LEICESTER TIGERS 2020/21 SQUAD/TRANSFERS/CONTRACT THREAD EPISODE V: Borthwick Strikes Back

[RagingBull]

Eli Snyman

Well that was kept quiet.

Not heard of him.. what’s he like?

He's a good player not Lavanini level though.
Could well be Enever replacement though (Who I forget was even in the team) in which case it's a smart signing.

A grafter.

[RagingBull]

so what are we saying
Van staden ----> Taufua
Van Wyk --------> Gigena
Eli Snyman ----> Enever

[longlivethecrumbie]

Our lineout calls and backline plays being called in Afrikaans then!

[ads]

I've got to say that part of me is a bit dissapointed with the volume of Sout Africans we have signed recently.

I do hope our younger academy lads still get the oportunities they need to progress, as thats where our future is or should be.

Saying all that, I'll be chearing Tigers on in the finals with along everyonge else when we get back there!!

[TigerFeetSteve]

https://youtu.be/3fKo8C9Y7EQ

His highlights from 2 years ago

[trendylfj]

Am I alone in reading all about the forwards' signings and re-signings (8 - 2) that the last one must be a star back new signing????

[OakhamTiger32]

Am I alone in reading all about the forwards' signings and re-signings (8 - 2) that the last one must be a star back new signing????

Thought that was it for today

[MCC1964]

Am I alone in reading all about the forwards' signings and re-signings (8 - 2) that the last one must be a star back new signing????

Ummmmmm......we’re done?

[FrontRowUnionMember]

so what are we saying
Van staden ----> Taufua
Van Wyk --------> Gigena
Eli Snyman ----> Enever

First two yes, unsure on the third.
Given how little enever played, I’d rather have seen the minutes go to Martin, Henderson and Chessum.
Think we need a like for like replacement for Lavanini in terms of calibre and style. Lavanini appears a couple of stone heavier than Snyman.
Taking into account Van Staden is in the fringes of the Boks squad, I expected a bigger name for the last announcement. That’s said, I don’t know all that much about Snyman, so am open to what he brings.

[trendylfj]

https://youtu.be/3fKo8C9Y7EQ

His highlights from 2 years ago

just watched it and he seems to be an honest player - hope he has progressed over the last 2 years.

[westwinds31]

so what are we saying
Van staden ----> Taufua
Van Wyk --------> Gigena
Eli Snyman ----> Enever

Yes I’d say so although maybe with Green, Chessum, Martin, Wells, Henderson etc we’re covered and he’s another lock option that Borthwick thinks he can mould into a beast. Liebenburg has played lock as well so use the additional money in the backline ?

[Moose]

I've got to say that part of me is a bit dissapointed with the volume of Sout Africans we have signed recently.

I do hope our younger academy lads still get the oportunities they need to progress, as thats where our future is or should be.

Saying all that, I'll be chearing Tigers on in the finals with along everyonge else when we get back there!!

I think we all felt like that when we saw what happened at Sarries. However the reality is that we need to sign the best available players within our budget, regardless of where they come from.

The massive caveat to that is that we don't shoot ourselves in the foot and let our academy wither, however recent evidence suggests that won't be the case, and we'll basically operate a talented ensemble of players from a variety of threads.

Also, historically, we've had a strong Islander basis, with the Tuilagis, Rabeni, Goneva, etc. so it's perhaps more of a transition to a different source than anything.

[OakhamTiger32]

South Africans now total 7 unless I’ve missed anyone: Van Wyk x2, Wiese, Liebenberg, Brink, Van Staden and Snyman

[kpj tiger]

We need to remember that the salary cap is decreasing next season, I would expect a couple of the gaps in the squad that would normally be replaced like for like to be replaced with development players

[longlivethecrumbie]

If you look at the makeup of our squad for next year, as we know it now, there is a significant volume of players from outside the UK. We know that the employment landscape has changed (South African's no longer being able to use the Kolpak route, for example, in cricket) - the club must have some idea what the situation will be next year for them to invest in bringing these guys in.