Ulster Rugby 2017-18

by geoff999rugby Thu 12 Oct 2017, 2:35 pm

First topic message reminder :

Rory Best (hamstring)
Marcell Coetzee (knee)
Craig Gilroy (back)
Chris Henry (larynx)
Rob Lyttle (shoulder)
Al O'Connor (concussion)
Jared Payne (headaches)
Dave Shanahan (hamstring)
Nick Timoney (ankle)
Schalk van der Merwe (shoulder)

by SecretFly Mon 27 Nov 2017, 10:58 am

marty2086 wrote:

So you didn't at any point criticise their lifestyle and say they wouldn't be in the situation if they lived better lives?

If that's what he said then that wouldn't hold up in court as a reference to Christianity, marty.

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 27 Nov 2017, 11:03 am

marty2086 wrote:
Rory_Gallagher wrote:
marty2086 wrote:

Rory, seriously you are going full on Fox News on this whole issue. You had the cheek to call yourself balanced yet continually fly off the handle over the smallest comments.

At no point did I blame you for anything, I said if players at Ulster presented comments the way you did then I can see where there would be an issue, you have been pretty pious over lifestyles and pretty much said if Jackson and Olding had lived a more religious life they wouldn't be in the situation they are in, which is cowpat at its finest.

No one here has called foe censorship, what Pete did say was that a Christian culture should not have been allowed to develop which is a fair comment. That's not censorship, that's equality as no other faith or culture is given a prominent place in the club which should Christianity be favoured?

Rory, you seem to be the intolerant one, any mention of Christianity and you fly off the handle and attack people and usually while taking things and blowing them out of proportion. Maybe actually try reading what people say rather than taking them and making them into something else.

That is just an utter lie, amidst a post full of lies, and you know it. Goodbye.

So you didn't at any point criticise their lifestyle and say they wouldn't be in the situation if they lived better lives?

No, I didn't say anything specific regarding Jackson or Olding as I know nothing about how they live, other than gossip on here. In fact, many of the same posters who have been complaining about this "Christian culture" are the ones who criticised Olding/Jackson and their attitudes. I don't know them. I made my thoughts clear on the issue of sex and feel fairly justified to have those views, views that have become quite popular recently given the frequency of infidelity and sex allegations on the news at the minute. Not once did I mention religion. But you already know all of that. So stop lying and leave me alone.

by marty2086 Mon 27 Nov 2017, 11:06 am

rapidsnowman wrote:
marty 2086 wrote:clive, the thing with a culture though is that it can encourage behaviour and players attend religious themed events on behalf of the club etc. If they feel their faith and beliefs is more representative of the club it may create the problems Geoff has heard rumours off, especially if presented the way Rory did on here.

If there is a Christian culture at the club, it will just be one of many. Teetotal players are often under extreme pressure to join the drinking culture at club and even schools level.

I don't disagree and forgot to add that if some of the suggestions over the Jackson and Olding situation are anything to go by a cultural issue at the club may have played a role in the circumstances, regardless of guilt or innocence. I have spoken on here in the past that the clubs culture is part of the problem with the lack of success and hoped Gibbes and co. helped shift it.

The drinking culture in rugby especially in the professional age is one that baffles me.

In my comment though I did say that some may feel that they are more representative of the club, this being the case because of their culture and the status it is given within the club.

by marty2086 Mon 27 Nov 2017, 11:15 am

Rory_Gallagher wrote:
marty2086 wrote:
Rory_Gallagher wrote:
marty2086 wrote:

Rory, seriously you are going full on Fox News on this whole issue. You had the cheek to call yourself balanced yet continually fly off the handle over the smallest comments.

At no point did I blame you for anything, I said if players at Ulster presented comments the way you did then I can see where there would be an issue, you have been pretty pious over lifestyles and pretty much said if Jackson and Olding had lived a more religious life they wouldn't be in the situation they are in, which is cowpat at its finest.

No one here has called foe censorship, what Pete did say was that a Christian culture should not have been allowed to develop which is a fair comment. That's not censorship, that's equality as no other faith or culture is given a prominent place in the club which should Christianity be favoured?

Rory, you seem to be the intolerant one, any mention of Christianity and you fly off the handle and attack people and usually while taking things and blowing them out of proportion. Maybe actually try reading what people say rather than taking them and making them into something else.

