Leinster Rugby 2019/20: Squad & Provincial Team News

by Pot Hale Mon 03 Jun 2019, 6:28 pm

First topic message reminder :

*******HISTORY/OWNERSHIP**********

Leinster Rugby is one of four Branches who are the members (Owners / Constituents) of the IRFU.

Leinster Branch is "owned" by the constituent Clubs, Sections and Affiliated Bodies (e.g. the School & Youths Committees & Referee's Assoc) within the Province. The Representatives of each of these meet monthly as the Executive Committee of Leinster Rugby. Only the AGM of Leinster Rugby has authority above the Executive Committee.

Each Club in Leinster is a registered Sporting Body (NFP status) and Leinster Rugby has a separate registered number as a Sporting Body. The property of Leinster Rugby is held in the names of Trustees elected annually at Leinster Rugby AGM.

in 2019, the IRFU established a property holding company to hold all of the property of the IRFU. Prior to that, all of the property of the IRFU was held in the names of the four IRFU Trustees, again, annually elected at the AGM.

In strictly legal terms, each of the four Provincial bodies are "unincorpoated trusts with tax exempt status as sporting bodies". Old-fashioned but effective structures for the control and preservation of voluntary sporting bodies.

20 Senior Clubs can summon an Extraordinary General Meeting of the IRFU to determine a Resolution proposed by those Clubs. However, nowhere within the IRFU Governing documents are Rugby Clubs defined as "members" of the IRFU.

Notionally, the IRFU is "owned by the Clubs", but indirectly through the four Provincial structures.

***********************

Feel free to add in Leinster Rugby news updates, wider news on provincial teams news, comments as you wish.

by SecretFly Wed 11 Mar 2020, 2:59 pm

Pot Hale wrote:
thebandwagonsociety wrote:With the two week incubation period for the covid19, we'll be 4 life cycles into Ireland and about 6 life cycles into UK by the time the HC quarter finals come around. Given the rate of spread of this, what's the chances of those fixtures (a) going ahead and (b) being behind closed doors?

There's a good chance that the H Cup QF against Saracens will be affected - likely behind closed doors since they can't afford to postpone.
UK government seems to have a different attitude to some in Europe about mass gathering events. So Exeter v Saints might be in front of crowd.
Toulouse v Ulster and Clermont v Racing likely to be subject to the French government restrictions.

Yep, I was noticing that myself about the UK being much more lax concerning this virus.

Foolhardy? Of do they know more about the details of this thing than others?

by Pot Hale Wed 11 Mar 2020, 3:31 pm

SecretFly wrote:
Pot Hale wrote:
thebandwagonsociety wrote:With the two week incubation period for the covid19, we'll be 4 life cycles into Ireland and about 6 life cycles into UK by the time the HC quarter finals come around. Given the rate of spread of this, what's the chances of those fixtures (a) going ahead and (b) being behind closed doors?

There's a good chance that the H Cup QF against Saracens will be affected - likely behind closed doors since they can't afford to postpone.
UK government seems to have a different attitude to some in Europe about mass gathering events. So Exeter v Saints might be in front of crowd.
Toulouse v Ulster and Clermont v Racing likely to be subject to the French government restrictions.

Yep, I was noticing that myself about the UK being much more lax concerning this virus.

Foolhardy? Of do they know more about the details of this thing than others?

The UK government has specifically said banning of mass gatherings does not provide any particular benefit. I'm not sure that their highly respected CSO, Wholley, is of the exact same view.

by mikey_dragon Sun 03 May 2020, 6:59 pm

The Rugby Paper has reported that Joe Tomane has signed for us, they’re usually a reliable source... He is a player I had hoped we would target.

by thebandwagonsociety Tue 05 May 2020, 10:37 am

Tomane has been a solid playing option when fit. Being a NIQ player, we tend to lean on them for more minutes in the Leinster setup. However Joe plays an abrasive style and just seems to pick injuries fairly regularly. When fit he has a lot to offer.

