Connacht in the short term

mr_edge_to_you

Connacht have lost again today. This time it wasn't grasping defeat from the jaws of victory but a comprehensive beating by an average Italian team.

This year despite the high of playing H Cup rugby the season has been appalling for them.

I am by birth a Connacht man but I am weary of hearing the same old drivel about lack of resources been spouted out. All the other provinces have worked damn hard over the years on and off the the pitch to build the teams up professionally.

Connacht is still a professional outfit been funded by the IRFU and I don't think they are using their resources (albeit significantly less than the other provinces) efficiently. They should be capable of producing a rugby team which is not sitting at the bottom of the league.

No one has once publically questioned the coaching team. Connacht have gone backward since Bradley left. The Connacht branch have to start making strong commercial decisions with an aim to keep the professional game in Connacht but what is happening at the moment won't be convincing anyone in Dublin 4 that Connacht are a worthwhile investment.

Elwoods appointment was really just a promotion by default. Don't think he is the right man to bring Connacht further. This season is now a complete write off and supposing an Irish team win the H Cup they will qualify again without any merit whatsoever. Now is the time to review the situation and put a plan in place that will allow Connacht to start the 2012-13 season with some optimism.

porterbelly

mr_edge_to_you wrote: »

Connacht have lost again today. This time it wasn't grasping defeat from the jaws of victory but a comprehensive beating by an average Italian team.

This year despite the high of playing H Cup rugby the season has been appalling for them.

I am by birth a Connacht man but I am weary of hearing the same old drivel about lack of resources been spouted out. All the other provinces have worked damn hard over the years on and off the the pitch to build the teams up professionally.

Connacht is still a professional outfit been funded by the IRFU and I don't think they are using their resources (albeit significantly less than the other provinces) efficiently. They should be capable of producing a rugby team which is not sitting at the bottom of the league.

No one has once publically questioned the coaching team. Connacht have gone backward since Bradley left. The Connacht branch have to start making strong commercial decisions with an aim to keep the professional game in Connacht but what is happening at the moment won't be convincing anyone in Dublin 4 that Connacht are a worthwhile investment.

Elwoods appointment was really just a promotion by default. Don't think he is the right man to bring Connacht further. This season is now a complete write off and supposing an Irish team win the H Cup they will qualify again without any merit whatsoever. Now is the time to review the situation and put a plan in place that will allow Connacht to start the 2012-13 season with some optimism.

There has to be accountability. Elwood, the coaches and the players have to start taking it on the chin and stop saying we're close, we're getting there. I think we need a clearout of coaches. I'd leave Elwood there in some capacity because his passion for the province at huge but I don't think he's suited as head coach. We should be better drilled, silly mistakes most weeks cost us.

However, funding is a big issue, like it or not. A budget of 2 million is just not big enough to be competitive. Aironi have more than double that. They brought Masi back from the biggest payers in France, Racing Metro, after him being player of the 6 Nations. They have 10-12 internationals, we have how many, 1? Vainikolo. Look at their bench today packed with seasoned internationals.

I hate to harp on about it, because I know everyone is tired of hearing about Connacht's lack of resouces, but it is a factor. While coaching is an issue and needs to be sorted out, until we are properly funded, we won't go far. We have 8-10 players who are at this level, the rest aren't really up to it. 3 of them were injured today. That's what you get with 2 million quid, that's pocket money to Munster and Leinster, never mind Toulouse.

FrPhelimYoung

It's time for the heads to roll. Don't expect anything to happen. The same people are still steering the ship that were there during the Bradley era. He got away with almost 6/7 years of mediocrity and failure.

A "civil service" mentality is rife in the Connacht Branch. They won't rock the boat as this will endanger their own positions. There are other local forces at work anyway that will not endanger the status quo as it will probably cause the ultimate end of their own club.

I lost faith in Connacht years ago when they appointed a school teacher as their CEO. The rot set in from there. Although the new group involved have been successful from the commercial side of things. Remember that Connacht are on a type of deadline with the new arrangements established. I'd say the IRFU boys are secretly sharpening the axe ready for use in 2/3 seasons time and that was the plan all along.

Shelflife

I think that its time to park the poor mouth at the door.

As a Connacht man we have to paddle our own canoe or currach if you will.
by all means gain as much funding as possible but the fact of the matter is we need to become masters of our own destiny.

