Transfer news, rumours, speculation, insinuations, and outright transfer slanders - Season 2025/26

[loudnconfident]

Double post

[loudnconfident]

Pretty much every player on an NFL roster is a genetic freak. That's what their game is based on. Being easy to direct and reliably able to run scripted routes are key skills. In theory that translates well to rugby but in reality in rugby you get more touches with a greater emphasis on beating the man to make ground, in the NFL it's better to be predictable and make safe yardage.

Ted Hill would probably find similar issues to LRZ, his size and speed are unusual in the small talent pool that rugby has, in the US where the population is 340m it occurs more regularly. Most tightends are similar in height and weight to Hill (if not marginally heavier) they are all pretty quick and know the game inside out. Hill might off an extra little bit of speed on the average tight end but would require a lot more coaching.

Interesting comments. Wrt genetic freaks:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/William ... _football)

335lbs playing weight - at full back.

[FKAS]

Pretty much every player on an NFL roster is a genetic freak. That's what their game is based on. Being easy to direct and reliably able to run scripted routes are key skills. In theory that translates well to rugby but in reality in rugby you get more touches with a greater emphasis on beating the man to make ground, in the NFL it's better to be predictable and make safe yardage.

Ted Hill would probably find similar issues to LRZ, his size and speed are unusual in the small talent pool that rugby has, in the US where the population is 340m it occurs more regularly. Most tightends are similar in height and weight to Hill (if not marginally heavier) they are all pretty quick and know the game inside out. Hill might off an extra little bit of speed on the average tight end but would require a lot more coaching.

Interesting comments. Wrt genetic freaks:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/William ... _football)

335lbs playing weight - at full back.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Watson

Dudes 6ft6 and 434lbs (at draft weighed in at more than that), nearly 200kg or 31 stone.

[loudnconfident]

Pretty much every player on an NFL roster is a genetic freak. That's what their game is based on. Being easy to direct and reliably able to run scripted routes are key skills. In theory that translates well to rugby but in reality in rugby you get more touches with a greater emphasis on beating the man to make ground, in the NFL it's better to be predictable and make safe yardage.

Ted Hill would probably find similar issues to LRZ, his size and speed are unusual in the small talent pool that rugby has, in the US where the population is 340m it occurs more regularly. Most tightends are similar in height and weight to Hill (if not marginally heavier) they are all pretty quick and know the game inside out. Hill might off an extra little bit of speed on the average tight end but would require a lot more coaching.

Interesting comments. Wrt genetic freaks:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/William ... _football)

335lbs playing weight - at full back.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Watson

Dudes 6ft6 and 434lbs (at draft weighed in at more than that), nearly 200kg or 31 stone.

!

Tho Mr Watson was a nose tackle... The Refridgerator was a back...

[FKAS]

Interesting comments. Wrt genetic freaks:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/William ... _football)

335lbs playing weight - at full back.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Watson

Dudes 6ft6 and 434lbs (at draft weighed in at more than that), nearly 200kg or 31 stone.

!

Tho Mr Watson was a nose tackle... The Refridgerator was a back...

The Refrigerator was a defensive tackle, I think early in his career they used him on offense. Just blitz over from short range or block for the running back.

I'm just impressed guys that size can be explosive enough to play professional sport at all. Obviously wouldn't make it in rugby because their cardio would not be up to the constant movement but NFL really is about being incredibly explosive for a few seconds at a time.

[FKAS]

Oh feck;

"Leicester Tigers can confirm that Mike Forshaw has left his role as Defence Coach for personal reasons.

Forshaw joined Leicester Tigers in the summer after three seasons with the Welsh national team. Prior to that, he worked with Sale Sharks and Connacht Rugby.

Speaking about his decision, Forshaw said: “I really enjoyed the time at the club, although it was short, and it’s a shame that I can’t give the commitment that is needed to the role at this time.”

“I want to wish everyone all the best for this season and the future. They are a great group of players, a great group of coaches, and I wish them all the best.”

Head Coach Geoff Parling added: “It’s sad to lose someone of Mike’s experience as he’s been a valuable member of the coaching team.”

“On behalf of everybody at Leicester Tigers, I want to thank Mike for his work throughout the pre-season and wish him and his family well.”

Anthony Allen will take on responsibility for defence, with Alex Davies adding skills to his current role as the club’s kicking coach. "

[Puja]

Oh feck;

"Leicester Tigers can confirm that Mike Forshaw has left his role as Defence Coach for personal reasons.

Forshaw joined Leicester Tigers in the summer after three seasons with the Welsh national team. Prior to that, he worked with Sale Sharks and Connacht Rugby.

Speaking about his decision, Forshaw said: “I really enjoyed the time at the club, although it was short, and it’s a shame that I can’t give the commitment that is needed to the role at this time.”

“I want to wish everyone all the best for this season and the future. They are a great group of players, a great group of coaches, and I wish them all the best.”

Head Coach Geoff Parling added: “It’s sad to lose someone of Mike’s experience as he’s been a valuable member of the coaching team.”

“On behalf of everybody at Leicester Tigers, I want to thank Mike for his work throughout the pre-season and wish him and his family well.”

