Jamie Heaslip's future (Unconfirmed Reports - Toulon)

thomond2006

Worth its own thread surely?

Ultimate Rugby ‏@ultimaterugby 19m
Unconfirmed reports circulating that Irish number 8 Jamie Heaslip has signed for Toulon

For Jamie he has probably achieved as much as he can with Leinster: 3 Heineken Cups, 1 Amlin Cup and a few Magners/Rabo titles. This move, while devastating from a Leinster perspective, could be good for Jamie. He hasn't had past injury issues like Jonny Sexton so you would hope that he can stay at 100% over there as well. He certainly won't get "flogged" as Toulon will have enough quality to rotate Heaslip out of the side from time to time.

Toulon are losing Van Niekerk and Rossouw in the summer and Chris Masoe at 35 years old is out for the season after knee surgery. Toulon also like to move for experienced established names that will garner attention. The move for Heaslip ticks the boxes from their perspective.

CatFromHue

Travelling and experiencing new cultures is good for the soul so if he's gone I'll wish him well.

He will be a big loss to Leinster though.

danthefan

Obviously would be a blow but losing SOB would be a whole lot worse. I think Jordi Murphy looks well capable.

Hagz

It's all a bit unsurprising.

As you say he's achieved every kind of success he could have achieved at club level. He's unlikely to fall out of the Irish squad and he's a guarantee for the world cup squad. On top of that he's lost out on the Irish captaincy. In the twilight of his career and probably looking to tick another box on the bucket list.

Disappointing if he does sign. Leinster will suffer in his absence, but in saying that, we are facing a hard period anyway so I don't think his departure will be the difference between success and failure. Tough but exciting times ahead for Leinster.

Swiwi.

If confirmed, I can say I would do exactly the same in his position. Whether I would choose Toulon as my French club of choice is another matter...

Based on another great display from Jordi Murphy I don't think Leinster will be left completely in the lurch, and truth be told Ireland could do with proven backups to the likes of SOB & Heaslip.

Buer

If true, all the best to him; I'd be gone like a shot in his shoes.

There's not a moment's doubt in my mind that no other player has given as much to Leinster over the past decade as he has, not even close. He has been phenomenal. Since the 2005/06 season he has started an incredible 166 matches for Leinster while making a further 62 starts for Ireland.

I doubt there's another player in the country that could match 228 starts in 8.5 seasons averaging 27 starts a season (not including 5 Lions tests). That's fairly ridiculous longevity in this game.

justsomebloke

So long and thanks for all the beats headphones:pac:

Ye nothing left here for him and the draw of a potentially tougher league and new culture and more money maybe too much to turn down

danthefan

Swiwi. wrote: »

If confirmed, I can say I would do exactly the same in his position. Whether I would choose Toulon as my French club of choice is another matter...

Based on another great display from Jordi Murphy I don't think Leinster will be left completely in the lurch, and truth be told Ireland could do with proven backups to the likes of SOB & Heaslip.

I don't know why you wouldn't! Nice part of the world, they do actually play good rugby, chance of trophies, and they pay extremely well.

Podge_irl

****in French.

awec

Presumably this would push Murphy to Leinster's #8 - who would then be backup?

jamiedav2011

Hagz wrote: »

It's all a bit unsurprising.

As you say he's achieved every kind of success he could have achieved at club level. He's unlikely to fall out of the Irish squad and he's a guarantee for the world cup squad. On top of that he's lost out on the Irish captaincy. In the twilight of his career and probably looking to tick another box on the bucket list.

Disappointing if he does sign. Leinster will suffer in his absence, but in saying that, we are facing a hard period anyway so I don't think his departure will be the difference between success and failure. Tough but exciting times ahead for Leinster.

Yeah, I think that's a good summation alright.

Hagz

awec wrote: »

Presumably this would push Murphy to Leinster's #8 - who would then be backup?

Jordi Murphy would be the obvious step in, with maybe O'Connor looking at the option of playing O'Brien there. Then the next number 8 is academy player Jack Conan.

