Confirmed NIQs for 2014/2015

CIARAN_BOYLE

Just out of curiosity I decided to look at the contracted NIQs for next year.

1
2
3 BJ Botha Munster
4 Roux Leinster (project)
5 Clarke Connacht
6 Stander Munster (project)
7 Heenan Connacht (project)
8 Naoupu Connacht
9 Pienaar Ulster
10 Gopperth Leinster
11 Poolman Connacht (project)
12
13
14
15 Kirchener Leinster

Neil3030

You'd have to imagine Leinster will be signing an outside centre NIQ

thomond2006

Stander is out of contract so he is by no means confirmed.

Neil3030 wrote: »

You'd have to imagine Leinster will be signing an outside centre NIQ

Munster will be shopping for one too I imagine.

errlloyd

Connacht players don't count towards the limit imposed on other provinces.

ssaye2

thomond2006 wrote: »

Stander is out of contract so he is by no means confirmed.



Munster will be shopping for one too I imagine.

Anyone have a list of out of contract 13's next season - I know big ask.

bilston

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Just out of curiosity I decided to look at the contracted NIQs for next year.

1
2
3 BJ Botha Munster
4 Roux Leinster (project)
5 Clarke Connacht
6 Stander Munster (project)
7 Heenan Connacht (project)
8 Naoupu Connacht
9 Pienaar Ulster
10 Gopperth Leinster
11 Poolman Connacht (project)
12
13
14
15 Kirchener Leinster

Nick Williams as well.

With any luck Ulster will get a NIQ LH.

Neil3030

Do project players count towards the restrictions?

former legend

errlloyd wrote: »

Connacht players don't count towards the limit imposed on other provinces.

So we're really talking about:

1
2
3 BJ Botha
4 Roux (IQ in 2015)
5
6
7
8 Williams
9 Pienaar
10 Gopperth
11 van den Heever
12
13
14
15 Kirchner

Plenty of scope for the provinces to go shopping so.

Munster need a 12 & 13 as their first priorities.
Leinster will be looking for a second-row and a 13.
Ulster's priority is LH prop and maybe a second-row if Muller doesn't stay on.

NIQs not confirmed for next season; Muller, Stander, Goodman, ???

former legend

Neil3030 wrote: »

Do project players count towards the restrictions?

Yes.

CIARAN_BOYLE

thomond2006 wrote: »

Stander is out of contract so he is by no means confirmed.

An interview from last march??

cj stander wrote:

I've watched the Six Nations recently, and it looks like a very competitive and exciting competition. If the chance to play for Ireland came my way, I'd definitely take it. I first have to go through the three-year residency policy before I can qualify. I'm currently on contract with Munster until 2015, so we see how things go.

bilston wrote: »

Nick Williams as well.

With any luck Ulster will get a NIQ LH.

I thought he was out of contract, never mind then. I would imagine that Ulster will sign a NIQ LH.

errlloyd wrote: »

Connacht players don't count towards the limit imposed on other provinces.

The limits aren't real. They seem to be more guidelines based on strategically developing players in certain positions. The IRFU will consider Connacht players along with other factors when determining whether to sanction a signing.

Neil3030 wrote: »

Do project players count towards the restrictions?

As I said I don't think there are real limits. If there are NIQ players that are going to qualify for Ireland soon in a given position I would imagine that the IRFU would be more likely to sanction a signing in that position.

ssaye2

More likely to get players who are not full internationals next season being world cup year perhaps?

Teferi

I'd like to see Goodman kept on. Probably on peanuts and not in the way of anyone. If he can put in performances like last year then he'll remain a good squad player.

sydthebeat

Teferi wrote: »

I'd like to see Goodman kept on. Probably on peanuts and not in the way of anyone. If he can put in performances like last year then he'll remain a good squad player.

hes a decent skin too, always time for a chat with fans

awec

Ulster will probably be shopping for one, if not two NIQ forwards.

errlloyd

sydthebeat wrote: »

hes a decent skin too, always time for a chat with fans

Have to say I like him, and he has heaps of experience in leadership and stuff which we might need!

thomond2006

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

An interview from last march?

Well he originally signed for two years, which is until 2014: http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/provincial/2012/0620/325874-munster-sign-south-african-cj-stander/

But yeah he is quoted here saying 2015.

