Ulster Rugby 2017-2018 Part 2

by Hazel Sapling Wed 04 Apr 2018, 1:02 pm

First topic message reminder :

Ulster Rugby

Final Table
GP Points
Leinster 21 70
Scarlets 21 70
Edinburgh 21 68
Ulster 21 62
Benetton 21 55
Dragons 21 20
Kings 21 11

Season Outcome: Playoff for Champions Cup Spot

Ulster are in the Champions Cup

by Collapse2005 Thu 03 May 2018, 10:54 am

Pete330v2 wrote:
Don Alfonso wrote:According to the Independent, Carbery is seriously considering coming North for a season.

One half of me really, really doesn't want him anywhere near Ulster. He's not been playing regularly at 10 and when I have seen him it's been fleetingly and whilst he definitely has talent he doesn't have the experienced head that we could be doing with, one that would also help to bring along our home grown 10s. If Cullen doesn't see him as a 10 then why should we?
The other half reminds me that most those fleeting moments I've seen of him at 10 were in a green shirt. He's played 10 at international level and what Cullen doesn't see, Joe certainly does. As Joe has a tad more experience and rugby nous than Cullen I should bow to his superior knowledge and be very excited about Carberry heading up here. In Joe we should trust!

Cullen doesn't see him as a 10 because Leinster have Sexton and they want to have Carbery on the pitch too. As you say I'd be more inclined to trust Joe Schmidt and Graham Henry who both have said they see him as Ireland's next 10.

Ulster would be very lucky to get him and I hope he does go on loan at the very least, I think he would work well with Cooney. Win/win for every one.

by The Great Aukster Thu 03 May 2018, 1:10 pm

marty2086 wrote:
The Great Aukster wrote:
marty2086 wrote:
The Great Aukster wrote:
marty2086 wrote:
The Great Aukster wrote:
marty2086 wrote:Aukster, you're talking cr@p. Esportifs Ulster players are Trimble, Piutau, Henry, Gilroy, Payne, Best and Bowe. That's barely the majority of a starting team never mind squad

They only just opened in SA a few months ago, so nothing to do with them. I seem to remember reading over the time of Bothas failed medical that he is repped by CSM

Who said anything about the squad?

Sorry I gave you more credit than you're due, so Botha was signed when 0 signings during that period were with Esportif so you really were talking cr@p

Botha wasn't signed. Anyway Esportif had connections in SA before March of this year - do you really think they had no Saffers on their books before now? Allegedly they would have received a slice of the fee and may still be due that if Botha were to be signed now.
Player movements generate cash for agents, so it's not just signings one way that generate income.

BTW your list is far from exhaustive, isn't Stockdale with Esportif?

He was signed but the contract was cancelled before it began, he just wasn't officially an Ulster player.

Didn't Bryn talk about the player with the worst injury record they've signed recently was Cooney? Not to mention they signed vDM on limited information, they took risks as every signing is, some paid off and some didn't so not exactly sure what it is Esportif are meant to be guilty of when they weren't involved

BBC May 17 wrote:"We were looking forward to welcoming him to Kingspan Stadium. However, we have acted with the best interests of team performance in mind," Cunningham said.

"We have meticulous processes for player recruitment and, having commissioned an independent medical assessment in South Africa, it was recommended that the risk had increased following his most recent injury.

How could VdM be recruited on "limited information" if 'they' have meticulous processes for player recruitment?

Cooney didn't fail his medical nor VdM or Deysel theirs for that matter. No risk was taken with Botha a year ago, and his replacement Deysel was signed instead on a two year deal. If Cunningham is now considering signing the rejected Botha, then presumably he must now think those meticulous processes and the medical information commissioned a year ago was also "limited". Both JD and Coetzee still have a year each to run (or hobble) before their contracts are up, Chris Henry is now missing swathes of the season, and Sean Reidy starting to be MIA through injury. A fit Arno Botha would be a great asset to Ulster but IF he gets injured then Cunningham would look like a fool. In fact it could also be argued that Botha would be so keen to not let anyone down he might play through knocks thus risking the very "team performance" in whose best interests he was rejected in the first place.

There is a whole world of backrows out there that Cunningham could sign who wouldn't have the baggage of Botha.

So after an full blown attack on Esportif you've changed it to one on Cunningham?

