not much, but after the news about Jack we'll take it.

And if one of their site pages isn't available you still get a 404 message telling you that you've dropped the ball, not them, which is amusing. And we're still called Birmingham Moseley, and the much (or somewhat) heralded move to being so named continues to make no difference some 4-5 seasons later

[Scrumhead]

I’m pretty happy with the Quins squad. However, there’s still some signings to come and there are a few rumours doing the rounds.

Here’s what we have (homegrown in bold, likely academy promos in italics):

1. J. Marler / S. Garcia-Botta / J. Els
2. J. Gray / G. Head / J. Musk / S. Riley
3. W. Louw / W. Collier / K. Trenier / M. Wilson / F. Baxter
4. M. Symons / D. Lamb / G. Hammond
5. S. Lewies / H. Tizard
6. J. Chisholm / T. Lawday / A. White / M. Jurevicius
7. W. Evans / J. Kenningham
8. A. Dombrandt
9. D. Care / S. Steele / J. Stafford / L. Gjaltema
10. M. Smith / T. Allan / W. Edwards
11. C. Murley / A. Morris / O. Beard
12. A. Esterhuizen / P. Lasike / H. Hyde
13. J. Marchant / L. Northmore / L. Anyanwu
14. L. Lynagh / N. David / R. Chisholm
15. T. Green

We’ve been heavily linked with Jack Walker and Huw Jones. Same for Christian Scotland-Williamson but that seems to have quitened down?

Walker is a decent enough hooker, but I’d like to see a top of the range replacement for Baldwin who will be a big loss.

Jones could be an exciting addition, particularly with Lasike’s long term injury leaving us a bit exposed in the centre.

Even if we do sign CSW, I’d want another senior lock coming in. Tizard and Hammond are both very promising but aren’t fully ready for the rigours of regular Premiership rugby. Or at least not if we want to back up our title win.

I’d also like another back row player. It’s not yet clear how long Evans will be out for an if Dombrandt and/or Kenningham take their chance with England, we would be left very light.

[Mikey Brown]

Yep, agree on most of that. We're still a couple of call-ups, injuries or dips in form away from looking a very average side.

I'd totally forgotten about Nick David. I like the look of Beard too, or at least he's certainly physical from that 1 video I saw. Hopefully Lynagh and Greene can push each other for the fullback slot a bit more if other wingers come through.

That's ignoring the potential of Huw Jones, if he is to sign. I really hope he does. Him running off Smith and Esterhuizen could be ridiculous.

How much longer do new signings tend to go on for? Surely we've got a few significant ones left.

[Magic_sponge]

I was under the impression Nick David was more of a full back? I assumed a replacement for Brown. Especially as Green is relatively inexperienced at full back, although his recent performances suggest it's not much of an issue.

[Timbo]

I was under the impression Nick David was more of a full back? I assumed a replacement for Brown. Especially as Green is relatively inexperienced at full back, although his recent performances suggest it's not much of an issue.

Mainly a wing at Wuss, but allegedly the move to Quins was in part motivated by a desire to play 15 more regularly.

[Scrumhead]

That’s what I understood too. I’ve mostly seen David on the wing, so I put him there.

I’ve also put Lynagh, Morris and Ross Chisholm as wingers although the do play at 15. Our back three players are fairly interchangeable.

Worth noting that Huw Jones’ upturn in form mostly came at 15 for Glasgow.

[jimKRFC]

Bristol line up:




Tight head is an issue for us, so hope we'll bring someone in there but otherwise not a lot of change.
Kerr rumoured to be staying as Kloska has moved over and Byrne is out until after the start of the season.

[Scrumhead]

Are Bristol planning to strengthen beyond Frisch and Whiteley?

I know next to nothing about Frisch and Whiteley is really just a squad player.

Siale Piutau will be a big loss I think. He might not have been a regular try scorer etc. but I always thought he was underrated, an excellent defender and a proper leader.

[jimKRFC]

Are Bristol planning to strengthen beyond Frisch and Whiteley?

I know next to nothing about Frisch and Whiteley is really just a squad player.

Siale Piutau will be a big loss I think. He might not have been a regular try scorer etc. but I always thought he was underrated, an excellent defender and a proper leader.

I hope we are!
Whiteley is coming in to repace Kessel, so unless Randell plays himself into the full England squad he wont get a lot of time.
Frisch is a bit of wild card to be honest - plays 10/12/13
Siale is big loss, his match day place will go to Alipati or Sam Bedlow though.

[fivepointer]

Like the look of Bates who is with the U20's. Hopefully see something of him next season.

[Banquo]

Are Bristol planning to strengthen beyond Frisch and Whiteley?

I know next to nothing about Frisch and Whiteley is really just a squad player.

