Munster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread.

Amazotheamazing · 14-02-2012 11:20AM

tolosenc wrote: »

Eh, what?

Sure he's a Cork man, lived there til secondary school and played underage with the great and gloried club, Cork Constitution.

CiaranMT · 14-02-2012 11:22AM

irishbucsfan wrote: »

I'd love Ryan at leinster but realistically its very very unlikely.

It'd be a massive blow for that Munster pack's future post-POC

I wouldn't say so. Nagle and others are shaping up nicely.

Amazotheamazing · 14-02-2012 11:24AM

CiaranMT wrote: »

I wouldn't say so. Nagle and others are shaping up nicely.

Indeed, Nagle and Foley, afaik, are both rated as better lineout callers than Ryan. It's one of the reasons the DOC Ryan pairing is rarely seen (or rarely works).

CatFromHue · 14-02-2012 11:56AM

Has this article been linked?

Ryan mulls shock Leinster switch as Thorn 'lifts squad'
LEINSTER are close to confirming Brad Thorn as a short-term signing, but Donnacha Ryan has emerged as potential long-term solution to their second-row problem.

With Leo Cullen out of action due to an Achilles problem and Steven Sykes, who was signed on a three-year deal, returning to South Africa, emulating Ed O'Donoghue's early departure at the start of the season, second-row has become a major issue for the province.

Ryan (28) has been starting for Munster this season but has been unable to dislodge Donncha O'Callaghan from the Ireland team and, with Paul O'Connell and O'Callaghan both recently signing contract extensions, sources say the Nenagh man is interested in switching provinces.

stalwart

With speculation that Munster stalwart Mick O'Driscoll will retire at the end of the season and that Billy Holland's contract may be not be renewed, it would leave Munster short on second-row cover beyond Ian Nagle.

Ryan has been in tremendous form this season and would be a significant capture for Leinster, particularly as their captain Cullen is now 34.

Devin Toner, Damien Browne and the promising Mark Flanagan are three specialist locks available, while flanker Kevin McLaughlin has filled in there when required, but Leinster desperately need quality and experience in the position, and Ryan fits the bill.

In the short term, New Zealand World Cup winner Thorn is the target and Leinster are hopeful of securing his switch from Japan.

Assistant coach Richie Murphy stated yesterday: "We are close to finalising a deal, things are looking good."

And McLaughlin is excited by the prospect of having a player of Thorn's ability in the squad.

"It's really exciting. Obviously we've a bit of a crisis at second-row this season, especially with Leo gone to surgery. I've had to go in there a few times, which I'm more than happy to do," he said.

"But to get a specialist second-row in who has just won the World Cup, who has done everything there really is to do in rugby, is just a huge lift for the squad."

Meanwhile, with Tomas O'Leary still in negotiations with Top 14 clubs regarding a move to France, Munster are poised to re-sign scrum-half Duncan Williams for two more years.

While a proposed switch to Perpignan has fallen through, O'Leary is said to have offers on the table from Stade Francais and Racing Metro, although he could still opt to remain in his native province.

- Hugh Farrelly
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ryan-mulls-shock-leinster-switch-as-thorn-lifts-squad-3018280.html

Interesting speculation about MOD and Holland!

ed7890 · 14-02-2012 12:01PM

It's interesting that he mentions Mick O'D might retire, and Billy Holland might not be kept on. That would certainly free up some space in the 2nd row for some younger guys. Assuming Ryan stays on the pecking order might be:

1. POC 2. DR 3. DOC. 4. Nagle 5. Foley 6. DOC2?

That's not a bad lineup, a good amount of depth and a good mix of youth and experience. The young guys would get plenty pro12 games, especially during the 6 nations. If we're more comfortable in our HEC group, the could get rotated in and kept on if they preform.

thomond2006 · 14-02-2012 12:04PM

Ryan leaving would be a massive blow, although you couldn't blame him if he did leave. It would give DOC a permanent place in the Munster side regardless of form. He's been playing much better since he stopped being an 'untouchable'.