Ruddock has a history of playing at 8, but it's an ugly history.

matthew8

I'd rather lose him than SOB, but he's still the second worst player for Leinster to lose. Jordi Murphy is a good player but there's no replacing a player like Heaslip.

justsomebloke

awec wrote: »

Presumably this would push Murphy to Leinster's #8 - who would then be backup?

They are probably scouting south Africa as we speak

Sandwlch

matthew8 wrote: »

I'd rather lose him than SOB, but he's still the second worst player for Leinster to lose. Jordi Murphy is a good player but there's no replacing a player like Heaslip.

One of the best to lose for me if the IRFU has to spread its funds more carefully than in the past. Heaslip would be one of if not the most expensive player for them and not worth it for two top games a season for Leinster (he plays a lot of mediocre games that Murphy is well up to matching or exceeding even if he wont hit the level of Heaslip's best games) in a position that they are not stuck for decent alternatives. Smart move from the IRFU.

jamiedav2011

Sandwlch wrote: »

One of the best to lose for me if the IRFU has to spread its funds more carefully than in the past. Heaslip would be one of if not the most expensive player for them and not worth it for two top games a season for Leinster (he plays a lot of mediocre games that Murphy is well up to matching or exceeding even if he wont hit the level of Heaslip's best games) in a position that they are not stuck for decent alternatives. Smart move from the IRFU.

Ah yes, so it begins. :rolleyes:

awec

justsomebloke wrote: »

They are probably scouting south Africa as we speak

We have a NIQ 8 - would you be allowed one? :P

Clegg

I'd be gutted if we lost Heaslip. He's by far the best 8 in the country and one of the best in Europe. If we used his saved salary to keep SOB then I could just about stomach seeing him go. Unfortunately I have a bad feeling that SOB will leave too. I know the IRFU don't have the money to offer big wages, but it's Leinster who are suffering more than any of the other provinces. It's frustrating as a fan when you see this happening.

Swiwi.

danthefan wrote: »

I don't know why you wouldn't! Nice part of the world, they do actually play good rugby, chance of trophies, and they pay extremely well.

Tongue in cheek. But it would just be linking up with all the cuzzie bros from Sanzar...with the odd Frenchman thrown in for good measure

phog

awec wrote: »

We have a NIQ 8 - would you be allowed one? :P

Tbf, if the IRFU fail to secure a contract for an IQ player then they can hardly enforce the NIQ Protocols on the losing province.

its_phil

Could be a good move for Irish rugby too by allowing Murphy get more game time. His loss will be felt but in the long term perhaps a good thing. Also allows Conan step up a level too

irishbucsfan

I'm not so sure I'd rather lose Heaslip than SOB. To me, Heaslip is our most important forward at the moment. I think SOB probably has much better days than Heaslip, but I wonder if those days will be as common after Heaslip leaves. Either leaving is a massive blow, but Heaslip has pretty much done it all at this point, so the Top 14 must be attractive.

irishbucsfan

Swiwi. wrote: »

Tongue in cheek. But it would just be linking up with all the cuzzie bros from Sanzar...with the odd Frenchman thrown in for good measure

Makes sense if you have no interest in learning French though

jamiedav2011

All very sedate, need Jackass in here to get some IRFU bashin going!

Tox56

Murphy is a good player but Heaslip was one of the best underage players in the world at the time i believe, and obviously a multiple Lions tourist to go with it, I don't think Murphy can reach that level. Still though I can't say I blame him at all, if I were him I'd have left even with no increase in salary

Will be interesting to see where Leinster go from here if he does leave

tolosenc

An unofficial source tweeting about unconfirmed reports. Yeah, I'll hang on a bit.

jamiedav2011

tolosenc wrote: »

An unofficial source tweeting about unconfirmed reports. Yeah, I'll hang on a bit.

Remember the 'official station of Leinster rugby' and Fitz?

vienne86

Huge loss for Leinster if he leaves, but good luck to him. Who wouldn't mind getting a well paid job in the south of France for a few years?

Mahatma Geansai

Huge loss for Leinster, but it might be for the best if it frees up some of the IRFU's cash to keep other players in the country. I imagine Leinster will have some big NIEs coming in next year to replace Heaslip and/or BOD.

sydthebeat

Mahatma Geansai wrote: »

Huge loss for Leinster, but it might be for the best if it frees up some of the IRFU's cash to keep other players in the country. I imagine Leinster will have some big NIEs coming in next year to replace Heaslip and/or BOD.

