Connacht Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread.

Zzippy

Right Toomevara, here it is!

Seeing as Munster and Leinster have their own threads, let's get a Connacht one in ahead of Ulster (just like in the Magners league hopefully! )

All talk Connacht-related in this thread, whether its transfer news, slagging off Bradley, slagging off the Branch, talking about players you would like to see come to Connacht, where to go drinking after the match (O'Connells of course!) and anything else Connacht-related.

Please keep match-related talk to specific match threads.

toomevara

Much better!!!

thomond2006

Any ideas on who is coming to Connacht next season? Any youngsters?

ScrubsfanChris

Gavin Duffy was talking on the Last Word with Matt Cooper last night and he said that the Sportgrounds was being upgraded to 8'000 for the big Toulon game next week. With a trip to the Biaritz game a bit too expensive for most, you might see afew Munster fans showing up at the game.

C'mon Connacht Heineken Cup rugby awaits thee

outwest

george is leaving us after the season.

i think toh and greffen should be giving more game time next year. 2 for the future

Zzippy

outwest wrote: »

george is leaving us after the season.

i think toh and greffen should be giving more game time next year. 2 for the future

Both starting on Sunday, with McKeon on the bench. I know its probably only because of depleted resources, but would be great to see them perform well and put their hands up for a more regular place next season.

fatguy2k1

outwest wrote: »

george is leaving us after the season.

REALLY?

i wouldn't be so sure on that....

Zzippy

fatguy2k1 wrote: »

REALLY?

i wouldn't be so sure on that....

Rumoured to be going to the Japanese league. Muldoon said in an interview this week that its a pity he'll be leaving, which would indicate to me the decision is already made. Will be a big loss, for a man some on here considered a journeyman when he arrived, he's made some impact. Himself and Heaslip have been the top no. 8s on form over the last few weeks.

PhatPiggins

Zzippy wrote: »

Rumoured to be going to the Japanese league. Muldoon said in an interview this week that its a pity he'll be leaving, which would indicate to me the decision is already made. Will be a big loss, for a man some on here considered a journeyman when he arrived, he's made some impact. Himself and Heaslip have been the top no. 8s on form over the last few weeks.

I'd go as far as to say he's been better then Heaslip. Although Williams did put him in his place a few times on sunday.

fatguy2k1

fatguy2k1 wrote: »

REALLY?

i wouldn't be so sure on that....

This sounds positive as you seem to be in know with regards to whats going on up there. I know you can't reveal too much but could you reveal more concrete detail as to why he mightn't be leaving please.:D

fatguy2k1

Zzippy - that was the word.



Not hinting at anything there....

evil_seed

if that was the word, what has changed?

thomond2006

Zzippy wrote: »

Rumoured to be going to the Japanese league. Muldoon said in an interview this week that its a pity he'll be leaving, which would indicate to me the decision is already made. Will be a big loss, for a man some on here considered a journeyman when he arrived, he's made some impact. Himself and Heaslip have been the top no. 8s on form over the last few weeks.

/Holds hand up in disgrace.

He's been excellent for Connacht, hopefully an Irish player can step up and replace him.

Dave Joyce

/Holds hand up in disgrace.

Unfortunately, I have to do the same. Did accuse George of that after that first disasterous game against Munster.

TheTMO

thomond2006 wrote: »

Any ideas on who is coming to Connacht next season? Any youngsters?

Connacht are currently trying to sign Daragh Fanning the St. Marys winger, hes an incredible player.

outwest

i think connacht should'nt sign a winger. toh should be giving a chance. we need to develop our young palyers.

TheTMO

outwest wrote: »

i think connacht should'nt sign a winger. toh should be giving a chance. we need to develop our young palyers.

It would be risky to expect O'Halloran to be relied upon in his first ever pro season at such a young age. I think it could turn out to be an excellent signing the guy is cutting up defences in the AIL for fun.
What I don't understand is why Robin Copeland has never featured for any province? Anyone who watches AIL will know just how good he is, hes a second row and hes one of the leading try scorers in div 1!

