Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread VII: The Fan-base Awakens

DGRulz · 15-02-2016 10:37AM

former total wrote: »

I think it's a gag, playing on the fact that he's from Athlone, half of which is in Leinster.

This.

former total · 15-02-2016 10:38AM

Buer wrote: »

PR move I can only assume to separate the idea that he's choosing another province over his own?

Serious PR maneuvering by Connacht,it's the oldest trick in the press officer handbook. Got bad news? Bury it by announcing when everyone is distracted by something else. Why would they announce it on a Sunday afternoon, the day after Ireland have been beaten in the Six Nations?

If they release it mid-week, when all the journos are working and there's no match to analyse, it gets a lot more coverage...

thomond2006 · 15-02-2016 12:54PM

STHs get in free to B&I Cup QF vs London Welsh on Sat 12th March.

stephen_n · 15-02-2016 02:31PM

former total wrote: »

Serious PR maneuvering by Connacht,it's the oldest trick in the press officer handbook. Got bad news? Bury it by announcing when everyone is distracted by something else. Why would they announce it on a Sunday afternoon, the day after Ireland have been beaten in the Six Nations?

If they release it mid-week, when all the journos are working and there's no match to analyse, it gets a lot more coverage...

It's not really news though, everyone knew he was going to move, it's just a matter of where. Most Connacht fans had resigned themselves to this a good while ago. I wonder will Henshaw still wait till after the 6N to announce his decision, could be a big distraction for him if he doesn't.

awec · 15-02-2016 02:33PM

stephen_n wrote: »

It's not really news though, everyone knew he was going to move, it's just a matter of where. Most Connacht fans had resigned themselves to this a good while ago. I wonder will Henshaw still wait till after the 6N to announce his decision, could be a big distraction for him if he doesn't.

I don't think everyone knew he was going to move. People like us who read these boards and keep up to date on pretty much everything rugby related in Ireland would have heard the rumours, but plenty of average, casual punters would have been in the dark.

stephen_n · 15-02-2016 02:39PM

awec wrote: »

I don't think everyone knew he was going to move. People like us who read these boards and keep up to date on pretty much everything rugby related in Ireland would have heard the rumours, but plenty of average, casual punters would have been in the dark.

I suppose yeah that's true but it's got a lot of wider media coverage. At some points you'd be forgiven for thinking he'd already signed for Leinster the way certain journalists referred to it.

S12b · 15-02-2016 04:13PM

stephen_n wrote: »

Henshaw is definitely coming to Leinster. That comes out of the Connacht camp but apparently isn't due to be announced till after the 6N. It's strange that Connacht announced his departure.

The deal with Leinster isn't finalised that's why it hasn't been announced.....but it's happening, no doubt about it., I'd say it's just minor details to be finalised at this stage.

aimee1 · 15-02-2016 09:23PM

Caption competition contender here .......

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/10455003_10153788489875240_5410751900998516107_o.jpg

Buer · 15-02-2016 09:25PM

aimee1 wrote: »

Caption competition contender here .......

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/10455003_10153788489875240_5410751900998516107_o.jpg

"Joe has called me up. He says I'm playing well".

"Joe said f*cking what?!"

salmocab · 15-02-2016 09:26PM

Buer wrote: »

"Joe has called me up".

"Joe's done f*cking what?!"

I'm pretty sure Leo is saying 'don't be ridiculous of course you will be around friday night'

errlloyd · 15-02-2016 09:45PM

Buer wrote: »

"Joe has called me up. He says I'm playing well".

"Joe said f*cking what?!"

I literally laughed out loud.

CatFromHue · 15-02-2016 10:32PM

aimee1 wrote: »

Caption competition contender here .......

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/10455003_10153788489875240_5410751900998516107_o.jpg

Leo: You're on the bench.......for Ireland

Ferg:

typhoony · 15-02-2016 10:46PM

one final comment from me about henshaw as a Connacht fan is that he's had an impact in nearly every game he played for us however it was in his cameos at Full-back where I though he excelled, ok he can do a very good job at centre but for me he's out of position. Imagine putting BOD at full-back i'm sure he'd have coped but it's not where he would have excelled. If you look at New Zealand and Austalia arguably their best player in the backline are full-backs and they make a real impact in their games. It's a pity we haven't adopted that mentality for henshaw and Ireland, instead the focus has been unfortunately on finding the heir to BOD at centre.

The Rape of Lucretia · 15-02-2016 11:03PM

CatFromHue wrote: »

Leo: You're on the bench.......for Ireland
Ferg:

Leo: In know. Beats the **** out of me too - I wasnt even going to play you against Zebre.

aimee1 · 15-02-2016 11:29PM

vienne86 wrote: »

Well he can call the shots. So long has he isn't going oveseas, that's what matters.

http://rugbylad.com/leo-cullen-has-now-refused-to-confirm-robbie-henshaw-is-moving-to-leinster/

“He’s very physical, very strong in the contact. He’s got good footwork as well which allows him to offload. I think he’s shown over the past couple of seasons in the games he’s played in the Six Nations, November games and a World Cup, he’s built up a lot of experience and he’s a very exciting prospect.”

“He’s shown with Connacht and with Ireland over the last couple of years that he’s a very exciting prospect so, whoever does get him, I’m sure will be delighted

vienne86 · 15-02-2016 11:39PM

S12b wrote: »

The deal with Leinster isn't finalised that's why it hasn't been announced.....but it's happening, no doubt about it., I'd say it's just minor details to be finalised at this stage.