Siale Piutau will be a big loss I think. He might not have been a regular try scorer etc. but I always thought he was underrated, an excellent defender and a proper leader.

I think Siale is/was highly rated. Top 12.

[Banquo]

Are Bristol planning to strengthen beyond Frisch and Whiteley?

I know next to nothing about Frisch and Whiteley is really just a squad player.

Siale Piutau will be a big loss I think. He might not have been a regular try scorer etc. but I always thought he was underrated, an excellent defender and a proper leader.

I hope we are!
Whiteley is coming in to repace Kessel, so unless Randell plays himself into the full England squad he wont get a lot of time.
Frisch is a bit of wild card to be honest - plays 10/12/13
Siale is big loss, his match day place will go to Alipati or Sam Bedlow though.

POC surely?

[FKAS]

Are Bristol planning to strengthen beyond Frisch and Whiteley?

I know next to nothing about Frisch and Whiteley is really just a squad player.

Siale Piutau will be a big loss I think. He might not have been a regular try scorer etc. but I always thought he was underrated, an excellent defender and a proper leader.

I hope we are!
Whiteley is coming in to repace Kessel, so unless Randell plays himself into the full England squad he wont get a lot of time.
Frisch is a bit of wild card to be honest - plays 10/12/13
Siale is big loss, his match day place will go to Alipati or Sam Bedlow though.

Maybe more Piers O'Conor at 12?

[Scrumhead]

Are Bristol planning to strengthen beyond Frisch and Whiteley?

I know next to nothing about Frisch and Whiteley is really just a squad player.

Siale Piutau will be a big loss I think. He might not have been a regular try scorer etc. but I always thought he was underrated, an excellent defender and a proper leader.

I think Siale is/was highly rated. Top 12.

I agree. But I reckon if you’d done a ranking of the top centres in the Premiership, he might not have got a mention.

He’s one of those ‘glue’ type players that gets noticed way more when they’re not there.

[Banquo]

Are Bristol planning to strengthen beyond Frisch and Whiteley?

I know next to nothing about Frisch and Whiteley is really just a squad player.

Siale Piutau will be a big loss I think. He might not have been a regular try scorer etc. but I always thought he was underrated, an excellent defender and a proper leader.

I think Siale is/was highly rated. Top 12.

I agree. But I reckon if you’d done a ranking of the top centres in the Premiership, he might not have got a mention.

He’s one of those ‘glue’ type players that gets noticed way more when they’re not there.

If I’d have done it, he would . Who matters who has underrated him? I’d also say the list of outstanding 12’s in the prem isn’t that long , and anyone who knows what they are looking at, would know his value, even at the age of 35.

[Stom]

I think Siale is/was highly rated. Top 12.

I agree. But I reckon if you’d done a ranking of the top centres in the Premiership, he might not have got a mention.

He’s one of those ‘glue’ type players that gets noticed way more when they’re not there.

If I’d have done it, he would . Who matters who has underrated him? I’d also say the list of outstanding 12’s in the prem isn’t that long , and anyone who knows what they are looking at, would know his value, even at the age of 35.

Yeah, I rated him very highly, too. And it is weird that there’s few good 12s.

[Warrior85]

Worcester is looking better than last season but still some real areas of weakness. Lock and tighthead could do with a little more strength. Hill and Batley could cover Lock and add weight.

LHP - Sutherland, Waller, Thomas, Owen, Holsey
Hooker - Baldwin, Annett, Cutting, Miller
THP - Judge, Tyack, Owlett, Morris

Lock - Garvey, Clegg, Kitchener x 2, Bresler, Scott

Flankers - Hill, Lewis, Kvesic, Batley, Monks, Forsyth
8 - Vailanu, Hatherhall, Dodd

Scum half - Heinz, Chudley, Simpson
Fly Half - Williams (hopefully more of a 12), Smith, Searle

Centre - Lawrence, Venter, Beck, Butler, Hearle, Morris

Wing - Van der Merwe, Ashton, Doel, Humphrey, Howe, Johnson
Full Back - Nanai, Shilcock, Heward.

First team of:

1. Sutherland
2. Baldwin
3. Judge
4. Garvey
5. Clegg
6. Hill
7. Lewis/Kvesic
8. Kvesic/Vailanu

9. Heinz
10. Smith

11. Van der Merwe
12. Williams
13. Lawrence
14. Ashton/Doel
15. Nanai

I've probably missed a few. First team looks a little stronger than last year. Hopefully the pack will be able to get some quick ball to get the backline playing.

Smith is obviously the young player to watch out for after a good start to his professional career. Monks and Forsyth in the back-row look really good as well so hopefully will get some game time.

[Mikey Brown]

Humphreys and Shilcock don’t make the first team?

Maybe you’ll get something out of him but don’t get too excited about Ashton.