Anthony Allen will take on responsibility for defence, with Alex Davies adding skills to his current role as the club’s kicking coach. "

Balls. That's not ideal, especially so close to the season. I wonder what's happened there - whether he's had a job offer in league or if he's fallen out with somebody or what?

Puja

[FKAS]

Oh feck;

"Leicester Tigers can confirm that Mike Forshaw has left his role as Defence Coach for personal reasons.

Forshaw joined Leicester Tigers in the summer after three seasons with the Welsh national team. Prior to that, he worked with Sale Sharks and Connacht Rugby.

Speaking about his decision, Forshaw said: “I really enjoyed the time at the club, although it was short, and it’s a shame that I can’t give the commitment that is needed to the role at this time.”

“I want to wish everyone all the best for this season and the future. They are a great group of players, a great group of coaches, and I wish them all the best.”

Head Coach Geoff Parling added: “It’s sad to lose someone of Mike’s experience as he’s been a valuable member of the coaching team.”

“On behalf of everybody at Leicester Tigers, I want to thank Mike for his work throughout the pre-season and wish him and his family well.”

Anthony Allen will take on responsibility for defence, with Alex Davies adding skills to his current role as the club’s kicking coach. "

Balls. That's not ideal, especially so close to the season. I wonder what's happened there - whether he's had a job offer in league or if he's fallen out with somebody or what?

Puja

It reads more like there's illness in the family or something similar that means he needs to step away more than a career led move.

" it’s a shame that I can’t give the commitment that is needed to the role at this time.”

Seems to be the telling bit in that statement. He's positive about Tigers and Geoff is positive about him. If he was deserting us for another opportunity after about five minutes I doubt such niceties would have been observed.

[FKAS]

Toby Booth takes over at Quins.

[Puja]

Toby Booth takes over at Quins.

Only a 1 year contract while they look for a permanent successor though (although you'd expect he might get an interview if he makes a decent fist of it). What a beggar's muddle for Quins - I don't envy them having watched Tigers experience this kind of coaching merry-go-round the last few years.

Puja

[FKAS]

Sale Sharks can confirm that South African forward Le Roux Roets will leave the club with immediate effect after both parties agreed to terminate his contract for family reasons.

[Puja]

http://www.rugbyrebels.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=7439

[FKAS]

http://www.rugbyrebels.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=7439

Good deal for Newcastle getting Liam Williams in. Gets them much needed experience.

[FKAS]

Ollie Chessum will lead Leicester Tigers this season.

The England and British and Irish Lions lock was named as club captain by Head Coach Geoff Parling today, with Hanro Liebenberg and Jack van Poortvliet appointed the vice captains.

[Mikey Brown]

Feels like a positive move, if not just lock favouritism. Shame the Lions tests didn’t go quite as hoped for him, but he’s really kicked on recently.

Is his younger brother back in the mix yet?

[FKAS]

Feels like a positive move, if not just lock favouritism. Shame the Lions tests didn’t go quite as hoped for him, but he’s really kicked on recently.

Is his younger brother back in the mix yet?

Chessum did pretty well in the Lions tests and felt like the obvious leader in the Tigers squad so good to see him get it.

Has a niggling knee injury. Lewis should be back in the mix shortly after a relatively successful loan in Japan for the second half of last season.

[Puja]

Fissler reckons that Chandler Cunningham-South is being tapped up by Sale when his contract runs out at the end of the season. Would suit their style, although seems likely bullshit given they're not allowed to talk to people out of contract this early.

Also, Regan Grace is without a club and training with Sale at present.

Puja

[FKAS]

Regan Grace's all from erm Grace has been pretty spectacular. Injuries really have blighted his attempts to come across to Union. Could be a cheap pick up for somebody who wants to take a punt.

CCS would fit Sale very well. Not really sure he's at a club that's going to turn him into a really physical and aggressive forward with Quins. Being able to switch between lock and backrow and generally hit things hard would be ideal for Sale. I'd hope Tigers are in the conversation as well as Wells and Cracknell aren't getting any younger and his versatility is very useful.

[jimKRFC]

Jac Morgan apparently seen at Ashton Gate today, along with a stories that he'll leave Wales if the Ospreys fold.

Would be a pretty decent signing if it could happen (terrible for Welsh rugby though).

[Adam_P]

Saints have signed Italian hooker Marco Manfredi until the end of the season

[Puja]

Saints have signed Italian hooker Marco Manfredi until the end of the season

That name sounds like you asked ChatGPT to name an Italian rugby player!

Puja

[FKAS]

Saints have signed Italian hooker Marco Manfredi until the end of the season

That name sounds like you asked ChatGPT to name an Italian rugby player!

Puja

Looks like an AI generated image for an Italian hooker if you Google him as well.

[Stom]

Saints have signed Italian hooker Marco Manfredi until the end of the season

That name sounds like you asked ChatGPT to name an Italian rugby player!

Puja

Made me think of the novelist, who has an even more Italian name... Valerio Massimo Manfredi.

[Beasties]

Does he live in Tulsa?

[Which Tyler]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union ... gvp25kx9eo

Bringing in Blackett strikes me as a very good move.

https://warringtonwolves.com/news/2025/ ... hing-role/


2+2=?