Irish Provinces NEWS & GOSSIP thread 2015-16-17

[Sin é]

First topic message reminder :

What it says in the title - a place to put all bits of news not worth starting a thread for the Four Proud Provinces of Ireland such as new signings, interviews that maybe of interest to others etc.

I've just added on 17 as its not a huge thread.

[SecretFly]

Like I said... Keatley completely aimless for Munster useless until Tyler came on

One of his cold games then. Ah well, he might have a hot one next week. Though like you, I doubt it.

[ME-109]

Boom boom....thanks Basil

[SecretFly]

The room looked cold and forgotten so forgive me the feeble attempt at breathing heat onto it. Keep making the icecubes

[ME-109]

Nobody cares...apparently there is some other tournament happening from next week on.

[SecretFly]

Maybe there is, but apparently most people now think Irish player's interest yet again won't last too long in it.

So a week or three and Chunky will be back as Main 606 Event

[ME-109]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

We have to win for that reason alone...

[profitius]

U20 interpros

Munster 22-8 Leinster
Connacht 28-8 Ulster


Matches played in very bad conditions. Munter are 2 from 2 so a win against Connacht means they've won the interpros for the first time in yonks.

[profitius]

Kevin mcLaughlin retires.

http://www.the42.ie/kev-mclaughlin-concussion-leinster-2345527-Sep2015/

[profitius]

U20 interpros

Munster 22-8 Leinster
Connacht 28-8 Ulster


Matches played in very bad conditions. Munter are 2 from 2 so a win against Connacht means they've won the interpros for the first time in yonks.

Munster won U20 interpros for the first time. The last of the provinces to win it and they also won the U19s. Hopefully its a sign they're getting things right at underage.

Leinster won U18's schools and U18's youths.

[Golden]

That's quite shocking news. Incredibly unlucky with injuries over the last two years. I thought he would have a big influence this year with everyone away and been chose as captain for the first game of the season.

Hope he has no ill affects of this going forward. He was a great player for Leinster when we were at the top of our game.

If there is a silver lining perhaps it that concussion is been treated a lot more serious. I'm sure a few years ago and he would still be playing.

[Sin é]

U20 interpros

Munster 22-8 Leinster
Connacht 28-8 Ulster


Matches played in very bad conditions. Munter are 2 from 2 so a win against Connacht means they've won the interpros for the first time in yonks.

Munster won U20 interpros for the first time. The last of the provinces to win it and they also won the U19s. Hopefully its a sign they're getting things right at underage.

Leinster won U18's schools and U18's youths.

I see where Munster won 9 out of the 11 games they played in the interpros. It will be interesting to see the makeup of the Ireland U20s this season.

[George Carlin]

I understand that both Keith Earls and Jared Payne play in the centre position.

Does anyone have any views as to whom might be the better player?

[ME-109]

Luke Fitzgerald

[Notch]

Thats a real shame about Kevin McLaughlin. Remember the year after Elsom left he stepped up and filled the void, was in the form of his life.

[GunsGerms]

Thats a real shame about Kevin McLaughlin. Remember the year after Elsom left he stepped up and filled the void, was in the form of his life.

Yeah its a shame alright. Really good player. Dom Ryan will have to fly the flag for Gonzaga now.

[Golden]

Some good news. Ian McKinley has been signed up by Zebre, so fingers crossed we'll get to see him play at the RDS again.

He's done incredibly well to get back playing at this level all things considered. I for one look forward to seeing him play again.

So the goggles he wears are obviously allowed in the pro 12, is it just Irish amateur/underage rugby where they are not?

[Sin é]

I saw mention that its just the IRFU don't allow them (and Ian McKinely won't be allowed play against IRFU teams here in Ireland).

Great though that he is coming back from this. He seems to really have settled in well in Italy.

[GunsGerms]

I understand that both Keith Earls and Jared Payne play in the centre position.

Does anyone have any views as to whom might be the better player?

They are different players. Earls is a try machine so would be a very attacking minded player. Payne does the less fancy stuff much better. I think that given Earls has spent most his career on the wing and Payne has played every Ireland game at 13 Payne is now the better option there.

[Golden]

I saw mention that its just the IRFU don't allow them (and Ian McKinely won't be allowed play against IRFU teams here in Ireland).

Great though that he is coming back from this. He seems to really have settled in well in Italy.

Really? That seems a bit bizarre surely if your OK to play against Glasgow you should be allowed play against leinster. Would that not come under some competition wide refualations?

So he can play against Irish teams on Italy but not Ireland?

[SecretFly]

It's like saying he can smoke indoors in Italy but not in Ireland. Each Nation/Union has its safety restrictions on goggles it seems. I guess World Rugby hasn't gotten around to handing down an all encompassing rule yet.

[George Carlin]

I understand that both Keith Earls and Jared Payne play in the centre position.

Does anyone have any views as to whom might be the better player?

