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.

[marty2086]

Ringrose up for young player of the year.  Dillane not.

HHHMMMMMMMM.......

Not quite sure what he's done to earn that, maybe his fellow pros jumping on the hype train

No he just plays for Leinster rather than Connacht - that's what really counts

Why is it put down as either/or? Both should be on the shortlist (and Dillane should be picking up the award). Hype train is a bit dismissive as well. He has had a strong underage performances being nominated for player of the tournament at the jrwc which isn't a common occurance for Irish youth players.  He has also established himself as first choice centre after one season in the senior squad and has picked up MOTM awards for his pro12 displays along the way. Let's give him time to mature and develop. Himself, Molony and Tracy have all had very strong seasons in the league to put Leinster in position '1' as we enter the final rounds.

I'm sure the Ulster centres will put him back in his box when the sides meet.

I think Ringrose will be a top player but the reaction of some to him has been disproportionate to his performances, Dillane would seem more deserving in that he hasn't seem to put a foot wrong at any level including Test level

[SecretFly]

Dillane to get the Zebo Memorial Medallion then (as player with moistest but leastest valued by Lord Joe)!

[rodders]

Dillane hasn't done that much more than Ringrose to be honest, but for a second row injury crisis he wouldn't have been capped.

Ringrose has had an excellent season at Leinster, possibly he's been their standout back along with Teo.

Van der Flier would be my pick, he's been a standout player in a very competitive position.

[SecretFly]

..against what though? Pro12 standard teams? The measuring rod is all shot to pieces given that the Provinces failed miserably to survive with the Wonderkids of AP and Top14.

Joe is using long straws and short ones to pick his summer tour boys this time unfortunately

[marty2086]

Dillane hasn't done that much more than Ringrose to be honest, but for a second row injury crisis he wouldn't have been capped.

Ringrose has had an excellent season at Leinster, possibly he's been their standout back along with Teo.

Van der Flier would be my pick, he's been a standout player in a very competitive position.

Dillane was capped though and looked comfortable

If Ringrose was so good then why did he only clock 89 mins in the ERCC? 80 of those being in the penultimate game when Leinster play quite a few young players

[Sin é]

Erasmus appointed Munster DOR from 1 July. Axel staying on as Head Coach. I'm looking forward to the traffic lights on top of Thomond Park! Exciting times ahead with the opening of our new 10m Training Centre.


------------

Munster Rugby and the IRFU are pleased to confirm that Johan 'Rassie' Erasmus has been appointed Director of Rugby on a three year deal, commencing on July 1st.
The 43-year-old who hails from South Africa and won 36 caps for the Springboks is currently General Manager High Performance of South African rugby, a position he has held since 2012.

In a playing career that spanned 8 years Rassie lined out for the Free State Cheetahs and the Golden Lions in the Currie Cup, and for the Cats and the Stormers in the Super 12. He served as captain of the Cats, leading them to the 2000 Super 12 semi-finals, and also captained the Springboks in 1999.

After retirement, Erasmus moved into coaching and guided the Cheetahs to Currie Cup glory in 2005 - the Bloemfontein-based team's first Currie Cup title since 1976.

The following year, his Cheetahs side shared the Currie Cup trophy with the Blue Bulls and he became the first ever coach of the Cheetahs Super Rugby franchise when they were accepted into the Super 14 that year.

In 2007, the Eastern Cape native served as technical adviser for the Springboks during their Rugby World Cup winning campaign in France before becoming Head Coach of the Stormers and Director of Coaching at Western Province. Erasmus served a second term as technical adviser to the Springboks during the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand before assuming the General Manager High Performance role.

Commenting on the appointment Garrett Fitzgerald, Munster Rugby CEO said, "We are delighted to announce Rassie Erasmus as Munster Rugby's Director of Rugby. In recruiting Rassie we are securing the services of a world-class individual who was the stand out candidate for this newly created position.

"In addition to his extensive playing and coaching experience Rassie's current role has afforded him the opportunity to develop his skill-set further, garnering invaluable knowledge and expertise while implementing an all-encompassing rugby programme which will be key to this role.

