Connacht Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread - Part II

Zzippy · 13-04-2014 6:31pm

Lam on player signings:

http://www.connachtrugby.ie/lam-on-player-movement/#ConnachtNews

Following the announcement yesterday that Super Rugby centre Bundee Aki has signed for Connacht on three year deal, Head Coach Pat Lam today reiterated that the Chiefs’ back is a direct replacement for the outgoing Eoin Griffin (London Irish) and Kyle Tonetti (retired).

“Obviously we had to look at signing a midfielder when we knew we’d be without Griffin and Tonetti next year. We also anticipate that Robbie (Henshaw) will be away in camp during the international windows and we have to make sure we are covered in that area.

“There has been a lot of talk in the last week about the possibility of Robbie leaving Connacht for another Irish province. Robbie signed a new deal this season that says he will be playing at the Sportsground until 2016 at least. He showed that he is happy here playing with his home province. There are no plans for him to move before then.

“The IRFU have been very supportive of Connacht and what we are trying to achieve here. I have a very good relationship with Joe (Schmidt) and there are good lines of communication between us. We talk regularly on games and players and he is especially supportive of the Connacht rugby programme going forward.

“We look forward to confirming some more player signings in the coming weeks for the 2014/15 season.”

Noopti · 14-04-2014 8:45am

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/9938620/Bundee-Aki-targets-Irish-jersey-as-he-quits-NZ

Aki, in particular, is considered a genuine talent, who has real potential to kick on.

After chasing another title with the Chiefs and finishing up with Counties Manukau this year, he will instead take his partner and two children and join former Blues coach Pat Lam at Irish club Connacht.

And after serving there for three years, Aki hopes to play his way into the Irish national team – coached by New Zealanders Joe Schmidt and John Plumtree – on residency grounds.

Teferi · 14-04-2014 9:56am

Zzippy wrote: »

Lam on player signings:

http://www.connachtrugby.ie/lam-on-player-movement/#ConnachtNews

Ah, so that's confirmation that Leinster are getting Payne

b.gud · 15-04-2014 2:23pm

Great to see Heenan and Clarke being involved in some way in training

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152114736858562.1073741894.115936553561&type=1&l=b1941ed056

Zzippy · 15-04-2014 3:26pm

Indo stoking speculation again about Robbie being forced to move :mad:

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/rabodirect-pro12/henshaw-future-in-new-chiefs-hands-30185711.html

Leinster knew for the last 2 years that BOD wouldn't be around much longer, they had their chance to move for Robbie but he signed a new contract. Wish that would be respected by whoever is pushing this agenda and briefing journos off the record...

CatFromHue · 15-04-2014 3:33pm

I don't think there's anything new in that article so it could just be a space filler in the paper.

It said as well that Ulster and Munster were after him so leave Leinster alone, we're not so bad really :P

freyners · 15-04-2014 3:36pm

b.gud wrote: »

Great to see Heenan and Clarke being involved in some way in training

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152114736858562.1073741894.115936553561&type=1&l=b1941ed056

Great to see Brett still on the sidelines, hes a good resource for the younger props to turn to

Hagz · 15-04-2014 3:43pm

Well it's clear Leinster aren't after him.

Neil3030 · 15-04-2014 4:03pm

If anything I'd take Aki's arrival as confirming Henshaw will go nowhere. With the arrival of a quality inside centre who could become IQ, it seems the most sensible thing to do is to let him blood alongside an up-and-coming 13 for a couple of years.

Zzippy · 15-04-2014 4:26pm

Neil3030 wrote: »

If anything I'd take Aki's arrival as confirming Henshaw will go nowhere. With the arrival of a quality inside centre who could become IQ, it seems the most sensible thing to do is to let him blood alongside an up-and-coming 13 for a couple of years.

Is Aki not a 13 himself though?

b.gud · 15-04-2014 4:29pm

Zzippy wrote: »

Is Aki not a 13 himself though?

He seemed to be wearing 12 the whole time in the highlights video that was posted just after his signing

Bazzo · 15-04-2014 4:39pm

As far as I know he can play either position but seems to prefer 12.

