London Irish 2016/17 Championship Thread

[Ozzy3213]

First topic message reminder :

  Welcome to this seasons thread for talking about all things London Irish. 

Senior Squad (39)

Technical Director: Brendan Venter
Director of Rugby: Nick Kennedy
Assistant Coach: Clark Laidlaw
Forwards Coach: George Skivington
Defence Coach: Declan Danaher
Skills Coach: Paul Hodgson

Hooker: David Paice, Gerard Ellis, David Porecki, Jason Harris-Wright, Todd Gleave (dual registered with Rosslyn Park).
Prop: Tom Court, Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi, Tom Smallbone, Ben Franks, Richard Palframan, Ollie Hoskins.
Second Row: Sebastien de Chaves, Jerry Sexton, Jebb Sinclair, George Robson, Will Lloyd.
Back Row: Blair Cowan, Ofisa Treviranus, Luke Narraway, Connor Gilsenen, Joe Trayfoot, Mike Coman, Max Northcote-Green, Senitiki Nayalo.
Scrum Half: Brendan McKibbin, Scott Steele, Darren Allinson (on loan to Bath).
Fly Half: Greig Tonks, Tommy Bell, Theo Brophy-Clews.
Centre: Johnny Williams, Fergus Mulchrone, Ciaran Hearn, Tom Fowlie
Back Three: Topsy Ojo, Alex Lewington, Aseli Tikoirotuama, James Marshall, Ben Ransom


Senior Academy Squad (12)

Hooker: Matt Kouris (dual registered with Esher)
Prop: Harry Elrington (dual registered with Rosslyn Park), Austin Hay (Academy Plus)
Back Row: Isaac Curtis-Harris (dual registered with Esher), Jack Cooke (Academy Plus)
Scrum Half: Conor Murphy, Rory Brand (dual registered with Rosslyn Park)
Fly Half: Tom Parton
Centre: Ross Neal, Matt Williams
Wing: Joe Cokanasiga, Jacob Atkins


Fixture List

Date	Time	Opponents	H/A	Venue	Competition	Result	Scorers
Sat 13th Aug	15:00	Harlequins	A	The Stoop	Friendly	W 28-12	T: Cowan, Neal, Nayolo, Atkins  C: Bell 3, Tonks.
Fri 19th Aug	19:30	Nottingham	H	Hazelwood	Friendly	W 43-14
Fri 26th Aug	19:30	Loughborough Students	H	Hazelwood	Friendly	W 46-21
Sat 3rd Sep	15:00	Doncaster Knights	H	MadStad	Championship	W 19-0	T: Fowlie, Tikoroituma  P: Bell 3.
Sat 10th Sep	15:00	Richmond	H	MadStad	Championship	W 36-12	T: Paice, Cowan 2, Ellis, McKibbin, Elrington. C: Bell 3.
Sat 17th Sep	15:00	Bedford Blues	A	Goldington Road	Championship	W 30-23	T: Franks, Williams, Ojo, Northcote-Green. C: Bell 2. P: Bell 2.
Sun 25th Sep	15:00	Ealing Trailfinders	H	MadStad	Championship	W 32-12	T: Ransom, Trayfoot, Marshall, Steele C:Bell, Marshall 2 P:Bell 2.
Fri 30th Sep	19:45	Nottingham	A	LadyBay Sports	Championship	W 29-7	T: Steele Tikoroituma Northcote-Green Mulchrone C:Bell 3 P:Bell.
Sat 8th Oct	15:00	London Welsh	H	MadStad	Championship	W 35-12	T: Mulchrone, Paice, de Chaves, McKibbin. C: Bell. 3 P: Bell 3.
Sat 15th Oct	15:00	Ospreys Prem Select	A	The Gnoll	B & I Cup	W 25-14	T: Neal, Ransom, Nayalo, Palframan.  C: Tonks.  P: Tonks.
Sat 22nd Oct	15:00	Connacht Eagles	H	MadStad	B & I Cup	W 34-3	T: Elrington, Hoskins, Harris-Wright, Parton, Cokanasiga.  C: Tonks 3 P: Tonks.
Sat 29th Oct	15:00	London Scottish	A	RAG	Championship	W 62-12	T: Paice, McKibbin, Cokanasiga, Bell 2, Tikoirotuma, Steele, Cowan C: Bell 8, P: Bell 2.
Sat 5th Nov	15:00	Yorkshire Carnegie	H	MadStad	Championship	W 41-17	T: Ransom 2, Tikoirotuma, Marshall 2. C: Bell 5. P: Bell 2.
Sat 19th Nov	13:00	Cornish Pirates	A	Mennaye Field	Championship	W 35-24	T: Ransom 2, Franks 2, Northcote-Green  C: Marshall 2.  P: Tonks 2.
Sun 27th Nov	15:00	Jersey Reds	H	MadStad	Championship	W 42-29	T: Ransom, Paice 2, Palframan, Fowlie  C: Bell 4  P: Bell 2  DG: Bell.
Sat 3rd Dec	14:00	Rotherham Titans	A	Clifton Lane	Championship	W 38-10	T: Cokanasiga 2, Bell 2, Steele.  C: Bell 5  P: Bell.
Sun 11th Dec	15:00	Cornish Pirates	H	MadStad	B & I Cup	W 33-24	T: Atkins, Gilsenan, Porecki, Nayalo, M.Williams.  C: Tonks 4.
Sat 17th Dec	14:30	Cornish Pirates	A	Mennaye Field	B & I Cup
Sat 24th Dec	15:00	Richmond	A	RAG	Championship
Sat 31st Dec	15:00	Bedford Blues	H	MadStad	Championship
13/14/15 Jan		Connacht Eagles	A		B & I Cup
Sat 21st Jan	15:00	Ospreys Prem Select	H	MadStad	B & I Cup
Sat 28th Jan	15:00	Ealing Trailfinders	A	Vallis Way	Championship
Sun 5th Feb	14:00	Nottingham	H	MadStad	Championship
Sat 18th Feb	14:00	London Welsh	A	Old Deer Park	Championship
Sat 25th Feb	15:00	London Scottish	H	MadStad	Championship
Sun 5th Mar	15:00	Yorkshire Carnegie	A	Headingley	Championship
Sat 18th Mar	14:00	Cornish Pirates	H	MadStad	Championship
Sat 25th Mar	14:00	Jersey Reds	A	St Peter	Championship
Sat 8th Apr	15:00	Rotherham Titans	H	MadStad	Championship
Sat 15th Apr	15:00	Doncaster Knights	A	Castle Park	Championship

