AIL 2020-2021

Squidgy Black · 23-07-2020 4:13pm

DelBoy Trotter wrote: »

Mike Ruddock is off to the Ospreys, so a blow for Landsowne

Think it was known for a while, I remember the original announcement by Lansdowne had said it was likely going to be a longer term commitment than just the interim head coach job.

The Lost Sheep · 23-07-2020 7:54pm

Chico Flores wrote: »

George Naupou gone coaching in Clontarf with their u20s and might be playing a bit.

Can’t remember if its up already, Cormac Foley gone from Marys to Lansdowne and Myles Carey might be going to UCD

Two lads from Barnhall gone to Wanderers too

good for tarf. Have dealt with George a few times when hes been coaching schools and he'll be good coach. Hes been playing junior with wicklow for past while so good to see him back playing senior again

Chico Flores wrote: »

Great to see pro players involved!

and all have been doing bits of coaching with various Corinthians teams over past few years.

Squidgy Black wrote: »

Think it was known for a while, I remember the original announcement by Lansdowne had said it was likely going to be a longer term commitment than just the interim head coach job.

Yeah think it was said at time it was announced he was going over that it would be long term
Think theyll do fine with mark McHugh, deasy etc coaching then

luke9311 · 24-07-2020 8:31pm

Yeah think it was said at time it was announced he was going over that it would be long term
Think theyll do fine with mark McHugh, deasy etc coaching then[/quote]

Yeah very true I think they will handle the job just fine marks a great coach and good to have past player experience along with Ben Armstrong managing the forward. I’d imagine you probably will see mike take the reins again somewhere in the future be it 2 years time or 5 years time etc having an Irish wife a family home in Wicklow and kids still in Ireland etc

The Lost Sheep · 25-07-2020 2:21pm

Discussion on off the ball on the league right now

Beau · 25-07-2020 7:31pm

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Discussion on off the ball on the league right now

https://pca.st/episode/25de73b3-aa93-486b-87b5-020229fbdd27

Five Eighth · 25-07-2020 8:56pm

Beau wrote: »

https://pca.st/episode/25de73b3-aa93-486b-87b5-020229fbdd27

Thanks for the link. Interesting that the Crescent coach Matt Brown mentioned that because there’s no promotion opportunity this season they have had to sell the new season to the players in order to try and get them motivated. If it is absolutely necessary to only have one series of games in the AIL from January, why isn’t it possible to have top-four and bottom-four promotion/relegation play-offs in every division? Because there is only one series of matches, the team finishing at the top/bottom of their league after playing 9 games would not automatically gain promotion or suffer relegation. There would, for this AIL season, be only one team promoted or relegated in every division. This, I think, would be preferable to what is on offer.

The Lost Sheep · 26-07-2020 6:57pm

Five Eighth wrote: »

Thanks for the link. Interesting that the Crescent coach Matt Brown mentioned that because there’s no promotion opportunity this season they have had to sell the new season to the players in order to try and get them motivated. If it is absolutely necessary to only have one series of games in the AIL from January, why isn’t it possible to have top-four and bottom-four promotion/relegation play-offs in every division? Because there is only one series of matches, the team finishing at the top/bottom of their league after playing 9 games would not automatically gain promotion or suffer relegation. There would, for this AIL season, be only one team promoted or relegated in every division. This, I think, would be preferable to what is on offer.

top 4 bottom 2 playoffs as like past few seasons. Maybe IRFU just worried that the season may have to finish early or be suspended so this is just in place to be fair to all.
Maybe if no promotion/relegation all divisions should at least have league playoffs for top 4 with finals all on in the aviva as something to incentivise players.
Or while the bateman cup slightly expanding is good. reintroduce an all ireland senior cup for all senior clubs. 50 teams in the one cup

The Lost Sheep · 30-07-2020 5:53pm

Fixtures are out

https://twitter.com/OldCrescentRFC1/status/1288877280006201350/photo/1

The Lost Sheep · 30-07-2020 7:57pm

https://galwaybayfm.ie/sports/corinthians-and-galwegians-learn-community-series-and-energia-league-schedules/?fbclid=IwAR0e7ursUHHZ0Xk8tjwdXJXrukDUzTK-D2_62KEuoIwLSdimE2YzF4CmZiY

D14Rugby · 31-07-2020 12:45pm

I see Terenure are saying they currently have 1,000 members, makes you realise how big some clubs are and makes you wonder what's going to happen with attendance when the season starts. Clubs will be really hoping for the 500 max to be in place by the time it comes around and for games like Terenure Mary's the clubs would want it higher to get some much needed funds into the club.