That is just an utter lie, amidst a post full of lies, and you know it. Goodbye.

So you didn't at any point criticise their lifestyle and say they wouldn't be in the situation if they lived better lives?

No, I didn't say anything specific regarding Jackson or Olding as I know nothing about how they live, other than gossip on here. In fact, many of the same posters who have been complaining about this "Christian culture" are the ones who criticised Olding/Jackson and their attitudes. I don't know them. I made my thoughts clear on the issue of sex and feel fairly justified to have those views, views that have become quite popular recently given the frequency of infidelity and sex allegations on the news at the minute. Not once did I mention religion. But you already know all of that. So stop lying and leave me alone.

Bullsh!t, you criticised lifestyles on the back of mentioning the situation. Just because you didn't criticise them directly doesn't mean the message wasn't loud and clear.

Always very very moral to call someone a liar though after the crap you've spouted and the way you have twisted everything everyone has said and I'm sure the victims of the recent sex scandals will be heartened to hear their lifestyles are to blame for what they went through. If only people lived a more pious and celebate life, like someone like Brendan Smyth to prevent these things happening Rolling Eyes

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 27 Nov 2017, 11:22 am

Marty, you really are just proving my point regarding bitterness and prejudice. What does Brendan Smyth have to do with anything? And it isn't bull, it is quite obvious that I was giving the most obvious solution to avoiding scenarios such as the one Jackson and Olding are in now, or the accused in Hollywood. I was the one telling others off for not presuming their innocence. I have no idea what happened or how they conduct themselves in everyday life, nor do you.

You are lying and too cowardly to admit to it.

by marty2086 Mon 27 Nov 2017, 11:30 am

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Marty, you really are just proving my point regarding bitterness and prejudice. What does Brendan Smyth have to do with anything? And it isn't bull, it is quite obvious that I was giving the most obvious solution to avoiding scenarios such as the one Jackson and Olding are in now, or the accused in Hollywood. I was the one telling others off for not presuming their innocence. I have no idea what happened or how they conduct themselves in everyday life, nor do you.

You are lying and too cowardly to admit to it.

Someone leading a 'celibate' life involved in a sex scandal? I wonder what that has to do with the crap you are saying

You say you don't know what happened or how they live their lives and the same goes with 'Hollywood' yet you are happy to say that you know if they had lived how you say they should it wouldn't have happened even though you don't know they didn't?

Rory, fuzk right off. You have prejudged people based on accusations and decided you know how they live and that you know best. You are self righteous and your attitude is one of the reasons victims self loathe so much. Do the world a favour and actually go and read up on these issues rather than shovelling the sh!t you are.

by **rodders** Mon 27 Nov 2017, 11:34 am

Anyways, anyone else not impressed with the performance on Friday?

Nice to see the old fellas Bowe and Trimble get on the score sheet but the team looks all over the place this season.

by marty2086 Mon 27 Nov 2017, 11:50 am

rodders wrote:Anyways, anyone else not impressed with the performance on Friday?

Nice to see the old fellas Bowe and Trimble get on the score sheet but the team looks all over the place this season.

rodders, if we kept playing as we are and kept winning would it be the worst thing in the world?

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 27 Nov 2017, 11:53 am

marty2086 wrote:
Rory_Gallagher wrote:Marty, you really are just proving my point regarding bitterness and prejudice. What does Brendan Smyth have to do with anything? And it isn't bull, it is quite obvious that I was giving the most obvious solution to avoiding scenarios such as the one Jackson and Olding are in now, or the accused in Hollywood. I was the one telling others off for not presuming their innocence. I have no idea what happened or how they conduct themselves in everyday life, nor do you.

You are lying and too cowardly to admit to it.

Someone leading a 'celibate' life involved in a sex scandal? I wonder what that has to do with the crap you are saying

You say you don't know what happened or how they live their lives and the same goes with 'Hollywood' yet you are happy to say that you know if they had lived how you say they should it wouldn't have happened even though you don't know they didn't?

Rory, fuzk right off. You have prejudged people based on accusations and decided you know how they live and that you know best. You are self righteous and your attitude is one of the reasons victims self loathe so much. Do the world a favour and actually go and read up on these issues rather than shovelling the sh!t you are.