They are different players. Earls is a try machine so would be a very attacking minded player. Payne does the less fancy stuff much better. I think that given Earls has spent most his career on the wing and Payne has played every Ireland game at 13 Payne is now the better option there.

I waited for about 800 posts to receive that perfect, simple answer. I should just have PMd Guns in the first place.

[Notch]

I saw mention that its just the IRFU don't allow them (and Ian McKinely won't be allowed play against IRFU teams here in Ireland).

That seems wrong, completely wrong. There should be a tournament rule, not different local rules.

[GunsGerms]

I understand that both Keith Earls and Jared Payne play in the centre position.

Does anyone have any views as to whom might be the better player?

They are different players. Earls is a try machine so would be a very attacking minded player. Payne does the less fancy stuff much better. I think that given Earls has spent most his career on the wing and Payne has played every Ireland game at 13 Payne is now the better option there.

I waited for about 800 posts to receive that perfect, simple answer. I should just have PMd Guns in the first place.

You are welcome. Im well known as a guy who talks sense around here. Hit me up anytime with a PM.

[ME-109]

I understand that both Keith Earls and Jared Payne play in the centre position.

Does anyone have any views as to whom might be the better player?

They are different players. Earls is a try machine so would be a very attacking minded player. Payne does the less fancy stuff much better. I think that given Earls has spent most his career on the wing and Payne has played every Ireland game at 13 Payne is now the better option there.

I waited for about 800 posts to receive that perfect, simple answer. I should just have PMd Guns in the first place.

You are welcome. Im well known as a guy who talks sense around here. Hit me up anytime with a PM.

[GunsGerms]

Dod being one of my biggest fans.

[Golden]

Looks like you were right Sin e. Mckinley wont be allowed play in Ireland but can play in all other pro 12 games.

"I was hoping to play with Zebre against Connacht in my home country of Ireland this weekend. However, I was told by the IRFU last week that I can’t – they won’t permit me to wear the protective goggles I need while playing because they haven’t signed up for the googles trial being run by World Rugby (they’re one of only three unions internationally declining to take part in the trial). The IRFU were told by World Rugby that a player from a union that’s participating in the trial (as the Italian union is) may not wear goggles while playing in the jurisdiction of a union that’s not participating. So I’m now faced with a ludicrous situation, whereby the IRFU will allow me to play if I do not wear the goggles, but they will not permit me to play if I wear this essential piece of protective gear.

It is heart-breaking that I am not currently allowed to play in my own home country. Over the past two years, I have been in ongoing contact with World Rugby and the IRFU to see if we can resolve this situation once and for all. Unfortunately, I feel I now have no option but to engage in a public campaign to highlight my plight. The IRFU have made it clear that they do not intend subscribing to the trial and World Rugby are stalling: it is in their power to compel domestic governing bodies to sanction the wearing of the goggles, but they are not doing so.

Over the coming days, I’m going to be participating in media interviews on this issue and I’m also calling on members of the public to show their support by signing an online petition at: www.change.org/p/world-rugby-and-the-irfu-let-ian-mckinley-…. I would really appreciate it if you could give your backing to this campaign.

Thanks!

Ian"

[Guest]

Looks like you were right Sin e. Mckinley wont be allowed play in Ireland but can play in all other pro 12 games.

"I was hoping to play with Zebre against Connacht in my home country of Ireland this weekend. However, I was told by the IRFU last week that I can’t – they won’t permit me to wear the protective goggles I need while playing because they haven’t signed up for the googles trial being run by World Rugby (they’re one of only three unions internationally declining to take part in the trial). The IRFU were told by World Rugby that a player from a union that’s participating in the trial (as the Italian union is) may not wear goggles while playing in the jurisdiction of a union that’s not participating. So I’m now faced with a ludicrous situation, whereby the IRFU will allow me to play if I do not wear the goggles, but they will not permit me to play if I wear this essential piece of protective gear.

It is heart-breaking that I am not currently allowed to play in my own home country. Over the past two years, I have been in ongoing contact with World Rugby and the IRFU to see if we can resolve this situation once and for all. Unfortunately, I feel I now have no option but to engage in a public campaign to highlight my plight. The IRFU have made it clear that they do not intend subscribing to the trial and World Rugby are stalling: it is in their power to compel domestic governing bodies to sanction the wearing of the goggles, but they are not doing so.

Over the coming days, I’m going to be participating in media interviews on this issue and I’m also calling on members of the public to show their support by signing an online petition at: www.change.org/p/world-rugby-and-the-irfu-let-ian-mckinley-…. I would really appreciate it if you could give your backing to this campaign.

Thanks!

Ian"

I think it's a disgrace. I can't think why the IRFU can't sign up to this, and I don't know that World Rugby could force them. If they can, they should.

[Notch]

Idiotic that a player can play in Pro12 games so long as they don't take place in Ireland. Lets look at a hypothetical scenario; Say McKinley plays against Edinburgh one week and scores a hatful of points inspiring his side to a famous away win. The next week they play Connacht in Galway, McKinley can't take to the pitch and his replacement fluffs every kick at goal. Zebre are well beaten.

