Luke Fitzgearld

Reports coming in the Luke Fitz has signed for Munster today.

Watch this space

I would be pretty disappointed in Luke if he was to move. This time last season the IRFU took their contract offer off the table and Leinster stepped in and gave (a long term injured) Fitzgerald a deal for a year. This time they’ve made him another offer, he is once more long term injured, and IF (I say if because this isn’t finalized yet) but if he takes Munster’s offer over Leinster then I think it would be 2 fingers up to the club that nurtured him, brought him into the senior team out of school, made a Lion out of him, stuck 3 HC medals in his arse pocket and stuck with him when he had no other viable options.

http://www.joe.ie/rugby/heineken-cup/reports-today-suggest-that-luke-fitzgerald-to-munster-is-a-done-deal-0035831-1

Corcoran is tweeting it. Seems reliable enough

Don't understand this at all.

Could it be a positional thing. Only thing that makes sense to me

I can see why Lienster might be a little miffed, but at the end of the day rugby is now a business and loyalty isn't necessarily reciprocated

I really can't understand this... He's going to be out for what 6 months? And they have Earls/Laulala at 13, Hurley/Zebo/Conway/O'Dea on the wings and Jones at FB...

Unless he's going to 12???

If this does happen. Then we need answers as to wtf is going on. This is getting rediculous. Hopefully another Q&A with Mick Dawson will be set up.

Leinsters new transfer policy

Spoiler:

Pretty happy with this albeit he is injury prone.

He will have to turn the lights out in the RDS. Leinster are really going to struggle in the next couple of years.

BlueMuff wrote:Pretty happy with this albeit he is injury prone.

He will have to turn the lights out in the RDS. Leinster are really going to struggle in the next couple of years.

Did you not see us on Saturday, the lights have to be replaced after Madigan shot them out...

<clutching>

Adam Redmond reporting on twitter that sources from within Leinster are saying it's far from a done deal...

He's finished anyways I think. Looked a shadow of the player he was in the 6N. Pace is gone and his body isn't up to it anymore.

The only positive from this is that Felix Jones will have someone to keep him company in rehab.

Looks like another clear sign that Schmidt is on his way out and that BOD is staying on.

Well there are some points to consider here that are interesting
a) There may be more Leinstermen playing for Munster next season than home grown players
b) Someone has finally noticed that Keith Earls isn't the best judge of his own position and doesn't have the skills to be a quality 13. Munster badly, badly need some pace on the wing and Earls alongside Zebo is 2/3 of a seriously good back three. However, do we have any real evidence that Fitzgerald can actually be a top class 13? I for one think he has far better footballing skills than Earls for his position but that doesn't mean he will slip easily into the position.
c) How do we know Fitzgerald will come back from yet another injury? Felix Jones, I player I really like looks like he is done. He looks one paced, unable to counter attack and kicks aimlessly too much. Fitzgerald could be the same and Munster are stuck with two lame ducks in their squad.
d) Leinster are in really bad shape for next season. In terms of competing at European level they have no second rows; ageing and average scums halves with the successors a mile off being at the required level; a green and inexperienced, if highly talented 10; if BOD retires no 13s; only Dave Kearney who I don't rate on the wings.

The problem will be the reputation of Schmidt. A good coach for sure but where are the young players he has brought through? He Leinster do not adequately replace these players his stock will fall and his attempt of getting a Super 15 job may be out the window. He has still not ruled himself out of the Ireland job though people rely on his utterances that he didn't want to stay on at Leinster past next season. Conditions now may dictate otherwise. That leaves Leinster potentially without a coach, and someone like Gibbes in such a scenario may join with Schmidt with the Irish side. Problems ahead for Leinster.

I think the decline of Leinster is being written a bit soon.

Ok i've been saying that Ulster may now be top Province but thats slightly tongue in cheek,

Leinster are far from done they are going to enter a rebiulding phase like Munster have but it may not effect thing to much for them, lets see how the summer goes, they were praised last year for having th edepth of squad that allowed them to competete on both fronts, this squad hasn't gone.

