Ulster 2016/2017

by **Notch** Tue May 24, 2016 6:08 pm

First topic message reminder :

The build up to Ulsters gloriously successful 2016/2017 campaign starts here!

Allow summer optimism to get the better of you or discuss why we are in crisis right here on this thread- before weary resignation over the quality of forwards we have sinks in once again.

by geoff999rugby Mon Dec 12, 2016 9:59 am

On another matter I posted some disappointment re Treadwell and reading back on it I think I worded it badly.

It is not that the club think he has not got the capability it is just that when he arrived he seemed to be a year behind where they expected him to be.
He showed some signs of that on Saturday and hopefully he will make a good contribution next year.
Look how much progress Herbst, Reidy and Browne have made in their time here

by The Great Aukster Mon Dec 12, 2016 10:15 am

Don Alfonso wrote:Are Ulster actively looking for Southern nines? Well, we have Angus Lloyd and Dave Shanahan in the squad at the moment. So I'd say yes. We have also had Ian Porter (twice), Michael Heaney and, I think, Blane Whatsisname kicking about. Not one if that five is better than Paul Marshall (currently). I think we had Cillian Willis behind Boss, but it may have been Pienaar too

Geoff is right - backrowers from Leinster would rather be part of Leinster seconds than Ulster firsts. Their frustrated backs have no problem filling the Connacht and Munster backlines. But we don't need backs.

Who was the last Southern player already on a professional contract who came North? There seems to be much more willingness to move around the three Southern provinces.

You mentioned him! - Cillian Willis from Leinster. The only others I can think of were Ronan McCormack from Connacht and Eric Miller from Leinster?

by Maine man Mon Dec 12, 2016 10:26 am

What's the situation with contracts for the Leinster back rows? I thought Murphy, Ryan and Conan were up this season. I'd take any one of them. Also what about Irish qualified players in France and England. It still annoys me that Hart joined Racing Metro last summer.

by marty2086 Mon Dec 12, 2016 10:34 am

Maine man wrote:What's the situation with contracts for the Leinster back rows? I thought Murphy, Ryan and Conan were up this season. I'd take any one of them. Also what about Irish qualified players in France and England. It still annoys me that Hart joined Racing Metro last summer.

Racing bought out the last year of his contract, not sure the IRFU would see that as a good business move.

While he is IQ he is also French qualified, his mother is French so he may see himself as more French and want to play for them. Goal kicking 9s go down quite well there

by Cyril Mon Dec 12, 2016 10:34 am

geoff999rugby wrote:
Cyril wrote:I'd be interested to hear how happy Ulster, the players and the province in general feel about geoff's 'News of the World' teasers about sensitive issues around the squad.

Do they know about his loose mouth?

I certainly wouldn't be happy with someone saying this:

"Bad - There could be some Poopie to hit the fan over something which I just cant say at the moment"

geoff, I know you enjoy your 'I'm close to Ulster and i love to give you the inside gossip' but you've stepped over the line again.

I've emailed Ulster rugby. I await their reply.

Prat - you could have read the Sunday Times which has reported on a number of problems at Ulster in recent weeks.
It was only after my friend told me of the articles that I posted something here and made enquires
I have since heard something that expands on one of issues which I have yet to get confirmed - it is not me that put issues in the public domain it was the Sunday Times.

The Pienaer row has not been made public but the club have no problem with that being made aware to a wider audience

Have you written to Ulster concerning the reporting in the Sunday Times - it is them that have put many of the issues into the public domain not me.

I only post here something that is in the public domain or something that I feel confident the club would not object to.
For example I know the team a day before it is announced but the club do not want that leaked out so I don't

The club will laugh at your Email and ignore it

One thing I will say though - do not assume geoff is my real name - it is just a label just like most on here

Fair enough

by Pete330v2 Mon Dec 12, 2016 10:38 am

"Ruan's main interest is not messing up his citizenship application... UR have told IRFU they intend to offer another contract.. brad pitt is hitting fan.."

