Transfers and Rumours Non-Tigers 2019-20

[kk20gb30]

Owen Farrell Rumor:

https://www.ruck.co.uk/rumour-owen-farr ... loan-move/

[kk20gb30]

Rumor regarding Bath. Montpellier supposedly interested in Zach Mercer ;

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/top-14-b ... ch-mercer/

[BFG]

Would probably be a poor move for him. Takes him out of international consideration and into a team where's replacing a tactically strong veteran where he is almost the polar opposite. It is at least a strong team where he'd be protected though so with the right coach it could work but the French league is brutally physical.

On the other hand, as he's currently down Eddie's pecking order, a couple of seasons experience with Lyon in the Top14 would be rather good and then come back a more complete player and push for an England place (and earn a few hundred thousand euros too!)

Yeah the ideal scenario is that he heads over there, plays for two or three years and gains both experience in the French league and top tier European competition whilst adding some serious Euros to his bank balance.

How often though have we seen a young player leave their comfort zone too early and go on to struggle. France is a very physical league and he certainly isn't a like for like replacement for the player he's replacing. It won't be quite so straight forward as he's a talented player and they are a good team.

Umaga is overrated and heavily reliant on a guiding hand from his 12. The fact he didn't make the Italy game with Furbank or Slade the back up fly half option is hardly an endorsement of Eddie's belief in him. I suspect he will be capped soon to tie him to England more than an indication he's in serious contention.

You're quite wrong Sam.
Jones rates Umaga very highly but England have bags of talent and so there is no need to trap players with caps.
It's not Eddie's style anyway as he is actually a decent bloke.
The fact that the England is very attritional, and wet, and cold, and muddy, makes SH rugby attractive.
It's simply about choices.
If and when the required level of commitment is apparent then Umaga will play, and probably kick on and get better with it under Jones.

[sam16111986]

On the other hand, as he's currently down Eddie's pecking order, a couple of seasons experience with Lyon in the Top14 would be rather good and then come back a more complete player and push for an England place (and earn a few hundred thousand euros too!)

Yeah the ideal scenario is that he heads over there, plays for two or three years and gains both experience in the French league and top tier European competition whilst adding some serious Euros to his bank balance.

How often though have we seen a young player leave their comfort zone too early and go on to struggle. France is a very physical league and he certainly isn't a like for like replacement for the player he's replacing. It won't be quite so straight forward as he's a talented player and they are a good team.

Umaga is overrated and heavily reliant on a guiding hand from his 12. The fact he didn't make the Italy game with Furbank or Slade the back up fly half option is hardly an endorsement of Eddie's belief in him. I suspect he will be capped soon to tie him to England more than an indication he's in serious contention.

You're quite wrong Sam.
Jones rates Umaga very highly but England have bags of talent and so there is no need to trap players with caps.
It's not Eddie's style anyway as he is actually a decent bloke.
The fact that the England is very attritional, and wet, and cold, and muddy, makes SH rugby attractive.
It's simply about choices.
If and when the required level of commitment is apparent then Umaga will play, and probably kick on and get better with it under Jones.

Yes it's Jones that over rates him. I'm also sure he'll improve, his weaknesses are those normally associated with young flyhalfs coming into the game. Eddie has no qualms whatsoever with playing the game and getting people over here that are dual nationality see Hughes and Shields. He knows that by getting Umaga in the England squad he can improve him and fend off interest from Samoa at the same time. His lack of inclusion against our two easiest opponents with Furbank and Mallins providing cover probably suggests he's seen more as a development option.

[strawclearer]

Sinoti Sinoti leaves Falcons

https://www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk/news ... d-memories

[kk20gb30]

Lee Blackett extends deal at Wasps:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/54965897

Great start for him last season - hardest thing is to maintain the momentum of initial change.

[kk20gb30]

Rumor only :
Originally touted for a return to Exeter, Santiago Cordero supposedly of interest to Wasps:

https://www.ruck.co.uk/rumour-wasps-lin ... favourite/

Rugby Paper (15/11020) also goes with this rumor.

[RagingBull]

Sinoti even at 35 would've been very worrying to play against.
Him and Takulua being gone since Falcons were last in the prem is a plus for us.

[JP14]

Massive loss for the Falcons.

[ABClub]

Given Sinoti only established himself later on in his career he's been a real stalwart for Falcons. A brilliant player.

Of the 23 that Falcons picked for the playoff semi-final against Chiefs in 2017/18 the below players have all moved on or retired:

Bobby Vickers
Santiago Socino
David Wilson
Scott Wilson
Calum Green
Evan Olmstead
Will Witty
Ally Hogg
Nili Latu
Sonatane Takalua
JP Socino
Josh Matavesi
Chris Harris
Niki Goneva
Sinoti Sinoti
Simon Hammersley

Leaving only Sam Lockwood, Mark Wilson, Gary Graham, Micky Young, Toby Flood and Alex Tait.

Their back row options are strong and I expect Adam Radwan to catch the eye for them this season but outside of that the Falcons squad is pretty threadbare.

[sam16111986]

Given Sinoti only established himself later on in his career he's been a real stalwart for Falcons. A brilliant player.

Of the 23 that Falcons picked for the playoff semi-final against Chiefs in 2017/18 the below players have all moved on or retired:

Bobby Vickers
Santiago Socino
David Wilson
Scott Wilson
Calum Green
Evan Olmstead
Will Witty
Ally Hogg
Nili Latu
Sonatane Takalua
JP Socino
Josh Matavesi
Chris Harris
Niki Goneva
Sinoti Sinoti
Simon Hammersley

Leaving only Sam Lockwood, Mark Wilson, Gary Graham, Micky Young, Toby Flood and Alex Tait.

Their back row options are strong and I expect Adam Radwan to catch the eye for them this season but outside of that the Falcons squad is pretty threadbare.

They have recruited at centre and scrum half but most Prem clubs should fancy taking their tight five to the cleaners. Depends how quickly they can get Orlandi over after international duty as well.

[kk20gb30]

Steve Diamond teases further Sale signings :

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/sale-on- ... -de-jager/