Summer will be intresting, Leinster fans have prided themselves in having less NIQ players than Munster and Ulster and talked about all Irish XV's, I don't think this will last. I think Leinster will recuit some top quality NIQ players in the summer, Jimmy Gopperth has already been added, but I suspeact some big names. (Lock, Utility back) prob.

Leinster will prob have the same number NIQ's as the other provinces next year, and they will be of similar quality to Muller and Botha

rodders wrote:He's finished anyways I think. Looked a shadow of the player he was in the 6N. Pace is gone and his body isn't up to it anymore.

The only positive from this is that Felix Jones will have someone to keep him company in rehab.

Looks like another clear sign that Schmidt is on his way out and that BOD is staying on.

Finished. he was playing great stuff for leinster. what did he get during the 6 nations? a game and half.

Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote:
d) Leinster are in really bad shape for next season. In terms of competing at European level they have no second rows; ageing and average scums halves with the successors a mile off being at the required level

Have you been watching the u20's? Luke Mcgrath looks a phenomenal talent! When a 5'9 scrumhalf is captain, especially at under age level, you know he means business.

So what does the backline look like for Leinster next year

Madigan, Kearney, D'Arcy, O'Malley, McFadden, Kearney?

Bench: Gopperth and ???

As for Fitzgerald I reckon they will try him at 13 dow Munster way - further evidence to me that Earls at 13 is not seen as a success.

Can't see him on the wing with Zebo, Earls, Conway, O'Dea etc

Also seems to me that Munster are positioning themselves for 2014-15 when Dublin want each senior Provinces to only have 3 NIQ players (including projects)

Howlett retiring and LuaLua not having his contract renewed I reckon - givin Munster an all Irish backline.

To keep Fitzgerald they probably had to pay him some decent wages since he lost his central contract and with Sexton and Nacewa gone thatll free up plenty of cash to bring in some fairly decent NIQs

geoff998rugby wrote:So what does the backline look like for Leinster next year

Madigan, Kearney, D'Arcy, O'Malley O'Driscoll, McFadden, Kearney?

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/news/9558.php#.UVG6BhypXiM

Complete b*llocks then... 2 year deal to stay

top quality NIQ players in the summer, Jimmy Gopperth has already been added

Are there two Jimmy Gopperth's? He'll kick goals and run himself occasionally but is currently struggling to keep 21 year old Joel Hodgson out of the Falcons side.

Leinster will buy in the summer they aren't dead yet.

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/news/9558.php#.UVG6BhypXiM

Complete b*llocks then... 2 year deal to stay

Im sure the medical staff at Leinster are glad to see that, wont have to worry about redundancies now

I have to say I think that its the right move for all concerned.

Absolutely, would be ridiculous for him to go to Munster who don't really need him and leave Leinster having to bring in an NIQ.

if luke mcgrath is given game time next year, leinster will not struggle

delighted. sorry about the wrong information but there was alot of chatter about this before the announcement

Ah sure everyone was reporting it as a done deal, it had to be discussed on here somewhere.

Irish media are pathetic.

I think Leinster might be better than they were last season, at least in the Heineken Cup, and I'm talking performance wise. (obviously they can't do worse)

Their pack looks much stronger and you know what they say, forwards win a game and the backs decide by what score.

Anyway, the emergence of Luke McGrath, the attacking wizardry of Madigan, a SH signing superior to Nacewa, and possibly a quicker and younger centre partnership, may enhance our backline.

Although I must admit the thoughts of a JJ, Fitz centre partnership was making me water at the mouth.

gleesonisgod wrote:a SH signing superior to Nacewa

Best of luck with that one.

Yeah that's pretty much impossible.

I wouldn't even think we'll try to replace him with a "similar" player, i.e. a versitile winger, fullback, outhalf (don't forget he played a lot at OH in his first season with us). I think we should go for an out and out finisher on the wing.

Mickado wrote:Yeah that's pretty much impossible.

