Bath vs Leinster DOUBLE HEADER Teams/Discussion

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Wed 07 Dec 2011, 10:21 am

First topic message reminder :

USING THIS THREAD FOR BOTH GAMES

So Bath went down with a huge fight last week and really put the game to a slightly misfiring Leinster "away" side. Huge performances from Louw and Caldwell in particular and the boot of Barkley giving Bath a lot to cheer about considering the doom and gloom that was felt before the game.

Leinster had a few chances to put the game beyond Bath but didn't take some opportunities they should have. Sexton put in a huge shift which steadied the ship big time, displaying great defence and game management while SOB put in some big carries and great steals.

The game ended 13-18 to Leinster, leaving the pool still somewhat open.

The return game is this Saturday in Lansdowne Rd. Bath fans are expecting the same team out as the injury situation doesn't seem to have changed where as Leinster fans are expecting their "home" team to take the field, introducing the likes of Healy, Toner, Jennings, reddan and O'Malley from the off.

How will the game go?
What are your team perdictions?
What are the vital areas between the teams?
What tactical plans need to be in place for each team?
Will this thread survive without another ROG vs Sexton cat fight? warning

Score predictions?

by **rodders** Tue 13 Dec 2011, 12:28 pm

Mick will Schmidt roll out his 'home' team you think for the return leg? something like:

15 Kearney
14 Nacewa
13 O'Malley
12 D'arcy
11 Fitzgerald
10 Sexton
9 Reddan
8 Heaslip
7 Jennings
6 SOB
5 Toner
4 Cullen
3 Ross
2 Cronin
1 Healy

by thebandwagonsociety Tue 13 Dec 2011, 12:34 pm

Bathite wrote:Whats the logic/reasoning behind the home/away sides you play in the HEC then lads? By the looks of things the away side is more of a physical pack, is that about right?

Not sure there will be too many changes for us either to be honest

It is almost as if the mentality of Schmidt is to hold onto the LBP away from home but target 4 points. So better tacklers, more abrasive players are chosen to last 80 minutes of tackling and defending with enough skill on the pitch to capitalise on turnover ball/possession if we get it (though execution wasn't great last weekend).

The mentality for the home side when Schmidt is picking his team is to have the confidence/ability to get 5 points. It can be almost arrogant in the approach but with it being at home, knowing the ground, the majority are your supporters (so it does eek onto the field and to the officials), he backs his more mobile and skillful players to take on more possession and press for the 4 tries from the starting whistle.

by Bathite Tue 13 Dec 2011, 12:36 pm

So I don't see much difference in the backs, guess its mostly front 5 then?

by Mickado Tue 13 Dec 2011, 12:37 pm

The logic behind it as far as I can see is that home sides tend to be up for a big battle from the off, we pick a large side to try to subdue that, absorb as much pressure as possible and introduce more mobile subs to take advantage when the home side has spent their energy.

Has worked pretty well for Schmidt so far!

by Bathite Tue 13 Dec 2011, 12:37 pm

ps. Nothing wrong with arrogance to win, as long as you win! Players like Cooper and teams like the Tigers (not this year) have that same arrogance and it works a treat. Someone like Cipriani also has that arrogance, but is writing cheques his rugby ability can't cash, so looks like a moron!

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Tue 13 Dec 2011, 12:40 pm

Yeah lads, conversation drifts and moves and all but it's getting silly at this stage please start a new thread somewhere or talk about this.

I think Healy is one of the most valuable players in Ireland and if he can keep up this level of performance could be one of the great servants to Irish rugby.

O'Malley is a tasty prospect. I think Hipkiss has shown us that McFadden is not a 13, possibly a 12 though, while he defended well he didn't threaten IMO save for some support lines. O'Malley is a different beast he will really challenge the Bath defence for sure.

Even with no injuries expect to see the "Leinster home" team back for this one

Healy
Toner
Jennings
Reddan
O'Malley

I think the idea of the away team is to grind a team down and try and quieten the home crowd. It's a team that can slow down opposition ball due to power rather than finesse. Solid set piece and defence and the ability to win in pressure cooker situations.

