Bristol Bears have splashed the cash to sign Kyle Sinckler replacement

Rugby News
Tuesday, 30 January 2024 at 21:38
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: "The international retirement of Courtney Lawes gives England the chance to look at a specialist No 6, and if they do so I would throw in Chandler Cunningham-South for his first cap.
Bristol have launched a massive recruitment drive for next season, with Harlequins tighthead Lovejoy Chawatama set to become their first recruit.
The former London Irish and England student inter national is believed to have agreed to join the Bears with Kyle Sinckler reportedly agreeing to sign with three-time European champions Toulon.
Zimbabwe-born Chawatama, 31, was a Pat Lam target when London Irish went out of business. He opted to join Quins but will move at the end of this season.
In 2017 Chawatama was named Zimbabwe Sports Personality of the Year.

Kyle Sinckler departure:

Reports suggest that Toulon’s offer, not only featuring a more lucrative salary but also a more extended contract, played a pivotal role in Ludlam’s decision to make the move. 
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Kyle Sinckler of Bristol Bears during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Bristol Bears and Bath Rugby at Ashton Gate on 10 September. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
It appears that, even with the proposed introduction of hybrid contracts next year, aimed at providing added security for England players, there’s little to deter the trend of players crossing the Channel. 
The allure of better financial terms and extended commitments seems to be a prevailing force.

"Drop Genge, Steward" - Brian Moore picks his England XV for 2024 Six Nations opener

In a bold move reminiscent of his illustrious playing days, iconic hooker Brian Moore has unveiled his handpicked England XV for Steve Borthwick’s squad in the upcoming 2024 Six Nations opener against Italy. 

BACK-THREE:

15. George Furbank
14. Tommy Freeman
11. Immanuel Feyi-Waboso

Moore wrote in The Telegraph: "

George Furbank would probably edge this pick strictly on club form and this game would be ideal to see if the Northampton Saints full-back can make the decisive step into a starting role after his first series of England starts were inconclusive."
"I would go straight for Exeter’s Immanuel Feyi-Waboso. It would be his first cap, but opening against Italy is the least pressured of Six Nations debuts and, cynically, it would secure his allegiance for the forthcoming years.
"You can never choose a completely risk-free debut, but you will never have an understanding of any player’s potential unless you give them a chance."

CENTRES:

13. Henry Slade
12. Fraser Dingwall
Moore wrote in The Telegraph: |As Oscar Beard is also out through injury that leaves Fraser Dingwall, replacement call-up Max Ojomah or Daly. If Borthwick goes for the latter, it is the safe option but, given this is Italy, he should give Dingwall a start and just see where it goes."
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HALFBACKS:

10. Marcus Smith
9. Alex Mitchell
Moore wrote in The Telegraph: "Picking half of the half-back picks is simple. Alex Mitchell’s club form has continued from his France 2023 heights, but it is which No 10 will play that signals Borthwick’s intent. 
"Marcus Smith would suggest a Mitchell-Smith longer term partnership but there is no point preferring Smith over George Ford if the Quins No 10 is not given licence to play with alacrity and the inevitable mistakes that will come with that freer approach being tolerated, at least in the short term."

FRONT-ROW:

1. Joe Marler
2. Jamie George
3. Dan Cole
Moore wrote in The Telegraph: "As the best two scrummaging props, Joe Marler (if fit) and Dan Coleshould give England the absolutely necessary solid scrum ball, but it is at prop where England do not have flawless depth.
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Joe Marler of England warming up during the Six Nations Championship match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on the 12th March 2022 - PHOTO: George Tewkesbury/PPAUK
"Ellis Genge and Beno Obano are dynamic but not yet world-class scrummagers. On the tighthead there is no undisputed challenger to Cole, and this is something that England will need to solve to maintain set-piece solidity over a full game."

SECOND-ROW:

4. Maro Itoje
5. Ollie Chessum
Moore wrote in The Telegraph: "They should continue their second-row partnership but both have to step up to consistent ball-carrying in the loose, as well as their primary roles in the scrum and line-out.
"This pairing has the feel of the Itoje-Kruis team that served England so well in the past. If they get anywhere near its effectiveness England will have a solid foundation for their pack."
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Woodward wants Maro Itoje back in the second-row

BACK-ROW:

6. Chandler Cunningham-South
7. Sam Underhill
8. Ben Earl
"Alex Coles might be preferred for bulk and as a line-out option, but it would be interesting to see a conventionally balanced back row with Ben Earl at No 8 and Sam Underhill at openside flanker."
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Dejection for Ben Earl of England after the Six Nations Championship, Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on February 4th 2023. - PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

QUIZ: Name Every Head Coach to Win the Men’s Guinness Six Nations (2000 – 2023)

The brains behind the Six Nations masterplans, these head coaches have all won 'Rugby's Greatest Championship', since the modernised competition began back in 2000. Throughout the history of the competition, there have been only five head coaches to win the competition on more than one occasion.
However, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is looking to become the sixth, as he orchestrates the men from the Emerald Isle into defending their Six Nations Grand Slam. In total, the Six Nations has been won by 13 different head coaches, and we challenge you to name them all in the next six minutes!
Your time starts... now! Good luck!
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