Irish Provinces NEWS & GOSSIP thread 2015-16-17

by Sin é Wed 05 Aug 2015, 11:27 am

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.

by marty2086 Fri 13 May 2016, 4:00 pm

I thought the money was coming in because the IRFU essentially had a surplus?

Given them it now isn't going to do much good for next season since most players are contracted for the season

by Guest Fri 13 May 2016, 4:02 pm

Kingshu wrote: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.

Think Fitzgerald has to go. The difficulties Munster are now facing was a long time in the making, and Fitzgerald must be held accountable. I feel bad for Foley because he is taking most of the flak for Fitzgeralds failings.

by Guest Fri 13 May 2016, 4:05 pm

marty2086 wrote:I thought the money was coming in because the IRFU essentially had a surplus?

Given them it now isn't going to do much good for next season since most players are contracted for the season

It will help Ulster after next season, once some contracts are up, or maybe even be put to good use in bringing in/replacing coaching staff.

by marty2086 Fri 13 May 2016, 4:10 pm

Munchkin wrote:
marty2086 wrote:I thought the money was coming in because the IRFU essentially had a surplus?

Given them it now isn't going to do much good for next season since most players are contracted for the season

It will help Ulster after next season, once some contracts are up, or maybe even be put to good use in bringing in/replacing coaching staff.

The indication is that its for next season, theres another injection to follow a year later too

by Guest Fri 13 May 2016, 4:16 pm

marty2086 wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
marty2086 wrote:I thought the money was coming in because the IRFU essentially had a surplus?

Given them it now isn't going to do much good for next season since most players are contracted for the season

It will help Ulster after next season, once some contracts are up, or maybe even be put to good use in bringing in/replacing coaching staff.

The indication is that its for next season, theres another injection to follow a year later too

I know, but it does allow us to plan. Maybe some of the other Provinces could use it for next season? Anyway, it would still be useful in helping buy in coaching staff.

by marty2086 Fri 13 May 2016, 4:21 pm

Munchkin wrote:
marty2086 wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
marty2086 wrote:I thought the money was coming in because the IRFU essentially had a surplus?

Given them it now isn't going to do much good for next season since most players are contracted for the season

It will help Ulster after next season, once some contracts are up, or maybe even be put to good use in bringing in/replacing coaching staff.

The indication is that its for next season, theres another injection to follow a year later too

I know, but it does allow us to plan. Maybe some of the other Provinces could use it for next season? Anyway, it would still be useful in helping buy in coaching staff.

Or pay off some Fingers Crossed

by Guest Fri 13 May 2016, 4:22 pm

Well, that's my thinking. Let's hope Fingers Crossed

by Sin é Fri 13 May 2016, 4:30 pm

Munchkin wrote:
Kingshu wrote: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.

Think Fitzgerald has to go. The difficulties Munster are now facing was a long time in the making, and Fitzgerald must be held accountable. I feel bad for Foley because he is taking most of the flak for Fitzgeralds failings.

I'd blame the IRFU for blocking every initiative Munster have had (such as hosting a southern hemisphere team during the AI for a midweek game).

It should not be forgotten that Fitzgerald was the CEO which built Munster into the biggest club brand in world rugby, redeveloped a 26,000 stadium and a 10k stadium and have now developed a state of the art training centre which will be opened next year valued at 9.5m in Limerick with little or no help from the IRFU.

by marty2086 Fri 13 May 2016, 4:32 pm

Sin é wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
Kingshu wrote: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.

Think Fitzgerald has to go. The difficulties Munster are now facing was a long time in the making, and Fitzgerald must be held accountable. I feel bad for Foley because he is taking most of the flak for Fitzgeralds failings.

I'd blame the IRFU for blocking every initiative Munster have had (such as hosting a southern hemisphere team during the AI for a midweek game).

It should not be forgotten that Fitzgerald was the CEO which built Munster into the biggest club brand in world rugby, redeveloped a 26,000 stadium and a 10k stadium and have now developed a state of the art training centre which will be opened next year valued at 9.5m in Limerick with little or no help from the IRFU.

With no help from the IRFU except for a loan to pay for it? Which they then renegotiated to help Munster out

by Guest Fri 13 May 2016, 4:41 pm

Sin é wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
Kingshu wrote: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.

Think Fitzgerald has to go. The difficulties Munster are now facing was a long time in the making, and Fitzgerald must be held accountable. I feel bad for Foley because he is taking most of the flak for Fitzgeralds failings.

I'd blame the IRFU for blocking every initiative Munster have had (such as hosting a southern hemisphere team during the AI for a midweek game).

It should not be forgotten that Fitzgerald was the CEO which built Munster into the biggest club brand in world rugby, redeveloped a 26,000 stadium and a 10k stadium and have now developed a state of the art training centre which will be opened next year valued at 9.5m in Limerick with little or no help from the IRFU.

