Contemponi to Toulon?

toomevara

Any truth in this Leinstermen?

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/contepomi-in-line-for-switch-to-french-league-side-toulon-1668345.html

RuggieBear

seemingly leinster have given him an offer and are confident he will stay but won't comment any further.
tbh that is probably all pr guff from the branch.

if he goes he goes. He's done well for us and owes us nothing imo.

Serenity Now!

He'll be gone.
Don't know to which team though as the media are woeful at qualifying rumour.

Noopti

Has been a great Leinster player but I would be happy if he went, for one simple reason. It will hopefully provide an Irish 10, like Sexton, a decent opportunity.

I say hopefully, because Cheika will probably just go and get someone to replace Contepomi, and Sexton will remain on the bench. :rolleyes:

Timothy Bryce

He'll be gone.

Some say Nacewa's been brought in as a replacement - he played well for the Auckland Blues but TBH I just don't see it. Need Sexton to extract the proverbial digit and step up.

chupacabra

Sad to see him go, he has been a key man for leinster since he came in. Agree with the above poster, it gives Sexton a chance to get some meaningful game time now with a view to maybe seeing Keatley come back to Leinster eventually.

Snickers Man

Strong rumours from well placed sources that Sexton may be heading off to France too. Dunno if any move by Contepomi would cause him to rethink.

Can't really blame Sexton if he does go. He's been messed around good and proper by Cheika playing both Contepomi AND Nacewa in the number 10 role.

How on earth are Ireland going to find a decent fly half replacement for O'Gara if all we do is buy in SH utility players to fill those positions?

Noopti

Snickers Man wrote: »

Strong rumours from well placed sources that Sexton may be heading off to France too. Dunno if any move by Contepomi would cause him to rethink.

Can't really blame Sexton if he does go. He's been messed around good and proper by Cheika playing both Contepomi AND Nacewa in the number 10 role.

How on earth are Ireland going to find a decent fly half replacement for O'Gara if all we do is buy in SH utility players to fill those positions?

If Sexton does go to France it might be good for his career. But if he goes, and Contempomi also goes, he could end up regretting giving up a possible starting place with Leinster.

Stupido

what about fillo's lovely irish wife and babby?

I think he will stay here and retire in Dublin.

He is settled (I think...not that I know the man or anything...)

Robbo

Stupido wrote: »

what about fillo's lovely irish wife and babby?

I think he will stay here and retire in Dublin.

He is settled (I think...not that I know the man or anything...)

That's one thing that's struck me as odd about these rumours. Aside from that, I believe he has some form of arrangement with Beaumont in relation to his doctoring that suits both sides quite well.

Noopti

Robbo wrote: »

That's one thing that's struck me as odd about these rumours. Aside from that, I believe he has some form of arrangement with Beaumont in relation to his doctoring that suits both sides quite well.

I'm sure he could go to France and get a similar arrangment. Anyway, at least my g/f would stop coming home from work saying how "good looking" he is and how he is so "big" :pac:

It seems to be a done deal €400,000 is the salary.Its in all the French papers for months.

Micheal Old-fashioned Beach

Micheal Old-fashioned Beach wrote: »

It seems to be a done deal €400,000 is the salary.Its in all the French papers for months.

If the Warwick debacle taught us anything, its not to assume :pac:

anonymous_joe

Both sides have clearly made offers. Not going to assume either way until I see him in a jersey.

buck65

Would be sad to see him go- as a Munster fan. He brought a bit of spice to the Munster/Leinster Conte/ O Gara clashes. Also Denis Leamy will surely miss him too!

[Jackass]

Cheika is confident Contepomi will stay. Leinster have tabled the most attractive deal they can. Toloun and Racing in France have been in touch with Contepomi about a move - he did always want to finish his career in France, but a lot has changed over the last few years and French club rugby insn't the force it used to be, I don't think he would move on the basis of money alone either (besides - bank rolled by a multi millionaire or not, there are very few teams on the planet who can table a contract as attractive as Leinster can) plus he is married to an Irish girl, has children here, is an Irish Qualified doctor, has a home here, has lots of friends here, it doesn't make any sense to move imo and judging by Cheikas comments on the matter in the press, I'm fairly sure that he is going no where and will see out his career at Leinster.

As for Sexton, he has been looking at a move to Perpingan, but still has another year left to run on his contract. If he's let go it's because Keatley is coming back, but my gut says Sexton and Keatley will stay where they are for another year.

Sexton will probably end up in GP.

Podge_irl

Contepomi has mentioned several times that he wants to return to Argentina to begin his medical career proper. He may see a year in France as just a quick stop on the way. That said, I expect him to finish out his rugby career at Leinster, he seems quite devoted to the province at this stage. I wouldn't be overly disappointed if he left though, he's not the player he once was and we have other options coming through.

Amazotheamazing

[Jackass] wrote: »

he is married to an Irish girl, has children here, is an Irish Qualified doctor, has a home here, has lots of friends here, it doesn't make any sense to move imo and judging by Cheikas comments on the matter in the press, I'm fairly sure that he is going no where and will see out his career at Leinster.

