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Ulster Bank League 2015-2016 Talk/Gossip/Rumours

  • 23-05-2015 1:45am
    #1
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    Big changes to the league this season with there now being five divisions of ten clubs from this season where there was two divisions of ten and two of sixteen. Referee panels for next season have been made but I don't know exact numbers from each province.... There is more than likely other coaching changes but theyre just the ones listed so far.

    Divisions for next season:
    Division 1A
    Lansdowne, Terenure, Clontarf, Young Munster, Old Belvedere, UCD, Ballynahinch, Cork Constitution, Galwegians, Garryowen

    Division 1B
    St Marys, Dolphin, Dublin University, Ballymena, Belfast Harlequins, Shannon, Buccaneers, UL Bohemians, Old Wesley, Blackrock College

    Division 2A
    Malone, Corinthians, Skerries, Banbridge, Cashel, Queen's University, Naas, Thomond, Nenagh Ormond, UCC

    Division 2B
    NUIM Barnhall, City of Derry, Rainey Old Boys, Dungannon, Seapoint, Bective Rangers, Highfield, Armagh, Greystones, Sunday's Well

    Division 2C
    Tullamore, Midleton, Bruff, Sligo, Wanderers, Old Crescent, Navan, Kanturk, Boyne, Dundalk

    Coaching changes
    DLSP - Phil Werahiko new Director of Rugby

    Shannon - Marcus Horan new Head Coach, Ian Sherwin is Backs Coach

    Ballynahinch - looking for Head/Backs Coach

    Rainey Old Boys - Luke Marshall is the new Assistant Coach to Head Coach
    John Andrews who is taking over from current Head Coach Richard Boyd

    Armagh - Alex McCloy new Head Coach with Willie Faloon new assistant coach

    Dungannon - Andrew Hughes new Head Coach. Current Head Coach Nigel Brady stepping down to concentrate on pro rugby duties.


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Comments

  • #2
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    young munster have got a former queensland red as new head coach
    http://www.limerickleader.ie/sport/limerick-sport/munsters-appoint-former-queensland-red-as-head-coach-1-6762159


  • #3
    turtleshead
    Closed Accounts Posts: 231 ✭✭turtleshead


    The Lost Sheep wrote: »
    young munster have got a former queensland red as new head coach
    http://www.limerickleader.ie/sport/limerick-sport/munsters-appoint-former-queensland-red-as-head-coach-1-6762159

    Believe John S couldn't commit and had to step down, very happy with his replacement though has coached Queensland and Australia at under 20 level as well as coaching at Premier level in Queensland.


  • #4
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    Referee panels for next season announced.
    Connacht up to 6 referees now in AIL panels and Helen O’Reilly has been promoted to the A Panel which is AIL Div1 and assistant referee in Pro12.

    With UBL fixtures not usually released until the end of July the pre season comps are often drawn around this time. Any news on any of them?


  • #5
    Stainalert
    Registered Users Posts: 1,272 ✭✭✭Stainalert


    http://www.balls.ie/rugby/matt-d-arcy-rugby/295132


  • #6
    .ak
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,308 ✭✭✭✭.ak


    I love seeing AIL players make the step up to professionalism, as a club man and not someone that went to a rugby playing school I love to see it. Gives a huge percentage of rugby players a hope at attaining a career without going through the 'usual' school channels.

    However, the only downside to it is, Clontarf are being plundered! Hard to see them competing if they keep dropping players to the provinces... Only a good thing as it'll give a few of the lads a chance, but it's not like we have a conveyor belt churning out players...


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  • #7
    Stainalert
    Registered Users Posts: 1,272 ✭✭✭Stainalert


    .ak wrote: »
    I love seeing AIL players make the step up to professionalism, as a club man and not someone that went to a rugby playing school I love to see it. Gives a huge percentage of rugby players a hope at attaining a career without going through the 'usual' school channels.

    However, the only downside to it is, Clontarf are being plundered! Hard to see them competing if they keep dropping players to the provinces... Only a good thing as it'll give a few of the lads a chance, but it's not like we have a conveyor belt churning out players...

    Reckon Clontarf will be alright. Believe recruitment is going well.