Outlining the role further Fitzgerald confirmed, "The Director of Rugby role will lead Munster's senior team, academy and coaches to deliver Munster's Strategic Plan with ultimate responsibility for team performance and results. The role will have overall responsibility for defining on field strategy and ensuring its implementation.

"After completing a comprehensive world-wide search we would like to thank all parties involved in this appointment. The process included the input of all relevant stakeholders with each stage concluded promptly in the best interests of Munster Rugby.

"We look forward to welcoming Rassie at the start of the 2016/17 season in what will be an exciting time for the province as we operate from our new High Performance Centre in UL."

David Nucifora, IRFU Performance Director, commented, "Irish Rugby is fortunate to have secured such an outstanding talent as Johan Rassie Erasmus. Rassie's long history in the game has seen him enjoy coaching success in the Currie Cup and Super Rugby and has seen him develop some of the best talent in South African rugby.

"His experience leading the Cheetahs to win the Currie Cup in 2005 and 2007 before taking the Stormers to a Super Rugby final in 2010 and winning the South African Conference in 2011, coupled with his management of South Africa¹s high performance department makes him the ideal candidate to take over as Director of Rugby at Munster."

Rassie Erasmus said, "It is a huge honour to have been appointed by Munster Rugby in the newly created role of Director of Rugby.

"It is an opportunity which comes with a huge responsibility not only to the club who has a proud 137-year history, but also the supporters and the wider community.

"It is a challenge which I humbly accepted but with a clear desire to use all my past experience as a player, coach and administrative High Performance manager, to make Munster Rugby one of the top rugby clubs in Europe.

"I would also like to thank my colleagues at SA Rugby, and specifically the CEO, Jurie Roux, for affording me the opportunity to serve in the role of General Manager for the High Performance over the last 4 years. It was truly an honour to work in an environment where innovation and pushing the boundaries of acceptable norms were encouraged. I have learnt a great deal from my experiences in the last 5 years and trust that the organisation under its current leadership will achieve great things on and off the field.

"The decision was ultimately a personal one which I made with my family in what we believe is the right time and without a doubt the best Club to experience something different as part of our personal goals we have set."

--------

Ian Costelloe is going to Nothingham Rugby, Brian Walsh & MOD are going back to their day jobs and Jerry Flannery is trying to make his mind up if he will stay or not (Munster want him to stay on or not).

[SecretFly]

Coach Training Centre?

Good idea and money well spent

[Guest]

Fantastic for Munster, and not before time. Really pleased for them.

It doesn't mention Foley staying on as head coach though?

[Sin é]

It seems Brian Walsh is not gone yet.

GF - Brian Walsh and Jerry Flannery roles will be discussed at season's end; Mick O'Driscoll and Ian Costello are confirmed departures

[SecretFly]

I does though seem like.................... finally.............. we're getting serious about meeting and reaching the 'performance' standards of our rivals. We've always had the grit and determination, but it is in the performance levels (sustained) that we're losing the battles against our rivals at club and International levels.

Could indeed be a good spoke in the developing wheel.

[Guest]

It seems Brian Walsh is not gone yet.

GF - Brian Walsh and Jerry Flannery roles will be discussed at season's end; Mick O'Driscoll and Ian Costello are confirmed departures

It will be interesting to see who they are replaced with. Rumour is that the new DoR is bringing his own coaches.

[Sin é]

Fantastic for Munster, and not before time. Really pleased for them.

It doesn't mention Foley staying on as head coach though?

Murray Kinsella Verified account
‏@Murray_Kinsella

Anthony Foley will remain with Munster as head coach next season.

[SecretFly]

Oh stop it Munch..... you'll have the Munster lads gushing with delight! And you know how they hate not frowning meaningfully.....

[SecretFly]

I'm disappointed Murray didn't slot in a role for himself but I guess he's busy with his media commitments.

[Sin é]

I'm disappointed Murray didn't slot in a role for himself but I guess he's busy with his media commitments.

Murray was in the Munster Academy where he learned how to do analysis from George Murray who is very highly regarded.