Season Preview

Well it's been an interesting summer in the aftermath of relegation.  It was clear from the outset that we would lose some players and would have to cut our cloth accordingly.  Initially it appeared that Tom Coventry was staying, but a late u-turn from him meant a new coaching set up was required.  New coaches, loss of big names, new players to integrate, sounds like a recipe for disaster, and we've certainly been there many times over the past few years.  This however, does not feel like that at all.  Perhaps it's because we are a league down, but there is real optimism around, primarily because of those things.  The holy trinity of Nick Kennedy, Declan Danaher and Paul Hodgson have been promoted to the first team after overseeing a successful academy season last year, and have Brendan Venter overseeing them as technical director.  This is exciting.  A proven winner overseeing a young, hungry and exciting coaching team.  On the playing side, the main losses being Matt Symons and Sean Maitland are more than offset by the likes of George Robson, James Marshall and Tommy Bell coming in.  If anything it feels as if we may have a stronger squad this year than we've had for the past 4 or 5.

Two games into pre season and things look positive.  Comfortably beating an admittedly understrength Quins, and a high scoring win against Nottingham have given plenty of optimism for the season ahead.  There were still defensive lapses, which will need to be ironed out, but barring complacency or an absolute stinker in terms of form, we should have more than enough to comfortably make the dreaded play offs, where it then becomes a test of mental strength rather than ability.


Ozzy'sprediction: Champions

[Margin_Walker]

Is it the Bath and Irish did a joint training session. Or was it more a trial game for Bath

I'm hopeful that we counted them all back on the bus.

Agree re Cowan SirB. Don't think he was awful last season, but he certainly wasn't standing out and looked a bit jaded. Completely different story this season. First name on the teamsheet

[Welly]

Tigers could do with TBC and Williams.

But I would rather they stayed at Irish from a unselfish POV.

[Ozzy3213]

Just home from lunch at Hazelwood. TBC and Williams are going nowhere.

[George Carlin]

Is it the Bath and Irish did a joint training session. Or was it more a trial game for Bath

I'm hopeful that we counted them all back on the bus.

Agree re Cowan SirB. Don't think he was awful last season, but he certainly wasn't standing out and looked a bit jaded. Completely different story this season. First name on the teamsheet

Unfortunately for him, he doesn't have test matches to worry about this year, MW.