The IRFU isn't perfect, but they are not at fault for Munsters problems. Lack of succession planning, falling attendance, poor choice of head coach (I'm a fan of Foley. Just think it was too soon for him), and so on. Like I said; it was a long time in the making. Any other business and Fitzgerald would have been sacked.

by Don Alfonso Sun 15 May 2016, 1:23 pm

McCloskey the Irish-born Player of the Year at any of the provinces.

by thebandwagonsociety Mon 16 May 2016, 3:28 pm

Munchkin wrote:
Sin é wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
Kingshu wrote: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.

Think Fitzgerald has to go. The difficulties Munster are now facing was a long time in the making, and Fitzgerald must be held accountable. I feel bad for Foley because he is taking most of the flak for Fitzgeralds failings.

I'd blame the IRFU for blocking every initiative Munster have had (such as hosting a southern hemisphere team during the AI for a midweek game).

It should not be forgotten that Fitzgerald was the CEO which built Munster into the biggest club brand in world rugby, redeveloped a 26,000 stadium and a 10k stadium and have now developed a state of the art training centre which will be opened next year valued at 9.5m in Limerick with little or no help from the IRFU.

The IRFU isn't perfect, but they are not at fault for Munsters problems. Lack of succession planning, falling attendance, poor choice of head coach (I'm a fan of Foley. Just think it was too soon for him), and so on. Like I said; it was a long time in the making. Any other business and Fitzgerald would have been sacked.

It puts a far different spin on the Maori game towards the end of the year. That's obviously an emergency game to boost the bank balance (say 26k seats at 60 a head - could be 1.5m towards the problem).

by SecretFly Mon 16 May 2016, 3:41 pm

Stop with the Gloom eejits!

It's Summer. We're going to get thrashed in South Africa...I think not.

And then onwards to next season.... two Irish sides in the Euro semis. Munster will be fine. They have had a bejaysus of a lumpy boggy road these last few years. The Celtic Tiger is yawning again though (Basterde!). We'll all be back on our feet in no time.

Get over yourselves! Wink

by carpet baboon Mon 16 May 2016, 4:08 pm

SecretFly wrote:Stop with the Gloom eejits!

It's Summer. We're going to get thrashed in South Africa...I think not.

And then onwards to next season.... two Irish sides in the Euro semis. Munster will be fine. They have had a bejaysus of a lumpy boggy road these last few years. The Celtic Tiger is yawning again though (Basterde!). We'll all be back on our feet in no time.

Get over yourselves!

Er... Sorry fly two Irish sides in the Euro final. Get your (crystal) balls serviced.

by SecretFly Mon 16 May 2016, 4:15 pm

That's 'cause I'm a miserable git and always expect the worst... Wink

You're right of course. Two in the final. And I think one of those might even win the f**king thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yahoo

by Sin é Tue 17 May 2016, 10:49 pm

thebandwagonsociety wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
Sin é wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
Kingshu wrote: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.

Think Fitzgerald has to go. The difficulties Munster are now facing was a long time in the making, and Fitzgerald must be held accountable. I feel bad for Foley because he is taking most of the flak for Fitzgeralds failings.

I'd blame the IRFU for blocking every initiative Munster have had (such as hosting a southern hemisphere team during the AI for a midweek game).

It should not be forgotten that Fitzgerald was the CEO which built Munster into the biggest club brand in world rugby, redeveloped a 26,000 stadium and a 10k stadium and have now developed a state of the art training centre which will be opened next year valued at 9.5m in Limerick with little or no help from the IRFU.
The IRFU isn't perfect, but they are not at fault for Munsters problems. Lack of succession planning, falling attendance, poor choice of head coach (I'm a fan of Foley. Just think it was too soon for him), and so on. Like I said; it was a long time in the making. Any other business and Fitzgerald would have been sacked.

It puts a far different spin on the Maori game towards the end of the year. That's obviously an emergency game to boost the bank balance (say 26k seats at 60 a head - could be 1.5m towards the problem).

No, its not an emergency game to get the money in. Munster have applied every year to host one of these games and they were not allowed. This is a game to get the fans back as the tickets are very reasonable (i.e., family of 2 adults & 2 children €40. 5 adults and 20 kids - €100). The most expensive ticket is €40 I think.

by **rodders** Wed 18 May 2016, 9:46 am

Sounds like Pat Lam is off to Bath..

by marty2086 Wed 18 May 2016, 10:13 am

rodders wrote:Sounds like Pat Lam is off to Bath..

Heyneke Meyer too and Jake White so plenty of contenders

by **rodders** Wed 18 May 2016, 10:51 am

marty2086 wrote:
rodders wrote:Sounds like Pat Lam is off to Bath..

