MC has confirmed the 9 definitely leaving. There are still some out of contact players who may not be retained. Whitbread has got to be the number one retention. The jury seems to be still out on Pitts Evans and Croft. Hopefully Lineman can be offloaded . We desperately need an organising half. plus 2 props and a loose forward . Apparently we are trying to agree terms with Shaul. We already have Bowden Butler and Tafua . We have 3 quota places. Looks like we are waiting until the World Cup before filling those spots. What does anyone think?

Yes. Willie has said they are already doing deals with people but couldn't finalise anything till we were safe.

Your point is a very good one. Anyone that spots a player for the first time at World Cup and then signs them is heading for trouble.
Knowing how diligent Willie is he already has a list of players in WC squads he wants to deal with once they tick the International box.

I read an article by Mathew Shaw the other month that said that because the WC is over here, players will be automatically allowed a work permit/Visa and that quite a few SL clubs will be taking advantage of this. It’s no great secret, just some sort of loop hole. We won’t be the only team. Can’t see any negatives to it, just speeds up the process

I hope you’re right and said players that have been identified haven’t signed else where already.

Totally agree.

The WC is nothing like club rugby. Players can look absolutely fantastic playing what amount to exhibition matches in the early stages. Many a false star has been born.

However it will still throw up the odd gem or highlight how much better a known player is than you thought.

It’s really a job for Poching and on this one I do trust him and his team. I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t sign any from the WC and whilst others sit entranced we don’t ransack a few good fringe players from the big clubs whilst nobody is looking.

I’d be pleased if Daniel Alvaro signed for Trinity. A great replacement for Big Dave.

I would have thought his contract would be nul and void with Toulouse relegation to Championship…