Tbh if Stander was here until 2015 then could Munster really afford another number eight (Copeland) coming on board? I assumed that Copeland would be a straight swap for Stander as Butler and Coughlan are both contracted until 2015.

former legend

VERY premature question, but would GVDH become IQ if he stuck around?

justsomebloke

former legend wrote: »

Leinster will be looking for a second-row

I've a funny feeling they won't really be looking for this year. Now if a world class second row was to fall into our lap I can't see them saying no but with Toner, McCarthy and Roux I can't see them prioritizing second row

justsomebloke

former legend wrote: »

VERY premature question, but would GVDH become IQ if he stuck around?

Don't think he represented SA so would become IQ after 3 years anyway. However the IRFU would probably want a commitment from him to pick Ireland over SA to register him as IQ

.ak

justsomebloke wrote: »

I've a funny feeling they won't really be looking for this year. Now if a world class second row was to fall into our lap I can't see them saying no but with Toner, McCarthy and Roux I can't see them prioritizing second row

Yep, Toner and McCarthy are a great pairing, both international standard. We don't need anything better than that really, McCarthy is getting better with each game too.

Roux could be an absolute dark horse, just wish MOC trusted in him a bit more. Denton is also proving to be a useful squad member.

No if we sign someone I want a centre that can play inside or outside.

ssaye2

Someone was doing a list online
http://www.theroar.com.au/2013/11/23/end-of-the-outside-centre/

Alot of 13 some can play 12 or in the backs

Serfontein 20
Tuilagi 22
Fickou 19
Englebrecht 24
Saili 22
Davies 25
Yann David

McCabe
Ben Smith

justsomebloke

although Pienaar is at Ulster I think Leinster need to be looking out for a scrum half. Come the end of next season Boss would be 35 and Reddan will be close to 35 as well

bilston

ssaye2 wrote: »

Someone was doing a list online
http://www.theroar.com.au/2013/11/23/end-of-the-outside-centre/

Alot of 13 some can play 12 or in the backs

Serfontein 20
Tuilagi 22
Fickou 19
Englebrecht 24
Saili 22
Davies 25
Yann David

McCabe
Ben Smith

Ben Smith isn't really a 13 though. I can't see him moving north so close to a WC anyway, but he'd be a cracking signing.

ssaye2

bilston wrote: »

Ben Smith isn't really a 13 though. I can't see him moving north so close to a WC anyway, but he'd be a cracking signing.

Devastating winger though he seems to be getting some time at 13 now for NZ I see while Conrad out

.ak

Ben Smith to Leinster would be as realistic as Brad Thorn to Leinster or Doug Howlett to Munster! Never gonna happen....

Tox56

Short of poaching Payne is there really any 13 availble that's worth getting? The fact it's a year before a RWC will cut down the options instantly, and as Leinster have enough depth for cover at 13 this person would have to demand first choice to be worth buying, and with the depth of talent in the back 3 they would have to be willing to play the whole season at 13, so it couldn't just be a back 3 player who has played the odd game there.

Macken needs to be given as many big games as possible for the rest of this season

thomond2006

As much as I'd rather see him stay and develop with Connacht, I reckon Griffin will be getting offers from both Leinster and Munster. He'll be 24 in September so he's still young, the persistent hamstring injuries would be a concern though.

marc96

Best thing for Irish rugby is to only have Irish players.i know many are going to slate me for this but Ireland will not improve by having foreign players in ur club sides.yes u need them to compete at club level but u could rather bring through local guys that way ur national team will see the benefits.this whole 3yr NIQ thing is just a load of rubbish to me.trying to improve ur national team with foreigners.i strongly believe the players should be born and bread in the country they play for.

Now let the slating begin:)

justsomebloke

marc96 wrote: »

Best thing for Irish rugby is to only have Irish players.i know many are going to slate me for this but Ireland will not improve by having foreign players in ur club sides.yes u need them to compete at club level but u could rather bring through local guys that way ur national team will see the benefits.this whole 3yr NIQ thing is just a load of rubbish to me.trying to improve ur national team with foreigners.i strongly believe the players should be born and bread in the country they play for.

Now let the slating begin:)

well the obvious 2 are

1) without international shoring up weak positions, the provinces wouldn't have enjoyed the success that they have had and thus the IQ players wouldn't have been exposed to the very top level of club rugby and the experience that brings to help build their own game

2) The NIQ players provide experience during the international window when the best IQ players are away. Just putting out a full 'A' team isn't going to really enhance anyone's game but if they are playing with HEC standard players they can get valuable experience. And this window can often be a fringe players first chance of rugby

thomond2006

marc96 wrote: »

Best thing for Irish rugby is to only have Irish players.i know many are going to slate me for this but Ireland will not improve by having foreign players in ur club sides.yes u need them to compete at club level but u could rather bring through local guys that way ur national team will see the benefits.this whole 3yr NIQ thing is just a load of rubbish to me.trying to improve ur national team with foreigners.i strongly believe the players should be born and bread in the country they play for.