Here was my first post regarding the situation of Olding/Jackson:

"It is, and it is also grim to see their names, pictures and where they live splattered all over the papers. It is total injustice that the accused do not also get the right to anonymity prior to the outcome of the trial."

Clearly you can see I am defending Jackson/Olding from the oncoming mob ready to attack them without any evidence. I had already done so on a separate thread weeks before, even stronger than I did here. Same thing I've been doing the past few days with regards to these Christians causing all the bother, allegedly.

Next comment, not long after:

"Or, more simply, bring back the moral stigma surrounding promiscuous sex. Yes, you can do what you want etc etc, but that doesn't make it right. There's a reason why this crap, unwanted pregnancies and sexual diseases are ever rising."

This is a general (and obvious) comment to avoid the steady rise of these scenarios. So, my post that was specific to Jackson/Olding was to defend their right to the presumption of innocence, my second was a general comment to avoid these situations. Plenty disagree with me on this, like the majority of my friends for example, and that is fine. My point is that just because you can do something, that doesn't make it right. You can clearly see, no mention of religion or targeting any individual in particular, because I don't know anything about Jackson/Olding, other than they are in a mess of a court case, which I know nothing about. Nor do I know anyone on these forums.

Still too cowardly to admit to lying, Marty? I'm not holding my breath. Anyway, I've wasted too much time on this thread.

by marty2086 Mon 27 Nov 2017, 12:01 pm

Ok Rory, tell me where I lied?

by Sin é Mon 27 Nov 2017, 12:13 pm

I think you have to feel a certain amount of sympathy for the players because they have to lead such disciplined lives. If the club is too strict with them (i.e., no alcohol during season for example, they are going to lose the plot during their summer break). I think moderation in everything. In Munster, after a game they all have a can of beer together in the dressing room (for those who do drink). There doesn't seem to be a problem with a drinking culture there. Banning alcohol isn't really a great idea. The players need to want to do it, not be forced.

by rapidsnowman Mon 27 Nov 2017, 12:29 pm

Sin e wrote:In Munster, after a game they all have a can of beer together in the dressing room

Things would be worse if they had a can each though!

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 27 Nov 2017, 12:30 pm

marty2086 wrote:Ok Rory, tell me where I lied?

“At no point did I blame you for anything, I said if players at Ulster presented comments the way you did then I can see where there would be an issue, you have been pretty pious over lifestyles and pretty much said if Jackson and Olding had lived a more religious life they wouldn't be in the situation they are in, which is cowpat at its finest.”

by marty2086 Mon 27 Nov 2017, 12:58 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:
marty2086 wrote:Ok Rory, tell me where I lied?

“At no point did I blame you for anything, I said if players at Ulster presented comments the way you did then I can see where there would be an issue, you have been pretty pious over lifestyles and pretty much said if Jackson and Olding had lived a more religious life they wouldn't be in the situation they are in, which is cowpat at its finest.”

Hows that a lie? Religious life may have been the wrong phrase to use and I will apologise for that but don't try and kid me that your talk of traditional relationship, a good old fashioned church/DUP buzzword, isn't coming from a religious viewpoint. Just because you don't overtly mention religion don't try and kid people and say that isn't what you are talking about. Especially when you fly off the handle talking of insidious conspiracy theories lacking in evidence over what was a simple and innocent question, I repeatedly asked you how it was, given the number of Christians we have signed and why it would be a bad thing if those in charge thought it was a positive culture to have and guess what? No reply on that front, just personal attacks calling me a liar and coward, all while calling yourself balanced while I have actually tried to engage you in reasoned debate to understand why exactly you have an issue with the question I asked. I also asked what prejudices I'm meant to have, again, nothing from you.

I think it's pretty cowardly to talk about something and call someone a liar and coward for acknowledging the subtext of what you said all because it was a subtext. You pivot from talking about the case to attacking peoples lifestyles in general terms using words and phrases straight from a list of talking points issued by a religious organisation, you weren't as subtle as you like to think Rory and you have since been more overt in linking your criticism of lifestyles and ongoing cases.

You want to preach about people lifestyles, then expect people to tell you where to go with it. I know people who live more 'traditional lifestyles' as you call it and I know people who don't and there are plenty of ar$eholes on both ends of it so don't think that it gives you or others some moral superiority or protects you from allegations.

by SecretFly Mon 27 Nov 2017, 1:06 pm

rapidsnowman wrote:
Sin e wrote:In Munster, after a game they all have a can of beer together in the dressing room

Things would be worse if they had a can each though!

