From the Touchlines: Transfer gossip
As we write this, England's leading players are either Down Under preparing to take on the All Blacks or else they're sunning themselves on their summer holidays. Either way, there's plenty more rumours floating around this week about who's going where.
Perhaps the biggest surprise is that Wigan are reportedly plotting a big-money move to lure Wasps wing Tom Voyce to their ranks in a cross-code switch. However, the Londoners will be desperate to keep hold of their flying wing for the 2008-9 season.
Meanwhile, France fly-half Benjamin Boyet, who we revealed was on the look-out for a move to the Premiership last week, has already held talks with three clubs about a move across the Channel. Bath, Bristol and Worcester are all mulling over a contract for Boyet, with Bath believed to be the front-runners for the playmaker's signature.
Another foreigner possibly on his way to England is New Zealand's Chris Masoe. The 20-capped All Black has been offered a deal to join countryman Carl Hayman at Newcastle although his bosses in New Zealand are desperate to hold on to him.
In the final bit of transfer gossip this week, it appears Sale have done enough to hold on to director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre. The former French wing was a target for Stade Francais but Saint-Andre has agreed to stay in the north of England after being offered improved terms on his current contract.
We want to hear any transfer rumours you might have heard doing the rounds. Also, let us know your predictions for Saturday's Test between England and New Zealand. Just post your comments below...
Voyce - massively underrated talent. Why he's not got more of an England chance is beyond me.
Head off to league and show union what they're missing. He'll be in the GB team in no time, mark my words.
Posted by: Richard Gibbs | 16 June 2008 at 14:12
The England boys should pick up some more recruits while down under. Saturday's game was ugly and this weekend it could get even more ugly!!
Posted by: Rocco | 16 June 2008 at 07:44
After that New Zealand result, looks like England need to lure some better players to the internaitonal ranks let alone the Premiership!! That was a mauling!!
Posted by: Eugene Donnelly | 14 June 2008 at 20:10
Club owners need to agree collectively on the number of non English qualified players allowed to play in the Premiership. This should enable a greater proportion of home grown talent to develop in the competative environment of all the professional leagues, not just the Premiership!
Posted by: John Haines | 14 June 2008 at 04:06
Voyce to Wigan. Don't make me laugh. Shaun Edwards is a former Wigan man and he'll never let it happen, if only for his pride.
Posted by: Jez | 13 June 2008 at 19:45
More and more the transfer rumours are about more foreigners coming over to the UK. There are too many of them. We need to crack ahead with supporting home-grown talent if we're going to have any chance going ahead to the 2011 World Cup and on from that.
Posted by: Falcon | 13 June 2008 at 12:46