How are Edinburgh, Zebre and indeed Connacht meant to feel about that? These laws need to be consistent across the Pro12 as a whole. Either he can play in every match or he can play in none of them. No half-measures based on where the game is taking place.

[Golden]

Completely agree Notch.

God forbid Chunky actually has a valid point to put the league down with now.

You can show your support by signing the petition- www.change.org/p/world-rugby-and-the-irfu-let-ian-mckinley

[marty2086]

Completely agree Notch.

God forbid Chunky actually has a valid point to put the league down with now.

You can show your support by signing the petition-  www.change.org/p/world-rugby-and-the-irfu-let-ian-mckinley

He thinks all his points are valid

But McKinley isn't the first to fall foul of the IRFUs stubborn stance

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-33987947

[Golden]

Leinster have signed Hayden Triggs. A NZ second row from the chiefs.

Anyone know anything about him?

[geoff999rugby]

33 years old

26 before he joined a Super 15 side
Between 2008-10 with the Highlanders
In 2011 went to the Chiefs but couldn't make the grade
Been in Japan for 3 years but not a regular
Last year played for a poor Blues side

Looks like back up only to me

[Golden]

So McGinty has signed for Connacht.

Looks a tidy player.

Odd that we have an Irish born NIQ at one of the provinces.

[marty2086]

So McGinty has signed for Connacht.

Looks a tidy player.

Odd that we have an Irish born NIQ at one if the provinces.

Didn't he play a bit of 7s for the US before?

[formerly known as Sam]

33 years old

26 before he joined a Super 15 side
Between 2008-10 with the Highlanders
In 2011 went to the Chiefs but couldn't make the grade
Been in Japan for 3 years but not a regular
Last year played for a poor Blues side

Looks like back up only to me

Former military, tough as old boots. Good in the tight but not what you'd call dynamic. He's played for NZ Maori.

[profitius]

Bad news. Felix Jones forced to retire.

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/21426.php#.VjD1nrfhCM9

[LeinsterFan4life]

Awful and he was just showing his best form in the last year or so.

This explains the Amorosino signing.

[Guest]

Bad news. Felix Jones forced to retire.

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/21426.php#.VjD1nrfhCM9

Terrible news. Gutted for the guy. A real blow to Munster as well.

[carpet baboon]

That sucks. Remember him for the wolfhounds outin the Churchill cup absolutely destroying England.
Sad loss to rugby

[SecretFly]

He had a fantastic attitude to the game. Never wanted to coast it.

[neilthom7]

Gutted to hear about Jones, never let anyone down and had started to really play well too. too retire at only 28 is too young such a shame

[Sin é]

What a sad day for Felix after so many fight backs. Smashing guy as well. Coaches loved him, never shirked a tackle. Fond memories v Brive of Dougie, Earls & Felix ripping them apart. We were gobmacked.

I wonder will Hermitage Green take him back!

[carpet baboon]

He reminds me of Ferris. Lots of injuries kept fighting back to be the player we all remember and all the while a smile on the face. Great attitude to the game and life in general.
Unfortunately I think more and more under 30 will be forced to retire.
Which trucking sucks

[Sin é]

2 x 3 month signings for Munster to cover for Felix & TOD.

Amorosino for Felix (think he is joining new Argentinian Super Rugby franchise) and Sean Doyle from the Brumbies (late of Ulster) for TOD.

[Pete330v2]

I'm shocked and saddened, a player full of potential but cursed with injuries. He'll definately be missed.

Munster, you cannot have two former Ulster players on your books, it's just not on

[SecretFly]

2 x 3 month signings for Munster to cover for Felix & TOD.

Amorosino for Felix (think he is joining new Argentinian Super Rugby franchise) and Sean Doyle from the Brumbies (late of Ulster) for TOD.

God, what an eejit.  Hope some Munster lads talk some sense into him and tell him the errors of his ways.  "Super rugby?  Over Pro12?  Cop on, man."

[Sin é]

I'm shocked and saddened, a player full of potential but cursed with injuries. He'll definately be missed.

Munster, you cannot have two former Ulster players on your books, it's just not on

We don't The other Sean has gone to Pau!

I'm looking forward to see what his Sean can do, bearing in mind that he has been training with Pocock for the last year or so.

[Guest]

He's a decent player, Sin é, and he gave 100% when playing for Ulster. I was sorry to see him leave Ulster, and he was a better player than some of the guys we've brought in. Maybe not a great signing, but definitely not a bad signing.

[geoff999rugby]

Some insight into Doyle.

Nice enough lad and trained hard but, how shall I put this - will not be applying for Mensa.

He left because he has the memory of a goldfish - gets onto the pitch and in the heat of battle forgets the calls and/or gets them wrong
Happened one to many times and he had to go

[ME-109]

Given the way Munster are playing at the moment he will fit right in

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