Henson joins Munster?

Ciaran-Irl

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A63530165#commentbox

Is this a windup? Probably.

If not, you can never, ever call us ladyboys again.

Funny regardless.

What an absolute laugh,this is the post that started all this debte:
http://www.gloucesterrugby.net/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=021275

Some lad just made it up and its on the bbc forum as gospel.

Ciaran-Irl

Layne Weak Rain wrote: »

What an absolute laugh,this is the post that started all this debte:
http://www.gloucesterrugby.net/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=021275

Some lad just made it up and its on the bbc forum as gospel.

Hahaha. Funny stuff. There are an awful lot of replies on that forum.

ScrubsfanChris

Thank God, I nearly sh!t my pants there.

It would have been a terrible signing.

dreamer_ire

Love the comment about Ulster being more appropriate given that he's an orange man

Ian_K

Never liked the chap myself but he's an extremely talented player and with JDV leaving Munster could do a lot worse... Problably not gonna happen though

thomond2006

lol

anonymous_joe

He'd actually be amazing for Munster if he was fit.

dcmu

There's few sides wouldn't be happy to get a fully fit, and performing, Henson. That guy doesn't come out much. But don't let the fake tan and hair gel fool you.

Micky Dolenz

Right, I think there may be some truth to this. A mate of mine told me he saw Henson outside TP a while ago, we joked that maybe he is signing, Oh God, say it ain't so.

durkadurka

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

Right, I think there may be some truth to this. A mate of mine told me he saw Henson outside TP a while ago, we joked that maybe he is signing, Oh God, say it ain't so.

PLEASE SIGN HIM MUNSTER!!!! ILL BE LAUGHING MY HEAD OFF!!!

Ciaran-Irl

durkadurka wrote: »

PLEASE SIGN HIM MUNSTER!!!! ILL BE LAUGHING MY HEAD OFF!!!

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

Right, I think there may be some truth to this. A mate of mine told me he saw Henson outside TP a while ago, we joked that maybe he is signing, Oh God, say it ain't so.

*Sniggers*

I can't get visions of Paul O'Connell rubbing fake tan into his back out of my head.

Actually... That sounds bad, doesn't it?

Eh,whats the story with the sniggers.He is a far superior player to JDV when fit.

One of the most talented players of his generation,he just has serious problems.
I remember reading a story about the Ospreys academy sending him to work in a hotel at the desk to improve his communication skills,he is apperanty painfully shy and obviously his extravagance is him dealing with some issues.

Ciaran-Irl

Layne Weak Rain wrote: »

Eh,whats the story with the sniggers.He is a far superior player to JDV when fit.

One of the most talented players of his generation,he just has serious problems.
I remember reading a story about the Ospreys academy sending him to work in a hotel at the desk to improve his communication skills,he is apperanty painfully shy and obviously his extravagance is him dealing with some issues.

He is a good player when in form, but a million miles away from JDV in ability. He is injury prone, which suits Munster's approach to foreign signings I suppose. He is also staggeringly far from the province's culture & ethic.

danthefan

Ciaran-Irl wrote: »

He is a good player when in form, but a million miles away from JDV in ability. He is injury prone, which suits Munster's approach to foreign signings I suppose. He is also staggeringly far from the province's cult& ethic.

Don't agree with that all, he's easily as naturally talented as JdV.

Diabhal Beag

You should appreciate how lucky you guys have to able to sneer at signing Gavin "Charlotte Church's Bai" Henson.

He would be a welcome addition at Connacht.

PhatPiggins

danthefan wrote: »

Don't agree with that all, he's easily as naturally talented as JdV.

He's as naturally talented,if not more so, but has a fraction of JDV mental fortitute.

He was never short of talent just couldn't use it regularly enough.

danthefan

PhatPiggins wrote: »

He's as naturally talented,if not more so, but has a fraction of JDV mental fortitute.

He was never short of talent just couldn't use it regularly enough.

That was injury as much as anything imo, he's really been blighted over the years. His head is probably gone now but think back to 2005 and the mental fortitude it would have taken to knock over that kick against England.

PhatPiggins

danthefan wrote: »

That was injury as much as anything imo, he's really been blighted over the years. His head is probably gone now but think back to 2005 and the mental fortitude it would have taken to knock over that kick against England.

