Ulster Squad 2013/2014

Thought I'd start a thread we can use to discuss next seasons squad, signings, departures etc.

Kicking off with the news James McKinney looks set to return. That, coupled with the news that Michael Heaney is set to for another two seasons after this year and the emergence of Stuart Olding, leaves us with great depth in the halfback positions.

http://www.newsletter.co.uk/sport/james-mckinney-set-for-ulster-return-1-4875769#.UTk2IS-FU4Q.twitter

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/11252.php

So where else do we need to strengthen- tighthead?

I assume NOC is leaving then? He only got a one year contract is that right?

With Pienaar jackson Olding and McKinney, There is no need of him is there?

NOC off to France as Wilko's replacement...





...well off to France anyway.

PaddyMac is supposedly converting to tighthead, so loosehead might be more of an issue?
With Ferris again likely to play few games, there is a shortage at blindside. Henderson will obviously fit in there, but I would much prefer to see him in his schoolboy position of 8. He has all the attributes to play there and would be in Ireland contention in no time. Anyway IH and Diack aren't enough to cover 6, McComish isn't really up to it and Joyce isn't ready.

Lock is another position that Ulster need to boost. Henderson is better in the backrow at this stage in his career, and Tuohy and Stevenson are whole-hearted but over-hyped. McComb is a decent fourth choice, but has been asked too often to play higher. I wouldn't be surprised to see Caldwell return - especially as Anscombe is exactly the sort of coach to suit him.

The Great Aukster wrote:PaddyMac is supposedly converting to tighthead, so loosehead might be more of an issue?
With Ferris again likely to play few games, there is a shortage at blindside. Henderson will obviously fit in there, but I would much prefer to see him in his schoolboy position of 8. He has all the attributes to play there and would be in Ireland contention in no time. Anyway IH and Diack aren't enough to cover 6, McComish isn't really up to it and Joyce isn't ready.

Lock is another position that Ulster need to boost. Henderson is better in the backrow at this stage in his career, and Tuohy and Stevenson are whole-hearted but over-hyped. McComb is a decent fourth choice, but has been asked too often to play higher. I wouldn't be surprised to see Caldwell return - especially as Anscombe is exactly the sort of coach to suit him.

Caldwell has tattoos...

I think that counts him out does it not?

Hasn't Caldwell just recently signed a couple if year's extension at Barf?

Should have competed for Mccarthy

Caldwell is staying with Bath.

I think tighthead is still more of an issue. I think we need to replace Fitzpatrick and Macklin this season, and then Afoa the next!

Doesn't seem possible without NIQs or significant help from Dublin. I imagine we'll keep Macklin around but he's a backup player. Fitzpatrick probably isn't capable of staying fit long enough to be of value and now he's involved in the Ireland set-up, we have even less chance of having him available.

Isn't Muller signing a new deal. That is Muller, Stevenson and Tuohy with Henderson and McComb to cover as backup.

None of those are likely to be missing with internationals. You can always look at options when Muller is done. Maybe a young lock like Ian Nagle or Andrew Browne will want to join you.

Tom Hayes is another option but I think he would be best off staying in England.

Tighthead is a massive issue for you.

Tighthead is the main issue I think the rest of the squad I could live with but we need som real tighthead cover, where it comes from is a good question though.

Why you want to get rid of macklin?

Is ferris worth it at this stage for either ulster or irfu must be earning big bucks but rarely plays.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Why you want to get rid of macklin?

I don't want to get rid of him so long as we can afford him, but I don't want us to be in a situation were he could potentially go on to play in the Heineken Cup. He's not at that level of rugby. Ideally we would have another two props better than him behind our frontline tighthead.

Can't see us with 3 IQ tightheads anytime soon. Just don't see how it's possible. We'll need an NIQ when Afoa leaves, even if it's just to sit on the bench.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:Why you want to get rid of macklin?

Is ferris worth it at this stage for either ulster or irfu must be earning big bucks but rarely plays.

