Ulster Rugby 2017-18

First topic message reminder :

Director of Rugby Les Kiss  
Head Coach Jono Gibbes  
Assistant Coach Dwayne Peel
Scrum Coach Aaron Dundon  
Skills Coach Niall Malone


Players In
John Cooney from Connacht
Schalk van der Merwe from Southern Kings
Jean Deysel from Sharks
David Busby promoted from Academy
Aaron Cairns promoted from Academy
Ross Kane promoted from Academy
Rob Lyttle promoted from Academy
Tommy O'Hagan promoted from Academy
Jack Owens promoted from Academy

Players Out
Franco van der Merwe to Cardiff Blues
Roger Wilson retired
Conor Joyce to Jersey Reds
Mark Best to Jersey Reds
Jonny Murphy to Rotherham Titans
Ruan Pienaar to Montpellier
John Donnan released
Lorcan Dow released
Ricky Lutton released
Stephen Mulholland released

Ulster Rugby 2017/18 Senior Playing Squad

Rodney Ah You (18 ULS, 3 IRE)
John Andrew (27 ULS)
Rory Best (198 ULS, 104 IRE)
Callum Black (128 ULS)
Tommy Bowe (150 ULS, 69 IRE)
Peter Browne (31 ULS)
David Busby (2 ULS)
Aaron Cairns (1 ULS)
Darren Cave (193 ULS, 11 IRE)
Marcell Coetzee (4 ULS, 28 SA)
John Cooney (0 ULS, 1 IRE)
Jean Deysel (0 ULS, 4 SA)
Robbie Diack (193 ULS, 2 IRE)
Craig Gilroy (149 ULS, 10 IRE)
Iain Henderson (74 ULS, 32 IRE)
Chris Henry (165 ULS, 24 IRE)
Wiehahn Herbst (54 ULS)
Rob Herring (120 ULS, 1 IRE)
Brett Herron (7 ULS)
Paddy Jackson (123 ULS, 25 IRE)
Ross Kane (11 ULS)
Louis Ludik (54 ULS)
Robert Lyttle (8 ULS)
Luke Marshall (104 ULS, 11 IRE)
Paul Marshall (195 ULS, 3 IRE)
Kyle McCall (36 ULS)
Stuart McCloskey (58 ULS, 1 IRE)
Johnny McPhillips
Peter Nelson (37 ULS)
Alan O'Connor (39 ULS)
Tommy O'Hagan
Stuart Olding (62 ULS, 4 IRE)
Jack Owens (1 ULS)
Callum Patterson
Jared Payne (78 ULS, 20 IRE)
Charles Piutau (23 ULS, 16 NZ)
Matthew Rea
Sean Reidy (58 ULS, 2 IRE)
Clive Ross (52 ULS)
David Shanahan (13 ULS)
Jonny Simpson (4 ULS)
Jacob Stockdale (24 ULS, 2 IRE)
Kieran Treadwell (21 ULS, 2 IRE)
Andrew Trimble (217 ULS, 70 IRE)
Schalk van der Merwe
Andrew Warwick (74 ULS)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40905247

A Christian turns out to be the Christian

lostinwales wrote:http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40905247

A Christian turns out to be the Christian

DUP bribe being put to good use.

What I'm looking forward to is Jim Neilly attempting to pronounce Leali'ifano correctly.
That being said the Sky commentary used to have problems with Pienaar so they should give us a few laughs.

Pete330v2 wrote:What I'm looking forward to is Jim Neilly attempting to pronounce Leali'ifano correctly.
That being said the Sky commentary used to have problems with Pienaar so they should give us a few laughs.

Not as bad as Stuart Barnes constantly talking about David Trimble

munkian wrote:

lostinwales wrote:http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40905247

A Christian turns out to be the Christian

DUP bribe being put to good use.

Inspite of what Theresa says she hasn't even given the DUP the cash yet.