  • #8
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    .ak wrote: »
    I love seeing AIL players make the step up to professionalism, as a club man and not someone that went to a rugby playing school I love to see it. Gives a huge percentage of rugby players a hope at attaining a career without going through the 'usual' school channels.

    However, the only downside to it is, Clontarf are being plundered! Hard to see them competing if they keep dropping players to the provinces... Only a good thing as it'll give a few of the lads a chance, but it's not like we have a conveyor belt churning out players...
    The "non traditional" route is getting used more and more. Clontarf will be fine. They've a good underage set up and its ever expanding and attract good numbers of school leavers each year.


  • #9
    ArmchairQB
    Registered Users Posts: 958 ✭✭✭ArmchairQB


    The Lost Sheep wrote: »
    The "non traditional" route is getting used more and more. Clontarf will be fine. They've a good underage set up and its ever expanding and attract good numbers of school leavers each year.

    Clontarfs 20s were dreadful this year not sure on the talent coming thru below that but they will not be developing to many to play AIL thru the youth route expect a flood of new established senior players. All the top 1a clubs tend to have to rebuild every 2/3 years


  • #10
    bradders90
    Registered Users Posts: 95 ✭✭bradders90


    Are AIL coaches paid?


  • #11
    Squidgy Black
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,721 ✭✭✭✭Squidgy Black


    ArmchairQB wrote: »
    Clontarfs 20s were dreadful this year not sure on the talent coming thru below that but they will not be developing to many to play AIL thru the youth route expect a flood of new established senior players. All the top 1a clubs tend to have to rebuild every 2/3 years

    Below standard but I definitely wouldn't say they were dreadful. Few lads made the step up to senior this year while playing with the 20s, Ivan Soroka, Rory Litchfield and Conor O'Brien to name a few who made a decent impact.


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  • #12
    thebaz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,714 ✭✭✭✭thebaz


    .ak wrote: »
    I love seeing AIL players make the step up to professionalism, as a club man and not someone that went to a rugby playing school I love to see it. Gives a huge percentage of rugby players a hope at attaining a career without going through the 'usual' school channels.

    I agree, but am not aware of too many AIL players making it as pro's - I know Matt Healy went from lansdowne and is doing great for Connacht - thought it was rare with so many coming through the academies


  • #13
    bamboozle
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,699 ✭✭✭bamboozle


    thebaz wrote: »
    I agree, but am not aware of too many AIL players making it as pro's - I know Matt Healy went from lansdowne and is doing great for Connacht - thought it was rare with so many coming through the academies

    In last few years
    Danny kenny ucd to Doncaster
    Willie ryan con to Rotherham
    Mick McGrath Clontarf to Leinster
    Royce Burke flynn & Iain hurst Clontarf to Leinster
    Daragh fanning Mary's to Leinster
    Healy & ronaldson lansdowne to connacht
    Nick A. Dufc to connacht
    American flanker dufc to stade Francis
    Peter Lydon seapoint to state francais
    Aaron dundon Clontarf to Leinster
    Barry o'mahony Clontarf to Munster
    Fiftita & Barry murphy Sligo & Glaswegians to connacht
    CHristy condon dolphin to Munster
    Diarmuid McCarthy YM to Munster??
    Matt Darcy Clontarf to connacht/Munster
    Donnellan lansdowne to Biarritz
    Neilus Keogh lansdowne/ucc to Nottingham

    There are more lads over in England doing really well for themselves who I'm sure others can think of


  • #14
    Stainalert
    Registered Users Posts: 1,272 ✭✭✭Stainalert


    Clive Ross Lansdowne to Ulster


  • #15
    Nialler15
    Registered Users Posts: 220 ✭✭Nialler15


    bradders90 wrote: »
    Are AIL coaches paid?


    Yes.


  • #16
    Landon Jolly Salon
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭✭ Landon Jolly Salon


    bamboozle wrote: »
    American flanker Scott LaValla dufc to stade Francis

    to add

    Martin Kelly - DUFC -> Munster
    Niyi Adeolokun - DUFC ->Connacht


  • #17
    RobbieRuns
    Registered Users Posts: 1,274 ✭✭✭RobbieRuns


    bradders90 wrote: »
    Are AIL coaches paid?