The away team is much prettier. Expect the game to be considerably faster whether Bath want it to be or not and expect the ball to go wider quicker.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Tue 13 Dec 2011, 12:41 pm

thebandwagonsociety wrote:
Bathite wrote:Whats the logic/reasoning behind the home/away sides you play in the HEC then lads? By the looks of things the away side is more of a physical pack, is that about right?

Not sure there will be too many changes for us either to be honest

It is almost as if the mentality of Schmidt is to hold onto the LBP away from home but target 4 points. So better tacklers, more abrasive players are chosen to last 80 minutes of tackling and defending with enough skill on the pitch to capitalise on turnover ball/possession if we get it (though execution wasn't great last weekend).

The mentality for the home side when Schmidt is picking his team is to have the confidence/ability to get 5 points. It can be almost arrogant in the approach but with it being at home, knowing the ground, the majority are your supporters (so it does eek onto the field and to the officials), he backs his more mobile and skillful players to take on more possession and press for the 4 tries from the starting whistle.

+1

by Bathite Tue 13 Dec 2011, 12:48 pm

Quicker and wider would suit us! Your back row really did slow the ruck down and prevented us from doing exactly that. We don't have a big tough pack to win ball and do cough up turnovers, so counter attacking ball might suit us.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Tue 13 Dec 2011, 12:55 pm

Our home team won't just be counter attacking though, they go wider off 2nd and 3rd phase ball to stretch defences. It would surprise me if we got less linebreaks this week than last.

by **rodders** Tue 13 Dec 2011, 1:19 pm

Will D'arcy or McFadden start at 12, assuming O'Malley gets the nod at 13?

by Mickado Tue 13 Dec 2011, 1:39 pm

I think most Leinster fans would favour McFadden and O’Malley but is Joe starts O’Malley I would expect Darcy to be beside him.

by Feckless Rogue Tue 13 Dec 2011, 1:59 pm

I think I started the argument about Mr X and Mr Y. Sorry.

Is this home and away style of play, something Schmidt picked up in France? I'm sure all teams do it but it seems more pronounced under Schmidt.

by **rodders** Tue 13 Dec 2011, 2:06 pm

I think its genious. He sends out his most physical side in away games knowing that there is likely to be more defending to do. They soften up the home team for the 1st 60 and quiet the home support, then send on the reinforcements to speed up the pace late on.

At home he does the opposite. Comes out to blow the visitors away then when the games in the bag tighten things up.

Brilliant.

by Bathite Tue 13 Dec 2011, 2:16 pm

I wish Bath had a good enough squad to be in this position! We have a lot of injuries at the moment, but the 23 almost picks itself to be honest, with the exception of props, all seem to be at a similar level atm

by Feckless Rogue Tue 13 Dec 2011, 2:19 pm

Is that because of the salary cap Bathite? I wonder should it be higher. Or would Bath be able to afford a bigger squad even if it was higher?

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue 13 Dec 2011, 2:20 pm

roddersm wrote:I think its genious. He sends out his most physical side in away games knowing that there is likely to be more defending to do. They soften up the home team for the 1st 60 and quiet the home support, then send on the reinforcements to speed up the pace late on.

At home he does the opposite. Comes out to blow the visitors away then when the games in the bag tighten things up.

Brilliant.

You seem to be quite the Leinster fan Rodders. Are you coming down for a closer look after your Christmas dinner?

by **rodders** Tue 13 Dec 2011, 2:28 pm

Jen I can't help but cast a jealous glance at what Schmidt is doing. I am very impressed. I'd love to see what he could do with our boys in terms of running lines, offloading etc., the national squad for that matter too.

by geoff998rugby Tue 13 Dec 2011, 2:47 pm

Those Leinster away games bug me - I haven't been for years precisely because they are over the holiday period.

It is the only time I can't make it.
Christmas/New Year is family time

I'll sneak out for the Munster game on the 30th though Wink

by geoff998rugby Tue 13 Dec 2011, 2:49 pm

roddersm wrote:Jen I can't help but cast a jealous glance at what Schmidt is doing. I am very impressed. I'd love to see what he could do with our boys in terms of running lines, offloading etc., the national squad for that matter too.

Although to be fair I don't think Ferris has anything to learn from SOB on how to finish off tries Whistle

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Tue 13 Dec 2011, 2:52 pm

roddersm wrote:Jen I can't help but cast a jealous glance at what Schmidt is doing. I am very impressed. I'd love to see what he could do with our boys in terms of running lines, offloading etc., the national squad for that matter too.

