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.

[Guest]

You have to admire their will to run the ball but there's times where Connacht just need to clear their lines. No point playing the ball there at this stage of the match

Was thinking the same. Very risky.

Leinster had them under serious pressure at the end, but great defence by Connacht to close them out. Whatever team faces them in the play offs will have some battle to get a win. I can see Connacht make it to the final. Hope they do.

[Rory_Gallagher]

Munster fans - who is Johnny Holland?

[Sin é]

Munster fans - who is Johnny Holland?

Munster outhalf on Development Contract. Plays for Cork Con in AIL. Was AIL Player of the Year a few years ago. Has been injured for most of this season.

[Artful_Dodger]

Connacht have signed tighthead, Conor Carey from Nottingham.

I actually only heard about this over the easter weekend. Really glad to see him get a pop with a fully professional contract. He made the bench for Ulster 2 or 3 times under Brian McLaughlin without getting capped. Apparently, on his 4th cap he was promised some game time at the end but then got injured before the match. Bare in mind McLaughlin had him on the bench for Ulster when he was only 19/20, should have something about him and at 24 plenty of time to develop as a prop.

[profitius]

Connacht have signed tighthead, Conor Carey from Nottingham.

I actually only heard about this over the easter weekend.  Really glad to see him get a pop with a fully professional contract.  He made the bench for Ulster 2 or 3 times under Brian McLaughlin without getting capped.  Apparently, on his 4th cap he was promised some game time at the end but then got injured before the match.  Bare in mind McLaughlin had him on the bench for Ulster when he was only 19/20, should have something about him and at 24 plenty of time to develop as a prop.

Good luck to him. Connacht look strong in the propping department so he'll get good coaching there I'd say.

[profitius]

Having read some articles lately, it look like there are some changes taking place at underage level. The U20 interpros are being scrapped and instead there'll be development sides.They've also scrapped the U18 club and Schools squads. Instead they now have an A and a B squad. Theres also some kind of development program for each year for the top 20 or so players in the country.

[Sin é]

Munster have announced signing of John Andress on a 1 year contract. Also Darren O'Shea (former Munster Academy) from Worchester.

Worringly, Mark Chisolm has to take the rest of the season off due to concussion he got when playing the Dragons. Hope he will be ok.

[profitius]

I remember the aulden days when Munster were signing Howlett and Cullen


Anyways, Andress looks like a squad player while I'm not sure what to make of O'Shea. He is a big lad and played most of Worcester's games last season but this season he hasn't featured much and they're 3rd bottom of the league.

[Sin é]

O'Shea is young and he is 6'9" which will be good to have. I wouldn't mind him not playing for Worchester who are in a dog fight to stay up so its not surprising that they go for experience rather than youth.

He seems to be an ambitious kid, so I'd say he will do fine and he is a good acquisition.

[George Carlin]

https://www.606v2.com/t62638-ulster-v-connacht-1-april

[thebandwagonsociety]

Player Player Pos
Zane Kirchner 15 Simon Zebo [adv Munster]
Isa Nacewa 14 Andrew Conway [draw]
Garry Ringrose 13 Francis Saili [adv Munster]
Ben Te'o 12 Rory Scannell [adv Leinster]
Dave Kearney 11 Keith Earls [adv Munster]
Jonathan Sexton 10 Johnny Holland [adv Leinster]
Eoin Reddan 9 Conor Murray [adv Munster]
Jack McGrath 1 James Cronin [adv Leinster]
Sean Cronin 2 Niall Scannell [adv Munster]
Tadhg Furlong 3 Stephen Archer [adv Munster]
Devin Toner 4 Donnacha Ryan [adv Munster]
Hayden Triggs 5 Billy Holland [draw]
Rhys Ruddock 6 Dave O'Callaghan [adv Leinster]
Jordi Murphy 7 Tommy O'Donnell [adv Munster]
Jamie Heaslip 8 CJ Stander [adv Munster]
Replacements
Richardt Strauss 16 Mike Sherry [draw]
Cian Healy 17 Dave Kilcoyne [adv Munster]
Mike Ross 18 John Ryan [adv Leinster]
Ross Molony 19 Robin Copeland [adv Munster]
Josh Van der Flier 20 Jack O'Donoghue [draw]
Luke McGrath 21 Tomas O'Leary [adv Leinster]
Ian Madigan 22 Ian Keatley [adv Leinster]
Fergus McFadden 23 Darren Sweetnam [draw]



Feels like a Munster win by 4-8 points.
Surprised there isn't a thread on this game.

