Ireland's 6N training squad announcement (this wednesday)

First topic message reminder :

This Wednesday see's Declan Kidney announce possibly his final training squad for a competition as Ireland Head Coach. Indeed within the next 5 months or so Kidney's contract will expire and he may very well find himself looking for another job. Is this reason to throw caution to the wind? Many of us certainly hope so although some young and/or exciting players are now injured it looks like it will have less of a bang than it could have had if it had been announced 2 weeks ago.

Injuries rule out O'Connell which is a huge loss, as well as Marshall and Bowe who would have been hoping to be involved. Ferris is another who is out for what would appear most of the tournament if not the whole thing.

This time last year Kidney announced a 30 man training squad and a 23 man squad for the Wolfhounds game.

Ireland Training Squad (39):

Ireland Squad (club/province/international caps):
Michael Bent (Unattached/Leinster/2)
Rory Best (Banbridge/Ulster/62)
Isaac Boss (Terenure College/Leinster/15)
Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster/3)
Tom Court (Malone/Ulster/29)
Sean Cronin (St. Mary's College/Leinster/23)
Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster/71)
Keith Earls (Thomond/Munster/34)
Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster/23)
Declan Fitzpatrick (Dungannon /Ulster/2)
Craig Gilroy (Dungannon/Ulster/1)
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster/35)
Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University/Leinster/52) Captain
Iain Henderson (Queens University/Ulster/2)
Chris Henry (Malone/Ulster/4)
Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
Paddy Jackson (Dungannon/Ulster)*
Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster/41)
David Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians/Munster/2)
Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster)*
Paul Marshall (Ballymena/Ulster/)*
Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster/14)
Mike McCarthy (Buccaneers/Connacht/6)
Fergus McFadden (Old Belvedere/Leinster/16)
Dave McSharry (Galwegians/Connacht/)*
Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster/22)
Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster/91)
Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster/120)
Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster/126)
Peter O'Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster/9)
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster/47)
Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster/24)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster/23)
Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary's College/Leinster/34)
Lewis Stevenson (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster/)*
Richardt Strauss (Old Wesley/Leinster/2)
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster/3)
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster/49)
Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution/Munster/3)

Guscott predicted an Irish win in Dublin a year ago, that's when I knew we'd win.

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:Anyone see that Guscott is predicting Zebo and Trimble to be the Irish wingers for the 6N? Is this madness or has Jerry actually been watching some rugby!?!

Has to be Gilroy and An Other.

profitius wrote:

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:Anyone see that Guscott is predicting Zebo and Trimble to be the Irish wingers for the 6N? Is this madness or has Jerry actually been watching some rugby!?!

Has to be Gilroy and An Other.

I would argue that Zebo has to be on the left wing, and I'd pick Trimble on the other, if for nothing else to give us someone big in the backs.
I think Trimble has been excellent, especially since the November Internationals, but it just doesn't seem to fit in with Ireland and I expect him to
be left out, unfairly yet again.

I would say Trimble over Gilroy but again his strengths haven't been played to in the past, however on the right wing he could be used to take 'the bowe line' and might be better served than in the past, it really depends how Deccie is going to play he game

Anyone know when the U-20 squad is named or if it has been where it is?

neilthom7 wrote:Anyone know when the U-20 squad is named or if it has been where it is?

Nothing at all about it but they did play a UCD u21 side the other day.

The following players have been ruled out: Adam Byrne, Chris Farell ,Ed Byrne and Darragh Leader. All very good players and 3 of whom have already played in the Rabo. Especially sad to see Adam out, he is a very exciting prospect.

valjester wrote:

profitius wrote:

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:Anyone see that Guscott is predicting Zebo and Trimble to be the Irish wingers for the 6N? Is this madness or has Jerry actually been watching some rugby!?!

Has to be Gilroy and An Other.

I would argue that Zebo has to be on the left wing, and I'd pick Trimble on the other, if for nothing else to give us someone big in the backs.
I think Trimble has been excellent, especially since the November Internationals, but it just doesn't seem to fit in with Ireland and I expect him to
be left out, unfairly yet again.

Have you seen the size of Dave McSharry?

