Christian Cullen

johnnyboy4711

Does anyone know when the former "NZ Maori" is coming to play for Munster?
I would say he was peeed off at not being picked for the RWC!
A lot of running in them legs yet!!!

the fnj

He had to get surgery on his shoulder so I would be surprised if he is to feature in this year’s campaign. Hopefully once fit he will stay fit as he will be a real asset to Munster.

demac

Last I heard they we hoping he would be available for the knock-out stages of the Henieken Cup and that he would definately miss the pool games.

I don't think he's a Maori.

His nickname in New Zealand is the "Paekakariki Express".

Trojan

Yeah, he picked up a nasty injury either just before or just after he arrived - has him out for a good while.

When he's on form there's a lot of irish rugby players who won't know what hit 'em. (or just passed them by with a sidestep at 400mph more like )

uberwolf

latest rumour is that with new management for NZ he could be tempted back. Reportedly the best fullback ever- I've never seen him. But he'd only be 33 qaluifying for Ireland!!! ?

GreenHell

Doubt he'll go back to New Zealand, G. Henry is probably going to start bring fresh players into the squad for the next world cup.

SAXA

he has a three year contract with munster and NZRU has a rule the no overseas player can be considered for the All Blacks so look like he has finished his all black career for a few years if not for ever. All the overseas player that have come munster way have settled in very well and he hopefully will be no different.

johnnyboy4711

I know he's not Maori!
It was an attempt at sarcasm!
I lived there for 2 years and he played for NZ MAORI together with Paul Tito(the biggest Ginger in the history of Gingers so the MAORI tag is a bit of a farse(an all-black b-team if you will)
before selection for major tests such as tri nations;international tests etc.
didn't make the cut so over to europe to ply his trade.
There is no doubt about it this guy WAS a class act in NPC-Super 12 and All blacks.
But there are so many players as good in his postion in NZ something had to give!!!

Wheeler

with guys like jeremy staunton and this new kid payne..cullen could find it hard to get a Munster place

Trojan

Dunno about that Wheeler. He really is a class act when he's in form, definitely up there in the top 2-3 fullbacks in the world when when was at the height.

GreenHell

Originally posted by Wheeler
with guys like jeremy staunton and this new kid payne..cullen could find it hard to get a Munster place

neither of those players are specialist full backs. Payne is a class act but his more useful on the wing, solid performance on saturday, played a bit of a Girvan all defense, made no real impression going forward.

Jeremy is an out half, a running out half at that, good boot on him, wasted at full back, really screwed up his career as well, everyone sees the guy as a utility back.

demac

I agree with Mr GreenHell.

Alan Gaffeny now expects Mr Cullen to be back playing again by mid February in some of the Celtic League games.

Wheeler

ya...i guess yere right bout that

joe90

Hi all

You only need to be 1/8 maori to play for the New Zealand Maori's.you will find a number off white looking players on the NZ maori's team.Go Waikato !!!!!!!!!!!!!:D

demac

or a Fijian or a Tongan !!!!!!

Wheeler

true words demac

GreenHell

Off to Musgrave Park for the Osprey match on the 27th he should be playing by then or else this friday against Llanelli but the team hasn't been announced yet and there ain't going to be any TV coverage of the game either!

bugler

Cullen should be great for Munster...I know I'd pick him at full-back ahead of Payne and Staunton (at the same time )