Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

testtech05 · 19-06-2026 09:01PM

Jerry Cahir looks like a proper signing for next season

kita99 · 20-06-2026 09:25PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124564468#Comment_124564468

The Times and Indo both rated him '8'. Is it Too high? I think that his scrum-work will be a bit stronger than now.

Lost Ormond · 20-06-2026 09:34PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124566872#Comment_124566872

you can always take those ratings with pinch of salt but Jerrys a top class scrumager and spends lot of time with Seamus Harty, one of best scrum coaches in country.

realhorrorshow · 22-06-2026 02:02PM

Looks like Josh Ioane is going to change his international allegiance to Samoa.

ShineyShiney · 22-06-2026 02:41PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124570905#Comment_124570905

Love to see him at the world cup. Cracking player.

MarinersBlues · 23-06-2026 08:16PM

For me he had his best game ever for us against Glasgow. His kicking from hand has really developed and was a serious weapon that day.

He has always been a good running O/H and that suited us particularly well but made him a bit of a niche/specialist player.

If he keeps up the improved kicking he can become something really special.

kita99 · 24-06-2026 02:35AM

I'm sorry to say below. I think that Ioane has been inferior to Frawley at almost FH's works especially defending and place-kicking since Maori AB v Ireland match a few years ago. And maybe Naughton will overtake him soon. At last, Connacht seem to not reinforce senior any LO players. So I expect N. physical growing up of N. Murray and some players in their Academy.

Zeugnis · 24-06-2026 11:42AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124575265#Comment_124575265

We just have to accept the limitations at lock right now and embrace the fact that it will mean a fast track for an academy lad if they show themselves.

I'm very keen to see David Walsh based on the views of his peers. He just turned 21 and is 6'7, hopefully we'll get to see him in some of the preseason fixtures.

Otherwise the composition of next year's Academy should be announced imminently, Leo Anic should definitely be in, but it would make sense to recruit a second lock given we're short.

FtD v2 · 24-06-2026 12:22PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124575858#Comment_124575858

Have heard the expectation is that they take in Leo Anic and Dara Walsh, and then likely a third lock based on whoever loses out on the Leinster Academy (so potentially Sean Walsh from Barnhall or Donncha McGuire IMO), as I'm assuming Dylan McNeice and Artur Smiykovskiy are going into the Leinster Academy.

Zeugnis · 24-06-2026 12:52PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124575990#Comment_124575990

That's interesting about Dara Walsh, I understand he was impressive as an U18 last year.

Think you're right about the likely Leinster candidates although if I had carte blanche I'd offer McNeice or Smiykovskiy a development contract and see if they bite.

FtD v2 · 24-06-2026 12:55PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124576100#Comment_124576100

Yeah, could definitely see the logic of that approach. I'm excited by both of them, and have seen a fair bit of Smiykovskiy in AIL and schools rugby. They're both huge men who look to be legit tight head lock options.

Zeugnis · 24-06-2026 01:07PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124576105#Comment_124576105

I've been watching McNeice for years, ridiculous that he never got to play in the Senior Cup due to having moved form CUS to St. Michael's, but a very impressive player. Exciting to watch these guys coming through.

kita99 · 25-06-2026 02:52AM

According to RTE news, Lancaster is expected one of the candidate for the successor of Leo Cullen at the end of next season. I don't know whether it's good for Connacht?

Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

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