[SecretFly]

Oh don't mind me Sin. Only playing with the fan boys..... If Rugby had a boyband, he'd certainly be lead mimer

[Guest]

Fantastic for Munster, and not before time. Really pleased for them.

It doesn't mention Foley staying on as head coach though?

Murray Kinsella Verified account
‏@Murray_Kinsella

Anthony Foley will remain with Munster as head coach next season.

Thanks. Hopefully it works out for Munster, but if not, he's only on a years extension.

[Guest]

Oh stop it Munch..... you'll have the Munster lads gushing with delight!  And you know how they hate not frowning meaningfully.....

Well, after all their recent woes, I thought a little hug would be nice

just until we play them....

[Sin é]

It seems Brian Walsh is not gone yet.

GF - Brian Walsh and Jerry Flannery roles will be discussed at season's end; Mick O'Driscoll and Ian Costello are confirmed departures

It will be interesting to see who they are replaced with. Rumour is that the new DoR is bringing his own coaches.

One coach. We thought Brian Walsh was going back to his day job. I hope Erasmus is able to bring in a Backs & Skills coach. Rumour now is that Bradley maybe the new backs coach.

[Notch]

Its a good appointment for Munster. Erasmus should be given a clean slate if he wants it. Is it his decision to keep Foley on, or a condition of the job?

[Sin é]

I think Munster & Erasmus need him. Erasmus won't be joining Munster until 1 July and he would have to source a fair few staff. It would be mad to let everyone go and maybe end up with a coaching staff of 2 in a country you have never coached in before with 30 or 40 players starting their preseason.

How did Doak take Les Kiss coming back?

[SecretFly]

Its a good appointment for Munster. Erasmus should be given a clean slate if he wants it. Is it his decision to keep Foley on, or a condition of the job?

I'm sure it wouldn't necessarily matter as the IRFU will still be in charge of the purse with any new head coach signing anyway and therefore Erasmus will be constrained by the budget as much as a possible limit on his power to 'employ'.

[Sin é]

Its nice to see an Irish Province that has big pulling power despite all the moneybags in England and France. Harlequins were also after Rassie.

Munster seems to be a particularly good name to have on your coaching cv if you want to go onto bigger and better things.

[SecretFly]

Foley certainly hopes so ....

[Notch]

How did Doak take Les Kiss coming back?

Not sure, but you'll not find many Ulster fans that are happy that Kiss has had a coaching team thrust upon him as opposed to getting to pick his own; also, most importantly, it doesn't seem to be working for us.

[profitius]

10 changes for Connacht

Connacht team to face Benetton Treviso, Friday 29th April, Stadio Monigo, 19:30 (local time)

15 Tiernan O’Halloran
14 Niyi Adeolokun
13 Rory Parata
12 Peter Robb
11 Fionn Carr
10 Jack Carty
9 John Cooney

1 Ronan Loughney
2 Tom McCartney (captain)
3 Rodney Ah You
4 Quinn Roux
5 Andrew Browne
6 Sean O’Brien
7 Jake Heenan
8 Eoin McKeon

Replacements:

16 Dave Heffernan
17 JP Cooney
18 Finlay Bealham
19 Aly Muldowney
20 John Muldoon
21 Coalin Blade
22 AJ MacGinty
23 Robbie Henshaw


Munster: Simon Zebo; Andrew Conway, Francis Saili, Rory Scannell, Keith Earls; Johnny Holland, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Niall Scannell, Stephen Archer; Dave Foley, Billy Holland; Dave O'Callaghan, Tommy O'Donnell, CJ Stander - capt.

Replacements: Mike Sherry, James Cronin, John Ryan, Robin Copeland, Jack O'Donoghue, Duncan Williams, Ian Keatley, Ronan O'Mahony.

[Rory_Gallagher]

Could someone explain to me what is going on at Munster?

http://www.the42.ie/anthony-foley-rassie-erasmus-director-of-rugby-2734814-Apr2016/

[Rory_Gallagher]

This extract in particular is very confusing:

Have you met Rassie Erasmus?

“No,” said Foley.

Were you involved at all in the process?

“No,” replied the Munster head coach.