Anyway, I'm just happy to see Connacht actually picking up players from the AIL rather than ignoring it completely. Munster and Leinster seem to have a policy of completely ignoring AIL players that weren't in their academies.

outwest

if you look at the squad for the scarlets game.

L Bibo; T O’Halloran, E Griffin, T Nathan, B Tuohy; I Keatley, C O’Loughlin; R Loughney, A Flavin, R Morris, D Nolan, B Upton, A Browne, R Ofisa, M McComish. Replacements : D Murphy, C Higgins, E McKeown, J O’Connor, K Campbell, M Nikora, A Wynne.

all of these are from galway, and with if you leave out joc nealry all under 23.

connacht need to build on this

TheTMO

By all means but at the same time putting too much trust in such a young squad will be to the detriment of Connacht. A few injuries to some older players and Connacht would essentially be fielding a bunch of kids against teams and losing. Developing young players means easing them into a settled squad and if you were to go and throw a bunch of young potential together and send them out against somone like Munster you are going to destroy the confidence of the players, lose and do Connacht no favours.

To expect Tiernan O'Halloran at 18 years old to be relied upon to such a degree in his first pro season would be suicidal.

profitius

There has to be plenty of talent on the AIL. Just because some didn't get into academys it doesn't mean the academy players are better. Some players are late developers.

Amazotheamazing

TheTMO wrote: »

It would be risky to expect O'Halloran to be relied upon in his first ever pro season at such a young age. I think it could turn out to be an excellent signing the guy is cutting up defences in the AIL for fun.
What I don't understand is why Robin Copeland has never featured for any province? Anyone who watches AIL will know just how good he is, hes a second row and hes one of the leading try scorers in div 1!

Anyway, I'm just happy to see Connacht actually picking up players from the AIL rather than ignoring it completely. Munster and Leinster seem to have a policy of completely ignoring AIL players that weren't in their academies.

Can't speak for Leinster, but Munster have picked up guys like Dowling, Coughlan and now Cusack from the AIL, none went to an Academy, afaik. There's a good few AIL players in the Munster A team today, though I think a lot of them are in the sub-Academy.

Amazotheamazing

outwest wrote: »

if you look at the squad for the scarlets game.

L Bibo; T O’Halloran, E Griffin, T Nathan, B Tuohy; I Keatley, C O’Loughlin; R Loughney, A Flavin, R Morris, D Nolan, B Upton, A Browne, R Ofisa, M McComish. Replacements : D Murphy, C Higgins, E McKeown, J O’Connor, K Campbell, M Nikora, A Wynne.

all of these are from galway, and with if you leave out joc nealry all under 23.

connacht need to build on this

O'Halloran is from Offaly, no?

TheTMO

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Can't speak for Leinster, but Munster have picked up guys like Dowling, Coughlan and now Cusack from the AIL, none went to an Academy, afaik. There's a good few AIL players in the Munster A team today, though I think a lot of them are in the sub-Academy.

I thought Dowling was in the Leinster academy? Cusack was in Munster's academy. It seems Coughlan is the exception and was plucked directly from the AIL.

TheTMO

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

O'Halloran is from Offaly, no?

Hes a Leinster man. He has pictures up on his facebook of him kitted out in full Leinster gear!

outwest

he from connemara. went to school in roscrea

Panda Moanium

Toulon have beaten Brive in the final game of the Top 14 regular season today which I think is bad news for us as they are now straight into the semi-finals and don't have to worry about a quarter final the week after next.

So expect we will see their number one side in the Sportsground.

TheTMO

TheTMO wrote: »

Connacht are currently trying to sign Daragh Fanning the St. Marys winger, hes an incredible player.