Also, I'd love to know what Duncan Williams has done to deserve another two years. I'd rather keep TOL, he has been a good impact player. Apparently Perpignan are re-signing Nicolas Durand from Racing and TOL would have a big fight on his hands to start with him there too.

RuggieBear · 14-02-2012 12:08PM

Seems strange that he would move now as he is more or less first choice. I reckon it's his agent trying get get an improved contract a la the TOL talk

leftleg · 14-02-2012 12:11PM

CiaranMT wrote: »

I wouldn't say so. Nagle and others are shaping up nicely.

eh where?? they dont get any game time; Ryan sure got alot this year and some last year but Nagle has got precious little in the last season or so since "that" Australia game. How is that shaping up nicely?

Amazotheamazing · 14-02-2012 12:11PM

ed7890 wrote: »

It's interesting that he mentions Mick O'D might retire, and Billy Holland might not be kept on. That would certainly free up some space in the 2nd row for some younger guys. Assuming Ryan stays on the pecking order might be:

1. POC 2. DR 3. DOC. 4. Nagle 5. Foley 6. DOC2?

That's not a bad lineup, a good amount of depth and a good mix of youth and experience. The young guys would get plenty pro12 games, especially during the 6 nations. If we're more comfortable in our HEC group, the could get rotated in and kept on if they preform.

Brian Hayes was ahead of DOCv2.0 as a second row, DOCv2.0 has gotten most of his time at 6, iirc.

While I'll be sorry to see MOD go, it's probably for the best. Holland is a decent pro who should get another contract somewhere else.

Amazotheamazing · 14-02-2012 12:13PM

thomond2006 wrote: »

Also, I'd love to know what Duncan Williams has done to deserve another two years. I'd rather keep TOL, he has been a good impact player. Apparently Perpignan are re-signing Nicolas Durand from Racing and TOL would have a big fight on his hands to start with him there too.

TOL is the type of player who needs to be playing every week to keep his pass sharp, from what I've seen. For his own good he should move. He'd be a big loss to Munster but it's a short career. It'd be interesting to see how he'd get on in France.

leftleg · 14-02-2012 12:17PM

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

would be hilarious to see the reaction on here if Leinster had three Munster players in their tight 5 though.

Even funnier than the fact that the national coach didn't rate them at the time at Munster; look at me now; I couldn't care less where they are from in Ireland tbh; if there good enough to play; play them

If there was 3 "poached" Munster players playing in the Leinster tight five its a bit of damning indictment of the Munster management ticket over the last few years that they were neglected by their own province and then flourished elsewhere. I mean you could excuse 1 maybe but 3 now that seems to be a pattern do you not think??

CiaranMT · 14-02-2012 12:21PM

leftleg wrote: »

eh where?? they dont get any game time; Ryan sure got alot this year and some last year but Nagle has got precious little in the last season or so since "that" Australia game. How is that shaping up nicely?

They may not be getting the gametime but I have no doubt that Nagle in particular would be able to play Pro12 if brought in right now.

leftleg · 14-02-2012 12:21PM

CiaranMT wrote: »

They may not be getting the gametime but I have no doubt that Nagle in particular would be able to play Pro12 if brought in right now.

Agreed i just wish McGahan would take the plunge and get him blooded full time; he is a promising talent but is at the mo not getting the game time he deserves.

Amazotheamazing · 14-02-2012 12:26PM

leftleg wrote: »

Even funnier than the fact that the national coach didn't rate them at the time at Munster; look at me now; I couldn't care less where they are from in Ireland tbh; if there good enough to play; play them

If there was 3 "poached" Munster players playing in the Leinster tight five its a bit of damning indictment of the Munster management ticket over the last few years that they were neglected by their own province and then flourished elsewhere. I mean you could excuse 1 maybe but 3 now that seems to be a pattern do you not think??

