Ulster Squad 2013/2014

First topic message reminder :

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?

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

marty2086 wrote:All reports I heard last night seemed to suggest that the injury scuppered the move to Japan which is worrying if they dont think he could handle the lower impact game there

I doubt they would pay the big schileros to a guy who would basically miss their whole season. It ends in January of so. Why pay him to rehab in Japan. At least Ulster and Ireland have a chance of wheeling him out in the new year for some big games.

Any word on whether Afoa is staying or going lads?

Last I heard was Logan being adamant he was staying.

Looking at pictures for training it seems ian porter is back in training with ulster. I wonder is that to do with the other three 9's all being involved on tours. Chris Farrell back aswell.

Standulstermen wrote:Looking at pictures for training it seems ian porter is back in training with ulster. I wonder is that to do with the other three 9's all being involved on tours. Chris Farrell back aswell.

Any sign of Paddy McAllister?

Not in pics that I saw dodger. Payne and williams were there though. Luke Marshall too

With McKinney and McIlwaine coming back into the squad there are a lot of place kicking options in the squad - as well as Pienaar, Jackson and Wallace there is Heaney, LMarshall, Olding, Nelson and Scholes. How many of these players should be actively practising from the tee?

I'd say McKinney, Pienaar, Jackson, Wallace, Olding and McIlwaine shpuld be practising off the tee unless soemone else shows great promise. That should be plenty of options

What I'm wondering is what direction the coaches will take?

Pienaar played far too many games last season and looked jaded by the end, and the lack of other kicking options probably influenced some of those starts. Will there be any pressure to get Jackson kicking in matches to ease the workload on Pienaar, or in case he's called up by Ireland?

What about Olding - is he seen as a centre rather than a flyhalf and if so who takes the kicks for the Ravens? James McKinney should be able to put more pressure on Jackson than NOC could but that might mean he needs to be place kicking for the Ravens so that he is a viable alternative. Then there is the prodigious boot of McIlwaine, who AFAIK is the longest kicker in the squad. Is that a weapon the coaches will want to use?

All the guys mentioned will probably still practise their place kicking (and use it if they're playing AIL) but the question is who will be chosen by the coaches to do the match day duties for both Ulster and the Ravens?

Having Olding kicking when possible is surely beneficial for everyone, it gives Ulster an alternative in the team if someones having an off day and the same with Ireland

Didn't Luke Marshall play 10 at underage level too?

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:Any word on whether Afoa is staying or going lads?

Well, he has one year left on his contract. If he was going early he'd be long gone by now. He'll be used more sparingly this season I think. We'll give more guys gametime in the Pro12. He'll be given dispensation for a few breaks in the year.

Chinese whispers about him going have been crazy. Officially confirmed as staying quite a long time ago.