Heyneke Meyer too and Jake White so plenty of contenders

I wonder if Connacht might get George Ford on a swap?

by **profitius** Wed 18 May 2016, 12:44 pm

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-rugby/connacht-targeting-10000plus-new-stadium-as-part-of-long-term-vision-34726070.html

Connacht eyeing up a new stadium. It would be ideal for them if they could buy out the dog track.

by **profitius** Wed 18 May 2016, 12:46 pm

rodders wrote:Sounds like Pat Lam is off to Bath..

I dunno. It looks like Schmidt will be leaving Ireland next year and PL looks to be in pole position for that job.

Actually the rumour on a kiwi forum is he has applied for the Crusaders job.

by Golden Wed 18 May 2016, 12:52 pm

Is Lam's contract up this season?

by **rodders** Wed 18 May 2016, 1:24 pm

No he has just signed a 3 year deal but it has some release clauses if other clubs show interest.

by Sin é Wed 18 May 2016, 1:30 pm

rodders wrote:No he has just signed a 3 year deal but it has some release clauses if other clubs show interest.

Munster?

Pat Lam wrote:
" Afterwards I was blown away by how gracious the Munster guys were in defeat. Keith Wood, Mick Galwey, every Munster fan I met, they were pretty amazing and I became a Munster supporter that day. If I turned on the television and they were playing i wanted them to win."

by SecretFly Wed 18 May 2016, 1:52 pm

Munster showing their weakness.................. too f**king nice!

Get some Frak' attitude, you bunch of sops. "Oh it was lovely losing to you, Mr Lam sir, if you be pardoning us for saying' so an' all, your Lordshipfulness, sir"

Wink

by Sin é Wed 18 May 2016, 2:26 pm

Fly, he was referring to the HCup final v. Northampton in 2000.

by Sin é Fri 20 May 2016, 1:04 pm

Interview here with BJ Botha which might be of interest to Ulster fans. Has lots of nice things to say about his time in Ireland. All their children were born in Ireland and he says they are getting Irish citizenship later this year.

http://www.limerickleader.ie/news/sport/207843/BJ-Botha---Erasmus-capture.html

by **rodders** Mon 23 May 2016, 10:23 am

Looks like McCloskey, Ringrose, Matt Healy and Gilroy will all miss out on the summer tour.

Marshall and Olding on the plane though.

by SecretFly Mon 23 May 2016, 10:35 am

rodders wrote:Looks like McCloskey, Ringrose, Matt Healy and Gilroy will all miss out on the summer tour.

Marshall and Olding on the plane though.

Is that from the horse's mouth?..... or just the tail region?

by Sin é Mon 23 May 2016, 1:22 pm

SecretFly wrote:
rodders wrote:Looks like McCloskey, Ringrose, Matt Healy and Gilroy will all miss out on the summer tour.

Marshall and Olding on the plane though.

Is that from the horse's mouth?..... or just the tail region?

by **rodders** Mon 23 May 2016, 1:51 pm

SecretFly wrote:
rodders wrote:Looks like McCloskey, Ringrose, Matt Healy and Gilroy will all miss out on the summer tour.

Marshall and Olding on the plane though.

Is that from the horse's mouth?..... or just the tail region?

Munster?

by Sin é Wed 25 May 2016, 4:51 pm

OK - just in case any of you are interested. To raise a few bob for Munster:

Anyone into motor bikes - Nitros Circus in Musgrave Park in Cork on Sunday 12th June
http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/22638.php#.V0XIh9eIU4B

Munster Rugby Dinner in London (Grovenor House) on 11th October where the Richard Harris Patrons Award will be presented.

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/22641.php#.V0XJMNeIU4A

Other good news on the finances - MRSC handed over a cheque for 157,000 to the Munster Academy which brings the total raised by MRSC for Munster Academy to about 1 million over the last few years.

by Golden Fri 17 Jun 2016, 10:19 am

Leinster have recruited Graham Henry as a coaching consultant. Should be great for Leo and Girve

IRFU look to be addressing the coaching problem in the provinces.

Lam, Kiss, Erasmus and now Henry.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/pro12/leinster-hire-graham-henry-as-coaching-consultant-1.2687659

EDIT: This one is nothing to do with the IRFU apparently?

by Golden Tue 28 Jun 2016, 11:00 am

Fitzy is after calling it a day. Very disappointing for him. Just one of those desperately unlucky players who couldn't catch a break.

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/news/15040.php#.V3JMN_krKUl

by SecretFly Tue 28 Jun 2016, 11:08 am

Unfortunately, it was inevitable. Seldom has a player had such an interrupted history of injury filled in with little periods of fitness.

