Stephen Sykes leaving Leinster

First topic message reminder :

Saw a rumour on the Leinster fan site that Sykes has signed with the Sharks back in South Africa.

Pretty disappointing if true, he did arrive with some fairly high expectations and for one reason or another he hasn’t been able to stay fit and has only played in 4 games for us (just under 200 mins).

I would be in favour of looking to sign a marquee foreign player in his position if that is the case, someone like Bekker or Whitelock would be a good call but not sure how likely either of them are to come here.

Maybe we could look at the likes of Caldwell who’s been playing well for Bath, but I’m not sure the good form he’s showing is sustainable. He never played enough for long enough at Ulster.

According to Jackman we're in talks with Brad Thorne!

Now that would be a coup!

Sin é wrote:None of whom have been front-line players like Ross, Reddan & Cronin.

I don't agree. I think Leinster are going to be very short on the leadership stakes in the forwards once Leo & Jennings retire unless Ruddock steps up to the plate.

Sexton will Captain Leinster in the future. And Ireland.

Gibson wrote:

Sin é wrote:None of whom have been front-line players like Ross, Reddan & Cronin.

I don't agree. I think Leinster are going to be very short on the leadership stakes in the forwards once Leo & Jennings retire unless Ruddock steps up to the plate.

Sexton will Captain Leinster in the future. And Ireland.

Not sure if he can do that from the bench when Madigan is no.1. Same for Ireland. But don't worry POM will do fine as captain.

Rory Best will be captain after O'Connell then probably Sexton or Heaslip dunno maybe someone else will put their hands up,O'Mahoney has potential but he's a long way off captaining Ireland.

Mickado wrote:According to Jackman we're in talks with Brad Thorne!

Now that would be a coup!

Heard that on the radio. Something about we are in talks with him. He is playing in Japan but their season finishes in a couple of weeks. For a short tint I would see him being interested in coming into a team with a genuine chance at the heineken cup as it would be a nice add-on to his very impressive CV.

There must be some serious good feedback going to into SA-NZ from their ex-pats that are at the irish provinces. There was a time that you might get a journeyman into an irish provincial side. The calibre of players that the irish sides are approaching are now from the top drawer.

Just heard it too on the radio plus it is being reported in NZ:

http://m.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10781603

thebandwagonsociety wrote:

Mickado wrote:According to Jackman we're in talks with Brad Thorne!

Now that would be a coup!

Heard that on the radio. Something about we are in talks with him. He is playing in Japan but their season finishes in a couple of weeks. For a short tint I would see him being interested in coming into a team with a genuine chance at the heineken cup as it would be a nice add-on to his very impressive CV.

There must be some serious good feedback going to into SA-NZ from their ex-pats that are at the irish provinces. There was a time that you might get a journeyman into an irish provincial side. The calibre of players that the irish sides are approaching are now from the top drawer.

He is a bit of a dinosaur though. 37? Playing in Japan is he still good? As a short term contract there's no harm especially given Cullen is injured and Sykes has cried off home.

He played in the world cup final last year. I'd say he's still got it.

leinsterbaby wrote:

thebandwagonsociety wrote:

Mickado wrote:According to Jackman we're in talks with Brad Thorne!

Now that would be a coup!

Heard that on the radio. Something about we are in talks with him. He is playing in Japan but their season finishes in a couple of weeks. For a short tint I would see him being interested in coming into a team with a genuine chance at the heineken cup as it would be a nice add-on to his very impressive CV.

There must be some serious good feedback going to into SA-NZ from their ex-pats that are at the irish provinces. There was a time that you might get a journeyman into an irish provincial side. The calibre of players that the irish sides are approaching are now from the top drawer.

He is a bit of a dinosaur though. 37? Playing in Japan is he still good? As a short term contract there's no harm especially given Cullen is injured and Sykes has cried off home.

We are not looking for 5 years out of the lad. We're talking the rest of this season or 2 seasons at the most. He has been key to NZ for a while and is still a highly rated player (regardless of his age). Being in Japan is more about playing as much as he can in his twilight seasons (and the pay!).

Great for Irish Rugby alright, Geriatric AB joins leinster. No wonder the irfu are trying to change the rules.

Well actually DOD the IRFU are changing the rules because you guys are fielding two NIQ props......