LEICESTER TIGERS 2022/23 Squad and transfers thread part 2: The Lion, the Wig and the Wardrobe

[TigerFeetSteve]

Shame to see Calum Green leaving. Always thought that he's underrated. Very consistent performer for us.

I think we're very light in the front and second row. I'm wondering if FVW was due to leave but having been gazumped for Tom West, maybe we've extended his contract so we've at least got some cover.

We've been spoilt by having both Cronin and West. Cronin, Whitcombe, van Wyk and Richardson is what we started this season with and it looks like what we'll start next season with. I think we might see another prop join but given we've got two THs in England contention it's probably more likely to be on that side of the scrum. Shame we couldn't get Alo in (he's gone to Ealing), he'd have been a good impact sub.

Tbf we also had Leatigaga in the scrum on both sides at the start of the season.

For me with Hurd, Whitcombe & Richardson all stepping forward, I don't think we need a first or 2nd choice, but we could do with at least one more.

[sam16111986]

Shame to see Calum Green leaving. Always thought that he's underrated. Very consistent performer for us.

I think we're very light in the front and second row. I'm wondering if FVW was due to leave but having been gazumped for Tom West, maybe we've extended his contract so we've at least got some cover.

We've been spoilt by having both Cronin and West. Cronin, Whitcombe, van Wyk and Richardson is what we started this season with and it looks like what we'll start next season with. I think we might see another prop join but given we've got two THs in England contention it's probably more likely to be on that side of the scrum. Shame we couldn't get Alo in (he's gone to Ealing), he'd have been a good impact sub.

Tbf we also had Leatigaga in the scrum on both sides at the start of the season.

For me with Hurd, Whitcombe & Richardson all stepping forward, I don't think we need a first or 2nd choice, but we could do with at least one more.

Yeah that's what I was saying. Get a TH that can either be an impact sub or an experienced veteran who wouldn't mind playing a season or two down the pecking order whilst helping developing Hurd, Heyes and Hoyt.

[kk20gb30]

Green will be missed.... Vastly underrated

[RagingBull]

Green will be missed not sold on Sam Carter suggestion unless he just hated NI

[markharbtiger]

Might Kata be being lined-up if Watson succeeds in securing a contract elsewhere?

[RagingBull]

Nah Kata is done deal
Looking at leavers he’s more likely imo Saumaki replacement

Shillcock def seems lined up for 10 cover now Gopperth is going.

[Wayne Richardson Fan Club]

Green will be missed.... Vastly underrated

A proper nuts & bolts player, our scrum & lineout always better when he was playing, a possible future coach?

[CrumblingTerrace]

Wells and Green were very much first picks at the start of the year.

Then O.Chessum established himself as arguably the form lock in the country.

Then Martin and Henderson emerged as a formidable partnership.

And then L.Chessum tore it up for the U20s and showed what's coming next!

The picture has changed a lot in the second row. Sad to see our best lineout technician leave, but we've now got a very exciting young crop of players.

[Rugbygramps]

Wells and Green were very much first picks at the start of the year.

Then O.Chessum established himself as arguably the form lock in the country.

Then Martin and Henderson emerged as a formidable partnership.

And then L.Chessum tore it up for the U20s and showed what's coming next!

The picture has changed a lot in the second row. Sad to see our best lineout technician leave, but we've now got a very exciting young crop of players.

And that’s the point a great servant for the club but we have managed to have our best run of form for some time , playing winning entertaining rugby without him. We have to look at the riches we have for the future not what we once had

[TigerFeetSteve]

Nah Kata is done deal
Looking at leavers he’s more likely imo Saumaki replacement

Shillcock def seems lined up for 10 cover now Gopperth is going.

I think Kata as 12 covers Gopperth as 12

Like you say Shillcock covers him at 10

Plus Kata can do the power role on the wing, while players like Simmons coming through also giving depth on the wing

[ay2oh]

Would have thought that Kata salary would be as much as Saumaki and Kini combined.

[RagingBull]

Why?

He was on a 1 year deal with Exeter who I don’t think renewed it

Saumaki was signed he was a top try scorer in Japan would be amazed if Kata was on more than Saumaki

[sam16111986]

Would have thought that Kata salary would be as much as Saumaki and Kini combined.

Kata doesn't really have a big name or playing record with which to inflate his salary. He's 28 and has 50 top level games in rugby union (and only if you include internationals). I think he'll be a good signing for us but he's not going to be a big earner. Kini signed with a lot of caps to his name and a large number of games in France under his belt. Saumaki was a punt.

I'm looking forward to seeing what Kata can do in a Tigers shirt next season.

[Ian Cant]

I too liked Callum Green. At least he has last year’s winners’ medal and the memory of outplaying Itoje.
All the players leaving have been very good for us.
As for Ashton: now a Tigers’ Legend.

[No6_Flanker]

Can anyone provide an update on Tom Manz? He’s come up a lot in conversation about next year, but the last time I remember him playing was the Connacht away trip. He didn’t seem to be involved in the Premiership Rugby Cup and Saints friendlies?