I know the theory goes that agents will leak rumours to the press to up a player's worth and improve their bargaining position, but is there actually any truth in this? If we think that's what happens, then surely the clubs, who are far more in the know, would also know it's happening and so just ignore it.
I can't believe for instance that Quins would let their contract negotiations with Clifford be influenced by what Fissler or RIL might say. I'm sure the club knows who is after which of our players without an agent having to spread the rumours
You are probably right when it comes to higher profile players and I have no idea exactly how much of it goes on , but you only have to listen to the agents in the football world when interviewed to see that's how they operate .
However, rumours are easily started - Last night at the Quinssa event I spoke with Ugo Monye and told him he had started a transfer rumour with his podcast on Monday when Danny Care said that Sam Burgess was coming back to Union - Several rumours on Twitter immediately afterwards linking Burgess with Bristol .
He laughed and said its a nightmare, he said that it is so easy to start rumours if you speak to the right person , and certainly if anyone high profile in the rugby media says something even as a joke its often picked up as fact .
Don't believe anything till you get official notice from the Club or the player himself was his best advice .