Leinster Team Talk Thread (Love you Furlong time)

I agree there is no guarantee that any of the Leinster out halves go anywhere. But, it is currently safe to say that when healthy Ross is the starter and that Prendergast is very highly thought of at Leinster and that sentiment is being matched with the Irish set up who are meant to be high on him for the next World cup cycle.

That leaves Frawley, Harry and Tector as three players wondering about their future.

Tector is more than likely surplus to requirement and will more than likely make a move to another province once his academy contract is up.

That means Harry vs Frawley. Looking at Nienaber's history of using the 6-2 split, Frawley would be the obvious fit as he can play 10,12 and 15.

Harry has an injury history, compared to Frawley, isn't as position versatile and out of the two would probably benefit the most from a move to another province like Ulster where the chance to nail down the 10 jersey might actually push him onto the level everyone thought he would get to a number of years ago.

A move for Harry benefits not only Harry and Ulster but potentially Ireland as well if he fully realises his potential.

I was actually thinking the same thing. I assume the Ulster players are paid in pounds and are taxed by the UK. If a player was getting paid the same at Ulster as they would at Leinster (factoring in the exchange rate) would they be taking home significantly more or less? And does it work with central contracts?

I know this has nothing to do with Leinster or Irish rugby but Louis Rees-Zammit is quitting rugby and joining the NFL international player pathway in order to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL. What a hammer blow to Wales.... how terrible lol

I hope he gets on well and never wears the red of Wales again lol

The issue here is Ruddock is 33 and soon to be 34. Signing him to a region would be stupid, imo. He's not going to be capped as he's obviously slowing down. I hope Rhys retires and gets into coaching.

I have literally been scratching my head for years wondering how Ulster manage to remain steadfastly mediocre given some of the players they have and the popularity of the game in the wee province. Yes there are obstacles given some of the cultural challenges they have but that’s no worse than it was in the past when Ulster rugby was a force. I’m assuming Humphries has a bead on it and will prioritise it and I also guess the problems run deeper than just shifting in a better coaching team.

Should be a tough outing v Leicester. Leicester could not be as bad this time around. A win and we should make the top 4. Hoping to avoid La Rochelle in the round of 16.

Eh I wouldn't say you're one of the few that thought Tector was really good at u20 level. I haven't spoken to anyone who doesn't or didn't think he was any good...

He was well rated and rightly lauded for his hand in winning the grand slam. Making some really tough clutch kicks.

Tectors issue is and quite possibly always will be the fact that he will likely always be compared to his peers at the same/similar age grade ie. Sam Prendergast which is where most people are suggesting that if we were to lose a play he can be considered the odd man out. Not because he's not rated, but because he's not rated as high as Prendergast.

If you were to take Prendergast out of the scenario then Tector would be getting much higher plaudits (and game time) but unfortunately he's coming into a pro environment where there are already 3/4 pros in his position of note who a) damn good players in their own right and b) have a very good age profile

https://www.leicestertigers.com/news/injury-update-martin-watson-vanpoortvliet

Martin is a big loss for the Tigers

George Martin ruled out for Leicester, he's a massive loss for them.

He's still a fine prospect, not as good as Sam P, I suppose. He will do well in his career, I think. Tector is not fluid. He does look awkward compared to Sam P but he could be worth holding on to. I've no clue as to the lads leaving and if we do lose Frawley or HB, Tector must be retained, imo.

Larmour called up! Deservedly so. I hope he gets the nod v France.

I'd argue Doak isn't reaching the level that he's capable of. It's true that some Ulster players are not top prospects but it's also true that many, or some have made the academy and drifted away.

The Leinster transplants have done well, imo. Certainly Timoney and E.O.S.