[Sin é]

Dont know how you can think that Munster will win. Johnny Holland is very inexperienced at 10.

For the record, 22 of the Munster 23 are Ireland qualified.

[the-goon]

Player Player Pos
Zane Kirchner 15 Simon Zebo  [adv Munster]
Isa Nacewa 14 Andrew Conway  [draw]
Garry Ringrose 13 Francis Saili   [adv Munster]
Ben Te'o 12 Rory Scannell  [adv Leinster]
Dave Kearney 11 Keith Earls    [adv Munster]
Jonathan Sexton 10 Johnny Holland  [adv Leinster]
Eoin Reddan 9 Conor Murray    [adv Munster]
Jack McGrath 1 James Cronin  [adv Leinster]
Sean Cronin 2 Niall Scannell    [adv Munster]
Tadhg Furlong 3 Stephen Archer    [adv Munster]
Devin Toner 4 Donnacha Ryan    [adv Munster]
Hayden Triggs 5 Billy Holland  [draw]
Rhys Ruddock 6 Dave O'Callaghan    [adv Leinster]
Jordi Murphy 7 Tommy O'Donnell    [adv Munster]
Jamie Heaslip 8 CJ Stander    [adv Munster]
Replacements
Richardt Strauss 16 Mike Sherry  [draw]
Cian Healy 17 Dave Kilcoyne  [adv Munster]
Mike Ross 18 John Ryan  [adv Leinster]
Ross Molony 19 Robin Copeland  [adv Munster]
Josh Van der Flier 20 Jack O'Donoghue  [draw]
Luke McGrath 21 Tomas O'Leary  [adv Leinster]
Ian Madigan 22 Ian Keatley  [adv Leinster]
Fergus McFadden 23 Darren Sweetnam [draw]



Feels like a Munster win by 4-8 points.
Surprised there isn't a thread on this game.

Munster and Leinster are well matched individually, but Leinster are playing with far more cohesion. Also, the gulf between Sexton and Holland in such a key position will be the difference. I don't expect a BP for either team, a 25-15 or so scoreline is my guess.

[Artful_Dodger]

Would I be right in saying that Connacht have definitely qualified for the Champions Cup next season with Blues not taking 5 points against Scarlets??

[eirebilly]

Connacht have signed tighthead, Conor Carey from Nottingham.

I actually only heard about this over the easter weekend.  Really glad to see him get a pop with a fully professional contract.  He made the bench for Ulster 2 or 3 times under Brian McLaughlin without getting capped.  Apparently, on his 4th cap he was promised some game time at the end but then got injured before the match.  Bare in mind McLaughlin had him on the bench for Ulster when he was only 19/20, should have something about him and at 24 plenty of time to develop as a prop.

Sensing a wee bit of pride there from you as well Dodger

Good luck to Conor

[Rory_Gallagher]

Anyone watching the Leinster-Munster game? A typical inter-provincial clash between the two. Boring, predictable and filled with errors. Nobody is playing that well to be honest and neither look like Pro 12 Champions.

[eirebilly]

I am, very messy game to be honest. Thought that Sexton made a deliberate knock on for the potential Zebo try and also thought that Earls' was a deliberate knock on.

Cant argue with the YC or the half time score as Leinster have looked the more composed.

[Rory_Gallagher]

I normally support Munster in these affairs but for the sake of Ulster's campaign I sincerely hope Munster get nothing in this game. As I am typing this, Munster score a try! They certainly look like the better side in this game.