Meanwhile, the CEO had this to say:

Asked if this appointment undermined Foley’s position, Fitzgerald stressed that the former number eight still has much to offer Munster.

“That’s a question you can give a lot of answers to really,” said Fitzgerald. “We did this in consultation with Axel. I am sure it’s a challenge for himself. He has got a great rugby brain.

http://www.the42.ie/munster-garrett-fitzgerald-rassie-erasmus-2735035-Apr2016/

[SecretFly]

Well we all know what "we did this in consultation with" means.  It's the general euphemism for "We told Foley that he would no longer be in charge."

So Foley is right... "No".  He wasn't involved in the process.

Both Fitzgerald and Foley (and Erasmus when they do finally meet) of course know that Foley ain't pleased about it.  Everyone knows when Foley ain't happy.  He's giving those grunt hints.

[Rory_Gallagher]

Foley also claims that he has never met with him, but other reports say that Erasmus was in Limerick a couple of times before the announcement. The whole thing seems like a bit of a mess to be honest. It reminds me a little of the Anscombe appointment at Ulster and the awkwardness of the interview with McLaughlin.

[SecretFly]

Oh I'd say you're certainly right in thinking it isn't a smooth transition - but then again, are they ever?  
Unless a coach decides for himself to leave, then what occurs is going to be uneasy for a few months.

I think the idea of Foley refusing to meet up with, or finding a 'legitimate' reason for not meeting with, Erasmus will be seen as part of the process by Munster.  They'll understand the need for Foley to be given time alone without pressure from the new man.  So it'll be tolerated.  

But he's obviously decided to stay on, and that means he's agreed he'll work constructively with Erasmus.  And after that initial phase of friction that might exist, the two men will have to knuckle down and cooperate.
I think they'll be fine - and actually feel that Foley will feel more comfortable with such a guy as a sounding board for ideas.

[carpet baboon]

Any idea if the Connaught game is viewable tonight?

[SecretFly]

It's on TG4 I think..... so in Ireland - but elsewhere???................. hmmmmm not sure.

[brennomac]

It's on TG4 I think..... so in Ireland - but elsewhere???................. hmmmmm not sure.

First half on TG4 6.30, then they switch over to Munster game and second half of Connacht game on TG4 Player it seems. Hard to quibble with that given what's at stake in Munster game

[carpet baboon]

Balls I'm in England. Tg4 have an online player?

[brennomac]

Think they do tho don't know if you can access it in uk try tg4.ie

[carpet baboon]

I can get tg4 online . when did they stop region blocking it? Woo hoo

[Golden]

Bloody hell. Connacht really should have had the 5 points there and instead they must settle for 1. Thats a home semi gone for them anyway.  

Fair play to Treviso though. They were still working incredibly hard in the final minutes winning crucial turnovers.

EDIT: Home semi still on if they beat Glasgow next week

[VinceWLB]

Boom! that certainly was unexpected, Treviso must not be underestimated when at home and Pat Lam must feel like a fool now for having rotated his team.

[thebandwagonsociety]

That class bit of rotation by Lam ends their chances for this season. Reminds me of the game where Ranieri picked up his tinkerman moniker.

Glasgow are charging up the home straight now. Is there any point anyone even showing up to the rest of the games.

[Golden]

Big win for Munster anyway.

[Guest]

Boom! that certainly was unexpected, Treviso must not be underestimated when at home and Pat Lam must feel like a fool now for having rotated his team.

I don't think he will. They will back themselves to beat Glasgow at home, with as strong as possible a side. Even if Leinster lose tomorrow, they will pick up 5 v Treviso, putting them on 73 and above Connacht, on games won, had Connacht won tonight. So Connacht were always likely to have to beat Glasgow anyway, for a top 2 finish, pushing Glasgow to third. It makes perfect sense that Lam rotated the team.

[VinceWLB]

Boom! that certainly was unexpected, Treviso must not be underestimated when at home and Pat Lam must feel like a fool now for having rotated his team.