Fergus McFadden has announced his retirement for the end of the season.

by mikey_dragon Tue 05 May 2020, 10:43 am

I thought he was just out of favour with Leinster? I hope we don’t have another player with a poor injury record... That said this time off would have done him good. If he can stay fit then he is ideal for our young backs to learn from.

by thebandwagonsociety Mon 18 May 2020, 3:02 pm

Oisin Dowling and Jack Aungier both going to Connacht.
Munster have picked up tighthead prop Roman Salanoav on a two-year deal.

Leinster depth chart being raided? Or half the provinces being given cheap contract players in preparation for losing funding towards marquee names?

by mikey_dragon Wed 20 May 2020, 9:22 pm

Munster’s starting team will be very tasty. That Roman Salanoav will probably turn out to be a gem.

by thebandwagonsociety Fri 22 May 2020, 9:46 am

Will Munster be asking for one of the Byrne brothers from Leinster also now that one of their outhalves has announced retirement on medical advice?

by mikey_dragon Fri 22 May 2020, 10:49 pm

thebandwagonsociety wrote:Will Munster be asking for one of the Byrne brothers from Leinster also now that one of their outhalves has announced retirement on medical advice?

Who is retiring?

by Kingshu Sat 23 May 2020, 8:39 am

Tyler Bleyendaal was a good player, he had one good season with Munster the rest he was mostly injuried so never got a good run going.

by Pot Hale Mon 25 May 2020, 1:22 am

thebandwagonsociety wrote:Will Munster be asking for one of the Byrne brothers from Leinster also now that one of their outhalves has announced retirement on medical advice?

They can go swing. Munster can start developing their own.
Nabbing Roman Salanoa was a good piece of work no doubt suggested and abetted by Nucifora. He had a couple of senior games for Leinster this season and fared comfortably. With him and Knox as tightheads to take over from John Ryan, they'll be well set for a few seasons. Looseheads are not in as good supply.

Aungier and Dowling will be good additions to the Connacht squad. Michael Milne and Ryan Baird coming through from Leinster Academy will fill prop and lock stocks. Interesting that there's been no word on Scott Fardy who was meant to be definitely, definitely finishing this season. And James Lowe's 3-season contract also finishes in June. Tomane is heading off as per end of two-season contract. Not sure what kind of contract renewal deal Gibson-Park got last season but presume he's staying in place.

Leinster not looking to bring in anyone again for next season - they're happy with academy stocks. With McFadden retiring, but no word on Rob Kearney yet, they'll probably promote Tommy O'Brien from academy for use in the back three. Gavin Mullin (son of former international, Brendan) is also finished in academy and could take Tomane's place in midfield slots.

It looks like Michael Bent will get another season in blue even though he turned 34 last month. That may change though. And Devin Toner's central contract finishes next month - presume he'll be offered at least another year (maybe two) provincial contract.

by Pot Hale Mon 25 May 2020, 1:27 am

As a by the by, it seems that players slated to arrive for next season will be allowed play in any remaining games for this current season due to the Covid disruption. Potentially, Munster could have Snyman and de Allende in their line-up along with Gallagher from Saracens and Salanoa when they resume hostilities with Leinster in the first interior derby that is tentatively being planned for August 22/23 for restart of PRO14.

That should give them a boost.

by mikey_dragon Sat 30 May 2020, 4:38 pm

thebandwagonsociety wrote:Oisin Dowling and Jack Aungier both going to Connacht.
Munster have picked up tighthead prop Roman Salanoav on a two-year deal.

Leinster depth chart being raided? Or half the provinces being given cheap contract players in preparation for losing funding towards marquee names?

Quite a few outgoing for Connacht, some of them pretty good players. Is there anyone else going there?

by formerly known as Sam Sun 31 May 2020, 9:36 am

mikey_dragon wrote:
thebandwagonsociety wrote:Oisin Dowling and Jack Aungier both going to Connacht.
Munster have picked up tighthead prop Roman Salanoav on a two-year deal.

Leinster depth chart being raided? Or half the provinces being given cheap contract players in preparation for losing funding towards marquee names?