Any substance to this anyone? Tis from t'other forum. They are also saying on there that a press conference has been called for Wednesday.

by marty2086 Mon Dec 12, 2016 10:53 am

If Ulster go against the IRFU would they then take action regarding the likes of Central Contracts?

Would they go so far as only offering them if players moved provinces?

Geoff is the hope that if Pienaar stays he will be on the coaching team too or is that the retirement plans? As Leinster were able to resign Nacewa as a player/coach

by humphstheman Mon Dec 12, 2016 11:32 am

Geoff,

any links to those Sunday Times articles?

Thanks

by Guest Mon Dec 12, 2016 1:11 pm

rapidsnowman wrote:Do you think the Russians might be involved somehow?

"It's Russia's fault" The go to excuse for Doak and Clarke. I like that Smile

by geoff999rugby Mon Dec 12, 2016 1:42 pm

Sadly no links to the articles

The Irish Sunday Times is strickly subscription only

Pete Ruan is definitely seeking British citizenship and it is his intention to live here permanently if possible

Marty the original plan was Pienaer plays for 2 more years and then he wanted to move into coaching here.
That now could be changed but then you come up against the IRFU desire to see Irish coaches in key positions.
So not only are they forcing Pienaer out as a player but also as a coach and we get Doak instead. censored

by Don Alfonso Mon Dec 12, 2016 1:53 pm

Word on another forum is that a new coach (defence?) will be announced on Wednesday and that Windsor's off.

by geoff999rugby Mon Dec 12, 2016 2:10 pm

Don't know but neither would surprise me

Windsor has been so obviously out of his depth it has been a bit embarrassing

by Guest Mon Dec 12, 2016 2:26 pm

I don't believe there is any meeting/conference scheduled for Wednesday but, if there is, I doubt very much it's to tell the world that Windor's leaving.

Rumour's are growing. As above; we have allegedly signed a new defense coach last Friday, which will be confirmed Wednesday. Some are suggesting the possibility that the new coach could be Pienaar, with a view to taking over from Doak at the end of season. Maybe even as player coach?

All very interesting o0

by marty2086 Mon Dec 12, 2016 2:27 pm

Munchkin wrote:I don't believe there is any meeting/conference scheduled for Wednesday but, if there is, I doubt very much it's to tell the world that Windor's leaving.

Rumour's are growing. As above; we have allegedly signed a new defense coach last Friday, which will be confirmed Wednesday. Some are suggesting the possibility that the new coach could be Pienaar, with a view to taking over from Doak at the end of season. Maybe even as player coach?

All very interesting o0

And Muller to replace Clarke? Fingers Crossed

by Guest Mon Dec 12, 2016 2:28 pm

marty2086 wrote:
Munchkin wrote:I don't believe there is any meeting/conference scheduled for Wednesday but, if there is, I doubt very much it's to tell the world that Windor's leaving.

Rumour's are growing. As above; we have allegedly signed a new defense coach last Friday, which will be confirmed Wednesday. Some are suggesting the possibility that the new coach could be Pienaar, with a view to taking over from Doak at the end of season. Maybe even as player coach?

All very interesting o0

And Muller to replace Clarke?

Now that would be a great Christmas present Ulster 2016/2017 - Page 20 3602195817

by **rodders** Mon Dec 12, 2016 2:49 pm

Munchkin wrote:
Rumour's are growing. As above; we have allegedly signed a new defense coach last Friday, which will be confirmed Wednesday. Some are suggesting the possibility that the new coach could be Pienaar, with a view to taking over from Doak at the end of season. Maybe even as player coach?

Sure Pienaar can't tackle.... but then neither could ROG or Shaun Edwards and they did all right.... Smile

by Guest Mon Dec 12, 2016 3:23 pm

rodders wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
Rumour's are growing. As above; we have allegedly signed a new defense coach last Friday, which will be confirmed Wednesday. Some are suggesting the possibility that the new coach could be Pienaar, with a view to taking over from Doak at the end of season. Maybe even as player coach?

Sure Pienaar can't tackle.... but then neither could ROG or Shaun Edwards and they did all right....