Meh, just shows Munster are great at producing forwards.

leftleg · 14-02-2012 12:31PM

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Meh, just shows Munster are great at producing forwards.

Gets you no where unless you coach them properly and most importantly play them.

Look at Southampton Football Team and Crew Alexandria;

Hagz · 14-02-2012 12:35PM

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Meh, just shows Munster are great at producing forwards.

Can't argue with that. Well, except props, it would help if you could produce props at the same rate you produce hookers and locks.

Amazotheamazing · 14-02-2012 12:36PM

leftleg wrote: »

Gets you no where unless you coach them properly and most importantly play them.

Look at Southampton Football Team and Crew Alexandria;

Well, when Cronin left he was behind Flannery. Flannery is probably Ireland's best hooker of the pro era except for Wood.

Ross left because he was behind Hayes, again, Ireland's best tighthead of the pro era.

And should Ryan leave (though I think he'll stay) he'll have lost out to two Lions.

It's actually amazing how strong the reserves are in Munster, thanks for pointing it out.

Amazotheamazing · 14-02-2012 12:40PM

Hagz wrote: »

Can't argue with that. Well, except props, it would help if you could produce props at the same rate you produce hookers and locks.

i'm actually reasonably hopeful we've turned the corner wrt to props. too soon to say but we'll see how guys like Ryan and Kilcoyne turn out.

leftleg · 14-02-2012 12:42PM

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

thanks for pointing it out.

Glad i could be of service.

Rattlehead_ie · 14-02-2012 12:47PM

I wouldnt want to see him go, but it does make sense, we need these players to be playing high level rugby regularly if we want to produce more into the National squad.
Maybe swap Ryan for Ryan. Its unlikely but I would like to see Dominic Ryan get constant game time at a high level and competing in the HC, Rabo12. I don't believe he will currently get that at Leinster. Although I am aware he's been injured and maybe not as prevalent this year.

leftleg · 14-02-2012 12:53PM

From
http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2011/09/munster-2012-13.html

Another out favour player rumoured to be leaving is Ian Nagle, who is said to be getting frustrated at lack of opportunity behind more established names at lock, he may try a season or two at Connacht and then try and return to one of the big provinces.

Seems like another one might bite the dust there. Then again it could be absolute horse manure

Amazotheamazing · 14-02-2012 12:55PM

Rattlehead_ie wrote: »

I wouldnt want to see him go, but it does make sense, we need these players to be playing high level rugby regularly if we want to produce more into the National squad.
Maybe swap Ryan for Ryan. Its unlikely but I would like to see Dominic Ryan get constant game time at a high level and competing in the HC, Rabo12. I don't believe he will currently get that at Leinster. Although I am aware he's been injured and maybe not as prevalent this year.

I know Dom Ryan has the goods to be a super player, but Munster need to find the solution to the backrow problems from within Munster. Iirc, Brian O'Hara was ahead of Dom Ryan as a 7 for the u20's, he seems to have been going well for Con this season, I'd rather we gave him a run out. Butler was playing 7 for shannon the last day too.

Amazotheamazing · 14-02-2012 12:56PM

leftleg wrote: »

From
http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2011/09/munster-2012-13.html

Another out favour player rumoured to be leaving is Ian Nagle, who is said to be getting frustrated at lack of opportunity behind more established names at lock, he may try a season or two at Connacht and then try and return to one of the big provinces.

Seems like another one might bite the dust there. Then again it could be absolute horse manure

Signed a two year contract last season, can't see Connacht buying him out.

leftleg · 14-02-2012 12:59PM

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Signed a two year contract last season, can't see Connacht buying him out.

That would seem to be that so; poo poos on that site by the looks of it;

jacothelad · 14-02-2012 01:00PM

leftleg wrote: »

From
http://rugby-transfers.blogspot.com/2011/09/munster-2012-13.html

Another out favour player rumoured to be leaving is Ian Nagle, who is said to be getting frustrated at lack of opportunity behind more established names at lock, he may try a season or two at Connacht and then try and return to one of the big provinces.

