The Official Irish Provinces Rugby Thread

[Notch]

First topic message reminder :

Fans of Ulster, Leinster, Munster and Connacht unite! A place is here to talk of your teams.

Discuss the Pro12 run-in, the provinces prospects in Europe next season, the tour to Argentina and why we're generally just the best. I mean, just how great are we? Lets talk about that.

But mainly whatever feckin' thing comes into your head!

[Golden]

He would need to be, the IRFU see Leinster as having the only NIQ 10.

According someone in the know on Munsterfans he is a 12 and can only play 10 in extraordinary circumstances and Munster will need the permission of the IRFU.

Thornley today in the Irish Times wrote about the new Champions Cup. A big meeting tomorrow. It looks like it will be controlled by the French with the new Director General/CEO (aged 70!) presently vice president of Clermont and their new HQ just over the border from them in Switzerland.

And they don't even have a logo yet let alone any sponsors. I think the PRL & LNR maybe subsidising the Pro12 for a few years by the look of things unless Michelin digs them out of a hole of course.

Seems Heineken maybe the Pro12s new Sponsor which would be just great! We would still have a heino every year!

Munster might actually starting caring about the league then   

[ME-109]

Its an attempt to fool the Munster players into thinking each game is a HC game each week. Its all part of the plan..

[profitius]

Looks like Pairc Uí Chaoimh redevelopment is going ahead. They were talking about it on the radio this morning and mentioned its going to be part of the rugby world cup bid.

[ME-109]

Looks like Pairc Uí Chaoimh redevelopment is going ahead. They were talking about it on the radio this morning and mentioned its going to be part of the rugby world cup bid.

Has Saint Frank approved or is this speculation?

[profitius]

Looks like Pairc Uí Chaoimh redevelopment is going ahead. They were talking about it on the radio this morning and mentioned its going to be part of the rugby world cup bid.

Has Saint Frank approved or is this speculation?

Its got a grant and planning permission.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/cabinet-grants-30m-for-regeneration-of-pairc-ui-chaoimh-268493.html

[ME-109]

Sorry Prof...I mean is the county board and a certain F Murphy behind it being part of the Rugby World cup bid.

[Thomond]

This is Herr Frank you're talking about. Give him enough money and he won't have a problem with it. A 45k all seated stadium that has about 2 or 3 championship games a year makes zero sense to me. Might be suited to European champions cup quarter finals if needed and some other games in championship if they take them from Dublin

[ME-109]

This is the same Herr Frank who got the county board to vote against opening Croke Park (one of only a couple of county boards). Hopefully the €30Million grant comes with some stipulations.

[Thomond]

PUC was included on the list of set stadia for the World Cup bid if I recall correctly. It will be open, Herr Frank will benefit directly so he is sure to do it.....

[ME-109]

I always think its a real pity they dont have PUC as a municipal stadium with the Rugby, Soccer and GAA would get some proper usage then...

[MunsterMac]

Of all the stadia in Munster PUC is the only one I dislike but that might be because of the 10 mile hike to get to it from the city centre.

It just seems to go on and on and on.................

[profitius]

Sorry Prof...I mean is the county board and a certain F Murphy behind it being part of the Rugby World cup bid.

The GAA man who was on the radio talking about it (forget his name, he is also a politician in Cork) was asked about the rugby world cup bid and said it already has been agreed that Pairc Uí Chaoimh will be one of the grounds.


A member of the green party said that the land around Pairc Uí Chaoimh was earmarked to be turned into a park for Cork city but Cork council voted to sell the land to the GAA so they could build a GAA center of excellence there. There happened to be many members of the GAA in the council that voted for that. Thats the same council that blocked the redevelopment of Musgrave park a few years back.


I also think 45,000 is far too big for a stadium that isn't used much.

[Sin é]

Crickey Prof, they are hardly turning it into a private golf club and keeping the Cork rif raf out!