It was talked about on here from the fan event, vDM was signed off 4 years of info rather than the usual process because of how little he played

Also Botha didn't fail a medical when he was initially signed, it was only after he got injured again, failing a medical though is probably a misnomer, as players don't fail medicals those signing them just decide what injuries are and aren't worth taking a risk on

"Full blown attack" - chin

?

As has already been discussed Cunningham cannot take any of the responsibility for the recruitment howlers before Kiss' departure, because he had no authority. The Botha signing is only a rumour so will go some way to show whether Bryn has the necessary nous to use the authority he has now been given. If he is sensitive to the circumstances, he won't touch Botha with a barge pole, and I would defend that decision. IF (big if) Botha is signed then Cunningham will receive criticism IF Botha breaks down. As a player Bryn was a safe pair of hands, which is what Ulster need now, so why would he even leave himself open to being labelled reckless?

by eirebilly Thu 03 May 2018, 1:15 pm

Pete330v2 wrote:
Don Alfonso wrote:According to the Independent, Carbery is seriously considering coming North for a season.

One half of me really, really doesn't want him anywhere near Ulster. He's not been playing regularly at 10 and when I have seen him it's been fleetingly and whilst he definitely has talent he doesn't have the experienced head that we could be doing with, one that would also help to bring along our home grown 10s. If Cullen doesn't see him as a 10 then why should we?
The other half reminds me that most those fleeting moments I've seen of him at 10 were in a green shirt. He's played 10 at international level and what Cullen doesn't see, Joe certainly does. As Joe has a tad more experience and rugby nous than Cullen I should bow to his superior knowledge and be very excited about Carberry heading up here. In Joe we should trust!

He does not play regularly at 10 but that does not mean that he is not an accomplished 10. During the 6N, I thought he was brilliant when replacing Sexton went off in a high pressure match.

Him forming a partnership with Cooney could be very advantageous to both Ulster and Ireland.

by The Great Aukster Thu 03 May 2018, 1:27 pm

Schmidt has two roles to fill in his RWC squad.
1. His starting 10
2. His cover on the bench

Plan A would be Sexton starting with Carbery on the bench, but if Sexton were injured then what would be his plan B? Undoubtedly Joe would want to see a lot more of Joey as a starting flyhalf to see if he could be a regular Test starter and therefore make his decision easier.

by Pete330v2 Thu 03 May 2018, 2:50 pm

eirebilly wrote:
Pete330v2 wrote:
Don Alfonso wrote:According to the Independent, Carbery is seriously considering coming North for a season.

One half of me really, really doesn't want him anywhere near Ulster. He's not been playing regularly at 10 and when I have seen him it's been fleetingly and whilst he definitely has talent he doesn't have the experienced head that we could be doing with, one that would also help to bring along our home grown 10s. If Cullen doesn't see him as a 10 then why should we?
The other half reminds me that most those fleeting moments I've seen of him at 10 were in a green shirt. He's played 10 at international level and what Cullen doesn't see, Joe certainly does. As Joe has a tad more experience and rugby nous than Cullen I should bow to his superior knowledge and be very excited about Carberry heading up here. In Joe we should trust!

He does not play regularly at 10 but that does not mean that he is not an accomplished 10. During the 6N, I thought he was brilliant when replacing Sexton went off in a high pressure match.

Him forming a partnership with Cooney could be very advantageous to both Ulster and Ireland.

He was very good indeed Billy and that's what would fill me with optimism about him heading North. Cooney has been behind a weak pack all season and looked fantastic. Imagine the service he'd give Carberry if the Ulster pack spends a little less time in reverse? They could be the next inseparable partnership in Irish rugby, BOD and Darc, Sexton and Murray, Cooney and Carberry.
Viewed from that point of view it's definitely a win/win situation and would give Ulster the year to attract a new 10 for the following season. That being said, if Joey really develops at Ulster and realizes that Belfast is actually an amazing city he may not want to leave Wink

by marty2086 Thu 03 May 2018, 3:30 pm

by Collapse2005 Thu 03 May 2018, 3:34 pm

Great player. God speed Trimble.

by Pete330v2 Thu 03 May 2018, 3:37 pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8qbtSnPUyg

by Collapse2005 Thu 03 May 2018, 3:38 pm

Any news on Jirid Payne?

by Pete330v2 Thu 03 May 2018, 3:40 pm

Collapse2005 wrote:Any news on Jirid Payne?

Jirid for difince coach next sayson perhips?
Fush and Chups.

by Collapse2005 Thu 03 May 2018, 3:55 pm

Kia Ora

by **rodders** Thu 03 May 2018, 3:56 pm

Collapse2005 wrote:Great player. God speed Trimble.

