Leinster Team Talk Thread (Love you Furlong time)

All monies are pretty much from the same pot though, by and large?

I don't agree. There's obviously Henshaw, but obviously Osborne comes into the picture there too.

Subtle :P

I don't think Munster would be as bad an option as you're making out for him - he'd likely get far more minutes at 10 there than he currently is - but I absolutely agree and can see the logic with regards Connacht or Ulster too tbh.

So if Ruddock defects to Wales that's the end of his Leinster career as he becomes an NIQ player ?

You're talking out of both sides of your mouth.

Claiming to 'understand' why Leinster fans would be aggrieved but then going on and on about why they shouldn't be - that the players 'don't have an appreciable impact', that they aren't 'crucial' despite multiple posters providing you detailed reasons why they absolutely are.

I dont see the same energy by you in the Munster thread when posters are aggrieved about moves.

Leinster due to the significant quality of the academy system and them constantly churning out talent at a rate of knots is bound each year to lose a percentage of that talent to the other provinces and abroad.

The difference is, Leinster, apart from some notable instances e.g. Joey Carbery, Roman Salanoa, Sam Ilo and Jack Aungier (Really only Carbery and Salanoa), have been able to keep the players they want to keep. Joey was moved because Leinster had identified him as Kearney's heir at 15 with Ross being their 10 of the future. The IRFU didn't agree with that as Joey had proven himself more than capable at playing 10 at an international level and a move to Munster in order to help him progress at the position was the logical next step.

With Salanoa, Leinster already had Furlong and Porter at the TH position so in the IRFU's mind, game time was going to be hard to come by.

Leinster will lose a fly half in the next 12 to 18 months. My guess due to his previous injury history and somewhat lack of position versatility as well as a glut of options at the position, the odd man out will be Harry Byrne.

Leinster clearly love that Frawley can play 10,12 and 15 at a relatively high level and if Nienaber wants to continue with a 6-2 split, having a fly half capable of covering multiple positions will be of vital importance. Plus Leinster already have Ross to start now and Sam Prendergast marked as Sexton's heir.

With Jack Crowley at Munster, Ross Byrne at Leinster and Jack Carty at Connacht all established as nailed on starters when healthy, Ulster is the only province who have a bit of uncertainty at the position. Harry going to Ulster would be a good move for him and Ulster.

I can see Munster bringing in a more experienced Irish qualified fly half in order to push Jack Crowley and to provide quality depth. I can see them target Freddie Burns or AJ McGinty. They will try and use a NIQ designation on a winger or a front row player.

I could also see Charlie Tector going to Connacht to add to the talent pool at fly half in Galway.

Munster are between a rock and a hard place. They have more pressing needs than using a NIQ on a back up fly half. They just need someone capable enough to come off the bench and start in some URC games. Also for Munster if Crowley was to pick up an injury you need someone who has been there and done that. Freddie Burns from an age profile fits for the short term. He has won at different stops in his career, he is at an age where starting week in week out isn't a guarantee to start.

I can't see the IRFU intervening again and sending another potential international quality 10 (Harry Byrne) back to Munster when they already have Irelands current starting fly half. I can see them sending Harry to Ulster to strengthen them and give each province solidity at the starting 10.

I could see Charlie Tector going down to Munster or Connacht.

I'd agree with this to a point; the problem is the relative lack of experience at 10 for Munster now. Someone experienced like Lealiifano when he signed for Ulster is exactly what Munster could do with for a season or 2 rather than Tector, say, but using an NIQ spot for that may not be what they (or the IRFU) want, when you consider the relative dearth/inexperience of options at 10 for Ireland.