Yeah bit McSharry is unlikely to start v Wales Jenny. Yeah Leinsterfan I knew Farrell was out got injured for Ulster would love to see the squad though wonder when they will realise. I'm pretty sure the tournament starts next week too

neilthom7 wrote:Yeah bit McSharry is unlikely to start v Wales Jenny. Yeah Leinsterfan I knew Farrell was out got injured for Ulster would love to see the squad though wonder when they will realise. I'm pretty sure the tournament starts next week too

For some reason I was thinking of the A game. But that would not have made sense. That's what I get for half reading and not thinking.

neilthom7 wrote:Yeah bit McSharry is unlikely to start v Wales Jenny. Yeah Leinsterfan I knew Farrell was out got injured for Ulster would love to see the squad though wonder when they will realise. I'm pretty sure the tournament starts next week too

Such a pity that Farrell is injured, and Henshaw unavailable presumably. Can you imagine Farrell-Henshaw centre partnership? We would have a physically dominant centre partnership that would have smashed all the other teams, but both are actually extremely skillful as well.

Christ, so many naive Paddies, still going round in the same, never-ending, circles. Bless em.

If Elmer Fudge manages to win this 6-N Championship, with a crew he de-composed of, by injury alone, I´m supporting England.

He started with a SLAM, with Steady-Eddies´ team and has taken us fast downhill all the way since. In a logical World, nothing can save him now. But, his bosses are the IRFU.

2 more years of mediocrity coming right up kids.

Gibson wrote:Christ, so many naive Paddies, still going round in the same, never-ending, circles. Bless em.

If Elmer Fudge manages to win this 6-N Championship, with a crew he de-composed , by injury alone, I´m supporting Italy.

He started with a SLAM, with Steady-Eddies´ team and has taken us fast downhill all the way since. In a logical World, nothing can save him now. But, his bosses are the IRFU.

2 more years of mediocrity coming right up kids.

Ah Gibson, as ever a breath of fresh air late on a Thursday night/Friday morning...

ManinGlasgow,

Fair enuf bud. I changed(edited), my team of choice from Italy to England. 2015 RWC Winners designate. A team who had the cajones to actually & consciously change it early enough to realistically enable them to challenge for it. Enough already, to beat the obnoxious, all-conquering - AB´s. No one else came even near them. But England surpassed it. They did it, not by injury-replaced players, not by negative tactics, not by paranoia or conservatism, not by accident. They did it by design. They were brave and are now reaping the benefits.

Kidney. The man is a running, exposed, international rugby joke. He still will be (his present U-21 Coach won a SLAM too remember), even if he wins a comparatively weak NH comp, when compared to the 4-N Championship that is. Its all set up for him to do it this year. Maybe he will. I hope not, for the long-term future of Irish Rugby. He´s a nice man. A gracious man. But. He needs to go, for Ireland to grow.

BOD is gunning for the Lions Captaincy. He alone, prolonged Kidneys tenure. And having being deposed of the Irish captaincy by the Tweeting, irascible, child-like eejit, that is Heaslip. It must hurt bad.

The contrast is far too stark to handle. I really hope reason returns when a new Coach takes the Irish reins. Sexton is a born Captain. Brilliant, intelligent, articulate, strong, driven. Most everything Heaslip is not. Best 10 in the NH by a Mile. He is dedicated, our best player, in the same mould as BOD. I'd make him captain. For Leinster and Ireland. So would BOD. I reckon. Jamie is hard and a great player, but he is not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Bit like POC. Handy Club Captain. Not an International or Lions Captain. We saw that last time round.

Kidney has brought in a few hungry, talented youngsters, gagging to displace the key men. Not by design, but by injury and desperation and job-protection at this stage. It has taken 4 of our Earth-years, for us to finally realise what I said when he got the job back when. He has fulfilled all my nightmares about his initial appointment. A complete and utter waste of Irish Rugby development time.

But he is famously lucky when in a corner. See Old Munster. This is another level. A level he has been found out at. Just ask a mediocre Gatland. Shafted Deccie every time tactically.

As to the 6-N, even the hapless Welsh have won it 3 times in a few years. I mean... Think about it. They are international cannon-fodder now. Like we have been for the last 4 years - without their success. They have beaten us 3 times in-a-row, under a now Lions Coach. A Coach who we dismissed and paid for it long-term. And yet, Wales are now possible 6-N wooden-spooners, because Gats has moved on to the Lions. And his next job.

England for the 6-N and the RWC.

Here's to the The Lions, Captained by BOD, to win the Oz series 3-0. Kidney to fall on his own sword. And Ireland to become what they should have been years ago.

Believe.

Great post Gibbo but the real issue is .......

Will the BOD v Kidders power struggle derail our campaign and if so who will ultimately emerge victorious?

BOD is in a sticky spot, if he drives Ireland to victory Kidders will take credit and if he doesn't he risks losing out on a Lions swansong.

Deccie has pulled off a masterstroke lads .

