Pro14 Season 2019-2020

salmocab · 08-07-2020 1:53pm

In the long run it would be a nonsense for these teams to be in the pro 14/16 and not be able to enter Europe. I’d imagine they’d be looking for access to the bigger competition as part of joining.

troyzer · 08-07-2020 2:05pm

salmocab wrote: »

In the long run it would be a nonsense for these teams to be in the pro 14/16 and not be able to enter Europe. I’d imagine they’d be looking for access to the bigger competition as part of joining.

The Heineken Cup is probably on its last legs anyway.

The future is a club world cup with a Pro16/Premiership merger against Super Rugby, France and probably Japan for the money.

salmocab · 08-07-2020 2:57pm

troyzer wrote: »

The Heineken Cup is probably on its last legs anyway.

The future is a club world cup with a Pro16/Premiership merger against Super Rugby, France and probably Japan for the money.

I’m not so sure about this, just like the lines up season there are just far too many stakeholders for this to be likely. One of super rugby’s issues was distance this would only make things worse. The answer to everything these days seems to be amalgamate and make bigger but I’m really not sure these things are viable or likely.

molloyjh · 08-07-2020 2:59pm

I don't see how a global club competition could ever work. One of SRs biggest issues is the geographical distances and one of the biggest pros of European rugby is the ability for fans to travel to games with relative ease. Sure the money is in TV revenues, but if the stadiums aren't being filled it fundamentally damages the product.

I've no idea where this is all going to go, but the NH clubs have a pretty good and strong revenue stream. The English and the French just need to get their costs under control (easier said than done, even if the will is there). The best thing that can happen, and I see it is happening to some degree, is tighter restrictions on wages in those 2 countries. If they can get the spiralling wages under control then there is potential for genuine sustainability. But there's no point in trying to run before we can walk. And sadly there's been too much of that already.

Podge_irl · 08-07-2020 3:02pm

If the Heineken Cup goes it will be because the English and French leagues squeezed it out. It won't be replaced by anything except maybe some very short showpiece tournament.

PMC83 · 08-07-2020 3:17pm

salmocab wrote: »

In the long run it would be a nonsense for these teams to be in the pro 14/16 and not be able to enter Europe. I’d imagine they’d be looking for access to the bigger competition as part of joining.

If they are allowed into Europe, it will only strengthen the pro14 as there will be fewer places and make it more competitive.

We need teams to care about the PRO14 and take pride in playing it. Most of them just don't buy in as theres no relegation and there just isn't enough on the line. Adding more high-end teams will hopefully bring more money and more fans and kick start some of the interest that has been lacking.

Rigor Mortis · 08-07-2020 3:31pm

troyzer wrote: »

The Heineken Cup is probably on its last legs anyway.

The future is a club world cup with a Pro16/Premiership merger against Super Rugby, France and probably Japan for the money.

This is to be avoided at all costs. The pain in the neck of dealing with people like Bruce Craig and Nigel Melville will be nothing compared to including regular dealings with NZRU and ARU.

salmocab · 08-07-2020 3:34pm

PMC83 wrote: »

If they are allowed into Europe, it will only strengthen the pro14 as there will be fewer places and make it more competitive.

We need teams to care about the PRO14 and take pride in playing it. Most of them just don't buy in as theres no relegation and there just isn't enough on the line. Adding more high-end teams will hopefully bring more money and more fans and kick start some of the interest that has been lacking.

I’d agree with this, also to be playing in the PRO14 and not having the extra income stream from Europe would be very unfair which presumably currently doesn’t help the cheetahs or kings.

Burkie1203 · 12-07-2020 7:39pm

https://twitter.com/nkosi_milton/status/1282375153289240577?s=19

https://twitter.com/newschambers/status/1282381866968977410?s=19

Burkie1203 · 12-07-2020 8:40pm

Doesn't bode well for the new Pro14 season

https://twitter.com/irishexaminer/status/1282399087677997056?s=19

Cookiemunster · 12-07-2020 8:57pm

Just revert back to Pro 12 for this season. It's looking like Cheetahs and Kings are going to be binned anyway.

Dog Botherer · 12-07-2020 9:07pm

Burkie1203 wrote: »

https://twitter.com/nkosi_milton/status/1282375153289240577?s=19

https://twitter.com/newschambers/status/1282381866968977410?s=19

doubt we’ll see any South African rugby this year

shootermacg · 13-07-2020 3:40pm

Cookiemunster wrote: »

Just revert back to Pro 12 for this season. It's looking like Cheetahs and Kings are going to be binned anyway.

