JJ is off to Northampton.

by GunsGerms Wed Dec 10, 2014 8:37 am

First topic message reminder :

Bad news for Munster fans.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/jj-hanrahan-is-set-to-leave-munster-for-northampton-1.2031807

by **profitius** Wed Dec 10, 2014 2:47 pm

Sgt_Pooly wrote:
GunsGerms wrote:Myler is a journey man rugby league convert. JJ was a 2012 junior world player of the year nominee and still only 22. I reckon he would overtake Myler fairly quickly. Otherwise what would be the point of heading to England anyway.

Myler has took Saints to a HC final & claimed an AP winners medal in recent years, what has JJ done to suggest he's a better 10? He can't even get in the Munster side at the minute and Myler is a better fly half then Keatley.

Claiming he was a nominee for JIRB Player of the year means little, so were Ignacio Rodriguez Muedra, Carl Fearns, Robbie Coleman, Richard Kingi.

Well Hanrahan has all the skills. Passing, kicking, running etc. If you think hes not as good as Keatley because he can't get past Keatley then you don't know how things operate in Irish rugby. It was decided before the season that Keatley is Munster's number 1 outhalf and thats that.

He would be a fantastic signing for any team and as a Munster fan I think he should leave because Munster are sh!te at bringing through backs.

by formerly known as Sam Wed Dec 10, 2014 2:48 pm

SecretFly I'm sure a few clubs are keeping an eye on him and others. Do I think offers are being made, possibly. More likely that his agent is trying to get the rumour mill going in order to pressure Munster into upping their offer.

Saints are set to lose Manoa and possibly both Pisi and Hartley. Priorities will be either retaining or replacing those guys first. If Williams returns to Scarlets then the Munster fans should be concerned as an AP club other than Newcastle will actually need a ten. At the minute no big club needs one though they may be scouting options as they wait to see how contract renewals pan out.

by SecretFly Wed Dec 10, 2014 2:57 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:SecretFly I'm sure a few clubs are keeping an eye on him and others. Do I think offers are being made, possibly. More likely that his agent is trying to get the rumour mill going in order to pressure Munster into upping their offer.

Well I covered all that above on the idea that agents stir when their players want more money on new contracts, yep. But the guy can play and anyone who has seen him play knows he can play and a fair few of those 'anyone's' would be coaches both here and abroad in England or France.
If his agent is bullschitting to up his price it's because his agent knows that such bullschittin isn't exactly a glaring oversell of his 'product' - but a realistic ballpark figure based on his player's talents.

by MunsterMac Wed Dec 10, 2014 3:09 pm

I can't begin to express how pi*#ed off I am with this.

The sad thing for me is that if JJ was a 22 year old South African or Aussie given his obvious potential Munster would probably consider taking him as a project player.

If he goes this will reflect very poorly on Munster and more specifically Foley and his man management skills.

by Sin é Wed Dec 10, 2014 3:15 pm

MunsterMac wrote:I can't begin to express how pi*#ed off I am with this.

The sad thing for me is that if JJ was a 22 year old South African or Aussie given his obvious potential Munster would probably consider taking him as a project player.

If he goes this will reflect very poorly on Munster and more specifically Foley and his man management skills.

If JJ is leaving, its for the money. He would likely get more gametime with Connacht than he would with Northampton and which would reunite him with his old under 20s partner, Marmion.

by SecretFly Wed Dec 10, 2014 3:28 pm

Money isn't a bad thing to be leaving for though, Sin. Players want money...it's their career.

And that brings us back to Munstermac's point - yes, if JJ were a South African or Aussie or New Zealander, Munster wouldn't worry too much about the price, I'm thinking. But somehow if an Irish guy thinks he's worth what a 'Project' player might be worth - that's a degree of insolence and probably deserves a push abroad to purgatory Wink

Anyway, I'm not sure I'd blame Foley completely. Perhaps it's more a case of Nucifora beginning to flex his muscles from behind the scenes in his Head Puppeteer office.

by formerly known as Sam Wed Dec 10, 2014 3:51 pm

SF it's the old "well I'm sure you've heard about the offers he's getting abroad. He lives this club though so he'd settle for 90% of that to stay here.". Get some spin on it.