They are not happy, so must be from another source

As an FYI if you haven't received your Season Ticket by tomorrow morning ring the ticket office, they should definitely be there by then

marty2086 wrote:

Pete330v2 wrote:What I'm looking forward to is Jim Neilly attempting to pronounce Leali'ifano correctly.
That being said the Sky commentary used to have problems with Pienaar so they should give us a few laughs.

Not as bad as Stuart Barnes constantly talking about David Trimble

Speaking of David.....I mean Andy Trimble, KOTH on t'other place has mentioned a 2 year contract for Angry Andrew to be announced. Maybe when they finally formally announce the Leali'ifano signing.

New kit launches today, so my guess is we will get an announcement tomorrow and another Wednesday then Wasps on Thursday night

By new kit do you mean last year's kit with the most subtle of tweaks and then sold at inflated prices because we can't get rid of Kukri
I hate Kukri, can you tell?

Pete330v2 wrote:By new kit do you mean last year's kit with the most subtle of tweaks and then sold at inflated prices because we can't get rid of Kukri
I hate Kukri, can you tell?

Thats exactly it and we've nicked Glasgows strip for our away kit

from todays aussie papers:

'While Lealiifano had been linked to Belfast club Ulster, the flyhalf insisted no deal had been confirmed.'

If accurate Logan has a lot to answer for - he has been saying for over a week now that everything is fine and all sorted

BBC NI reporting on it usually means it's a done deal, some of the reports said that Clinton Schicofske was the one who helped get the deal done as he's Lealifanos manager

If true lets hope he plays better Schiofske

Remember Matt Williams cowpat about Schiofske having this huge boot that was a sight to behold.

Certainly was he could couldn't kick it more than 30 yards and even then it was in a random direction

Matt Williams was special

Maybe my minds playing tricks in my old age but I have a recollection of a few big kicks from him

Hopefully this is a big punt from him that pays off

I wouldn't believe anything reported by the BBC sports journos until it's been confirmed by Ulster rugby. I'm sure they're right and I'm sure Logan's almost right that it's a done deal. When the T's are crossed I'm sure we'll hear as much from Ulster rugby.
I am still worried about such a short term signing. The legal processes could well drag out and come February we'll find ourselves back to square one. It's very short-sighted by Ulster Rugby IMO and could come back to bite them. I hope not but I'd not be surprised.
I also can't help but think the IRFU would have been scrambling to make every allowance Munster if they found themselves in a similar situation.

Saw the quote from Lealifano, he said the Ulster deal is something that's in the pipeline and this is from an article on him today

Canberra Times wrote:​The next step on his road back to his best could be a stint with Irish club Ulster, with a deal on the verge of being finalised to help Lealiifano get more game time before the next Super Rugby season

Given his medical history Im sure there are extra medical checks going on for insurance purposes and just to be sure. Then he'll need a work permit which delays things further.

Pete, on Munster they have Blyendaal, Keatley, Hanrahan, Johnstone plus Hart and Scannell who can cover 10. So if they had their first choice fly half unexpectedly unavailable they have decent back up. In too many positions Ulster can't say that

Doesn't the Japan season finish in January? Have Ulster got a long term target playing there with Lealifano covering until that person is free to join?

"Pete, on Munster they have Blyendaal, Keatley, Hanrahan, Johnstone plus Hart and Scannell who can cover 10. So if they had their first choice fly half unexpectedly unavailable they have decent back up. In too many positions Ulster can't say that"

I don't mean necessarily at out half but it just seems that Munster in particular are given more leeway by the IRFU when it comes to signing injury cover for example. Look at last season and how quickly they found their problems resolved. We're coming very close to gametime and still nothing concrete. I just have a bad feeling about the whole thing including the Leali'ifano signing (if it actually happens).

Munster got to sign players on short term deals when players became unavailable. Ulster are getting a player on a short term deal to cover a player being unavailable. What more leeway could they give especially when Ulster knew for a year that this possibility existed?

