Ulster squad additions

by geoff998rugby Tue 21 Jun 2011, 12:27 pm

First topic message reminder :

All of the following will be contracted to Ulster next year - I don't know the nature of each contract though

Niall Annett
Jerry Cronin
Craig Gilroy
Paddy Jackson
Adam Macklin
Luke Marshall
James McKinney
Ian Porter

Will supply a fully list shortly - still no mention of Bryan Young. Also no mention of Gaston yet

by **rodders** Wed 08 Feb 2012, 1:24 pm

Well technically Sin lives as close to Ulster as Munster so maybe he is hedging his bets? Come on Sin you can be an honory Ulster man, Jump on the bandwagon pal! Hug

by Sin é Wed 08 Feb 2012, 1:28 pm

geoff998rugby wrote:
Sin é wrote:
geoff998rugby wrote:Humphreys is in charge of recruitment because McLaughlin hasn't got the skill set to do the job.
Afoa, Payne, Pienaer, Muller would not be turning out for Ulster if Humphreys had not been there.
With a new coach I would expect the structure to be very different.

Humphreys had the profile and he used it. Players come for all sorts of reasons to different clubs. ROG & Paul O'Connell met Rua Tipoki when he was playing for the Maori and encouraged him to think about coming to Munster. I bet Wian du Preez was fingered by POC/ROG when on the last Lions Tour. I'd say Doug Howlett had a word with Christian Cullen before he ventured over here. Does that mean that Declan Kidney/Garrett Fitz/Tony McGahan don't have the skill set to recruit players?

So what you are saying is Ulster did pick the best man for the job.
When Humphries spoke to Afoa, Payne, Pienaer and Muller he would have been talking to players who know him and respect him.

What would happened if they had spoken to McLaughlin - they would have been talking to someone they quite likely had never heard of and he would have had to sell the fact that Ulster have been an underperforming side who have been poor for 5 to 8 years - would you like to join us. I'll go further I actually don't believe McLaughlin wanted to take responsibility for recruitment - it was outside his comfort zone.

Without Humphreys these players would not have joined....simple

Wasn't BJ Botha pre-Humphs. What persuaded him to come to Ulster? And he seems to be pretty tight with the saffers up in Ulster. Maybe you are giving Humphs far more credit for their recruitment than he deserves.

by geoff998rugby Wed 08 Feb 2012, 1:28 pm

Sin é wrote: The difference between the Conor O'Shea's situation and the Ulster one is that Conor O'Shea didn't arrive on the scene and sack the head coach who was doing a decent job at the time.

Matt Willaims was doing a decent job !!! - he wasn't prepared to do the job he was contracted for, and results were bad as well.

by geoff998rugby Wed 08 Feb 2012, 1:32 pm

BJ left because he went back on a previous agreement with Humphreys as I have explained elsewhere.
BJ was indeed pre Humph - which is why I have amended my post. The point there is it was Matt Willaims, someone known in the game. Prior to coaching Ulster McLaughlin was not widely known in the game.

As I have also explained McLaughlin did not want to be responsible for recruitment - not his style

by Sin é Wed 08 Feb 2012, 1:37 pm

Mickado wrote:I notice Sin has started undermining Ulster a lot more since the HC QF fixtures were announced. I'm sure he'll go back to undermining Leinster in the weeks running up to our match though...

eh, no need for me to do any Ulster undermining - all you need to do is watch Ulster completely humiliate their head coach.

Anyway, its a forgone conclusion that Ulster are going to win the QF.

by MrsP Wed 08 Feb 2012, 1:38 pm

Was BJ pre Humph?

He was pre Logan but surely Humph was already there even when Mike Reid was still there, no?

by geoff998rugby Wed 08 Feb 2012, 1:40 pm

As I understand it Botha was not particularly closee to Pienaer, Muller and Wannenberg who are close - although that is by the by.

by Sin é Wed 08 Feb 2012, 1:40 pm

geoff998rugby wrote:
Sin é wrote: The difference between the Conor O'Shea's situation and the Ulster one is that Conor O'Shea didn't arrive on the scene and sack the head coach who was doing a decent job at the time.

Matt Willaims was doing a decent job !!! - he wasn't prepared to do the job he was contracted for, and results were bad as well.

I was referring to Brian McLaughlin looked to be doing a decent job.

by Sin é Wed 08 Feb 2012, 1:47 pm

geoff998rugby wrote:As I understand it Botha was not particularly closee to Pienaer, Muller and Wannenberg who are close - although that is by the by.

They would have known him and know where he was - that would have been a big recommendation that Ulster had him on their books.

From what I've heard from BJ in interview, he & his family were very sorry to leave Belfast because of the little saffer community they had up there.

by geoff998rugby Wed 08 Feb 2012, 1:48 pm

So not just after he arrived on the scene then.

McLaughlin is doing part of a job very well.

He isn't responsible for recruitment - he didn't want to be.
He is very heavily reliant on his senior players in the coaching area.