He's a good player but he hasn't got much experience compared to his contemporaries this side of the water. Look how much game time Ford, Farrell and Slade have got. To demand that level of fee then you need to be a front line ten who will deliver. Incidentally I think he'd do very well at Tigers if he were to replace Williams should Owen be tempted back to the Scarlets.

by GunsGerms Wed Dec 10, 2014 4:28 pm

Dont see why JJ doesnt just go to France. Other than Sexton there arent any OHs over there.

by SecretFly Wed Dec 10, 2014 4:32 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:SF it's the old "well I'm sure you've heard about the offers he's getting abroad. He lives this club though so he'd settle for 90% of that to stay here.". Get some spin on it.

He's a good player but he hasn't got much experience compared to his contemporaries this side of the water. Look how much game time Ford, Farrell and Slade have got. To demand that level of fee then you need to be a front line ten who will deliver. Incidentally I think he'd do very well at Tigers if he were to replace Williams should Owen be tempted back to the Scarlets.

I keep saying I know the spin game. I brought it up myself. But you keep not seeing it Wink

Anyway, how much would you pay for him at Tigers? Start the realistic bidding then Wink

by SecretFly Wed Dec 10, 2014 4:35 pm

BTW ... just to be clear on my position. I think whoever isn't coaxing him to stay, even in Ireland...well, he's an idiot. His lack of time and lack of experience is actually his plus point in terms of investment. He has improvement in him...older players don't necessarily have that selling point

by gleesonisgod Wed Dec 10, 2014 4:47 pm

Sin é wrote:
MunsterMac wrote:I can't begin to express how pi*#ed off I am with this.

The sad thing for me is that if JJ was a 22 year old South African or Aussie given his obvious potential Munster would probably consider taking him as a project player.

If he goes this will reflect very poorly on Munster and more specifically Foley and his man management skills.

If JJ is leaving, its for the money. He would likely get more gametime with Connacht than he would with Northampton and which would reunite him with his old under 20s partner, Marmion.

He's leaving for game time. Money's only gonna be a factor in deciding which club to go to. Other factors I would say are Champions Cup, and team mates (would be nice playing with Fotuali'i, Foden, North, Burrell, and the Pisi bros).

by formerly known as Sam Wed Dec 10, 2014 5:35 pm

Well we had agreed a deal in principle just over the 100k mark with 36 when he left and allegedly matched the offer Ford got from Bath which was supposedly around the 125k mark (Ford would be worth considerably more now).

I think 140k would be about what I think we'd offer. The salary cap and the number of internationals we have on the books already limits us in terms of spending. When was the last time we made a big name signing?

by LeinsterFan4life Wed Dec 10, 2014 5:46 pm

Foley this afternoon
“From what I gather, it’s speculation at the moment,” said Foley this afternoon in Limerick when asked to shed light on the situation.

JJ’s contract is up at the end of the season and Munster have offered JJ a contract. Obviously, when a guy like that is coming off contract, it does line up a number of suitors.

“Obviously, from my own experience as a player, you do get your head turned at times. It’s important that we all understand that and that we make sure we put our best case forward for him to stay. At the moment, it’s something that happens in professional sport, so we’ve got to deal with that.”

Interesting. I would have thought this was very much a speculative rumour but Foley is certainly not ruling it out.

by brennomac Wed Dec 10, 2014 5:46 pm

Jeez with a 10-12-13 of Keatley-Hurley-Howard is there nowhere Foley could fit in JJ? Comes maybe from a coaching team heavily dominated by forwards and Foley's self-confessed aim of getting back to Munster basics. Only problem is Clermont comprehensively out-basiced them at the weekend and JJ was left getting a sore arse on the bench while Keatley had a stinker. Darren Cave I think said that his face didn't fit with Joe Schmidt's thinking, it's pretty clear that JJ one of the most promising and dynamic backs we have in the country doesn't fit in with Foley's thinking. Flair obviously isn't an asset in Foley's thinking.

