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.

[Golden]

He arrived in Munster having played 36 times for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup, 16 times for the Bulls in the Super XV, captained the under 20s and had trained with the senior SA squad so I really don't think you can say Munster produced him.

My mistake regarding Coughlan.

He was told by SA that he should become a hooker - thats how well developed they thought he was.

Still does not make him a product of Munster as you said.

[Sin é]

I said that Munster developed him into the player he is as much as Quins or Leinster turned Mike Ross into the player he is.

[Golden]

I said that Munster developed him into the player he is as much as Quins or Leinster turned Mike Ross into the player he is.

No you equated him to JDF Ruddock and Henderson.

I said that they were no better than anything Munster have produced in the last while though POM and CJ are ahead of Ruddock, JdeF & Henderson in the backrow

[Rory_Gallagher]

There are operations to remove excess baggage from the chest area...even for men, I hear.

[Sin é]

I said that Munster developed him into the player he is as much as Quins or Leinster turned Mike Ross into the player he is.

No you equated him to JDF Ruddock and Henderson.

I said that they were no better than anything Munster have produced in the last while though POM and CJ are ahead of Ruddock, JdeF & Henderson in the backrow

This is what I posted:

..... is now on his way to Nothingham. JdeF, Ruddock are good players, but no better than anything Munster have produced in the last while (such as POM, TOD, JOD, CJ, Butler, DOC).

I didn't mention Henderson in this context.

I said that in the Ireland pecking order, POM and CJ are ahead of the rest. Henderson is a lock.

[profitius]

Pat Lam inundated with emails from rivals looking to join.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-rugby/revealed-pat-lam-says-top-rival-players-have-emailed-him-wanting-to-join-connacht-34683442.html

[SecretFly]

Poor Pat.................... he checks his pockets eagerly............... but the wallet is dangling above him, held just out of reach by the basterde Blazers!!!!

[Golden]

So Bandan RFC have just signed Regis Sonnes, forward coach of the Bordeaux Begles, to coach the first team and oversee the other age grade teams.

In the words of Bernard Jackman "He's your man, he is the best forwards coach in the Top 14."

That quote maybe a bit over the top but they are in the running for a play off spot in the Top 14.

How in the name of god did a small amateur Irish club get this guy? Especially when the senior sides arent exactly stacked with quality coaches?

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/one-of-french-rugbys-best-coaches-is-moving-to-ireland-to-take-over-a-small-club-in-west-cork-34685342.html

[Sin é]

Maybe he just doesn't like coaching in Top 14 having coached in lower leagues (such as Spanish league before Bordeaux).

French people in particular seem to love West Cork and the lifestyle there might be what he would prefer.

[The Great Aukster]

He's a renowned turnip muncher...

isn't his girlfriend from Clonakilty?

[SecretFly]

He's already pencilled in for bigger things?

Who actually paid for him and how much?

Has he been fooled into thinking Bandon is in the European Cup next season???

[profitius]

The four provinces look like (a real possibility) qualifying for the champions cup next season. If that happens, it'll be 4 Irish, 1 Welsh, 1 Scottish and 1 Italian.

[carpet baboon]

So they changed it as we didn't have to work hard enough to qualify? Hmmmmm

[profitius]

So they changed it as we didn't have to work hard enough to qualify?  Hmmmmm

Its a conspiracy. They'll have to move the Pro 12 HQ away from Dublin.

[SecretFly]

Wouldn't it just be perfect icing on the cake if it were two Irish Provinces fighting it out next year in the European Cup Final  

God, the expressions on some PRL faces would be priceless...and really, it doesn't have to be a fantasy.  The Provinces just need to draw a line in the sand of a new phase, forget all the old glories of the older generation of players, roll up the sleeves of a newer generation and be determined they're not going to be bullied around no more.  The pedigree is there.  And certainly the motivation should be stronger than ever.

[carpet baboon]

Even better if it was all Ireland in the semis too. A few at the PRL would be in tears for week's. And phillb would probably explode

[profitius]

Anyone watch the UBL final today. Clontarf won. Joey Carbury put in a great performance. Maybe the next big thing in Irish rugby?