[theslosty]

Don't understand the constant negativity about the provinces on here. All 4 sides are in the top 6 after all.

This has been a decent game with a good tempo with some youngsters impressing. Both teams playing with ball in hand a lot, Leinster even took a tap penalty on their own line. I wonder if this type of gameplan is being encouraged by Schmidt/IRFU.

[Notch]

theslostly is right. All the provinces are trying to play a style of rugby which will pay dividends for the national team- a lot of ball through the hands hand and tempo whenever possible.

[Rory_Gallagher]

The second half has been better, but it isn't great rugby. Compared to the S15 it really is below par. We should be trying to aim for that standard although I do recognise the conditions make a big difference here.

[Rory_Gallagher]

theslostly is right. All the provinces are trying to play a style of rugby which will pay dividends for the national team- a lot of ball through the hands hand and tempo whenever possible.

That is all well and good, but they need to do something with the ball. There are an awful lot of dropped balls and poor passes. The standard has been poor compared to where Leinster (for example) were a few seasons ago.

[eirebilly]

It now must be perfectly clear now to every man and his dog that Keatley is just not good enough at this level.

[Rory_Gallagher]

It now must be perfectly clear now to every man and his dog that Keatley is just not good enough at this level.

I thought Holland looked really good; just inexperienced.

[Golden]

Healy really needs to get his act today. That is dangerous.

The only impact he seems to have lately is committing foul play

[Rory_Gallagher]

Cian Healy's head is just gone. He is a total liability at this level.

[eirebilly]

It now must be perfectly clear now to every man and his dog that Keatley is just not good enough at this level.

I thought Holland looked really good; just inexperienced.

Quality player, don't understand why he was taken off.

[Rory_Gallagher]

That decision making. 

[Golden]

Big decision from Kilkoyne there. Even if going for the win they shjould have taken a second to think about it.

[profitius]

I can't understand why Foley took Holland off for Keatley. Holland was one of Munsters best players. That aside, he looks a good player. He made a few mistakes but in the last 2 weeks, from what I've seen, his kicking has been extremely accurate.


Poor match I thought. The standard was awful.

[carpet baboon]

I think that all the time injured has done something to Healy's head. He comes on can't make the impact he used to and then does something stupid out of frustration. He's looking more and more like a danger to be on the pitch than a help

[Engine#4]

Munster should have snatched that at the end, criminal (non)use of overlaps. Foley's management of his 10s continues to be woeful.

[asoreleftshoulder]

Impressed by McGrath,Ruddock,Heaslip,Sexton and Ringrose for Leinster.We are missing a cutting edge out wide,I hope Henshaw can prove a better distributer than T'eo as we struggle to cut teams open when he's at 12.

Ringrose is really coming on as a player,his defensive reading of the game is just astounding for someone so inexperienced,he just seems to know when to shoot up and when to drift,he also made a fantastic counter ruck early in the 2nd half to win us a relieving penalty.Then when the game opened up in the 2nd half he showed his attacking skills by making some lovely breaks,we just need to get people linking with him when he makes these runs and we'll be in business.It's impressive that a guy with about 20 Pro12 caps could look so comfortable opposite Saili who is a pretty impressive player himself.

[Rory_Gallagher]

Impressed by McGrath,Ruddock,Heaslip,Sexton and Ringrose for Leinster.We are missing a cutting edge out wide,I hope Henshaw can prove a better distributer than T'eo as we struggle to cut teams open when he's at 12.

Ringrose is really coming on as a player,his defensive reading of the game is just astounding for someone so inexperienced,he just seems to know when to shoot up and when to drift,he also made a fantastic counter ruck early in the 2nd half to win us a relieving penalty.Then when the game opened up in the 2nd half he showed his attacking skills by making some lovely breaks,we just need to get people linking with him when he makes these runs and we'll be in business.It's impressive that a guy with about 20 Pro12 caps could look so comfortable opposite Saili who is a pretty impressive player himself.