Is Gordy Reid official yet? Very good player - the fans will love him.

[Margin_Walker]

No nothing Official on Reid. Would be a decent addition though and hopefully works out a little better than Cross did.

Not sure it was test worries last year that did for Cowan. It just wasn't a happy ship at looking in from the outside. Easy to happen when you're losing most of your games and under pressure from relegation, but seemed like things weren't right behind the scenes on top of that.

[Margin_Walker]

Just home from lunch at Hazelwood.  TBC and Williams are going nowhere.  

Any gossip?

[Ozzy3213]

Morning all

Theo Brophy-Clews has very kindly donated to me a signed player issue polo shirt, which I am raffling for the mental health charity MIND. Tickets are £1 each, with a bonus ticket for every £5 you spend on tickets, so £5 = 6 tickets, £10 = 12 tickets, £15 = 18 tickets etc.

The draw will take place at 1900 hours on Friday 24th February and I will post a video of the draw taking place in order to show transparency.

To purchase tickets simply go to my JustGiving page and simply make a donation at which point I will allocate you your ticket numbers.  Please make sure you clearly put your name so I know who you are as if you leave it anonymous it's a bit difficult for me to allocate your numbers.

Good luck, thanks for reading.

[Ozzy3213]

Just home from lunch at Hazelwood.  TBC and Williams are going nowhere.  

Any gossip?

No gossip really, just general chat, a few points that I can recall are;-

- Kendo does no coaching, he just oversees it all.  Coaching is in the main lead by Dec, Dodge and Clark.
- TC was doomed to failure from the start last year.  All the coaching in pre season was geared towards summer rugby, but with the season not starting until late October after the World Cup, there was no real opportunity to play that way and by the time TC tried to change it it was too late.  I was also told his man management was not good, in complete contrast to the Doc, who is very direct both with praise and criticism, but at least you can discuss the criticism with him and work out how to improve.
- Lewi is good to go and likely to be in the 22 vs. Scottish.
- The new Tongan number 8 looks lively.  Not as heavy set as Trev but big enough and very mobile.  Was running some excellent lines in training.
- Recruitment for next season is going well.
- Real buzz about the place, players seem really happy.
- League run in I wouldn't expect to see a huge mount of rotation.  Best team for the job will be getting picked.
- B&I Cup we want to win, but are intending on sticking with the youngsters.

[Sgt_Pooly]

The year away seems to have done you wonders and I imagine you'll come back refreshed and ready to really challenge.

There seems to be some real quality linked to you also, have you signed Reid, the Glasgow LH?

[SirBurger]

The year away seems to have done you wonders and I imagine you'll come back refreshed and ready to really challenge.

There seems to be some real quality linked to you also, have you signed Reid, the Glasgow LH?

The chat seems to be that it is a done deal, but we won't be announcing signings until promotion is secure. Think Hamilton, Du Plessis, Faingaa, Schatz and Meehan also fall into that category of being done, but not official yet.

[George Carlin]

No nothing Official on Reid. Would be a decent addition though and hopefully works out a little better than Cross did.

Not sure it was test worries last year that did for Cowan. It just wasn't a happy ship at looking in from the outside. Easy to happen when you're losing most of your games and under pressure from relegation, but seemed like things weren't right behind the scenes on top of that.

The difference between Reid and Cross is that Reid is on the upswing in his career and Jazzy Geoff was on the gentle decline. 

I'm not sure that it was very sensible to let Reid go but I suspect that Rennie is bringing a couple of massive Pacific Islanders with him from the Chiefs, who presumably are tremendous value for money in comparison to a current test player (with the premium that must bring).

[Margin_Walker]

Just home from lunch at Hazelwood.  TBC and Williams are going nowhere.  

Any gossip?

No gossip really, just general chat, a few points that I can recall are;-

- Kendo does no coaching, he just oversees it all.  Coaching is in the main lead by Dec, Dodge and Clark.
- TC was doomed to failure from the start last year.  All the coaching in pre season was geared towards summer rugby, but with the season not starting until late October after the World Cup, there was no real opportunity to play that way and by the time TC tried to change it it was too late.  I was also told his man management was not good, in complete contrast to the Doc, who is very direct both with praise and criticism, but at least you can discuss the criticism with him and work out how to improve.
- Lewi is good to go and likely to be in the 22 vs. Scottish.
- The new Tongan number 8 looks lively.  Not as heavy set as Trev but big enough and very mobile.  Was running some excellent lines in training.
- Recruitment for next season is going well.
- Real buzz about the place, players seem really happy.
- League run in I wouldn't expect to see a huge mount of rotation.  Best team for the job will be getting picked.
- B&I Cup we want to win, but are intending on sticking with the youngsters.