Yes please!!!
The guy is very good isn't he?

Are Bath not that well off?
I thought McGeehan would have got a biggish budget to work with

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue 13 Dec 2011, 3:08 pm

geoff998rugby wrote:Those Leinster away games bug me - I haven't been for years precisely because they are over the holiday period.

It is the only time I can't make it.
Christmas/New Year is family time

I'll sneak out for the Munster game on the 30th though

It was up your way last Christmas. I had tickets but I sold them at the last minute because of the Snow.

We always go to Ravenhill. Been 5 of the last 7 I think. I think both of the ones I missed were at Christmas. We won both too! Rolling Eyes

by **rodders** Tue 13 Dec 2011, 3:21 pm

geoff998rugby wrote:
roddersm wrote:Jen I can't help but cast a jealous glance at what Schmidt is doing. I am very impressed. I'd love to see what he could do with our boys in terms of running lines, offloading etc., the national squad for that matter too.

Although to be fair I don't think Ferris has anything to learn from SOB on how to finish off tries

Hope to catch the Munster game if there is no snow but don't think I'll make the Leinster one either...besides we always feckin lose that one! steam

by Standulstermen Tue 13 Dec 2011, 3:25 pm

The leinster game will be my first away game in ireland. Really looking forward to it.

by GunsGerms Tue 13 Dec 2011, 3:26 pm

Bathite wrote:Whats the logic/reasoning behind the home/away sides you play in the HEC then lads? By the looks of things the away side is more of a physical pack, is that about right?

Not sure there will be too many changes for us either to be honest

The logic is that Leinster have a very big squad which you need to be Hcup champions. It is important to get all players involved to keep moral high and injuries low. It's almost feels unfair that we can bring on such quality subs in every match and usually pull away in the second half of big games.

by thebandwagonsociety Tue 13 Dec 2011, 3:37 pm

Feckless Rogue wrote:I think I started the argument about Mr X and Mr Y. Sorry.

Is this home and away style of play, something Schmidt picked up in France? I'm sure all teams do it but it seems more pronounced under Schmidt.

I think most teams try and do it but;
- usually the press coverage is who is out through injury
- Schmidt does make a change in each line of the team almost (front row, second row, back row, half backs, centres). only the back 3 are settled but he varies those players by HCup/Pro12 as needs be.

by thebandwagonsociety Tue 13 Dec 2011, 3:40 pm

Standulstermen wrote:The leinster game will be my first away game in ireland. Really looking forward to it.

Not a bad game to be the first away game. You been to the New Lansdowne Road though right? If not there is a whole planning aspect for where to drink and watch the early games so you don't have to circumnavigate europe to get around the stadium to reach the only turnstile the stewards allow people with your block reference through.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Tue 13 Dec 2011, 3:45 pm

Really hope Carr gets a shot on Saturday

by Glas a du Tue 13 Dec 2011, 3:46 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Really hope Carr gets a shot on Saturday

Flip! Only saw the 'a' second time round Bath vs Leinster DOUBLE HEADER Teams/Discussion - Page 8 3754190863

by Bathite Tue 13 Dec 2011, 3:53 pm

leinsterbaby wrote:
Bathite wrote:Whats the logic/reasoning behind the home/away sides you play in the HEC then lads? By the looks of things the away side is more of a physical pack, is that about right?

Not sure there will be too many changes for us either to be honest

The logic is that Leinster have a very big squad which you need to be Hcup champions. It is important to get all players involved to keep moral high and injuries low. It's almost feels unfair that we can bring on such quality subs in every match and usually pull away in the second half of big games.

Wow, could you come across more patronising and smug if you tried? Lucky that the other lads already had answered

by Bathite Tue 13 Dec 2011, 3:54 pm

Feckless Rogue wrote:Is that because of the salary cap Bathite? I wonder should it be higher. Or would Bath be able to afford a bigger squad even if it was higher?

Owner is worth £999.2m, massive rugby fan, spending millions on new stadium and training facilities. Has been campaigning massively against the salary cap, been suggested his work helped bring in the marquee player rule and he wanted to sign Carter this season.....Yep, we have the cash, shame we can't spend it.