S12b · 15-04-2014 4:45pm

Swiwi, the resident expert on all things New Zealand, said he was very much a 12 but I'm sure a potential All Black (again his words) could do a job at 13 if he had to!!

Swiwi. · 15-04-2014 4:49pm

S12b wrote: »

Swiwi, the resident expert on all things New Zealand, said he was very much a 12 but I'm sure a potential All Black (again his words) could do a job at 13 if he had to!!

He's a 12, but like most 12s, I'm sure he could play 13, especially at Rabo level, maybe less so if Connacht sees HEC action. I can't see the point in playing him at 13, though, I don't think Connacht have a better option at 12, but correct me if I'm wrong.

wp_rathead · 15-04-2014 4:52pm

Swiwi. wrote: »

He's a 12, but like most 12s, I'm sure he could play 13, especially at Rabo level, maybe less so if Connacht sees HEC action. I can't see the point in playing him at 13, though, I don't think Connacht have a better option at 12, but correct me if I'm wrong.

When Robbie away with International id expect Aki would move 13 and McSharry at 12

stephen_n · 15-04-2014 4:53pm

Pretty tasty combination with Henshaw at 13, would be interesting to see that.

Swiwi. · 15-04-2014 4:54pm

OK, so will any Connacht supporters watch their new signing in action this Saturday morning, or will I be relied upon for a 2nd-hand match report

Tox56 · 15-04-2014 4:55pm

Swiwi. wrote: »

He's a 12, but like most 12s, I'm sure he could play 13, especially at Rabo level, maybe less so if Connacht sees HEC action. I can't see the point in playing him at 13, though, I don't think Connacht have a better option at 12, but correct me if I'm wrong.

McSharry had a bit of a golden patch when he was fit a year or so ago and was in or around the Ireland squad. Cant be relied upon as hes so frequently injured but as a second choice centre partnership 12 McSharry 13 Aki stands out as clearly superior to anything else Connacht have

Zzippy · 15-04-2014 5:03pm

Swiwi. wrote: »

OK, so will any Connacht supporters watch their new signing in action this Saturday morning, or will I be relied upon for a 2nd-hand match report

As I don't have Sky a full highlights reel would be great. Cheers!

Swiwi. · 15-04-2014 5:39pm

Zzippy wrote: »

As I don't have Sky a full highlights reel would be great. Cheers!

I'll be watching the first 40, then I'm off with the other half to...Clifden of all places for the weekend...so I'm not sure what will happen about the 2nd 40

wp_rathead · 15-04-2014 5:51pm

Swiwi. wrote: »

I'll be watching the first 40, then I'm off with the other half to...Clifden of all places for the weekend...so I'm not sure what will happen about the 2nd 40

Clifden
Home of the All Blacks Swiwi - you will fit right in

Swiwi. · 15-04-2014 5:55pm

wprathead wrote: »

Clifden
Home of the All Blacks Swiwi - you will fit right in

It's a great spot - love Connemara - have been there before, so should be a great trip out West! Just don't let it rain...

freyners · 15-04-2014 6:30pm

Swiwi. wrote: »

It's a great spot - love Connemara - have been there before, so should be a great trip out West! Just don't let it rain...

From what I gathered on the wireless your in luck, decent weather out west this weekend, all the better for us to hopefully cut munster to ribbons

Swiwi. · 15-04-2014 6:33pm

freyners wrote: »

From what I gathered on the wireless your in luck, decent weather out west this weekend, all the better for us to hopefully cut munster to ribbons

Excellent! Connemara, West Cork and Donegal are my favourite spots to visit, but especially Connemara. We've also been to the Aran Islands, that was fun too.

