Diamonds in the rough

PhatPiggins

The Leo Avuua thread got me thinking about just how much untapped potential there is in the AIL. Mike Ross is the ultimate example but some other notables include James Coughlan and Dave MacSharry.

I'm not exclusively talking about up and comers but also guys who are midway through their careers but have never really gotten a shot.

One that jumps out for me is Gerry Hurley the Cork Con 9. The guy can pass, kick from hand and the tee, is fast and can spot a gap. I'd have him ahead of Duncan Williams anyday and to be honest O'Leary in his current slump.

Anyone else got other examples ?

lologram

*Auva'a

wixfjord

Cronin Healy the Con winger was one I thought could have made a move up for Munster.

CIARAN_BOYLE

PhatPiggins wrote: »

The Leo Avuua thread got me thinking about just how much untapped potential there is in the AIL. Mike Ross is the ultimate example but some other notables include James Coughlan and Dave MacSharry.

I'm not exclusively talking about up and comers but also guys who are midway through their careers but have never really gotten a shot.

One that jumps out for me is Gerry Hurley the Cork Con 9. The guy can pass, kick from hand and the tee, is fast and can spot a gap. I'd have him ahead of Duncan Williams anyday and to be honest O'Leary in his current slump.

Anyone else got other examples ?

Jerry Cronin, Simon Shawe and Aaron Dunon are other examples that came to pro rugby late after impressing in the AIL

Hurley doesn't want pro rugby apparently but I agree that I would have him over TOL.

Hagz

David Mcilwaine is someone I'm keeping an eye on. Full-back who was in the Ulster academy and is now playing for Doncaster, speaking of Doncaster, Michael Keating is another player who I hope will move up to premiership rugby next year.

In terms of players in playing in Ireland, McSharry has been outstanding.

PhatPiggins

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Jerry Cronin, Simon Shawe and Aaron Dunon are other examples that came to pro rugby late after impressing in the AIL

Hurley doesn't want pro rugby apparently but I agree that I would have him over TOL.

I've heard that too, in a few different versions. Seems to be a few examples of frontrow players coming through later in their careers.

GSOIRL

PhatPiggins wrote: »

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Jerry Cronin, Simon Shawe and Aaron Dunon are other examples that came to pro rugby late after impressing in the AIL

Hurley doesn't want pro rugby apparently but I agree that I would have him over TOL.

I've heard that too, in a few different versions. Seems to be a few examples of frontrow players coming through later in their careers.

I pretty sure he'd love to play Pro rugby but for some reason that I don't understand he gets overlooked for in my opinion less talented players.

I think he would be more than capable of playing Pro

To add to what was said earlier I'd add that he can kick off both feet and controls a game superbly.

PhatPiggins

GSOIRL wrote: »

I pretty sure he'd love to play Pro rugby but for some reason that I don't understand he gets overlooked for in my opinion less talented players.

I think he would be more than capable of playing Pro

To add to what was said earlier I'd add that he can kick off both feet and controls a game superbly.

We'll I think the fact that he turned down a development contract from Munster in the summer would suggest otherwise.

GSOIRL

PhatPiggins wrote: »

GSOIRL wrote: »

I pretty sure he'd love to play Pro rugby but for some reason that I don't understand he gets overlooked for in my opinion less talented players.

I think he would be more than capable of playing Pro

To add to what was said earlier I'd add that he can kick off both feet and controls a game superbly.

We'll I think the fact that he turned down a development contract from Munster in the summer would suggest otherwise.

Didn't know that but if true and I've no reason to say it's not I'd imagine that he probably felt been there done that and maybe wanted something more substantial.

You can correct me here as I'm not sure but was he not involved with Munster before and even played in the HEC one of the seasons they won it.

Out of curiosity do you know how many development contracts Munster give out?

PhatPiggins

GSOIRL wrote: »

Didn't know that but if true and I've no reason to say it's not I'd imagine that he probably felt been there done that and maybe wanted something more substantial.

You can correct me here as I'm not sure but was he not involved with Munster before and even played in the HEC one of the seasons they won it.

Out of curiosity do you know how many development contracts Munster give out?

I don't to be honest but you're spot on with you analysis of why he turned down the development contract (according to the most popular rumour anyway).

GerM

I'd be confident Alex Kelly could do a job with another province but doesn't seem to fancy the pro career either apparently. He was centre for the U20 side last season and kept Macken and Hanrahan out of the side. Very well balanced 13 playing for UCD these days.

Another lad that went off the radar a little was Ross McCarron who called it quits at about 22 because of injury and the people ahead of him. Apparently Ulster and Connacht both approached him but he fancied a normal job. He could have been pretty handy. Captain of Lansdowne these days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNzMNNYl8o4

profitius

Hagz wrote: »

David Mcilwaine is someone I'm keeping an eye on. Full-back who was in the Ulster academy and is now playing for Doncaster, speaking of Doncaster, Michael Keating is another player who I hope will move up to premiership rugby next year.

In terms of players in playing in Ireland, McSharry has been outstanding.

Speaking of Doncaster, they've added to their Irish contingent today by signing scrumhalf Micheal Heaney from Ulster. He played with the Irish U20s 2 seasons ago.

bamboozle

rumours also that Jerry Cronin is joining doncaster from Ulster (via mallow)

CIARAN_BOYLE

bamboozle wrote: »

rumours also that Jerry Cronin is joining doncaster from Ulster (via mallow)

I wouldn't be surpried since he has fallen behind Fitzpatrick and Macklin in the Ulster pecking order.