Whats the cap for Irish teams? I guess it comes under the Rabo cap, but what is that?

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue 13 Dec 2011, 4:02 pm

Standulstermen wrote:The leinster game will be my first away game in ireland. Really looking forward to it.

Check out the Laighin out after the game. New supporters bar behind the Anglesea stand.

(Pronounced Line out, based on some Taigism or other Wink

)

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Tue 13 Dec 2011, 4:03 pm

Bathite wrote:
leinsterbaby wrote:
Bathite wrote:Whats the logic/reasoning behind the home/away sides you play in the HEC then lads? By the looks of things the away side is more of a physical pack, is that about right?

Not sure there will be too many changes for us either to be honest

The logic is that Leinster have a very big squad which you need to be Hcup champions. It is important to get all players involved to keep moral high and injuries low. It's almost feels unfair that we can bring on such quality subs in every match and usually pull away in the second half of big games.

Wow, could you come across more patronising and smug if you tried? Lucky that the other lads already had answered

To an extent he is right though, don't think he is trying to be patronising. Just think that on Saturday we brought on

Healy- International and HCup Winner
White- Experienced club player
Toner- International and HCup Winner
Jennings- International and Double (Triple???) HCup Winner
Reddan- International and Double (Triple???) HCup Winner

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue 13 Dec 2011, 4:05 pm

Bathite wrote:
Feckless Rogue wrote:Is that because of the salary cap Bathite? I wonder should it be higher. Or would Bath be able to afford a bigger squad even if it was higher?

Owner is worth £999.2m, massive rugby fan, spending millions on new stadium and training facilities. Has been campaigning massively against the salary cap, been suggested his work helped bring in the marquee player rule and he wanted to sign Carter this season.....Yep, we have the cash, shame we can't spend it.

Whats the cap for Irish teams? I guess it comes under the Rabo cap, but what is that?

There's a salary cap in the pro12? Shocked

There probably is, it's called poverty.

by Mickado Tue 13 Dec 2011, 4:25 pm

Aside from the usual bumps and bruises there are no fresh injury concerns for the Leinster management following a good weekend for the province which saw both the Senior team and ‘A’ sides record Round 3 victories in the respective Heineken Cup and British & Irish (B&I) Cup competitions.
Jonathan Sexton’s 18-point haul brought his season tally to 88 points in six games in both competitions. Sunday’s game in Bath, meanwhile, marked Leo Cullen’s 75th Heineken Cup game (including 12 appearances with Leicester Tigers) while Steven Sykes, who missed the game with a virus, could come back into the mix this week. In other news, Mat Berquist continues to make good progress after his knee surgery and it is hoped that he could return to action early in the New Year. Meanwhile, Leinster ‘A’ will face London Welsh in Round 4 of the B&I Cup in Donnybrook this Sunday afternoon (KO: 2.30pm).

There will be a Christmas party atmosphere in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday when Leinster take on Bath with lots of festive fun a very special treat before kick-off. Already over 43,000 tickets have been sold for the Round 4 encounter with the sales closing in on the previous Irish pool record attendance of 44,873 (against ASM Clermont Auvergne in December 2010). For more information, or to buy tickets for the match CLICK HERE. Tickets are also on sale from the Leinster Rugby Store (Donnybrook), Spar (Donnybrook) and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

The official match programme, available for €5 around the ground, will also be in a special one-off ‘3D’ format.

As well as that, a charity text campaign will run this week and on the day of the match where Leinster followers are being asked to text a donation of €2.50 to help raise essential funds for Leinster’s five chosen charities for this season; Action Breast Cancer, Barretstown, Bray Lakers, St John Ambulance and Welcome Home. Simply text the word LEINSTER to 57800 and as well as helping five great charities, all followers who lend their support to the campaign will be automatically entered into a draw to win an all-expenses paid trip for two (including flights, accommodation and match tickets) on the team charter to the Round 5 Heineken Cup game away to Glasgow Warriors in January (€2.50 per text. Network charges vary. A minimum of *€1.20 (ex VAT) goes towards Leinster’s five chosen charities. SP Phonovation Ltd. 0818217100. Please note any donations made on the 17/12/2011will raise €1.73 per text).

