Rugby 'needs a transfer deadline day', says Danny Cipriani

Monday, 31 January 2022 at 08:52

byRugby Rucker

As football's January transfer window slams shut tonight, Bath fly-half Danny Cipriani believes a similar concept needs to be introduced in rugby.

This season has seen the likes of Ellis Genge, George Ford and Taulupe Faletau all announce moves away from their clubs mid-season. However, Cipriani believes a set period culminating in a deadline day would help prevent disruption to teams.

"I think it [a transfer deadline day] should happen really," Cipriani told ESPN.

"Just because you get people saying they are leaving in January, or even sooner.

"Then they are there for six months, but what is their motivation? Obviously they are still motivated, they still want to play but it is a strange position to be in, to know you are not going to be there.

"I think it would make it a bit more exciting for people to see It and maybe a bit more professional in that way."

And Cipriani, who is a keen supporter of the NFL and NBA, sees the advantages of employing a draft system which could help to level the playing field.

"Draft system -- yes, it's great to watch," Cipriani said. "It swings massively and it did for a while stop one team from winning but obviously the New England Patriots are just unbelievably strong right now. Well, they have been for a long time now. It is great to watch the draft system."

5 rugby transfers that are likely going to happen..

#1. Danny Cipriani

Age: 34
Position: Fly-half
Honours: England – 16 caps
Where’s he going? Newcastle Falcons, Wasps

He has struggled to rediscover his best form in the black, blue and white shirt since joining last summer. Although you could point to a number of injuries as the reason for his slow start, he has undoubtedly proved to be a flop thus far.

He has struggled to rediscover his best form for Bath since joining in the summer following his six-month sabbatical after leaving Gloucester. Although you could point to several injuries as the reason for his slow start, he has undoubtedly proved to be a flop thus far at The Rec.

With his contract up at the end of the season, Cipriani has emerged as a target for Newcastle Falcons – who are looking for an experienced number 10 following Toby Flood’s retirement. With Jimmy Gopperth reportedly signing with Leicester Tigers, it's also been suggested CIpriani could be set for a third and final stint with Wasps.

Bath Rugby player Danny Cipriani during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Nov 5th - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

#2. Finn Russell

Age: 29
Position: Fly-half
Honours: Scotland – 57 caps
Where’s he going? Japan

Ambitious Japanese rugby outfit Green Rockets Tokatsu are reportedly preparing a big-money move for Scotland internationalis Russell, according to reports.

Japanese rugby is going through a rebranding and will be known as Japan Rugby League One for the 2022 campaign.

Ex-Australia coach Michael Cheika has been appointed by the Green Rockets as their new director of rugby, who are based in the city of Abiko and coached by Ryota Asano, and The Rugby Paper reports that Russell’s signature is at the top of Cheika’s wishlist.

#3. George Kruis

Age: 31
Position: Second-row
Honours: England – 45 caps
Where’s he going? Exeter Chiefs, Leicester Tigers, Saracens

Tigers are hoping to bring former England and Lions second row back to the Premiership next season. The 31-year-old has spent the last year playing in Japan for the Saitama Wild Knights following a trophy-laden 11 seasons with Saracens.

He's also been linked with Saracens as well as Exeter Chiefs following Jonny Hill and Sam Skinner's departure to Sale and Edinburgh.

George Kruis of Saracens arrives during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final between Exeter Chiefs and Saracens at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on June 1 2019. - PHOTO: Cameron Geran/PPAUK

#4. Siya Kolisi

Age: 31
Position: Back-row
Honours: South Africa – 60 caps
Where’s he going? Saracens

The buy-out at Sarries involves rapper Jay-Z’s entertainment agency, Roc Nation, who also happen represent the South Africa captain.

Therefore, a move to North London for Kolisi, who has previously been linked with Wasps, all of sudden looks very possible. One of biggest names in the sport today, this would be a statement signing for the new ownership.

DID YOU KNOW? Kolisi is an ardent fan of English club Liverpool FC