Irish Autumn Squad-BOD AND BEST OUT!

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Wed 24 Oct 2012, 10:38 am

First topic message reminder :

So Kidney announces his squad today, a 32 man panel against the boks and pumas. More players come into consideration for the Fiji game.

A 31 man Ireland squad including four uncapped players has been named by Ireland Coach Declan Kidney for the 2012 Guinness Series games against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.

Centre Luke Marshall and forward Iain Henderson named in the panel and who were involved in the Ireland training camp in September are included in the squad as are prop David Kilcoyne and hooker Richardt Strauss, who is now eligible to play for Ireland based on his residency for the past three years.
In addition to the naming of the Ireland squad for the 2012 Guinness Series, there were also changes announced to the makeup of the national coaching staff with current Munster Assistant Coach and former international Anthony Foley joining the Ireland coaching team.

Foley will be now be leading the defence plans and systems allowing Assistant Coach Les Kiss to lead the attack shape for the team as well as continue to coach the backline. Foley will remain working with Munster Rugby outside of the international window. It was also confirmed that Leinster scrum coach, Greg Feek will continue providing his expertise to the Ireland team during competition time.

Commenting on the Guinness Series games and the addition of Anthony Foley, Ireland Coach Declan Kidney said: "We have three incredibly competitive games ahead of us in November and while there have been quite a few injuries and niggles in the early part of the season, it has opened up opportunities for other players to step into the squad. There are world ranking points on offer, so the underlying challenge for us is to work towards retaining and improving our ranking position ahead of the Rugby World Cup pool draw. While that is the end goal, our focus will be getting our preparations right to match the intensity of international games.

"I'm pleased that Anthony has taken up the offer of working with the squad to assist during this vital period in November. His previous experience of working with the team during the last RBS 6 Nations championship was important, but his own abilities and experience were central to bringing him onboard. I would like to thank Rob Penney and Joe Schmidt for being so positive and giving Anthony Foley and Greg (Feek) the scope to be part of the plans that we have."

Anthony Foley said: "I was delighted when Declan approached Rob and me about the possibility of working with the Ireland team again. I enjoyed the opportunity I got during the Six Nations working with the players and I felt once we were all comfortable with the balance between Munster and Ireland, I jumped at the chance. I certainly feel I can contribute positively and when you get the chance to coach with your country, you don't want to pass it up.

Ticket sales have reached over 46,000 for the South Africa game with only a limited number of categories available for purchase from IrishRugby.ie and www.ticketmaster.ie

While the Argentina game is a full month away, ticket sales are at just over 37,000 tickets and are selling quickly and have already surpassed the attendance the last time Argentina visited the Aviva.

Irish Rugby Squad (Guinness Series 2012)

Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster/62)
Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster/49)
Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster/3)
Tom Court (Malone/Ulster/29)
Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster/69)
Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster/32)
Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster/35)
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster/33)
Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster/50)
Iain Henderson (Queens University/Ulster)*
Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster/2)
David Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster)*
Luke Marshall (Ballymena/Ulster)*
John Muldoon (Galwegians/Connacht/3)
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster/12)
Mike McCarthy (Buccaneers/Connacht/4)
Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster/14)
Kevin McLaughlin (St. Mary's College/Leinster/5)
Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster/88)
Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster/85)
Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster/120) Captain
Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster/124
Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster/7)
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster/45)
Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster/22)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster/21)
Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary's College/Leinster/32)
Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster)*
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster/48)
Dan Tuohy (Ballymena/Ulster/5)
Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster/1)

Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster/21 caps)
Craig Gilroy (Dungannon/Ulster) *
Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster) *
Paul Marshall (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) *
Tiernan O'Halloran (Buccaneers/Connacht) *
Michael Bent (Leinster) *
Declan Fitzpatrick (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster/2)

N.B. *denotes uncapped player

O'DRISCOLL and BEST out.

by **Notch** Sun 28 Oct 2012, 8:52 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Did madigan get added to the squad? He could play 15

Nope!

by Gibson Sun 28 Oct 2012, 8:53 pm

WillyGilly wrote:You've changed gibbo. You're henceforth barred from the anti-dk club. Please turn in your badge and get the club tattoo removed.