[St John The Enforcer]

Would that be the ail final in lansdowne rd? Or the corporate version ubl final in the aviva stadium?

Great game. Ian Madigan who? If carbury can do that at pro12 level and beyond......

He is currently behind Ross Byrne and Cathal Marsh. Perhaps not for long.

[profitius]

Would that be the ail final in lansdowne rd? Or the corporate version ubl final in the aviva stadium?

Great game. Ian Madigan who? If carbury can do that at pro12 level and beyond......

He is currently behind Ross Byrne and Cathal Marsh. Perhaps not for long.

I'd say he will be ahead of Marsh and Byrne next season and Sexton would want to watch out. This lad has the ability to be better.

[Don Alfonso]

http://www.rugby.net/demo-responsive.html

Best players in the AP by position, according to various complicated algorithms and reading chicken entrails. Interesting in terms of IQ players

Steenson has been the best flyhalf throughout the second half of the season. (JJ Hanrahan at number 18.)
Ian Written has been comfortably in the top third of centres for most of the season, top five since end of January and has finished rated #3.
Stringer has risen to finish 10th best scrumhalf.
Donncha O'Callaghan 11th best lock! (Several places above Itoje...)
Niall Annett's season tailed off a little but he was still 12th best hooker.
And mighty Tom Court 26th best prop.

There are bound to be others I've missed.

[Guest]

Think this really funny

PJ&Trimble

[profitius]

Nice one from PJ and Trimble although they ruined it by giggling when it was starting to get good.


Denis Hurley and Shane Buckley leaving Munster.

[VinceWLB]

Shane Buckley would have been a good fit to Connacht, big ball carrier and i feel they are missing a bit in that department.

[Rory_Gallagher]

He would have been a very useful signing for Ulster. Sigh.

[Sin é]

Munster v NZ Maori in Thomond Park in November. Tickets go on sale tomorrow.

[rodders]

http://www.rugby.net/demo-responsive.html

Best players in the AP by position, according to various complicated algorithms and reading chicken entrails. Interesting in terms of IQ players

Steenson has been the best flyhalf throughout the second half of the season. (JJ Hanrahan at number 18.)
Ian Written has been comfortably in the top third of centres for most of the season, top five since end of January and has finished rated #3.
Stringer has risen to finish 10th best scrumhalf.
Donncha O'Callaghan 11th best lock! (Several places above Itoje...)
Niall Annett's season tailed off a little but he was still 12th best hooker.
And mighty Tom Court 26th best prop.

There are bound to be others I've missed.

I think these are really important points - when you consider Farrell down in Grenoble too there are several young guys with a low profile here who are out performing bigger name home based compatriots and doing it at a higher level.

At 36 I'd take Stringer ahead of Marmion every day of the week too.

[thebandwagonsociety]

Cian Kelleher to Connacht. That is a cute signing right there, that kid is a star.

[SecretFly]

Yes, he has always had sparkle.  But let's now hope that he gets the opportunity to quick step all his higher grade learning now under Lam and proves himself ready to walk into the future Ireland side in the making.

I think we often wait too long here for players to 'mature'.  In Connacht he will hopefully play a kind of rugby he loves.  And if he excels there then we shouldn't be waiting around too long to see him in an senior Ireland shirt.  There are of course quite a few promising young guys putting their hands up early, but these players are at their best when their ambitions are high and their instincts tight.  The choosing of them has to be sharper and not so longwinded.

[thebandwagonsociety]

Lam is right though in that article. He get's one appearance off the bench in the pro12 against Zebre. Shows a good step and great pace to run in a solo try from over 50 metres out and Cullen never gives him another chance. First sign of Nucifora possibly doing a move for the green.

[profitius]

Lam is right though in that article.  He get's one appearance off the bench in the pro12 against Zebre. Shows a good step and great pace to run in a solo try from over 50 metres out and Cullen never gives him another chance.  First sign of Nucifora possibly doing a move for the green.

Won't be the last player to move to Connacht. Its going to happen more and more even without Nucifora's influence. Leinster have a big squad and a backlog of young players who are getting very limited game time. For a lot of players they now have 2 choices. 1, stay at Leinster and wait years for your chance or 2, move somewhere else.