Pienaar's tackling has improved over the last few months. Maybe preparing himself for his new role. Maybe his mini rant at Bowe is a sign of things to come? Smile

by Don Alfonso Mon Dec 12, 2016 3:29 pm

There is a press conference on Wednesday. I can confirm that.

by Guest Mon Dec 12, 2016 3:42 pm

Don Alfonso wrote:There is a press conference on Wednesday. I can confirm that.

oooohhhh ..... it has to be a good news conference then.

Will it be news on Pienaar? A new defense coach? Both? Who knows?

geoff? Ulster 2016/2017 - Page 20 3933776953

by geoff999rugby Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:05 pm

As I say I don't know.

New defensive coach seems the most likely

Whatever it is I hope it is good news.
Time to get back on the blower and ask around

by carpet baboon Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:05 pm

Nah we are getting a world record sponsorship deal from Donald trump. But we have to change our name to "the Mighty Trump Disciples" and a load of Russian players for next season

by Rory_Gallagher Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:05 pm

Don Alfonso wrote:There is a press conference on Wednesday. I can confirm that.

I've emailed Ulster rugby. I await their reply.

by Guest Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:10 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:As I say I don't know.

New defensive coach seems the most likely

Whatever it is I hope it is good news.
Time to get back on the blower and ask around

I agree, it's most likely a new defense coach.

by SecretFly Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:13 pm

Munchkin wrote:
Don Alfonso wrote:There is a press conference on Wednesday. I can confirm that.

oooohhhh ..... it has to be a good news conference then.

Will it be news on Pienaar? A new defense coach? Both? Who knows?

geoff?

Didn't Geoff hint that there's a big bit of bad news coming down the line with any good news? Maybe the bad bit has evaporated by now.

by Guest Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:17 pm

SecretFly wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
Don Alfonso wrote:There is a press conference on Wednesday. I can confirm that.

oooohhhh ..... it has to be a good news conference then.

Will it be news on Pienaar? A new defense coach? Both? Who knows?

geoff?

Didn't Geoff hint that there's a big bit of bad news coming down the line with any good news? Maybe the bad bit has evaporated by now.

I read it as more explosive than bad, although maybe bad for one side. If Ulster sign Pienaar, and against the dictate of IRFU, that would be great news for supporters, but bad for Ulster/IRFU relations.

I'm thinking it's unlikely to be bad news coming out a few days before a massive game v Clermont. Can only hope I'm right.

by marty2086 Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:19 pm

Is there not normally a midweek press conference before games?

by **rodders** Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:19 pm

Munchkin wrote:
I agree, it's most likely a new defense coach.

Ulster are leaving the IRFU and moving to Natal, where'll they'll play their home games from 2018 onwards in Pienaar's back garden.

by geoff999rugby Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:19 pm

You may or may not hear the bad news, at the moment it is no more than idle chatter, albeit from a usually reliable source.

Then again they may well be developments I've not heard about

Logan, Cunningham and Kiss don't tell me everything Laugh

Come to think about it - those three tell me nothing Rolling Eyes

by geoff999rugby Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:20 pm

rodders wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
I agree, it's most likely a new defense coach.

Ulster are leaving the IRFU and moving to Natal, where'll they'll play their home games from 2018 onwards in Pienaar's back garden.

Could do worse I have a cousin in South Africa I could visit from September to May

Bit of a trip from Cape Town for home matches though !

by Guest Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:21 pm

rodders wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
I agree, it's most likely a new defense coach.

Ulster are leaving the IRFU and moving to Natal, where'll they'll play their home games from 2018 onwards in Pienaar's back garden.

Will the games still be Friday 7:35? Otherwise I will have to move mad

by marty2086 Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:21 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:You may or may not hear the bad news, at the moment it is no more than idle chatter, albeit from a usually reliable source.

Then again they may well be developments I've not heard about

Logan, Cunningham and Kiss don't tell me everything

Come to think about it - those three tell me nothing

How about we have a whip round and put it in their xmas cards and see if they are more talkative with you then Geoff?

by geoff999rugby Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:22 pm

marty2086 wrote:Is there not normally a midweek press conference before games?