I thought his wife was from Argentina too?

He's always said he wanted to move back to Argentina, his mother has Alzheimers so he probably wants to move back there sooner rather than later. If a move to France allows him finance that move sooner I doubt anyone would begrudge him it.

[Jackass]

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

I thought his wife was from Argentina too?

As far as I know she's Irish, but I'm open to correction on that.

Agree with Podge also, he wouldn't be as big a loss to Leinster now as he would have been a couple of seasons ago. I'd prefer if he stayed but wouldn't be absolutely beyond consulation if he left. To be honest I wouldn't mind seeing Keatley and Sexton battle it out for the 10 jersey and Nacewa being viewed as a winger and cover for centre. Off topic, hope he's back for the Munster and Quins game, that back 3 of Kearney, Fitzgerald and Nacewa is very tastey.

bamboozle

i also thought his wife was argentinian, i also remember reading Sexton only agreed to sign a 1 year deal last summer as he wanted to see if he'd cement his place on the team....personally i am yet to see the player to justify the self belief

Noopti

His wife isn't Irish.

justsomebloke

Noopti wrote: »

I'm sure he could go to France and get a similar arrangment.

It depends. How good is his french. The language barrier maybe a bit much for him to take up being a doctor in France and as it is his career that could end up being a factor

gearstick

http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/newsroom/3292.php

its confirmed then, a 4 year deal done, sad to see him go being a munster supporter, as he has brought some real quality to the magners, but he has nothing else to prove at leinster and we should all wish him the best.

i hope if nothing else this will mean sexton gets some proper game time next season, or the return of keatley even would be good news for irish rugby.

Deleted User

Deleted User wrote: »

If the Warwick debacle taught us anything, its not to assume :pac:

Sorry?:D

Very sad to see him go.

johnfás

Just confirmed on RTE.

Diabhal Beag

Good luck to him regardless. He was great at Leinster and he will do well wherever he goes

NU8

Little Shyte wrote: »

Good luck to him regardless. He was great at Leinster and he will do well wherever he goes

+1

[Jackass]

Very sad to see him go.

He's been one of the massive players in Leinster over the last number of years and Leinster owes a lot to him.

It is an oppertunity for the likes of Sexton and now hopefully Keatley next season, but a big loss none the less. Arguably his best Leinster years were behind him over the last season and a half, but he has still been a magnificant player for us and will be missed, but maybe the timing is right.

Have to say I'm both surprised by his departure and also at the length of contract he has signed for Toloun, surprised by the influence money had on him as he clearly feels he has 4 years left in him.

Shame. Thanks Felipe!! You'll be missed! There would be no greater gift than to leave our shores with a Heineken and Magners winners medal around your neck!!

This will certainly make for an extremely interesting summer for Leinster also as a signing has to come in. I think the Nacewa project at 10 has failed, which leaves Sexton as the only recognised out-half in the senior squad. It is very important that Keatley comes back now, because a foreign signing to add to the 10 position now would mean Keatley would not be coming back in the forseable future.

Jello

Again, very sad to see him go. A fantastic player through the years and he will be missed!

[Jackass] wrote: »

Have to say I'm both surprised by his departure and also at the length of contract he has signed for Toloun, surprised by the influence money had on him as he clearly feels he has 4 years left in him.

Agreed, 4 years is a long time - he'll be nearly 36 when the contract is up, and you don't see too many out halves/centres lasting to that age.

Stev_o

He's making a big mistake going to Toulon, he'll end up spending his time in and out of being the whipping boys of T14 and then trying to gain promotion in ND1

Amabokke

toomevara wrote: »

Any truth in this Leinstermen?

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/contepomi-in-line-for-switch-to-french-league-side-toulon-1668345.html

Time for a young Irish player to step up and grap it with both hands althought with a foreign coach that might just be too difficult.

fifth

Very sad to see conters leaving, I'l admit the first thing I thought was the length of the toulon contract as well!

I don't think it was such as good idea but he's had a good run for us nevertheless.

Macsimus

All the best to the good Dr, very sad to see him go. Has anyone in th ML given us more moments of madness and magic?

Got to salute him as a role model as well, to balance med school and rugby with Leinster/Arg and a young family is pretty impressive, that took some graft.

First choice 10 for Leinster has to be Irish from now on, no more excuses. Would like to see Sexton stay, as a young developing player he doesn't deserve a 10th of the stick hes given. And we Leinster fans need to suck it up when he (or Keatley) have the odd off day. Sometimes you gotta take one for the team.

Stev_o

Stev_o wrote: »

He's making a big mistake going to Toulon, he'll end up spending his time in and out of being the whipping boys of T14 and then trying to gain promotion in ND1

The contract is only valid once Toulon stay in the first division.That was a stipulation.

Podge_irl

I am very very surprised by the length of the contract he has signed tbh. I was expecting a one year deal elsewhere and then for him to head back to Argentina.