    The word Peanuts does come to mind though.


  • #18
    GavMan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,920 ✭✭✭GavMan


    Charlie Butterworth is at Ulster from Lansdowne


  • #19
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    ArmchairQB wrote: »
    Clontarfs 20s were dreadful this year not sure on the talent coming thru below that but they will not be developing to many to play AIL thru the youth route expect a flood of new established senior players. All the top 1a clubs tend to have to rebuild every 2/3 years
    I think they can and will produce AIL standard through their age grade players. They need to and will do it. Not in a huge huge number but there will always be a number who'll play senior with them who come though that route

    Shame the system of irish rugby is like that that 1A sides have to go through such rebuilding process
    bradders90 wrote: »
    Are AIL coaches paid?
    Varies club to club and level of club etc. Universities like TCD, UCD have full time coaches. Trinity coach Tony Smeeth is full time director of rugby and has been for 20 years or so.


  • #20
    thomond2006
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    Are they still using 1A, 1B, 1C etc?

    I don't understand why it's not just 1,2,3,4 etc. It's easier to follow.


  • #21
    .ak
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,308 ✭✭✭✭.ak


    thomond2006 wrote: »
    Are they still using 1A, 1B, 1C etc?

    I don't understand why it's not just 1,2,3,4 etc. It's easier to follow.

    Yeah, for those not involved in grass roots rugby that's a common complaint. They don't make it appealing to the casual fan the way its setup.

    Although really the only thing most people are interested in is the UBL (1A)


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  • #22
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    thomond2006 wrote: »
    Are they still using 1A, 1B, 1C etc?

    I don't understand why it's not just 1,2,3,4 etc. It's easier to follow.
    Yes they are. Dont see them changing. I thought it wasn't too bad with 1A/B and 2A/B but having the 2C is silly. Having 1A/B and then divisions 2 with division 3 split into North/South should be the way to name the divisons if they keep 5 but that wont happen.


  • #23
    FrannoFan
    Registered Users Posts: 1,401 ✭✭✭FrannoFan


    RobbieRuns wrote: »
    The word Peanuts does come to mind though.

    ruddock on a lot more than peanuts


  • #24
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    RobbieRuns wrote: »
    The word Peanuts does come to mind though.
    Maybe In some clubs but there is plenty of guys earning a good wage from coaching AIL sides...


  • #25
    bradders90
    Registered Users Posts: 95 ✭✭bradders90


    RobbieRuns wrote: »
    The word Peanuts does come to mind though.
    aha alright. Just thought they must be if an aussie is relocating that far.


  • #26
    RobbieRuns
    Registered Users Posts: 1,274 ✭✭✭RobbieRuns


    bradders90 wrote: »
    aha alright. Just thought they must be if an aussie is relocating that far.

    It is a stepping stone though, a way to get into serious rugby coaching. I always point out that the last Lions coach Mr Gatland started his coaching career up here in Galwegians !


  • #27
    Braken
    Registered Users Posts: 178 ✭✭Braken


    RobbieRuns wrote: »
    It is a stepping stone though, a way to get into serious rugby coaching. I always point out that the last Lions coach Mr Gatland started his coaching career up here in Galwegians !
    A certain Mr Schmidt started out with
    Mullingar rfc many moons ago


  • #28
    ArmchairQB
    Registered Users Posts: 958 ✭✭✭ArmchairQB


    All coaches start somewhere and usually in club rugby before getting the opportunity to progress further up the ranks, In 1a & 1b I would say that there are approx 6/7 full time coaches who make their living from rugby thru coaching and other activities based around that such as summer camps, combination of school & club etc. A tough career to make it a full time gig but a few hardy souls make it work for them


  • #29
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    Leinster senior league cup and shield fixtures have been made
    Havent seen any groups other than one of the Shield groups which is
    Dundalk, Seapoint, Tullamore and Wanderers


  • #30
    turtleshead
    Closed Accounts Posts: 231 ✭✭turtleshead


    I would imagine clubs would be starting pre-season this week, anyone know of any player movement? will be interesting to see if the points system causes less movement of players this season as opposed to previous years.