Pat Lam said last week that players are contacting him more and more. Its a no brainer IMO. Moving to Connacht they'll get more games, top quality coaching and probably higher wages. They can go for a few years and go back to their original province with more experience, more cash and a higher reputation.


I think Kelleher's move was a bit of a shock to Leinster but it will have sent out a message to them. Use em or lose em!

[SecretFly]

Pat Lam said last week that players are contacting him more and more. Its a no brainer IMO. Moving to Connacht they'll get more games, top quality coaching and probably higher wages. They can go for a few years and go back to their original province with more experience, more cash and a higher reputation.


I think Kelleher's move was a bit of a shock to Leinster but it will have sent out a message to them. Use em or lose em!

I truly at this point don't care where players go within the Irish provincial system.. in fact, I think it would make the whole notion of Provinces shine brighter still if a few big Leinster names showed up in Ulster or vice versa; even a firmer bond against the trials and challenges of Professional rugby growing all the time from outside the Nation. We need to keep as many of our own players here at home (and happy) as possible. And with Connacht hopefully becoming more competitive now on a long term basis - players hopefully will be able to see brightness for their futures no matter which Province they choose.
For me Ireland International is always the Big One and the more quality players of experience we can add to that set up, and the more of them we can keep playing in Ireland assisting Irish sides to Titles, the better.

[thebandwagonsociety]

It has to happen. Though in the most recent underage squads Connacht and Leinster both have strong representation so the moves might be more out of green/blue and into red/white.

[rodders]

in fact, I think it would make the whole notion of Provinces shine brighter still if a few big Leinster names showed up in Ulster or vice versa;

What big Leinster names?

[profitius]

Players out.
The bolded players are the ones who have been used a lot this season.


Leinster
Ben Te'o
Ian Madigan
Marty Moore
Darragh Fanning
Cian Kelleher
Tom Farrell
Tadhg Beirne
Isaac Boss
Royce Burke-Flynn
Tom Denton
Aaron Dundon
Mick McGrath
Kevin McLaughlin
Collie O'Shea
Tony Ryan

Munster
Jordan Coughlan
Denis Hurley
Shane Buckley
BJ Botha
Cathal Sheridan
Gehard Van Den Heever

Connacht
Rodney Ah-You
Robbie Henshaw
Aly Muldowney
AJ MacGinty
Fionn Carr
Jason Harris-Wright
George Naoupu
Api Pewhairangi
Ian Porter

Ulster
Nick Williams
Rory Scholes
Sam Arnold
Ian Humphries


Players in


Leinster
Robbie Henshaw
Ian Nagle


Ulster
Charles Piutau
Rodney Ah-You
Kieran Threadwell
Marcell Coetzee
Brett Herron


Connacht
Eoin Griffin
Conor Carey
Marnitz Boshoff
Cian Kelleher


Munster
Sam Arnold
John Andress
Darren O'Shea

[brennomac]

http://www.rugby.net/demo-responsive.html

Best players in the AP by position, according to various complicated algorithms and reading chicken entrails. Interesting in terms of IQ players

Steenson has been the best flyhalf throughout the second half of the season. (JJ Hanrahan at number 18.)
Ian Written has been comfortably in the top third of centres for most of the season, top five since end of January and has finished rated #3.
Stringer has risen to finish 10th best scrumhalf.
Donncha O'Callaghan 11th best lock! (Several places above Itoje...)
Niall Annett's season tailed off a little but he was still 12th best hooker.
And mighty Tom Court 26th best prop.

There are bound to be others I've missed.

I think these are really important points - when you consider Farrell down in Grenoble too there are several young guys with a low profile here who are out performing bigger name home based compatriots and doing it at a higher level.

At 36 I'd take Stringer ahead of Marmion every day of the week too.

Rodders you might take Stringer if he was 36, fact is he's 39 next December. Granted he's had a very good season and still might have the fastest pass of any Irish SH (even at 39), buty to say he's ahead of Marmion is nonsense. Marmion isn't the finished article by any means but at 24 he has time to develop his game and for me he's definitely no. 2 behind Murray in a position where we don't have a whole lot of depth

[SecretFly]

in fact, I think it would make the whole notion of Provinces shine brighter still if a few big Leinster names showed up in Ulster or vice versa;

What big Leinster names?