You just have to look at Munster with their depth at lock and in the backrow being linked with Beirne for next season yet Ulster don't seem to be sniffing around. There is an issue with long term planning regarding recruitment that will bite us in the backside again as it has at fly half

Try getting any of those player to move north. None of them will for reasons only known to themselves.
Ulster Rugby have a huge load of blame to shoulder for the predicaments we seem to be in re: recruitment but it's made much more difficult when we cannot get a player to move from another province unless it's an academy player or someone that faces absolutely zero gametime.
Remember we were refused any injury cover last season whilst Munster were firstly allowed the cover and then were allowed to keep them.

Munster have been Nucifora's Pet Province there is no doubt about that, but the IRFU are allowing an injury cover signing in this case which is fair enough.

However I do think that they should be allowing a 1-2 year signing as who know how long the case will take or its outcome. But it may be in Ulsters best interest to look for one year now, and recruit a top NIQ if nessassary when there are more available.

Given the amount of stick most ex-coaches and players like Schicofske get it's amazing that they recommend Ulster to anyone!

What's disappointing is that yet again, a deal that should have been done before it appeared in the media hasn't been nailed down. All it should take is a handshake - where is Bryn BTW? Of late it seems players are only recruited through association with other players or through Esportif Belfast. That unfortunately rules out most global players including those from Ireland. David Munstifora deserves to get a lot of flak from Ulster fans but has Bryn actually set aside the golf clubs long enough to give him a call?

So in the search for a Pienaar replacement - where's ya Bryn?
In the search for Jackson/Olding cover for the past year - where's ya Bryn?
Facing the media with the new CL signing in yer pocket - where's ya Bryn?
Negotiating with IQ guys like Beirne and Dom Ryan - where's ya Bryn?

I'm sure Ulster appointed someone to recruit legends who would make Ulster Rugby legendary, so where's ya Bryn?

The Great Aukster wrote:
What's disappointing is that yet again, a deal that should have been done before it appeared in the media hasn't been nailed down. All it should take is a handshake

Seriously? Not only is he a not a British or EU national, he's also just recovered from leukaemia. If proper checks and processes weren't followed it would go beyond being unprofessional.

There will insurers asking for tests to be done and a Home Office needing a work permit

When Copeland was at Cardiff Blues, we really could have made an effort to sign him, but he went to Munster
Maybe we did try, but from a players pov Ulster would have made more sense for him in terms of playing time.

I would hope we are doing everything owe can to lure Beirne back. Henderson, Beirne could be an international partnership.

It is a tough one. I said it before with (Mc)Donald that our priorities and his just weren't aligned. With Leali'ifano you can see it makes sense from both sides ..... at least initially.

I don't think the Super 15 fixtures have been announced yet, but last year (with 3 more teams) Brumbies kicked off their campaign on the 25th February. Even if the same happens that leaves Ulster with 2.5 months to fill the gap. If we're competing either in the Pro 14 or the ECC I can see us doing a deal to keep Leali'ifano a bit longer. Alternatively if our season is effectively over by that point then is there any real harm with playing Nelson, McPhillips or even Lowrey at that point?

It's about as good as we're going to get given Ulster are in a position whereby the replacement could be dumped almost immediately if the case against Jackson falls apart. What quality 10 would sign on for that? Especially one coming to the end of their careers who's ability to get another contract is tied to being able to showcase themselves.

My concern is really around what Leali'ifano is actually still capable of. Great player, but it's a completely unknown what level of rugby he's still upto playing. Obviously there is not a single Ulster or Brumbies fan who doesn't want him to get back to his best ..... but that's far from certain. From what I can tell he's come on and played 30 minutes of rugby for Brumbies in their quarter-final loss to the Hurricanes. He came off the bench to play wing.

Good player but he is battling leukaemia. Seems like a bit of a mad signing. Mad that he would want to go when his days are numbered and mad that Ulster/IRFU would want to sign him knowing that his days may be numbered. Cant see it happening really.

GunsGermsV2 wrote:Good player but he is battling leukaemia. Seems like a bit of a mad signing. Mad that he would want to go when his days are numbered and mad that Ulster/IRFU would want to sign him knowing that his days may be numbered. Cant see it happening really.