Ha! Naw Willy, this is a good call considering Jones' history. He needs time. He is the only one even near Kearney and for me, he will be Ireland's other FB for years to come. He has it in him to really challenge Kearney.

by MrsP Sun 28 Oct 2012, 8:53 pm

I'd have Isa in a heart beat.

I have no problem considering him an honourary Irishman!

But, straight off the plane and into the squad???

Not comfortable with that at all.

by Gibson Sun 28 Oct 2012, 8:54 pm

Madigan in the squad? Are you totally mad? Nah, the Ledge ROG is there.

I know... I know.

by Irishhoneymonster Sun 28 Oct 2012, 8:54 pm

Notch wrote:
WillyGilly wrote:Marshall called up days overdue. Bent who? Sorry...

This is just injury cover for the most part. The four backs are just injury cover anyway, and Cronin is in because Best took a knock on Friday. Only way these guys will be anywhere near is an injury crisis. The exception is that Fitzpatrick or Bent will be our bench prop. Anyone notice anything? Still no specialist fullback. Earls or Bowe it is

I'm pretty sure O'Gara played a few minutes for the Lions at 15 so I expect him to start there! Laugh

Only kidding

For me, I would have prefered to see Jones or Madigan brought in for the 15 shirt with BOD at 12 and either Earls or Cave at 13 but this is Kidney after all. Although having said that I'm sure if Jones hadn't been injured so much he would now be (or close to) challenging Kearney for the 15 jersey. I'm sure if he gets a run of a few games he could be challenging or at least seen as automatic No2 come the 6 nations.

by **Notch** Sun 28 Oct 2012, 8:56 pm

Madigan seems to have been overtaken by Paddy Jackson in the pecking order. Course young Paddy is only gonna get to hold tackle bags and clean boots. Hope he's available for us all November, unless of course he gets a shot against Fiji which I would be all for.

by LeinsterFan4life Sun 28 Oct 2012, 9:00 pm

Gibson wrote:Madigan in the squad? Are you totally mad? Nah, the Ledge ROG is there.

I know... I know.

Oh well at least leinster get to keep him. Then when he wins MOTM awards, everyone will curse kidney for not taking him!

by WillyGilly Sun 28 Oct 2012, 9:01 pm

That would mean NOC starting for us notch? Not keen on that at all!

by **Notch** Sun 28 Oct 2012, 9:08 pm

WillyGilly wrote:That would mean NOC starting for us notch? Not keen on that at all!

Doubt it, at least not against Edinburgh. I reckon we'll only be missing seven or eight guys on Friday, then I don't know how many against Zebre or Treviso. But those four will almost certainly be available albeit having been in Kildare all week.

But if Paddy Wallace is available would be foolish not to use him as our 10 in the event we are missing Small Paul, Pienaar and PaddyMk2 at the same time. I still think we'll get Paddy Jackson for Edinburgh and Treviso, maybe not against Zebre- he might be in the squad for Fiji but who knows?

by Gibson Sun 28 Oct 2012, 9:08 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:
Gibson wrote:Madigan in the squad? Are you totally mad? Nah, the Ledge ROG is there.

I know... I know.
Oh well at least leinster get to keep him. Then when he wins MOTM awards, everyone will curse kidney for not taking him!

I reckon it was a deal. Madigan is the best Irish 10 after Sexton (not a WUM - just my opinion) but they are taking JS away. Taking Madigan as well right now, would have killed us.

Besides, Jackson is playing regularly at 10 for Ulster. And is playing well. So it all makes sense. Christ, I am agreeing with some of Kidney's logic.

Need sleep.

by LeinsterFan4life Sun 28 Oct 2012, 9:12 pm

Gibson wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:
Gibson wrote:Madigan in the squad? Are you totally mad? Nah, the Ledge ROG is there.

I know... I know.
Oh well at least leinster get to keep him. Then when he wins MOTM awards, everyone will curse kidney for not taking him!

I reckon it was a deal. Madigan is the best Irish 10 after Sexton (not a WUM - just my opinion) but they are taking JS away. Taking Madigan as well right now, would have killed us.