I don't know if he's just been unlucky or whether it was always his wild and impulsive style of play that was responsible. He was always a player with oodles of potential and it's just a pity that he never got a real long period of uninterrupted fitness to settle down and prove the potential.

by Golden Tue 28 Jun 2016, 11:18 am

Still a Lions tour, 2 6 nations championships (one a grandslam), 3 Heineken Cups, 3 Pro12 titles and a Challenge cup not a bad return for a career all things considered.

Leinster back 3 even weaker now. Need a signing here.

by Sin é Tue 28 Jun 2016, 11:31 am

SecretFly wrote:Unfortunately, it was inevitable. Seldom has a player had such an interrupted history of injury filled in with little periods of fitness.

I don't know if he's just been unlucky or whether it was always his wild and impulsive style of play that was responsible. He was always a player with oodles of potential and it's just a pity that he never got a real long period of uninterrupted fitness to settle down and prove the potential.

Really sorry to hear about this. You may recall back about 10 years ago, I used to think that Luke & Keith Earls would be the next BOD & D'Arcy.

I think Luke became a professional too young when his body wasn't ready for it. I recall Keith Earls saying that he was told he was picking up all those injuries when he was a kid because his body had still not finished growing and there was too much of a work load on it. Thats why I'm glad to see Leinster & Ireland taking their time with Ringrose.

by **rodders** Tue 28 Jun 2016, 11:49 am

Sorry to hear it too - I do think he was overrated at times by Leinster fans but when he was fit and on form he was pretty classy in attack and a very good defender.

Unfortunately his body couldn't match his mental toughness but he had a very good career despite not fulfilling his potential.

by **Notch** Tue 28 Jun 2016, 12:04 pm

He always had potential to be really, really good which was never realised. Just flashes of brilliance. Like the tries he scored against Argentina when we got hammered in the RWC. His performance was the bright spot.

by Kingshu Tue 28 Jun 2016, 1:54 pm

With Fitzgerald's retirement and Niall Morris being released by Leicester Tigers, will we see Leinster signing up Morris?

by Sin é Tue 28 Jun 2016, 2:42 pm

Newstalk has this morning revealed its exciting autumn schedule and welcomed four new full time presenters - Collette Fitzpatrick, Paul Williams, Sarah McInerney and Alan Quinlan.

Delighted for Quinny.

by **profitius** Wed 29 Jun 2016, 4:32 pm

Leinster: 17 players out, 3 players in. A big clearout there. The young players will see plenty of action next season.

by LeinsterFan4life Wed 29 Jun 2016, 11:22 pm

profitius wrote:Leinster: 17 players out, 3 players in. A big clearout there. The young players will see plenty of action next season.

Surely Leinster will be allowed sign a back or two. Bit of a crisis now.

by Golden Thu 30 Jun 2016, 9:12 am

Probably going to be limited to IQ though. We already have 3 NIQs in the backline.

Adam Byrne is going to need a big season. Wonder if Kelleher is regretting his choice now.

by Sin é Thu 30 Jun 2016, 10:19 am

Of interest to all Provinces (presuming that the Provinces are dealt with the same way) - Ulster's Annual Report. The IRFU has really cut its funding (£1,591,044)

https://i.servimg.com/u/f35/16/53/77/41/screen10.png

Link to full report

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/branch/annual-report.php#.V3Tgsq6IU4A

by **Notch** Thu 30 Jun 2016, 10:23 am

I thought the IRFU were increasing the funding to the provinces?

by SecretFly Thu 30 Jun 2016, 10:51 am

£20,000?

Could that be called a major cut?

by Sin é Thu 30 Jun 2016, 11:22 am

Notch wrote:I thought the IRFU were increasing the funding to the provinces?

For 16-17 maybe. Really interesting reading. We really are up against it with the amount of money those French and some English clubs have. Just think of it - Grenoble's budget is at least twice that of Ulster's budget and they can't make the Champs Cup.

by Sin é Thu 30 Jun 2016, 11:23 am

SecretFly wrote:£20,000?

Could that be called a major cut?

Major cuts were about 3 or 4 years ago.

by SecretFly Thu 30 Jun 2016, 11:28 am

Sin é wrote:
Notch wrote:I thought the IRFU were increasing the funding to the provinces?

For 16-17 maybe. Really interesting reading. We really are up against it with the amount of money those French and some English clubs have. Just think of it - Grenoble's budget is at least twice that of Ulster's budget and they can't make the Champs Cup.

England v Iceland.

England v Iceland.

Money ain't everything. Damn it, even supposed skill isn't everything - the Iceland boys walked over, around and through England.

And it can happen again in Rugby terms. The new European way has been a shock to the system and it was obvious Pro12 sides/Irish sides would feel the pressure in the beginning. But even last year, you could see them managing their way through the process - first assault the Pro12 and then hopefully have a reasonable amount of hardened players to take on Europe again on a more realistic footing.

We'll see. I'm optimistic for the next few years.

by Sponsored content