Yeah but he followed that up with a shocking Lions tour(they were all poor) and pretty much faked injury at the end of it. Rises to the hero occassions like that kick you mention but never seems to be able to dog it out, sorry not decribing myself very well.

He's fine in his own surroundings but crumbles all too often outside them.

durkadurka

danthefan wrote: »

That was injury as much as anything imo, he's really been blighted over the years. His head is probably gone now but think back to 2005 and the mental fortitude it would have taken to knock over that kick against England.

That bloody kick and that bloody tackle on tait. 5 years ago. That's bloody it isn't it?

dcmu

durkadurka wrote: »

That bloody kick and that bloody tackle on tait. 5 years ago. That's bloody it isn't it?

2 Grand slams?

Every time the guy has had his Rugby head on, Wales have won a grand Slam. That's obviously a certain amount of luck, but not all(and it's not very often admittedly) - this guy brings a huge amount to Wales when on form.

I certainly wouldn't be dreading his arrival, if i were a Munster fan. That's just bloody ridiculous.

danthefan

PhatPiggins wrote: »

Yeah but he followed that up with a shocking Lions tour(they were all poor) and pretty much faked injury at the end of it. Rises to the hero occassions like that kick you mention but never seems to be able to dog it out, sorry not decribing myself very well.

He's fine in his own surroundings but crumbles all too often outside them.

Yeah I know what you mean, but the 2005 Lions is no way to judge a player tbf. If the only rugby you'd ever watched was the 2005 Lions you'd think POC was dreadful, when he is in fact one of the worlds best 2nd rows.

durkadurka wrote: »

That bloody kick and that bloody tackle on tait. 5 years ago. That's bloody it isn't it?

Not really, no. He has 2 Grand Slam medals, more than most other players (and more the JdV has also).

durkadurka

danthefan wrote: »

Yeah I know what you mean, but the 2005 Lions is no way to judge a player tbf. If the only rugby you'd ever watched was the 2005 Lions you'd think POC was dreadful, when he is in fact one of the worlds best 2nd rows.



Not really, no. He has 2 Grand Slam medals, more than most other players (and more the JdV has also).

The grand slam medals that he has is barely relevant. BOD and POC have only one. You're not suggesting he's better than drico? Or paulie? gary neville has a truckload of medals. Doesnt make him a great player.

PhatPiggins

danthefan wrote: »

Yeah I know what you mean, but the 2005 Lions is no way to judge a player tbf. If the only rugby you'd ever watched was the 2005 Lions you'd think POC was dreadful, when he is in fact one of the worlds best 2nd rows.



Not really, no. He has 2 Grand Slam medals, more than most other players (and more the JdV has also).

I know but he's career is littered with inconsistency. He supposedly missed both WC down to fitness but his form was so erratic and he always gave the impression that he wouldn't play if not a 100%. I'd wonder how hard he tried to get back to full fitness sometimes.

I dont think JDV is too fussed about Grand Slam medals with the trophy cabinet he's got.

Ciaran-Irl

I'll put it this way. I'd rather see his name on an opposing team sheet than JDV. Everyone always talked up his ability, and for a while I believed the hype, but I never saw evidence of it. I stopped believing the hype.

And before someone drags up those YouTube Links from THAT England game, remember YouTube links can make Buckley look world class.

durkadurka

PhatPiggins wrote: »

I know but he's career is littered with inconsistency. He supposedly missed both WC down to fitness but his form was so erratic and he always gave the impression that he wouldn't play if not a 100%. I'd wonder how hard he tried to get back to full fitness sometimes.

I dont think JDV is too fussed about Grand Slam medals with the trophy cabinet he's got.

Jdv can play the best rugby in the world and he wont have a grand slam. I think it has something to do with his nationality.

danthefan

PhatPiggins wrote: »

I know but he's career is littered with inconsistency. He supposedly missed both WC down to fitness but his form was so erratic and he always gave the impression that he wouldn't play if not a 100%. I'd wonder how hard he tried to get back to full fitness sometimes.

I dont think JDV is too fussed about Grand Slam medals with the trophy cabinet he's got.

What has JdV won? A Lions tour and a 3N? Or does he have more than one 3N?

Edit - two 3Ns. Hardly a bad haul alright.

PhatPiggins

danthefan wrote: »

What has JdV won? A Lions tour and a 3N? Or does he have more than one 3N?