Besides, Jackson is playing 10 for Ulster. So it all makes sense. Christ, I am agreeing with some of Kidney's logic.

Need sleep.

You cant do whats best for the provinces, you need to do whats best for ireland. The guy deserves a call up.

by LeinsterFan4life Sun 28 Oct 2012, 9:16 pm

We can now have an all foreign front row with court-strauss-bent.

by Gibson Sun 28 Oct 2012, 9:16 pm

His time will come. I am glad he's not joining the Irish squad. Well glad. But you are right, he deserved a call-up.

I have minimal interest in the AI's. Just hope we can keep on to our top 8, or higher, seeding. I reckon that's why Fiji is not a full international. If we lost to them, we'd be feiced.

We were in this exact same position 4 years ago. Fighting for our status quo. Go figure.

by Hookisms and Hyperbole Sun 28 Oct 2012, 9:18 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:We can now have an all foreign front row with court-strauss-bent.

O'straussghnessy is Irish for God's sake. His father was a Fianna Fail TD for Donegal south-west in the 1970s. I voted for the father, you'll vote for the son. They fixed the roads!

by **rodders** Sun 28 Oct 2012, 9:18 pm

Guys! Recommendations for seats in the aviva??

by LeinsterFan4life Sun 28 Oct 2012, 9:22 pm

rodders wrote:Guys! Recommendations for seats in the aviva??

Middle tier. I got tickets for the arg game in the middle tier for 27 euro.

by SecretFly Sun 28 Oct 2012, 9:34 pm

Surprising how quickly a name from nowhere becomes common currency.

Firstly, it's "Michael Who?" An hour later and Bent is part of our front row..and probably has been for some time now.

Ireland is moving fast these days! Dare I say it, actually a sense of nervous excitement developing. Into the great unknown again and wondering just how Ireland will play.

Sorry for upsetting the eternal gloom guys with such a reprehensible hint of hope. But I do hope the general impetus of developments keeps up the pace when our team actually hits the field.

by **rodders** Sun 28 Oct 2012, 9:35 pm

OK cheers. Think middle tier is gone for the boks game.

Is the upper tier any good?

by LeinsterFan4life Sun 28 Oct 2012, 9:38 pm

rodders wrote:OK cheers. Think middle tier is gone for the boks game.

Is the upper tier any good?

Ye just try and get them as low down as you can.

by MrsP Sun 28 Oct 2012, 9:43 pm

I don't remember Rava complaining about the view from up high behind the posts Rodders.

But then again we had just qualified for the HEC final so he was a reasonably happy camper anyway!

Is no one else distressed that we have someone walking straight off the plane into the squad?
He won't even have been to a Leinster game let alone played in one.

by red_stag Sun 28 Oct 2012, 9:44 pm

LeinsterFan4life wrote:
red_stag wrote:Ireland are going on tour at same time as Lions. It allows us develop new players when key guys are with Lions.
Is that not the wolfhounds that are touring?

No we are going to USA, England are touring Argentina. not sure about others

by LeinsterFan4life Sun 28 Oct 2012, 9:47 pm

red_stag wrote:
LeinsterFan4life wrote:
red_stag wrote:Ireland are going on tour at same time as Lions. It allows us develop new players when key guys are with Lions.
Is that not the wolfhounds that are touring?

No we are going to USA, England are touring Argentina. not sure about others

cool, Madigan might finally make an ireland squad.

by **Notch** Sun 28 Oct 2012, 9:51 pm

SecretFly wrote:
Sorry for upsetting the eternal gloom guys with such a reprehensible hint of hope. But I do hope the general impetus of developments keeps up the pace when our team actually hits the field.

You're a more optimistic soul than I. I pretty much accept we'll win one playing poorly, lose one and score a few against Fiji in a meaningless run-out. We might win all three, actually, but that doesn't really excite me either. We've reached a point in international rugby were we are stagnant and there's no real progress up for grabs without some fresh ideas coming in at the top. We are at a standstill as a national rugby team and that is not going to change even if we win, so basically I don't care much about Ireland right now. I just hope a few new guys get capped and we manage to hold onto to our RWC seeding. We're marking time until the Kidney era is over and it's hard to be anything more than apathetic about it.