Interesting cheers.

Stating the obvious a bit, but it was hardly a secret that the season started in October. Will be great to have Lewington back as we've missed his spark behind

[SirBurger]

The most shocking thing about the Coventry regime is that they seemed so oblivious to the most obvious of points (season not starting until October, the fact that there was relegation in the Premiership, the fact that Northern Hemisphere players don't necessarily have the same skill set as All Blacks).

[Ozzy3213]

The year away seems to have done you wonders and I imagine you'll come back refreshed and ready to really challenge.

There seems to be some real quality linked to you also, have you signed Reid, the Glasgow LH?

We've certainly cut some of the dead wood and there is a real buzz about the place. Whether we can push on next season if we get promoted remains to be seen. I think even with the recruitment that I know about we are a couple of players away from being properly competitive.

[Smudge21]

Ozzy do you know if schatz or Meehan are English qualified as I think we'll struggle to meet the EQP limit. Everything sounds pretty positive though which is good and can't wait to see Lewi back! New back row will be interesting to watch as well. Has Nayalo fallen out of favour or been injured?

[SirBurger]

Schatz has been capped so he definitely isn't EQP. Meehan may well be though. Not sure about Nayalo. I think the coaches probably see long term promise in him, but he looks like he needs another season playing regular Rugby at a slightly lower level before he can really cause damage in the Premiership.

I totally agree with Ozzy's assessment above. I think the new signings quite clearly add depth to the squad and should all be pushing to start. They will definitely put us in a much better position than in previous years should we suffer a spate of injuries. I think that is a good strategy as it is where we have lacked in the past. Having said that, if we are still looking to add an outside centre and possibly one more back rower I would like these to ideally be signings that really add something we are currently lacking and can elevate the starting XV to another level.

[Margin_Walker]

Good point. Completely passed me by that Schatz was capped. Bench appearances against Arg and Ire in 2014.

Guessing Meehan may be though. Read that his older brother was over here playing youth football for Sheffield Wednesday before suffering a brain injury in road accident in 2010. Will be interesting to see which 9s are on the way out as you'd assume we would be left with 3 senior players and Brand. Steele, Meehan, McKibbin with Murphy and Allinson leaving? Although I'm not aware of McKibbin renewing yet.

[SirBurger]

I would be very surprised if McKibbin didn't renew. I think he has been good and he fits the way we want to play quite nicely. He has a very good box kick in particular.

[Smudge21]

Really hoping that McKibbin will renew as he's an experienced players who's box kicking could prove vital in keeping us up next year. He also offers us a completely different style to someone like Steele who's got more of a running game.

If mckibbin does stay it looks like it will be Allinson and Murphy who are leaving. Shame as allinson has stuck by us but has never quite reached his potential and Murphy I'm sure is a good player but perhaps championship is his level. Particularly if Brand lives up to the hype he seems to be getting then it's probably best for Murphy. Gives us a nice blend of experience and youth at scrum half

[Margin_Walker]

Well that's one down. Allinson to Bath at the end of the season. Good luck to him, hope it goes well.

[Ozzy3213]

So of the current 9's Steele is signed for next season, as is Brand.  Allinson off, Murphy doesn't look as if he'll be renewed so just waiting on McKibs re-signing.

[Ozzy3213]

Ball signed by the current squad up for auction for charity....

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201826765748

[Ozzy3213]

Comfortable win at the weekend, I thought the new lads Koloamatangi and Chawatama both looked decent acquisitions, as does McNally who was very good off the bench.

Big game this week, will be interesting to see if Lewi starts again or if the rest him to ease him back in. I think Fiji Joe may be available this week as there is no under 20s game, so he could come in on that wing with potentially Lewi is the 22 jersey. I'd also give serious consideration to giving Tom Parton the full back jersey if Tommy Bell isn't fit, as he's been excellent for England and Greig Tonks was a bit hit and miss on Saturday.