Budget tightening comes in all shapes and forms.

by Rory_Gallagher Mon 27 Nov 2017, 2:41 pm

marty2086 wrote:
Rory_Gallagher wrote:
marty2086 wrote:Ok Rory, tell me where I lied?

“At no point did I blame you for anything, I said if players at Ulster presented comments the way you did then I can see where there would be an issue, you have been pretty pious over lifestyles and pretty much said if Jackson and Olding had lived a more religious life they wouldn't be in the situation they are in, which is cowpat at its finest.”

Hows that a lie? Religious life may have been the wrong phrase to use and I will apologise for that but don't try and kid me that your talk of traditional relationship, a good old fashioned church/DUP buzzword, isn't coming from a religious viewpoint. Just because you don't overtly mention religion don't try and kid people and say that isn't what you are talking about. Especially when you fly off the handle talking of insidious conspiracy theories lacking in evidence over what was a simple and innocent question, I repeatedly asked you how it was, given the number of Christians we have signed and why it would be a bad thing if those in charge thought it was a positive culture to have and guess what? No reply on that front, just personal attacks calling me a liar and coward, all while calling yourself balanced while I have actually tried to engage you in reasoned debate to understand why exactly you have an issue with the question I asked. I also asked what prejudices I'm meant to have, again, nothing from you.

I think it's pretty cowardly to talk about something and call someone a liar and coward for acknowledging the subtext of what you said all because it was a subtext. You pivot from talking about the case to attacking peoples lifestyles in general terms using words and phrases straight from a list of talking points issued by a religious organisation, you weren't as subtle as you like to think Rory and you have since been more overt in linking your criticism of lifestyles and ongoing cases.

You want to preach about people lifestyles, then expect people to tell you where to go with it. I know people who live more 'traditional lifestyles' as you call it and I know people who don't and there are plenty of ar$eholes on both ends of it so don't think that it gives you or others some moral superiority or protects you from allegations.

You say that I make assumptions and judgements about other people's lives, and come out with a post like that? Implying that my views come from organisations such as the DUP? How very dare you. Now, let's agree to drop it and do not dare make assumptions about my life or character again, because you are wrong on the majority of what you say above.

by clivemcl Mon 27 Nov 2017, 2:46 pm

marty2086 wrote:I know people who live more 'traditional lifestyles' as you call it and I know people who don't and there are plenty of ar$eholes on both ends of it so don't think that it gives you or others some moral superiority or protects you from allegations.

Exactly, and yet when one or a few ar$eholes within UR acts in a way deemed self-righteous, the entire 'christian culture' gets criticised...

I think we would firstly need to know more detail over what exactly has been said or has happened that is deemed self-righteous, by who or how many. Even then I'd likely have a problem with an entire group of guys with a shared faith, but with broadly different perspectives and personalities all being lumped in together with these 'self righteous' people.

And, as I've said before... You don't have to be christian to have views on promiscuity, commitment and safe sex etc...

It's a little silly to suggest that ONLY Christians would have issues with the scenario in which Paddy and Olding found themselves in.

by marty2086 Mon 27 Nov 2017, 3:12 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:
marty2086 wrote:
Rory_Gallagher wrote:
marty2086 wrote:Ok Rory, tell me where I lied?

“At no point did I blame you for anything, I said if players at Ulster presented comments the way you did then I can see where there would be an issue, you have been pretty pious over lifestyles and pretty much said if Jackson and Olding had lived a more religious life they wouldn't be in the situation they are in, which is cowpat at its finest.”

Hows that a lie? Religious life may have been the wrong phrase to use and I will apologise for that but don't try and kid me that your talk of traditional relationship, a good old fashioned church/DUP buzzword, isn't coming from a religious viewpoint. Just because you don't overtly mention religion don't try and kid people and say that isn't what you are talking about. Especially when you fly off the handle talking of insidious conspiracy theories lacking in evidence over what was a simple and innocent question, I repeatedly asked you how it was, given the number of Christians we have signed and why it would be a bad thing if those in charge thought it was a positive culture to have and guess what? No reply on that front, just personal attacks calling me a liar and coward, all while calling yourself balanced while I have actually tried to engage you in reasoned debate to understand why exactly you have an issue with the question I asked. I also asked what prejudices I'm meant to have, again, nothing from you.