I just hope it doesn't disrupt Ulster too much, because I haven't been this excited about one of my teams since Ireland right after the 2007 Six Nations. And we all know how that turned out!

So far, despite my best efforts, I haven't been able to turn my thoughts past the prospect of Ulster vs Edinburgh at home. Big home crowd, Friday night at Ravenhill, prospect of keeping the winning streak going... I can't wait for that. Whereas the thought of the November internationals is just "Oh yeah, those are coming up."

Maybe my thoughts will change after Fridays game but I can't get into it at all right now. And I'm not some fairweather province first type, no. I've been to at least one Ireland match every season since about 2005/2006. I've spent time supporting the side in person. And I hope to get to the South Africa game. But it's more a sense of grim duty I have as a fan at this point.

by Hookisms and Hyperbole Sun 28 Oct 2012, 10:02 pm

Notch wrote:
SecretFly wrote:
Sorry for upsetting the eternal gloom guys with such a reprehensible hint of hope. But I do hope the general impetus of developments keeps up the pace when our team actually hits the field.

You're a more optimistic soul than I. I pretty much accept we'll win one playing poorly, lose one and score a few against Fiji in a meaningless run-out. We might win all three, actually, but that doesn't really excite me either. We've reached a point in international rugby were we are stagnant and there's no real progress up for grabs without some fresh ideas coming in at the top. We are at a standstill as a national rugby team and that is not going to change even if we win, so basically I don't care much about Ireland right now. I just hope a few new guys get capped and we manage to hold onto to our RWC seeding. We're marking time until the Kidney era is over and it's hard to be anything more than apathetic about it.

I just hope it doesn't disrupt Ulster too much, because I haven't been this excited about one of my teams since Ireland right after the 2007 Six Nations. And we all know how that turned out!

So far, despite my best efforts, I haven't been able to turn my thoughts past the prospect of Ulster vs Edinburgh at home. Big home crowd, Friday night at Ravenhill, prospect of keeping the winning streak going... I can't wait for that. Whereas the thought of the November internationals is just "Oh yeah, those are coming up."

Maybe my thoughts will change after Fridays game but I can't get into it at all right now. And I'm not some fairweather province first type, no. I've been to at least one Ireland match every season since about 2005/2006. I've spent time supporting the side in person. And I hope to get to the South Africa game. But it's more a sense of grim duty I have as a fan at this point.

Totally agree with this. It's not spending the time on Ireland that I have grown tired of- its the money. A day out to Dublin from Northern Ireland is not cheap. I'm not going to part with another penny while Kidney is in charge. I was prepared to stick with him longer than many people until the summer tests but I am well and truly on the bandwagon.

Also I think we will lose both matches that matter. We will drop out of the top 8 and be truly fooked for the next World Cup. This autumn series genuinely matters for two years down the line and we go into it with no fullback. Either Kidney is cunning, as cunning as a fox who's just been appointed Professor of Cunning at Oxford University, or he hasn't a clue.

by Feckless Rogue Sun 28 Oct 2012, 10:15 pm

I think we can win all three. What's the order of the games?

by **Notch** Sun 28 Oct 2012, 10:22 pm

South Africa, Fiji then Argentina.

-I expect us to lose to the Boks and it to be an omnishambles from an Irish Point of view.
-We'll do alright against a developmental Fiji side who are touring with 16 potential new caps in a loose and unstructured game where we'll run in a few tries.
-The game against Argentina will be squeaky bum time, a messy, error-strewn war of attrition that we'll come out the right side of. Just barely.

But the Boks are not unbeatable. If it wasn't for the context (Munster in transition, Leinster lads playing fairly average rugby, coming off the tour from hell, no fullback and Kidney unlikely to trust players in form who can offer something new) I would fancy a crack at them.

by SecretFly Sun 28 Oct 2012, 10:28 pm

Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote:Either Kidney is cunning, as cunning as a fox who's just been appointed Professor of Cunning at Oxford University, or he hasn't a clue.

