General Rugby Discussion 3

Six Nations doc coming to netflix on the 24th of january

Just watching the 'In Memoriam' of the RTÉ Sports Awards, was a reminder what a terrible year it was for losses in Irish rugby, both young and old.

Greig Oliver, Tom Tierney, Syd Millar and Roly Meates to name a few.

Didn't think this question deserved it's own thread, so I'll stick it in here. Does anyone know if players get paid for match appearances at URC/Champions Cup level? Just at Munster alone in the past few years there's been academy players like Kendellen and Edogbo making dozens of appearances while still on academy contracts. Surely they aren't doing all that for just the ~12k per year?

English Men’s players have officially left the RPA as their union

I think it’s an awful decision, their existing EPS contracts that the RPA negotiated are the highest paid as far as I’m aware for any international squad. And the rest of the professional rugby players across the country are sticking with the RPA.

Feels a bit like having your cake and eating it too, but not entirely sure the RFU will be willing to bend over and give them all they want, especially without the reputation and power the RPA has.

I've a feeling England aren't going to be a pushover this year.

Mako Vunipola has retired from international rugby

No doubt Irish Rugbys fault to some.

Or the URC.

Or both for............ whatever.

Very average squad. Wales almost starting from scratch here. Hard to see past them for the wooden spoon.

What position would he play? Too tall and skinny for a running back. Wide receiver or a safety maybe? Punter?

If he doesn't anything beyond returning punts in preseason I'll eat my hat.

Just noticed that Jac Morgan isn't in the Wales squad either. He was injured a while ago but I thought he might have made it back in time for the Six Nations.

He's their best forward by a fair margin and without him the entire squad of forwards looks average.