Seems like another one might bite the dust there. Then again it could be absolute horse manure

Nagle should get his agent to approach Ulster. Muller and Tuohy are good but behind that I would say that Nagle is better than the others. Barker and Stevenson are so so players and McComb could be good but isn't showing it much. Unless he changes his mind, I think Muller will retire after next season. Tuohy and Nagle would be a great combination with Ian Henderson growing in experience and stature waiting in the wings. Sadly the tax break is always lurking in the background in these matters.

Amazotheamazing · 14-02-2012 01:01PM

leftleg wrote: »

That would seem to be that so; poo poos on that site by the looks of it;

It's possible he'd get restless and want out but he doesn't strike me as the sort, tbh.

Amazotheamazing · 14-02-2012 01:04PM

jacothelad wrote: »

Nagle should get his agent to approach Ulster. Muller and Tuohy are good but behind that I would say that Nagle is better than the others. Barker and Stevenson are so so players and McComb could be good but isn't showing it much. Unless he changes his mind, I think Muller will retire after next season. Tuohy and Nagle would be a great combination with Ian Henderson growing in experience and stature waiting in the wings. Sadly the tax break is always lurking in the background in these matters.

It's far more likely Nagle just wants to play for his home province ahead of getting time elsewhere. The draw of playing for the team you've always wanted to play for is massive, for all the provinces.

leftleg · 14-02-2012 01:05PM

jacothelad wrote: »

Nagle should get his agent to approach Ulster.

(shouting) HERE FRANKIE!!! GET YOUR THUMB OUT AND GET UP THERE TO ULSTER AND SORT THIS SH@T OUT PRONTO; IVE A RIGHT PAIN IN ME BO~#IX WAITIN TO GET PLAYED DOWN HERE; THE CARS IS SPOTLESS, THE KITCHEN LOOKS NEW FROM CLEANING IT SO MUCH...IM GOIN OUT OF ME MIND HERE!!!

:D

Amazotheamazing · 14-02-2012 01:10PM

Good offer from Munster rugby.

Buy 3 Match Pack Tickets Including Leinster from 50 Euro
14 February 2012, 9:00 amBy Ticket OfficeMunster Rugby are currently offering a 3 Match Pack which includes tickets for the last three remaining pool games in Thomond Park from 50 euro per person. This pack includes Cardiff, Leinster (Not on Public Sale) and Ulster home fixtures.

Fixtures can be viewed online by clicking here
This season's package offers fantastic value with a 15% discount on individual match prices.

Category A €100

Category B €75

Terrace €50

Junior Terrace €18

Terrace Family Pack (North/South) €100

Category B Family Pack 1 Adult + 1 Child €100

Category B Family Pack 2 Adult + 2 Children €200

3 Match Packs can be purchased online here

Individual Matches

With the reduction in ticket prices and the introduction of a family pack for just €40 there are now some great value ticket options available to watch Munster play. Full details of ticket prices available are as follows:

Ticket Prices

Category A Stand - €40

Category B Stand - €30

Adult & Child Stand - €40 (Cat B Seating for one Adult & and one Child Under 16)

Adult Terrace - €20

Junior Terrace - €7 (Under 16)

Family Pack Terrace - €40 (Two Adult Terrace & Two Junior Terrace)

To purchase tickets online now click here

Tickets are also available from the following locations:

The Munster Rugby Ticket Office in Thomond Park Limerick and Tramore Road Cork

The Munster Rugby Store in Cork and Limerick.

Ticketmaster outlets nationwide

Please contact Munster Rugby's ticket office on (061) 421103 for further details

johnnysmack · 14-02-2012 01:21PM

With regards prices any one know how much a Cat A ticket is for the Heineken QF with Ulster is?

Munster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread.

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