Edit - two 3Ns. Hardly a bad haul alright.

He has a WC medal as well, all be it by default

irishbucsfan

Henson would be a smashing signing for Munster. They could line up...

9. O'Leary
10. O'Gara
11. Murphy
12. Henson
13. Earls
14. Hurley
15. Warwick

That would be a very good backline.

louthandproud

anonymous_joe wrote: »

He'd actually be amazing for Munster if he was fit.

Would agree with that, hugely talented player..Munster could be the place for him in terms of keeping his feet on the ground etc.
(Appreciate the lady boys irony thing too, but its been a while since Ive heard a Munster fan bring that up)

How likely is it though?

Ian_K

If Henson does end up in the red of Munster he will have had a good year off to sort himself out, both mentally (which is a major problem of his) and physically (i heard his last injury was caused because his upper body was too heavy for his legs to carry)

If he sorts himself out i'd welcome him woth open arms as he is an awesome talent and offers great versatility

Some big ifs there but anyway!

Lupo_solitario

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

You should appreciate how lucky you guys have to able to sneer at signing Gavin "Charlotte Church's Bai" Henson.

He would be a welcome addition at Connacht.

IF Only the Gods of Rugby would at sometime shine their great light down on us Poor Mortals of Connacht , Sometime we will have to be allowed some good news,Me Myself in all my years following Connacht my greatest moment was meeting Johnny Wilkinson and having my picture with him after the Newcastle Falcons played Connacht in pre season and it was his first game back after winning the world cup with england

To be associated with players like that !!!!!!! I Wish

durkadurka

durkadurka wrote: »

Jdv can play the best rugby in the world and he wont have a grand slam. I think it has something to do with his nationality.

What are you on about,of course he could win a grand slam.

Il give you a clue,NZ did the grand slam in 05 and 08.

durkadurka

Layne Weak Rain wrote: »

What are you on about,of course he could win a grand slam.

Il give you a clue,NZ did the grand slam in 05 and 08.

They called it a grand slam tour, but it didnt include france. or italy for what its worth.

murphym7

Ian_K wrote: »

If Henson does end up in the red of Munster he will have had a good year off to sort himself out, both mentally (which is a major problem of his) and physically (i heard his last injury was caused because his upper body was too heavy for his legs to carry)

If he sorts himself out i'd welcome him woth open arms as he is an awesome talent and offers great versatility

Some big ifs there but anyway!

There are a lot of IF's in this thread, If he is fit, if he is on form, if his head is in the right place, if he stops wearing fake tan! - well if all the stars and planets allign perfectly in the sky for all the if's to be sorted (and he brings the lovely Charlotte with him!) I would welcome Charlotte with open arms.:D

buck65

I'd be happy with him as a Munster signing. It might be the kind of club that would give him the protection he needs (not much going on red carpet wise in these parts) from media plus by all accounts it can be a good club for rehabilitating players who are off form a bit. Read ROG for reference. We could do a lot worse than Henson.
Heard an interview with Mike McGurn , ex Ospreys conditioning coach , who said Henson has lost 3 stone in the past year. Seems to spend alot of time working on his boat.
TBH whoever Munster sign I would get behind them and welcome them.

Judgement Day

Would he be any good as a replacement for John Hayes? And he can only come if he brings these boots.:D

Risteard

Link

Munster linked with Flutey

Saturday February 20 2010

MUNSTER winger Doug Howlett's return to New Zealand is expected to be confirmed over the next few days and the team have been linked with England and Lions centre Riki Flutey as they seek a high-profile replacement for departing South African Jean de Villiers, WRITES HUGH FARRELLY.

New Zealand-born Flutey signed a two-year deal with Brive last year but is said to be unhappy with the French club, where he has had to deal with injury, club upheaval and poor results. The fact that Brive released Flutey's fellow England international Andy Goode from his contract this week to allow the out-half switch to the Natal Sharks suggests they might do the same with Flutey in the right circumstances.

Meanwhile, a clutch of clubs from England and France are in a battle to secure the signature of Peter Stringer, whose Munster contract expires at the end of this season. The 32-year-old has lost out to Tomas O'Leary in recent seasons, for club and country.

All Blacks winger Howlett has been a huge success since joining Munster midway through the 2007/'08 season. Munster have recently signed Ireland Wolfhounds international Johne Murphy from Leicester Tigers.