As far as I'm aware he's recovered and got back to fitness he is just short of game time. I don't think his "days are numbered" nor will he require lengthy medical care when in Belfast. Makes a lot of sense for him to come and play rugby if he wants to head back and target a Wallaby shirt for next season. Allows Ulster to have an international level playmaker in the short term whilst they evaluate their long term options.

I'm told there are very different types of leukemia. Some are like conventional cancers, others much more like chronic diseases. Guns may well be referencing the chronic one which is as I understand it is effectively incurable but can have a hugely long lead time ; 5-25 years for example.

I've not seen any mention of what type he actually has but the latest picture of him on the websites suggest that he has gone through a round or two of chemo and has lost some hair.

Apologies if I've got any of the above incorrect, I'm not a medical professional.

Fair enough, suffice to say the IRFU et al have plenty of experts at their disposal.

If it was the chronic disorder then I doubt he would have returned to the sport. More likely he'd have taken his sizeable insurance payout and retired. I'm no doctor either though so what do I know.

The Great Aukster wrote:  Given the amount of stick most ex-coaches and players like Schicofske get it's amazing that they recommend Ulster to anyone!

Most coaches at Ulster during the professional era were poor.
As to players some get high praise
The reality with Schicoske was he was sold to us as something special and he turned out to be mediocre.
If you perform youy are respected, Taking his position Terblanche is an absolute legend by comparison.

The Great Aukster wrote:So in the search for a Pienaar replacement - where's ya Bryn?

Haven't you heard we are not allowed to sign a NIQ replacement and no IQ player of any standing wants to come here.

The Great Aukster wrote:In the search for Jackson/Olding cover for the past year - where's ya Bryn?
Facing the media with the new CL signing in yer pocket - where's ya Bryn?

Haven't you heard the CEO has it all sorted.
Bryn has to work as best he can with this bullshitter as his boss

The Great Aukster wrote:Negotiating with IQ guys like Beirne and Dom Ryan - where's ya Bryn?  

We have offered to many many Leinster and Munster players very good contracts and they have ALL turned us down, I think that includes Dom Ryan.
Beirne will only come back to Leinster or Munster not us.

The Great Aukster wrote:I'm sure Ulster appointed someone to recruit legends who would make Ulster Rugby legendary, so where's ya Bryn?  

I find your attack on Cunningham totally out of order and based on ignorance, particularly suggesting he is on the golf course doing sweet FA
HE is the only person from Kiss up that I would have any time for and is hard working to boot.
Maybe, just maybe some constraints are put upon his role of which you are not aware, just a thought.
He has nowhere near the power Humphreys had and was the only one of the senior management who fought to keep Pienaer - Logan said to Nuciforea 'how high' and Kiss wouldn't say boo to a goose.
The rest would make a saint swear.

marty2086 wrote:

The Great Aukster wrote:
What's disappointing is that yet again, a deal that should have been done before it appeared in the media hasn't been nailed down. All it should take is a handshake

Seriously? Not only is he a not a British or EU national, he's also just recovered from leukaemia. If proper checks and processes weren't followed it would go beyond being unprofessional.

There will insurers asking for tests to be done and a Home Office needing a work permit

The unprofessional bit is releasing the news before the deal is done, which is in neither Ulster's nor Lealiifano's interests. Why would CL say there is no deal yet? Obviously there are work permits medicals etc. etc. to go through but it doesn't sound as though there is actually a deal agreed so why spend all that effort if he's not going to sign and waste time finding someone who will?

This is clearly Cunningham's responsibility, and it's not looking too professional thus far.

The Great Aukster wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

The Great Aukster wrote:
What's disappointing is that yet again, a deal that should have been done before it appeared in the media hasn't been nailed down. All it should take is a handshake

Seriously? Not only is he a not a British or EU national, he's also just recovered from leukaemia. If proper checks and processes weren't followed it would go beyond being unprofessional.

There will insurers asking for tests to be done and a Home Office needing a work permit

The unprofessional bit is releasing the news before the deal is done, which is in neither Ulster's nor Lealiifano's interests. Why would CL say there is no deal yet? Obviously there are work permits medicals etc. etc. to go through but it doesn't sound as though there is actually a deal agreed so why spend all that effort if he's not going to sign and waste time finding someone who will?