Well done Master G - Forever the realist with a touch of pragmatism thrown in. I think I prefer you posting with a belly full of beer though - this rational side of you is unerving - And feck off those -ve asssumptions about us welsh - you're reading too much media - We will blow you away in Cardiff and win 4/5 this year -

Sexton would have been a great shout for Captain - He's an intelligent and natural leader

Totally agree Ruby but that would upset ROG.....

Rodders or anyone ? - can you help me - I had some news yesterday that has revealed that my family originally came from "Moulagullane", a farm about 2 miles from Sneem which I believe is in County Kerry. As you can imagine this has come as a bit of a shock. Can you fecking believe it!! This is no joke by the way, I feel a bit disorientated. What's my province?

I'm sorry to inform you that you are now a Munster man ......

Yep, a Munster man, and even worse, a Kerry man... Sorry about that pal.

MMMMMMUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNSSSSSTTTTEEERRRRRRRRR!

RubyGuby wrote:Rodders or anyone ? - can you help me - I had some news yesterday that has revealed that my family originally came from "Moulagullane", a farm about 2 miles from Sneem which I believe is in County Kerry. As you can imagine this has come as a bit of a shock. Can you fecking believe it!! This is no joke by the way, I feel a bit disorientated. What's my province?

Sneem is on the ring of Kerry and one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland. You should visit it. Some incredible scenery around there. Im very fond of that part of Ireland.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sneem
http://www.sneem.net/

Joking aside lads I have goose bumps and pins and needles on the back of my neck - This has come as quite a shock (seriously) - I'm trying to look on the poisitive side, do you think I can now claim 4 Grand Slams in the past few years - Fecking Munster typical, even the fecking Blues just beat them

Hey!! I'm stiill in Europe

Of course you can Ruby.... as a proud Munsterman it's your provincial duty not to support the Irish national side ...... ......

Cheers lads your thoughts and information are greatly appreciated - The irony is my 2 young lads aged 6 and 13 always ridicule me (along with my wife) that I look exactly like ROG and have the same temperament - I aint researching any more Wait till I tell them I'm a Munster man

Hope you're bringing those lads up to appreciate the fine art of picking and going and sealing off Ruby ..... make sure you tell them about Munsters victory over the ABs too.....

Go raibh maith agat

RubyGuby wrote:Cheers lads your thoughts and information are greatly appreciated - The irony is my 2 young lads aged 6 and 13 always ridicule me (along with my wife) that I look exactly like ROG and have the same temperament - I aint researching any more Wait till I tell them I'm a Munster man

I feel your pain Ruby. I discovered that as well as being born in Cork. (Accident) I have massive amounts of East Limerick and Tipp in there. It can be very upsetting at first.

Bit of counselling, take some time out. You'll come back stronger.

Jen is a Lunster fan!

My mums from Cork. We dont talk about that much in our family though.

Thankfully I look nothing like the beetroot headed one though. (We need a phew. Brow wiping icon)

rodders wrote:Jen is a Lunster fan!

Perhaps that's why I never hated them like some Leinster fans and was able to cheer them on in The Millennium Stadium even after black Sunday. (Even though I didn't know then)

RubyGuby wrote:Cheers lads your thoughts and information are greatly appreciated - The irony is my 2 young lads aged 6 and 13 always ridicule me (along with my wife) that I look exactly like ROG and have the same temperament - I aint researching any more Wait till I tell them I'm a Munster man

Good news for you Ruby, since your from Kerry, you would hate ROG as he is from Cork (apart from anything else, ROG is a blow-in as his Dad is from Sligo and his mother is from Mayo - both in Connacht - and he was born in the US).

Most Munster folk like Kerry people - thats probably down to the fact that they concentrate on being the best at Gaelic Football and let the rest of get on with playing hurling. Cork however is another matter as they play a bit of Gaelic football. Kerry (known as the Kingdom) kindly lets the Dubs win the All-Ireland every 30 odd years or so (Mickado will be the same age that Gibbo is now the next time they win it).

Famous Kerrymen include - Moss Keane, Mick Doyle, Mick Galwey and Daniel O'Connell.

As for Gibbo - would someone please explain to him that the great Anthony Horgan (better known as Hoggy) has a better international try scoring record than Luke Fitzgerald. (Hoggy has 1 in 7, Luke has 2 in 21).

I spent a lot of time in Limerick in the early 90's when the university was opened - I loved it there - I could hardly buy a drink (nothing new there) the locals were so accomodating - I was HOME!

Sin - I'm with Moss Keane - Top bloke like all us Kerry folk

Do I now need to change which butter I buy?

Sin é wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:Cheers lads your thoughts and information are greatly appreciated - The irony is my 2 young lads aged 6 and 13 always ridicule me (along with my wife) that I look exactly like ROG and have the same temperament - I aint researching any more Wait till I tell them I'm a Munster man

Famous Kerrymen include - Moss Keane, Mick Doyle, Mick Galwey and Daniel O'Connell.

