2015 Squad Contract Renewals

[Sheikh]

That was the reason we lost Swanepoel - I thought he was bloody good in the handfull of games he did play for us, but he then went to play in the ITM Cup and we lost him. he's now back in Australia in the Brumbies EPS and I recall he's did quite well in the game I saw him play for them.

[numberate]

Longbotttom has signed a deal with Saracens. By all accounts eligible to play for both England and Australia.

Only a slightly different note, I was a bit suprised to see Laurie Fisher join Gloucester as Head Coach. He teams up with John Muggleton who is the current defensive coach. I thought Fisher was part of the fixtures and fittings at the Brumbies ?

[GIGS20]

I thought Fisher was part of the fixtures and fittings at the Brumbies ?

I think that's the problem, he knows they'll have him back in a heartbeat and upon his terms.

He can go and have a crack at a high money contract in Europe with very little risk, since he has a nice safe job in Canberra any time he wants it.

[The InnFORCEr]

Also he is a "hands on" coach and Director of Coaching is really a suits position, Laurie is one of the boys

[Alison]

So, the guys who are off contract this year (2014) and haven't yet re-signed or announced their departure are:

Pek
Jayden
Dane H-P
Cheez
CTM
Junior
Sias
Dellit
Stubbsey
Manu
Alcock
+ Ollie in the EPS

Of those, today's West indicated that Pek, Jayden and Dane H-P were all negotiating to stay.

Of the others, my "please stays" would be:

Cheez (of course!)
Alcock
Sias
CTM
Ollie
Stubbsey
Junior??

Am totally "meh" in regard to retaining Dellit and I don't know about Manu as I've seen nothing of him all season!

Thoughts anyone?

[G_Beard]

It's a horrible business these contracts and decisions.
Please all stay, bring your mates...let's smash it next season, again.

[Pitythefool]

Ollie signed until 2016 a few months ago

[beige]

The Cummins link suggested Hayward and Manu are off to Italy.

[jargan83]

So much for Hayward qualifying for Australia via residency etc

[SNOB]

Just maybe Foles has got some special new signings lined up and is prepared to let certain people go! Or am I clutching at straws?

[GIGS20]

Just maybe Foles has got some special new signings lined up and is prepared to let certain people go! Or am I clutching at straws?

The Reds are peddling that line, why not us?

[benny]

With the 3 games I've seen down at Tompkins, Manu is struggling for a run with Pally let alone Force.

[valzc]

With the 3 games I've seen down at Tompkins, Manu is struggling for a run with Pally let alone Force.

That's a pity - Manu showed such promise last season, he was proving to be really strong in the scrums and looked like he had a real go at a spot on the team. Has he lost his way somewhat the past few months?

[Hoolly Doolly]

i hope we haven't left our recruiting run a bit late!!
missed out on picking up tomane, crawford, shipperley or horne who would have been handy.

who is still free in oz? slim pickings i think!
if cummins comes back my expectation would be for him to suit up for the reds and they certainly have the cap space for him.

[WF1964]

That's a pity - Manu showed such promise last season, he was proving to be really strong in the scrums and looked like he had a real go at a spot on the team. Has he lost his way somewhat the past few months?

My hypothesis: the Force Rising Star Award is a poisoned chalice - except for Benny Mac. Other winners have included:

James O'Connor (became a tosser)
Pat Dellit (under achieved)
Salesi Manu (ditto)
Kyle Godwin (great bloke,great pplayer but injured & injured again)