Mal-Adjusted · 15-04-2014 6:52pm

wprathead wrote: »

Clifden
Home of the All Blacks Swiwi - you will fit right in

I saw Connemara play in their last ever AIL game there a while ago...it wasn't a pretty sight

wp_rathead · 15-04-2014 8:39pm

Ya they happier at Junior level playing local teams tbh

freyners · 16-04-2014 1:04pm

Finn, Qualter, Leader, Heffernan and Bealham all sign 1 year contracts

http://www.connachtrugby.ie/five-players-rewarded-with-new-deals/#ConnachtNews

wp_rathead · 16-04-2014 3:41pm

Could have given Leader and Heffernan a two year deal in truth but good news to hear

b.gud · 16-04-2014 4:02pm

wprathead wrote: »

Could have given Leader and Heffernan a two year deal in truth but good news to hear

Didn't they do the same with Marmion and Henshaw give them a one year deal to get them out of the academy and then lock them down with 2 year deals early on in the year.

jacothelad · 16-04-2014 4:22pm

Swiwi. wrote: »

I'll be watching the first 40, then I'm off with the other half to...Clifden of all places for the weekend...so I'm not sure what will happen about the 2nd 40

Eat at the restaurant called 'Off The Square'. The owner is a rugby man. Good grub too. Go to Roundstone. It's a must. The scenery is ball breaking...and drive up through the Twelve Pins to Westport and Croagh Patrick and back to Clifden vis Louisburgh and Killary Harbour. Magical. Then get hammered in Clifden.:D

Zzippy · 16-04-2014 11:11pm

jacothelad wrote: »

Eat at the restaurant called 'Off The Square'. The owner is a rugby man. Good grub too. Go to Roundstone. It's a must. The scenery is ball breaking...and drive up through the Twelve Pins to Westport and Croagh Patrick and back to Clifden vis Louisburgh and Killary Harbour. Magical. Then get hammered in Clifden.:D

How's the job going in Failte Ireland?

b.gud · 17-04-2014 9:10am

Swiwi. wrote: »

OK, so will any Connacht supporters watch their new signing in action this Saturday morning, or will I be relied upon for a 2nd-hand match report

What time is it on at? I might try to get to watch it.

Zzippy wrote: »

As I don't have Sky a full highlights reel would be great. Cheers!

Me either but that's never stopped me before :P

WallyGUFC · 17-04-2014 10:14am

http://www.connachtrugby.ie/connacht-sign-super-xv-hookerprop-tom-mccartney/#ConnachtNews

New signing at hooker. Any good do ye reckon?

.ak · 17-04-2014 10:17am

WallyGUFC wrote: »

http://www.connachtrugby.ie/connacht-sign-super-xv-hookerprop-tom-mccartney/#ConnachtNews

New signing at hooker. Any good do ye reckon?

“I believe Galway is a fantastic city and both myself and my fiancée Taryn, whose grandfather is from County Cork, are really looking forward to settling in over there.

Somebody has been going through SANZAR's last few generations of census...

thomond2006 · 17-04-2014 10:20am

WallyGUFC wrote: »

http://www.connachtrugby.ie/connacht-sign-super-xv-hookerprop-tom-mccartney/#ConnachtNews

New signing at hooker. Any good do ye reckon?

Is James Rael on the way out so? He hasn't got a look in since October.

yuinc · 17-04-2014 10:20am

thomond2006 wrote: »

Is James Rael on the way out so?

yup. Too small.

b.gud · 17-04-2014 10:29am

.ak wrote: »

Somebody has been going through SANZAR's last few generations of census...

Yeah, but it being his fiancée seems like they are really pushing to show that this player has a connection to Ireland

Robbo · 17-04-2014 10:35am

thomond2006 wrote: »

Is James Rael on the way out so? He hasn't got a look in since October.

I think he was on a sort-of-loan deal where it was always the plan that he head back to Munster having seen if he could get a bit of game time in Connacht.

I'm not sure as to how to think of this. With the hookers: I see JHW as future captain, Sean Henry was going well before the injury and Dave Heffernan's conversion has begun to pay off. On the other hand, Wilkinson needed replacing so I'd see this as more of a prop signing.

Also, given how we've become quite a potent scrummaging team, being able to have a bit of versatility there to keep turning the screw can only work out well.

thomond2006 · 17-04-2014 10:38am

Robbo wrote: »

I think he was on a sort-of-loan deal where it was always the plan that he head back to Munster having seen if he could get a bit of game time in Connacht.