Apart from SOB, who else is on the target list of European club's?
It may free up Some irfu money to offer higher salaries, but it's not keeping anyone else in the country.

And Leinster won't see any of that irfu money 'saved'. Let alone have anything extra to spend on niq's

Seamo87

Given the times we're in it's likely a choice between Heaslip and O Brien, then I'm ok with Heaslip going. He's a better bet then O Brien to survive the extra games, plus Jordi Murphy looks like an able replacement, where as there isn't the same talent backing up O Brien.

Buer

Seamo87 wrote: »

Given the times we're in it's likely a choice between Heaslip and O Brien, then I'm ok with Heaslip going. He's a better bet then O Brien to survive the extra games, plus Jordi Murphy looks like an able replacement, where as there isn't the same talent backing up O Brien.

What extra games? Heaslip is more flogged than anyone in Ireland.

former legend

Mahatma Geansai wrote: »

Huge loss for Leinster, but it might be for the best if it frees up some of the IRFU's cash to keep other players in the country. I imagine Leinster will have some big NIEs coming in next year to replace Heaslip and/or BOD.

I know you're not being serious, but some people do actually think like that, that it's ok to let one of our best players go if we stand a better chance of keeping two midrange players.

Or that it's a good thing to let experienced players leave to give game time to inferior younger guys.

The same people who thought Sexton leaving was a good thing because we had Madigan. How's that panning out?

And yes, Murphy is a big step down. I know boards.ie lives for hyping youngsters but he's not on the same planet as Heaslip.

Seamo87

Buer wrote: »

What extra games? Heaslip is more flogged than anyone in Ireland.

So your saying he'll play less games with Toulon??

Mahatma Geansai

former legend wrote: »

I know you're not being serious, but some people do actually think like that, that it's ok to let one of our best players go if we stand a better chance of keeping two midrange players.

Or that it's a good thing to let experienced players leave to give game time to inferior younger guys.

The same people who thought Sexton leaving was a good thing because we had Madigan. How's that panning out?

And yes, Murphy is a big step down. I know boards.ie lives for hyping youngsters but he's not on the same planet as Heaslip.

Of course I'm being serious. We should strive to keep our best players in the country, but that isn't necessarily possible considering the IRFU's finances.

If by losing Jamie, it has allowed the IRFU to keep the likes of SOB/Murray/Ryan/AN.Other in the country, I'd consider it worthwhile. As a Leinster fan, that might be hard to stomach (I wouldn't be delighted if it was Munster losing Murray/Ryan), but it makes sense from the IRFU's perspective.

Tox56

I don't think Leinster should/will go for a big name at 8. There's so many young IQ backrowers that locking down one of the backrow spots with an NIQ would not be a good idea. Get a lower level experienced 8 in the Gopperth mould who can fill in when needed but isn't a certain starter if you're going to get anyone. If the move is confirmed I think Murphy should also be getting some big games, he has not been fully tested as a Leinster 8 yet, at least get a sense where he's at.

Buer

Seamo87 wrote: »

So your saying he'll play less games with Toulon??

Yes, there's a very strong chance he will. Foreign internationals who play in France have all played less for their club than Heaslip has for Leinster. He is absolutely flogged in Ireland. He plays 80 minutes in every game he appears in.

Look at Sexton. Now that the other outhalves are actually fit at Racing, he's started about 3 of their last 7 games that he has been available for. These teams have massive squads and guys who are going back to their countries are very well rested.

bilston

Funny thing, I remember hearing that Ruan Pienaar had signed for Toulon...a week later he signed a new 3 year deal with Ulster...so don't lose hope yet my Leinster friends.

tolosenc

Mahatma Geansai wrote: »

If by losing Jamie, it has allowed the IRFU to keep the likes of SOB/Murray/Ryan/AN.Other in the country, I'd consider it worthwhile. As a Leinster fan, that might be hard to stomach (I wouldn't be delighted if it was Munster losing Murray/Ryan), but it makes sense from the IRFU's perspective.

