Zane Kirchner signs for Leinster

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Currently being reported on twitter by multiple sources that Zane Kirchner of the Bulls has signed for Leinster. So that's the SA rumour that was kicking around. What do you think guys? A good enough replacement for the Iceman?

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

Notch wrote:I think Kirchener is more than good enough to make an impact at Leinster it's just that he's an out and out fullback as is Kearney.

I think you would have spent the money better on a top-class proven winger.

Yeah I was hoping Kearney jnr. would be our fullback cover as I think he looks better there,he lacks the out and out pace to be a real top quality winger.We are really short on wingers right now with Luke Fitz being the only player on our books who I would say is a proven quality winger,McFadden and D Kearney are better in other positions imo while the young lads coming through are unproven.

It's an odd one because Nacewa was pretty much as good on the wing as at fullback but Kirchener is an out and out fullback. I echo bluesmans comments- Kearney will be rested at the start of next season if he tours with the Lions and then before you know it its the November tests. If you can get an early release for Kirchener he'll be a big influence early on in the season.

But when you have your top team out, you'd want to be able to fit all your marquee players in. Leinster already have one out and out marquee fullback, and no top class wingers or locks. Which makes this the wrong move imo.

Remember last Lions tour the IRFU contracted Lions were given a rest until Round 5/6 of the Pro12.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Hey Biltong. Have you ever seen him on the wing? Is he any better there?

i would think he canmake a decent wing, he takes the line and runs until he is tackled. So perhaps yeah.

I don't think Leinster have made a mistake in letting Carr and Conway go. They were both given umpteen chances. They didn't deliver or even show signs of it. Fact is, they are not up to our standard.

Got to be ruthless to be the best.

And if you cant use certain players... Feed The World with them. At least they have been reared the right way.

Kirchner is a quality backup for Kearney. We cant expect him to be the same influence as Isa, but maybe he will slot in and give us something completely different, as part of a strong unit.

Joe is no gob. My only regret is that he will not be there to get the best from Kirchner.

Should have gone for Lee Halfpenny. Welsh players going cheap.

Notch wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

Notch wrote:I think Kirchener is more than good enough to make an impact at Leinster it's just that he's an out and out fullback as is Kearney.

I think you would have spent the money better on a top-class proven winger.

Yeah I was hoping Kearney jnr. would be our fullback cover as I think he looks better there,he lacks the out and out pace to be a real top quality winger.We are really short on wingers right now with Luke Fitz being the only player on our books who I would say is a proven quality winger,McFadden and D Kearney are better in other positions imo while the young lads coming through are unproven.

It's an odd one because Nacewa was pretty much as good on the wing as at fullback but Kirchener is an out and out fullback. I echo bluesmans comments- Kearney will be rested at the start of next season if he tours with the Lions and then before you know it its the November tests. If you can get an early release for Kirchener he'll be a big influence early on in the season.

But when you have your top team out, you'd want to be able to fit all your marquee players in. Leinster already have one out and out marquee fullback, and no top class wingers or locks. Which makes this the wrong move imo.

Remember last Lions tour the IRFU contracted Lions were given a rest until Round 5/6 of the Pro12.

I agree. But its best for all concerned that they are Irish marquee players. No? Use the NIQ's for the RABO and lesser HC games. Use em in the big ones, when and as required. Way to go long-term, imo.

As for signing a top -class winger... yeah. Need Fitzy back with K2. And pull another one off the production-line.

Jen? Pete? Any handy wingers in the Academy / A sides?

Adam Byrne is the next big hope,I think he made a Rabo appearance this year.

Yeah, but if you're going to just use an NIQ player for the Rabo- don't be playing him 250 grand a year to do it.

That kind of money, if its spent, should be spent on a guy who's gonna bring something to your best team.

Gibson wrote:I don't think Leinster have made a mistake in letting Carr and Conway go. They were both given umpteen chances. They didn't deliver or even show signs of it. Fact is, they are not up to our standard.

Got to be ruthless to be the best.

And if you cant use certain players... Feed The World with them. At least they have been reared the right way.

Kirchner is a quality backup for Kearney. We cant expect him to be the same influence as Isa, but maybe he will slot in and give us something completely different, as part of a strong unit.

Joe is no gob. My only regret is that he will not be there to get the best from Kirchner.