Croke Park is only filled a few times a year as well, the local are going bananas over Gareth Brooks - PUC should take some of the pressure off it perhaps, holding some of the GAA semi finals that always go to Croke Park there as well as having a decent sized concert venue outside of Dublin.

[Golden]

Gavin Duffy has been named in the Mayo GAA panel.

[ME-109]

Crickey Prof, they are hardly turning it into a private golf club and keeping the Cork rif raf out!

Croke Park is only filled a few times a year as well, the local are going bananas over Gareth Brooks - PUC should take some of the pressure off it perhaps, holding some of the GAA semi finals that always go to Croke Park there as well as having a decent sized concert venue outside of Dublin.

Yes keep the soccer crowd out....good idea.

Sounds like you have issues Prof....not sure we need another park down there, you can still walk along de banks etc. Do they have any transportation plans as per Munster Macs complaint although thats clearly because he doesnt know his way around...its about a 20 - 30 minute walk max from the city centre ffs...

[Notch]

Eddie O'Sullivan will not be joining Munster. He is the new Head Coach at Biarritz.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/struggling-biarritz-olympique-swoop-for-eddie-osullivan-30276290.html

Seriously big job ahead of him

[ME-109]

A good move for EOS..i hope he does well.

[Golden]

Good move for Eddie. Kind of out of the spotlight but if he does well he wont be waiting around for years for another job offer.

Whats the standard of RD2 like? Surely a club like Biarritz wont be down there too long.

[ME-109]

The budgets of the RD2 clubs are starting to ramp up so its getting a lot more competitive. You would expect Biarritz to get out of there quickly but you never know.

[Golden]

ISA   

What a player and what a man.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/rabodirect-pro12/isa-nacewa-im-not-bitter-i-had-five-successful-seasons-at-leinster-and-nobody-can-take-that-away-30276274.html

"I couldn't picture myself playing for anyone else. I still watch every single Leinster game. I just couldn't see myself pulling on another jersey to be honest."

[Sin é]

ISA   

What a player and what a man.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/rabodirect-pro12/isa-nacewa-im-not-bitter-i-had-five-successful-seasons-at-leinster-and-nobody-can-take-that-away-30276274.html

"I couldn't picture myself playing for anyone else. I still watch every single Leinster game. I just couldn't see myself pulling on another jersey to be honest."

He also had to retire in Ireland (or an EU country now) to get his tax money back.

[rodders]

 

[Golden]

Haha.

What happens if you retire, claim your money then make a comeback? Owe it all back to the revenue service?

[profitius]

Munster acadmey announced.
In: Stephen Fitzgerald (15), Brian Scott (prop), Max Abott (2), Darragh Moloney (lock), Dan Goggin (center), Jamie Glynn (9) and Ryan Foley (9)
Promoted: Johnny Holland (10), Shane Buckley (6)
Released: Darren Moroney (15), Niall Kenneally (12), Brian Haugh (9), Harry McNulty (13)
Moving abroad: Darren O'Shea (lock)


Munster new academy recruits

Munster Rugby can today confirm that 7 new players will join the Greencore Munster Rugby academy for season 2014/15.

Out of the current academy crop of 20 players 2 will advance to senior development contracts next season, academy player of the year Shane Buckley and Johnny Holland, while Darren O'Shea will pursue a playing opportunity abroad.

The 7 new recruits include 5 Ireland U20s players, Max Abbott, Ryan Foley, Dan Goggin, Darragh Moloney and Brian Scott, who are all promoted from the sub academy, while Ard Scoil Ris fullback Stephen Fitzgerald and UCD's Jamie Glynn have also been added.

Fitzgerald recently lined out for the Ireland U19s against France and Glynn started for the Munster Development XV against Enisei-STM.

Brian Haugh, Niall Kenneally, Harry McNulty and Darren Moroney have been released from the programme.