Quite a few outgoing for Connacht, some of them pretty good players. Is there anyone else going there?

Oisin Heffernan formerly of Leinster and currently with Nottingham is rumoured to be heading that way.

by formerly known as Sam Sun 31 May 2020, 11:40 am

I post that and then someone tells me he's stalling on the Connaught offer because he wants to remain in England (he is EQ). Sarries were linked but they've been linked to every half decent Championship player and have already signed Alec Clarey from Jersey.

by Pot Hale Mon 01 Jun 2020, 11:52 pm

Connacht are cleaning house in a big way, particularly with foreign players. McCartney retired, Fainga’a moving to France, 2 other Aussie and English players released. But they’re also releasing 7 Irish players. And bringing 4 Irish players in.

Munster letting go a few too although their SA contingent remains strong with Botha out but Snyman and de Allende in.

Still no news from Leinster except McFadden’s retirement.

by St John The Enforcer Wed 03 Jun 2020, 12:49 pm

When Leinster finally get around to announcing Fardy's contract can I get an "I told you so" in? Very Happy

by Pot Hale Fri 05 Jun 2020, 1:27 pm

St John The Enforcer wrote:When Leinster finally get around to announcing Fardy's contract can I get an "I told you so" in?

Nah - Covid has changed things...... Smile

by St John The Enforcer Sat 06 Jun 2020, 9:47 pm

Fair enough Smile

I think he had signed beforehand. Toner too. Rob Kearney the only one not tied down.

Word was he was off to Japan but I think that went pear shaped after covid.

If he can't get sorted with a decent contract he may retire. He would likely be worth more that the role Leinster would need him for.

by Pot Hale Wed 10 Jun 2020, 10:09 pm

St John The Enforcer wrote:Fair enough I think he had signed beforehand. Toner too. Rob Kearney the only one not tied down.

Word was he was off to Japan but I think that went pear shaped after covid.

If he can't get sorted with a decent contract he may retire. He would likely be worth more that the role Leinster would need him for.

Yeah - I remember reading a report back in Feb/March that Leinster had all their contract signings sorted with Kearney the outstanding one, but Fardy signed until 2021. Not sure about Toner.

Although when Cullen sat down on-line with journalists on 20 April, one article quoted him saying:

“There’s going to be a good chunk of players that still haven’t got themselves sorted with contracts for next season so to speak. We’ll just have to wait and see what that looks like. The players are very understanding, our guys, we don’t have as much change as most other teams. We don’t have players coming in, we have a very settled group for the most part.

“A lot of younger players will be getting promoted from the Academy to our senior squad, as is the case, there will be a few players that will retire at the end of the season. It is clearly complicated because we don’t know how the end of the season is going to look like. The players are open, they’re open to different suggestions."

by St John The Enforcer Thu 11 Jun 2020, 5:33 pm

Yes with 2 3rd year academy lads off to senior contracts with Connacht (Aungier and Dowling) and a 1st year off to Munster. (Salanoa) There are only 2 players left in the final year academy. Both will likely be promoted to the senior squad. Tommy O'Brien and Brendan Mullin's son Gavin.

There is also the possibility of some or all these 2nd year Academy lads getting promoted.

Ryan Baird
Harry Byrne
Michael Milne
Jack Dunne
Dan Sheehan

That should make up the rest of Leinster's senior squad for the season.

Retirements. Fergus McFadden. Possibly Rob Kearney. Leaving Joe Tomane.

If no one else is going then perhaps a few on the list may serve their last year in the Academy. Otherwise there would be nearly 50 in the senior squad.

by Pot Hale Fri 12 Jun 2020, 2:25 pm

St John The Enforcer wrote:Yes with 2 3rd year academy lads off to senior contracts with Connacht (Aungier and Dowling) and a 1st year off to Munster. (Salanoa) There are only 2 players left in the final year academy. Both will likely be promoted to the senior squad. Tommy O'Brien and Brendan Mullin's son Gavin.

There is also the possibility of some or all these 2nd year Academy lads getting promoted.