Probably he will resign with Ulster on a base wage with lots of bonuses- pay as he plays. Don't think Ulster are allowed negotiate with him yet, as he is still centrally contracted. And the IRFU are waiting on a medical prognosis.

Notch wrote:I think tighthead is still more of an issue. I think we need to replace Fitzpatrick and Macklin this season, and then Afoa the next!

Doesn't seem possible without NIQs or significant help from Dublin. I imagine we'll keep Macklin around but he's a backup player. Fitzpatrick probably isn't capable of staying fit long enough to be of value and now he's involved in the Ireland set-up, we have even less chance of having him available.

Fitzpatrick can play for Ireland but not Ulster? Who should he play for then? He has been very unlucky with injuries and they haven't been chronic so why shouldn't next season be better. Macklin has shown enough to be persevered with and I have him on a par with Hagan and Archer. Afoa is still here for a year and will be supplemented by McAllister so that's four viable options, also Jerry Cronin was sent to Doncaster to learn his trade so he might also be in the mix.

At Loosehead there is only Court and Black. Both of whom have proven durable enough but injury is no differentiator of position.

Fitzpatrick's career at Ulster has been injury after injury Aukster, McCallister is a loosehead if he is being trained at tighthead once he gets back from injury it will take him a few years to become a viable option. Macklin has nothing more than very very average and I wouldn't want to be dependant on him his best games have come when Court has been destroying people. I don't want another NIQ tighthead after Afoa, maybe someone as bench cover but our starter should be Irish. If Fitzpatrick is fit he can be that guy but all signs so far point to him not being fit on a regular enough basis, so we need another IQ tighthead from somewhere in my opinion. Anyone any info on Cronin at Doncaster?

The Great Aukster wrote:

Notch wrote:I think tighthead is still more of an issue. I think we need to replace Fitzpatrick and Macklin this season, and then Afoa the next!

Doesn't seem possible without NIQs or significant help from Dublin. I imagine we'll keep Macklin around but he's a backup player. Fitzpatrick probably isn't capable of staying fit long enough to be of value and now he's involved in the Ireland set-up, we have even less chance of having him available.

Fitzpatrick can play for Ireland but not Ulster? Who should he play for then?

Whoever picks him- but if thats to be Ireland we need a tighthead to cover for him.

I'm surprised that everyone's happy with just two recognised looseheads and then the likes of Lutton/McCall as cover.

The Great Aukster wrote:I'm surprised that everyone's happy with just two recognised looseheads and then the likes of Lutton/McCall as cover.

I think looseheads are actually easy enough to develop by comparison. Ireland have seen Healy, Court and Kilcoyne all come on leaps and bounds in last 3 years. Were it not for injury I think Paddy McAllister and Darragh Hurley could join that list.

Look at England with Vunipola, Cobisiero and Marler who are all under 24. Or how well Ryan Grant has done for Scotland.

It is much much harder to develop tightheads. IMO the only position in the modern game where their peak position is genuinely still around 30-32 years old.

red_stag wrote:

The Great Aukster wrote:I'm surprised that everyone's happy with just two recognised looseheads and then the likes of Lutton/McCall as cover.

I think looseheads are actually easy enough to develop by comparison. Ireland have seen Healy, Court and Kilcoyne all come on leaps and bounds in last 3 years. Were it not for injury I think Paddy McAllister and Darragh Hurley could join that list.

Look at England with Vunipola, Cobisiero and Marler who are all under 24. Or how well Ryan Grant has done for Scotland.

It is much much harder to develop tightheads. IMO the only position in the modern game where their peak position is genuinely still around 30-32 years old.

Yes I agree it's much harder to develop a TH, because they need to learn on the job, and teams can't afford for them to do so.

However easy it may be to develop Looseheads, there still has to be a requisite number in a squad to cover for injuries. I have a lot of hope that Kyle McCall will breakthrough next season and start to get experience, but that would be a big call to have him as third choice.