Saints fans might praise Myler and he is a decent reliable player - but I don't think he's any more than that. But it's hard to see Mallinder installing JJ as his starting 10 before he serves a bit of an apprenticeship so the idea that he might be getting a lot of game time might be a bit off.

If he does go to Saints and succeeds then the idea that he should be somehow shunned when it comes to Ireland is bullsh1t. Yes, we want as many of our players at home, but if the home teams won't give promising players game time and insist on journeymen in key positions like 10 then it would be lunacy to try and restrict their development by freezing them out.

If Munster fans are p1ssed off that JJ might go, I'll be equally p1ssed off if the rumour of Madigan being on the move down south proves true. With Sexton back next year, Madigan is the 12 we need to replace Darcy while also as back-up 10 to Sexton. Any way, Mads might have a bit of a strop if Foley's back to basics mentality extended to him having to get rid of his silly haircuts.

by Sin é Wed Dec 10, 2014 7:18 pm

brennomac wrote:Jeez with a 10-12-13 of Keatley-Hurley-Howard is there nowhere Foley could fit in JJ? Comes maybe from a coaching team heavily dominated by forwards and Foley's self-confessed aim of getting back to Munster basics. Only problem is Clermont comprehensively out-basiced them at the weekend and JJ was left getting a sore arse on the bench while Keatley had a stinker. Darren Cave I think said that his face didn't fit with Joe Schmidt's thinking, it's pretty clear that JJ one of the most promising and dynamic backs we have in the country doesn't fit in with Foley's thinking. Flair obviously isn't an asset in Foley's thinking.

Well, I'd be peed off with JJ if he decides to move after Munster doing their best to get him properly fit.

Anthony Foley wrote:When asked if Hanrahan has voiced concerns over his lack of starts in Munster’s biggest games, Foley pointed to the fact that Hanrahan’s pre-season had been extended last summer to help him overcome a longstanding issue with osteitis pubis

I’ve spoken to JJ on a number of occasions,” said Foley. “The things we speak about obviously stay between us, but it’s about the whole picture with JJ. He’s a quality player and a player that we’ve used on a number of occasions this year.

“In pre-season, we spoke about his delayed return to play because we wanted to get his groins right and make sure that he was fully fit so that he could progress as a player, rather than just maintaining the status quo of where he was – play, deload, make sure he was right to play again, with no training and no physical development to get better.

“We looked after that. The consequence of that was that he starts the season three weeks later than everyone else and plays a bit of catch up to try and get back in there.

“I think everybody who’s seen JJ play understands the quality of player he is and why other teams would be going after him. It’s the same reason we want to keep him. A lot of the conversations are around what’s best for JJ to develop as a rugby player.”

With Munster having made their offer to Hanrahan, Foley is now hoping that the fan favourite’s future will soon be sorted. That said, the former number eight is not putting a deadline on the matter.

I think it’s something you’d like to get done and dusted as quickly as possible and have the information so that if we need to look for another player in that position, or vice versa – extending a lad’s contract.

“It’s about managing the situation. I don’t think there is any timeframe on it at the moment.”

by **profitius** Wed Dec 10, 2014 9:13 pm

Maybe Foley has a 17st South African flyhalf lined up. Physicality is the only requirement thats needed. A simple man is Axel.

by BlueMuff Wed Dec 10, 2014 9:18 pm

JJ is not going anywhere full stop. Foley would want to cop himself on though as nearly every Munster supporter woukd have him first choice 10. He actually got more game time at 10 under Penney.