Ryan Baird
Harry Byrne
Michael Milne
Jack Dunne
Dan Sheehan

That should make up the rest of Leinster's senior squad for the season.

Retirements. Fergus McFadden. Possibly Rob Kearney. Leaving Joe Tomane.

If no one else is going then perhaps a few on the list may serve their last year in the Academy. Otherwise there would be nearly 50 in the senior squad.

That sounds about right. Probably they need to take into account that this will be a much longer season with the remaining current season matches on top of potentially a full season up to June 2021. And there are a few players contracted up to end ‘21 season - Bent, Healy, Cronin, Toner (if he stays), Sexton.

by St John The Enforcer Thu 25 Jun 2020, 11:21 am

Finally....

https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/leinster-rugby-confirm-contracts-202021?fbclid=IwAR2WQti7g-7UQlVq25j8p2C3MOD5AaV1TJHvwgihjyN3DH17ctrnoqHA5-Q

by Pot Hale Fri 26 Jun 2020, 8:51 am

So Leo keeps to his plan. No new players in for next season - again.

Players in
Ryan Baird promoted from Academy
Harry Byrne promoted from Academy
Jack Dunne promoted from Academy
Tommy O'Brien promoted from Academy
Dan Sheehan promoted from Academy

Players out
Fergus McFadden retiring after end of this season
Jack Aungier moving to Connacht
Óisín Dowling moving to Connacht
Roman Salanoa moving to Munster
Bryan Byrne released - no word on where he might go
Barry Daly released - rumoured that he's retiring
Gavin Mullin released - no word on where he might go
Joe Tomane released - his 2-year contract finished. Rumoured initially to be going to Dragons in Wales.

by mikey_dragon Fri 26 Jun 2020, 9:23 am

They probably don't need any new players though, do they? Salanoa and Tomane would be a good coup for whomever they go to.

by St John The Enforcer Fri 26 Jun 2020, 12:07 pm

Pot Hale wrote:
Bryan Byrne released - no word on where he might go

Signed a 1 year for Bristol

by thebandwagonsociety Mon 29 Jun 2020, 2:14 pm

From the Leinster website this morning;

Leinster Rugby has this morning confirmed 28 new contracts for the 2020/21 season, while also confirming their list of departees.

However, with Covid-19 still impacting on the 2019/20 season, two players have been retained beyond their original contract end-date of 30 June.

Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen welcomed the announcement and also acknowledged the unique circumstances facing a number of players.

“We are delighted to be able to confirm the list of 28 contracts today and in particular with so many of them coming through the clubs and the schools of Leinster. A huge amount of work goes into developing players at all levels of the game so it’s incredibly pleasing for us to have five players promoted directly from our Academy.

“It is always a hugely special day for them, their families and their clubs and schools so I would like to congratulate Ryan (Baird), Harry (Byrne), Jack (Dunne), Tommy (O’Brien) and Dan (Sheehan).

“We are also delighted that Fergus McFadden and Rob Kearney have agreed to stay on for the completion of the 2019/20 Season. Both players have given so much to the team over the course of their careers as ‘one club’ men and hopefully, they can both contribute strongly to the team for the games that we still hope to play out.

“This has also been a challenging time for many players who are leaving clubs as there has been so much uncertainty but we would like to wish all the players leaving Leinster the very best in what is next in their respective careers.

“To Bryan, Barry and Joe from the Senior squad and to Jack, Gavin, Roman and Oisín from the Academy we would like to thank you all for your contribution and effort that you have given the club.

“Our focus now is making sure our training environment is as good and safe as it can be as we look to prepare for the completion of our Guinness PRO14 campaign and of course our eagerly-awaited showdown against Saracens in the Quarter-Final of the Heineken Champions Cup.”

Included in the list of 28 is 14 Irish internationals with 301 caps between them, while 23 of the 28 players have come through the Leinster Rugby Academy system.