The Lost Sheep · 31-07-2020 4:35pm

D14Rugby wrote: »

I see Terenure are saying they currently have 1,000 members, makes you realise how big some clubs are and makes you wonder what's going to happen with attendance when the season starts. Clubs will be really hoping for the 500 max to be in place by the time it comes around and for games like Terenure Mary's the clubs would want it higher to get some much needed funds into the club.

There is few fixtures that get near Nure Marys does but a lot of games will be fine for 200
1000 members but how many actually regularly attend games?

Five Eighth · 31-07-2020 9:27pm

Think the 1,000 Nure members include schoolboys and girls and the 200 figure allowed to attend matches include players, coaches and other backroom staff. Any rugby supporter would be hard pressed to get the same value for the €5 to €10 that you would pay to watch a senior club game.

Chico Flores · 31-07-2020 10:04pm

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

There is few fixtures that get near Nure Marys does but a lot of games will be fine for 200
1000 members but how many actually regularly attend games?

Obviously not 1000, but people are free to attend whatever they want. Lots of our members are old boys who keep renewing on force of habit, and then obviously the minis and youths.

I know my dad is a member but wouldn't really go to games but is his way of supporting the club

The Lost Sheep · 31-07-2020 10:19pm

Chico Flores wrote: »

Obviously not 1000, but people are free to attend whatever they want. Lots of our members are old boys who keep renewing on force of habit, and then obviously the minis and youths.

I know my dad is a member but wouldn't really go to games but is his way of supporting the club

I know that but thats where clubs need to be doing far better. There is a lot of clubs with very good membership numbers which dont at all translate near well enough to attending games. That needs to change. Clubs need to engage their members far better to do that.

Chico Flores · 31-07-2020 10:37pm

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

I know that but thats where clubs need to be doing far better. There is a lot of clubs with very good membership numbers which dont at all translate near well enough to attending games. That needs to change. Clubs need to engage their members far better to do that.

To each their own, I feel we do a decent job in getting a crowd down. Cant tell people how they should support.

Pre match drinks and food help etc and Lakelands being in a residential area.

Cant really speak to other clubs.

The Lost Sheep · 31-07-2020 10:42pm

Chico Flores wrote: »

To each their own, I feel we do a decent job in getting a crowd down. Cant tell people how they should support.

Pre match drinks and food help etc and Lakelands being in a residential area.

Cant really speak to other clubs.

Im just comparing it to GAA and just think a lot of clubs should be doing far more and better to attract people who do actually pay memberships to attend games

Five Eighth · 31-07-2020 10:57pm

Say Terenure are one of the best supported clubs in the country. Always a good crowd at the shed end for AIL games. From my experience they are a well-run community-oriented club that does their best to be welcoming to all. I have to say any match that I’ve been to most of the home clubs seem to make an effort. All clubs should have, at least, a match-day team sheet, so that spectators would know whose playing on both sides on the day.

Chico Flores · 02-08-2020 7:43pm

Aziz Naser after joining Clontarf from Trinity.

Few Malahide lads after joining Bective, don’t have their names and the Malahide 10, Shane O’Brien after leaving them too

stellenbosch · 03-08-2020 1:57pm

Chico Flores wrote: »

Aziz Naser after joining Clontarf from Trinity.

Few Malahide lads after joining Bective, don’t have their names and the Malahide 10, Shane O’Brien after leaving them too

Panda(A Keating) former Trinity and Garryowen prop to Nure

Chico Flores · 03-08-2020 3:13pm

stellenbosch wrote: »

Panda(A Keating) former Trinity and Garryowen prop to Nure

Hadn’t heard a new prop coming into us, brilliant. Is he any good? Skehan probably knows him from down that way.

The Lost Sheep · 03-08-2020 4:08pm

Chico Flores wrote: »

Hadn’t heard a new prop coming into us, brilliant. Is he any good? Skehan probably knows him from down that way.

When he's in the mood he's very good but can be inconsistent.

Five Eighth · 03-08-2020 4:46pm

Chico Flores wrote: »

Hadn’t heard a new prop coming into us, brilliant. Is he any good? Skehan probably knows him from down that way.

Big lad, Good scrummager. On his day will hold his own against any AIL front row. Think he played with Ireland clubs v Scotland clubs last season.