This is clearly Cunningham's responsibility, and it's not looking too professional thus far.

It's unprofessional that information that relates to departments within Ulster and the IRFU, plus maybe solicitors, insurers, doctors, the ARU, agents, the Brumbies, families and god knows how many other different people and organisations got out and that's Bryns fault?

geoff999rugby wrote:I find your attack on Cunningham totally out of order and based on ignorance, particularly suggesting he is on the golf course doing sweet FA
HE is the only person from Kiss up that I would have any time for and is hard working to boot.
Maybe, just maybe some constraints are put upon his role of which you are not aware, just a thought.
He has nowhere near the power Humphreys had and was the only one of the senior management who fought to keep Pienaer - Logan said to Nuciforea 'how high' and Kiss wouldn't say boo to a goose.
The rest would make a saint swear.

Ulster Rugby wrote:He is responsible for recruiting and retaining players, identifying talent and managing contract negotiations. He also oversees the professional services around the senior squad and the management of team operations on match-nights.

The Lealiifano deal is just the latest example of how to mismanage the media and unsettle the team. Is it going to be another Arno Botha farce?
The shortfall at outhalf was known long before now with only a few weeks to season start so if Bryn is so constrained to do his job properly then perhaps he should consider whether it is tenable to continue.
Cunningham for all his honesty in speaking out publicly against the IRFU on the Pienaar issue was frankly naive thinking that would do anything but damage his working relations with those he needs to get closer to.
Then there is the whole Piutau fiasco, that hadn't been thought through before he came, and now to cap it all Charles obviously can't wait to move on. Again announcing this now just heaps the pressure on him if he gets a niggle or has a bad game, and it's not even in Bristol's interest either.

As in his playing career Cunningham appears to be still solid yet unspectacular - the facts are his signings have been underwhelming and for every Kieran Treadwell and Peter Browne there is a Sam Windsor and Paul Rowley. Maybe Cunningham hasn't been on the Links of late, but he hasn't been in front of the cameras either. While others discuss Ulster players' welfare and potential recruitment in the media (part of his responsibility), he is conspicuous by his absence so where has he been?

marty2086 wrote:

The Great Aukster wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

The Great Aukster wrote:
What's disappointing is that yet again, a deal that should have been done before it appeared in the media hasn't been nailed down. All it should take is a handshake

Seriously? Not only is he a not a British or EU national, he's also just recovered from leukaemia. If proper checks and processes weren't followed it would go beyond being unprofessional.

There will insurers asking for tests to be done and a Home Office needing a work permit

The unprofessional bit is releasing the news before the deal is done, which is in neither Ulster's nor Lealiifano's interests. Why would CL say there is no deal yet? Obviously there are work permits medicals etc. etc. to go through but it doesn't sound as though there is actually a deal agreed so why spend all that effort if he's not going to sign and waste time finding someone who will?

This is clearly Cunningham's responsibility, and it's not looking too professional thus far.

It's unprofessional that information that relates to departments within Ulster and the IRFU, plus maybe solicitors, insurers, doctors, the ARU, agents, the Brumbies, families and god knows how many other different people and organisations got out and that's Bryns fault?

Erm... no - it's his responsibility.

It's his responsibility to ensure that people outside the organisation don't mention it to anyone?

There was me thinking that would be the press department

I don't know why your do down on Logan, ok he doesn't have great rugby knowledge, but he has boosted Ulsters Finances to be up there with Leinsters, and thats his main job which he has excelled at.

On player recruitment thats Kiss and Cunningham's roles, they are answerable to him, but its not his main.

When Kiss was first announced we were delighted, so that he didn't live up to expections, isn't Logans fault, he was hampered with Clarke and Doak, but this appears to o have been IRFU irish coaches. He has go tin Gibbs abd we are excited again.