Ringrose certainly looks extremely comfortable at 13, notorious for being one of the hardest positions to defend from. He seems to have already made the shirt his own, which is an incredible feat considering his age and the fact it is his first professional season of rugby.

I also think you make a good point about Te'o at 12 - I think Ringrose has had less opportunities and space since Te'o moved to 12. He is fantastic at punching holes in the opposition defensive line but his distribution isn't great. He doesn't throw many passes. I think Ringrose would look much better outside a good playmaking 12. I wonder how he will get on with Henshaw next season?

[SecretFly]

Cullen: "Throw a pass now and then, son."

Te'o: "Who is that lanky blond haired yoke talking to me?"

Yet another episode in the long running series of 'Coaches that prefer not Coach'?

[Don Alfonso]

Looks like it was Sexton's fault:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/guinness-pro12/i-was-calling-irish-plays-ben-teo-hadnt-a-clue-johnny-sexton-34595768.html

[SecretFly]

It's always Sexton's fault of course, innit

Why was McCloskey dropped from Ireland duty? Sexton bad mouthed him to the boss, innit.

Sexton is a dark basterde....

[clivemcl]

Anyone reckon their team will sign him up?

http://www.planetrugby.com/news/morris-to-leave-leicester/

[The Great Aukster]

Basically Cockerill is saying he's not good enough, so why would anyone else sign him?

"Niall has played some great rugby for us during his time here and I have no doubt that we will see him back in the Premiership of the Celtic League. We wish him well."

... and what is the "premiership of the Celtic League"? Is the man such an imbecile he doesn't realise there is no Celtic League, much less a Premiership of one.

[Artful_Dodger]

Signed a 20 year old hopeful from Bath, former England U-18 international who is Irish qualified.  We have also given Ireland U20 Johnny McPhillips a development contract.  Between the two of them hopefully we can get a decent back up to Jackson out of it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35976749?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

[marty2086]

Basically Cockerill is saying he's not good enough, so why would anyone else sign him?

"Niall has played some great rugby for us during his time here and I have no doubt that we will see him back in the Premiership of the Celtic League. We wish him well."

... and what is the "premiership of the Celtic League"? Is the man such an imbecile he doesn't realise there is no Celtic League, much less a Premiership of one.

You ever hear of a typo? And many still call the Pro 12 the Celtic League, did someone getting out of bed on the wrong side?

[The Great Aukster]

Basically Cockerill is saying he's not good enough, so why would anyone else sign him?

"Niall has played some great rugby for us during his time here and I have no doubt that we will see him back in the Premiership of the Celtic League. We wish him well."

... and what is the "premiership of the Celtic League"? Is the man such an imbecile he doesn't realise there is no Celtic League, much less a Premiership of one.

You ever hear of a typo? And many still call the Pro 12 the Celtic League, did someone getting out of bed on the wrong side?

I don't disagree that this looks like a typo, but if something is reported in direct quotation marks then it has to be accepted that is what the person said. Maybe the Planet Rugby journalist is equally imbecilic?

Many may call the Guinness Pro 12 the Celtic League or the Rabo or the Magners or whatever they want but it doesn't make them right or come across as being either informed or interested in anything but their own narrow scope of interest. So typo or not, Cockerill's lack of precision in what he said belies a lack of interest in Morris' future, which is a bit less than I would have expected after five years service.

[profitius]

Signed a 20 year old hopeful from Bath, former England U-18 international who is Irish qualified.  We have also given Ireland U20 Johnny McPhillips a development contract.  Between the two of them hopefully we can get a decent back up to Jackson out of it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35976749?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

McPhillips must have been courted by English teams to say that Ulster promoted him so early.


The other signing is very meh. Ulster are scraping the barrel with that one.

[profitius]

Basically Cockerill is saying he's not good enough, so why would anyone else sign him?