Chico Flores · 03-08-2020 8:05pm

Cheers lads, good to hear.

D14Rugby · 04-08-2020 3:24pm

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

There is few fixtures that get near Nure Marys does but a lot of games will be fine for 200
1000 members but how many actually regularly attend games?

Just anecdotally Nure would seem to have higher than average crowds. Just get that impression from the clubs scene podcast where nearly everyone on it (Guests and hosts) talks about what a horrible place Lakelands is for visiting teams to play.

The thing with Nure Mary's though is its a whole day for the clubs, 5/6 games, a dinner, auctions, special speakers. Sure just between the games that's 240 people accounted for so if the limits aren't increased by then it'll be a serious financial setback for the clubs

Chico Flores · 04-08-2020 6:27pm

D14Rugby wrote: »

Just anecdotally Nure would seem to have higher than average crowds. Just get that impression from the clubs scene podcast where nearly everyone on it (Guests and hosts) talks about what a horrible place Lakelands is for visiting teams to play.

The thing with Nure Mary's though is its a whole day for the clubs, 5/6 games, a dinner, auctions, special speakers. Sure just between the games that's 240 people accounted for so if the limits aren't increased by then it'll be a serious financial setback for the clubs

100%, I try to go to games locally as they suit, Lansdowne obviously doesn’t cover too many number buts Clontarf usually have a decent crew in. The two Uni sides tend to have a more mixed bag of who is knocking around and the old boys

But when we play Marys it is a huge event. Minis in the AM etc, always a messy night!!

The Lost Sheep · 04-08-2020 6:33pm

D14Rugby wrote: »

Just anecdotally Nure would seem to have higher than average crowds. Just get that impression from the clubs scene podcast where nearly everyone on it (Guests and hosts) talks about what a horrible place Lakelands is for visiting teams to play.

The thing with Nure Mary's though is its a whole day for the clubs, 5/6 games, a dinner, auctions, special speakers. Sure just between the games that's 240 people accounted for so if the limits aren't increased by then it'll be a serious financial setback for the clubs

Ive been to plenty division 2 clubs that get higher crowds than lot of 1A sides. Nure probably do get higher than average crowds as they unlike plenty of clubs have both a close tie to a big school and also field huge numbers adult teams and underage sides and people support the main team
Really need to get more days out like nure marys and replicate that.

Chico Flores · 04-08-2020 10:52pm

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Ive been to plenty division 2 clubs that get higher crowds than lot of 1A sides. Nure probably do get higher than average crowds as they unlike plenty of clubs have both a close tie to a big school and also field huge numbers adult teams and underage sides and people support the main team
Really need to get more days out like nure marys and replicate that.

You can be a bit preachy you know Lost Sheep. Obviously we would all like massive crowds but the clubs, I think, know more about what they are doing than a bunch of lads on the internet. Or are trying, it is in their interest after all.

More to be done but you don’t need to bang the drum every 3rd page on clubs doing more etc, your feelings on it are clear.

The Lost Sheep · 04-08-2020 10:55pm

Chico Flores wrote: »

You can be a bit preachy you know Lost Sheep. Obviously we would all like massive crowds but the clubs, I think, know more about what they are doing than a bunch of lads on the internet. Or are trying, it is in their interest after all.

More to be done but you don’t need to bang the drum every page on clubs doing more etc, your feelings on it are clear.

There is so much bleating here and other places complaining what irfu dont do for them. well thats clubs not looking to do more or even the right stuff.
Maybe it is a bit preachy but its realistic.

Chico Flores · 04-08-2020 11:01pm

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

There is so much bleating here and other places complaining what irfu dont do for them. well thats clubs not looking to do more or even the right stuff.
Maybe it is a bit preachy but its realistic.

I don’t disagree, and not having a pop, just its a bit copy and paste, your stance on it is clear.

Honestly, Saturday PMs don’t suit lots of people. My brother has two small kids, who do minis in Nure and another one does karate or something, so he is off with them in the morning while his wife minds the 3rd smallie. He can’t very well then swan off for 3 hours to go to a game really.

I’m lucky enough to still be playing on a Saturday, so I miss games, but there are lads who we don’t have every week cause of something to do with their better halves, families etc like weddings or whatever so that’s a factor.

More games on a Friday night would be an easier sell for bigger crowds and a few drinks after and not lose the weekend.