How could you forget about Michael Fassbender the most famous kerryman of them all right now.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

rodders wrote:Jen is a Lunster fan!

Perhaps that's why I never hated them like some Leinster fans and was able to cheer them on in The Millennium Stadium even after black Sunday. (Even though I didn't know then)

Awww you can take the boy out of Cork ...eh Jen .....

RubyGuby wrote:Well done Master G - Forever the realist with a touch of pragmatism thrown in. I think I prefer you posting with a belly full of beer though - this rational side of you is unerving - And feck off those -ve asssumptions about us welsh - you're reading too much media - We will blow you away in Cardiff and win 4/5 this year -

Hoi pal. That was a bit of online sledging there mate. You know me well enough by now. Respect. I would not be at all surprised if Wales beat us again. Realistically, ye must do, or its all downhill from there in the 6-N for you. Its a huge game for both of us. Cant call it.

Man I love the 6-N as much as I loved the 5-N. Bring it on!

Sextons gone to Racing!

rodders wrote:Sextons gone to Racing!

Is this confirmed? Source please?

Its not confirmed. Just forum talk.

GunsGerms wrote:

rodders wrote:Sextons gone to Racing!

Is this confirmed? Source please?

Nope not confirmed but Jen said it one the other thread....its been reported on leinsterfans and thats good enough for me!

He was spotted at Burger king at Dublin airport too ... ..... Sin e was carrying his bags ....

Gibson wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:Well done Master G - Forever the realist with a touch of pragmatism thrown in. I think I prefer you posting with a belly full of beer though - this rational side of you is unerving - And feck off those -ve asssumptions about us welsh - you're reading too much media - We will blow you away in Cardiff and win 4/5 this year -

Hoi pal. That was a bit of online sledging there mate. You know me well enough by now. Respect. I would not be at all surprised if Wales beat us again. Realistically, ye must do, or its all downhill from there in the 6-N for you. Its a huge game for both of us. Cant call it.

Man I love the 6-N as much as I loved the 5-N. Bring it on!

I know you're fecking about G - Have you had a look up the thread a bit to find out where my family originated in 1862 - I'm still shaking from the news

red_stag wrote:Its not confirmed. Just forum talk.

Will be confirmed later today

Sin é wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:Cheers lads your thoughts and information are greatly appreciated - The irony is my 2 young lads aged 6 and 13 always ridicule me (along with my wife) that I look exactly like ROG and have the same temperament - I aint researching any more Wait till I tell them I'm a Munster man

Good news for you Ruby, since your from Kerry, you would hate ROG as he is from Cork (apart from anything else, ROG is a blow-in as his Dad is from Sligo and his mother is from Mayo - both in Connacht - and he was born in the US).

Most Munster folk like Kerry people - thats probably down to the fact that they concentrate on being the best at Gaelic Football and let the rest of get on with playing hurling. Cork however is another matter as they play a bit of Gaelic football. Kerry (known as the Kingdom) kindly lets the Dubs win the All-Ireland every 30 odd years or so (Mickado will be the same age that Gibbo is now the next time they win it).

Famous Kerrymen include - Moss Keane, Mick Doyle, Mick Galwey and Daniel O'Connell.

As for Gibbo - would someone please explain to him that the great Anthony Horgan (better known as Hoggy) has a better international try scoring record than Luke Fitzgerald. (Hoggy has 1 in 7, Luke has 2 in 21).

SIN mate, you are priceless. And correct Sir. But Fitzy is the best and most natural winger we have. He creates so much for others and is incredibly strong defensively. Himself and Bowe bring so much experience and proven talent to the table.

Zebo and Gilroy have a long way to go before they can match up to either of them. But I'm well happy they are being challenged now. That's all we ever wanted. That and a Coach who would get the best out of them. I cant wait until he arrives...

But Fitzy is the best and most natural winger we have.

apart from Carr...

Glas a du wrote:

But Fitzy is the best and most natural winger we have.

apart from Carr...

The most natural thing about Carr is his hilights.

Will we see Sexton perform the Racing loop then or do Leinster own the rights to this?

Yep Sexton to racing seems to be doing the rounds now. Very shocked with that but the positive news from an Irish point of view is that next season

Jackson/Olding
Madigan
Keatley/JJ (please god)
Sexton

Will all be in or around first choice for their teams. I would imagine it does leave sextons Irish place suspect depending on the rise of jackson and madigan specifically. I still think we will have to wait a couple of years on JJ at this rate