Leinster Team Talk Thread (Love you Furlong time)

Pains me to say it as a Connacht fan but either Kilgallen or Bolton would be a great fit for Leinster imo. Both the type of powerful, abrasive athlete that doesn't seem to come through the Leinster academy. Both are probably as good as it will get in terms of replacing Lowe, at least in terms of power. I can't imagine Irish rugby producing a player with Lowe's combination of power, playmaking, and kicking ability any time soon.

I can see Leinster outsourcing for another winger in the future. They have some good players like Jordan Larmour, Rob Russell, Tommy O'Brien, Jimmy O'Brien as well as young players like Andrew Osborne, Aitzol King but I expect them to get another big booted left footed winger similar to Lowe not next season but the season after.

Leinster have been looking at Tom O'Toole if the Bel Tel is to be believed. Doubt we've any interest in Moore.

I think at this stage, you are right, it probably will be a Bok but it has been interesting that they tried to get Tom O'Toole. It makes me think would they consider Jack Aungier? They could easily go out and find a NIQ TH but they focused on O'Toole first, why is that? Are they worried about Furlong long term? Are they looking to hold onto the NIQ designations for different positions? Were they just trying to take advantage of Ulster's salary cap difficulties?

I am probably digging way too deep but has me curious.

Probably should have been more clear, I was referring to back 3 players only, which is where I could see either Bolton or Kilgallen filling a gap. I imagine Osborne will primarily play centre moving forward. The Leinster academy isn't churning out many power wingers, more so smaller footballers like Russell, JOB, Keenan, Cosgrave, etc. Aitzol King is probably the exception to the rule, but the Connacht lads mentioned are a good bit ahead of him in terms of first team readiness right now.

Not sure about signing a wing. Russell and O'Brien are good quality. JOB would be involved if healthy! What would Kilgannon bring that these lads don't?

We have good prospects in the academy.

I think the 2nd Tighthead at Leinster is actually a really good role. Furlong isn't going to play every week so that player will get a lot of game time, They will be working alongside a lot of the starters for Ireland and bench players meaning easier to see a natural fit for the Ireland team if they play well. The likelihood of representing Ireland usually goes up representing Leinster so Aungier might get more opportunities internationally.

I like Clarkson alot but if Furlong was to get injured next season, Leinster are left very very light in terms of top quality. Aungier isn't there either but he is on his way.

Speaking of Furlong, he's only got 1 more year on his contract! He could be out the door then. Or a big $$$ offer from abroad.

I think Furlong probably stays put, He knows his worth but I think Leinster and Ireland will keep him on a central contract and Furlong probably won't push to hard for a move abroad.

I didn't know. Sorry for the repeaters.

I don't think this is true but I heard a rumour that Leinster are waiting to see what happens with the Melbourne Rebels financial situation. They are potentially going into administration which for any club is terrible. If it were to occur, Leinster are planning on swooping in for Tighthead Taniela Tupou. If true, that would be a monstrous signing for Leinster.

I hope it is true! but I have my doubts. A signing of that calibre would be huge but does it create a headache for Leinster?

With Furlong and Tupou both considered to be amongst the best tighthead props in the world, who would start?

If it was Tupou, would Furlong be ok with that? and visa versa? Would the IRFU block the signing as they believe it might stop the likes of Tom Clarkson and Rory McGuire developing?

If like the Snyman deal, it was a one year (Two at best) deal, then maybe it can be justified but it feels like the IRFU are really keeping a close eye on Leinster and their dealings in the market after Snyman.

I would have called BS on the rumour right away but Leinster making the call about TOT has me curious with what Leinster are up to in the market at tighthead.

I agree with you actually, Very low likelihood it will happen, was just passing on a rumour I heard that I found interesting.

Potentially. The way I read into Tom O'Toole talks was that Ulster were having some financial hardships and Leinster pounced on the chance to bag an IQ tighthead prop who is an Irish International. To be fair, if Ulster had to shed some players, I think the IRFU would have been perfectly fine with O'Toole to Leinster instead of losing him abroad, but obviously he is key to Ulster's long term plans and is probably untouchable.

Leinster clearly want a starting calibre tighthead. I'm not saying that Furlong is going anywhere, I'm just saying that they know he isn't a play every match player and they want a 1B to Furlong's 1A. O'Toole would have fit that role perfectly.

I can't see the IRFU stopping Leinster from signing NIQ players, unless they completely block the route for a high potential player from claiming a Leinster jersey. Even Snyman doesn't block the route of any player next year He is playing the Jenkins role. 1st Lock off the bench, which suits Leinster and Snyman down to the ground because that is when he is most impactful.

They need a tighthead and if they lose Frawley to Ulster, they will need a Utility back capable of playing all across the back line.