I wouldn't even think we'll try to replace him with a "similar" player, i.e. a versitile winger, fullback, outhalf (don't forget he played a lot at OH in his first season with us). I think we should go for an out and out finisher on the wing.

Any names come to mind Mickado? In recent years it seems South Africans seem to like Ireland as a destination (Strauss, Stander, du Preez, Botha, Pienaar, Wannenburg, Diack, van der Merwe, Roux, de Villiers etc).

How would JP Pieterson be welcomed?

Artful_Dodger wrote:http://www.joe.ie/rugby/heineken-cup/reports-today-suggest-that-luke-fitzgerald-to-munster-is-a-done-deal-0035831-1

if its on Joe.ie then it will more than likely be true given that Flannery is a director of Joe.ie and he would have the inside scoup.

.....or not.

Feckless Rogue wrote:Leinsters new transfer policy

Spoiler:

Kidney's new methodology for encouraging attacking play? Well, I don't want to be smart but it's a little late!

Good btw about Fitzgerald. We all talk about change being what some players need..... If one goes to France to get it then one going to Munster ain't all bad.

red_stag wrote:

gleesonisgod wrote:a SH signing superior to Nacewa

Best of luck with that one.

+1

Won't get one like him again I'm afraid.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:

red_stag wrote:

gleesonisgod wrote:a SH signing superior to Nacewa

Best of luck with that one.

+1

Won't get one like him again I'm afraid.

Not too bothered.

No one said Contempomi could be replaced. Along comes Sexton and Madigan.
Elsom -> SOB
Nacewa -> Kearney european player of the year. Maybe Henshaw in a couple of years. Not too concerned.

red_stag wrote:

Mickado wrote:Yeah that's pretty much impossible.

I wouldn't even think we'll try to replace him with a "similar" player, i.e. a versitile winger, fullback, outhalf (don't forget he played a lot at OH in his first season with us). I think we should go for an out and out finisher on the wing.

Any names come to mind Mickado? In recent years it seems South Africans seem to like Ireland as a destination (Strauss, Stander, du Preez, Botha, Pienaar, Wannenburg, Diack, van der Merwe, Roux, de Villiers etc).

How would JP Pieterson be welcomed?

How could you leave Muller out of that list!!

Artful_Dodger wrote:

red_stag wrote:

Mickado wrote:Yeah that's pretty much impossible.

I wouldn't even think we'll try to replace him with a "similar" player, i.e. a versitile winger, fullback, outhalf (don't forget he played a lot at OH in his first season with us). I think we should go for an out and out finisher on the wing.

Any names come to mind Mickado? In recent years it seems South Africans seem to like Ireland as a destination (Strauss, Stander, du Preez, Botha, Pienaar, Wannenburg, Diack, van der Merwe, Roux, de Villiers etc).

How would JP Pieterson be welcomed?

How could you leave Muller out of that list!!

You sure you're not thinking of that genuine Irish son of a gun. John Miller the Ulster second row

GunsGerms wrote:

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:

red_stag wrote:

gleesonisgod wrote:a SH signing superior to Nacewa

Best of luck with that one.

+1

Won't get one like him again I'm afraid.

Not too bothered.

No one said Contempomi could be replaced. Along comes Sexton and Madigan.
Elsom -> SOB
Nacewa -> Kearney european player of the year. Maybe Henshaw in a couple of years. Not too concerned.

I think it will take quite some time to replace him myself. He had that attitude that so many foreigners have of wanting to play "rugby" not just kick and catch. He wanted to run, to express himself, to beat guys. Genuine inspiration.

GunsGerms wrote:

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:

red_stag wrote:

gleesonisgod wrote:a SH signing superior to Nacewa

Best of luck with that one.

+1

Won't get one like him again I'm afraid.

Not too bothered.

No one said Contempomi could be replaced. Along comes Sexton and Madigan.
Elsom -> SOB
Nacewa -> Kearney european player of the year. Maybe Henshaw in a couple of years. Not too concerned.