Well there is no argument against an either-or statement. I'm one of Kidney's fiercest critics, and yes, I too said I'd give him the trip to New Zealand and give him no more chances after that if he failed. We came home with our tail very much between our legs but also - it eventually turned out! - with the closest score any side has come to them since the Summer, except for the recent Aussie draw...and that includes the entire 4 Nations Championship.

I do tentatively sense an upsurge of sorts coming from us. Nothing to back it up except instinct. And that doesn't mean I still don't believe that Kidney is now only a caretaker coach as we wait for a needed change. Yet, and ironically possibly in part due to Ulster's belligerent and effective season so far, I just have a feeling in my gut that is for now keeping my expectations and mood a little buoyant.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Mon 29 Oct 2012, 1:34 am

I mentioned Bent a few days ago:

There was an article in the Times about him linking up the squad
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/1026/1224325731750.html

I've no idea how good he is, but he is seasoned and Feek rates him which can only be a good thing.

Vewry disappointed Madigan and Jones didn't get in and even McSharry if I am honest but ah well.

The Fiji game is now going to be very, very interesting!

by **rodders** Mon 29 Oct 2012, 8:54 am

Bringing in Bent is a no brainer. Get him capped so he is commited to Ireland.

Who cares if he's any good, fiec is he can keep a scrum up long enough to get the ball out the back without conceding a penalty then he's better than 98% of our other options.

Delighted for Paul Marshall. Probably won't see any gametime outside Fiji but at least his performances are being acknowledged.

Jones needs a run of games for Munster to prove his form and fitness. Looks like he did well against Zebre but it's too soon for him given how long he's been out and his previous injury record.

Can't understand why Madigan isn't in though. He's the form Irish guy playing 15 right now and can cover fly-half too. Bizarre decision.....

Maybe ROG was intimidated enough with two younger and better fly halves in the squad and a 3rd one would have been just too much for his ego..... Whistle

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Mon 29 Oct 2012, 9:28 am

It's good that these guys get in to the squad again and work out what's what.

Then again they will have to do it all again when kidney is gone

Does anyone else think the fiji game is going to be the most interesting of the 3????????

by Kingshu Mon 29 Oct 2012, 9:43 am

Was going to ask, which Province would be looking to bring Bent over, as IQ tightheads are hard to come by, Looks like hes going to Leinster.
I suppose Leinsters a good enough place to learn.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Mon 29 Oct 2012, 10:34 am

Kingshu wrote:Was going to ask, which Province would be looking to bring Bent over, as IQ tightheads are hard to come by, Looks like hes going to Leinster.
I suppose Leinsters a good enough place to learn.

I think when the IRFU brought in there limitations on NIE players it became something of a race to go and regather the lads who were over seas.

Ulster signed guys like Wilson and Bowe
Munster signed Downey

There was a lot of this sort although TOL and iHumph ended up going the other direction.

Now there are less top quality Irish players over seas so what is happening now is there was a bit of a research done and guys found guys with Irish heritage.
Michael Bent
Tom Denton

They are maximising their player panel without using up precious NIE spots now

by Kingshu Mon 29 Oct 2012, 10:51 am

Tony Buckley at Sale and John Andress at Worcester, think if Fitzpatrick continues to be as injury prone Ulster may look at Andress again.

Also Ruaidhrí Murphy at Brumbies.

Still a load in England, Hayes, London Irish have an Irish qualified young lock (maybe Leinster could have a look at?

by Kingshu Mon 29 Oct 2012, 10:53 am

Actually Ulster may need James Sandford back, when Muller retires.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Mon 29 Oct 2012, 10:56 am

Oh yeah and Ryan Caldwell is over in England as well, yeah there are still a few the provinces (and IRFU) will want back.

by LeinsterFan4life Mon 29 Oct 2012, 11:15 am

Kingshu wrote:
Tony Buckley at Sale and John Andress at Worcester, think if Fitzpatrick continues to be as injury prone Ulster may look at Andress again.

Also Ruaidhrí Murphy at Brumbies.

Still a load in England, Hayes, London Irish have an Irish qualified young lock (maybe Leinster could have a look at?