Interesting if true.

We could do a lot worse than Flutey as a replacement for JdV IMO. Also the bit on Stringer. I doubt he's happy at being second choice and if he does go, then it could pave the way for Duncan Williams and Conor Murray. Would be sad to see Howlett go, he's always performed well for Munster and whilst he wasn't scoring tries for fun, he had a huge work rate. Tough boots to fill.*

*That is of course providing that the information is true and not just speculation.

Blut2

The Munster environment would probably be ideal for him to get back into rugby away from the medias prying eye. Far less for him to get involved in socially in Limerick than Dublin, Cardiff, London or anywhere else with a real celebrity A-set really. That and the Munster no-nonsense rugby ethos would probably do a world of good for his head.

Plus given his current state Munster would no doubt be able to sign him on a very cheap contract. Even if he doesnt manage to get back to playing good rugby it likely wouldnt be too costly a gamble.

danthefan

Flutey is the definition of rugby 'mercenary'.

magma69

"Flutey" is quite possibly the gayest name I have ever heard. I bet he doesn't even like rugby he just plays it to compensate for his name.

SomeFool

I'd actually prefer Henson to Flutey given a choice between the two.

dinjo

50 international caps, a lions tour and 2 grand slams..... you dont win grand slams or go with the lions unless your good enough. sure the fella has had injuries and has issues personally but if a full fit gavin henson signed for munster... ye would be getting a super player. his ability to break the line and release players..... he would be a brilliant signing IF he was fit enough !!!

budhabob

I'd be happy if henson was signed IF (See all posts above).

buck65

Stringer to move? Would be sad to see him go but would understand his choice, unusual to see him in another jersey.
Howlett would be a big loss but not irreplacable, he has lost a little zest this season and moving him on might me a good bit of business. By all accounts Munster have only offered him another year contract.
JDV was never going to stay anyway. Flutey would be a super signing at 12. All this back talk however makes me wonder what the hell Munster are doing about their creaking front row and aging back row? Would rather see a Euan Murray or a Stephen Ferris than another back!!

chupacabra

Would be sad to see stringer go but it gives the likes of Williams and Murray a chance to come through.

Risteard

danthefan wrote: »

Flutey is the definition of rugby 'mercenary'.

I agree, but he's still a good player.

buck65 wrote: »

Stringer to move? Would be sad to see him go but would understand his choice, unusual to see him in another jersey.
Howlett would be a big loss but not irreplacable, he has lost a little zest this season and moving him on might me a good bit of business. By all accounts Munster have only offered him another year contract.
JDV was never going to stay anyway. Flutey would be a super signing at 12. All this back talk however makes me wonder what the hell Munster are doing about their creaking front row and aging back row? Would rather see a Euan Murray or a Stephen Ferris than another back!!

While Stringer has been fantastic for Munster over the years, if he does move it could prove beneficial in the long run. It would allow Murray and Williams to get significantly more game time. On the back row, I think that's where we have lot's of depth albeit with young players. I thought Coughlan and Tommy O'Donnell had great games last night while Peter O'Mahoney who by all accounts has been brilliant in the 'A' games as well Butler from the U-20s team and Eoghan Grace around with Leamy still to come back.A lot of young players that need experience but there's only one way they're going to get it.

magma69

chupacabra wrote: »

Would be sad to see stringer go but it gives the likes of Williams and Murray a chance to come through.

Stringer's best days are well and truly behind him. Absolutely love the lad, he is certainly a legend but it is time Munster started blooding some young scrum halves.

PhatPiggins

magma69 wrote: »

Stringer's best days are well and truly behind him. Absolutely love the lad, he is certainly a legend but it is time Munster started blooding some young scrum halves.

Yesterday hardly counts as well and truely behind him

Ian_K

Henson over Flutey every day of the week!

thomond2006

Flutey would be an excellent signing, he can act as a second playmaker (or third if ROG and Warwick are on the field) and can make a break.

Stringer is a Munster legend and owes Munster/Ireland nothing.

Conor Murray or a fit Duncan Williams can fill the gap left by Strings.

If Nick Williams is out of contract at the end of this season, I have a feeling that Munster will take out the chequebook for a backrow. That said, Munster produce backrows in their sleep.