Meanwhile, following a significant take up of the ‘One Province’ reduced price Ticket initiative, over 3,700 young supporters from clubs and schools around the province have availed of the reduced price €5 tickets under the scheme and will attend Saturday’s game.

The list are as follows: Ardee RFC, Arklow RFC, Ashbourne RFC, Athboy RFC, Birr RFC, Castleknock College, CBS Naas, Cill Dara RFC, Clongowes Wood College SJ, Confey Community College, Coolmine RFC, County Carlow FC, CUS, De la Salle Churchtown, Dublin South Arch Club, Edenderry RFC, Greystones RFC, Halfway House Bunclody, Kilkenny RFC, Longford RFC, Loreto Girls School, Malahide RFC, Monkstown FC, Mount Temple, Mullingar RFC, Navan RFC, New Ross RFC, North Kildare RFC, NUIM Barnhall, Old Bawn Community School, Old Belvedere RFC, Old Wesley RFC, Piper's Hill School Naas, Pobalscoil Neasain, Portarlington RFC, Portlaoise CBS, Portlaoise RFC, Ratoath RFC, Riverstown Foroige Club, St. David's Artane, St. David’s Greystones, St. Kevin's Dunlavin, St. Mary's Naas, Skerries RFC, Stillorgan RFC, Suttonians RFC, Tullamore RFC, Tullow RFC, Tullow Youth Project, Unidare RFC, Wanderers FC, Wesley College, West Offaly Lions RFC, Wexford Wanderers RFC, Whitecross School Co. Meath, Wicklow RFC

by Mickado Tue 13 Dec 2011, 4:27 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:
Bathite wrote:
leinsterbaby wrote:
Bathite wrote:Whats the logic/reasoning behind the home/away sides you play in the HEC then lads? By the looks of things the away side is more of a physical pack, is that about right?

Not sure there will be too many changes for us either to be honest

The logic is that Leinster have a very big squad which you need to be Hcup champions. It is important to get all players involved to keep moral high and injuries low. It's almost feels unfair that we can bring on such quality subs in every match and usually pull away in the second half of big games.

Wow, could you come across more patronising and smug if you tried? Lucky that the other lads already had answered

To an extent he is right though, don't think he is trying to be patronising. Just think that on Saturday we brought on

Healy- International and HCup Winner
White- Experienced club player
Toner- International and HCup Winner
Jennings- International and Double (Triple???) HCup Winner
Reddan- International and Double (Triple???) HCup Winner

Jennings never won a HC with Leicester and Reddan won only one with us and the other with Waps. So both double winners. I think Toner has two medals too, he certainly played in the 09 campaign, he was MOTM at home against Castres.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Tue 13 Dec 2011, 4:40 pm

Cheers Mick

Either way what I am saying is our bench is pretty powerful and thus we can play defensively for 50mins to tire home teams out before releasing some speedsters with real class.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue 13 Dec 2011, 4:47 pm

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:
Jennings- International and Double (Triple???) HCup Winner
Reddan- International and Double (Triple???) HCup Winner

They were on opposing sides in the HC final in 07. So they both have 2 HC Medals. Only one has 2 for Leinster though.

by **rodders** Tue 13 Dec 2011, 4:54 pm

Smug feckers! steam

....stop flaunting your HEC winners in everyones faces!....right I'm away to count how many Celtic cup winners we have in our squad....... Whistle

by Feckless Rogue Tue 13 Dec 2011, 4:59 pm

Bathite, I think there should be a salary cap in England. But maybe it should be higher, for the teams that can afford it. Could Bath spend money in a sustainable way? Or do they want to plow money in, that they can never make back, just because yer man has it and loves rugby?

Don't think there's a salary cap in the Pro 12. The only limit is how much the province/union can afford. Which is significantly lower than the French cap I'd imagine. I think I heard the pundits mention that Castres budget is bigger than Munsters, when the sides met. Did I hear that right?

The squads in Ireland are not really built by the financial muscle to sign big players anyway. They're based on the academy's capacity to produce talent. And the unions capacity to convince them they're better off staying in Ireland. The budgets of Leinster, Ulster and Munster are all very similar I'd say. But Leinsters academy has produced more quality in recent years. Munster did in the past.

