Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

Red card reinstated and banned for four matches.

https://www.rugbypass.com/news/epcr-statement-josh-caulfield-banned-after-disciplinary-appeal-bristol/

We seem fairly stocked at LH but if any were released he would be most welcome. Still only 28.

I'd have Roux back in a heartbeat of Thornbury was released. But we do have Josh Murphy coming back after his year off. By the way he has been playing AIL.

Don't know too much about Gallagher tbh.

Don't particularly rate O'Sullivan but he would be grand as a replacement for Burke or Duggan. I would like one of the 4 senior squad slots to be filled by a young player with the potential to replace Buckley over the next two seasons, whether that's one of Ward or Michel, or perhaps we could look at converting Temi Lasisi back to loosehead.

Hard pass on Roux. He barely got onto the pitch for us during his last couple of seasons with us, and is now well into his 30s. As a capped international is a well paid position I assume he would command a decent salary, and its hard to see us getting our money's worth out of him.

We have far too many outside backs on the books currently, wouldn't want to see us signing more unless there's a decent clearout.

Yeah I remember him saying he was always going to return to Galway eventually.

Looks like a ready made Aki replacement even though Bundee is still playing at a high level.

Vary much enjoyed the U20 game against France. As mentioned above Hugh Gavin was very impressive. Looking at last year's line up, I noted that 11-13 are all now in our Academy:

(11) James Nicholson

(12) John Devine

(13) Hugh Gavin

All three have yet to make their debuts in senior rugby.

Their French opposite numbers from last year's U20 Chamionship final were:

(11) Théo Attissogbé

who has had 12 starts and 1 appearance off the bench for a total of 629 minutes

(12) Paul Costes

5 starts and 4 appearance off the bench for a total of 470 minutes

(13) Nicolas Deportere

who has had 12 starts and 2 appearance off the bench for a total of 1002 minutes

It is argued that the Irish system takes a more player friendly approach to development and that the French are rushing players through, but the contrast above suggests a reluctance that exceeds caution. And it's not only about the most recent intake, Look at Mattie Devine.

Eagles games seem to have disappeared entirely. In the lull between the URC/HEC games die to the 6N Connacht have no friendlies, where Munster and Leinster have two apiece. This leaves AIL (mostly in the lower divisions), or for those like Gavin, the underage competitions.

My point is: our young talent should not be sitting on its hands in the Academy. More of these players should be give opportunities with the senior squad (I would argue that we could cut the senior squad to a point which will imply some reliance on the academy, especially among the backs), or else a real priority should be made to organise fixtures for our A teams, friendlies etc.

I like that idea! That's a good way to get them quality minutes.

Gavin was phenomenal on Saturday, the best player on a pitch littered with professional experience. His opposite number had played 16 Top 14 and Challenge Cup games, and he played him off the park. I believe that the coaching staff should have a plan for every single player under contract, but it is particularly imperative that such a talent be managed in a considered manner. He shouldn't be anywhere near Galwegians after the 6N, AIL 2C is beneath him. I would argue that such a plan should look something like:

• Full time senior training upon his return from Ireland duty and a few caps before the end of the season.
• A 3 year senior contract from 24/25 and a further 10+ caps.
• First choice 13 from 25/26 on.

While versatility is no harm for a young player, and playing him on the wing may be a good way to introduce him to first team action, long term I would be looking at him as our first choice outside centre. I do think 12 is his best position but our age profile there is good with Forde, Hawkshaw, and Devine. On the other hand, Tom Farrell turns 31 this year and we have failed to establish an alternative at 13 thus far.

The above seems nearly insulting to the coaching staff, however I just can't see what our plan is/has been for some of our most talented young players over the past while. Shane Jennings is 23 now and has played barely over 100 senior minutes. Oisin McCormack turns 23 soon and has 17 Challenge Cup minutes to show for almost 5 years in the system. Is our plan for Matthew Devine to have him play two full seasons in the lower reaches of the AIL?