[stnick88]

Whilst it is great to keep winning, I was really disappointed with Saturdays performance as were a lot of people around me. A lot of going through the motions it seemed. Comfortable win in the end and we always seemed like we could raise our game when needed but that isn't what we want to see really. Conditions didn't make it easy but still there was a lot of basic errors made.

Tonks was beyond poor. Definitely like to see Parton given a go at 15, and if not, then Ransom.

[Ozzy3213]

I agree it wasn't a brilliant performance, but it was comfortable, and I guess that is the problem we face. We can only play what is in front of us and maintaining a high standard when you're not being pushed must be tough.

Hopefully we will hit a higher level this coming week up in Leeds, as they will certainly be fired up having just lost two on the bounce.

[stnick88]

agreed. is it on SKY?

[Ecksile]

agreed. is it on SKY?

Yes!

[Ecksile]

Whilst it is great to keep winning, I was really disappointed with Saturdays performance as were a lot of people around me. A lot of going through the motions it seemed. Comfortable win in the end and we always seemed like we could raise our game when needed but that isn't what we want to see really. Conditions didn't make it easy but still there was a lot of basic errors made.

Tonks was beyond poor. Definitely like to see Parton given a go at 15, and if not, then Ransom.

From my own point of view it is easy to come away thinking that was poor. The fact is that we've spent the last few seasons watching some really dire rugby at times. It's difficult now to not have the expectancy to see the free flowing rugby from the Mapasua era.

But, the facts are exactly as Ozzy says. We have scored 5 point wins in all bar 3 games. We are 15 points ahead of 2nd place and 27 ahead of 3rd.

The manner we play I guess reflects Mr Venters input, and we win the games. I can remember watching Sarries play at Watford a few times with the chant of "boring boring Sarries" because of their constant kicking for territory. Have to say I wouldn't mind being where they are now.

So before any complaints, just take a deep breath and enjoy the wins for what they are; try and forget what hangs over the whole season, the infernal play offs

[king_carlos]

How's Seb de Chaves been doing for you this season out of interest?

He was a deserved fan favourite at Welford Road but it was understandable that he wanted more game time.

[Smudge21]

Becoming a real fans favourite down here too. Been really impressed, great line out operator, great defence, puts in big shifts and is a real leader out on the pitch!

[SirBurger]

De Chaves has been very good and is definitely leadership material. I think he will be a central part of our pack for years to come.

Ranger would be a great signing, although he feels more like a 'cherry on the top' player which maybe doesn't quite fit in with BV and co's recruitment strategy. He has been one of my favourite players to watch for years though, so would be delighted to see him in green and he would certainly add some x-factor to a backline which currently needs it.

[Margin_Walker]

Have I missed a Ranger rumour somewhere?

Big game at the weekend. Barring a mini collapse we should finish top, but losing to a team we have a good chance of meeting in the final would definitely increase the end of season jitters. Hoping we just get the job done with no drama.

[SirBurger]

Was mentioned on the rumours thread, but I posted here re. Ranger.

This weekend really is the biggest test so far. Yorkshire in a bad run, but will surely raise things. I hope to see:

1. Court
2. Paice
3. Franks
4. De Chaves
5. McNally
6. Coman
7. Cowan
8. Treviranus

9. McKibbin
10. Marshall
11. Tikoirotuma
12. Williams
13. Mulchrone
14. Lewington
15. Tonks

Bench: Porecki, Hobbs-Awoyemi, Chatawamba, Lloyd (assume Robson still out), Koloamatangi, Allinson, Ransom

[Margin_Walker]

Was mentioned on the rumours thread, but I posted here re. Ranger.

Ah, found it. Would be interesting to see what the source is.

Either way, on the off chance it did happen, he'd be a lot of fun.

[Smudge21]

Would love ranger at 13 for us, I'm hoping we find one or two little gems from super rugby this season similar to Bristol signing Woodward as the backs out there still have far superior skill to any of our lads.

Need to send out a statement this weekend, in front of the sky cameras so all eyes will be on us. We were very rusty last week so hopefully that's sorted out, I would go with...

Court
Paice
Franks
De chaves
Mcnally ( very impressed last week)
Coman
Cowan
Treviranus

Mckibbin
Marshall
Ransom
Williams
Mulchrone
Lewington
Tonks

Porecki
Hobbs-Awoyemi
Chawatama
Llyod
Koloamatangi
Steele
Tiks

P.S is Venter involved at all during six nations period or are we not gonna see him till after six nations?

[SirBurger]

Doubt BV is involved. Hopefully we get him for all of the play off games though.

