‘An absolute joke’ – 5 transfer rumours that were completely WRONG

Let's take a look at some of the reports from the 2020/21 season that were denied or subsequently proved to be completely wrong...

Speaking to Somerset Live, Bath Rugby CEO Tarquin McDonald relieved fans' fears the club risked losing England stars Anthony Watson, Jonathan Joseph and Beno Obano at the end of the season.

The rugby rumour mill had the trio of players linked with a number of clubs in recent months, however speaking at the club’s fans forum online, McDonald confirmed all three players are in contract for at least the 2021/22 season.

The England centre, who is out of contract in the summer and has been linked with moves across the globe, was linked with a move to the Ricoh Arena.

“You know some of these rumours I do find funny because you find out you are rumoured with someone and that actually makes me realise they are available,” revealed Wasps boss Lee Blackett.

“I have seen rumours this season. There was one player that got rumoured to us – and he’s not coming by the way – and Kev (Harman), who heads up the recruitment, I rang him straight away and I said, ‘Mate, I didn’t even know this guy was available, just find out if he is available, will you? Sometimes these rumours are put out by agents trying to get more money but we don’t have that much,”

Sale Sharks winger Marland Yarde shot down a report from The Rugby Paper suggesting that he’s set to pen a one-year extension to stay at the AJ Bell Stadium.

They suggested that Saint Lucia-born Yarde, who joined the Sharks in November 2017, had spoken to Leicester before penning a new deal.

However, responding to the story on Twitter, the 28-year-old wrote: “At least get your facts right. Article is complete BS!"

In December, Gloucester bosses moved quickly to deny the rumour that the England winger could be leaving the club in the near future. The 24-year-old had been linked with a move to Sale Sharks by the MaulOver Podcast and Rugby Inside Line. However, Thorley would instead pen a new long-term contract, which was announced on Christmas Eve.

In February, Pat Lam shot down reports that Bristol Bears will look to keep Saracens pair Max Malins and Ben Earl beyond their agreed upon season-long loans.

Bears director of rugby said The Rugby Paper’s report that he is looking to keep the pair of England internationals beyond the 2020/21 season is ‘an absolute joke.’