To be fair this year in spite of our losing run we have played well in the most part with the killer instinct sadly lacking.

we are in year one of a 3 year plan, alot of progress has been made on the pitch and in particular off the pitch.

on the pitch we need to look at basic handling skills and in some cased basic fitness, we have some fine players and some dross and the same can be said for the coaching staff.

simply put we cannot afford to carry players or staff, if they are not producing the basic requirements they have to be jettisoned, im just not sure that eric is ruthless enough to carry this out.

that being said i would be happy to leave him in place for another season as porterbelly said he is 100% connacht.

the whole branch need to work hard to bring local player through the system and to raise as much funds as possible.

Its heartbreaking to follow a team thats constantly losing, but im looking at this year as a stepping stone to better things.

we need to keep the faith and all work harder.

DeDoc

I really don't think you can get too far away from the resources issue. Sure Elwood isn't perfect, but I think he is generally doing ok with the pretty poor hand he is being dealt. This season has been painful, in no small part because instead of being one of the better teams in the Amlin group, you're the 'easy beats' of the Heineken group. The major lesson for me is that you need a bigger squad. Ideally better players, but worst case scenario, simply more players who can come in so there can be some sort of rotation. Todays match just reeked of a tired (emotionally and physically) team.

Certainly more resources will help, but I think first Connacht need to show that they are doing everything they can with the resources they have.
From a national level, you have to think also that we're not making best use of our resources. There are players on the fringes of Ulster, Munster and Leinster who would start at Connacht, but are instead playing A league games in the main with maybe 4/5 appearances for the senior team. In many cases these could be players who'd play 25 games for Connacht.
I'd love to see a season-long loan system - I've posted about this elsewhere. Something like each province getting to ring fence a set amount of players (including NIQ). To start things off, you might make it 30 players, but ideally it would be more like 25. After that, all other players are on the table for a draft system - on a strict rolling one year loan basis - the 'home province' getting first option to recall them at the end of that season. In the event the home team want him the next season they can call him back (as part of their quota of 30), otherwise the 'borrowing' team can have the option of continuing the loan. The 'borrowing' team would pay the players wages while they borrow him, and if you wanted to incentivize/reward development, then you could have an additional small payment to the 'home' team. Academy players would be outside the system entirely.
As a Leinster fan, I'm happy to have increased depth with Carr and Hagan outside out standard 23 HEC lineup, but as an Ireland fan, I'd far rather them playing week-in/week-out with Connacht

CIARAN_BOYLE

DeDoc wrote: »

I really don't think you can get too far away from the resources issue. Sure Elwood isn't perfect, but I think he is generally doing ok with the pretty poor hand he is being dealt. This season has been painful, in no small part because instead of being one of the better teams in the Amlin group, you're the 'easy beats' of the Heineken group. The major lesson for me is that you need a bigger squad. Ideally better players, but worst case scenario, simply more players who can come in so there can be some sort of rotation. Todays match just reeked of a tired (emotionally and physically) team.

Certainly more resources will help, but I think first Connacht need to show that they are doing everything they can with the resources they have.
From a national level, you have to think also that we're not making best use of our resources. There are players on the fringes of Ulster, Munster and Leinster who would start at Connacht, but are instead playing A league games in the main with maybe 4/5 appearances for the senior team. In many cases these could be players who'd play 25 games for Connacht.
I'd love to see a season-long loan system - I've posted about this elsewhere. Something like each province getting to ring fence a set amount of players (including NIQ). To start things off, you might make it 30 players, but ideally it would be more like 25. After that, all other players are on the table for a draft system - on a strict rolling one year loan basis - the 'home province' getting first option to recall them at the end of that season. In the event the home team want him the next season they can call him back (as part of their quota of 30), otherwise the 'borrowing' team can have the option of continuing the loan. The 'borrowing' team would pay the players wages while they borrow him, and if you wanted to incentivize/reward development, then you could have an additional small payment to the 'home' team. Academy players would be outside the system entirely.
As a Leinster fan, I'm happy to have increased depth with Carr and Hagan outside out standard 23 HEC lineup, but as an Ireland fan, I'd far rather them playing week-in/week-out with Connacht

Nothing will work if players don't want to be in Connacht. Carr didn't want to be there any more. He would rather be in Ulster, France, Leinster, or England. Hagan was heading to England when Leinster made an offer for him.

If the players don't want to be there its not an option to send them like what you are talking about

Amazotheamazing

16 of Munster's 23 today was from Munster, 13 of Ulster's 23 was from Ulster, 16 of Leinster's 23 are from Leinster. 5 of Connacht's 23 were from Connacht.