No which does suggest some substantial news - Windsor leaving doesn't quite cut it !

by SecretFly Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:25 pm

marty2086 wrote:
geoff999rugby wrote:You may or may not hear the bad news, at the moment it is no more than idle chatter, albeit from a usually reliable source.

Then again they may well be developments I've not heard about

Logan, Cunningham and Kiss don't tell me everything

Come to think about it - those three tell me nothing

How about we have a whip round and put it in their xmas cards and see if they are more talkative with you then Geoff?

Geoff is the Gerry Thornley of Ulster Rugby. But he holds them damn cards closer to his chest. If Thornley had bad news, or any news, he'd simply tell it in case he was jumped to the scoop.

by geoff999rugby Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:27 pm

The press in Northern Ireland are useless - there is not one journalist in Northern Ireland who is in the know and is prepared to saying anything that offends the club.

That scenario doesn't apply to Thornley as he is not even in the know - probably trawl around here , twitter etc to make up stories from.

by **rodders** Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:28 pm

Munchkin wrote:
rodders wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
I agree, it's most likely a new defense coach.

Ulster are leaving the IRFU and moving to Natal, where'll they'll play their home games from 2018 onwards in Pienaar's back garden.

Will the games still be Friday 7:35? Otherwise I will have to move

Of course but unfortunately BBCNI won't be able to afford to send Stephen Watson and Maurice field to cover home games anymore Crying or Very sad

...

by marty2086 Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:44 pm

rodders wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
rodders wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
I agree, it's most likely a new defense coach.

Ulster are leaving the IRFU and moving to Natal, where'll they'll play their home games from 2018 onwards in Pienaar's back garden.

Will the games still be Friday 7:35? Otherwise I will have to move

Of course but unfortunately BBCNI won't be able to afford to send Stephen Watson and Maurice field to cover home games anymore ...

If Rorys going to the games Stephen will be there

by neilthom7 Mon Dec 12, 2016 5:11 pm

rodders wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
I agree, it's most likely a new defense coach.

Ulster are leaving the IRFU and moving to Natal, where'll they'll play their home games from 2018 onwards in Pienaar's back garden.

Least the weather will be better, Are translink putting on a train lol

by neilthom7 Mon Dec 12, 2016 5:14 pm

Maybe we could do a moving base every year, this year Natal next year we have them in Jared Payne's or Piatau's back yard, we are kind of a circus anyways maybe better take it on the road

by SecretFly Mon Dec 12, 2016 5:16 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:The press in Northern Ireland are useless - there is not one journalist in Northern Ireland who is in the know and is prepared to saying anything that offends the club.

That scenario doesn't apply to Thornley as he is not even in the know - probably trawl around here , twitter etc to make up stories from.

Sorry for the Thornley comparison there, Geoff - even below the belt for me Cool

But nope, Thornley definitely had a well placed deep throat within the IRFU/Senior Team coaches or Players at one time. After the Joe purges and some retirements, maybe less so now Whistle

by Guest Mon Dec 12, 2016 5:36 pm

rodders wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
rodders wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
I agree, it's most likely a new defense coach.

Ulster are leaving the IRFU and moving to Natal, where'll they'll play their home games from 2018 onwards in Pienaar's back garden.

Will the games still be Friday 7:35? Otherwise I will have to move

Of course but unfortunately BBCNI won't be able to afford to send Stephen Watson and Maurice field to cover home games anymore ...

As long as Gusher is there, all is well. Ulster just wouldn't be the same without him.

by geoff999rugby Mon Dec 12, 2016 9:32 pm

Something to depress you - we may well contest Pienaer going but lets be honest I cant see us winning this battle I suspect we will cave in.

Also a Frenchmen has posted elsewhere that Pienaer told him he is going to Montpelier
I cant believe Pienaer would tell a total stranger that so take with a kilo of salt.
However a thought has occurred to me what if his residency application has already been successful - 2 years in France would be ok he would just come back afterwards. Sorry

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