by niwatts Wed Dec 10, 2014 10:56 pm

If he did go to Northampton I suspect he could end up playing his other position of centre as much as FH. With Hooley not quite there yet Myler is relied on for too much of the season at present, so a quality candidate is definitely needed to alternate, but in addition, with Pisi set to leave they'll also be missing a playmaker in the centres, so we could see JJ playing 12 and Burrell taking on the outside role as he does for England, a nice mix and alternative style for Saints to what the quality Stephenson offers outside Burrell.

by **rodders** Wed Dec 10, 2014 11:20 pm

Sin é wrote:
Anthony Foley wrote:
“We looked after that. The consequence of that was that he starts the season three weeks later than everyone else and plays a bit of catch up to try and get back in there.

JJ wants to cop himself on - I mean your not going to get many starts if you let a player of the calibre of Dennis Hurley get 3 weeks on you. Glad Foley put him in his place.

by doctor_grey Thu Dec 11, 2014 7:35 am

niwatts wrote:If he did go to Northampton I suspect he could end up playing his other position of centre as much as FH. With Hooley not quite there yet Myler is relied on for too much of the season at present, so a quality candidate is definitely needed to alternate, but in addition, with Pisi set to leave they'll also be missing a playmaker in the centres, so we could see JJ playing 12 and Burrell taking on the outside role as he does for England, a nice mix and alternative style for Saints to what the quality Stephenson offers outside Burrell.

I agree. If these reports are true then it makes some sense for Saints. Myler is being driven into the ground with all the game time. Hanrahan would be extra cover at 10, but would probably slot in at 12 for the most part. Will Hooley is the heir apparent at 10, but this would enable a bit more time to develop, especially if Myler goes down.

Saints have a small squad and players who have the flexability to cover more than one position are prized commodities at Franklin's Gardens.

by whocares Thu Dec 11, 2014 8:53 am

GunsGerms wrote:Dont see why JJ doesnt just go to France. Other than Sexton there arent any OHs over there.

that's a bit arrogant to think that a young unexperienced flyhalf would just walk in any team there (appart from maybe in Lyon or La Rochelle). Maybe Munster should swap him with one Leinster centres.

by GunsGerms Thu Dec 11, 2014 9:05 am

OHs have always been an issue in France though, no? He is inexperienced but probably Ireland's best young un and coming player.

by whocares Thu Dec 11, 2014 9:11 am

yes FHs can be an issue specially because it takes time to develop them and someT14 teams dont have time for that and prefer to go for the cheap and reliable SH journeyman option.

by Sin é Thu Dec 11, 2014 11:12 am

doctor_grey wrote:
niwatts wrote:If he did go to Northampton I suspect he could end up playing his other position of centre as much as FH. With Hooley not quite there yet Myler is relied on for too much of the season at present, so a quality candidate is definitely needed to alternate, but in addition, with Pisi set to leave they'll also be missing a playmaker in the centres, so we could see JJ playing 12 and Burrell taking on the outside role as he does for England, a nice mix and alternative style for Saints to what the quality Stephenson offers outside Burrell.
I agree. If these reports are true then it makes some sense for Saints. Myler is being driven into the ground with all the game time. Hanrahan would be extra cover at 10, but would probably slot in at 12 for the most part. Will Hooley is the heir apparent at 10, but this would enable a bit more time to develop, especially if Myler goes down.

Saints have a small squad and players who have the flexability to cover more than one position are prized commodities at Franklin's Gardens.

JJ has hardly played at 12 since his U20s days (about 3 games in his first season for Munster). Any time he has come off the bench for Munster, Keatley has moved to 12 and JJ played 10.

Bleyenthaal (who got injured before he arrived at Munster) was recruited to play 12 (and cover 10).

by Sin é Thu Dec 11, 2014 11:16 am

rodders wrote:
Sin é wrote:
Anthony Foley wrote:
“We looked after that. The consequence of that was that he starts the season three weeks later than everyone else and plays a bit of catch up to try and get back in there.