Until Connacht start producing more players (and they are, judging by the u20's), any funding will be a hard sell. It's easy to say "we need funding to keep Connacht player's in Connacht" it's hard when the money is being spent on relatively poor journeymen.

DeDoc

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Nothing will work if players don't want to be in Connacht. Carr didn't want to be there any more. He would rather be in Ulster, France, Leinster, or England. Hagan was heading to England when Leinster made an offer for him.

If the players don't want to be there its not an option to send them like what you are talking about

Both the players you mention went to Connacht because they were well down the order in Leinster, and presumably, they felt they had more to offer than was being perceived. In fairness to both, on the performances of last season, they were right.

I think part of the current problem is that Leinster, Munster and Ulster have about 40-50 in their senior squads - many of whom will play little or no pro level rugby. But it is very black and white - you're either in that (big) group or you're not wanted. If you're note wanted then Connacht may be an option. Otherwise you can continue to live the dream of playing for your home province - whether or not that dream is realistic. Some players - e.g. Jones, Jackman, Costello, Cronin, Flannery have made that journey of their own accord. But many don't. I suspect part of the reason is that they feel they're risking a lot. I'd like to see that sense of risk ameliorated - a temporary loan - its all about the gametime. The players primary contract would still be with their 'home' team - but instead of B&I cup they're playing Rabo and HEC. Surely everyone wins?

bm1993

There definitely needs to be fundamental changes in the way Connacht are structured. Either the IRFU give them the same backing as Leinster, Munster and Ulster, and Connacht become a seriously competitive outfit at both Pro 12 and H Cup level.

Or use Connacht for the development of our brightest talents. Players like Ian Nagle, Jack McGrath, Brendan Macken etc. are great prospects, but need more gametime than they are currently afforded. Let young players go on loan for a year, get 20 games under their belt and go back to their home province a better player. Make sure the proper coaching structures are in place so that young players are both attracted to Connacht and fulfil their potential.

At the moment Connacht really aren't much use to anyone. There are a couple of great talents there like McSharry, Griffin and O'Halloran. But then you have dreadful imports like Fa'fili, Vainikolo and Ah You getting loads of gametime even though they are useless. Even with regard to IQ players like NOC, they are flogging a dead horse. He's never going to be near good enough to play for Ireland at this stage and I would rather see a 21/22 year old (with great potential) be afforded the same gametime. (ie Madigan if he wasn't needed by Leinster).

Marto10

As a man who has grown up with connacht rugby and who has been involved in the underage setup I am getting really frustrated with the performances in the last few games, so we have come close and 'nearly' won, but the game of rugby is to win and gather the 4 points not give an ok performance and say we should have beaten them.

I keep saying that the small budget we have should be put into homegrown players instead of these "journeymen" who played for the nz schools team in 2004.....
Nigel Carlon should have a bigger role in the senior setup and introduce the new and exciting crop of u18,u19,u20 and A players from connacht and other provinces instead of spending money on wages for gob****es like Vainikolo and that henry f'allli lad.

Something needs to be done about the halfbacks aswell, NOC, Jarvis and Nikora just are not good enough, you look at any team that wins matchs and the key players is the 10. Sexton for leinster, O'Gara for Munster, Humpherys for Ulster and ours can't even make a place kick...

I am a proud connacht supporter and have supported in the good and the bad times and I feel at the moment the season will get much worse for us with the next 3 games against tolouse, harlequins and cardiff, they won't be easy and I can't see us getting any points.

padser

mr_edge_to_you wrote: »

Connacht ..... should be capable of producing a rugby team which is not sitting at the bottom of the league.


Elwoods appointment was really just a promotion by default. Don't think he is the right man to bring Connacht further..

I think you are ignoring the fairly fundamental issue that Conmacht players simply are not good enough to be anywhere other than bottom of the the league - blaming Elwood for this seems a little unfair - I doubt he is turning down opportunities to recruit higher quality players.

Last yr Connachts 6 top performers probably were Carr, Keatley, Hagan, Cronin, Muldoon and McCarthy. They lost 4 of these 6 to other provinces this year and not one is a first choice player at their new province (in fact 2 of them are not even first choice matchday squad players).

I doubt there is a coach in the world who could lift that squad out of bottom 2/3 in league

FrPhelimYoung

FrPhelimYoung wrote: »

It's time for the heads to roll. Don't expect anything to happen. The same people are still steering the ship that were there during the Bradley era. He got away with almost 6/7 years of mediocrity and failure.