2014/15 Greencore Munster Rugby Academy (position/club)

Year 3: Ryan Murphy (Back row/Dolphin), Jack O'Donoghue (Back row/UL Bohs), Darren Sweetnam (Fullback/Dolphin).

Year 2: Rory Burke (Prop/Cork Con), Jack Cullen (Scrumhalf/Bruff), Niall Horan (Prop/Shannon), David Johnston (Fullback/UL Bohs), Gearoid Lyons (Outhalf/Shannon), Greg O'Shea (Winger/Shannon), Sean McCarthy (Lock/Shannon), John Madigan (Lock/Dolphin), Rory Scannell (Centre/Dolphin), Alex Wootton (Winger/Garryowen).

Year 1: Max Abott (Hooker/Cork Con), Stephen Fitzgerald (Fullback/Ard Scoil Rís), Ryan Foley (Scrumhalf/Cork Con), Jamie Glynn (Scrumhalf/UCD), Dan Goggin (Centre/Young Munster), Darragh Moloney (Lock/Cork Con), Brian Scott (Prop/Dolphin).

Yes keep the soccer crowd out....good idea.

Sounds like you have issues Prof....not sure we need another park down there, you can still walk along de banks etc. Do they have any transportation plans as per Munster Macs complaint although thats clearly because he doesnt know his way around...its about a 20 - 30 minute walk max from the city centre ffs...

I do have issues with politicians alright.  

[Golden]

Good news for Leinster. O'Connor saying they are close to confirming Kane Douglas.

[Feckless Rogue]

Isa was forced out by the IRFU? I didn't know that. Always thought it was strange for him to retire at his age.

[Golden]

They wouldnt give him another contract cos he was 30 I think.

Anyone know what the story is with Quinn Roux? I know hes been released but is it just down to injuries? He has had loads of injuries in the last two years but havent heard anything about him in ages.

Second young south african lock that hasnt worked out for us, so we switch him for an aussie.

[LeinsterFan4life]

I thought Isa retired so he could raise his kids in NZ?

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

They wouldnt give him another contract cos he was 30 I think. Think again. His contract with Leinster is still running. Expires at the end of the month.

Anyone know what the story is with Quinn Roux? I know hes been releasedNo he hasn't but is it just down to injuries? He has had loads of injuries in the last two years but havent heard anything about him in ages.he has played in the b&I cup games. Probably play next week. Outside chance he may even play on saturday

Second young south african lock that hasnt worked out for us, so we switch him for an aussie.

sykes was a whole nudder kettle of fish. About 8 years older for a kickoff. Douglas is a capped Australian who is in a totally different place to Roux who is younger and 12 months from being IQ

[ME-109]

Munster are supposed to announce the new "backs coach" today. The current spotlight is on Brian Walsh (ex cork con coach) who worked with Kidney in the early days (00-04). If he is the one you will have Foley, Costelloe, Micko and Brian Walsh. A good mix of Cork and Limerick and all with good potential....

[rodders]

Will all the kiwis, saffers and Dubs in Munster's squad be able to understand them though?

[ME-109]

They will understand the traditional Munster approach if they arent doing well... a good old fashioned kick up the hole...(which is what Penney should be doing to his indigenous players today)

[Sin é]

Munster are supposed to announce the new "backs coach" today. The current spotlight is on Brian Walsh (ex cork con coach) who worked with Kidney in the early days (00-04). If he is the one you will have Foley, Costelloe, Micko and Brian Walsh. A good mix of Cork and Limerick and all with good potential....

Costelloe isn't from Limerick though, is he. Its either Kerry or Galway I think.

Looks like Munster will be the only fully indigenous setup in Ireland. About time something was done to stop the total eradication of the local species of coach.  

[Don Alfonso]

Looks like Munster will be the only fully indigenous setup in Ireland. About time something was done to stop the total eradication of the local species of coach.  

 
Thank God for Munster, leading the way a mere three seasons after the McLaughlin - Doak - Bell - Humphreys - Logan set-up in Ulster. Hurrah!