Interesting, think he started the A game for us against Ulster a few weeks back, definitely an area we need reinforcements. Tiernan O'Halloran will hopefully get more of a chance next season but we need some depth on the wing. Troy Nathan has played a bit there with mixed results, Tuohy has done fairly well recently but still has a lot to do to convince, Bibo has had his share of injuries and our other signing left, after that you're putting players out of position.

Amazotheamazing

TheTMO wrote: »

I thought Dowling was in the Leinster academy? Cusack was in Munster's academy. It seems Coughlan is the exception and was plucked directly from the AIL.

Nope, Dowling went straight to UL from Kilkenny, never darkened the door of either Munster or Leinster's academy, afaik. Cusack wasn't in the Munster Academy.

seanin4711

I suppose in hind sight i get what bradley is at!
he is putting all his eggs in one basket for both the ML and the ECC,by hopefully putting o0ut full strength against Toulon and Ulster and this game might suffer(unfortunate as it think if we threw a few more starters at this we could be going to ravenhill 4 up on ulster and make them sweat even more!
Is it a wise move?only time will tell!
Our squad is stretched to capacity so i really hope for a losing bonus point if not more in the valleys this afternoon!
They would want to play very well!!!
slan

gally74

in fairness to bradley and elwood, they have to rotate players given the number of games,


Some info on toulon......


KNOWN AS Rugby Club Toulonnaise
FOUNDED 1908
STADIUM (capacity) Stade Félix Mayol 17,000
POSITION LAST YEAR 9th. Full results
BUDGET FOR 2009/10 €16.5m (up €2.5m from 2008/9)
COLOURS Red and black
HONOURS Championship winners 1931, 1987, 1992
Championship runners-up 1946, 1968, 1971, 1985
Challenge Yves du Manoir, winners 1934, 1970
Challenge Yves du Manoir, runners-up 1939, 1954, 1983
Coup de L’Esperance, winners
Coupe Andre Moga, winners
Division 2 champions 2005, 2008
Div2 runners-up 2000
PRESIDENT Mourad Boudjellal
COACH Philippe Saint-André, Tana Umaga, Aubin Hueber
TRIVIA The Stade Félix Mayol is named after the locally born concert singer Félix Mayol. President Mourad Boudjellal made his fortune in comic strips.
MAJOR SIGNINGS Jonny Wilkinson (England fly-half)
Sébastien Bruno (France hooker)
Pierre Mignoni (France scrum-half)
Felipe Contepomi (Argentina fly-half)
Jamie Robinson (Wales centre)
Rory Lamont (Scottish full-back)
Juan Martin Lobbe (Argentina flanker/No 8)
Timmy Ryan (Irish prop)
Christian Loamanu (Tonga-born Japan winger)
Tonga Lea'aetoa (Tonga prop)
Tom May (England centre)
CURRENT PLAYERS View Current Players & Player Profiles
MAJOR PLAYERS Sonny Bill Williams (controversial NZ-born rugby league convert)
Luke Rooney (Australian rugby league convert, playing centre or wing)
Santiago Dellape (Italy second row)
Esteban Lozada (Argentine lock)
Joe van Niekerk (Springbok back row, club captain)

TheTMO

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Nope, Dowling went straight to UL from Kilkenny, never darkened the door of either Munster or Leinster's academy, afaik. Cusack wasn't in the Munster Academy.

Nope Cusack was in the academy.
http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/7357.php

Amazotheamazing

TheTMO wrote: »

Nope Cusack was in the academy.
http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/7357.php

Don't want to labour this, but one summer training with the Academy doesn't mean you're in the academy. He was invited to train on the back of his AIL games with a view to joining it, but was offered a training contract instead. A fair few AIL players train with Munster and play training games with them. Mike Ross was in a similar position a few years back, as was Peter Bracken all the way back when he played with Boh's.

toomevara

Nice piece from Tony Ward in today's Indo:

Hard-up WESTERN HEROES can gun down aristocrats.

By Tony Ward
Tuesday April 27 2010

THE weekend's results may have been a relief to Ulster and maybe a handful of decision-makers at the IRFU, but they have thrown a damper on a basement scrap that was building to quite a final-day crescendo.