A "civil service" mentality is rife in the Connacht Branch. They won't rock the boat as this will endanger their own positions. There are other local forces at work anyway that will not endanger the status quo as it will probably cause the ultimate end of their own club.

I lost faith in Connacht years ago when they appointed a school teacher as their CEO. The rot set in from there. Although the new group involved have been successful from the commercial side of things. Remember that Connacht are on a type of deadline with the new arrangements established. I'd say the IRFU boys are secretly sharpening the axe ready for use in 2/3 seasons time and that was the plan all along.

Agree 100%. This has been what I have hated about Connacht Rugby for years. The blazer mentality is still rife there, too many up there have no purpose and are draining resources out of Connacht Rugby.

Connacht is not a professional club in reality because there seems to be no accountability for results, performances, player recruitment. Bad season after bad season is allowed pass with the blazers happy with a couple of good results every year. Its constant spin about how we were unlucky in some games. We need more resources. Rubbish!

The results that have come off the field have been due to a new board and it has transformed attendances and facilities but on the field things are allowed trundle on as they are with no accountability.

Bradley was never under any internal pressure in all his time with Connacht and in the end had to step away from the job himself. You might get the odd negative media article about the results but a good performance in an interpro or European game and the media had forgotten and were back to talking about Munster or Leinster.

Similarly with Elwood, given his well deserved status in the game imo he could lose 50 in a row and there wouldn't be any internal pressure and thats the problem.

There is no dobut the squad is weak but to some people its as if this happened out of the blue. We all knew back last December the 4 lads were moving on last summer, a massive blow and financial resources could be better but you would seriously wonder who is in charge of recruiting especially in the Southern Hemisphere. Some of the "big name" signings have been awful and its these lads that are eating into the budget. That is why the squad size is small because a huge portion is spent on these lads. Also the Branch and Eric go on about a small squad but there are a number of players brought in who have been just twiddling their thumbs for most of the season bar a few A games. Ok there have been injuries but every team has to make contingency for that and we got Gannon and Tonetti to replace Nolan and Matthews.

One of our only recruitment success stories (McSharry) came to Connacht with his videos looking for a chance.

Resources are slim for us without doubt but Connacht could be doing a lot better if there are proper business decisions made and there is some level of accountability and some on field targets set that have to be met (however low).

profitius

My problem with Elwood is he has played the same team over and over again even though they are knackered. Its crazy. Nobody seems to agree with that view but I stand by it. The more he plays players without resting them the more they'll lose. Its a certainty. Not only tired physically but mentally they must be exhausted too. You can see it in their defense. They are conceding sloppy tries and penalties lately.

Against Aironi they managed 6 points. They missed many chances by making errors at crucial times and made wrong decisions. Aironi are the worst team in the league and thats why people were talking about Connacht beating them.

Marto10 wrote: »

As a man who has grown up with connacht rugby and who has been involved in the underage setup I am getting really frustrated with the performances in the last few games, so we have come close and 'nearly' won, but the game of rugby is to win and gather the 4 points not give an ok performance and say we should have beaten them.

I keep saying that the small budget we have should be put into homegrown players instead of these "journeymen" who played for the nz schools team in 2004.....
Nigel Carlon should have a bigger role in the senior setup and introduce the new and exciting crop of u18,u19,u20 and A players from connacht and other provinces instead of spending money on wages for gob****es like Vainikolo and that henry f'allli lad.

Something needs to be done about the halfbacks aswell, NOC, Jarvis and Nikora just are not good enough, you look at any team that wins matchs and the key players is the 10. Sexton for leinster, O'Gara for Munster, Humpherys for Ulster and ours can't even make a place kick...

I am a proud connacht supporter and have supported in the good and the bad times and I feel at the moment the season will get much worse for us with the next 3 games against tolouse, harlequins and cardiff, they won't be easy and I can't see us getting any points.

I agree fully. Anyone who played underage for NZ seem to be automatically valued higher than they are. At least Connacht do have Connacht players coming through now for the first time in a long time. This will boost the squad in the coming seasons.

Higher

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

16 of Munster's 23 today was from Munster, 13 of Ulster's 23 was from Ulster, 16 of Leinster's 23 are from Leinster. 5 of Connacht's 23 were from Connacht.