Should have gone for Lee Halfpenny. Welsh players going cheap.

Thats all well and good if youve got replacements for them but were losing 3 back 3 players and only bringing in one. Conway or Carr may not have been up to the required standard for Heineken cup games, but they did give us depth there for some league games.

We now have Kearney x 2, Fitz, Kirchner and McFadden in the first team for the back 3 plus the academy lads. I dont think thats enough especially if your looking to compete for both trophies. Of the academy guys theres Andrew Boyle, Darren Hudson and Sam Coughlan Murray who Im aware of, with Hudson been closest to the first team i think. I dont think theyre going to add any more to the team than Conway or Carr would have.

Notch wrote:Yeah, but if you're going to just use an NIQ player for the Rabo- don't be playing him 250 grand a year to do it.

That kind of money, if its spent, should be spent on a guy who's gonna bring something to your best team.

From what I've heard he ain't on that much.

ror said he aint on anywhere near 250k. His info is always sound

LeinsterFan4life wrote:ror said he aint on anywhere near 250k. His info is always sound

Funny that cause the SA press are reporting that he's on 255,678.00 pounds sterling or 300,000 euro.

http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Super15/Zane-Kirchner-offered-R36m-per-year-20130422

Gibbo. Darren Hudson has signed a 1 year dev contract. Looked classy before he got injured. Can play across the back 3.

Sam Coughlan Murray may repeat 3rd year academy as he was a long time out with glandular fever.

Andrew Boyle is also going into year 3. But the really promising one is Adam Byrne who has already been mentioned. 6'3" and built with it. Power pace and only 18. Watch this space

Artful_Dodger wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:ror said he aint on anywhere near 250k. His info is always sound

Funny that cause the SA press are reporting that he's on 255,678.00 pounds sterling or 300,000 euro.

http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/Super15/Zane-Kirchner-offered-R36m-per-year-20130422

I have heard it from actual humans, not just online. Why would the south african press say "We lost Kirchner to Ireland and they didn't even have to pay that much.... They could just be saying that he is getting 300000 over 2 years, or adding in houses and cars and possible bonuses etc etc.

Hmmm yeh or maybe, just maybe they are reporting what he is actually getting which has been all over every forum and media outlet as £250,000 or 300,000 euro....?

Pienaar is on £350,000 at Ulster, are you suggesting that Leinster have brought Kirchner in at less than £250,000?? He'd get more staying in South Africa if so.

If you look at a standard Springbok contract, it is R 1.6 million, then match fees are R 40 000 and win bonuses are R 35 000

These are from SA sources.

So Zane would have earned roughly R 2 million from his Bok contract, that is excluding his Bulls contract which I suspect is about R 1 million.

So he would have earned about R 3 million last year.

3million rand is just over £213,000.

As I said above, why anyone would doubt the figure of £250,000 I don't know. Everywhere is reporting it, the idea that you would get a South African international for less than that is pretty dubious.

But he doesnt start for SA anymore does he so the money from his SA contract would be a lot lower?

He has been Meyer's number one choice the whole year, I think by memory he got injured end of last year.

Oh right, fair enough. Will Lambie be first choice after this?

Artful_Dodger wrote:3million rand is just over £213,000.

As I said above, why anyone would doubt the figure of £250,000 I don't know. Everywhere is reporting it, the idea that you would get a South African international for less than that is pretty dubious.

What's that in real money? He won't be paid in Rand or £

Artful_Dodger wrote:Hmmm yeh or maybe, just maybe they are reporting what he is actually getting which has been all over every forum and media outlet as £250,000 or 300,000 euro....?

Pienaar is on £350,000 at Ulster, are you suggesting that Leinster have brought Kirchner in at less than £250,000?? He'd get more staying in South Africa if so.

Are you saying Zane is as good as Pienaar.

Players wages are a matter of speculation. You don't really believe everything you read online do you? Not saying my info is cast iron guaranteed, but it's likely to be closer to the truth than what's been "all over every forum and media outlet" I have seen several figures online too ranging from 125k to 300k

Just out of curiosity how much does the average squad player get? Toner or McLoughlin for example?

Golden wrote:Oh right, fair enough. Will Lambie be first choice after this?

most likely Frans Steyn, Lambie will be the incumbent flyhalf, he played the last three tests in Nivember as Johan Goosen was injured, and has now injured himself again and will be out for the whole year.