French teams can offer our players much more money. But staying in Ireland helps their international hopes greatly. And there's a tax incentive to finish your career in Ireland too. So, thankfully the French haven't taken any of our high profile players yet.

by Mickado Tue 13 Dec 2011, 4:59 pm

Healy has two as well actually. Which means He was 21 when he won his first one.

Holy JAYSUS that's young for a prop!

by Mickado Tue 13 Dec 2011, 5:03 pm

Feckless, I'd say our budgets are decent enough, not as high as Toulouse / ASM / Toulon etc.

I believe the new facility at UCD was built with a "philanthropic donation" which is nice! If we can get another one to renavate the Anglesea stand we'll be laughing!

by Bathite Tue 13 Dec 2011, 5:19 pm

" And the unions capacity to convince them they're better off staying in Ireland."

In my book, thats the key bit and the one you should be most proud of. Thats the difference, wouldn't say that the academies are streets ahead of Prem teams or the Welsh. Think of Ospreys, Falcons and Tiger and more recently Gloucesters

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue 13 Dec 2011, 5:23 pm

roddersm wrote:Smug feckers! ....stop flaunting your HEC winners in everyones faces!....right I'm away to count how many Celtic cup winners we have in our squad.......

Having been on the receiving end from Munster fans for several years. I feel your pain.

We gotta make hay while the sun is shining. Very Happy

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue 13 Dec 2011, 5:30 pm

Bathite wrote:" And the unions capacity to convince them they're better off staying in Ireland."

In my book, thats the key bit and the one you should be most proud of. Thats the difference, wouldn't say that the academies are streets ahead of Prem teams or the Welsh. Think of Ospreys, Falcons and Tiger and more recently Gloucesters

All our players are centrally contracted to the IRFU. That's the key difference.

The IRFU can veto signings etc too. (eg Nathan Hines. We wanted to keep him he wanted to stay. IRFU said no)

This means the clubs (provinces) don't have the clout that they do in England or France.

It can be frustration at times (Player welfare program states that intl players can only play 6 out of the 1st 8 games and 4 of the next 6 etc.)

But over all it is good for club and country.

Munster Ulster and Leinster all have the same budget. Connacht considerably less.

by Mickado Tue 13 Dec 2011, 5:40 pm

In general you're right Jen but not every Irish player is contacted by the IRFU, only 20 or so contracts nationally, so it's becoming more difficult to hang onto players. O'Brien doesnt have one as far as I know.

Also, on Hines the IRFU would only offer him a 1 year contact (because of his age) but he got a 3 year offer from Clermont. Leibster wanted to hang onto him though, that's for sure!

*****pedantic Sh1tebag alert!!!*****

by mrsuperclear Tue 13 Dec 2011, 5:45 pm

Yeah, like Mickado I was going to correct you there Jen.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/top-rugby-stars-face-up-to-50pc-cut-in-pay-2199944.html

Only 21 players are on central contracts if that article is still accurate.

I would also dispute that Munster, Leinster and Ulster have the same budget. I imagine their budgets are increased through sponsorship, season ticket holders, attendances, merchandise, etc. I'd expect leinster's budget > Munster's > Ulster's...

It's still no doubt a very good system we have though. When you look at the money on offer in France it's fantastic that we've managed to keep, not just our best, but even our average players playing in Ireland. Well done to the IRFU because not all organisations would have the intelligence to manage and implement such a system.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue 13 Dec 2011, 6:15 pm

OK. To clarify.

Not all players are centrally contracted, but all players contracts are subject to central approval/veto.

The 3 provinces get the same funding from the IRFU, which is of course not the same as having the same budget.

Also. Centrally contracted players wages do not come out of the Provinces bank.

by Golden Tue 13 Dec 2011, 6:17 pm

Are players paid for playing in internationals?

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue 13 Dec 2011, 6:17 pm

Witness the flow of players to and from Connacht each year. Connacht is run by the IRFU as a development province.

Now imagine a similar situation in England or France.....................Still imagining? Great! Very Happy

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue 13 Dec 2011, 6:20 pm

Golden wrote:Are players paid for playing in internationals?

Yep. They are paid a basic afik. But would get more money the more they play.

If a player is not centrally contracted. The Province has to pay his wages. Not sure how this would work out if they were not paid for internationals.

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