[stnick88]

anyone but Tonks! please!

McNally needs to start. Lloyd is so lightweight and it affects our pack.

[Smudge21]

Only player who could play at 15 other than Tonks is Ransom as everyone else is unavailable I believe. Parton is potentially available and he's been doing very well for under 20's but to soon to start him Imo

[stnick88]

Tonks will start but I'd be tempted to go Ransom and Tiks/Lewi on wings.

Doesn't make a huge amount of difference as I imagine most of our points will come from rolling maul tries.

[Smudge21]

Would certainly be a very potent back 3 although potentially suspect defensively. If I remember rightly Yorkshires forwards were pretty good when we played then and the packs were relatively even so could all come down to the backs which worries me a little bit....

[SirBurger]

As you say, Tonks will start, so almost not worth questioning it. If he does have to play, I wonder whether switching him and Marshall around might be a better bet. I also really hope McNally comes in.

[Ozzy3213]

Good win yesterday, with the youngsters all playing well. Semi final on 2nd April against Jersey Reds.

Will be interesting to see what side we put out this week against Cornish Pirates. Certainly the heavy artillery will return in the pack, but the back line is anyone's guess. Of particular interest will be the full back jersey, with Bell still out and I believe Tonks not 100%. I think I would prefer either Parton (if we can get him back from England) or Atkins at 15 over Ransom, as they are 15/10's whereas Ransom is a 15/14/11 which changes the way we are structured to play, with a second playmaker at full back.

I suspect Fergus will move in to 12 in Johnny's absence with either Ciaran Hearn or Tiks at 13, but I am told that Ross Neal was excellent yesterday, and I wonder whether him and Fergus paired together in the centre may actually be a more solid midfield than either of the other potential combinations.

[Smudge21]

I was very impressed by Neal yesterday, have to say whenever I've previously seen him he's never really stood out but yesterday I thought he was top notch as was Williams and Atkins. In the pack I thought Gilly, Llyod and Hoskins all put in great shifts. Mcnally was impressive too.

If bell and Tonks are still out next week then I would like to see a team of..

Court
Paice
Franks
De chaves
Robson
Gilsenan
Cowan
Trev

Mckibbin
Marshall
Tiks
Neal
Mulchrone
Lewington
Ransom

Porecki
Hobbs-Awoyemi ( great impact yesterday)
Chawatama
Llyod/Mcnally
Koloamatangi
Steele
Atkins

[Ozzy3213]

I've heard a lot of people saying Hoskins was excellent yesterday, I wonder whether he might have earned himself a spot on the bench next week ahead of Chawatama.

With Bell definitely missing and Tonks not certain to play, this would be my XV for next week...

Atkins
Lewington
Hearn
Mulchrone
Tikoroituma
Marshall
Steele

Court
Paice
Franks
de Chaves
Robson
Coman
Cowan
Treviranus

Porecki
Hobbs-Awoyemi
Hoskins
McNally
Gilsenan
McKibbin
Ransom

[SirBurger]

England under 18s beat Scotland this weekend. Basham started at 8 for England and interestingly Harry Butler started in the second row for Scotland.

[Ozzy3213]

They were our lock pairing in last year's U18 title winning side when they were both still U17s. Bodes well for their potential future development.

[Smudge21]

Excellent opening half hour on Saturday, certainly some of the best rugby I've seen us play in a long time, and defence held on in second half.

On a different note, wouldn't call it a rumour but saw something of Facebook mentioning Lasha lomidze the Georgian number 8 to us next season..

[SirBurger]

Excellent opening half hour on Saturday, certainly some of the best rugby I've seen us play in a long time, and defence held on in second half.

On a different note, wouldn't call it a rumour but saw something of Facebook mentioning Lasha lomidze the Georgian number 8 to us next season..

That would be a very interesting signing. What was said exactly?

[Smudge21]

Some lad from Georgia was asking some of our fans via Facebook whether it's true he's moving to us. Obviously we've all heard nothing but seems like that's the rumour in Georgia. Obviously though it's just a rumour and a weak one at that. Would he be a good signing though as personally haven't heard much about him?

[SirBurger]

Also don't know loads about him but he's a unit size wise. Covers lock on the bench for Georgia but a great clip on YouTube of him running through the Emerging Ireland defence for a try in 2015. I would expect him to be a first choice 8 for us, but a lot would depend on how well he settles into the group.

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