??

by JmD Thu 03 May 2018, 3:58 pm

Just announced his retirement rodders, see the statement above.

Ulster legend

by **rodders** Thu 03 May 2018, 4:00 pm

Oh just seeing it now.

Fantastic player, one of Ulsters best and most consistent in the pro era and very underrated - had a massive impact on games which is hard to do from the wing.

End of an era.

by Pete330v2 Thu 03 May 2018, 4:01 pm

Collapse2005 wrote:Kia Ora

It's too orangey for crows

by Kingshu Thu 03 May 2018, 4:34 pm

Trimle was always one of my favourite player, sad news. Hoped he would rediscover form and have another season.

So thats an entire backline gone

9 Marshall
10 Jackson
11 Trimble
12 Olding
13 Payne
14 Bowe
15 Piutau

To replace them all we have Will Addison coming in?

Maybe next season we could tempt Farrell or Arnold back.

by marty2086 Thu 03 May 2018, 4:50 pm

Kingshu wrote:Trimle was always one of my favourite player, sad news. Hoped he would rediscover form and have another season.

So thats an entire backline gone

9 Marshall
10 Jackson
11 Trimble
12 Olding
13 Payne
14 Bowe
15 Piutau

To replace them all we have Will Addison coming in?

Maybe next season we could tempt Farrell or Arnold back.

Maybe Joe will tell one of them to go loan for season Whistle

by The Great Aukster Thu 03 May 2018, 5:14 pm

Nah, McFarland will loan Addison to Munster to sharpen his competitiveness!

The era has ended and while it's sad losing Trimble now, he has left great memories.

So players gone, coaches gone, now what's left... Shane?

by Pete330v2 Thu 03 May 2018, 6:38 pm

The Great Aukster wrote:Nah, McFarland will loan Addison to Munster to sharpen his competitiveness!

The era has ended and while it's sad losing Trimble now, he has left great memories.

So players gone, coaches gone, now what's left... Shane?

We've been Loganed!

by geoff999rugby Thu 03 May 2018, 8:20 pm

Round up

Osprey games will be on a Sunday
Joey looks like he will be here for a year
The Botha talk seems dubious - we will sign a LH and Lock for the 2 NIQ slots before a backrower.
Plus we will not be allowed 3 NIE backrowers - so unless one of the two other contracts is being cancelled it ain't happening.
McFarland will be here for the start of the season, the leak just means we will have to pay SRU compensation money, thanks to some blabber mouth.
I would suggest it is 50/50 whether or not Henry, VdeMerwe or Ah You are here next season - all could be chopped.
VdeMerwe was a mistake based on inadequate information - wont do that again. Been told Kiss decided to take the risk.
Seems Kiss was a control freak when it came to new players.
By extension Addison was the first signing where Cunningham was totally responsible for a signing.

by Pot Hale Thu 03 May 2018, 8:39 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:Round up

Osprey games will be on a Sunday
Joey looks like he will be here for a year
The Botha talk seems dubious - we will sign a LH and Lock for the 2 NIQ slots before a backrower.
Plus we will not be allowed 3 NIE backrowers - so unless one of the two other contracts is being cancelled it ain't happening.
McFarland will be here for the start of the season, the leak just means we will have to pay SRU compensation money, thanks to some blabber mouth.
I would suggest it is 50/50 whether or not Henry, VdeMerwe or Ah You are here next season - all could be chopped.
VdeMerwe was a mistake based on inadequate information - wont do that again. Been told Kiss decided to take the risk.
Seems Kiss was a control freak when it came to new players.
By extension Addison was the first signing where Cunningham was totally responsible for a signing.

That’s all very interesting, Geoff. So which foreigners are staying/going?
Stay - Herbst, Deysel, Coetzee, Ludik?
Go - Piutau, van der Merwe, Ah You, ??
Payne retire and into coaching?