The only thing I can think off it fighting against the IRFU a bit more, as Ulster are in a financial position of strength to do this. We don't need bailout or loans like others, but do not seam to get the same level of support for NIQ's or loans that others get. The Pienaar thing should have been fought to the wire and bitterly.

Team announced for tomorrow night, name of C Montgomery included. Anyone know anything looks to be included with the back rows

He's got the bulk. Am a bit concerned with his ability to go the distance though.

To be fair he's the perfect Ulster player, he never puts it together to win the big trophies

marty2086 wrote:It's his responsibility to ensure that people outside the organisation don't mention it to anyone?

There was me thinking that would be the press department

Spot on, it's Cunningham's responsibility to make sure people outside the organisation don't have anything to mention until he decides to release it to them.
Then it is released at the most opportune time - well that's how it's supposed to happen.

The Great Aukster wrote:

marty2086 wrote:It's his responsibility to ensure that people outside the organisation don't mention it to anyone?

There was me thinking that would be the press department

Spot on, it's Cunningham's responsibility to make sure people outside the organisation don't have anything to mention until he decides to release it to them.
Then it is released at the most opportune time - well that's how it's supposed to happen.

So do it all without the IRFU, ARU, the player, Brumbies, agents, the Home Office, doctors and the army that is needed to make It happen?

Some interesting talking points with that squad.

Chief among them is a Mr M Rea appears to be backrow cover, possibly at No. 8. The question then is what Rea it is. I thought Matty Rea was more 2nd row who could cover 6. Could this be the fabled Marcus?

Don't know anything about Montgomery, sorry Marty.

Kingshu wrote:I don't know why your do down on Logan, ok he doesn't have great rugby knowledge, but he has boosted Ulsters Finances to be up there with Leinsters, and thats his main job which he has excelled at.

On player recruitment thats Kiss and Cunningham's roles, they are answerable to him, but its not his main.

When Kiss was first announced we were delighted, so that he didn't live up to expections, isn't Logans fault, he was hampered with Clarke and Doak, but this appears to o have been IRFU irish coaches. He has go tin Gibbs abd we are excited again.

The only thing I can think off it fighting against the IRFU a bit more, as Ulster are in a financial position of strength to do this. We don't need bailout or loans like others, but do not seam to get the same level of support for NIQ's or loans that others get. The Pienaar thing should have been fought to the wire and bitterly.

Totally agree Kingshu, Logan doesn't need great rugby knowledge, what he has is commercial knowledge. His ticket strategies have resulted in big increases in revenues that provided the confidence to build the new stands. The size of the gate is amazing considering the lack of success on the pitch for more than a decade. The branding of UR and getting top dollar for the kit and naming rights have helped too as has taking the team to far flung parts of the province, community initiatives and having the Nevin Spence centre/ground tours.

It's the rugby that has been the problem. The Pienaar issue was fought tooth and nail, but it was only a manifestation of a bigger problem - Ulster need at least five NIQ players to be in any way competitive on the pitch. The IRFU's relentless reduction of NIQs is patently counter-productive to both provincial and Irish rugby.

Munster needed every one of their NIQs last season irrespective of their length of contract and while it was unfair to give them special dispensation and not to others, it was also understandable given the dwindling crowds and the risk of haemorrhaging IRFU money. Paradoxically if Ulster hadn't been so strong financially, they might have been looked upon more sympathetically when making requests to keep a player like Pienaar.

The Great Aukster wrote:

marty2086 wrote:It's his responsibility to ensure that people outside the organisation don't mention it to anyone?

There was me thinking that would be the press department

Spot on, it's Cunningham's responsibility to make sure people outside the organisation don't have anything to mention until he decides to release it to them.
Then it is released at the most opportune time - well that's how it's supposed to happen.

It has been Logan who has been spouting off about a new 10 being sorted not Cunningham.
It is he who has been unprofessional not Cunningham.

As you may recall we stopped leaking so freely after Humphreys left - that was down to Cunningham more professional approach.
Under any person, responsible for recruitment, at any club, anywhere you can point to signings who didn't work out - bringing up Windsor as an example of him failing is plain stupid.