JJ wants to cop himself on - I mean your not going to get many starts if you let a player of the calibre of Dennis Hurley get 3 weeks on you. Glad Foley put him in his place.

As I've said elsewhere, JJ rarely plays at 12 for Munster (last start there was about 2 years ago).

Irish Examiner wrote:Foley, meanwhile, explained his decision not to utilise his bench as Munster tried to claw their way back into contention at Thomond Park, instead making just two enforced substitutions.

“There were a few things that were changing in the game. At one stage we were looking to bring on JJ Hanrahan at 12 then Denis Hurley started making a few telling breaks up the middle of the pitch giving us momentum so we put that on hold.

“We had enforced substitutions too and then it was, you know, whether we then get Sean Dougall on to snaffle and tidy up some ball around loose areas but by that stage it had become very attritional. We were looking to make an impact. Unfortunately at the time I thought the team on the pitch were doing a job for us and that was the team that got us over the line against Sale as well. When they’re in that mode what you don’t want to do is chop and change a whole pile, you want to keep that momentum going.”

by Sgt_Pooly Thu Dec 11, 2014 11:18 am

If JJ doesn't play 12, he may find himself a bench warmer for the majority of the season.

by formerly known as Sam Thu Dec 11, 2014 12:24 pm

Flood, Lopez, Steyn, Giteau, O'Connor etc might all choose to disagree with you on the assertion there's no 10 outside of Sexton in France.

Hanrahan is a player of talent and serious potential. Any big club that goes for him is signing a project as much as a first team player. Not every club is going to want to bring in a 22 year old with limited experience as the front line 10. A lot of bigger clubs these days are already developing back up options as well as 10 is an expensive purchase.

Saints might be a good move for him from an It is perspective as with the young talent they have coming through he'd head back with experience in a couple of years time. Though that experience could be more at 12.

by Sin é Thu Dec 11, 2014 12:49 pm

Sgt_Pooly wrote:If JJ doesn't play 12, he may find himself a bench warmer for the majority of the season.

Why would Northampton (or any club) offer £160K a year to a benchwarmer (even with good potential). JJ isn't going to get any better without gametime.

I also gather from interviews with JJ & Rob Penney that his future is at 10.

by Sgt_Pooly Thu Dec 11, 2014 1:12 pm

Who would spend 160k a year on a player that has proved nothing in his career to date?

Where is it stated that he's been offered this amount?

by The Great Aukster Thu Dec 11, 2014 1:14 pm

There is no doubt that JJ wants to play 10 and if he is going to go to Saints it will be to play 10.

He has all the skills to play there now but personally I think he needs to learn a lot about running a game that's not going according to the dressing room plan. To me that's what separates the master fly halves from the journeymen.

BTW from what I've seen of Myler he isn't especially good at thinking on his feet if things need changing, so maybe Mallinder is looking for a player to come off the bench with a load of instructions in his ear and the skills to execute them.

by GunsGerms Thu Dec 11, 2014 1:15 pm

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Who would spend 160k a year on a player that has proved nothing in his career to date?

Where is it stated that he's been offered this amount?

Irish Times reported €190k per year.

by **LondonTiger** Thu Dec 11, 2014 1:25 pm

The Great Aukster wrote:BTW from what I've seen of Myler he isn't especially good at thinking on his feet if things need changing, so maybe Mallinder is looking for a player to come off the bench with a load of instructions in his ear and the skills to execute them.

Myler is, for me, hugely under-rated because he is not flashy. I think you are completely and utterly wrong to say he is incapable of doing things differently and changing tack during a game. I saw him do that a number of times last season. Sure it does not involve suddenly becoming a big running threat, but it is a case of changing his kicking and passing plans. A young player, currently nbo more than a bench-warmer, will not be taking his place in a hurry.

I would be amazed if Saints actually offered Hanrahan any more the £100k. What his agent leaks to Irish press is another matter entirely.

by Sgt_Pooly Thu Dec 11, 2014 1:30 pm

GunsGerms wrote:
Sgt_Pooly wrote:Who would spend 160k a year on a player that has proved nothing in his career to date?

