Ulster Team Talk Thread III: Les Miserables SEE MOD WARNING POST #1924 + #2755

The Black Stags wrote: »

The obvious answer is to bring Sexton to Ulster.
He is under an IRFU contract - not a leinster contract like the other two.
He'll be away with Ireland and manged a lot, which will give MrPhillips more time to grow into the position. Whilst being able to act as a mentor to him.
Carbery and Byrne will be fighting it out between each other for number 10. Moving Sexton will give them the space to compete more directly.

That's a bit harsh. I know he's getting on a bit, but his hair is still perfectly fine.

irishfan9 wrote: »

Imagine telling Sexton he had to move. :pac:

Sexton currently plays behind arguably the best pack in Club Rugby, with arguably the most well drilled team in club Rugby. And he's still an angry grouchy ****. For the safety of ulster players, he shouldn't be unleashed on them.

Wegians89 wrote: »

Stephen myler is being let go by Northampton, could do worse then him. He’s 33 so would be a good mentor. Not ideal for irfu but Carbery and Byrne don’t look too interested in moving north apparently

 I got crucified for suggesting Piernarr, still think he'd be a far better option than Myler and older. We really are low on options unless someone from the southern hemisphere is being marked. Going to be a rabbit out of the hat time! 
Another thing about the new coach, this hope they bring a nice little book of contacts for post RWC. It's obvious Gibbes influence must of helped Murphy, Moore etc.

With James Ryan and Fardy at Leinster, cometh the hour cometh the ulster fly half

Leinster should be forced to give their flyhalfs to Ulster and Munster. It is outrageous how much money they receive for their underage rugby and academies! Talk about favoring ONE province! They are spoilt for players while other clubs are struggling with finances and player development.

I do think Munster should be getting first dibs however. We have had to do with Keatley for years and never complained. Ulster have lost their outhalf through their own outhalfs actions and have a lot more money and back up from the IRFU than Munster.

Ideally though Carberry to Munster and Byrne to Ulster. Leinster can't have it both ways.

ProudIRISHman wrote: »

We have had to do with Keatley for years and never complained.

Not sure Keatley would agree with you on that!

stl.ire wrote: »

Disagree.
1. As Connacht have an NIQ 10 next year and Ulster have 3 NIQ players already the IRFU rules are pretty clear that Ulster shouldn’t be looking at NIQ 10s until they get permission.
2. As I said before this is a new situation as it would be talking to a player about breaking a contract. If it is fine to discuss breaking provincial contracts with players then why aren’t Ulster talking to Healy or McGrath as they need a loose head next season? Why aren’t Munster talking to Carbery or Byrne? Leinster with Stockdale?

1. The rules aren't clear at all. They're guidelines. Connacht have been given leeway on this plenty of times. As have Munster with Saili and Taute. I'd imagine Ulster will also be given leeway given the circumstances. Also, the rules say absolutely nothing about getting permission for talking to or looking at NIQ players, the provinces only need approval from the IRFU when they're signing players. They can express interest in players all the want.

Same goes with 2, they're more than welcome to talk to them if they want. There's no rules about poaching players or discussing interest in them moving. Do you honestly think that Leinster hadn't spoken to Henshaw before his contract was up in Connacht? The only rule in place is that they can't offer more than their current province does at renewal time. A lot of these conversations aren't blasted open in public, given the current situation and the potential intervention/encouragement of the IRFU is the only reason we're hearing about Byrne/Carbery.

Deleted User wrote: »

I doubt the IRFU is focused too much beyond the next World Cup and given the changed eligibility rules I doubt they'll make Ulster hold out for a project 10.

I fully expect Ulster to be allowed to spend how they want within budget.

I'd imagine they'll be handed more or less a blank cheque and told to get as good a player as they possibly can, considering they have the Piutau money as well as this whole situation.

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Absolutely none of them have long hair so we could go with "top shearers"... ?

Don't forget McCloskey had that top knot though, .ak was an Ulster fan for a brief period because of it.

Squidgy Black wrote: »

Deleted User wrote: »

I doubt the IRFU is focused too much beyond the next World Cup and given the changed eligibility rules I doubt they'll make Ulster hold out for a project 10.

I fully expect Ulster to be allowed to spend how they want within budget.

I'd imagine they'll be handed more or less a blank cheque and told to get as good a player as they possibly can, considering they have the Piutau money as well as this whole situation.

All the money in the world is useless if there is nothing to buy. The Belfast Telegraph Ulster podcast was suggesting Bernard Foley is out of contract at the end of the Super Rugby season, and he is on 55 caps, so provided he stays fit should get past 60 by the end of the summer. That's about it really regarding test standard out halves.

Deleted User wrote: »

I think their options are limited. Can anyone give us a list of 10s that are available, never mind useful!?

I'll have a look tomorrow but the answer to that is a resounding shag all in terms of top end outhalves.

Whoever they sign probably won't be as high profile as Lealiifano. The players just aren't out there. Unless they go with a discipline case like JOC or Cooper who would be released to them and I don't think that would be a smart move.

jacothelad wrote: »

Paddy Jackson.