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  • #31
    ArmchairQB
    Registered Users Posts: 958 ✭✭✭ArmchairQB


    Heard from a few people now that 2 clubs are being investigated by IRFU for player inducements specifically accommodation from last season. Will be pretty interesting to see if anything is done about it or if the regulations will be enforced.
    PPS I am hearing will be a thing of the past within 3 years New head man is not a fan of the system at all and has privately ridiculed it and publicly wary of it.


  • #32
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    turtleshead wrote: »
    I would imagine clubs would be starting pre-season this week, anyone know of any player movement? will be interesting to see if the points system causes less movement of players this season as opposed to previous years.
    Plenty have started already.. A few sides have been back in one form or another for a fortnight
    Hard to find places that are showing player moves at this time of year unless clubs themselves put player moves up on websites etc

    Limerick Charity Cup Draw has been made


  • #33
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    Connacht Senior League fixtures made
    15/8
    Sligo v Galwegians
    Buccs v Corinthians home/away ??
    22/8
    Buccaneers v Galwegians
    Sligo v Corinthians home/away ??
    29/8
    Galwegians v Corinthians
    Sligo v Buccs home/away ???

    All Leinster Senior League Cup/Shield fixtures available now
    Cup
    A: Old Wesley, UCD, Clontarf, Skerries
    B: Old Belvedere, Barnhall, Lansdowne, Blackrock
    C: Terenure, Naas, St Marys, Trinity
    Shield
    A: Boyne, Navan, Bective, Greystones
    B: Seapoint, Wanderers, Dundalk, Tullamore


  • #34
    Malmedicine
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 500 ✭✭Malmedicine


    Hi guys anyone have the fixture weekends for next year. Don't need the specific fixtures just the weekends the AIL is in play. Time to negociate with work colleagues unfortunately !!!


  • #35
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    Malmedicine wrote: »
    Hi guys anyone have the fixture weekends for next year. Don't need the specific fixtures just the weekends the AIL is in play. Time to negociate with work colleagues unfortunately !!!
    These are the dates for first half of the season AFAIK
    September 12th/19th/26th
    October 3rd/17th/31st
    November 7th/28th
    December 5th


  • #36
    madlad88
    Registered Users Posts: 172 ✭✭madlad88


    The Lost Sheep wrote: »
    These are the dates for first half of the season AFAIK
    September 12th/19th/26th
    October 3rd/17th/31st
    November 7th/28th
    December 5th

    Thats 7 weeks of consecutive matches if this is true, between Leinster cup/shield and the AIL without a weekend off.


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  • #37
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    madlad88 wrote: »
    Thats 7 weeks of consecutive matches if this is true, between Leinster cup/shield and the AIL without a weekend off.
    Well its the same as last season for division 1A/B clubs. The division 2 clubs don't have a break of a week unlike last season


  • #38
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    Ulster Senior League now has been split into two sections

    Section 1 consisting of the following teams:
    Malone, Ballymena, City Of Derry, Armagh, Ballynahinch

    Section 2 consists of:
    Rainey OB, Dungannon, Banbridge, Queens, Belfast Harlequins

    First Trust Senior Cup Draw :
    Rainey v Queens, City Of Derry v Armagh, Ballymena v Banbridge, Belfast Harlequins v Dungannon
    Ballynahinch v Bye
    Malone v Bye


  • #39
    garryowenman
    Registered Users Posts: 71 ✭✭garryowenman


    There was an ad in yesterday's examiner and the limerick leader for a Limerick Ail club looking for a new coach !

    I wonder who it could be?

    I know Garryowen, Snn and Bohs and Richmond have their coaches in places

    That leaves Old Crescent,Thomond , Bruff and Young Munsters.

    I know Young Munsters appointed an Aussie but he hasn't arrived yet!

    Interesting to see who it could be !


  • #40
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    garryowenman wrote: »
    There was an ad in yesterday's examiner and the limerick leader for a Limerick Ail club looking for a new coach!

    I wonder who it could be?

    I know Garryowen, Snn and Bohs and Richmond have their coaches in places

    That leaves Old Crescent, Thomond, Bruff and Young Munsters.