I think it's pretty cowardly to talk about something and call someone a liar and coward for acknowledging the subtext of what you said all because it was a subtext. You pivot from talking about the case to attacking peoples lifestyles in general terms using words and phrases straight from a list of talking points issued by a religious organisation, you weren't as subtle as you like to think Rory and you have since been more overt in linking your criticism of lifestyles and ongoing cases.

You want to preach about people lifestyles, then expect people to tell you where to go with it. I know people who live more 'traditional lifestyles' as you call it and I know people who don't and there are plenty of ar$eholes on both ends of it so don't think that it gives you or others some moral superiority or protects you from allegations.

You say that I make assumptions and judgements about other people's lives, and come out with a post like that? Implying that my views come from organisations such as the DUP? How very dare you. Now, let's agree to drop it and do not dare make assumptions about my life or character again, because you are wrong on the majority of what you say above.

Drop you calling me a liar and coward and refusing to tell me which prejudices Im meant to have? Or to answer any basic questions I asked on the matter?

And again you take what people said and claim it to be something else. I said you used their buzzwords and phrases nothing more, I thought I was pretty clear on where I thought your views came from since that is what seemed to have triggered you

by marty2086 Mon 27 Nov 2017, 3:23 pm

clivemcl wrote:
marty2086 wrote:I know people who live more 'traditional lifestyles' as you call it and I know people who don't and there are plenty of ar$eholes on both ends of it so don't think that it gives you or others some moral superiority or protects you from allegations.

Exactly, and yet when one or a few ar$eholes within UR acts in a way deemed self-righteous, the entire 'christian culture' gets criticised...

I think we would firstly need to know more detail over what exactly has been said or has happened that is deemed self-righteous, by who or how many. Even then I'd likely have a problem with an entire group of guys with a shared faith, but with broadly different perspectives and personalities all being lumped in together with these 'self righteous' people.

And, as I've said before... You don't have to be christian to have views on promiscuity, commitment and safe sex etc...

It's a little silly to suggest that ONLY Christians would have issues with the scenario in which Paddy and Olding found themselves in.

clive, I've seen nothing criticising the Christian culture. I know Pete said it shouldn't have been allowed to happen and that is true of any culture being given prominence or preferential treatment.

People have talked about Ulster appealing to players of the christian faith, I wonder if it's put off players of others faiths or no faith? What if its played a part in some IQ players turning us down because they didn't feel they would fit in? Or put of fans from certain areas of NI because it plays into certain stereotypes some might hold about the club?

Anyone who thinks promiscuity plays a part in r*** or sexual harassment really hasn't a clue what they are talking about and should keep their mouth shut on the subject as they are more a problem when it comes to it than what they claim is

No doubt it all reveals some of my prejudices though that remain unexplained

by The Great Aukster Mon 27 Nov 2017, 3:23 pm

The whole debate over whether christians in the side are destroying Ulster is a complete red herring - rugby performance is down to ability and coaching.

I agree with Rodders that the team is all over the place, and that is disappointing from a coaching perspective. Kiss gets the blame but Gibbes and Peel shouldn't get a bye on this just because it's their first season. It was ridiculous of Leali'ifano to kick for the corner rather than take an easy penalty goal, because Ulster's maul is now far more likely to move towards their own line than the opposition's. If the backs have an exit strategy, it is summarised by run it from everywhere, and there is no co-ordination between a kicking and running game.

Dare I say it - but it doesn't seem like the team are all singing from the same hymn sheet!

by **rodders** Mon 27 Nov 2017, 3:28 pm

Come on lads you're ruining poor Geoffs thread with this gumph.

Go to the off topic board to carry this on please Smile

.

by the-goon Mon 27 Nov 2017, 4:26 pm

Rory's point is that if Jackson and Olding didn't have one night stands and group sex, the incident wouldn't have happened. They wouldn't have rap*d her, or she wouldn't have filed a false claim. You don't have to be religious to think sex should only be between commited partners. And I'm going assume she wasn't that to either of them.

Or at least that's what I'm reading.

by clivemcl Mon 27 Nov 2017, 4:49 pm

Yes Goon, and there are some fiesty disagreements between Rory and others on these matters.... and well that's just life.