Morne Steyn is moving abraod so I doubt he will be the incumbent flyhalf.

Problem for Heyneke Meyer is his other choice Fullback Jaco Taute is also out for the season so his options at flyhalf and Fullback are limited.

Unless of course he decides to look at youngsters

250k is a lot. Maybe a bit of a panic signing. We're losing Conway, Nacewa, Carr and possibly BOD. And Fitzgerlad is nearly always injured.

It will be interesting to see how Kirchner fares on a wet and windy day in the Pro12.

Given the prevailing SW wind and rain, he'll get plenty of experience.

I can't help thinking that he's been seduced by the lure of the HC tbh.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Artful_Dodger wrote:Hmmm yeh or maybe, just maybe they are reporting what he is actually getting which has been all over every forum and media outlet as £250,000 or 300,000 euro....?

Pienaar is on £350,000 at Ulster, are you suggesting that Leinster have brought Kirchner in at less than £250,000?? He'd get more staying in South Africa if so.

Are you saying Zane is as good as Pienaar.

Players wages are a matter of speculation. You don't really believe everything you read online do you? Not saying my info is cast iron guaranteed, but it's likely to be closer to the truth than what's been "all over every forum and media outlet" I have seen several figures online too ranging from 125k to 300k

I didn't say he was as good as Pienaar....I was incinuating that if Pienaar was on £350,000, £250,000 for Kirchner would be about right.

£125,000 for Kirchner? Who ever told you that is having a laugh....

The upshot of all of this is that he looks incredibly unlikely that Kirchner would be getting anything less than £250,000/300,000 euro a year if he was getting about 3million rand in South Africa. To be honest its a bit worrying that Leinster fans are at pains to point out "oh actually we didn't pay that much for him". Shows a distinct lack of belief in this signing.

Artful_Dodger wrote:

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Artful_Dodger wrote:Hmmm yeh or maybe, just maybe they are reporting what he is actually getting which has been all over every forum and media outlet as £250,000 or 300,000 euro....?

Pienaar is on £350,000 at Ulster, are you suggesting that Leinster have brought Kirchner in at less than £250,000?? He'd get more staying in South Africa if so.

Are you saying Zane is as good as Pienaar.

Players wages are a matter of speculation. You don't really believe everything you read online do you? Not saying my info is cast iron guaranteed, but it's likely to be closer to the truth than what's been "all over every forum and media outlet" I have seen several figures online too ranging from 125k to 300k

I didn't say he was as good as Pienaar....I was incinuating that if Pienaar was on £350,000, £250,000 for Kirchner would be about right.

£125,000 for Kirchner? Who ever told you that is having a laugh....

The upshot of all of this is that he looks incredibly unlikely that Kirchner would be getting anything less than £250,000/300,000 euro a year if he was getting about 3million rand in South Africa. To be honest its a bit worrying that Leinster fans are at pains to point out "oh actually we didn't pay that much for him". Shows a distinct lack of belief in this signing.

In fairness, Jen was responding to the poster who said we shouldn’t be shelling out 250k on a player like this because it didn’t represent good value. He then went on to say that he’s been told that we’re not paying that much for him ergo it was a good value signing.

I’d believe his source, he mentioned that we were going to sign Zirchener last week. And has good form when it comes to inside info.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Artful_Dodger wrote:3million rand is just over £213,000.

As I said above, why anyone would doubt the figure of £250,000 I don't know. Everywhere is reporting it, the idea that you would get a South African international for less than that is pretty dubious.

What's that in real money? He won't be paid in Rand or £

Its just over €250k. Theres a chance he could be getting more than that.

£250,000 is about 300,000 euro.

SARU just announced their conracted Springboks and have declined contracts to all Boks that are playing overseas.

Lets hope its not too late and Zane changes his mind and stays at the Bulls then.

Im happy enough with this signing. Outside of Kearney we have no proper full back in the squad for next season.

While he I dont believe he has the class of Nacewa, he has always looked a good player when I have seen him play.

We still need a winger/centre to be signed for next season. With Ioane leaving the reds he would be the ideal signing but doubt we could afford him. The lack of quality backs coming through the acadamy at the moment is a worry. Would love to see Morris come back from Leicester but i believe he just signed a 2 year extension.

hahaha, no mate, you can take hom gladly.

look Zane isn't a bad player, I remember him in his younger days playing for Griquas and he was sublime, I think his lack of vision and playing expansive rugby comes from too many years with the bulls.