Maybe Leinster want to announce a bunch of signings together rather than one at a time.

CatFromHue · 16-02-2016 12:21AM

vienne86 wrote: »

Maybe Leinster want to announce a bunch of signings together rather than one at a time.

tbh the announcement by Conn yesterday was very bizarre, they didn't need to do it. They've almost put 2 fingers up to everyone by doing it.

Zzippy · 16-02-2016 12:25AM

There's no way it hasn't been finalised - they wouldn't announce he was leaving Connacht unless they had at least heads of agreement signed. These announcements are always choreographed and the IRFU/provinces time them for various reasons. Allowing Connacht to announce he's leaving, with a gap before Leinster announce he's signed, is all optics for public perception - Connacht get to say they tried to keep him while after a respectable delay Leinster don't get the flak of "poaching" another player which they might if they announced it first, and it suits the player too by issuing separate statements thanking the old fans and looking forward to playing with the new team.

I should work in PR... :pac:

CatFromHue · 16-02-2016 12:41AM

I'd view it differently.

Conn have put it on Henshaw now by saying he's leaving but no one knows to which club makes it look like Henshaw has turned his back on them.

It reinforces the point that Henshaw wanted out.

Zzippy · 16-02-2016 01:07AM

CatFromHue wrote: »

I'd view it differently.

Conn have put it on Henshaw now by saying he's leaving but no one knows to which club makes it look like Henshaw has turned his back on them.

It reinforces the point that Henshaw wanted out.

Which takes the heat off Leinster, who can't be accused of poaching. And the IRFU already put it on Henshaw when Nucifora said they would prefer he stay at Connacht but it was up to the player. Connacht have just put out a statement confirming the rumours, thanking the player, and putting an end to internal speculation which could distract the squad with crucial games coming up. No need to look for ulterior motives...

irishgrover · 16-02-2016 01:21AM

CatFromHue wrote: »

I'd view it differently.

Conn have put it on Henshaw now by saying he's leaving but no one knows to which club makes it look like Henshaw has turned his back on them.

It reinforces the point that Henshaw wanted out.

I'd agree with this view. Connacht have known for months that this was a done deal. It may have been "nicer" or "easier" for Leinster/irfu/Henshaw if it could all be timed better to suite all parties, but what should Lam and co put up with this constant distraction to ensure their are no final little contract bumps between Henshaw and his new employers. This is of no concern to Connacht, nor should it be. I get the impression Connacht are trying to draw a line under it and move on....
Good luck to him.

its_phil · 16-02-2016 01:21AM

CatFromHue wrote: »

tbh the announcement by Conn yesterday was very bizarre, they didn't need to do it. They've almost put 2 fingers up to everyone by doing it.

I don't think they did, but so what even if it was? Didn't Leinster do the exact same with Madigan?

S12b · 16-02-2016 01:30AM

Zzippy wrote: »

There's no way it hasn't been finalised - they wouldn't announce he was leaving Connacht unless they had at least heads of agreement signed. These announcements are always choreographed and the IRFU/provinces time them for various reasons. Allowing Connacht to announce he's leaving, with a gap before Leinster announce he's signed, is all optics for public perception - Connacht get to say they tried to keep him while after a respectable delay Leinster don't get the flak of "poaching" another player which they might if they announced it first, and it suits the player too by issuing separate statements thanking the old fans and looking forward to playing with the new team.

I should work in PR... :pac:

Told today the deal is not done yet, not to cast any doubt on the deal happening but nothing has been signed. Decision re leaving Connacht was only made this week as well, contrary to what some are saying.

Clegg · 16-02-2016 11:00AM

There's an article in todays Times quoting Cullen saying Leinster hope to announce this week the list of players who have renewed their contracts.

aimee1 · 16-02-2016 11:07AM

S12b wrote: »

Told today the deal is not done yet, not to cast any doubt on the deal happening but nothing has been signed. Decision re leaving Connacht was only made this week as well, contrary to what some are saying.

Would this suggest Leinster are matching the connacht offer and just lining up a few endorsement deals for Henshaw to top up his contract?

Buer · 16-02-2016 11:14AM

Clegg wrote: »

There's an article in todays Times quoting Cullen saying Leinster hope to announce this week the list of players who have renewed their contracts.

In the corresponding announcement last season, it was suggested that Kirchner had signed on for this current season which leaves it open to wondering if he's only on a one year deal.

If so, that gives us huge scope in the NIQ market with the likes of Te'o and Triggs already set to leave this summer.

Speaking of Triggs, very interesting quotes in today's Examiner regarding the game here and concussion:

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/leinster-veteranhayden-triggsopens-up-on-scary-concussion-dangers-382211.html

former total · 16-02-2016 11:28AM

aimee1 wrote: »

Would this suggest Leinster are matching the connacht offer and just lining up a few endorsement deals for Henshaw to top up his contract?

Surely he'll be on a central contract?

aimee1 · 16-02-2016 11:29AM

former total wrote: »

Surely he'll be on a central contract?

I would assume sexton is too and he has similar?

Clegg · 16-02-2016 11:30AM

I'd like someone to actually come forward and say they're taking him next season.

Cue Dai Young with a big **** eating grin in tomorrows papers....

former total · 16-02-2016 11:32AM

aimee1 wrote: »

I would assume sexton is too and he has similar?

Yeah, but what I mean is that Leinster wouldn't be matching the Connacht offer.

Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread VII: The Fan-base Awakens

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