Munster Team Talk Thread - Beirne After Reading

Munster have more than 3 NIQs right now - Bleuler, Kleyn, Nankivell and Abrahams.

Bleuler is a medical joker. There will always be leeway for them, and they aren’t a strict NIQ.

Edit: what phog said.

Rumoured!

Also, I'm sure Munster would love to be able to sign a Slimani on a full-time contract rather than as a medical joker but there you go

The reason I asked was because a post on a forum is quite different to a report from a journalist, say. I don’t expect you to dig it up, but even if you did, I wouldn’t read anything into forum rumours.

The obvious difference is a medial joker wouldn’t be sanctioned without the injury crisis.

Is there a genuine belief there is an irfu conspiracy to keep Leinster strong? Some posters (not necessarily on here more on twitter) seem to think there is.

Leinster definitely have seized an advantage with the current model but this model is largely the same as it ever was. You produce your own, or you sign Irish, and you can add some NIQ players to the mix. (In the past 5 now it seems to be 3 but as we saw that even seems flexible as with the bleuler)

I get that "more NIQ's is the solution" argument but from the person paying the bills (irfu) is that going to work? How many NIQs per province? 5/6/7/8? Are Leinster going to be able to sign more if they want if that is the new system? If 3 of the provinces have a stack of NIQ players (because it isn't going to be a Munster only solution) how do you make sure Irish side isn't snookered in a key position? Back to the quietly disposed of system of "only one person position" which patently didn't work either.

I get the desire to be competitive but the solution is what it's always been in Irish rugby sign or develop Irish players

Is there a genuine belief there is an irfu conspiracy to keep Leinster strong?

Genuine question, was this posted in the wrong thread?

So why not take it up there, the Leinster or the Irish Rugby Thread rather than in the Munster thread.

The rest of my post was about what are people looking for? Three red kings another prominent Munster fan was looking for more NIQ'S but he is such a wind up merchant he doesn't allow replies.

It's a forum, kinda point of them is to discuss things.

Having four competitive provinces benefits Irish rugby by creating a wider talent pool for the national team, increasing fan engagement nationwide, and ensuring financial sustainability. It balances player workloads, raises the standard of domestic competition, and enhances Ireland’s resilience in international rugby. A strong Connacht, Munster, and Ulster alongside Leinster spreads talent, drives revenue, and keeps rugby thriving across the country—not just in one region.

Non-Irish qualified players also play a key role, providing invaluable experience and raising standards. Younger Irish players benefit from training and playing alongside seasoned internationals, learning professionalism, new skills, and different playing styles, which accelerates their development.

How do we properly develop anybody if are 3 other packs are struggling and always going backwards. The game needs fan engagement if its to grow and compete with the GAA outside of Dublin. I dont know the answer but the current situation is just silly even dangerous for the young lads coming through. How long do we keep playing the stalwarts or thrusting into young lads to an already struggling pack

I dont have the answers but that’s a fair point about Munster’s history with signing centers. It highlights the challenge of balancing player development with immediate squad needs. While signings can fill gaps and raise standards, they shouldn't block pathways for local talent. A competitive environment is key, but so is planning to develop and retain homegrown players.

As for spreading talent, there could be more structured movement between provinces, with the IRFU encouraging younger players to go where opportunities exist. For example, if Leinster is stacked in one position, players could be incentivized to move to Connacht, Munster, or Ulster to get game time. This already happens to some degree but could be expanded. It’s about managing resources to ensure every province is competitive while giving Irish-qualified players the platform to thrive.

Edit: I also think that Leinster or any other province should be compensated aswell if they lose talent that they have developed. I also understand its not that easy in real life either, young lads might not want to make a move