He is really a talented guy with good core skills, big and speedy. I just think most South African supporters are more looking for new blood, and new ideas.

The question always remains, can players change their willingness to play more risky or expansive rugby after being indoctrinated to conservative rugby.

He really isn't as bad as we make out to be.

Maybe it gives him a new lease on rugby.

And less face it Bilts, generally speakng South Africans are better at rugby than the Irish so even if he's rubbish he'll still be good .

rodders wrote:And less face it Bilts, generally speakng South Africans are better at rugby than the Irish so even if he's rubbish he'll still be good .

Modesty doesn't become you mate.

Biltong wrote:hahaha, no mate, you can take hom gladly.

look Zane isn't a bad player, I remember him in his younger days playing for Griquas and he was sublime, I think his lack of vision and playing expansive rugby comes from too many years with the bulls.

He is really a talented guy with good core skills, big and speedy. I just think most South African supporters are more looking for new blood, and new ideas.

The question always remains, can players change their willingness to play more risky or expansive rugby after being indoctrinated to conservative rugby.
He really isn't as bad as we make out to be.

Maybe it gives him a new lease on rugby.

Had Schmidt remained in situ at Leinster (like he planned to be when Kirchner was first approached) we might have found out. He obviously saw something he liked, something he felt he could mould. New coach will have to work in the cold now....em, Kirchner..... let me see, what can I do with him. Ring Schmidt.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Lets hope its not too late and Zane changes his mind and stays at the Bulls then.

FFS Rant over at this stage. He's a Leinster player now. The fact that he won't feature for the Boks is a massive plus. (and probably a lot to do with why we signed him, expect an early release also)

A player of his calibre, available year round. It's good, not bad. At least wait to see if the guy puts in a run of bad performances in a blue jersey before you buddy up with Neddy Negative from Naysayer town.

Rodders actually makes a great point..in his blasted inoffensive way.

Yeah, Kirchner will have an easier time broadening his creative palette in Pro12 than back home. Possibly less and less so though as Pro12 sides increasingly become competitive with each other, nevermind Europe... but still, I think he'll find things perhpas a little easier.

Artful_Dodger wrote:

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

Artful_Dodger wrote:Hmmm yeh or maybe, just maybe they are reporting what he is actually getting which has been all over every forum and media outlet as £250,000 or 300,000 euro....?

Pienaar is on £350,000 at Ulster, are you suggesting that Leinster have brought Kirchner in at less than £250,000?? He'd get more staying in South Africa if so.

Are you saying Zane is as good as Pienaar.

Players wages are a matter of speculation. You don't really believe everything you read online do you? Not saying my info is cast iron guaranteed, but it's likely to be closer to the truth than what's been "all over every forum and media outlet" I have seen several figures online too ranging from 125k to 300k

I didn't say he was as good as Pienaar....I was incinuating that if Pienaar was on £350,000, £250,000 for Kirchner would be about right.

£125,000 for Kirchner? Who ever told you that is having a laugh....

The upshot of all of this is that he looks incredibly unlikely that Kirchner would be getting anything less than £250,000/300,000 euro a year if he was getting about 3million rand in South Africa. To be honest its a bit worrying that Leinster fans are at pains to point out "oh actually we didn't pay that much for him". Shows a distinct lack of belief in this signing.

OK. people are bandying about all sorts of figures all over the place here. I know people are used to thinking in their own currency, but he will be paid in Euros (or real money as I tend to call it) some are saying €250k others are coming back interpreting that as £250k etc. etc.

I will keep ALL my figures from here on in € (that's Euros)

At NO point did I say I had been told that he was on €125k. (which you interpreted as £125k, see how this sh1t gets confusing?)
I was disputing your claim that

"every forum and media outlet" were saying €300k.

What I said was.

I have seen several figures online too, ranging from 125k to 300k

what I have heard "offline" is that his basic sallary is defo less than €250k but that when you tot up the "cost to Leinster Rugby" ie. adding house, car (paid by sponsor I think), possible bonuses etc.etc. It may go over that figure.

Fair enough Jen. He deserves a chance.