Now let the slating begin:)

Ireland can only field 15 players and 8 replacements at one time so there's nothing wrong with having a few NIQs in each province. Every weekend there The national team would see very little benefit from having no foreigners in the provinces since there are few players being 'blocked' at provincial level that would be in the Ireland 23. I cannot stand the recruitment of foreigners to qualify for Ireland but I've no problem with a foreigner shoring up a problem position (Munster at centre) or providing depth in a key position (Gopperth at Leinster) where there is a deficiency in homegrown talent.

Tox56

marc96 wrote: »

Best thing for Irish rugby is to only have Irish players.i know many are going to slate me for this but Ireland will not improve by having foreign players in ur club sides.yes u need them to compete at club level but u could rather bring through local guys that way ur national team will see the benefits.this whole 3yr NIQ thing is just a load of rubbish to me.trying to improve ur national team with foreigners.i strongly believe the players should be born and bread in the country they play for.

Now let the slating begin:)

I remember checking the number of NIQ players during one of the recent interprovincial derby weekends (the week of Leinster-Ulster and Connacht - Munster), and there were 4 NIQ's across the 4 starting 15s (60 players in total), and one of them (Nathan White) would soon be IQ.

The number of NIQs is really quite low, if a player is good enough to be playing international rugby for Ireland, he will find his way through. In fact in the majority of cases young players are being held back at their provinces by Irish players. It's very difficult/impossible as a young guy coming through to displace a regular Irish international.

Look at Connacht, they usually have more NIQs than the rest of the provinces, but because they didn't have that many international quality players in their backline, the likes of Henshaw/Marmion/Carty/Griffin all got plenty of exposure and game time.

Hagz

Well the NIQ outside centre spot will go to Munster anyway, with Payne going to Leinster.

I'd say then the only NIQ Leinster will look for will be at lock.

thomond2006

Hagz wrote: »

Well the NIQ outside centre spot will go to Munster anyway, with Payne going to Leinster.

Awec banhammer in 3...2...1

jacothelad

marc96 wrote: »

Best thing for Irish rugby is to only have Irish players.i know many are going to slate me for this but Ireland will not improve by having foreign players in ur club sides.yes u need them to compete at club level but u could rather bring through local guys that way ur national team will see the benefits.this whole 3yr NIQ thing is just a load of rubbish to me.trying to improve ur national team with foreigners.i strongly believe the players should be born and bread in the country they play for.

Now let the slating begin:)

I suppose you mean that you need to be born in Ireland. I assume then that you would have been happy if Heaslip - born in Israel - and ROG , born in san Diego had never worn the Green of Ireland. :D

"and bread" ......Sliced or unsliced or the greatest thing since?:rolleyes:

marc96

jacothelad wrote: »

I suppose you mean that you need to be born in Ireland. I assume then that you would have been happy if Heaslip - born in Israel - and ROG , born in san Diego had never worn the Green of Ireland. :D

"and bread" ......Sliced or unsliced or the greatest thing since?:rolleyes:

Yes I do think they should not have played for Ireland.i wasn't born in Ireland and ill never consider playing a sport for Ireland even tho my family is Irish and I'm here over 12yrs

bilston

Hagz wrote: »

Well the NIQ outside centre spot will go to Munster anyway, with Payne going to Leinster.

I'd say then the only NIQ Leinster will look for will be at lock.

Us fish aren't that dumb!

Bassfish

marc96 wrote: »

Yes I do think they should not have played for Ireland.i wasn't born in Ireland and ill never consider playing a sport for Ireland even tho my family is Irish and I'm here over 12yrs

Our great loss I'm sure!

Swiwi.

ssaye2 wrote: »

Someone was doing a list online
http://www.theroar.com.au/2013/11/23/end-of-the-outside-centre/

Alot of 13 some can play 12 or in the backs

Serfontein 20
Tuilagi 22
Fickou 19
Englebrecht 24
Saili 22
Davies 25
Yann David

McCabe
Ben Smith

OK, Ben Smith is going NOWHERE! Not on my watch!