Why should we lose one of our most important players in order to maintain some squad members (SOB excluded)?

There is an enormous chasm at 8 from Heaslip to the next guy, but, using your examples, Ryan isn't a nailed on starter for Ireland, and while Murray is the best SH we have, he isn't near world class and the drop from him to Reddan isn't on the scale of the hoke Heaslip leaves.

----

Leinster's problem is that there have been too many world class players produced at the one time, and at a time when there is silly money floating around in the Top14.

sydthebeat

If anything id say SOBs agent is rubbing his hands

.ak

Seamo87 wrote: »

So your saying he'll play less games with Toulon??

Defo.

Sandwlch

former legend wrote: »

The same people who thought Sexton leaving was a good thing because we had Madigan. How's that panning out?

Pretty well, no ? Better position in both competitions than this time last year and Goperth more than adequate backup/competition (depending on your point of view) to Madigan. So IRFU saved a packet. Not that they can let it drift too far - they need to draw a limit of 3 or 4, or 5 at a pinch, Ireland starters playing abroad. And they cannot allow that all to come from one province - it would be a bad mistake if they were to allow a quartet like Sexton, Heaslip, O'Brien, and Healy leave Leinster but Munster or Ulster hang on to their top flight.

Morf

awec wrote: »

Presumably this would push Murphy to Leinster's #8 - who would then be backup?

I read this as "Mushy" and my heart skipped a beat.

former legend

bilston wrote: »

Funny thing, I remember hearing that Ruan Pienaar had signed for Toulon...a week later he signed a new 3 year deal with Ulster...so don't lose hope yet my Leinster friends.

This "report" is a single unsubstantiated tweet that is being recycled around Twitter and snowballing as it goes.

We'll see what comes out of it at the leinster press conference tomorrow.

Buer

Sandwlch wrote: »

Pretty well, no ? Better position in both competitions than this time last year and Goperth more than adequate backup/competition (depending on your point of view) to Madigan. So IRFU saved a packet. Not that they can let it drift too far - they need to draw a limit of 3 or 4, or 5 at a pinch, Ireland starters playing abroad. And they cannot allow that all to come from one province - it would be a bad mistake if they were to allow a quartet like Sexton, Heaslip, O'Brien, and Healy leave Leinster and Munster or Ulster hand on to their top flight.

I'd wonder how much they saved if any. Leinster had to sign Gopperth who is a moderately well profiled signing as a Junior All Black and top scorer in the Premiership for consecutive years. On top of that, Ian Madigan signed a new contract in August which, after the change in situation, he could command a significantly better salary, I'm sure.

The biggest single factor is that if Sexton was still at Leinster, I'm almost entirely sure they'd have beaten Northampton at home thereby almost guaranteeing themselves a home QF. The earnings from a home QF itself would have covered any salary for Sexton.

ssaye2

Hasn't signed won't sign, round two reasons family house and business plans. New offers with top ups before Monday after hec

Bellview

ssaye2 wrote: »

Hasn't signed won't sign, round two reasons family house and business plans. New offers with top ups before Monday after hec

And Harvey Nichols

darragh_haven

sydthebeat wrote: »

If anything id say SOBs agent is rubbing his hands

SOB is already reported to be looking at new tractors.

Deliverance XXV

I would have like to seen Leinster looking at Copeland before he agreed to join Munster. The rumours have been floating around for a while now, so I would like to see Leinster bolstering the back row a little bit in case the Heaslip/SOB moves have some substance. One of them leaving will leave us fairly weak in the back row positions.

Ryan and Ruddock have some serious future potential but how long will Jennings/Locky last in terms of age/injuries? Jordi has looked pretty useful whenever he has featured but I would like to see some more before calling him consistent.

danthefan

McLaughlin is 29 and his injury troubles seem well in the past now, I'd say he handily has another 3 or 4 seasons at his current level.

Morf

danthefan wrote: »

McLaughlin is 29 and his injury troubles seem well in the past now, I'd say he handily has another 3 or 4 seasons at his current level.

A lot of them battling with Ruddock the way things are going.