Welsh wonderkid already on the move?
Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:37
One of the games brightest young talents could already be on the move while ‘Seabass’ has all the big players in the T14 looking to secure his signature. Also this week’s - ‘The Loop’s' Neil Fissler has a peak at ‘Boothy's’ summer problems.
Every week rugby365 gets exclusive gossip from the Rugby Times and brings you three of the best stories doing the rounds.
This week’s rumours all seem believable and of course we all know there is never smoke without fire.
How much for a Halfpenny?
Premiership scouts were out in full force to watch Cardiff Blues wing sensation Leigh Halfpenny make his international debut against South Africa at the weekend.
Halfpenny, who lined up against Springbok star Bryan Habana at the Millennium Stadium, has seen his contract talks with the Blues stall.
The 19 year-old has been in superb form for the Blues this season and a series of stunning performances have put him on the radar of Premiership clubs.
Amongst though reportedly interest are the Sale Sharks and Gloucester but the player himself does seemingly remain keen to sort out his future with the Blues first and foremost.
Pick your poison
Sale Sharks star Sebastien Chabal has started a mad scamble for his services amongst the biggest clubs in France after admitting last week that his future in the north west was in doubt.
Chabal is considering leaving the Sharks after four years to return to France where his wife has been living with his two children since the summer.
‘Seabass’, as he is affectionaitely known, is attracting interest from Stade Francais, Toulouse, Biarritz and Clermont Auvergne – all of whom are keen to have one of the most marketable names in French sport on their books.
Racing Metro, who are bidding for promotion to the Top 14, cannot be ruled out from making an ambitious big either.
Pivotal problems
London Irish appear to be struggling with their search to bring in a new flyhalf in time for the start of the new season.
Irish boss Toby Booth needs some backup in the position but the player must qualify as a ‘local’, because the club already have two overseas players on their books in Clarke Dermody and Peter Hewat.
That is proving to be a problem with hardly any flyhalf’s of that ilk available for a summer move and those that are, are proving to be expensive.
Booth is also in the market for a tighthead prop and possibly another lock, depending on what happens to England international Nick Kennedy.
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