The ban should mean someting and affect him more than just missing a couple of inconsequential Leinster games. It was a nasty enough shoulder/elbow to the head by sheahan TMO completely missed it
No problem - appreciate the apology.
I agree with the elements of your other post that weren't having a go at me 😀. Digging into the likes of Ulster jurisdiction situation is far more interesting. What impact that has, while the counterpoint being the cost of living for players etc.
There is a never ending list of insider information from within provinces that I'd be willing to pay to read, both how they work (or dont) and how they interact with the IRFU.
If the thesis statement is that provinces are 'neglected', like the OP says, I'd hope he actually provides significant evidence to prove that.
Each province could have their own book(s) written on inept decisions that led to significant wasting of IRFU resources. Just look at provinces being barely able to produce a top international player outside of Leinster underage system or abroad for a generation (the most recent Lions tourists are all the evidence you need). I'd read about the internal IRFU conflict and discussions with provinces as they deals with this poor output, how much they get their hands involved in coaching hiring/firing, player acquisition/movement, forcing structures, supporting facilities (both training and stadiums).
All of that is much more fascinating than the copy and paste history and finger pointing drivel that it sounds like Fanning is trying to peddle.
Izuchukwu IS a lock!
Sorry, TheV - dunno what came over me…
Really Paul? Admitting you're wrong? How pathetic, this is the part where you're meant to double down and become immensely outraged! That is the Boards.ie way!
Oof. Yes I do. Apologies @Foxtrol
Well within your rights to be annoyed if that's all Fanning is doing. Hadn't re-read the original post about this since I first saw it.
So yes, sorry @Foxtrol
Paul. I think you might owe someone an apology.
Who on God's green earth mentioned the Leinster schools system?
Oh I know. You did.
The quote was about whether the IRFU had neglected the provinces. You immediately turn it into something about the Leinster schools system. There's one person throwing around lazy tropes here, and it's you.
Not every discussion about the relationships of the provinces and the central IRFU has to fixate on bloody Leinster, you know. The other three provinces have entirely separate relationships with the IRFU. Ulster have had huge financial issues and operate in a completely different financial system to the other three, with no tax rebates and 20% VAT on tickets. It's entirely appropriate to discuss that in terms how the IRFU help (or don't) Ulster manage that.
But no, "why won't everyone just give over about the Leinster schools system?"
Many people dont want it to change though when it involves a player from their province.
There were so many complaints about POM not getting a central deal when it was crystal clear he was close to the end.
Imagine the complaints if Aki wasn't extended on one and signed in France. It would be a horrible look for Connacht losing a guy who started for the Lions.
If you look at the central contracts vs who was selected to go on the Lions tour then they about line up. Sure, you can say that doesn't count because of AF but I didn't hear much complaints from foreign press about any of them going.
Moaning about the Leinster school system is hardly a sign of 'deep thinkers' - it is a lazy trope at this stage. It isn't some fresh concept, it gets regurgitated multiple times a year.
The Leinster school system is what is keeping Irish rugby alive, yet people twist themselves in complete knots trying to find a way for it to seem like a bad thing.
It is akin to the anti-vax movement at this stage. I don't need to read the latest anti-vax book to know it belongs in a bin.
What would be much more interesting is digging in on how much money has been squandered across the other provinces to have such poor return on investment from the IRFU - at underage and professional. Digging into the blazers who oversaw such farcical situations and what can be learned from them going forward. That would however take some level of journalism so easier to take the path of least resistance, the tried and trusted click bait moan about Leinster.
This is where the Central Contracts become really problematic I think.
A 33 yr old player at the end of his current contract flouts the idea of going to France to be flogged but earn seriously better money. Obviously the IRFU can't afford to let one of their big names go and play overseas because their priority is all about the senior team and winning the 6N each year. So the player gets offered a 2 year contract with money that must be comparable to what is on offer elsewhere which results in a massive PR exercise keeping sponsors happy, the team competitive and the Aviva full with corporate tickets.
2 year contract brings the player up to the current world cup and which point we get knocked out in the QF because we have an aging squad.