Until Connacht start producing more players (and they are, judging by the u20's), any funding will be a hard sell. It's easy to say "we need funding to keep Connacht player's in Connacht" it's hard when the money is being spent on relatively poor journeymen.

Leinster had an All Irish 15. Really promising. Connacht is right now producing more youth players than Ulster and Munster. I reckon they just need more time. They're certainly getting there, some of the young players they're producing right now are nothing short of fantastic.

porterbelly

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

16 of Munster's 23 today was from Munster, 13 of Ulster's 23 was from Ulster, 16 of Leinster's 23 are from Leinster. 5 of Connacht's 23 were from Connacht.

Until Connacht start producing more players (and they are, judging by the u20's), any funding will be a hard sell. It's easy to say "we need funding to keep Connacht player's in Connacht" it's hard when the money is being spent on relatively poor journeymen.

Less schools, less clubs. Populations wise, no contest.

The academy structures in place in Munster, Leinster and Ulster were streets ahead of Connacht in the past, which comes with investment in coaching and alot more with it. We were only permitted 6 or 7 academy contracts over the years, what good is that?

Now that the structures are in place, the rewards will be reaped in the future. A healthy representation of homegrown players in the Irish u20s last season, and 10 have made the cut for the squad this year, that's huge. Way ahead of Munster.

The NIQ situation is a big issue, but one that can be solved with more funding in place. 2 experienced and quality NIQ's could make the world of difference to the team in terms of leadership and bringing standards up.

Higher

Higher wrote: »

Connacht is right now producing more youth players than Ulster and Munster. I reckon they just need more time. They're certainly getting there, some of the young players they're producing right now are nothing short of fantastic.

Fully agree with this, but unfortunately they need something to happen in the short term too. I think that the future's bright for Connacht, but if they're not careful, and losses keep accruing, that there will be issues that will affect the ability of these young players getting time for Connacht.

They need something to happen, and unfortunately the rot might currently be too deep for a quick fix.

They need a few journeymen, Irish journeymen, to tide them over for a bit until they can get the young lads up to speed. I think players like Stephen Keogh should've been given everything they wanted to try get them playing at Connacht for the short term.

They should be looking to get guys in that can do 2/3 seasons in the twilight of their careers that can grind out results, and can coax some life and momentum into the guys around them, whilst providing a buffer and an education for the younger lads.

Connacht should be looking to talk to

Mick O'Driscoll
Peter Stringer
Denis Leamy
Shane Horgan

asap, and anyone else that's starting to struggle to keep up with life at the top in their respective province.

whysomoody

Deleted User wrote: »

Fully agree with this, but unfortunately they need something to happen in the short term too. I think that the future's bright for Connacht, but if they're not careful, and losses keep accruing, that there will be issues that will affect the ability of these young players getting time for Connacht.

They need something to happen, and unfortunately the rot might currently be too deep for a quick fix.

They need a few journeymen, Irish journeymen, to tide them over for a bit until they can get the young lads up to speed. I think players like Stephen Keogh should've been given everything they wanted to try get them playing at Connacht for the short term.

They should be looking to get guys in that can do 2/3 seasons in the twilight of their careers that can grind out results, and can coax some life and momentum into the guys around them, whilst providing a buffer and an education for the younger lads.

Connacht should be looking to talk to

Mick O'Driscoll
Peter Stringer
Denis Leamy
Shane Horgan

asap, and anyone else that's starting to struggle to keep up with life at the top in their respective province.

There is no way Peter Stringer shouldnt be playing in Ireland for Connacht next year.

danthefan

whysomoody wrote: »

There is no way Peter Stringer shouldnt be playing in Ireland for Connacht next year.

Maybe he doesn't want to play for Connacht next year?

Zzippy

danthefan wrote: »

Maybe he doesn't want to play for Connacht next year?

It might be his only option...

Hagz

Zzippy wrote: »

It might be his only option...

Or he could retire. I'm pretty sure he's training to be a pilot so maybe he want's to focus on that. I wish he would go to Connacht.

siltirocker

Word is Nigel Carolan has been approached by Leinster as backs coach. . . that would be a hammer blow to the province if you ask me.

Marto10

siltirocker wrote: »

Word is Nigel Carolan has been approached by Leinster as backs coach. . . that would be a hammer blow to the province if you ask me.

That would ruin future plans for us of course but unless he is offered a more important role within the 1st team I wouldn't blame him in going to Leinster.

porterbelly

That would be a big blow, he's a really good coach, as evidenced by the u20 team he produced this year, they played some fantastic rugby, and the key role he had in the development of the likes of Griffin and O Halloran.