Just maybe Ulster want something who can do the whole package ...just an idea.

by geoff998rugby Wed 08 Feb 2012, 1:53 pm

MrsP wrote:Was BJ pre Humph?

He was pre Logan but surely Humph was already there even when Mike Reid was still there, no?

That is true but Humph would not have had the same responsibilty for recruitment then - Matt Williams, was probably, told he could make one marquee signing for x pounds a year and he recruited BJ.

by Sin é Wed 08 Feb 2012, 1:56 pm

Your daft if you want to take the leadership responsibility from the players.

According to Alan Quinlan a few weeks ago, he is an excellent coach - how about strengthening the coaching team around him?

Player recruitment should be nearly done now, so why sack him?

by Standulstermen Wed 08 Feb 2012, 2:00 pm

Sin é wrote:Your daft if you want to take the leadership responsibility from the players.

According to Alan Quinlan a few weeks ago, he is an excellent coach - how about strengthening the coaching team around him?

Player recruitment should be nearly done now, so why sack him?

On point sin. He wasn't sacked.

by Don Alfonso Wed 08 Feb 2012, 2:08 pm

Breathe, Sin. Breathe.

Don't worry. With this latest fiasco, Ulster are in a poor position to eclipse Munster next season.

by Don Alfonso Wed 08 Feb 2012, 2:09 pm

Stand - please don't bring facts into this.

by Sin é Wed 08 Feb 2012, 2:12 pm

Don Alfonso wrote:Breathe, Sin. Breathe.

Don't worry. With this latest fiasco, Ulster are in a poor position to eclipse Munster next season.

Interesting comment actually. From the press conference, Humphreys seems to be obsessed with competing with Munster & Leinster! How many times did he mention it?

by geoff998rugby Wed 08 Feb 2012, 2:12 pm

I give up Sin -- you keep moving the goal posts I can't be bothered any more

Bye

by Sin é Wed 08 Feb 2012, 2:14 pm

Standulstermen wrote:
Sin é wrote:Your daft if you want to take the leadership responsibility from the players.

According to Alan Quinlan a few weeks ago, he is an excellent coach - how about strengthening the coaching team around him?

Player recruitment should be nearly done now, so why sack him?

On point sin. He wasn't sacked.

Yep, he obviously is so pathetically grateful to still have a job that he was willing to sit through that cringefest.

by Sin é Wed 08 Feb 2012, 2:17 pm

geoff998rugby wrote:I give up Sin -- you keep moving the goal posts I can't be bothered any more

Bye

Moving goalposts - I didn't bring up the subject of any Ulster v Munster rivalry, I only responded to any comments on it.

by Don Alfonso Wed 08 Feb 2012, 2:34 pm

No Sin - it wasn't the fact that he is going to be working at the Academy that means he wasn't sacked - it's that his contract is up at the end of this season anyway, and it won't be renewed. That is not being sacked.

Anyway, as I say, don't worry. Munster have nothing to fear from lowly old Ulster...

by Standulstermen Wed 08 Feb 2012, 2:37 pm

Well ulster aren't obliged to offer him a new contract are they?

by Don Alfonso Wed 08 Feb 2012, 2:44 pm

Of course not.

I think it's telling how worked up Sin is getting about this... (He's a disconsolate that POC's captaincy win/loss ratio has taken another knock.)

by Sin é Wed 08 Feb 2012, 2:56 pm

Standulstermen wrote:Well ulster aren't obliged to offer him a new contract are they?

No, of course not. I wonder why they did? They didn't offer Mark McCall or Matt Williams alternative jobs.

by Kingshu Wed 08 Feb 2012, 2:57 pm

Sin é wrote: I bet Wian du Preez was fingered by POC/ROG when on the last Lions Tour.

'Ooh err missus'

by Don Alfonso Wed 08 Feb 2012, 3:24 pm

Maybe because neither of them was as qualified for another post as McL - former schools coach and senior ireland skills coach - is for his Academy role? Just a thought

by marty2086 Wed 08 Feb 2012, 4:37 pm

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/10168.php

New statement just released from McLaughlin

by Standulstermen Wed 08 Feb 2012, 4:48 pm

Dont know how I feel about that. To be honest I don't think it says anything new.

by marty2086 Wed 08 Feb 2012, 4:58 pm

think its a response to the criticism but unless he said he made the choice to step aside or was involved in the decision I dont think itll make a difference

by Rava Wed 08 Feb 2012, 7:17 pm

Mickado wrote:I notice Sin has started undermining Ulster a lot more since the HC QF fixtures were announced. I'm sure he'll go back to undermining Leinster in the weeks running up to our match though...

It's that old smokescreen again isn't it?

by Sin é Wed 08 Feb 2012, 11:12 pm

Rava wrote:
Mickado wrote:I notice Sin has started undermining Ulster a lot more since the HC QF fixtures were announced. I'm sure he'll go back to undermining Leinster in the weeks running up to our match though...

It's that old smokescreen again isn't it?