A (current) 32 yr old player will sign a further one year contract after the world cup.
Wash, rinse, repeat.
Does Brendan Fanning think the Leinster schools are going to suddenly stop producing high class players. I have news for him they are getting better every year. The Leinster clubs are also upping their game and rugby is thriving. I can''t comment on the other provinces but believe there is a lot of investment going on.
Other than he getting a ban, it really makes no difference to him. Leinster have a ton of matches before he'd be expected to play in them and they'll use that as his 3 match ban
Sheahan with a 3 match ban for a dangerous clearout reduced from 4 weeks. I dont think Sheahan has ever had a ban before
He's facing a real challenge to have a career tbh, which is shite. Lad looks like a serious unit.
Coiuld be.
What's crucial is that we make up our minds about it now, before anyone's so much as read a page. That's the important thing.
I'm in this camp.
Author courts controversial view point to sell book. That could be another take.
That's the kind of open-minded, questioning mindset that marks our Irish rugby fandom as really deep thinkers about the game.
"Read it and see what it says? No need. I know he's wrong."
The provinces haven't been neglected so I've no idea what he's on about.
Edwin Edogbo is my hope for a big breakthrough, he's an absolute beast. But huge questions about fitness after (another) serious injury.
Probably due to lack of contenders to replace an established player. In England or France there are many more club sides, and consequently that many more challengers for a national team shirt. And in NZ/Australia a certain percentage of players will look to cash in on their profile by moving to the Northern Hemisphere when they reach the final few seasons of their careers, meaning national team coaches have to look for fresh talent.
I heard Brendan Fanning on the radio yesterday he has a book coming out about the state of Irish rugby. In it he says going forward Irish Rugby is in trouble due to the neglect of the provinces by the Irfu. That Ireland are so dependant on Leinster is detrimental in the long run. Also its the Leinster School systems not the Leinster Academy that are responsible for the players that graduate to play for Leinster. according to him its the Fee paying schools that are keeping Leinster and Ireland rugby afloat.
Farrell (and Cullen) have been terrible for subbing JGP off in big games. McGrath for example has sat on the bench for the last 3 finals I think. We need options that are good enough to make for viable options to come on in crunch matches.
9 is going to be a key debate for sure. JGP has lots still to offer and writing him off prematurely is unwise. Casey is on form and next up is Gunne who I think will shine in coming season as a serious talent
Then they’ll put in one good performance and everyone will go “oh look, we were right to keep playing them all along” and they’ll lock down the jersey for another year and we’ll continue to kick the can down the road
Multiple Irish coaches have done it so it must be a directive from the auld blazers in IRFU HQ. If you're on a central contract they'll play till your legs are shot just so they've squeezed everything out of you even if your form is poor.
Might be forced to move Aki on but Henshaw will be played no doubt. This is what is holding Ireland back and reasons why we can't break the quater finals.
Aki and Henshaw were clearly past it this past season. Why does every Irish coach inevitably fall into the trap of keeping players on far too long? I hope Farrell doesn't continue to play Beirne at 6, it worked for the Lions but he's just a step down there from when he's at lock
If Ryan, Mccarthy and Beirne are all fit, the temptation to play them all with Beirne at 6 will be very strong. Might not be the most forward looking selection but if we want to beat NZ in Chicago, it might not be the worst.
I don’t think TOB will displace Hansen but he’s already ahead of Nash and we might see Hansen move to the left when Lowe moves on, with TOB on the right. Lowe needs a big season to prove he’s still up to it.
Centre will be fascinating. At 35, there’s no way Aki will make the RWC and to me it looks like his legs are going. Henshaw has yet another injury to come back from, Ringrose is flying but now has this concussion issue hanging over him. Assuming Osborne is next off the rank, it would be good to see someone else get a run against Japan.
The main thing is, while we have some older guys in some positions, we have decent cover everywhere.
I wouldn't be surprised if Casey surplants JGP by the end of the season, he's been in cracking form.
I think TOB will own the 14 jersey for as long as he's healthy. He's just class.