The Lost Sheep · 04-08-2020 11:05pm

Chico Flores wrote: »

I don’t disagree, and not having a pop, just its a bit copy and paste, your stance on it is clear.

Honestly, Saturday PMs don’t suit lots of people. My brother has two small kids, who do minis in Nure and another one does karate or something, so he is off with them in the morning while his wife minds the 3rd smallie. He can’t very well then swan off for 3 hours to go to a game really.

I’m lucky enough to still be playing on a Saturday, so I miss games, but there are lads who we don’t have every week cause of something to do with their better halves, families etc like weddings or whatever so that’s a factor.

More games on a Friday night would be an easier sell for bigger crowds and a few drinks after and not lose the weekend.

Saturday afternoon isnt ideal all the time but hard to do much different
More fridays would be great but its up to clubs to look for them more. its in their power to do it. They try keep fridays to just local games and even then fridays dont suit some with work etc

Purple Fox · 05-08-2020 7:08am

Anymore Player Signings?

So far Lansdowne and Terenure seem to be the main two recruiting in 1A.

Chico Flores · 05-08-2020 11:04am

Purple Fox wrote: »

Anymore Player Signings?

So far Lansdowne and Terenure seem to be the main two recruiting in 1A.

I’ve mates playing/from Old Belvo and they are saying that bar some work, unless you’re in 1A a lot of recruitment put on hold as with no promotion or relegation.

Yeah the All Ireland comps might be nice, but not the be all and end all.

Stainalert · 05-08-2020 11:18pm

Belvo seem to be blooding a young team for the season ahead which is a good approach. I believe they have lost a couple of academy players though (Martin Moloney gone to Tarf and Roman Salanoa now gone to Munster) and also a rumour that Crosbie is not going to be involved in the season ahead (stand to be corrected on this one).

Understandable outside of 1A with no promotion why clubs aren't that focussed on recruitment - lots of other things to worry about thanks to COVID unfortunately.

Stainalert · 05-08-2020 11:19pm

Chico Flores wrote: »

100%, I try to go to games locally as they suit, Lansdowne obviously doesn’t cover too many number buts Clontarf usually have a decent crew in. The two Uni sides tend to have a more mixed bag of who is knocking around and the old boys

But when we play Marys it is a huge event. Minis in the AM etc, always a messy night!!

The club days where all the teams play each other are a great idea and should be rolled out across leinster if possible

The Lost Sheep · 05-08-2020 11:23pm

Stainalert wrote: »

The club days where all the teams play each other are a great idea and should be rolled out across leinster if possible

minis, youths, womens(where clubs have sides) and then adult sides. Should happen more nationwide. up to clubs to arrange it though

luke9311 · 06-08-2020 3:13am

Stainalert wrote: »

Belvo seem to be blooding a young team for the season ahead which is a good approach. I believe they have lost a couple of academy players though (Martin Moloney gone to Tarf and Roman Salanoa now gone to Munster) and also a rumour that Crosbie is not going to be involved in the season ahead (stand to be corrected on this one).

Understandable outside of 1A with no promotion why clubs aren't that focussed on recruitment - lots of other things to worry about thanks to COVID unfortunately.

If I’m not mistaken stevie has set up a business with that kiwi fella that is a coach of j1s or 20s I think valentine something another a 2nd row in his day and a few other lads selling sauna’s maybe business is picking up for him and can’t commit too much I guess only a thought tho as to why he’s not involved this season

The Lost Sheep · 12-08-2020 10:32am

SHANNON RFC have confirmed their coaching teams for the 2020/2021 season.

Tadhg Bennett will remain on as head coach with the Division 1B Energia All-Ireland League side.

The head coach will have Pat Brown as an assistant coach. Derek Corcoran, formerly of Nenagh and Young Munster, is Shannon's skills coach.

Chico Flores · 12-08-2020 1:08pm

Any other transfer news?

I assume Naas, Barnhall and Tullamore are affected by the current three county lockdown in terms of training etc

The Lost Sheep · 12-08-2020 9:46pm

senior cup draw up on leinster website.

Stainalert · 13-08-2020 8:24am

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

senior cup draw up on leinster website.

Can't find it have you a link

The Lost Sheep · 13-08-2020 10:52am

Stainalert wrote: »

Can't find it have you a link

in domestic fixtures/results on drop down for cups. its the only competition there apart from the 2 energia conferences

Purple Fox · 13-08-2020 11:52am

It seems to be the lower down AIL teams and then the 1A/1B higher teams will join in maybe a quarter final after the new year along with AIL?