Ulster full contract and development contract backs for next year:

Pienaer, Marshall, Heaney, Jackson, McKinney, Marshall, Wallace (subject to contract negotiations), Cave, Farrell, Gilroy, Bowe, Trimble, Allen, Payne, Nelson, Scholes, Andrew, Olding.

I believe NOC, Cochrane and D'Arcy will be leaving

On contracts

Trimble has signed a full provincial contract - he is being droped from the Central contract list.

Wallace is also being droped and is looking for 2 years, Ulster would prefer 1

Ferris will be given a 1 year central contract subject to a medical, if not he like Wallace will be negotiating a Provincial contract

geoff998rugby wrote:Ulster full contract and development contract backs for next year:

Pienaer, Marshall, Heaney, Jackson, McKinney, Marshall, Wallace (subject to contract negotiations), Cave, Farrell, Gilroy, Bowe, Trimble, Allen, Payne, Nelson, Scholes, Andrew, Olding.

I believe NOC, Cochrane and D'Arcy will be leaving

I wouldnt be surprised if NOC and Darcy packed it in. I thought NOC was determined not to leave Ireland, due to his missus or something.

And Ferris off to Japan.

Forwards are a bit more problematic but as far as I know

LH - Court, Black, Lutton (he has impressed folks at Ravenhill)
Hooker - Best Herring, Annett
TH - Afoa, Fitzpatrick, Macklin
Both sides of the scrum - McAllister
Locks - Muller, Tuohy, Stevenson, McComb, O'Connell, Simpson
Back row - Ferris, Henderson, Diack, Wilson, Williams, Birch, Henry, Doyle, McCormish, Joyce

The guys highlighted in Red are more likely to stay in the Academy for 1 more year but will be fully involved in the 1st team training sessions.

Basically Brady retires and that is it.
I do reckon McCormish and Birch need to up their game to get a new contract in 2014. Neil Faloon and O'Connell, currently in the Academy, will be pushing them really hard, as will Joyce

The only way Ferris would be going to Japan is if the medical prognosis is he is finished.

Both Dublin and Ulster are prepared to give him a year contract to see how it goes. This is the outcome I expect

D'Arcy wont pack it in - probably go back to Australia though.

Fitzpatrick is not seen as the long term answer - his body doesn't cope.
He most definitely isn't lazy he just cant handle the stresses and strains.
Given his scrummaging ability though he is seen as a handy 2nd/3rd choice TH for Ulster.

I hope D'Arcy stays, he's the best back up to Payne and has been unlucky with injuries, he covers fullback and wing well and would be a good squad player, esp with Bowe, Gilroy and hopefully under new management Trimble being away for Ireland camps.

Would Robin Copeland be a target for Ulster, Irish player for Cardiff Blues signed a two year contract in Apr 2012, so would be free in 2014 to replace McCormish or Birch? Maybe try and obtain him a year earlier? Blindside Flanker and think covers 2nd row as well.

If it is felt McCormish and/or Birch aren't cutting it by the end of the current calendar year he is exactly the sort of player we will be looking at for 2014/15.

The club see Nelson as the back up to Payne - I can understand why, the kid is a really exciting prospect.

Ahem, Paddy McAllister is still a recognised loosehead!

Notch wrote:Ahem, Paddy McAllister is still a recognised loosehead!

Exactly Tom Court to tighthead!

We really are desperate at tighthead. We have three cracking looseheads. Such a shame we even have to countenance potentially wasting one.

Which why I said McAllister both sides - a LH who will be coached to play the otherside.

I would not panic too much. I think a fairly early call will be made as to whether it is a goer or not.

If not then he remains at LH, and I supect we will loose Black (too good to be a 3rd choice) BUT that means we are staring down a big hole in the ground with respect to TH for 2014-15

geoff998rugby wrote:Which why I said McAllister both sides - a LH who will be coached to play the otherside.

I would not panic too much. I think a fairly early call will be made as to whether it is a goer or not.