[Sin é]

Looks like Munster will be the only fully indigenous setup in Ireland. About time something was done to stop the total eradication of the local species of coach.  

 
Thank God for Munster, leading the way a mere three seasons after the McLaughlin - Doak - Bell - Humphreys - Logan set-up in Ulster. Hurrah!

Well, you must admit that the trend has been to get rid of the local lads. I didn't think Humphreys or Logan were actually coaching and Ulster did dump McLaughlin for an exotic foreign coach.

[GoodinTightSpaces]

is foley the second irish head coach munster have had.

[Standulstermen]

I wouldn't call Anscombe exotic..... I like the set up. We get in coaches of quality with Irish assistants and make them serve an apprenticeship. If they are good enough then they are in a position to take over. Sadly it didn't work out for Davidson. I'm unconvinced by Doak but Bell looks very good imo

[Notch]

I think Doak will eventually want to move on to a Head Coach role but I'm not sure whether we want that at Ulster.

[Pete330v2]

I agree re: Johnny Bell, he has a certain aura about him that screams future head coach.

[Don Alfonso]

Looks like Munster will be the only fully indigenous setup in Ireland. About time something was done to stop the total eradication of the local species of coach.  

 
Thank God for Munster, leading the way a mere three seasons after the McLaughlin - Doak - Bell - Humphreys - Logan set-up in Ulster. Hurrah!

Well, you must admit that the trend has been to get rid of the local lads. I didn't think Humphreys or Logan were actually coaching and Ulster did dump McLaughlin for an exotic foreign coach.

 
In including Humpreys and Logan I was making the point that every senior Ulster Branch post - DoR and CEO as well - were local. Ulster did indeed dump McLaughlin for a foreign coach, but then they dumped the coach who preceded McLaughlin as well, who was also foreign (Matty Williams, notwithstanding a local interim coach). So I doubt the foreigh exoticism was as much of a factor as talent. Munster are just doing something Ulster did a few seasons ago.
 
I don't disagree with your comment about it being a trend, though - in fact, more than that, it's the norm.

[Sin é]

is foley the second irish head coach munster have had.

In the professional era, yes.

We've had Kidney, Gaffney, Kidney, McGahan, Penney.

Only indigenous assistant coaches have been Niall O'Donovan (forwards), Mick McCarthy (scrum), Foley and Costelloe (both there now).

[Sin é]

I agree re: Johnny Bell, he has a certain aura about him that screams future head coach.

He will have his work cut out for him if he wants a job in Ireland.

[MunsterMac]

If he is the one you will have Foley, Costelloe, Micko and Brian Walsh. A good mix of Cork and Limerick and all with good potential....

Foley is from Clare.

[Pete330v2]

I agree re: Johnny Bell, he has a certain aura about him that screams future head coach.

He will have his work cut out for him if he wants a job in Ireland.

I don't know, Johnny's fairly exotic.

[ME-109]

If he is the one you will have Foley, Costelloe, Micko and Brian Walsh. A good mix of Cork and Limerick and all with good potential....

Foley is from Clare.

In rugby terms he isnt.

[MunsterMac]

In rugby terms he isnt.

Sorry, I didn't realise we were narrowing the scope of the preposition 'from'. 

[ME-109]

Well I could say that as usual no one from Limerick was worth giving the job to and its down to Cork con a Clareman and someone of unknown heritage   

[Sin é]

Foley was born in Limerick. The family moved to Killaloe when he was 7 or 8.

[Sin é]

Rumour has it (David Kelly Indo) that Jerry Flannery is getting a role with Munster. That could be putting 2+2 together and getting 5 because he has left Arsenal.

[ME-109]

Foley was born in Limerick. The family moved escaped to Killaloe when he was 7 or 8.

Munster are looking for a lead Physiotherapist. I misread it initially and though it was a lead Psychiatrist...I immediately thought of you Sin.

[Sponsored content]