What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:06:06:22:48:00 by Tiggs.

With the potential he has and a strong pack in front of him, Burns could be an excellent signing for us.

Bai is a shrewd signing. A bit of experience and flair in the backs when we are missing players through internationals. Clearly not signed to play a lot but will do a job for us.

I must confess to not knowing a lot about the three from Italy, but what I've read about Loamanu being equally a three quarter or a number 8 sounds exciting. Sounds like he had an interesting time as a Japanese international too....

More from the BBC - [BBC Link]

I think we have recruited wisely.

If we can turn Burn's form around he could be excellent with our pack. The experienced Bai to back-up our young flyhalves. Ghiraldini and Barbieri are two of Italy's better players. Loamanu is an exciting prospect and will add more threat to our backline, particularly in international windows. Rizzo plays the Boris role. Pearce is the project.

We need to look after our front line props a little better, but I suspect we may rely on our young props more next season. They are a talented bunch.

Good opportunity for greater gametime for Hepetema and Pohe at 12 as Bowden leaves a large hole. Catchpole, Thacker and Price may expect a few chances too after agreeing terms.

Just the fate of Matera to clear up, and whilst it would be a shame to lose a player of such potential, we would still be well covered.

Another prop to come and Ritz and Bruno to get more gametime.

...

These do seem like excellent recruits. Was there something about Rizzo earlier? Does anyone think we need more cover at 8? Is it likely there could be more announcements to follow?

Barbieri is the replacement for Tank. Pearce is the additional 'project'.

...

Thank you

Pretty much there I think.
Rizzo replaces Boris, but may be a level above so could take a bit of the load off Ayerza. Still think we're one more pro short seeing as we've lost Boris, Schuster and Bower. We do work our first choice props a lot, but with four internationals now, Ayerza/Rizzo LH and Cole/Logo TH, the load may be shared more. Balmain and Bristow are talents, early twenties, and can be relied upon. Brugnara and Pasquali a little further back in their development, but younger too and apparently real prospects.
Ghiraldini will be genuine competition/cover for Youngs.
Pearce is the project, wrecking ball 8, Barbieri more well rounded.
Bai will be a steady backup to our two young fly halves, potentially won't expect huge gametime, but a steady hand when needed, also able to fill in at centre too.
Loamanu will give us added firepower out wide, quite versatile.
Hepetema should step up into Bowdens spot, also the option of Bai/Pohe.

Looking good.
Sort Matera, or a.n.other, I'd like a genuine 7 to allow is to take the burden of Salvi a bit. Maybe another prop too. Job done.

Agree with that but my concern, apart from Pablo, is at 12 where we have some young talent but I don't see an organiser. Which leaves a hell of a burden on AA again.

Not sure if Bai can do that?

...

Loamanu has played 12 I believe, would be one hell on a centre pairing with him and Manu, frightening if you will

Laurence Pearce will be your best signing since another ex rotherham titans player gonovea, he will be your starting 8 very soon and is an outstanding player, better than other ex rotherham 8's like Sam Dickinson, robin copeland, semisi Taulava, nick Easter etc. You've got a diamond and our best product since David strettle

Quote:

TigrisLeicesteris
Loamanu has played 12 I believe, would be one hell on a centre pairing with him and Manu, frightening if you will

In attack - terrifying. In defence?

Hope so rotherhamtillidie but them's some big steps to follow in. Stransky, Tuilagi, Kronfeld, Rabeni, Mulipola, Murphy, Stimpson...

...

Here is what I think is our squad for the 2014-2015 season.

* Denotes current internationals who may be away.

There may be some lads promoted from the academy plus new signing on the way

In view of new Defence coach here are all our coaches

Coaching

Director of Rugby Richard Cockerill

Backs Coach Paul Burke

Assistant Coach (Forwards) Richard Blaze

Assistant Coach (Backs & Skills) Geordan Murphy

Defence Coach Phil Blake - Confirmed

Props

Ayerza* - LH
Balmain - TH
Bristow - LH
Brugnara
Cole* -TH Injured expected November
Mulipola* - Both Sides
Pasquali
Rizzo* - LH

Hookers

Briggs
Ghiraldini*
Thacker
Youngs (T)*

Locks

Deacon
De Chaves
Kitchener
Parling
Price
Slater

Back Row

Barbieri* 6&8
Crane – 8
Croft* - 6 (Covers Lock)
Gibson – 6,7&8
Mafi* - 6 (Covers Lock)
Mayera* – 6 &7
Pearce – 8
Salvi - 7


Scrum Halves

Harrison
Mele
Youngs*

Fly Half

Bai*
Burnes*
Williams

Backs

Allen – Centre
Bai* – Centre & Fly Half
Benjamin – Wing May need another operation
Camacjo * - Wing 3rd operation needed
Catchpole - Centre
Goneva* - Centre & Wing Needs knee operation
Hamiton – Wing & FB
Hepetema – Centre
Loamanu* - Wing, Centre, FB, and number 8
Morris – Wing & FB
Pohe - Centre
Scully* – Wing & FB
Smith – Centre & Wing
Tait – Centre , Wing & FB
Thompstone - Centre & Wing
Tuilagi - Centre



Edited 7 time(s). Last edit at 2014:06:11:07:14:07 by Johns.

Looks pretty impressive.
Just that prop situation to sort now.
I thought we maybe needed someone before for added depth, but now I feel it is imperative, and a higher calibre needed too following news of Cole's extended layoff.
Everywhere else I reckon we're pretty well covered.

Johns - you need to add Deacs and Manu.

Quote:

Tigersfan1
Johns - you need to add Deacs and Manu.

Thanks Tigersfan1 it they were on my draf just missed on the transfer.

Phil Blake , Manly League coach is to join Tigers as defence coach.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2014:06:02:07:49:59 by Purebob.

I have added all coaches to the squad thread.

Quote:

Purebob
Phil Blake , Manly League coach is to join Tigers as defence coach.

what makes him Manly?

No - not him...League.

...

Quote:

Rich W
No - not him...League.

Oh so League is more manly is it.

P.S. I was joking.

So was I...

...

He is ex Manly RL as a player, but as a coach he's Manly RU. Also coached Western Force and was an assistant to Robbie Deans in the Wallaby setup, so not fresh out of League as is being assumed.

Found this on Wasps board.

Transfers by club.

One mistake it has Pohe going to Claremont

What's with all the players from Loughborough on the 'in' list? And none to Tigers!

Presume it is Loughborough Uni and not the local town club?!!

Surprised Dom Waldouck seems to have no club. Does he play 12?