If not then he remains at LH, and I supect we will loose Black (too good to be a 3rd choice) BUT that means we are staring down a big hole in the ground with respect to TH for 2014-15

Those that mean he will be a "leftfooter"? or he will "play for the other team"

Is it true the Ferris is off to Japan, unless the IRFU pull out a far better offer?

clivemcl wrote:I assume NOC is leaving then? He only got a one year contract is that right?

ooh that's one of your Boyband members gone then...as long as Tommy's not going anywhere I'm not fussed...

Strange about Fez possibly going to Japan...he'd be way too big for over there surely!

ScarletSpiderman wrote:Is it true the Ferris is off to Japan, unless the IRFU pull out a far better offer?

Not sure...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/21768468

That article also says Trimby is expected to sign for another two years.

He'll be like godzilla over there! All the best stevie!

Said on another thread, maybe a year in Japan and then back to ulster?

It would be like a recuperation year, on good pay, and he'd stay in good shape, if he can return and give 2 good final years then fair play to him.

Wonder now will we look at Copeland as a replacement? Quality young player irish qualified?

Trimble is signing a new deal

Only Wallace and Ferris outstanding.

Neither will be offered more than 1 year - Ferris would be a central contract, Wallace would not

Both might just go you know

rodders wrote:He'll be like godzilla over there! All the best stevie!

Well seeing as 'ickle shane says it is weird playing against other men his size, then Ferris is really going to be a monster. Maybe he is having a positional change to prop?

He could seriously hurt some guys. It would be a serious worry I'd have! Thats he'd be too overpowered and it would be dangerous... even when he made his last attempted comeback he sent Nick de Luca off with suspected concussion from practically his first ball carry. A lot of the backs over there would be a lot smaller and less conditioned.

Actually could be best for him if he stays in the backrow but sheds a lot of muscle. Less pressure on his frame and less power in the impacts at that level of rugby. If his body can't handle NH rugby anymore, maybe this is best.

Hasn't Jerome Kaino played or is playing in Japan? Don't think Ferris would be the first player of his physical ability to play in Japan.

Artful_Dodger wrote:Hasn't Jerome Kaino played or is playing in Japan? Don't think Ferris would be the first player of his physical ability to play in Japan.

Brad Thorn might be considered a physical sort of chap too....

On the TH. That young lad Furniss held his end up well for the U20s against the French. It is a tad desperate to base a signing on this but we are desperate at this stage and other than furlong he is the only other Irish TH I have seen dominate at that level. Early days.

Ulster have high hopes of Jack Caulfield but only just 20 so a long way to go

Standulstermen wrote:On the TH. That young lad Furniss held his end up well for the U20s against the French. It is a tad desperate to base a signing on this but we are desperate at this stage and other than furlong he is the only other Irish TH I have seen dominate at that level. Early days.

Stewart Maguire?

It is no coincidence that Furniss and Caulfield are both English. Young props who play for clubs rather than schools develop far more quickly, because they are playing "grown-up" rules. AIL standard isn't good enough to bring these guys on and Ireland shouldn't be surprised about the quality of props they produce.

Maguire went to Connacht as I recall and didn't work hard enough at getting in shape and dropping some weight. Dont think the attitude was right with him but it's been a while since I heard those rumours.

That Caulfield lad looked to be needing to trim down a bit when he came on for the U20s against Wales. It's the only game I saw him in and he got mullered but the scrum looked to have improved after the first two games. What about the young TH Taylor?

According to Paddy Mac on Twitter, Nick Williams has left "Team Rehab" as they've taken to calling their little band of injured brothers. So does that mean he's back in training and could be available for Leinster/Edinburgh?

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:According to Paddy Mac on Twitter, Nick Williams has left "Team Rehab" as they've taken to calling their little band of injured brothers. So does that mean he's back in training and could be available for Leinster/Edinburgh?

Ah Shyte. Well at least it means you will have less excuses.

Think Williams, Wilson and Payne all coming back from injury this week. Muller too, although his comeback is for the Leinster game.