As to Piatau it was Bristol who spilled the beans not Ulster

The Great Aukster wrote: The Pienaar issue was fought tooth and nail, but it was only a manifestation of a bigger problem.

By Cunningham it was but not by Logan or Kiss

Because of that split we were doomed to failure

marty2086 wrote:

The Great Aukster wrote:

marty2086 wrote:It's his responsibility to ensure that people outside the organisation don't mention it to anyone?

There was me thinking that would be the press department

Spot on, it's Cunningham's responsibility to make sure people outside the organisation don't have anything to mention until he decides to release it to them.
Then it is released at the most opportune time - well that's how it's supposed to happen.

So do it all without the IRFU, ARU, the player, Brumbies, agents, the Home Office, doctors and the army that is needed to make It happen?

"The army that is needed to make it happen?" - make what happen? If there is no agreement in principle to proceed then there is no army required.
No agreement - no need for a medical
No agreement - no need for work permits
For a player out of contract and no agreement - no need to talk to the Brumbies or the ARU

Before even making contact with a NIQ player it would be prudent to consult the IRFU as they need to sanction the move. This would happen for all such transactions so they are definitely not outside the organisation, and have nothing to gain by damaging one of their limbs through leaking information.
In order to see whether an agreement could be reached, it would be obviously absolutely necessary to speak with the player and his agent.  

So the Team Manager has the responsibility to manage a private conversation with his Union and the player/representative - not especially difficult one would have though given his background.

The Great Aukster wrote:it's Cunningham's responsibility to make sure people outside the organisation don't have anything to mention until he decides to release it to them

Are the ARU inside the organisation? No!
Brumbies? No!
His agent? No!
The player? No!

What exactly is he meant to do? Tell agents not to tell anyone else or he'll wag his finger angrily at them?

Also who said there isn't an agreement?

geoff999rugby wrote:

The Great Aukster wrote:

marty2086 wrote:It's his responsibility to ensure that people outside the organisation don't mention it to anyone?

There was me thinking that would be the press department

Spot on, it's Cunningham's responsibility to make sure people outside the organisation don't have anything to mention until he decides to release it to them.
Then it is released at the most opportune time - well that's how it's supposed to happen.

It has been Logan who has been spouting off about a new 10 being sorted not Cunningham.
It is he who has been unprofessional not Cunningham.

As you may recall we stopped leaking so freely after Humphreys left - that was down to Cunningham more professional approach.
Under any person, responsible for recruitment, at any club, anywhere you can point to signings who didn't work out - bringing up Windsor as an example of him failing is plain stupid.

As to Piatau it was Bristol who spilled the beans not Ulster

If Logan was saying a new 10 was sorted - who told him that, when it wasn't? Presumably if he was a strong leader he should summarily dismiss whomever gave him the wrong information?
Logan presided over both Humphreys and Cunningham so if the leaks were plugged after Humphreys left then the implication is that Logan has only been issuing the information as presented to him - why would he suddenly compromise Cunningham's tight-lipped policy of his own volition having adhered to it for the past three years?

Mentioning Windsor was offset by Treadwell, it's called balance. What I'm waiting for are the names of the players that Bryn has signed who are stellar and set to become Ulster Legends. Humphreys for all his faults signed Muller and Pienaar, and resigned Tommy Bowe - all Ulster legends. He rehabilitated Nick Williams as a force when Pedrie was forced out and Afoa for all his faults was world class. Jared Payne hasn't been too shabby either and his emergency replacement Terblanche was a revelation. He also signed Dan Roach and Ruaridgh Murphy, so everyone has their Tamati Horua moments.

marty2086 wrote:

The Great Aukster wrote:it's Cunningham's responsibility to make sure people outside the organisation don't have anything to mention until he decides to release it to them

Are the ARU inside the organisation? No!
Brumbies? No!
His agent? No!
The player? No!

What exactly is he meant to do? Tell agents not to tell anyone else or he'll wag his finger angrily at them?

Also who said there isn't an agreement?

Tell them the deal's off - it's commonly used in negotiation.

Lealiifano said there was no deal.