Are you sure? I thought he was surplus to requirements at Munster. He certainly isn't needed now with the emergence of Casey and the contract extension of Scannell.

yuinc · 17-04-2014 10:42am

thomond2006 wrote: »

Are you sure? I thought he was surplus to requirements at Munster. He certainly isn't needed now with the emergence of Casey and the contract extension of Scannell.

it wasn't a loan deal at all.. he won't be back at Munster..

WallyGUFC · 17-04-2014 10:51am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL3sNfd2WJ0

Bizarre enough...

b.gud · 17-04-2014 10:54am

WallyGUFC wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YL3sNfd2WJ0

Bizarre enough...

What the hell did I just watch

.ak · 17-04-2014 11:00am

b.gud wrote: »

Yeah, but it being his fiancée seems like they are really pushing to show that this player has a connection to Ireland

If he marries her they'll probably find a way.

former legend · 17-04-2014 11:01am

Connacht are really racking up the foreigners at this stage;

Clarke, Heenan, Naoupu, Poolman, Aki, McCartney, Fifita and possibly Parks for next season, plus Ah You and White who will be qualifed on residency. Is Nikora staying on?

b.gud · 17-04-2014 11:04am

.ak wrote: »

If he marries her they'll probably find a way.

I wonder can would that actually work? I'm sure someone at the IRFU is looking at the rules as we speak

former legend wrote: »

Connacht are really racking up the foreigners at this stage;

Clarke, Heenan, Naoupu, Poolman, Aki, McCartney, Fifita and possibly Parks for next season, plus Ah You and White who will be qualifed on residency. Is Nikora staying on?

Is it next year or the year after that Poolman is IQ? I thought I read somewhere recently that Fifita is IQ now, I'll see if I can find the link. Not sure about Nikora

Zzippy · 17-04-2014 11:05am

former legend wrote: »

Connacht are really racking up the foreigners at this stage;

Clarke, Heenan, Naoupu, Poolman, Aki, McCartney, Fifita and possibly Parks for next season, plus Ah You and White who will be qualifed on residency. Is Nikora staying on?

Heenan, Aki and Poolman are project players. Ah You is already IQ, I think White will be shortly. Nikora has been IQ for a while now, Fifita too. That leaves 3 non-IQs who cannot qualify, hardly "racking up the foreigners".

yuinc · 17-04-2014 11:08am

just because they have become IQ through residency doesn't mean they aren't foreigners.. not that there is anything bad about it but lets not pretend they are irish

b.gud · 17-04-2014 11:11am

former legend wrote: »

Connacht are really racking up the foreigners at this stage;

Clarke, Heenan, Naoupu, Poolman, Aki, McCartney, Fifita and possibly Parks for next season, plus Ah You and White who will be qualifed on residency. Is Nikora staying on?

Yup signed an extension at the same time as Carty and TOH
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/connacht-re-sign-a-trio-of-backs-1.1695934

former legend · 17-04-2014 11:25am

Zzippy wrote: »

Heenan, Aki and Poolman are project players. Ah You is already IQ, I think White will be shortly. Nikora has been IQ for a while now, Fifita too. That leaves 3 non-IQs who cannot qualify, hardly "racking up the foreigners".

It was an observation, not a dig, but however you want to count them, it's more foreigners arriving at a time when the other provinces are being made to reduce the number of imports.

I'm all for foreign players btw, especially if it makes Connacht competitive.

Zzippy · 17-04-2014 11:34am

former legend wrote: »

It was an observation, not a dig, but however you want to count them, it's more foreigners arriving at a time when the other provinces are being made to reduce the number of imports.

I'm all for foreign players btw, especially if it makes Connacht competitive.

Wasn't taken as a dig, so no offence taken, but there's no difference between any of those players and the likes of Strauss, Payne, Court, and I can't remember the last time I heard any of them referred to as a foreigner.

Wrt to fairness between the provinces, I'm all for it - I wouldn't mind Connacht being forced to follow the same rules as the other 3 on foreign players, as long as that's reflected by equality in funding too. That would go a long way to making Connacht competitive...

Connacht Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread - Part II

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