How much does he get for his Sideshow Bob gig?

The Great Aukster wrote:How much does he get for his Sideshow Bob gig?

Top observation.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:Lets hope its not too late and Zane changes his mind and stays at the Bulls then.

FFS Rant over at this stage. He's a Leinster player now. The fact that he won't feature for the Boks is a massive plus. (and probably a lot to do with why we signed him, expect an early release also)

A player of his calibre, available year round. It's good, not bad. At least wait to see if the guy puts in a run of bad performances in a blue jersey before you buddy up with Neddy Negative from Naysayer town.

Never thought Id say this Jen... but... love you loong time bro.

So much online bollox. So little time to even effect it all.

And then there's Culchies to be lashed into the equation. I cant keep up. Its a focking mare man.

Biltong wrote:SARU just announced their conracted Springboks and have declined contracts to all Boks that are playing overseas.

Do you reckon that means they won't pick Pienaar? Because we could really use him getting a proper off-season.

They've only got 15 players and only one is a 9... please tell me there are some young Saffer 9s ripping up trees so we can get him on a beanch recharging the batteries before an assault on the Heineken Cup next year.

Notch wrote:

Biltong wrote:SARU just announced their conracted Springboks and have declined contracts to all Boks that are playing overseas.

Do you reckon that means they won't pick Pienaar? Because we could really use him getting a proper off-season.

You sir, are one very hungry, Ulster-centric - bollox.

Like yer style btw.

Notch wrote:

Biltong wrote:SARU just announced their conracted Springboks and have declined contracts to all Boks that are playing overseas.

Do you reckon that means they won't pick Pienaar? Because we could really use him getting a proper off-season.

They've only got 15 players and only one is a 9... please tell me there are some young Saffer 9s ripping up trees so we can get him on a beanch recharging the batteries before an assault on the Heineken Cup next year.

difficult to say, but seeing that it is not the toughest June series for us I think Meyer will use Hougaard and Jaco Reinach a youngster from the Sharks who has been called into the training squad last week.

Golden wrote:

Gibson wrote:I don't think Leinster have made a mistake in letting Carr and Conway go. They were both given umpteen chances. They didn't deliver or even show signs of it. Fact is, they are not up to our standard.

Got to be ruthless to be the best.

And if you cant use certain players... Feed The World with them. At least they have been reared the right way.

Kirchner is a quality backup for Kearney. We cant expect him to be the same influence as Isa, but maybe he will slot in and give us something completely different, as part of a strong unit.

Joe is no gob. My only regret is that he will not be there to get the best from Kirchner.

Should have gone for Lee Halfpenny. Welsh players going cheap.

Thats all well and good if youve got replacements for them but were losing 3 back 3 players and only bringing in one. Conway or Carr may not have been up to the required standard for Heineken cup games, but they did give us depth there for some league games.

We now have Kearney x 2, Fitz, Kirchner and McFadden in the first team for the back 3 plus the academy lads. I dont think thats enough especially if your looking to compete for both trophies. Of the academy guys theres Andrew Boyle, Darren Hudson and Sam Coughlan Murray who Im aware of, with Hudson been closest to the first team i think. I dont think theyre going to add any more to the team than Conway or Carr would have.

So. What are Leinster at then? Do they know something we don't know? Tune in.

Me?

I Believe.

Ha I do to, Gibbo, Im just wondering where this depth is going to come from. Is there any chance of any other backs been signed up? Not necessarily any big names. I just think we need some more players on the wing.

Hmm, in my opinion Zane is still the best FB in Springbok Rugby (and trust me, Stormer fans aren't really going to admit this quite easily). Taute was my first choice last year, but he didn't live up to my expectations, but I also think we aren't playing the right brand for him.

Even though I say he is the best, he is still probably the dullest one to look at, but he is safe under the high ball and he has a big boot.

If it is cold and wet, Zane will be safe - which I think it is most of the time up there for you guys anyway. Just don't expect him to score a try from out of your 22.

If you consider that Kearney is still there and will still be first choice 15 then maybe it isnt a bad signing. Kirchner may not be the best 15 in the world but he does have international caps.

I guess this is a bit like the Gopperth signing. Both adequate squad players that provide back up for first choice Irish players and cover for when they are on International duty.

Digby Ioane wants in at Leinster. Discuss...