I don't think he will. They will back themselves to beat Glasgow at home, with as strong as possible a side. Even if Leinster lose tomorrow, they will pick up 5 v Treviso, putting them on 73 and above Connacht, on games won. So Connacht were always likely to have to beat Glasgow anyway, for a top 2 finish, pushing Glasgow to third. It makes perfect sense that Lam rotated the team.

Disagree, if Leinster gets nothing tomorrow, 5 points against Treviso and a LBP against Glasgow would have been enough for Connacht to get a home semi. Lam gambled on his fringe players to be good enough to get a win out in Italy, he was wrong.

For what it's worth i don't think Connacht will beat Glasgow next week. They will need something special.

[Guest]

Boom! that certainly was unexpected, Treviso must not be underestimated when at home and Pat Lam must feel like a fool now for having rotated his team.

I don't think he will. They will back themselves to beat Glasgow at home, with as strong as possible a side. Even if Leinster lose tomorrow, they will pick up 5 v Treviso, putting them on 73 and above Connacht, on games won. So Connacht were always likely to have to beat Glasgow anyway, for a top 2 finish, pushing Glasgow to third. It makes perfect sense that Lam rotated the team.

Disagree, if Leinster gets nothing tomorrow, 5 points against Treviso and a LBP against Glasgow would have been enough for Connacht to get a home semi. Lam gambled on his fringe players to be good enough to get a win out in Italy, he was wrong.

For what it's worth i don't think Connacht will beat Glasgow next week. They will need something special.

Because losing bonus points are easy to get? It's possible, but then it's possible that Leinster get a LBP against Ulster, if they don't win. Lam had to weigh up the chances, and I think he was absolutely spot on. Leinster are ahead of Connacht on games won. There's every chance that Leinster pick up at least one point tomorrow. Rest the players, and prepare for a top 2 fight in the last game.

It isn't as if Lam sent a team to be slaughtered  They went to win, and just missed out with a penalty against them after the 80 minutes. It was a calculated risk worth taking.

[George Carlin]

Glasgow put 70 points on Zebre tonight with most of their first team in the stand eating crisps.

If Ulster can stick one on Leinster tomorrow, it's going to be a very interesting end to the season.

How can anyone possibly criticise Lam? His team have got to the semis for the first time ever. Glass half bloody full, surely.

[Artful_Dodger]

Glasgow put 70 points on Zebre tonight with most of their first team in the stand eating crisps.

If Ulster can stick one on Leinster tomorrow, it's going to be a very interesting end to the season.

Bookies have us favourites to turn Leinster over. As I mentioned in the permutations thread, the last weekend is going to be insane no matter what happens tomorrow.

[Guest]

It will be. Connacht, Leinster and Glasgow fighting for top 2. Edinburgh are still in the fight, and will be looking to get 5 points from Cardiff, while Munster look to get at least one point against Scarlets. Scarlets will be fighting for that top 4 finish (Scarlets game tomorrow will be very interesting), as will Ulster, and Ulster might be themselves fighting for a 6th place should we lose tomorrow, and Cardiff win v Ospreys. An insane day of rugby, indeed

[VinceWLB]

How can anyone possibly criticise Lam? His team have got to the semis for the first time ever. Glass half bloody full, surely.

I have been on record on here for praising Lam for what he has done for Connacht. That was not the moment to rotate, you need to build momentum at this time of the season, Connacht players had last weekend off and there will be another week off after next weekend. I think he badly underestimated Treviso.

[SecretFly]

No, you can't be too critical of Connacht. Lam knows exactly what is on his plate. And knowing you are in the Champions Cup next season means the planning starts now.
He has risks to take in the Pro12 now , given his side are the outsiders in the run-in and he knows only too well that all the Big sides will only up the tempo from here on in - AND, he has to think about continuing to give his lesser players game time in big games in readiness for a big job on two fronts next season.
He's doing fine.

[profitius]

Connacht should have won that game easily. They got 2 early tries and had a really strong bench but if the players take their foot off the gas, thats the kind of result that can happen.


Munster win was vital for next season. Its been a miserable season but Munster are now in a good place. Erasmus is very highly rated in SA and I'm confident of a big improvement next season.

[Sponsored content]