Nobody is for a second suggesting that Rory and others shouldnt be allowed to be open about their thoughts on this forum, and same applies to a rugby club.

If for example, the boys at the club got to discussing their absent team mates, and somebody speaks up saying 'everyone should only be sleeping with committed partners', I don't understand who is bothered by that.

I mean you'd have to be quite the snowflake to take issue with somebody stating an opposite opinion to you.

You either get into a debate, or ignore it. But we are all men here.

The idea that some guy's opinions on moral matters having a serious effect on camp mood and on-field performances is just crazy. And ... I don't buy it.

by Redman Mon 27 Nov 2017, 5:32 pm

On a completely unrelated point I see Osprey's got absolutely destroyed by Glasgow at the weekend. Obviously they have problems far beyond just their forwards but it doesn't seem like Clarke is having the happiest of starts to his new career there.

Did anyone see the game? Is it a case of desperately trying to win the stats battle for lineouts and scrums (88% and 80% respectively) while neglecting everything else?

by Don Alfonso Mon 27 Nov 2017, 8:14 pm

I see Paul Marshall has revealed that his two year old son has cancer. Brutal.

by neilthom7 Mon 27 Nov 2017, 9:21 pm

Don Alfonso wrote:I see Paul Marshall has revealed that his two year old son has cancer. Brutal.

I saw that, it's awful, just a horrendous disease. I really hope the kid beats it.

by clivemcl Mon 27 Nov 2017, 9:55 pm

Awful.

by carpet baboon Mon 27 Nov 2017, 9:57 pm

That sucks

by Redman Mon 27 Nov 2017, 11:15 pm

The wording from Ulster a while back belayed something like this. Certainly the suspicion was immediate family. Terrible thing.

Best wishes to the family through this incredibly difficult time.

by SecretFly Tue 28 Nov 2017, 10:05 am

Ulster rugby/family do seem to have more than their 'fair' share of these sad moments. Like all here, I hope the child comes through this.

There you go again...whenever rugby seems just too important perhaps in the minds of followers (and virtually on every thread, people have been bickering over-heatedly about what always turns out to be trivial stuff indeed)... life of real pain and misfortune crops up to let us all know the real score.

by Don Alfonso Tue 28 Nov 2017, 7:29 pm

I have rethought the wisdom of posting this.

by SecretFly Tue 28 Nov 2017, 7:36 pm

I have a feeling that's less hypothetical than you project it to be, Don? That tone of yours......

The intrigue rises still more.

by geoff999rugby Tue 28 Nov 2017, 7:43 pm

clivemcl wrote:
If for example, the boys at the club got to discussing their absent team mates, and somebody speaks up saying 'everyone should only be sleeping with committed partners', I don't understand who is bothered by that.

The idea that some guy's opinions on moral matters having a serious effect on camp mood and on-field performances is just crazy. And ... I don't buy it.

I am surprised and disappointed this is still now sterile debate is still going on.

What doesn't help though is making things up, which is what you are doing here Clive.
Neither of the above comments have any relationship to what was originally posted

It would help if this stopped.

by Don Alfonso Tue 28 Nov 2017, 7:44 pm

And this one too.

by geoff999rugby Tue 28 Nov 2017, 7:47 pm

Back to the rugby KofH who is one the good posters elsewhere says
Bowe to retire next summer and Trimble to give it one year on an Ulster contract.

The only thing that, slightly, surprises me is Trimble not going as well.
Bowe has dodgy knees and would take a massive pay cut if he stayed - say a 1/3rd of that he is getting now - certainly less than a half.

I didn't realise people didn't know about Paul Marshall and his young child.
Any parent here can only imagine what he is going through

Heartbreaking

by Don Alfonso Tue 28 Nov 2017, 7:52 pm

I'd say Trimble will play as long as he's physically able, Geoff. He won't have had the Ospreys payday and endorsements that Bowe had.

Also, I think he'd crawl onto the pitch if he had to, to get into an Ulster shirt.

by clivemcl Tue 28 Nov 2017, 11:44 pm

With respect Geoff, I did say ‘if for example’. You can’t post What you posted and then kick up stink when people speculate.

geoff999rugby wrote:
Some, and I say some, of the Christian element have made comments regarding the way of life of others which criticises more than just the two players in question.