Where is it stated that he's been offered this amount?

Irish Times reported €190k per year.

It must be true then.

by The Great Aukster Thu Dec 11, 2014 1:32 pm

LondonTiger wrote:
The Great Aukster wrote:BTW from what I've seen of Myler he isn't especially good at thinking on his feet if things need changing, so maybe Mallinder is looking for a player to come off the bench with a load of instructions in his ear and the skills to execute them.

Myler is, for me, hugely under-rated because he is not flashy. I think you are completely and utterly wrong to say he is incapable of doing things differently and changing tack during a game. I saw him do that a number of times last season. Sure it does not involve suddenly becoming a big running threat, but it is a case of changing his kicking and passing plans. A young player, currently nbo more than a bench-warmer, will not be taking his place in a hurry.

I would be amazed if Saints actually offered Hanrahan any more the £100k. What his agent leaks to Irish press is another matter entirely.

LT - Which specific games did he change last season?

by **LondonTiger** Thu Dec 11, 2014 1:57 pm

Most notably the Play-off semi against us. We were on top and he he started kicking more, pinning us back - when previously they had been trying to bosh us off the park with short range passing. They sneaked the win and won the final.

anyone could have made the call - but Myler executed it, dropping back into the pocket from a flat position and won the game for them.

by Sgt_Pooly Thu Dec 11, 2014 2:13 pm

Totally agree LT.

The opinions of Myler seem to relate to his general game 3/4 years ago. He's proved himself at HC & AP final level, what has JJ done?

by SirBurger Thu Dec 11, 2014 3:21 pm

Myler could be off to Sale. That's the only way this move makes sense to me.

by LordDowlais Thu Dec 11, 2014 4:20 pm

Has JJ been capped by Ireland yet ? Is he tied into Ireland by playing for the WolfHounds ? He could become a project player for England if he isn't tied to Ireland.

by lostinwales Thu Dec 11, 2014 4:26 pm

LordDowlais wrote:Has JJ been capped by Ireland yet ? Is he tied into Ireland by playing for the WolfHounds ? He could become a project player for England if he isn't tied to Ireland.

He could but we have a fair few up and coming 10's who are younger. Ford and Slade are 21, Farrell is only 23

by LordDowlais Thu Dec 11, 2014 4:28 pm

lostinwales wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:Has JJ been capped by Ireland yet ? Is he tied into Ireland by playing for the WolfHounds ? He could become a project player for England if he isn't tied to Ireland.

He could but we have a fair few up and coming 10's who are younger. Ford and Slade are 21, Farrell is only 23

Yes, but what I meant more so was, he would not be eating up your NEQ rota's. thumbsup

by lostinwales Thu Dec 11, 2014 4:37 pm

LordDowlais wrote:
lostinwales wrote:
LordDowlais wrote:Has JJ been capped by Ireland yet ? Is he tied into Ireland by playing for the WolfHounds ? He could become a project player for England if he isn't tied to Ireland.

He could but we have a fair few up and coming 10's who are younger. Ford and Slade are 21, Farrell is only 23

Yes, but what I meant more so was, he would not be eating up your NEQ rota's.

Geharty mk2. Who knows..

by formerly known as Sam Thu Dec 11, 2014 4:38 pm

Sir Burger I'd have thought Goode would go to Sale if Cipriani leaves there. Wasps are set to bring in Gopperth. With Quins allegedly after Cips.

by SirBurger Thu Dec 11, 2014 4:43 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:Sir Burger I'd have thought Goode would go to Sale if Cipriani leaves there. Wasps are set to bring in Gopperth. With Quins allegedly after Cips.