PS. When you say NIQ do you mean uncapped foreign players and NIE are capped foreign players? Are the 15 current slots as follows:
1. Vacant
2. Rhys Marshall NIQ (Oct 2019)
3. Van der Merwe NIQ (leaving?)
4. Scott Fardy NIE (2019)
4. Grobler NIQ (leaving)
5. Jean Kleyn NIQ (May 2019)
6. Coetzee NIE (2019)?
7. Deysel NIE (2019)?
8. Cloete NIQ (Oct 2020)
9. Gibson Park NIQ (June 2019)
10. Vacant
11. Lowe NIQ (Nov 2020)
12. Taute NIE(2019)
13. Vacant
14. Nacewa NIE (retiring)
15. Piutau NIE (leaving)

In theory, the Player Succession guidelines are 4 NIE and 1 NIQ but that hasn’t happened for a while in any of the provinces.

by geoff999rugby Thu 03 May 2018, 9:23 pm

Your definition of NIE is the one I am using. NIQ as a separate description is no longer that relevant due to the new 5 year residency.
The only one we have is VdeMerwe and if he is not ditched this year, he will be next.
By the way he is a pathetic LH, not a TH
The breakdown by position is dead in the water - it is 4 NIE's max, in theory, for each of the 3 'senior' provinces
Herbst and Ludik are not foreigners - they qualify by residency, as does Ah You
So currently Deysel and Coetzee are our only NIEs, as such we have 2 free slots.
Payne I am utterly convinced will retire and in all likelihood become our defensive coach

Looking at the squad next year we could be down to 30 players only who who played 5 games or more and that includes the likes of Rea, Timoney, Kane and McPhillips.
Also added in Addison, Moore and Murphy to this.
That is a thin squad and we will see a lot of youngsters playing next year - even allowing for 2 NIEs and Carbery joining.

by Kanbei Thu 03 May 2018, 10:17 pm

Would we not be better getting another back 3 player in now? Only senior ones left are Gilroy, Stockdale, Nelson, Ludik and Lyttle. I know Busby and Owens are there as well but they have hardly played. Other than that the likes of Mark Keane and Angus Kernohan will get alot of game time next year.

by geoff999rugby Thu 03 May 2018, 10:46 pm

Don't think so

We simply cant go into a season with only Warwick and McCall with any LH experience - that would be utter madness
Also look at Lock - Henderson, then AOC, then we fall of a cliff to the poor Treadwell and Browne and a bunch of kids.

A back three player would be nice but a LH is an absolute must have and a Lock is desperately needed.
They remain more urgent requirements

The kids will get a lot of game time in the back three.
You can add Addison to that list though - he can play there as well.

I would even say SH is more urgent than the back three
Coney then Shanahan who simply isn't good enough and then one kid Stewart and after that sub-Academy players
An injury to a back three player can be managed, a serious injury to Cooney and we are screwed

by Pot Hale Thu 03 May 2018, 11:35 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:Your definition of NIE is the one I am using. NIQ as a separate description is no longer that relevant due to the new 5 year residency.
The only one we have is VdeMerwe and if he is not ditched this year, he will be next.
By the way he is a pathetic LH, not a TH
The breakdown by position is dead in the water - it is 4 NIE's max, in theory, for each of the 3 'senior' provinces
Herbst and Ludik are not foreigners - they qualify by residency, as does Ah You
So currently Deysel and Coetzee are our only NIEs, as such we have 2 free slots.
Payne I am utterly convinced will retire and in all likelihood become our defensive coach

Looking at the squad next year we could be down to 30 players only who who played 5 games or more and that includes the likes of Rea, Timoney, Kane and McPhillips.
Also added in Addison, Moore and Murphy to this.
That is a thin squad and we will see a lot of youngsters playing next year - even allowing for 2 NIEs and Carbery joining.

Oh gotcha. I was wondering because you’ve been using both NIE and NIQ in your posts so wasn’t sure if you meant them as one and the same.

I thought the allocation by position was still being used - the list I posted earlier seems to follow a team pattern of the NIE and NIQ players at the provinces with Grobler the outlier until Beirne arrives. Fardy was denoted as a second row rather than 6 and Leinster seem to have been at pains in saying this. So is it actually 5 slots per province with NIE maxed at 4 but some of them could be NIQ?

by clivemcl Fri 04 May 2018, 1:26 am

Gutted by Trimble retiring. Feels a little different this one as we were at school together. There was always a bit of a buzz about knowing somebody who had actually 'made it'. And now I guess I feel old!

But yea, Trimble's letter suggests that he was struggling with this decision and perhaps implies that his absence over recent weeks may have partly been of his own choosing.