The point I made which you omitted from my quote is that individuals make choices for themselves. And it is unfair to say that the ‘Christian culture’ is all the same or at fault. Not that you did this, but others did.

by geoff999rugby Wed 29 Nov 2017, 9:17 am

Fair enough but the two examples you gave are without foundation

by **rodders** Wed 29 Nov 2017, 9:54 am

geoff999rugby wrote:Back to the rugby KofH who is one the good posters elsewhere says
Bowe to retire next summer and Trimble to give it one year on an Ulster contract.

The only thing that, slightly, surprises me is Trimble not going as well.
Bowe has dodgy knees and would take a massive pay cut if he stayed - say a 1/3rd of that he is getting now - certainly less than a half.

Well I suppose Bowe has struggled for 3-4 years now with injury, whereas Trimble up until recently was arguably the best winger in the country. If he can regain fitness no reason he can't be a force for a while yet.

Sad to see Bowe coming to the end, for me Ireland's best winger of the pro era but he's not what he was and looks like he has a few interests of the field now so not surprising if this is true.

by marty2086 Wed 29 Nov 2017, 10:11 am

geoff999rugby wrote:Back to the rugby KofH who is one the good posters elsewhere says
Bowe to retire next summer and Trimble to give it one year on an Ulster contract.

The only thing that, slightly, surprises me is Trimble not going as well.
Bowe has dodgy knees and would take a massive pay cut if he stayed - say a 1/3rd of that he is getting now - certainly less than a half.

Be sorry to see Bowe go he's been one of Ulsters best, wonder if he will be kept around the setup given his business interests but would definitely be an asset.

Losing Trimble, Bowe and Piutau in one go would be a big blow to the team and be a huge loss of experience and quality

by marty2086 Wed 29 Nov 2017, 12:01 pm

Ireland internationals Luke Marshall, Rob Herring and Kieran Treadwell have signed contract extensions to remain at Kingspan Stadium until the summer of 2021.

by geoff999rugby Wed 29 Nov 2017, 12:12 pm

Was never in doubt but non the less good to hear.

With the high number of backs who will leave in 2018 and 2019, Best retiring and the lack of locks they are 3 key signings

by marty2086 Wed 29 Nov 2017, 12:50 pm

It's also good to see Ulster getting their business down early, hopefully plenty more to come over the next few weeks

by Don Alfonso Thu 30 Nov 2017, 11:41 am

So Schalk vdM to start this week?

by marty2086 Thu 30 Nov 2017, 12:00 pm

Ulster Rugby team to play Dragons, Friday 1st December at Rodney Parade, kick-off 7.35pm: (1-8): S van der Merwe, J Andrew, R Kane, A O'Connor, K Treadwell, G Jones, S Reidy, N Timoney;
(9-15): P Marshall, C Lealiifano; L Ludik, S McCloskey, T Bowe, C Gilroy, C Piutau.
Replacements (16-23): R Best, C Black, A Warwick, M Dalton, C Henry, J Cooney, P Nelson, A Trimble.

by Don Alfonso Thu 30 Nov 2017, 12:39 pm

We might well lose this. Oh well. More game time for Timoney, Jones, Kane and Dalton.

by Don Alfonso Thu 30 Nov 2017, 12:43 pm

Five of the pack are Ulster Academy-produced. Three of them are originally from Leinster, though.

by marty2086 Thu 30 Nov 2017, 1:31 pm

Dragons have named a young backrow themselves so might be an interesting battle, their backrow are 20, 22 and 23 and only one is over 16st

by **rodders** Thu 30 Nov 2017, 1:52 pm

marty2086 wrote:Ulster Rugby team to play Dragons, Friday 1st December at Rodney Parade, kick-off 7.35pm: (1-8): S van der Merwe, J Andrew, R Kane, A O'Connor, K Treadwell, G Jones, S Reidy, N Timoney;
(9-15): P Marshall, C Lealiifano; L Ludik, S McCloskey, T Bowe, C Gilroy, C Piutau.
Replacements (16-23): R Best, C Black, A Warwick, M Dalton, C Henry, J Cooney, P Nelson, A Trimble.

Surprised Ludik and Gilroy are still preferred to Trimble in the pecking order, is he fully fit?

by **RiscaGame** Thu 30 Nov 2017, 2:03 pm

Don Alfonso wrote:We might well lose this.

You more than likely won't.

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