Exodus 2017

Tim

@Frye Blues, Crusaders, and Hurricanes could all do with an 8/6.

Wurzel

Hopefully the Crusaders... Scott Robertson has been his NPC coach the last few seasons.

Stargazer

I don't see why Sanders would do better at the Crusaders than prior to his move to the Chiefs?
The Crusaders might prefer waiting for the return of Whetu Douglas after his stint in Italy.

Frye

I just hope he's not leaving NZ. Can't afford to lose that second tier.

Chris B.

@Stargazer I quite like the look of Sanders and he's still pretty young, so should be getting better.

But, I don't see where the Crusaders would fit him in - we've already got Read, Taufua, Todd, Samu, Brown, Bedwell-Curtis, and Dunshea on the books as loose-forwards.

We'd have to cut one of the last two and I'm not sure Sanders is necessarily any better. HBC has gone alright and Dunshea looked good for the Barbarians.

Nepia

@Frye said in Exodus 2017:

I just hope he's not leaving NZ. Can't afford to lose that second tier.

I've actually erroneously thought that Sanders was English the entire time he's been with the Chiefs. Unsure where I got that idea.

Rapido

@Nepia said in Exodus 2017:

@Frye said in Exodus 2017:

I just hope he's not leaving NZ. Can't afford to lose that second tier.

I've actually erroneously thought that Sanders was English the entire time he's been with the Chiefs. Unsure where I got that idea.

Probably mixed him up with Cantabrian Symon/Symons, who was English and a lock.

Nepia

@Rapido said in Exodus 2017:

@Nepia said in Exodus 2017:

@Frye said in Exodus 2017:

I just hope he's not leaving NZ. Can't afford to lose that second tier.

I've actually erroneously thought that Sanders was English the entire time he's been with the Chiefs. Unsure where I got that idea.

Probably mixed him up with Cantabrian Symon/Symons, who was English and a lock.

Ah right! That's it. Thanks.

Kruse

@Frye said in Exodus 2017:

Chiefs just posted photos from a farewell dinner.

I knew TKB, Cruden, Leitch, Lowe and Elliot were off. But they also had Tom Sanders there, anyone know where he's off to?

Any good shots of the presumably topless waitresses?

Beige XI

"CONNACHT AND THE IRFU have today announced the signing of Jarrad Butler from the Brumbies."

http://www.the42.ie/connacht-announce-jarrad-butler-signing-3490308-Jul2017/

Stargazer

Just a rumour, and it probably won't happen, but ..... arrggghhhh

Damian McKenzie set for move to Leicester Tigers - report

Chiefs livewire Damian McKenzie is in advanced talks to join England top tier side Leicester Tigers according to reports out of the UK.

The 22-year-old has been a key cog for the Chiefs this season, but the Rugby Paper suggests he has been questioning his place in New Zealand Rugby after finding himself low in the All Blacks pecking order.

Called up to the national side for last year's Rugby Championship, McKenzie was underwhelming in the few times he made it on the park.

McKenzie was recently called into the All Blacks during the Lions series but only after an injury to superstar fullback Ben Smith. He was also used as a back-up to newcomer Jordie Barrett.

The Tigers had reportedly taken an interest in Damian's brother Marty before setting their sights on the All Blacks fringe player.

In 2016, McKenzie fended off contract offers from the Blues and the Crusaders to stay at the Chiefs until the end of the 2018 Super Rugby season.

A move to Leicester would see him join the likes of former Blues flanker Brendon O'Connor as well as England backs George Ford and Manu Tuilagi.

Newshub.

akan004

@Stargazer I posted this rumour a few weeks ago. It was mentioned on the RugbyPod by Andy Goode and he seemed pretty convinced that it was happening.

What a blow this would be if confirmed to be true, we can't afford to lose guys of his caliber. He's arguably the best player at Super level.

Stargazer

@akan004 Well, not quite the best player at SR level, but very good, no doubt. Somehow I can't see him moving north that soon; I just hate these rumours popping up, now and again. Dmac has another year on his NZR contract anyway.

Bovidae

I can't see DMac moving either as he will have his chance to steer the Chiefs in 2018.

However, interest from abroad (whether true or not) does help when renegotiating a new contract.

taniwharugby

given he is contracted through to end of Super rugby next year (I assume) maybe his signing will be dependant on his inclusion in the ABs with an out clause if he gets selected.

What are the chances he will leap frog Sopoaga or BB at 10 or BFA, Dagg or JB at FB, so while he has utility value if he does fulfill at 10, he has a tough run to get past these guys, so looking off-shore next year could well be a possibility.

taniwharugby

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/94800598/all-blacks-midfielder-ryan-crotty-resigns-with-nz-rugby-through-to-2018

Stargazer

@taniwharugby Great news. He's the core of our AB midfield at the moment and his experience and leadership in that role will be crucial while the rookies are still learning. Hopefully, injuries will not ruin the rest of time in black.

taniwharugby

guys like Crotty are often undervalued, and is only when they aren't there you really appreciate their value.

Tim

@taniwharugby So that's a one year extension?

taniwharugby

@Tim ha, I didn't even take that in, or failed to actually twig that 2018 is farking next year!!

Yeah odd only a year, although maybe he is taking a pragmatic view with his injuries and the fact we have a few youngsters coming through and an injury sees you gone...?

The Silver Fern

Exodus 2017