An update on our remaining out of contract players for 2017:
Rory Sutherland - hope to keep, a quality player
Willem Nel - would love to keep, although the Sunday Times reckons he's on his way to France. Clearly we can't afford him in the open market, so it's down to non-financial factors like welfare, family etc. Incidentally, he is slated for return to the team this weekend
Anton Bresler - again hope he stays, we've missed him badly this season. Suspect he will, as he becomes SQ in the autumn (based on current regulations)
Hamish Watson - budget-wise it's either him or Hardie I suspect, so would definitely prefer to keep Hamish of the two. Has indicated he wants to stay, despite almost certain attention from elsewhere - SRU may be waiting to see what happens with Hardie first
Nasi Manu - can't decide. He's been injury-ridden since he got here, but undoubtedly has quality - he was superb in his first game v Leinster when not even fully fit, have we caused him to regress? If we could get the best out of him as a player and leader would be a huge asset, and no bad thing for either side to keep him here until he qualifies for Scotland.
Simon Berghan - a must to keep, whether or not Nel goes I can't see us getting much better at TH in the open market, hopefully he can stay injury-free.
Tom Brown - always dependable (and I suspect reasonably priced), definitely keep
John Hardie - would sacrifice for budget reasons rather than Watson, although he is a cracking player when fit
Michael Allen - would keep as a squad player if the price is right
Grant Gilchrist - underperfoming this season, can't help but feel a move would be in mutual best interests - he gets his mojo back which is great for Scotland, and we free up budget to hold on to and develop others
Sean Kennedy - blows hot and cold, can't see him being more than a 2nd / 3rd choice Pro12 SH. Could retain him while looking to fast track a youngster (eg Hugh Fraser) to challenge
Jack Cosgrove - keep for squad depth
Kyle Whyte - keep, let's see how he pans out
Alex Northam - one game v Timisoara, hard to know if he's any good or not. Huge admiration for what he's gone through, would like to see him get a chance to shine but if it ain't happening then we should let him go.
Sasa Tofilau - Hodge doesn't rate him, has done little in the games he had, so likely to be let go
Nathan Fowles - let him leave, particularly didn't appreciate his attitude towards the amateur players at the Melrose 7s which probably makes me biased, however appears to be down the pecking order in any case
Nick Beavon - have to assume the experiment hasn't worked
Will Helu - decent enough journeyman, but suspect he's being paid more than he delivers - let go