The Lost Sheep · 13-08-2020 12:02pm

Purple Fox wrote: »

It seems to be the lower down AIL teams and then the 1A/1B higher teams will join in maybe a quarter final after the new year along with AIL?

at least the lower sides are competing for once. Has been a while since theres been a proper leinster senior cup.
would have to be an extra round ahead of a quarter if all division 1 sides enter the cup

Stainalert · 13-08-2020 12:53pm

Purple Fox wrote: »

It seems to be the lower down AIL teams and then the 1A/1B higher teams will join in maybe a quarter final after the new year along with AIL?

The 18 Senior teams have been divided into three tiers, top, middle and bottom, with six teams in each tier and last season’s finishing positions in the AIL when it was suspended determining positions in the three tiers.

The first round features the six teams in the bottom tier at home to the middle tier teams. The six winners will then host teams from the top tier on 12th September and the subsequent six winners will play in the 3rd round on 19th September. Three teams will be then left, at which stage there will be a draw with the first drawn team advancing to the final and the second drawn team hosting the remaining team in a semi-final. The semi-final and final will be played later in the season. There will be a draw at the end of each round for the following round.

stellenbosch · 13-08-2020 2:51pm

Stainalert wrote: »

The 18 Senior teams have been divided into three tiers, top, middle and bottom, with six teams in each tier and last season’s finishing positions in the AIL when it was suspended determining positions in the three tiers.

The first round features the six teams in the bottom tier at home to the middle tier teams. The six winners will then host teams from the top tier on 12th September and the subsequent six winners will play in the 3rd round on 19th September. Three teams will be then left, at which stage there will be a draw with the first drawn team advancing to the final and the second drawn team hosting the remaining team in a semi-final. The semi-final and final will be played later in the season. There will be a draw at the end of each round for the following round.

Heard Belvo pulled out already

Stainalert · 13-08-2020 5:35pm

stellenbosch wrote: »

Heard Belvo pulled out already

Really hope that's not the case - The competition deserves to be supported by senior clubs. Think Belvo were drawn against Wanderers.

The Lost Sheep · 13-08-2020 10:05pm

Stainalert wrote: »

The 18 Senior teams have been divided into three tiers, top, middle and bottom, with six teams in each tier and last season’s finishing positions in the AIL when it was suspended determining positions in the three tiers.

The first round features the six teams in the bottom tier at home to the middle tier teams. The six winners will then host teams from the top tier on 12th September and the subsequent six winners will play in the 3rd round on 19th September. Three teams will be then left, at which stage there will be a draw with the first drawn team advancing to the final and the second drawn team hosting the remaining team in a semi-final. The semi-final and final will be played later in the season. There will be a draw at the end of each round for the following round.

I get why they are doing it but pity you couldnt have an open draw with potential for division 2 clubs to be home to division 1 sides and you might see an upset.
Tarf/Lansdowne travelling to Enniscorthy, Tullamore would be great. When if ever have these clubs travelled with their first team to play in these venues?
The old All Ireland Cup was great for that and Munster and Ulster Senior Cup still allow that.

The Lost Sheep · 15-08-2020 1:31pm

RFU future competitions plan

Interesting to compare to AIL and IRFU
https://www.englandrugby.com/dxdam/b0/b02e107d-7f21-4ab7-9970-7e1e9fb59d83/Future%20Competitions%20Plan%20final.pdf

Risteard · 16-08-2020 9:58am

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

I get why they are doing it but pity you couldnt have an open draw with potential for division 2 clubs to be home to division 1 sides and you might see an upset.
Tarf/Lansdowne travelling to Enniscorthy, Tullamore would be great. When if ever have these clubs travelled with their first team to play in these venues?
The old All Ireland Cup was great for that and Munster and Ulster Senior Cup still allow that.

I remember a few years ago, our first senior season having been promoted, one of our first games was against Garryowen in the Munster Senior Cup first round, who played their full team. That was an experience.....:pac:

The Lost Sheep · 16-08-2020 8:25pm

Risteard wrote: »

I remember a few years ago, our first senior season having been promoted, one of our first games was against Garryowen in the Munster Senior Cup first round, who played their full team. That was an experience.....:pac:

Maybe for some but it could attract crowds and some of the bigger clubs could rest some best players if playing lower division clubs in early rounds.
there was some decent shocks iirc from the senior all ireland cup with all clubs competing

AIL 2020-2021

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