He must surely make the squad for the Ospreys playoff game though. I mean, he can't leave us like this! Sad

by geoff999rugby Fri 04 May 2018, 9:10 am

Pot the situation is each of the 3 provinces is allowed 4 NIEs.
They can be in any position with the proviso the IRFU can block any of them if they feel it is detrimental to Irish player development.
There is a provision of a 5th 'Project' NIQ player but the feeling is because of the change to 5 year residency this will be promising youngsters around 19-21 years of age - established players with aspiring international desires are not going to be interested in a 5 year qualification period.

by geoff999rugby Fri 04 May 2018, 9:13 am

On the Trimble thing there has been an active decision, I assume across all provinces, to phase out older players and in most cases only give 1 year contracts to over 30's. There will be far more emphasis on securing the better youngsters on extended contracts.

You can see that with the central contracts as well - a whole load of them terminate next summer.
Only Toner, Henderson, POM, CJ and Furlong have contracts beyond the WC I believe.
Most of the others will not be renewed

This time next year Best will be playing his last Ulster game, Henry will be away this summer, or, maybe, next.

There will be a very youthful look to Ulster next year

by marty2086 Fri 04 May 2018, 9:22 am

geoff999rugby wrote:I would suggest it is 50/50 whether or not Henry, VdeMerwe or Ah You are here next season - all could be chopped.

I know it could be seen as a waste of money but Henry going along with Bowe and Trimble could be a huge loss, with Best being preoccupied next season keeping him around in terms of leadership might be an important factor especially with Payne not playing. It would leave Cave as really the only long term senior player

by Pot Hale Fri 04 May 2018, 9:49 am

geoff999rugby wrote:Pot the situation is each of the 3 provinces is allowed 4 NIEs.
They can be in any position with the proviso the IRFU can block any of them if they feel it is detrimental to Irish player development.
There is a provision of a 5th 'Project' NIQ player but the feeling is because of the change to 5 year residency this will be promising youngsters around 19-21 years of age - established players with aspiring international desires are not going to be interested in a 5 year qualification period.

Ah ok - understood. That makes sense. Thanks.

by marty2086 Fri 04 May 2018, 10:05 am

Robbie Diack now announced he's heading back to South Africa Shocked

by clivemcl Fri 04 May 2018, 11:08 am

I’m going to suggest that Carberry if he comes to us, will still be playing 15 on occasion. McPhillips hasn’t been poor, deserves more game time to develop and our back three years s light.

For starters, we need Lyttle and Nelson to really grow and shine. But regardless of that, depth is poor. I can see us signing an IQ back three player.

Oh.... just remembering somebody said Addison is a utility back who has played 15 too...

by Redman Fri 04 May 2018, 11:13 am

marty2086 wrote:Robbie Diack now announced he's heading back to South Africa

Well on the plus side the youngsters are probably going to stay for that next few years because they'll definitely be getting gametime.

by geoff999rugby Fri 04 May 2018, 11:48 am

So the clear out continuation.

Diack whilst not quite good enough was a really decent and hard working individual
Wish him well

Carbery will play no games at 15 except under the dire emergency
We will be signing no NIQ back three player for reasons I've already explained

by clivemcl Fri 04 May 2018, 11:51 am

I said IQ Geoff.

Do you think we will sign more IQ back three or will we make do with Gilroy Stockdale Ludik Lyttle and Nelson?

by geoff999rugby Fri 04 May 2018, 11:53 am

Been reported on the other site that

Browne
Ross
Simpson
Z. McCall
+others are leaving.

Fits in with what I have heard and mentioned in this thread.
Cunningham said the deadwood was going to be cleared out and it certainly is

Clive my error - sorry.
I think a back three player is possible - there was talk of Dave Kearney earlier
I agree with you another IQ player is perfectly possible

by Pete330v2 Fri 04 May 2018, 12:08 pm

Wow, Bryn really meant it when he said there was going to be a proper clearout.

I think it's about time Munster stumped up seeing as we have the hands out. Send us back Arnold and Farrell and maybe an Irish backrower please Munster Smile

by geoff999rugby Fri 04 May 2018, 12:12 pm

Squad for next year (players who have started more than 5 senior pro games):

LH - McCall K, Warwick
Hooker - Best, Andrew, Andrew
TH - Herbst, Moore, Kane
Lock - Henderson, AOC, Treadwell
Backrow - Coetzee, Murphy, Deysel, Timoney, Rea snr, Reidy
SH - Cooney
FH - McPhillips
Centre - McCloskey, Marshall, Cave, Addison
Back three - Ludik, Gilroy, Stockdale, Lyttle, Nelson