"Niall has played some great rugby for us during his time here and I have no doubt that we will see him back in the Premiership of the Celtic League. We wish him well."

... and what is the "premiership of the Celtic League"? Is the man such an imbecile he doesn't realise there is no Celtic League, much less a Premiership of one.

Or maybe they think he is too injury prone. Morris is a decent player from what I've seen though. He would be a welcome addition to Munster or Connacht.

[Artful_Dodger]

Signed a 20 year old hopeful from Bath, former England U-18 international who is Irish qualified.  We have also given Ireland U20 Johnny McPhillips a development contract.  Between the two of them hopefully we can get a decent back up to Jackson out of it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35976749?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

McPhillips must have been courted by English teams to say that Ulster promoted him so early.


The other signing is very meh. Ulster are scraping the barrel with that one.

Not many Irish qualified 10s around, have to take a punt.

[marty2086]

Signed a 20 year old hopeful from Bath, former England U-18 international who is Irish qualified.  We have also given Ireland U20 Johnny McPhillips a development contract.  Between the two of them hopefully we can get a decent back up to Jackson out of it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35976749?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

McPhillips must have been courted by English teams to say that Ulster promoted him so early.


The other signing is very meh. Ulster are scraping the barrel with that one.

Not many Irish qualified 10s around, have to take a punt.

Seems to be Ulster are stocking up hoping the odds are in their favour and one pays off

Need to do the same at scrum half too

[marty2086]

Basically Cockerill is saying he's not good enough, so why would anyone else sign him?

"Niall has played some great rugby for us during his time here and I have no doubt that we will see him back in the Premiership of the Celtic League. We wish him well."

... and what is the "premiership of the Celtic League"? Is the man such an imbecile he doesn't realise there is no Celtic League, much less a Premiership of one.

You ever hear of a typo? And many still call the Pro 12 the Celtic League, did someone getting out of bed on the wrong side?

I don't disagree that this looks like a typo, but if something is reported in direct quotation marks then it has to be accepted that is what the person said. Maybe the Planet Rugby journalist is equally imbecilic?

Many may call the Guinness Pro 12 the Celtic League or the Rabo or the Magners or whatever they want but it doesn't make them right or come across as being either informed or interested in anything but their own narrow scope of interest. So typo or not, Cockerill's lack of precision in what he said belies a lack of interest in Morris' future, which is a bit less than I would have expected after five years service.

Lack of precision? Maybe its just force of habit that has him saying Celtic league, the teams have to be on board with sponsors etc to promote the brands he doen't hes an outsider

I think you're reading more into it all than there actually is

[Guest]

Signed a 20 year old hopeful from Bath, former England U-18 international who is Irish qualified.  We have also given Ireland U20 Johnny McPhillips a development contract.  Between the two of them hopefully we can get a decent back up to Jackson out of it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35976749?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

McPhillips must have been courted by English teams to say that Ulster promoted him so early.


The other signing is very meh. Ulster are scraping the barrel with that one.

What makes you think so, or are you having a giggle?

Bath fans seem to rate Herron very highly. They compare him with Ford, and although that may not be a ringing endorsement, he is still very young with plenty of potential. Apparently a very skilled player.

Another way of looking at it; if he offers more than Humphs, it's a bonus....

I know the Ulster site is moaning a bit, but they have become very negative, and to be taken with a pinch of salt.

[LeinsterFan4life]

Signed a 20 year old hopeful from Bath, former England U-18 international who is Irish qualified.  We have also given Ireland U20 Johnny McPhillips a development contract.  Between the two of them hopefully we can get a decent back up to Jackson out of it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/35976749?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

McPhillips must have been courted by English teams to say that Ulster promoted him so early.


The other signing is very meh. Ulster are scraping the barrel with that one.

I doubt that given his performances for the u20s.

[The Great Aukster]

Well McPhillips is English so probably had an offer.

He certainly didn't look great in the u20s and not as good as someone like James McKinney at that age who now can't make the Rotherham firsts.

[Sponsored content]