    I know Young Munsters appointed an Aussie but he hasn't arrived yet!

    Interesting to see who it could be!
    Will be interesting to see
    Richmond aren't AIL anymore.....
    Doubt its Munsters considering the aussie....
    Who do you think it is who're looking for the coach


  • #41
    turtleshead
    Closed Accounts Posts: 231 ✭✭turtleshead


    The Lost Sheep wrote: »
    Will be interesting to see
    Richmond aren't AIL anymore.....
    Doubt its Munsters considering the aussie....
    Who do you think it is who're looking for the coach
    I saw on Limerick rugby that there was talks of Brendan Guilfoyle Moving to old crescent was he coaching Thomond last year

    http://limerickrugby.ie/limerick-ail-club-players-on-the-move/

    Tony Mathison is due in Limerick soon, his team were involved in the playoffs in Brisbane but beaten last weekend so expecting him to arrive next weekend.


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  • #42
    tonyyayo
    Registered Users Posts: 1 ✭tonyyayo


    Does anyone know when the fixtures are released?


  • #43
    ArmchairQB
    Registered Users Posts: 958 ✭✭✭ArmchairQB


    tonyyayo wrote: »
    Does anyone know when the fixtures are released?

    Not sure why the hold up once pro 12 & B&I fixtures are released then they should be out straight away so hopefully this week


  • #44
    the perfect ten
    Registered Users Posts: 311 ✭✭the perfect ten


    GavMan wrote: »
    Charlie Butterworth is at Ulster from Lansdowne

    Did he not move to Championship side Jersey in England?


  • #45
    ArmchairQB
    Registered Users Posts: 958 ✭✭✭ArmchairQB


    Yeah he has moved there from Ulster


  • #46
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    tonyyayo wrote: »
    Does anyone know when the fixtures are released?
    Within next two weeks.

    Interesting to see Cork Charity Cup has been drawn and will be played over one day and teams will play a minimum of 3 short games.


  • #47
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    Brian McLaughlin is joining Armagh and their new coaches Willie Faloon and Alex McCloy as a coaching consultant.

    Any news on pre season friendlies/transfer news?


  • #48
    LuimneachLad15
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭LuimneachLad15


    I believe Garryowen have done a good bit of signing this summer with a few young dublin players coming down who got Munster Academy. There number 8 last season from New Zealand is also returning, supposed to be a class act.

    Young Munsters lost one of there upcoming Under 20s hooker to shannon which will be a big loss to them, very good player who played with Munster underage.

    UL Bohs have signed a few players i believe to their under 20 squad which could benefit the seniors. Many coming from Rockwell senior cup winning squad this year.


  • #49
    The Lost Sheep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    LuimneachLad15 wrote: »
    I believe Garryowen have done a good bit of signing this summer with a few young dublin players coming down who got Munster Academy. There number 8 last season from New Zealand is also returning, supposed to be a class act.

    Young Munsters lost one of there upcoming Under 20s hooker to shannon which will be a big loss to them, very good player who played with Munster underage.

    UL Bohs have signed a few players i believe to their under 20 squad which could benefit the seniors. Many coming from Rockwell senior cup winning squad this year.
    So Conor Oliver has signed w/ Garryowen. He's only Dub in Academy

    Bohs always have loads joining their 20s..... and it wont benefit their seniors that much if i'm being honest.
    Any news other than under 20s who most likely wont be involved in AIL week in week out...


  • #50
    LuimneachLad15
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭LuimneachLad15


    Jordan Coughlan also coming to garryowen i believe. Garryowen also have a hooker joining there side from Shannon and one from Old Crescent to try replace Eddie Rossiter, Any idea what club he joined?


  • #51
    ArmchairQB
    Registered Users Posts: 958 ✭✭✭ArmchairQB


    The Lost Sheep wrote: »
    So Conor Oliver has signed w/ Garryowen. He's only Dub in Academy

    Bohs always have loads joining their 20s..... and it wont benefit their seniors that much if i'm being honest.
    Any news other than under 20s who most likely wont be involved in AIL week in week out...
    I think JP Phelan is going to Munster academy as well any news on where he is going to play, a good prospect would have him ahead of Heffernan in Leinster


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