28 players
An assumption made that Ah You, Henry, Browne, Ross all leaving and Payne retiring
That is why a LH, Lock and 10 are desperately needed
It is also why most of the following will be getting a lot of game time

McBurney
O'Toole
Dalton
Hall
Jones
Rea jnr
Stewart
Curtis
Agnew
O'Hagan
O'Sullivan
Cooper
McCusker
Dunleavy
Regan
Lowry
Hume
Butler
Kernohan
Clarke

For the perceptive amongst you no mention of Shanahan- believe it or not he has yet to start 5 games
Also no Montgomery, Simpson, Cairns, Owens, Busby - they all fit the Cunningham deadwood description
The two forwards are definitely away and if any of the backs are kept it wont be because they are considered good enough, it will just be for cover

by clivemcl Fri 04 May 2018, 12:26 pm

I know there's potential benefit to come from trusting our own young home grown, but can't help but feel things are fairly grim.

We have a squad (assuming Carberry) which might just be decent, as long as we are relatively injury free.

But is it not also likely that we find we have not yet reached the depths of our trough? Are we too optimistic in thinking the only way is up?

Injuries to a few key positions and we could be on our way for a disaster of a season.

Bryn really needs to do some solid bolstering with his signings.

by marty2086 Fri 04 May 2018, 12:29 pm

If we can get even just half those youngsters to develop into decent players we'll be getting somewhere, will Clarke get much game time though being 5th choice hooker?

by geoff999rugby Fri 04 May 2018, 12:36 pm

I would suggest of the Academy players listed - Clarke, O'Sullivan, Cooper, Butler are not going to be seen much but for the rest there is an open door of opportunity to walk through if they have the commitment, the belief and the talent

by marty2086 Fri 04 May 2018, 12:43 pm

Guys like that are why I think a lot of us wouldn't have minded a season in the Challenge Cup, would be a great opportunity to blood some young guys that might not get a look in for the league

by Pot Hale Fri 04 May 2018, 5:25 pm

Sounds like a season (or two) of serious re-building. But if that can happen on the back of developing some of the academy youth/newbies, Ulster will be the better for it, I reckon.

by geoff999rugby Fri 04 May 2018, 6:12 pm

That's the hope - as some in the club have said, and I agree, things may be bad but we have our best ever Academy at the moment
(at least from 1 to 10)

They are our future

by carpet baboon Fri 04 May 2018, 7:12 pm

On scrum half , has anyone seen the younger Curtis brothers play?

by geoff999rugby Fri 04 May 2018, 7:56 pm

Not yet but hearing very good reports.
I would hope he and O'Donnell are in the full Academy next year

by carpet baboon Fri 04 May 2018, 9:29 pm

I managed to watch the u20s 6ns the other day and I like the look of Angus Curtis. They were playing him at 12 (he says he's a 10) but his enthusiasm was impressive. He was constantly looking for work. Attack or defense he was constantly looking to be involved.

by The Great Aukster Sat 05 May 2018, 9:36 am

clivemcl wrote:I know there's potential benefit to come from trusting our own young home grown, but can't help but feel things are fairly grim.

We have a squad (assuming Carberry) which might just be decent, as long as we are relatively injury free.

But is it not also likely that we find we have not yet reached the depths of our trough? Are we too optimistic in thinking the only way is up?

Injuries to a few key positions and we could be on our way for a disaster of a season.

Bryn really needs to do some solid bolstering with his signings.

The decision to offload a lot of players has been forced by the IRFU. Their insistence on dumping Jackson/Olding and that Ulster should pay for it, has meant the clear-out has come by looking at salaries rather than performance. Any pre-houha deals like Murphy, Moore and Addison will be honoured, but don't be expecting too much more solid bolstering!

by The Great Aukster Sat 05 May 2018, 9:37 am

carpet baboon wrote:I managed to watch the u20s 6ns the other day and I like the look of Angus Curtis. They were playing him at 12 (he says he's a 10) but his enthusiasm was impressive. He was constantly looking for work. Attack or defense he was constantly looking to be involved.

Curtis was playing a very direct game in the u20s, which is fine at that level, but his natural size isn't far away from where he is now so his future has to be as a 10.

by The Great Aukster Sat 05 May 2018, 10:29 am

So will Pau and Gloucester finish top 6 in their respective leagues and automatically qualify Ulster for a Champions Cup spot?

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Will Ulster make the Champions Cup next season