I think the Cheetahs could feel hard done by if that's the case. They've been worth their spot this season.

connachta · 13-07-2020 3:42pm

Cookiemunster wrote: »

Just revert back to Pro 12 for this season. It's looking like Cheetahs and Kings are going to be binned anyway.

Yes Pro12 now more likely than Pro16 for now... Home and away games anyway

thomond2006 · 14-07-2020 1:45pm

Sione Kalamafoni signing for Scarlets from Leicester.

Burkie1203 · 17-07-2020 5:38pm

https://twitter.com/SARugbymag/status/1283998362719735808?s=19

Burkie1203 · 21-07-2020 4:54pm

Ominous

https://twitter.com/ultimaterugby/status/1285554654592598016?s=19

Dog Botherer · 21-07-2020 9:48pm

yep, not surprising. probably looking at late spring/early summer 2021 before anything gets going in SA.

Eod100 · 22-07-2020 1:09pm

Fixtures out https://twitter.com/PRO14Official/status/1285907500173328384?s=19

bilston · 22-07-2020 1:20pm

Eod100 wrote: »

Fixtures out https://twitter.com/PRO14Official/status/1285907500173328384?s=19

So do we just forget about the Cheetahs and Kings?

Were the Cheetahs not in the running for a play off spot?

Eod100 · 22-07-2020 1:33pm

bilston wrote: »

So do we just forget about the Cheetahs and Kings?

Were the Cheetahs not in the running for a play off spot?

More detail in the link:

''At this point, no dates have been fixed for the Guinness PRO14 derby games between the Toyota Cheetahs and the Isuzu Southern Kings. Due to the current conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic in South Africa, both teams have only been allowed to return to non-contact training this week. PRO14 Rugby remains in constant dialogue with SA Rugby and the clubs and aim to identify appropriate dates for the two derbies when possible.''

bilston · 22-07-2020 2:51pm

Well I'll just be grateful for some Irish rugby. The NZ comp has been fine, but when you have little knowledge of most players and no connection to the team's it can be a hard enough watch sometimes.

It will be odd without spectators, even with a few hundred it will be a bit strange.

Cookiemunster · 22-07-2020 3:16pm

bilston wrote: »

So do we just forget about the Cheetahs and Kings?

Were the Cheetahs not in the running for a play off spot?

The play offs have been reduced to just the two semis and the final so only the top two from each conference goes into the knockouts. They're already out of it as they can't catch Ulster in second.

bilston · 23-07-2020 6:58pm

Spectators can attend outdoor sporting events in Northern Ireland from tomorrow. Given that North and South have followed a fairly similar path for lockdown easements this might increase the chance of some spectators getting to attend the August Inter Pros.

bilston · 23-07-2020 6:59pm

Cookiemunster wrote: »

The play offs have been reduced to just the two semis and the final so only the top two from each conference goes into the knockouts. They're already out of it as they can't catch Ulster in second.

Fair point.

salmocab · 23-07-2020 7:11pm

bilston wrote: »

Spectators can attend outdoor sporting events in Northern Ireland from tomorrow. Given that North and South have followed a fairly similar path for lockdown easements this might increase the chance of some spectators getting to attend the August Inter Pros.

I’d suspect they will leave it behind closed doors regardless to get the playing side of things right first before adding the extra element. Might mean the actual clubs brining a few Extra along though.

bilston · 30-07-2020 7:17pm

It seems likely that the Edinburgh v Glasgow game at Murrayfield in August could be used as a test event for allowing spectators back into Scottish sports grounds.

Too easy to make jokes about this...but on a serious point it would be great to see fans back...Still think there is a long way to go before we even get to late August though in terms of Covid.

Clegg · 03-08-2020 4:04pm

https://twitter.com/thepaulwilliams/status/1290302192826699776?s=19

connachta · 03-08-2020 4:30pm

Clegg wrote: »

https://twitter.com/thepaulwilliams/status/1290302192826699776?s=19

Well Connact beasts Aki, Robb and Daly are not the least afraid by the old Roberts :cool:

thomond2006 · 03-08-2020 6:28pm

Clegg wrote: »

https://twitter.com/thepaulwilliams/status/1290302192826699776?s=19

A good marketing signing but Roberts is years' past his best.

connachta · 07-08-2020 10:18am

Do you think Celtic Rugby is re-inforced long-term or not, compared to others?