Ha! Ha! There's the blighter now. And a welcome sneer he is too

[profitius]

Hurley, Botha, van den Heever, Buckley, Sheridan and Coghlan confirmed to be leaving Munster.

[Rory_Gallagher]

Munster could certainly do with signing another openside flanker. They only have Tommy O'Donnell, correct?

[Sin é]

Paddy Butler (late of Munster) who is now with Pau seems to have had a great season in France. He has started 22 out of 24 games this season in the Top 14 and has played the most minutes for Pau in the squad. Only just gone 25 and has been playing mainly at 7, but also has played 6 & 8 as well as calling the Pau lineout.

He will be some catch for an Irish Province. We could do with him back in Munster, but with TOD, CJ & POM with JOD coming along nicely, there is not much room.

[Sin é]

Munster could certainly do with signing another openside flanker. They only have Tommy O'Donnell, correct?

My post just crossed with your one. Paddy Butler would be an obvious one to get back. He has another year on his contract with Pau, not sure he will come back to Munster though.

[Sin é]

Hurley, Botha, van den Heever, Buckley, Sheridan and Coghlan confirmed to be leaving Munster.

No surprises there. Really sorry that BJ is finishing like this. He has been brilliant for Munster.

[Rory_Gallagher]

Munster could certainly do with signing another openside flanker. They only have Tommy O'Donnell, correct?

My post just crossed with your one. Paddy Butler would be an obvious one to get back. He has another year on his contract with Pau, not sure he will come back to Munster though.

I think Munster will have a few NIQ spots freed up now though, with BJ and VDH leaving? I could see them looking abroad although it may be a little late to find someone without a contract for next season.

Butler would have been extremely beneficial for Ulster next season. He is primarily an 8 if I am not mistaken.

[SecretFly]

Erasmus will have probably already sounded out a few before even arriving in Munster.

[Sin é]

Mainly 7 for Pau. James Coughlan has had 21 starts at 8.

Paddy Butler has had 14 starts at 7, 2 at 8 and 3 at 6.

[Sin é]

Erasmus will have probably already sounded out a few before even arriving in Munster.

It seems Rassie is in Limerick this week.

[SecretFly]

And so it begins!

[The Great Aukster]

Heard Munster's debts tripled this season because of the low gates and the IRFU aren't happy. The slow recovery in the south west has seen a lot of economic migration to Dublin so the mood isn't bullish. Erasmus is seen as a new broom and to paraphrase his namesake is seen at least as a one-eyed man in the kingdom of the blind.

[Sin é]

feic the IRFU. They pocketed all those merit payments (15 QFs, 11 semis, 4 Finals, 2 cups) and half the gate money in the '00s that Munster earned. Its payback time now. Over the last 8 years Munster managed to redevelop a 26K stadium which cost 48m and pay off all but 9m back to the IRFU. No sporting organisation repays a stadium loan back in under 10 years.

The IRFU can give an interest free loan of 34m to the the company that owns the Aviva Stadium (owned jointly between FAI & IRFU) and not contribute a penny to Thomond Park says it all about how they think.

Erasmus is going to have it relatively easy - at least he will get to train the team together every day instead of twice a week. He will also have POM back, which will be a major boost to the team.

[Kingshu]

http://www.the42.ie/munster-provinces-cash-injection-philip-browne-2765938-May2016/

The42 understands the cash injection for each province will be in the region of €500,000 although Munster will need a far greater amount of funding as they look to get out of a dire financial situation.

It’s understood the total loss, which is still to be confirmed at Munster’s annual general meeting, is in excess of €2 million and the IRFU will now bail the province out to that sum as they look to rebound next season.

Asked directly if Fitzgerald’s position was now under threat, Browne did not deny that that was the case.

[Kingshu]

Good new for Connacht , Leinster and Ulster some extra funds for next season.

Munster it looks like a bail out and maybe a new CEO?

I guess that it will free up more money for Munster, hopefully they can look at some big name NIQ's that won't be injured all the time.

[Sponsored content]