At the top end, it's still all to play for, with home advantage and the fourth semi-final spot still to be decided between Cardiff, Munster and Edinburgh, although realistically the winner of the shootout between the Blues and Tony McGahan's men will take that final Magners play-off slot.

Unfortunately for Connacht, the first of three possible routes to Heineken Cup involvement has been nipped in the bud: they would have to beat Ulster by 66 points at Ravenhill on Friday week to overtake the northerners in the league table.

Ulster, then, have effectively qualified for Europe's premier club competition, and deservedly so; Connacht can join them either if they win the Amlin Challenge Cup, or if Leinster or Munster land the Heineken Cup.

There can be few complaints with demolition of the westerners' shadow team at Parc y Scarlets, followed immediately by a full five-point return for fired-up Ulster at Murrayfield. Full credit to Brian McLaughlin's side for the quality of this performance under pressure but equally, what a sad reflection on Edinburgh.

Since Andy Robinson moved on to take up the national reins, the quality of Edinburgh rugby has dipped alarmingly. They are a pale imitation of the side that had been promising so much. Under Robinson there was a sense of excitement, but even more a sense of purpose to what they were about.

Overdue

That decline, though, should not in any way detract from this long-overdue Ulster performance. I agree with former coach Matt Williams' contention that this squad has far too many quality players to be struggling in the way they are.

But just as Irish rugby needs a successful Ulster side, so too does it need a professional Connacht set-up operating on a level playing field financially.

Once Michael Bradley goes beyond his core first-up squad, he is struggling badly when compared to the other three. Despite the exciting promise of former Colaiste Iognaid and Cistercian College Roscrea backs Eoin Griffin and Tiernan O'Halloran, the trip to Llanelli was always set to be an exercise in damage limitation.

Those two, with scrum-half Conor O'Loughlin and centre Troy Nathan (who has become a real leader of late), gave it their best shot but Connacht still leaked nine tries and shipped 58 points in a potentially demoralising demolition.

Yet, just four days after the uplifting victory over Leinster, I believe Bradley called it right in fielding an under-strength line-up ahead of Friday's Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final and what he had hoped would be a Heineken Cup qualification play-off at Ravenhill a week later.

So for Connacht, all eyes turn to Friday and the visit of wealthy, talent-laden Top 14 title contenders Toulon to the Sportsground. The ambitious French club's primary aim in this campaign was to qualify for next season's Heineken Cup and they have already done that, thereby lifting the pressure somewhat for what lies ahead.

That said, when you bring in Philippe Saint Andre as head coach and proceed to sign 16 Test players representing 13 different countries, plus a former New Zealand rugby league star in Sonny Bill Williams, the owner and fans have every right to demand silverware.

To that end, all the pressure will be in the red and black corner as Connacht -- like Munster and Leinster -- will be underdogs when kicking off a weekend of French/Irish knock-out action.

Logically it should be no contest, but as Jonny Wilkinson, Felipe Contepomi, Timmy Ryan and Pierre Mignoni know from experiences with Newcastle, Leinster, Munster and Toulon (back in 1999) respectively, the Sportsground is no place for the faint-hearted.

Despite it being something of a fortress of late, I would have some concern on the basis that for this special occasion, there will be temporary seating installed, making undoubtedly for a better and certainly more intimate atmosphere, but therein lies the rub.

What I and every one of my contemporaries dreaded about playing in the Sportsground was its utter isolation. It was cold, almost desolate, and in winter, nearly always wet and exceptionally windy. It was the most unwelcoming representative venue bar none -- a horrible place to play. Connacht players knew that and capitalised on it to the full.

Now it has a beautifully firm sod which along with a spring evening and relatively enclosed playing area should not faze the French aristocrats one iota. Contrast that with the feeling of lonesome self-pity in a place devoid of atmosphere.