(but he's signed with the NZRFU until 2017 anyway, so I can relax...)

There are plenty of NZ Super XV standard 12s/13s who might think about going if they don't make the AB grade this year. You're not going to get a Nonu/SBW but there are some decent players, certainly better than Tuitupou and Laulala in my opinion.

awec

Hagz wrote: »

Well the NIQ outside centre spot will go to Munster anyway, with Payne going to Leinster.

I'd say then the only NIQ Leinster will look for will be at lock.

Think I'm going to have to make an addition to the forum charter...

shaka

marc96 wrote: »

Best thing for Irish rugby is to only have Irish players.i know many are going to slate me for this but Ireland will not improve by having foreign players in ur club sides.yes u need them to compete at club level but u could rather bring through local guys that way ur national team will see the benefits.this whole 3yr NIQ thing is just a load of rubbish to me.trying to improve ur national team with foreigners.i strongly believe the players should be born and bread in the country they play for.

Now let the slating begin:)

I have to say I agree with you that it should only be Irish players playing for Ireland , hated seen Strauss capped and others being called up. Others bringing rog and heaslip into equationof whether they should of been capped is not remotely the same, they are of Irish family's who happened to be born abroad due to family work commitments,mother were always entitled to an Irish passport. There is a difference between capping a saffer or kiwi on residency and capping a guy who was raised here and who's parents are Irish . Some of my brothers were born abroad due to parents working abroad but they were never anything but Irish growing up .

desertcircus

Sense of proportion goes out the window when the residency rule is discussed. We have the three-year rule because we recognise that people's sense of their national identity can change. Compared to a person's sense of identity, rugby is laughably minor. The first question to ask is "do we accept that a person can become Irish?", and once we answer yes to that, it becomes ludicrous to add "except for rugby".

justsomebloke

Hagz wrote: »

Well the NIQ outside centre spot will go to Munster anyway, with Payne going to Leinster.

I'd say then the only NIQ Leinster will look for will be at lock.

awec wrote: »

Think I'm going to have to make an addition to the forum charter...

Agreed we should stop all this nonsense of Leinster looking for another lock

bilston

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

I thought he was out of contract, never mind then. I would imagine that Ulster will sign a NIQ LH.

Or an IQ one...

CIARAN_BOYLE

Just thought I would update things for everyone.

1
2 McCartney Connacht (project)
3 BJ Botha Munster; Herbst Ulster (project)
4 Roux Leinster (project); Van Der Merwe
5 Clarke Connacht
6 Stander Munster (project)
7 Heenan Connacht (project)
8 Naoupu Connacht; Williams Ulster
9 Pienaar Ulster
10 Gopperth Leinster
11 Poolman Connacht (project)
12 Bleyendaal Munster (project); Aki Connacht (project)
13 Smith Munster
14 GVDH Munster
15 Kirchener Leinster; Muliaina Connacht


Leinster(2+1): Roux, Gopperth, Kirchener
Munster(2+3): Botha, Stander, Bleyendaal, Smith, GVDH
Ulster(3+1): Herbst, Van Der Merwe, Williams, Pienaar
Connacht(3+4): McCartney, Clarke, Heenan, Naoupu, Poolman, Aki, Muliaina

Riskymove

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Munster(3+2): Botha, Stander, Bleyendaal, Smith, GVDH

for clarity

CIARAN_BOYLE

Riskymove wrote: »

for clarity

changed

brinty

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Just thought I would update things for everyone.

Munster(3+2): Botha, Smith (NIQ Players) Stander, Bleyendaal, GVDH (Project Players)

Updated that for clarity

Yeah_Right

Can Nick Williams, Craig Clarke or Jimmy Gopperth qualify for Ireland? None of them were All Blacks. Can't remember if any played NZ A or Maoris. Don't think so.

Teferi

Gops has a cap or two for the All Black A's. Don't think he'd make international level anyway.

Yeah_Right

Teferi wrote: »

Gops has a cap or two for the All Black A's. Don't think he'd make international level anyway.

Thanks. Couldn't remeber if he did or not. Can't remember the last time we New Zealand had an A team.

Sorry. Fixed my post.

Big Nelly

Yeah_Right wrote: »

Thanks. Couldn't remeber if he did or not. Can't remember the last time we had an A team.

25th Jan 2014

Are the Wolfhounds not the Ireland A team?

http://www.irishrugby.ie/rugby/results_and_fixtures_ireland_wolfhounds.php