Murphy sounds like he wants to try play for Australia. Andress seems to be doing well at worcester, he always makes the matchday 23. Whats the name of the IQ lock at london irish?

by The Boss Mon 29 Oct 2012, 11:41 am

Seen Cian Healey stuck a link up on Twitter of Andress talking about Mike Ross and how he thinks he's been at the same level in the scrum from about 2008. With Healey stating that he thinks Ross is still improving. Anyone else seen it?

by Hookisms and Hyperbole Mon 29 Oct 2012, 11:45 am

Ruaidhrí Murphy wants to play for Australia and as I understand it from my best mate who lives in Australia and knows him, he has employed a barrister to plead his case with the IRB that he should be eligible to play for them before May 2014 when he would fulfil the residency requirements. He isn't going to be capped for Ireland playing out there and he has zero intention of coming back to Ireland. If he wants to play for Australia good luck to him. I've seen him play for the Brumbies four or five times and he seems a pretty decent player.

by **rodders** Mon 29 Oct 2012, 11:48 am

Just taking a gander there. Looks like Andress comments have been twisted a bit there by the Journo.

Seems to me that he is suggesting that Ross was already a good player and should have been selected whilst he was in England. It sounds like a dig at the Irish selection panel rather than Ross, which is what the headline indicates.

by Kingshu Mon 29 Oct 2012, 11:49 am

Irish Player abroad.

English Prem
Full back Niall Morris (tigers)
Flanker Mick Noone (Tigers)
Wing Shane Monahan (Gloucester)
Lock Tommy Hayes (Chiefs)
Outhalf Gareth Steenson (chiefs)
Center Ian Whitten (chiefs)
Lock Ryan Caldwell (bath)
Prop John Andress (WW)
Flanker Neil Best (WW I thought he had retired or down a division)
Lock James Sandford (LI)
Hooker Brian Blaney (LI)
Scrumhalf Tomas O'Leary (LI)
outhalf Ian Humphreys (LI)
Wing Conor Gaston (LI is there two of them or was he on loan to LI?)
Prop Tony Buckly (sale)
Scrumhalf Cillian Willis (Sale)

Welsh Regions
Hooker Andy Kyriacou (Cardiff Blues)
Flanker Robin Copeland (Cardiff Blues)
Fullback Jamie Smith (Dragons)
Prop Tim Ryan (dragons)

championship (some of these appear out of date)
Hooker George McGuigan (Newcastle)
Center Brendan Burke (Bedford)
Hooker David McGregor (PA)
Scrumhalf Ruairi Cushion (PA)
Scrumhalf Paul Rowley (PA)
Prop Jamie Kilbane (Rotherham)
prop Shane Cahill (Roth)
Outhalf James McKinney (Roth)
Cente Eamon Sheridan (Roth)
Fullback Fergus Mulchrone (Roth)
Wing Gerrard Mullen (LS)
Wing Matt Williams (Bristol)
Wing Jack Tovey (Bristol)
Fullback David McIlwaine (Bristol)
Flyhalf Kieran Hallett (CP)
Flanker Zack Farivarz (Doncaster)
Flyhalf Gareth Quinn-McDonogh (Doncaster)
Wing Michael Keating (Doncaster)
Jerry Cronin (Doncaster)

France
Irish players in the top 14:
Andrew Farley (lock) Grenoble

Irish players in the pro D2:

David Mcgowan (lock) La Rochelle
David connellan (fullback) Stade Aurillacois
Christian short (lock) Lyon
Prop Brian Mc Govern (Narbonne)

by Hookisms and Hyperbole Mon 29 Oct 2012, 11:50 am

The Boss wrote:Seen Cian Healey stuck a link up on Twitter of Andress talking about Mike Ross and how he thinks he's been at the same level in the scrum from about 2008. With Healey stating that he thinks Ross is still improving. Anyone else seen it?