He needs to be given a role in the 1st team, no need to bring in someone like Millard when we have Carolan within the setup already.

Shelflife

unless we win the euromillions there is no short term fix.

we need to drag the blazers into the professional era and i think that the establishment of the new pbg will help in this matter.

we need to get more connacht players coming through and i think that this is happening at the youth level where there seems to be an abundance of players being exposed to the game that up to this had never had the chance.

Having seen quiet a number of u15 and u17 games over the last two years i have to say that there are some fine players on the way if they continue the way they are going

as was said earlier we need targets and if they are not met then we need corrective action, we cant afford to drift along.

we need to make things happen ourselves, im prepared to buy a season ticket and commit my support for the next 2 seasons, by then i would hope that we will see results as in points on the table.

we cant expect too much too soon, a decent platform has been put in place off the pitch this year we need to make the same inroads next year both on and off the pitch.

irishbucsfan

Interesting that Leinster are after a backs coach.

Shame that it has to come from Connacht, as surely they need all the decent coaching they can get.

porterbelly

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Interesting that Leinster are after a backs coach.

Shame that it has to come from Connacht, as surely they need all the decent coaching they can get.

Question is though, are we making the most of Carolan or Millard for that matter? Billy Melrose left last year after only 1 year in Connacht.

Eric is a pretty headstrong and stubborn individual, and essentially from what I've heard, it's his way or the highway. I believe that's the real reason Melrose left. He needs to let the coaches make their imprint on the team and release the reigns a bit. He has enormous passion for Connacht but sometimes that passion isn't channeled in the right direction.

CIARAN_BOYLE

siltirocker wrote: »

Word is Nigel Carolan has been approached by Leinster as backs coach. . . that would be a hammer blow to the province if you ask me.

I wouldn't see Leinster needing a backs coach. Thats Joe Schmidt's speciality, defense coach maybe but no real need for a backs coach imo.

siltirocker

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

I wouldn't see Leinster needing a backs coach. Thats Joe Schmidt's speciality, defense coach maybe but no real need for a backs coach imo.

Yea, that was my thoughts. Probably a new role taking a bit from Richie Murphy and a bit from Schmidt.

seanin4711

EE was there when Bradley was there same core coaches that cannot motivate the players now that obvious after the recent run of losses.
Missing players from last season they are gone we have to accept that!
we have what we have!
Its true we are fecked with injuries(so where are all this goodwill from the IRFU and other provinces to free up players that re surplus to requirements???)
I dont honeslty know where a win is going to come from in the short term and very demoralising to see the team "play" the way the did against aironi!

This will do nothing for the fickle west coast punter to spend €20 euro to watch them in the sportsground!

Just when all the rugby worlds eyes were on us for our 1st ever season in the HEC,a competition we were only dreaming about for so long, to fall so dramatically on our asses if bewildering to me and many others!!!

I just dont know!

I honestly do believe that the coaches with their mantra is in no way working at this stage and needs to be overhauled drastically!!!

really hesitating even watching them on the TV Vs Toulouse next week!

irishbucsfan

Could Carolan be coming on as a defense coach perhaps, because that's a void that Leinster need to fill imo.

PhatPiggins

Deleted User wrote: »

Fully agree with this, but unfortunately they need something to happen in the short term too. I think that the future's bright for Connacht, but if they're not careful, and losses keep accruing, that there will be issues that will affect the ability of these young players getting time for Connacht.

They need something to happen, and unfortunately the rot might currently be too deep for a quick fix.

They need a few journeymen, Irish journeymen, to tide them over for a bit until they can get the young lads up to speed. I think players like Stephen Keogh should've been given everything they wanted to try get them playing at Connacht for the short term.

They should be looking to get guys in that can do 2/3 seasons in the twilight of their careers that can grind out results, and can coax some life and momentum into the guys around them, whilst providing a buffer and an education for the younger lads.

Connacht should be looking to talk to

Mick O'Driscoll
Peter Stringer
Denis Leamy
Shane Horgan

asap, and anyone else that's starting to struggle to keep up with life at the top in their respective province.

In the immediate term there should be a short term loan facility between the provinces.

Munster could easily loan them one of Nagle or DOC 2.0
Leinster could easily loan them one of Dom Ryan or Ruddock as well as one of White or Hagan
Ulster could easily take back Niall O Connor :P