[Deleted User] wrote: » When is the squad announcement does anyone know?
Yeah_Right wrote: » Excuse me but what about Ben Betts? I believe he left for Leicester.
Interested Observer wrote: » He's the third high profile/current international player that has left Irish rugby in the last, what, decade or more (after Sexton and Ryan)? The IRFU do a remarkable job at keeping players here.
Yeah_Right wrote: » I've heard similar from guys involved in rugby administration in Dublin. This is purely speculation but I wonder if some of it is a hangover from the amateur era. Maybe some of the people in charge still can't grasp that players are and should be getting paid. Ireland voted against a RWC and it took them a while to actually refer to the tournament as a World Cup and I've heard stories about the teething problems Ireland had when the game went pro. Is it possible there are still a few dinosaurs in the corridors of power making it more difficult than it should be? Like I said it's pure speculation on my part.
awec wrote: » There are continual rumours and talk of the IRFU being difficult to work with when it comes to contract negotiations which I am sure does not help, and that is a valid enough thing to complain about. Ok, if guys really want to leave they'll leave, but if they're on the fence or willing to talk the IRFU messing them about is going to be detrimental. Not at all suggesting that happened in this specific case. One of the big factors in Sexton leaving was the IRFU dicking him about with a stupidly low offer.
molloyjh wrote: » It's like a lot of things. When it works nobody bats an eyelid or doles out any credit. It's meant to work, so people assume it does without thinking of the work involved. When things go wrong though there's the finger pointing exercise that needs to be done. Blame needs to be doled out. And little to no mention of the majority of other cases where everything worked fine.
awec wrote: » There are continual rumours and talk of the IRFU being difficult to work with when it comes to contract negotiations which I am sure does not help, and that is a valid enough thing to complain about. Ok, if guys really want to leave they'll leave, but if they're on the fence or willing to talk the IRFU messing them about is going to be detrimental. Not at all suggesting that happened in this specific case.
Interested Observer wrote: » I don't think there are. What people get hysterical about complain about, wrongly, is the IRFU 'letting them go'. Thought haven't even seen much of that in this case. The acceptance seems to be he's made a move for a lifestyle change and a nice extra chunk of cash, disappointing but so be it.
jm08 wrote: » Someone in Indo saying that seeds of discontent were sown in his last contract negotiation, which I think was provincial contract with top ups of international appearances (which were not that many). People expected Zebo to go, but not this soon. Most thought he would hang in here for the rugby world cup. I think there will be a mass exodus after that. Presumably Zebo can claim to be French with his French father which will be very useful in the Top 14 with non-national numbers restricted in match day squads.
aloooof wrote: » Forgot about him. I'd expect he's a fair but down the pecking order tho.
swiwi_ wrote: » Not at all. It’s the same for nz. We only have a handful of players who command major money. Don’t look for offence where none intended.
Bazzo wrote: » Masterful dig :pac:
Former Former wrote: » Louis Ludik is now qualified. Can't see him being a first-choice but could pick up caps here and there.
aloooof wrote: » I'm just glad we don't have a project player qualified (or due to be qualified soon) in the back 3.
swiwi_ wrote: » I don’t see Ireland losing too many players overseas for a start there are only a few players who would attract really big money
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