Every year there is always transfer talk and talk of players moving in various directions. This is down to the World Cup, after contractual obligations are over in terms of their national teams in 2015 many players seem to be weighing up their options. It seems as though the World Cup is just delaying the inevitable, so lets see what might happen:
Will Genia to Bath Rugby – This looks likely to happen as Peter Stringer is nearing the end of his career, Bath were rumoured to have gone for Genia in the summer but the World Cup commitments put a stop to that. With Stringer only signing a one year extension in the summer, the door seems open for Genia after the World Cup and Bath’s financial prowess should make this deal possible.
Duane Vermulen to Bath Rugby – Big spending Bath are at it again, this time targeting the back row brute from South Africa, potentially making him one of the highest paid players in World rugby. The IRB player of the year nominee will be highly sought after, so let the battle commence.
Dylan Hartley to Montpellier – Reports of this move surfaced in the middle of the Autumn Internationals and a three year deal has apparently been agreed. Hartley is currently the most senior England squad member with the most caps. He will be 33 by the 2019 World Cup, so he maybe looking to finish his career with a big money move to France.
Saia Fainga’a to Northampton Saints – The Wallaby hooker is being linked with Northampton Saints, due to Dylan Hartley’s likely departure. It would be a fantastic signing for the Saints.
Samu Manoa to Toulon – The American has been outstanding for Saints over the past few seasons, so interest from France comes as no surprise. Manoa is supposedly weighing up his options, but a move across the channel looks likely; it would be an astronomical loss for Saints.
Ma’ Nonu to Toulon – Toulon have made no secret in their desire to bring Nonu on board, but look to have stiff competition for his signature from Saracens and teams in Japan. Lets see how this one unfolds.
Israel Folau to Toulon – A few teams have been linked with the Wallaby star, once again Toulon being top of the list. No doubt the Australian Rugby Board will want to keep him in Australia, and one would assume they will do everything in their power to do this.
Danny Cipriani to Harlequins – Cipriani has revived his career at Sale, and with Nick Evans coming to the end of his career, Connor O’ Shea apparently sees Cipriani as an ideal replacement.
James Horwill to Harlequins – James Horwill, the former Wallaby captain has fallen down the pecking order with the Wallabies, and Harlequins look the most likely to land his signature.
Dan Carter to Racing Metro – Carter maybe off on his travels again after the World Cup- big spending Racing Metro look the most likely to land the All Black star man’s signature.
Matthew Tait to Bayonne – The Tigers full back has struggled with injuries since his time there, but has been dependable at the back when fit. His England prospects look to have all but disappeared, so a move to France looks likely.
Some interesting links there indeed, some may happen, some not. One thing is for sure, a lot of money looks to be spent as teams around Europe look to attract the best players in the World.
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