Hopefully that unique Wild West advantage will not be entirely lost on Friday.

Opportunities like this -- a home European semi-final -- don't come along too often, perhaps once in a playing career.

Bradley is right when he says his team will have little problem refocusing despite Sunday's mauling at the hands of Scarlets.

Joint top of the French championship (with Perpignan) against bottom of the Celtic equivalent should equal no contest, but rugby doesn't work like that. Too much hard graft has gone in for Connacht to get this far and roll over. It is Bradley's last hurrah --the last chance to achieve that Heineken Cup goal off their own bat.

In terms of class on paper it's no contest, but mix heart with desire in Bradley's last competitive game in charge at the Sportsground and the raw ingredients are in place for something different -- perhaps something special.

For once the Heineken Cup is on hold as a nation holds its breath in support of a team it has slowly but surely taken to its heart.

Toulon are red-hot favourites and rightly so. Would Connacht want or expect it any other way?

outwest

great artical.


what the story about flavin leaving next year.

fatguy2k1

outwest wrote: »

what the story about flavin leaving next year.

no story - all the players are on 1 year contracts - as per the irfu directive. doesn't mean he's leving.

Dave Joyce

Yea, agree with you, its a great article and I think that the weekends result shouldn't/won't affect the squad. Met Johnny O'Connor yesterday in the Sportsground and he was saying that the buzz about the match this Friday is great:)

ScrubsfanChris

Less than 1,000 tickets left!

Supporters are advised to purchase tickets as soon as possible as the game looks set to be a sell-out.

All tickets for the terrace on the stand side of the ground have been sold and all tickets for the terrace on the clubhouse side have also been sold.

The only remaining tickets are for the Bohermore terrace and the College Road terrace.

Tickets cost €30 for adults, with concession tickets €20 and juniors €10.

Tickets are available from the Connacht Branch headquarters at the Sportsground during office hours or online through Ticketmaster on www.ticketmaster.ie

outwest

we had 9 points from the 1st 10 games, not good enugh. hopefully half of the crowd there tonight will be impressed with conancht and not travel down to leinster and munster to support them instead.

if they can perform the way they half since elwood got announced as new coach, next year could be a good year for connacht.

a win in ulster would be nice to end the season.

Ya its hard to think ahead to next season at this moment but with Eric coming in hopefully he can bring something fresh to the setup. Most of the key first team players are signed up for next season but we need that bit of class in the backline and a couple of players in the pack to make the difference.

Obviously we'll have to see how the HC finishes up but its not the end of the world if we end up in the Challenge Cup again next year, our seeding should improve a fair bit and a home q/f could easily be on the cards next year again. We need more consistency in the league alright. Obviously qualifying for the hc would help a few quality players undecided on their futures to consider the move west. The core of a good squad is there.

Gutted but very proud to be a Connacht supporter this evening. Considering how the last few years have ended up we finished on a high having the French multi-millionaires clinging on for dear life. Can't help having the nagging feeling that we should have brought it to extra time at least though.

thomond2006

Based on tonight's performance/endeavour and the brilliant support, Connacht has a bright future.

Aidric

thomond2006 wrote: »

Based on tonight's performance/endeavour and the brilliant support, Connacht has a bright future.

You can't base the future on one match ffs. That was their biggest ever crowd, reason being it was a semi-final and Toulon were in town. Where is the 8k for the Magners game? They'll most likely finish bottom of the Magners again.
No one is questioning their effort and endeavor but get a bit of perspective.

profitius

They should check out the academies of the other provinces and the AIB league. Theres plenty of lads around who would be good for Connacht. Its the squad that really needs strengthening. The first 15 are not too bad but after that.. well we saw what happened away to llanelli.

evil_seed

I know it's common knowledge that George is heading for japan. I was talking with the man himself lastnight about games and performances of the likes of lastnight and if it'd change his mind. He said he thought about it long and hard but "what would you do for half a million quid?" was his response. He'll be a big loss but fair play to him for gettin that dough

ozt9vdujny3srf

I'm sure they do check those academies, if those players wanted to play for connacht then that's where they'd be.

