Irish Provinces NEWS & GOSSIP thread 2016-17

[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.

[GunsGermsV2]

Poor Keatley

[marty2086]

Surprised about Keatley being retained I thought he was signed up in France somewhere? Expected Ryan to be retained and the talking about it all in the media was he and Munster trying to put pressure on the IRFU

How are things looking with Bill Johnston? Is he out injured again?

[Golden]

Where's Madigan off to? Thought he was meant to be a big prospect?

[profitius]

Johnston is injured again as is JJ Hanrahan and with Bleyendaal's injury record, I'd say thats why Keatley was signed.


John Madigan just cannot stay fit. He picks up injury after injury. Maybe a change of enviornment will do him good. He is going to some French second division club.

[Rory_Gallagher]

Anyone watching the Munster game? Can't say I agree with commentary (or the referee) as Biggar was clearly obstructing the ball carrier.

[Seagultaf]

Anyone watching the Munster game? Can't say I agree with commentary (or the referee) as Biggar was clearly obstructing the ball carrier.

This is one of the mysteries of Rugby Laws, the ball carrier dummied a pass to Biggar just before the tackle. The intention of a dummy pass is to induce the defender to tackle the wrong player, but if he does then it's tackling a player without the ball and a penalty! Somehow this does not seem right.

[geoff999rugby]

Salli tackled Biggar.
His actions suggest he was not trying to tackle the ball carrier so hence no obstruction.

I reckon the ref was spot on

[profitius]

If Saili didn't tackle him he might have won a penalty for crossing.

[geoff999rugby]

Absolutely true but he did so he got penalised

[Sin é]

Munster are set to post a surplus of €310,000.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/boost-as-munster-to-post-310000-surplus-451963.html

So, what are you guys going to bitch about Munster going forward, now that you can't beat us with that stick

[marty2086]

Must be some creative accounting going on in Limerick

You guys still owe the IRFU a few million don't you?

[Sin é]

Must be some creative accounting going on in Limerick

You guys still owe the IRFU a few million don't you?

5 & 10 year tickets (about 2000) on sale now. That should help help clear most the debt.

[marty2086]

Better late then never sure

[Sin é]

According to Indo Rassie on is way back to South Africa with Jacques also heading back.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/munster-rugby/munster-reeling-as-rassie-erasmus-gets-ready-to-pack-bags-35840112.html

[marty2086]

At what point does the 6 month escape clause become detrimental to the provinces?

[Pete330v2]

That's a bit of a shocker alright but they must have been made some big promises back in South Africa.

It's a bit of a change that the IRFU get shafted by a Bok mind you, it's usually the other way around.

[geoff999rugby]

At what point does the 6 month escape clause become detrimental to the provinces?

Already is - lost us, collectively, many a good coach

[Golden]

Saili has signed for Quins. Is Taute still at Munster next season?

[marty2086]

At what point does the 6 month escape clause become detrimental to the provinces?

Already is - lost us, collectively, many a good coach

Should have clarified it as, when does it in the eyes of the IRFU

[Pete330v2]

Don't Panic folks, our replacement for Ruan looks like being an international player after Saturday's match v Japan.
There, the IRFU have fixed everything.

[marty2086]

He can cover 10 too now, it's like Ruan Lite

[Sin é]

Saili has signed for Quins. Is Taute still at Munster next season?

Yes. Just need a new lock to replace D Ryan and a backup TH now.

[GunsGermsV2]

That's a bit of a shocker alright but they must have been made some big promises back in South Africa.

It's a bit of a change that the IRFU get shafted by a Bok mind you, it's usually the other way around.

CJ Van Der Linde.

[Pete330v2]

That's a bit of a shocker alright but they must have been made some big promises back in South Africa.

It's a bit of a change that the IRFU get shafted by a Bok mind you, it's usually the other way around.

CJ Van Der Linde.

Nope, doesn't count due to rules I've just created in my head...

[Don Alfonso]

So Rassie's gone. Apparently before the start of the season .

Typical amateur-hour Ulster. This would never have happened at Leinster or Munster. Etc etc.