Leinster Rugby – New Senior Contracts:

1. Vakh Abdaladze, 11 Leinster Caps (LC), 1 Leinster Tries (T)*
2. Ryan Baird, 7 LC, 3 T
3. Michael Bent, 4 Ireland Caps (IC), 135 LC, 4 T
4. Adam Byrne, 1 IC, 57 LC, 20 T
5. Ed Byrne, 52 LC, 7 T
6. Harry Byrne, 9 LC, 2 T
7. Ross Byrne, 6 IC, 84 LC, 5 T
8. Will Connors, 15 LC, 2 T
9. Seán Cronin, 72 IC, 181 LC, 41 T
10. Peter Dooley, 76 LC, 2 T
11. Caelan Doris, 2 IC, 29 LC, 4 T
12. Jack Dunne, 7 LC, 0 T
13. Scott Fardy, 39 Australia Caps (AC), 58 LC, 10 T
14. Jordan Larmour, 24 IC, 46 LC, 12 T
15. Dan Leavy, 11 IC, 63 LC, 14 T
16. James Lowe, 43 LC, 28 T
17. Ross Molony, 95 LC, 3 T
18. Josh Murphy, 32 LC, 2 T
19. Tommy O’Brien, 3 LC, 1 T
20. Rory O’Loughlin, 1 IC, 67 LC, 21 T
21. Rowan Osborne, 4 LC, 1 T
22. Andrew Porter, 26 IC, 62 LC, 9 T
23. Rhys Ruddock, 26 IC, 172 LC, 10 T
24. James Ryan, 26 IC, 37 LC, 2 T**
25. Dan Sheehan, 0 LC, 0 T
26. Devin Toner, 70 IC, 244 LC, 4 T
27. James Tracy, 6 IC, 108 LC, 8 T
28. Josh van der Flier, 26 IC, 80 LC, 9 T

Academy Players Promoted to Senior Squad:

1. Ryan Baird
2. Harry Byrne
3. Jack Dunne
4. Tommy O’Brien
5. Dan Sheehan

Leinster Rugby – Departees:

1. Jack Aungier, 5 LC, 0 T
2. Bryan Byrne, 47 LC, 12 T
3. Barry Daly, 36 LC, 19 T
4. Oisín Dowling, 6 LC, 0 T
5. Gavin Mullin, 2 LC, 0 T
6. Roman Salanoa, 3 LC, 0 T
7. Joe Tomane, 17 AC, 21 LC, 3

*Statistics correct as of 24th June 2020
**Already announced as centrally contracted by the IRFU

by St John The Enforcer Mon 29 Jun 2020, 5:37 pm

That was from the Leinster website last Thursday. The Leinster news this morning was all about James Lowe and his 3 year contract and imminent Irelsnd debut

by thebandwagonsociety Wed 08 Jul 2020, 3:50 pm

Man I miss live rugby. To be at a live game roaring the head off myself, ah the (vague/hazy) memories....

by St John The Enforcer Fri 10 Jul 2020, 12:43 am

I feel your pain buddy. Hopefully they let some of us into the sarries game. They reckon they can squeeze 13000 into Lansdowne road with social distancing

by thebandwagonsociety Fri 10 Jul 2020, 9:38 am

St John The Enforcer wrote:I feel your pain buddy. Hopefully they let some of us into the sarries game. They reckon they can squeeze 13000 into Lansdowne road with social distancing

That would cover the season ticket holders.

by St John The Enforcer Fri 10 Jul 2020, 7:13 pm

Only if all of them bought "memberships" they are on public sale today.

by Pot Hale Tue 14 Jul 2020, 12:12 am

Interesting interview with Felipe Contemponi, attack Coach for Leinster on their decision not to bring in new players for next season, and what are they going to do with the available Non-Irish Qualified (NIQ) slots they now have with the departure of Joe Tomane, and Gibson-Park already and James Lowe becoming Irish qualified in Nov.