Andress has an attitude problem. He is full of great chat and can't back it up on the pitch. In truth he probably is roughly about Ross' level, but I wouldn't have him about the squad. I'd rather have a player that keeps his head down and works hard than someone he touts his own rather meager abilities through the press. Mike Ross may not be the greatest player to even put on a green shirt but he works hard and I have been thoroughly impressed with him this season. He has slimmed down a bit, looks much, much fitter and his scrummaging has obviously improved since he arrived back at Leinster.

by The Boss Mon 29 Oct 2012, 11:55 am

Haven't seen the full article just the link that Healey put up but that was my take on it too, Rodders. In fairness I've no idea what Ross was like before coming back to Leinster.

by **rodders** Mon 29 Oct 2012, 11:57 am

Me neither Boss but thats a very misleading headline based on the content. A bit of sneaky journalism there if you ask me, though Hooks assessment of Andress is noted.

by Kingshu Mon 29 Oct 2012, 11:58 am

Forgot to include
Italy
Prop Dave Ryan (Zebre)

by SecretFly Mon 29 Oct 2012, 11:59 am

It isn't rocket science why Ireland would leap frog England and go searching down South for prospects for positions that need filling. A child could do the maths on that one.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Mon 29 Oct 2012, 12:07 pm

Kingshu wrote:Irish Player abroad.

English Prem
Full back Niall Morris (tigers)
Wing Shane Monahan (Gloucester)
Lock Tommy Hayes (Chiefs)
Outhalf Gareth Steenson (chiefs)
Center Ian Whitten (chiefs)
Lock Ryan Caldwell (bath)
Prop John Andress (WW)
Flanker Neil Best (WW I thought he had retired or down a division)
Lock James Sandford (LI)
Hooker Brian Blaney (LI)
Scrumhalf Tomas O'Leary (LI)
outhalf Ian Humphreys (LI)
Wing Conor Gaston (LI is there two of them or was he on loan to LI?)
Prop Tony Buckly (sale)
Scrumhalf Cillian Willis (Sale)

Welsh Regions
Hooker Andy Kyriacou (Cardiff Blues)
Flanker Robin Copeland (Cardiff Blues)
Fullback Jamie Smith (Dragons)
Prop Tim Ryan (dragons)

championship (some of these appear out of date)
Hooker George McGuigan (Newcastle)
Center Brendan Burke (Bedford)
Hooker David McGregor (PA)
Scrumhalf Ruairi Cushion (PA)
Scrumhalf Paul Rowley (PA)
Prop Jamie Kilbane (Rotherham)
prop Shane Cahill (Roth)
Flanker Mick Noone (Roth)
Outhalf James McKinney (Roth)
Cente Eamon Sheridan (Roth)
Fullback Fergus Mulchrone (Roth)
Wing Gerrard Mullen (LS)
Wing Matt Williams (Bristol)
Wing Jack Tovey (Bristol)
Fullback David McIlwaine (Bristol)
Flyhalf Kieran Hallett (CP)
Flanker Zack Farivarz (Doncaster)
Flyhalf Gareth Quinn-McDonogh (Doncaster)
Wing Michael Keating (Doncaster)
Jerry Cronin (Doncaster)

France (don't think there are any in top 14 a few in division below but not looking them up now)
Prop Brian Mc Govern (Narbonne)

WOAH Kingsu that is a serious list, that justt off the top of your head!?!?!

by LeinsterFan4life Mon 29 Oct 2012, 12:17 pm

Kingshu wrote:Forgot to include
Italy
Prop Dave Ryan (Zebre)

He actually plays for the USA. He made one of their squads a while ago.

by Kingshu Mon 29 Oct 2012, 12:24 pm

No Wiki'ed each team and picked out Irish players from their squads,

No idea there were that many,
Roth could be my team to follow in the championship 6 Irish fella's there.

Most of them I'm not sure how good they are, but if looking to fill a position, that should be the list to check first.

I was wondering had he been called up, good it means I don't have to add him to the list. Very Happy

by LeinsterFan4life Mon 29 Oct 2012, 12:29 pm

Irish players in the top 14:
Andrew Farley (lock) Grenoble

Irish players in the pro D2:

David Mcgowan (lock) La Rochelle
David connellan (fullback) Stade Aurillacois
Christian short (lock) Lyon

by LeinsterFan4life Mon 29 Oct 2012, 12:32 pm

Kingshu. Michael Noone is actually with leicester tigers now. He has been impresive with the 'A' team.

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