I think Welsh Rugby is, despite WRU finances, a huge threat

- Scarlets still competive as the most popular and regular team
- Cardiff has had a very decent squad for years, it will work out in the end
- Dragons recruited heavily with WRU takeover
- Ospreys big investor money will be seen later

Edinburgh rise is Glasgow loss, overall a thin reserve in Scottish rugby

In Ireland, strategy in place to move lots of players from Leinster to other provinces is paying off, without weakening them IMO
Munster and Ulster are competitive on the paper, let's see how Connacht develop very young but promising talents

bilston · 07-08-2020 9:49pm

So sport has been banned for two weeks in Kildare, Laois and Offaly. If that were to be extended to Dublin does that mean the Inter Pros will be cancelled? Or will there will be special dispensation for professional teams who have been tested reasonably regularly?

Could they be moved to Limerick, Belfast or Galway in such a scenario?

The Lost Sheep · 07-08-2020 9:51pm

bilston wrote: »

So sport has been banned for two weeks in Kildare, Laois and Offaly. If that were to be extended to Dublin does that mean the Inter Pros will be cancelled? Or will there will be special dispensation for professional teams who have been tested reasonably regularly?

Could they be moved to Limerick, Belfast or Galway in such a scenario?

Dispensation would be granted i imagine. Despite the ban in place this weekend there is still racing going ahead in the Curragh on Sunday

Sheep Shagger · 07-08-2020 11:04pm

bilston wrote: »

So sport has been banned for two weeks in Kildare, Laois and Offaly. If that were to be extended to Dublin does that mean the Inter Pros will be cancelled? Or will there will be special dispensation for professional teams who have been tested reasonably regularly?

Could they be moved to Limerick, Belfast or Galway in such a scenario?

Professional sports teams can still train in the affected counties.

Interpros would still go ahead....they are behind closed doors and for the players and staff is 'work'.

Burkie1203 · 11-08-2020 2:58pm

Some scottish football matches are off this weekend, in Celtics case a player travelled to spain and said nothing about it.

Cookiemunster · 11-08-2020 3:11pm

Burkie1203 wrote: »

Some scottish football matches are off this weekend, in Celtics case a player travelled to spain and said nothing about it.

Aberdeen and Celtics next two fixtures postponed. It's all about players breaking the rules. 8 Aberdeen players went to a bar drinking and 2 got the virus. Their game last weekend was postponed too.

Not really relevant to the Pro14 TBH, unless Glasgow and Edinburgh players do similar.

EDIT It seems that these postponements aren't for safety reasons (all Celtic players have been tested twice and are clear), they're punishment from Nicola Sturgeon. Deflecting from others issues affecting her government me thinks. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53729449

Burkie1203 · 11-08-2020 3:20pm

Cookiemunster wrote: »

Aberdeen and Celtics next two fixtures postponed. It's all about players breaking the rules. 8 Aberdeen players went to a bar drinking and 2 got the virus. Their game last weekend was postponed too.

Not really relevant to the Pro14 TBH, unless Glasgow and Edinburgh players do similar.

EDIT It seems that these postponements aren't for safety reason, they're punishment from Nicola Sturgeon. Deflecting from others issues affectimg her government me thinks.

It has implications for pro14/HC with cross border travel though. If that's the line they take.

Cookiemunster · 11-08-2020 3:23pm

Burkie1203 wrote: »

It has implications for pro14/HC with cross border travel though. If that's the line they take.

There is no medical reason to postpone these games as everyone involved from the two clubs has been tested since and is clear. This is a political stunt to deflect from her handling of the school grades scandal. Rugby doesn't have the same profile, so won't get the same treatment.

Burkie1203 · 11-08-2020 3:53pm

Cookiemunster wrote: »

There is no medical reason to postpone these games as everyone involved from the two clubs has been tested since and is clear. This is a political stunt to deflect from her handling of the school grades scandal. Rugby doesn't have the same profile, so won't get the same treatment.

I dont do conspiracy theories.

Some UEFA Europa league games are getting called off too between teams from small nations as a result of a few positive tests.

Cookiemunster · 11-08-2020 4:16pm

Burkie1203 wrote: »

I dont do conspiracy theories.

Some UEFA Europa league games are getting called off too between teams from small nations as a result of a few positive tests.

There's one game postponed between Linfield and Drita from Kosovo because a player tested positive yesterday. The game had already been moved to Switzerland due to the case numbers in Kosovo. Atletico Madrid had two positive cases, but tested the rest of the squad, got the all clear and traveled to Portugal to play their CL match.

Positive tests are not the reason that the SPL games are off. The First Minister has stated that she wanted them off as punishment for the players actions. That's not a conspiracy theory, it's what she actually said.
From the article I linked above.

At her daily briefing earlier on Tuesday, Ms Sturgeon said that "as a minimum, you should not be expecting to see Aberdeen or Celtic play in the coming week."
She added: "Consider today the yellow card. The next time it will be the red card because you will leave us with absolutely no choice."

aloooof · 11-08-2020 4:28pm

Cookiemunster wrote: »

There is no medical reason to postpone these games as everyone involved from the two clubs has been tested since and is clear. This is a political stunt to deflect from her handling of the school grades scandal. Rugby doesn't have the same profile, so won't get the same treatment.