[Sin é]

So Rassie's gone. Apparently before the start of the season .

Typical amateur-hour Ulster. This would never have happened at Leinster or Munster. Etc etc.

It happens all the time with Munster - Declan Kidney, Jim Williams, Tony McGahan for starters left before their contracts were up as they were called up by their home country.

I think every coach must have that clause in their contract - if they get an offer from their home country's national team they will be released.

[profitius]

I hope this gets sorted soon. Its really dragging on at this stage though I would presume they'll do a deal so he will be gone before the start of the season.

[marty2086]

So Rassie's gone. Apparently before the start of the season .

Typical amateur-hour Ulster. This would never have happened at Leinster or Munster. Etc etc.

It happens all the time with Munster - Declan Kidney, Jim Williams, Tony McGahan for starters left before their contracts were up as they were called up by their home country.

I think every coach must have that clause in their contract - if they get an offer from their home country's national team they will be released.

Nothing to do with national teams, every coach under the IRFU structure has a 6 month release clause, it's how Pat Lam was able to leave for Bristol. He stated himself he was happy at Connacht but the IRFU wouldnt take the clause out as it is a two way clause so he went for the greater financial security at Bristol

[Sin é]

Rassie and Jacques leaving Munster to go back to SA at the end of December.

[Rory_Gallagher]

Rassie and Jacques leaving Munster to go back to SA at the end of December.

Half way through the season? What a disaster.

[Sin é]

Rassie and Jacques leaving Munster to go back to SA at the end of December.

Half way through the season? What a disaster.

Not so bad if the next coach is coming from SH (after Super Rugby / ITM Cup).

Munster will be down to two (inexperienced) coaches - Fla & Felix. A bit annoyned that Rassie decided not to recruit a Head Coach to replace Axel. That would have been something.

[marty2086]

Rassie and Jacques leaving Munster to go back to SA at the end of December.

Half way through the season? What a disaster.

Not so bad if the next coach is coming from SH (after Super Rugby / ITM Cup).

Munster will be down to two (inexperienced) coaches - Fla & Felix. A bit annoyned that Rassie decided not to recruit a Head Coach to replace Axel. That would have been something.

If the SARU were sniffing around maybe he felt he wasn't the right person to do that if he wasn't going to be there to follow through, another DoR coming in may have not got a long with the new Head Coach and you are getting rid of them and finding a replacement and its a vicious cycle

Talk of POC being brought up from the academy but seems a bit soon

[Sin é]

Rassie and Jacques leaving Munster to go back to SA at the end of December.

Half way through the season? What a disaster.

Not so bad if the next coach is coming from SH (after Super Rugby / ITM Cup).

Munster will be down to two (inexperienced) coaches - Fla & Felix. A bit annoyned that Rassie decided not to recruit a Head Coach to replace Axel. That would have been something.

If the SARU were sniffing around maybe he felt he wasn't the right person to do that if he wasn't going to be there to follow through, another DoR coming in may have not got a long with the new Head Coach and you are getting rid of them and finding a replacement and its a vicious cycle

Talk of POC being brought up from the academy but seems a bit soon

Rassie promoted Fla (to Forwards coach) & Felix (backs coach). I'd imagine Rassie will also have to recruit his successor anyway.

[GunsGermsV2]

Looks like the cheetahs and southern kings will join the oro 12 in sept

[marty2086]

Sin that was when he first came in though, I doubt he was considering leaving at that point

[Sin é]

Sin that was when he first came in though, I doubt he was considering leaving at that point

Axel brought Fla in (as Scrum Coach). Rassie brought Felix in as a technical coach. Both were promoted last month. (Fla Forwards, Felix Backs coach).

[marty2086]

Sin that was when he first came in though, I doubt he was considering leaving at that point

Axel brought Fla in (as Scrum Coach). Rassie brought Felix in as a technical coach. Both were promoted last month. (Fla Forwards, Felix Backs coach).