Zzippy

Aidric wrote: »

You can't base the future on one match ffs. That was their biggest ever crowd, reason being it was a semi-final and Toulon were in town. Where is the 8k for the Magners game? They'll most likely finish bottom of the Magners again.
No one is questioning their effort and endeavor but get a bit of perspective.

Do you ever have anything positive to say if its not Munster-related?
Its not so long since Munster wouldn't have got 8k supporters unless it was a touring international team that brought them out. You've been spoiled the last few years, and success has bred the support base you have now, don't get too arrogant about it.

ozt9vdujny3srf

Zzippy wrote: »

Do you ever have anything positive to say if its not Munster-related?
Its not so long since Munster wouldn't have got 8k supporters unless it was a touring international team that brought them out. You've been spoiled the last few years, and success has bred the support base you have now, don't get too arrogant about it.

Ahh to be fair to Aidric, all the problems Connacht had this season are still there. They've had a good cup run and taken their usual few inter-pro scalps. Something big has to happen if they are to become more competitive.

outwest

sometihng big has happened,

ever since elwood got announced as connacht coach, the performances have been great,

Aidric

Zzippy wrote: »

Do you ever have anything positive to say if its not Munster-related?
Its not so long since Munster wouldn't have got 8k supporters unless it was a touring international team that brought them out. You've been spoiled the last few years, and success has bred the support base you have now, don't get too arrogant about it.

Spare me the moral indignation and chippy shoulder. I've given Connacht credit where it's due on this forum. Check my post history if you want.
My point was entirely relevant. They have had a good run in the Challenge cup this season culminating in a bumper crowd for the visit of Toulon. That doesn't mask their woeful record in the Magners. Let's look at the stats shall we:

League Position
Season 05-06 - Joint bottom
Season 06-07 - second from bottom
Season 07-08 - bottom
Season 08-09 - bottom
Season 09-10 - likely bottom

Average Attendance
Season 05-06 - third from bottom (1790)
Season 06-07 - second from bottom (1980)
Season 07-08 - second from bottom (2260)
Season 08-09 - bottom (1989)
Season 09-10 - bottom (2147)

It seems easier for some Connacht fans to dismiss criticism while ignoring the facts. Your lot is unfortunate through lack of investment but don't go accusing Leinster or Munster fans of arrogance for pointing out the obvious.

inbodwetrust

Connacht have had a very good year but investment in some areas of the squad is required if they want to make the next step. I would suspect clubs will be interested in signing the likes of Carr, Cronin Duffy and Muldoon and its crucial that they can hold onto players of this calibre to build the team on. Instead of taking in players from abroad they should look into the possiblilty of taking players from the academys in Leinster and Munster .

sock puppet

inbodwetrust wrote: »

Connacht have had a very good year but investment in some areas of the squad is required if they want to make the next step. I would suspect clubs will be interested in signing the likes of Carr, Cronin Duffy and Muldoon and its crucial that they can hold onto players of this calibre to build the team on. Instead of taking in players from abroad they should look into the possiblilty of taking players from the academys in Leinster and Munster .

I wonder would Tonnetti be interested in a move? He's been decent any time I've seen him and doesn't really look like breaking into the Leinster squad.

Dave Joyce

Spare me the moral indignation and chippy shoulder.

Well, I for one would LOVE to hear your opinion on how we can solve our problems especially when the IRFU would love the chance to close us down if they could at all.

Please don't give me the same ol' same ol', build up the crowds (support apart from diehards can be very fickle) who will only come when we have a string of results. Build up the squad, which we can't do without the necessary finance. Please don't tell me we need the results first as that is putting the cart before the horse and besides we need some imports like Munster and Leinster alongside the home grown talent. Where would they be without the Howletts, DeVilliers, Van Der Linde, Hines etc etc