From the Touchlines: Transfer gossip
The rumour mill's been in overdrive once more as the domestic rugby season draws to a close with a host of reported transfers looming...
Ospreys centre Mark Taylor looks set to move to Exeter Chiefs as the club prepare a full title for promotion to the Premiership next season. Taylor's opportunities have been slim at the Welsh giants this season and is keen on ending his career with the Chiefs. Chiefs director of rugby Pete Drewett, who last week announced new deals for a host of his big-name players for next season, is also said to be lining up a deal for Northampton prop Chris Budgen.
Staying on the player front, Newcastle are bidding to bring another All Black to the north east in the form of Brad Thorn. The second-rower, who has 12 New Zealand caps, is keen to team up with former team-mate Carl Heyman at the Falcons.
Meanwhile, Neil Back could be on his way out of Leicester with a host of clubs keen to snap up the former England flanker, while Martin Johnson is also keen to bring Back into the England fold for next season.
Got any more rugby gossip? If so, we want to hear it so post your comments below.
Exeter are on the look-out for a hooker next season. What about Mark Regan at Bristol then? Wouldn't be a bad shout.
Posted by: Henny | 09 April 2008 at 21:28
bristol are meant to be unveiling two big names tomorrow but no idea who they are
Posted by: jez | 09 April 2008 at 17:28
Neil Back's a true legend. Any team would love to have him coaching his sneaky tricks. He got away with more of the dark arts than any other back-row forward in his day.
Posted by: Derek Meikle | 09 April 2008 at 16:09
I might have this one all muddled up but I heard Wilkinson might actually be about to leave Newcastle with Harlequins sniffing around for him. Not sure whether it's a load of hot air or what but have heard the same rumour a few times from different people. Would love it to be true as he seems wasted at Newcastle, not that Quins are Premiership giants exactly but they look set to be better than the Falcons next season.
Posted by: Eric C | 09 April 2008 at 13:58
Can someone tell Mark Taylor it's rude to point?!?!
Posted by: Stefan | 09 April 2008 at 13:04
Exeter in the Premiership. Surely you're having a laugh. They've been talking that way for years and all that'll happen which happens every year is that the team that gets relegated from the Premiership at the end of the season just goes straight back. Leeds have done it before and in between them so have Harlequins and Northampton. They'll walk next season whoever Exeter sign.
Posted by: Ben, Rochdale | 09 April 2008 at 13:03
Back's going nowhere. I've heard he'll keep his Leicester job regardless of the England call anyway.
Posted by: TigerFan | 09 April 2008 at 11:51