Apologies Sin, that one I had missed

Was it Rassie, Munster or the IRFU though? I know Dublin are keen to promote Irish coaches through the setups, it worked wonders at Ulster

[Marshes]

Not related to the provinces but Stringer is signing a short-terms deal with Worcester, will keep him playing past 40th birthday: http://www.the42.ie/peter-stringer-40-contract-3505444-Jul2017/

Absolute legend.

[GunsGermsV2]

Yeah Stringer is class. unreal character.

[Marshes]

Rory Scoles to Connacht:
http://www.the42.ie/connacht-snap-up-former-ulster-winger-from-edinburgh-3535818-Aug2017/

No brainer for us, didn't have the best time at Edinburgh but was playing really well for Ulster before he left.

Thought maybe Ulster would come back in for him actually, considering Bowe and Trimble are closing in on retirement. Some great players coming through in Stockdale and Little though so would have been in much the same position he was before he left.

[George Carlin]

Key questions for me this year:

1. Who will take over at 10 for Ulster if the worst happens?
2. Can Munster produce in the backline what the forwards can make happen in the rest of the pitch?
3. Will Ulster fans ever really cheer up on these boards?
4. Can Connacht bounce back?
5. How does Leinster give enough game time to their young stable of talent?
6. Seriously though. Will Ulster fans ever turn that frown upside down?

[Pete330v2]

Key questions for me this year:

1. Who will take over at 10 for Ulster if the worst happens?
2. Can Munster produce in the backline what the forwards can make happen in the rest of the pitch?
3. Will Ulster fans ever really cheer up on these boards?
4. Can Connacht bounce back?
5. How does Leinster give enough game time to their young stable of talent?
6. Seriously though. Will Ulster fans ever turn that frown upside down?

1. We'll find out today. Everything is pointing towards Stephen Donald but we'll see.

1. and 6. NO!!!! NEVER!!!!!! ULSTER SAYS NAT A CHANCE!!!!!

[marty2086]

Hey we're a cheery bunch up North! So you George

Hope that answers 3 and 6 for you

As to 1. The worst has happened and Ruans really gone but come back in a few hours and hopefully your question will be answered
If you get an answer to 5 can you send it to the folks at the Kingspan

[profitius]

Key questions for me this year:

1. Who will take over at 10 for Ulster if the worst happens?
2. Can Munster produce in the backline what the forwards can make happen in the rest of the pitch?
3. Will Ulster fans ever really cheer up on these boards?
4. Can Connacht bounce back?
5. How does Leinster give enough game time to their young stable of talent?
6. Seriously though. Will Ulster fans ever turn that frown upside down?

1 there's talk of Stephen Donald. A former all black would be a good addition.

2. Munster have a very good backline now with some shrewd signings over the summer. It all depends on the coach and whoever the new coach is.

4. Last season was a bit of a mess for them. I think they'll improve performances but not hit the heights of their championship will season plus other teams have improved since then.

5. They'll get plenty of opportunities because of the way the league is. James Ryan is the one to watch this season for them. Potentially the best Irish second row since POC in my opinion.

3 & 6. I Lol'd at number 6. I suppose the season is off to a bad start but they've still plenty to look forward to. New coaches, some cracking talent in the backline etc. I think they've suffered from having big egos and personality clashes throughout the place last season. The new coaches will at least build team moral.

[Marshes]

Key questions for me this year:

1. Who will take over at 10 for Ulster if the worst happens?
2. Can Munster produce in the backline what the forwards can make happen in the rest of the pitch?
3. Will Ulster fans ever really cheer up on these boards?
4. Can Connacht bounce back?
5. How does Leinster give enough game time to their young stable of talent?
6. Seriously though. Will Ulster fans ever turn that frown upside down?

On point 4, hopefully better than the dross we served up last season, but I don't think we can bounce back to championship contender heights, that was a one off. Backline is looking good with Marmion, TOH and Aki but fly-half is a concern. Carty has been solid in there but I can't see him going much further and after him it's a drop-off (if Ulster rated him surely they would be looking at him now!).