Tangent, but scandal seems far too severe, imo. They had to come up with a completely new system, at short notice, in unprecedented circumstances. They got it wrong, but it was hardly large-scale bribery or corruption.

Former Former · 11-08-2020 4:29pm

Cookiemunster wrote: »

There's one game postponed between Linfield and Drita from Kosovo because a player tested positive yesterday. The game had already been moved to Switzerland due to the case numbers in Kosovo. Atletico Madrid had two positive cases, but tested the rest of the squad, got the all clear and traveled to Portugal to play their CL match.

Positive tests are not the reason that the SPL games are off. The First Minister has stated that she wanted them off as punishment for the players actions. That's not a conspiracy theory, it's what she actually said.
From the article I linked above.

Do you not think they should be punished? That they should just be let off with this pretty outrageous behaviour?

bob mcbob · 11-08-2020 4:50pm

Cookiemunster wrote: »

There is no medical reason to postpone these games as everyone involved from the two clubs has been tested since and is clear. This is a political stunt to deflect from her handling of the school grades scandal. Rugby doesn't have the same profile, so won't get the same treatment.

Well Neil Lennon does not seem to see it that way -

It will be "very difficult" for Boli Bolingoli to be accepted back into the Celtic dressing room, says "livid" manager Neil Lennon.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53737214

Cookiemunster · 11-08-2020 6:26pm

Former Former wrote: »

Do you not think they should be punished? That they should just be let off with this pretty outrageous behaviour?

bob mcbob wrote: »

Well Neil Lennon does not seem to see it that way -

It will be "very difficult" for Boli Bolingoli to be accepted back into the Celtic dressing room, says "livid" manager Neil Lennon.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53737214

Quite obviously the players should be punished (I never said they shouldn't be?), but what's the point in trying to punish the clubs by forcing them to postpone fixtures? It doesn't really punish them as they'll be played eventually anyway, and there's no danger of transmission as all players and staff have been tested at least twice since the incidents.

As I said it's a political decision to postpone the games. The players will be disciplined by their clubs if they haven't already been.

Cookiemunster · 13-08-2020 10:24pm

Could the Pro 14 soon be looking for a new broadcaster? Eir look to be having trouble paying their bills.

https://www.the42.ie/virgin-media-eir-sport-5175418-Aug2020/

Virgin Media
“We have suspended our supply of Virgin Media Sport and Virgin Media Sport Extra to eir Sport because, eir has failed to pay the contracted distribution licence fee.

Eir
“In common with other live entertainment businesses operating through this pandemic, eir Sports can only pay for the sports events that actually take place.

“We have consistently offered fair terms to each of our live sports content providers to reflect the reduced timetable, however Virgin Media has not agreed to updated terms and has taken the unreasonable step of unilaterally withholding their feed from Virgin Media Sports viewers on the eir network.

“eir Sports remains committed to offering the best in available live sports entertainment and we are working towards a swift resolution to this issue.”

Larbre34 · 13-08-2020 10:55pm

Lets hope so. The ridiculous proliferation of subscriptions required to watch our sport needs to change. Returning live Pro14 to terrestrial or at a push Sky or BT would be fantastic.

If I subscribed to Eir I'd be cancelling the DD immediately, likely to be dead money within weeks.

Former Former · 14-08-2020 12:24am

Eh? Dead money?

There's no suggestion that eir can't pay, just that they don't think they should have to.

awec · 14-08-2020 8:54am

Former Former wrote: »

Eh? Dead money?

There's no suggestion that eir can't pay, just that they don't think they should have to.

I think it’s a reasonable enough suggestion that Eir may be struggling.

Their coverage of the league has been an amateur mess.

molloyjh · 14-08-2020 9:23am

Former Former wrote: »

Eh? Dead money?

There's no suggestion that eir can't pay, just that they don't think they should have to.

Which is the mother of all ironies given that they continued charging the same amount for their sports package after losing BT.

Former Former · 14-08-2020 9:42am

awec wrote: »

I think it’s a reasonable enough suggestion that Eir may be struggling.

It's not, it's really not. Eir is very profitable.

awec wrote: »

Their coverage of the league has been an amateur mess.

No argument there, but the lads above are engaging in a bit of wishful thinking that they'll go bust.

This is Virgin Media acting the dick. Like, pulling the plug just as a Champions League game is about to start, then just telling people to ring Eir about it?

Pro14 Season 2019-2020

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