Transfers and Rumours Non-Tigers 2019-20

[sam16111986]

Beauden Barritt signs two year deal to join Suntory in Japan. NZRU and the Blues accepted this deal as an extension to the short sabbatical allowed as part of his contract to ease financial pressures from Covid. It means he will be out of contention for the All Blacks next year I think.

[RagingBull]

Grobler might be a casualty of covid costs for Gloucester potentially from the sounds of it.

[sam16111986]

Grobler might be a casualty of covid costs for Gloucester potentially from the sounds of it.

Be a blow for Glaws having already lost Mostert for next season. Ed Slater is about to turn 32 as well not sure he can play every game for the next year.

The Bulls in SA have been hoovering up South African talent as it comes out of contract in Europe. He might well have an offer there.

[JP14]

Out of the 9 players released from Irish, I would take Veitokani as a replacement for Veainu.

[MurphysLaw]

Irish let 9 players go (including ex-Tigers Steele and Cilliers), and contract negotiations are 'on-going' with a number of other players.
Yet to see any headlines indicating that Irish are in any kind of crisis - funny that!

[kk20gb30]

Short term deal for Dollman at Exeter:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/53298772

[wormus]

Hoskins Sotutu signs a 2 year deal with Blues so that is him there until 2022. ~ Never becoming a Tiger!
https://www.planetrugby.com/blues-re-si ... ntil-2022/

[RagingBull]

He was never going to play for England.

Bumped up his contract nicely, but England has never a target for him.

[kk20gb30]

Greig Laidlaw bound for Japan:
https://www.rugbypass.com/news/former-s ... -to-japan/

[ourla]

Who/What is financing Japanese rugby?

Is it sustainable?

[jgriffin]

Who/What is financing Japanese rugby?

Is it sustainable?

Apparently falling interest etc. Articles around Xmas speak of a couple of years decline. Would like to read a post COVID19 scenario.

[ABClub]

Who/What is financing Japanese rugby?

Is it sustainable?

Very rich companies largely. Toyota, Yamaha, Mitsubishi, Honda, etc. By my understanding a few of the teams attendances have been climbing impressively for such a young league though. Others have been in decline though.

[kk20gb30]

Have commented quite freely and openly about other clubs re-signings as being good pieces of business.Likewise , closer to home , I find it most gratifying that Leicester have managed to re secure the services of some very talented and highly thought of potential stars in the making.
Particularly pleased with Tommy Reffell recommitting to the Club but all concerned who have put pen to paper represent the future and have shown that they want to be here so could not be happier right now.
More to come , I believe.

[ourla]

Japan reminds me a bit of football/soccer in the States a few years back.

Just wondering if there will be a permanent or increase in talent drain to Japan over the coming years.

[happywomble]

Japan reminds me a bit of football/soccer in the States a few years back.

Just wondering if there will be a permanent or increase in talent drain to Japan over the coming years.

There also seems to be quite an upsurge in rugby in the USA, not quite as strong as Japan but certainly more now are joining the Major League Rugby teams