I have to say, despite me saying that I wouldn't be overly unhappy to see him leave, I am actually a little bit upset at this turn of events. In a lot of ways Felipe encompassed everything that was Leinter - he was supremely talented but a little bit hot-headed and prone to mistakes and becoming too embroiled in situations. More or less Leinster to a tee! I wish him the best in Toulon, but Leinster simply won't be the same without him, on so many levels.

flyingoutside

A move to toulon wasn't the way i thought he'd go it's a pity.

And to all those that think sexton is going to be next o'gara because he'll get more game I'd pick ian humphreys, keatley and wallace way before him i honestly don't think he'll get there

Noopti

flyingoutside wrote: »

A move to toulon wasn't the way i thought he'd go it's a pity.

And to all those that think sexton is going to be next o'gara because he'll get more game I'd pick ian humphreys, keatley and wallace way before him i honestly don't think he'll get there

Give him a chance. Let him play as 1st choice 10 for a decent run before saying he is worse than the above. They all play 1st choice for their provinces (apart from Wallace - 12) so of course they are ahead right now. But that is down to playing consistently, which Sexton doesn't.

Give him a season and then decide.

thomond2006

Amabokke wrote: »

Time for a young Irish player to step up and grap it with both hands althought with a foreign coach that might just be too difficult.

+1.

Sad to see him go., has been wonderful for Leinster and has nothing more to prove there. He'll earn good money at Toulon and who could blame him?

It seems Toulon haven't yet discovered that you can't just buy a good team :rolleyes::rolleyes:, i.e Sonny Bill Williams has been sh1te. But I'm sure FC will give his all as he has done for Leinster.

If i was a Leinster fan, I'd be disappointed that Cheika didn't try harder to keep him, unless he knew FC's intentions for a while and brought in Nacewa as a replacement OR Cheika actually thinks Nacewa is a better 10 *sigh* :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:.

Paulw

I think from radio interviews this morning that it's clear that Leinster will be buying in someone new for the kicking duties. Also, Cheika stressed that they made Felipe many offers to try to keep him.

He will certainly be a loss to Leinster.

While Sexton is young, he still has a lot to learn, and I don't think he's the automatic replacement.

For all his services, I certainly wish Felipe the best with his new club.

Zzippy

[Jackass] wrote: »

To be honest I wouldn't mind seeing Keatley and Sexton battle it out for the 10 jersey....

gearstick wrote: »

i hope if nothing else this will mean sexton gets some proper game time next season, or the return of keatley even would be good news for irish rugby.

[Jackass] wrote: »

It is an oppertunity for the likes of Sexton and now hopefully Keatley next season, but a big loss none the less....

.... It is very important that Keatley comes back now, because a foreign signing to add to the 10 position now would mean Keatley would not be coming back in the forseable future.

Hands off lads! We've only just got him and ye want to steal him back already!

Have a feeling he might not want to go anyway, given the reception he got from the "gentle" Leo Cullen back in October... :rolleyes:

Give him another year at least, he's still very young and learnign his trade, and he'll do that a lot more playing week in week out at Connacht than as understudy to Nacewa or Sexton, although God knows why Sexton still gets any game time there...

Back on topic, I think FC was probably the best import to Irish rugby since the game turned pro, with the possible exception of Jim Williams. Sad to see him go, and wish him the best with Toulon.

Snickers Man

Well he's not going just yet, and there's still the outstanding matter of a Heineken Cup and/or a Magners League, in both of which Leinster are still contending.

Methinks he will have to give a performance away from home against Harlequins akin to the one he gave in Toulouse in 06 at the same stage if Leinster are to progress.

And after that, hopefully, it will be Leinster Munster in Croker. Now that would be one to attend.

Revenge is a dish best tasted in the presence of 82,000 lunatics!!!

Oh and best of luck Phil. You've been a legend.

conf101

Apparently Jonny Wilkinson has been eyeing a move to Toulon aswell

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/13032009/58/guinness-prem-wilkinson-serious-france-move.html

That'll hardly happen now that FC is there will it?

Timothy Bryce

Who's the natural replacement at 10? Sexton? Nacewa?

Who can Leinster buy that's of FC standard? If you look at the Southern Hemisphere most 10's are tied up.....the only potential free agents I see who are of Phil's quality is Michelak and Johnny Wilkinson...

anonymous_joe

conf101 wrote: »

Apparently Jonny Wilkinson has been eyeing a move to Toulon aswell

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/13032009/58/guinness-prem-wilkinson-serious-france-move.html

That'll hardly happen now that FC is there will it?

Sonny Bill at 13, Contepomi at 12, Wilkinson at 10. That would be good enough for the Top 14 methinks.

Really disappointed to see Dr Phil going, he's always been one of my favourite players. Still, let's face it, a 4 year contract at Toulon, he'll make a fortune, and that'll help him more in hte long term. I'm sad for us, but delighted for him.

Stupido

big shame,

he did as much as any to bring a bit of style and dash to Leinster rugby


Toulouse 2006 will be with me forever :(:(