“We need to get the right person and sometimes it is hard to find the right person. In fairness, Leinster do a great job to start with, but also the schools and clubs. We have a lot of young players coming through who I think can develop and take those places. I wouldn’t be too worried. Sometimes the solution isn’t out there; it’s inside.”

by thebandwagonsociety Tue 14 Jul 2020, 9:23 am

Pot Hale wrote:Interesting interview with Felipe Contemponi, attack Coach for Leinster on their decision not to bring in new players for next season, and what are they going to do with the available Non-Irish Qualified (NIQ) slots they now have with the departure of Joe Tomane, and Gibson-Park already and James Lowe becoming Irish qualified in Nov.

“We need to get the right person and sometimes it is hard to find the right person. In fairness, Leinster do a great job to start with, but also the schools and clubs. We have a lot of young players coming through who I think can develop and take those places. I wouldn’t be too worried. Sometimes the solution isn’t out there; it’s inside.”

Felipe should go into politics, that was a great way to say the chequebook is closed.

by Pot Hale Tue 14 Jul 2020, 7:04 pm

Maybe not.

The conveyor belt continues to motor along. Leinster Academy Squad for 2020/21 announced today:

Leinster Rugby Academy –

Year Three 2020/21: David Hawkshaw (centre), Michael Milne (prop, 8 caps), Aaron O’Sullivan (wing), Patrick Patterson (scrumhalf, 3 caps), Michael Silvester (fullback).

Year Two 2020/21: Tom Clarkson (prop), Brian Deeny (secondrow), Cormac Foley (scrumhalf), Martin Moloney (flanker), Charlie Ryan (secondrow), Liam Turner (centre/wing).

Year One 2020/21: Niall Comerford (fullback/wing), Joe McCarthy (secondrow), John McKee (hooker), Seán O’Brien (backrow), Max O’Reilly (fullback/wing/centre), Andrew Smith (fullback/wing), Alex Soroka (backrow).

We have another Sean O'Brien playing back row on the way. Let's hope he's not nicked for Munster or Ulster - thankfully, Connacht already have their own one. Smile

by thebandwagonsociety Mon 17 Aug 2020, 5:11 pm

Some random news;

Fergus McFadden out 6 weeks (calf) probably ends Leinster career (unless we reach finals)
Conor O’Brien out (hamstring / surgery?)
Peter Dooley was expected to return to training this week after a shoulder injury
Dan Leavy also continuing his progress and his gradual exposure to rugby training (knee injury)
Vakh Abdaladze out with back (sounds like procedure shortly)

by Pot Hale Sun 30 Aug 2020, 6:52 pm

Dan Leavy may get a shot on the bench in next week's semifinal.

No news update on Furlong's injury so could be Porter and Bent togging out at tighthead. Healy looked like he'd be out for a few weeks with injury last week, so Ed Byrne to start with Dooley hopefully recovered.

Ryan still out so Fardy, Toner and possibly Baird on the bench.

Plenty in the back row stocks - vDF/Leavy, Doris and Conan possibly.

Luke McGrath with Gibson Park on the bench. Sexton and Ross Byrne at 10.

Henshaw and Ringrose in midfield with back three of Larmour, Lowe and probably Dave Kearney. Possibly Rob Kearney in the 23 shirt.

by thebandwagonsociety Mon 31 Aug 2020, 10:37 am

For the sake of a couple more weeks of rehab, would it not be better to not to rush Leavy back and let the current crop fight it out for the knockout game positions. Seems unfair to bounce Penny/Doris/Deegan/Ruddock for a return from injury minutes.

by St John The Enforcer Mon 31 Aug 2020, 3:35 pm

Dave Kearney out. J Ryan, Leavy and Furlong may or may not make it this week. Healy is fine I think.

by Pot Hale Mon 31 Aug 2020, 3:43 pm

St John The Enforcer wrote:Dave Kearney out. J Ryan, Leavy and Furlong may or may not make it this week. Healy is fine I think.

Oh that's good news on Healy.

by Pot Hale Mon 07 Sep 2020, 2:13 pm

Ciaran Parker, English-born and Irish-qualified prop has moved from Jersey Reds to Leinster on a 3-month loan. The continuing absence of Vakh Abdaladze with back injury. Parker will provide cover for expanded test games with likely Healy, Furlong, and Porter called up.

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