Yea Rava, I'd say Leinster think they have Ulster's number Smile

by geoff998rugby Thu 09 Feb 2012, 8:49 am

Sin é wrote:
Standulstermen wrote:Well ulster aren't obliged to offer him a new contract are they?

No, of course not. I wonder why they did? They didn't offer Mark McCall or Matt Williams alternative jobs.

McLaughlin is a permanent employee - McCall and Willaims werent. Totally different situations

by marty2086 Mon 13 Feb 2012, 10:39 am

So Jared Paynes been tweeting saying he hears not only is Kaino on his way to Ulster but Isaia Toeava from the Blues where would he fit into the team?

by Rava Mon 13 Feb 2012, 10:48 am

That's the first I've heard of Isaia Toeava being mentioned. I suspect thats just tittle tattle. Maybe someone should mention to Payne there are restrictions on overseas players.

by Mickado Mon 13 Feb 2012, 10:58 am

marty2086 wrote:So Jared Paynes been tweeting saying he hears not only is Kaino on his way to Ulster but Isaia Toeava from the Blues where would he fit into the team?

Just read that there. Think it was a pishtake in fairness.

Toevea is a fullback, he’d be in the same position as Payne and Darcy. It would be a ridiculous signing.

by marty2086 Mon 13 Feb 2012, 11:02 am

Mickado wrote:
marty2086 wrote:So Jared Paynes been tweeting saying he hears not only is Kaino on his way to Ulster but Isaia Toeava from the Blues where would he fit into the team?

Just read that there. Think it was a pishtake in fairness.

Toevea is a fullback, he’d be in the same position as Payne and Darcy. It would be a ridiculous signing.

Considered that myself it was the Kaino mention though that made me wonder but he can play from 10 back and has played wing for the All Blacks

by Kingshu Mon 13 Feb 2012, 11:28 am

sorry No room at the inn for any more NIQ players at Ulster.

Isaia "Ice" Toeava will have to join another province in he wants to come, would be a good signing for Connacht!

by geoff998rugby Mon 13 Feb 2012, 1:03 pm

Toeava and Kanio is a no no due to numbers.

Sound's like Jared's sense of humour to me laughing

by **Notch** Mon 13 Feb 2012, 1:13 pm

Think it's pretty obvious Payne is taking the pish! Just having a bit of banter with a couple of his mates from the Blues on twitter.

Some people will bite on anything Wink

Now- when are we announcing Tommy Bowe?

by marty2086 Mon 13 Feb 2012, 1:18 pm

Notch wrote:Think it's pretty obvious Payne is taking the pish! Just having a bit of banter with a couple of his mates from the Blues on twitter.

Some people will bite on anything

Now- when are we announcing Tommy Bowe?

If Im not mistaken it said in the reports Tuesday or Wednesday this week his future would known Ulster squad additions - Page 10 3933776953

Ulster squad additions - Page 10 1347041234

by geoff998rugby Mon 13 Feb 2012, 4:18 pm

Best news of the week.

Alan Whitten has been given the all clear re lukemia and is back playing and fully intending to get back into the Ulster set up.

Brilliant Yahoo

by **Notch** Mon 13 Feb 2012, 4:20 pm

geoff998rugby wrote:Best news of the week.

Alan Whitten has been given the all clear re lukemia and is back playing and fully intending to get back into the Ulster set up.

Brilliant

What a relief for the lad. Very frightening thing to be hit with.

by Rava Mon 13 Feb 2012, 4:42 pm

I'll echo that sentiment lads Yahoo

by WillyGilly Mon 13 Feb 2012, 9:16 pm

Is he on a development contracr geoff or still part of the accademy?

by The Great Aukster Mon 13 Feb 2012, 10:30 pm

Ulster were given special dispensation by the IRFU to sign a top level tight head following Simon Best's untimely retirement. BJ Botha wanted to move to a country with an excellent health record as his first born was due and he also wanted to cash in post RWC. It was a good fit for both parties.

Mark McCall wasn't sacked either - he resigned. Wonder how Kidney would have done in the post if McCall hadn't pipped him to it in 04?

by Thomond Mon 13 Feb 2012, 10:44 pm

Is Alan related to Ian yeah? Good news for the guy anyway.

by WillyGilly Mon 13 Feb 2012, 10:44 pm

Bloody hell. That's a good point. Kidney could well be looking for a job in 6 weeks time. Wonder how he would deal with actually having to pick Ulster players for every position rather than a few tokens.

by Thomond Mon 13 Feb 2012, 10:45 pm

He would just pick the 5 South Africans and be done with it. Sure we all know you would be nowhere without them........

by MrsP Mon 13 Feb 2012, 11:27 pm

Alan is Ian's younger brother Thomond.

by Thomond Mon 13 Feb 2012, 11:35 pm

Good news for the kid. He can get back to doing what he loves.

by **Notch** Tue 14 Feb 2012, 12:18 am

Yes, indeed. I read about in the programme on Friday. I never heard of it in the first place; terrible thing to have to deal with. He's actually a half-decent player at the level he plays at.

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