Some great quality in the pack but the leadership of Muldowney is difficult to replace and although we have two capped second rows they are both ballasts rather than organisers. Starting front row is solid but drops off on the replacements, and we still not sure what the best backrow combo is.

I'd say a quarter final place would be a mighty achievement for the new coach!

[profitius]

Key questions for me this year:

1. Who will take over at 10 for Ulster if the worst happens?
2. Can Munster produce in the backline what the forwards can make happen in the rest of the pitch?
3. Will Ulster fans ever really cheer up on these boards?
4. Can Connacht bounce back?
5. How does Leinster give enough game time to their young stable of talent?
6. Seriously though. Will Ulster fans ever turn that frown upside down?

On point 4, hopefully better than the dross we served up last season, but I don't think we can bounce back to championship contender heights, that was a one off. Backline is looking good with Marmion, TOH and Aki but fly-half is a concern. Carty has been solid in there but I can't see him going much further and after him it's a drop-off (if Ulster rated him surely they would be looking at him now!).

Some great quality in the pack but the leadership of Muldowney is difficult to replace and although we have two capped second rows they are both ballasts rather than organisers. Starting front row is solid but drops off on the replacements, and we still not sure what the best backrow combo is.

I'd say a quarter final place would be a mighty achievement for the new coach!

Are Peter Claffey and Cillian Gallagher in the frame this season? I was impressed by those two.

[Marshes]

Would be delighted if they make the step up, it will only be a matter of time if they continue their Ireland u20 form! At one time or another both have been excellent opposite James Ryan

Aside from Dillane and Roux, Connacht have signed Gavin Thornbury back from NZ who, along with Andrew Browne, will probably be ahead of them in the pecking order.

But with one or both of Dillane and Roux at Irish camps I think they will make the breakthrough. Gallagher could also see time in the backrow.

But as far as I'm aware neither has been officially called up to the senior squad yet.

[George Carlin]

Thanks for the answers!

[Rory_Gallagher]

Would be delighted if they make the step up, it will only be a matter of time if they continue their Ireland u20 form! At one time or another both have been excellent opposite James Ryan

Aside from Dillane and Roux, Connacht have signed Gavin Thornbury back from NZ who, along with Andrew Browne, will probably be ahead of them in the pecking order.

But with one or both of Dillane and Roux at Irish camps I think they will make the breakthrough. Gallagher could also see time in the backrow.

But as far as I'm aware neither has been officially called up to the senior squad yet.

I hope to see Sean O'Brien continue to progress. He needs more consistent game time but he looks like a proper tough and abrasive blindside flanker. Do you see a big future for him?

[Marshes]

Would be delighted if they make the step up, it will only be a matter of time if they continue their Ireland u20 form! At one time or another both have been excellent opposite James Ryan

Aside from Dillane and Roux, Connacht have signed Gavin Thornbury back from NZ who, along with Andrew Browne, will probably be ahead of them in the pecking order.

But with one or both of Dillane and Roux at Irish camps I think they will make the breakthrough. Gallagher could also see time in the backrow.

But as far as I'm aware neither has been officially called up to the senior squad yet.

I hope to see Sean O'Brien continue to progress. He needs more consistent game time but he looks like a proper tough and abrasive blindside flanker. Do you see a big future for him?

Yep SOB 2.0 is another lad with great promise, bit of a wrecking ball! We had been fairly stacked in the backrow last two years so he hasn't been able to nail down his place, but when he is fit he is either starting or one of the first subs on. I'd have himself Heenan and Muldoon as starting 6/7/8, but we have Masterson, McKeon, Connolly, Dawai, and now Jarrad Butler competing there.

Wouldn't have been a bad move for one of SOB, Masterson, Connolly or McKeon to head to Ulster this year actually with Chris Henry and Robbie Diack kicking on, seems like ye could be a bit short on depth in the backrow, unless there is some lads coming through that Ulster don't want to block the development of? In fact I was surprised Dom Ryan didn't travel north instead of going to Leicester, seemed an obvious move for the Nucifora doctrine (whatever that is).

Also any word on a replacement for Paddy yet?

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