I think Goode will either retire or stay at Wasps - he is a Coventry lad after all.

by Rory_Gallagher Thu Dec 11, 2014 5:11 pm

I want to see JJ go where he is getting regular game time and where he can lead a back line effectively, playing to his natural strengths. If he isn't going to get this at Munster any time soon, maybe a move will be beneficial. I'm not sure he will get this at the Saints either but if he has more chance to push for a starting place there, then he should go.

Foley for whatever reason will continue to select Keatley in the foreseeable future.

by SecretFly Thu Dec 11, 2014 5:14 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:
Foley for whatever reason will continue to select Keatley in the foreseeable future.

What's the reason? - is the question on many people's lips. Over to you, Axel.

by Rory_Gallagher Thu Dec 11, 2014 5:22 pm

I honestly would love to know, and from the sounds of things you seem to know something involving JJ and Axel, Fly. Whistle

by SecretFly Thu Dec 11, 2014 5:26 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:I honestly would love to know, and from the sounds of things you seem to know something involving JJ and Axel, Fly.

Yeah Rory, but I'm waiting for Sin to do the research with his centrally contracted deep-throat contacts down there before I spill the shocking beans Wink

.............................

by **rodders** Thu Dec 11, 2014 5:32 pm

LordDowlais wrote:Has JJ been capped by Ireland yet ? Is he tied into Ireland by playing for the WolfHounds ? He could become a project player for England if he isn't tied to Ireland.

Good luck to him - you know what they say in the IRFU, if you don't wear chinos or weren't a baby bok then get to the back of the queue man.

by Sin é Thu Dec 11, 2014 6:48 pm

SecretFly wrote:
Rory_Gallagher wrote:
Foley for whatever reason will continue to select Keatley in the foreseeable future.

What's the reason? - is the question on many people's lips. Over to you, Axel.

Anthony Foley has insisted JJ Hanrahan has a future with Munster and his lack of game time so far this season has been due to a late start to pre-season.

Munster head coach Foley was yesterday on a mission to explain the status of the exciting out-half, following reports the 22-year-old has been offered a lucrative deal with English champions Northampton Saints when his current deal runs out next summer.

The suggestion Hanrahan might be contemplating leaving his native province will be seen as a distraction within the Munster camp ahead of their do-or-die European Champions Cup trip to Clermont Auvergne on Sunday. Hanrahan was left on the bench in last Saturday’s home defeat to Clermont, with the Kerry man having started just four times in nine appearances this season, two of those at full-back.

Foley, though, cited Hanrahan’s recovery from a long-standing groin condition, osteitis pubis, and when asked if he was part of Munster’s future, replied: “Totally. He is a young player that we have a lot of time for. We’ve looked after him very well in his preparation this season.

“We have made sure that an injury he has been carrying for a couple of seasons we have got rid of this year so he can become a better player in terms of the load he can take during the week and the extra kicking and the extra preparation he can do around his game, We allowed that.

“The consequence of doing that meant he started the season a month behind everyone else and he is playing a small bit of catch-up now.” Foley said contract negotiations with Hanrahan were “ongoing” and added: “When most players go about the national contracts, you see them over in Toulouse and Perpignan, and in the old days Biarritz.

“There would be fellas flying out and making sure they’re seen elsewhere. It’s all part of it. You don’t want it out in the public that fellas are up for negotiations, because with quality players like JJ, teams come around and want him, so it’s important for Munster to keep our own players coming through.”

by SecretFly Thu Dec 11, 2014 6:58 pm

If JJ understands that dynamic of starting a season late then he might be inclined to say he'll hang in there at Munster.

But is that his personal reading of his lack of gametime?

I hope he stays... and is utilised. We don't want players of a certain potential getting that cold-shouldered feeling. It's not good for biz in Ireland.

It's a vicious old market led world out there right now, getting more blood thirsty every season - so the welcome mat has to be genuine for indigenous players of true quality.
We can't have a system developing where there are as many 'project' players arriving with projected potential to play for Ireland as there are indigenous players leaving and in so doing dilutiing their own Ireland ambitions. That's not going to serve anyone's interests.

by Sponsored content