Its true. Not concerned at all. We are busy getting younger and stronger. Its the Leinster Way in motion. Unlike others... We dont stand still. Please do not adjust your D & G's. Its business as usual.

Loving the provincials trying to stick the dagger in early. Bless em.

Zey vil pay heavily for zis impudence. Very soon.

Believe.

BODisGOD wrote: Have you been watching the u20's? Luke Mcgrath looks a phenomenal talent! When a 5'9 scrumhalf is captain, especially at under age level, you know he means business.

Pure and utter hyperbole. I talked about Leinster needing players that can perform at European level. When has McGrath done that or even made serious contributions at Rabo level? I don't think there is another set of fans that so ritually over estimates the ability of their players than Irish fans. A phenomenal talent? Give me a break. We have heard this so many times over the years and I can think of just one 'phenomenal talent' from Ireland that has made it at international and club level. He might just have played his last game in green. BOD was a 'phenomenal talent'- that is the bench mark of turning potential into success. Compare two other 'phenomenal talents' in Earls and Fitzgerald who have been nothing more than perfectly passable internationals. We have our own ex U-20s captain at Ulster called Niall Annett- a good player who I was assured by some fellow nordies would be a supreme talent. Hows that working out for him? Playing well at U-20 level means absolutely nothing bar that you have a bit of potential. McGrath right now is physically weak, an average pass and average decision making. He is no where near being the player that could suddenly be an integral part of a european cup challenging team. He has potential for sure, but to take over from Boss and Reddan next season? A bit of realism wouldn't go amiss.

Not sure Stag, but I wouldn't say no to Julian Savea.

Drew Mitchell still not tied down, Peiterson is a fine (if somewhat un-likeable) player and I'd welcome a player of that standing. Willie Le Roux is a name I've seen thrown about (as a second back line singing), saw his highlight reel which obviously doesn't give the whole picture, but he looks like a real talent, would he be as good in Irish climatic conditions? Maybe.

Zane Kirchener? Not so much, from what I've seen of Zane I don't rate him that highly.

McGrath can wait and develop. We still have Reddan & Boss. They are proven, international, hardened, wily, experienced, HC winners. Reddser has 4 winners medals. Coincidence? I think not.

But, Hook is right. Potential is just... potential.

I think Leinster need a quality second row as a matter of priority. Cullen looks well past his peak and I'm afraid I am a huge McCarthy sceptic. One tackle in the autumn and suddenly he is a fantastic lock? I don't buy it. I thought he had a very poor Six Nations though no one can doubt his effort and work rate in each match. That said maybe playing in a better side than Connacht might bring him more to the fore and (fingers crossed) a new international coaching ticket might help him excel. If we are going to play a faster brand of rugby we need good footballing forwards who can offload consistently and wisely. A hybrid second row/backrower like McCarthy might be the ticket. I still for the life of me don't understand why Ireland and Leinster for that matter don't try Kevin McLaughlin in that position-alongside Coughlin at Munster he is criminally underrated.

pete (buachaill on eirne) wrote:

I think it will take quite some time to replace him myself. He had that attitude that so many foreigners have of wanting to play "rugby" not just kick and catch. He wanted to run, to express himself, to beat guys.

Speaking of which? How is Ireland's Sevens experiment going...or not going? NZers grow up being encouraged to play rugby, to run, to evade, to enjoy the game at a more instinctive level than the rehearsed 'set-piece' stuff that seems to drag Northern Hemisphere to a stand still sometimes.

There was talk about becoming more serious in the Sevens department a while back but I haven't heard much since. It would at least create a continuous environment where speed and instinctive creativity were nurtured and in time the 15 man game might be able to syphon off some useful running naturals.

A+.

Hookisms and Hyperbole wrote:I don't think there is another set of fans that so ritually over estimates the ability of their players than Irish fans. A phenomenal talent? Give me a break.

Once upon a time....there were two kingdoms. One white and pompous called Ye Olde Engerlond and another, it's arch enemy, painted in blood Devil-red and called Wales.

We're not alone... but we all lived happily ever after.