Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

connachta · 09-07-2020 11:59am

evil_seed wrote: »

You're back row is all mixed up IMO

Butler will be moved to 7, as soon as Papali'i comes. I'm nearly sure of it. Oliver is good IMO, better then some said, but not 1st choice

the rest is about E.Masterson or SOB at 6 or 8. I've got no firm opinion about it

Bazzo · 09-07-2020 12:14pm

Mul, it's over

connachta wrote: »

Butler will be moved to 7, as soon as Papali'i comes. I'm nearly sure of it. Oliver is good IMO, better then some said, but not 1st choice

the rest is about E.Masterson or SOB at 6 or 8. I've got no firm opinion about it

Personally I think you're more likely to see SOB at 6 and Boyle at 8, not that it matters much what number they wear as the back row will be the same.

realhorrorshow · 09-07-2020 12:16pm

connachta wrote: »

Butler will be moved to 7, as soon as Papali'i comes. I'm nearly sure of it. Oliver is good IMO, better then some said, but not 1st choice

the rest is about E.Masterson or SOB at 6 or 8. I've got no firm opinion about it

I think our best back row now is some combination of SOB, Butler, and Boyle. SOB is bullish about his ability to play 8, but I prefer him at 6. Papali'i will have his work cut out displacing Boyle.

connachta · 09-07-2020 12:21pm

He will cause havoc.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1280865804536381440
He was fast to get tired, even when he played XIII. So probably a regular and efficient impact n°20 at first times.

Wegians89 · 09-07-2020 1:42pm

The Friend Zone

With good conditioning and the right attitude papalii could be a very exciting signing

realhorrorshow · 09-07-2020 3:26pm

By my extremely rudimentary calculations the average age of the senior squad is ~25.5 years.

Tommybojangles · 09-07-2020 3:28pm

Mul, it's over

Back row looks light when you factor in SOB and Masterson inevitable injury and the totally unknown nature of the new lad. Would make a huge difference if he can make a good contribution

connemara man · 09-07-2020 4:02pm

The Friend Zone

I watched through some Bay highlights and he definitely had hands on hips more than you'd want to see especially near the opposition tryline.
But when he get going he's some wrecking Ball.

JOC will whip him into shape and I get the feeling from Andy if your not fighting to start and annoyed when you don't you're not gonna be around long

Lucas44 · 09-07-2020 4:20pm

connachta wrote: »

FFS, hope it's just based on the "theorical maximum" (12 months)

It’s generally 9-10 months when working side by side with physios and treatment centres everyday, with everything going on have to think he wasn’t able to see the aus 7s physio for a few weeks which would of set him back despite being able to communicate via zoom or what not

KBurke85 · 09-07-2020 4:35pm

The Friend Zone

Tommybojangles wrote: »

Back row looks light when you factor in SOB and Masterson inevitable injury and the totally unknown nature of the new lad. Would make a huge difference if he can make a good contribution

In fairness to Masterson he was pretty much involved in most games last season.

Richie_Rich89 · 09-07-2020 5:08pm

Mul, it's over

Papali'i looks like just the right type of powerful ball-carrier Connacht needed. He should be pretty skillful too, coming from NZ. It doesn't look as if he's tied to any other country, so he could qualify for Ireland by the 2025 Autumn internationals if he stays around that long. He'd be 32 by then.

sydthebeat · 09-07-2020 7:43pm

The Friend Zone

Richie_Rich89 wrote: »

Papali'i looks like just the right type of powerful ball-carrier Connacht needed. He should be pretty skillful too, coming from NZ. It doesn't look as if he's tied to any other country, so he could qualify for Ireland by the 2025 Autumn internationals if he stays around that long. He'd be 32 by then.

i honestly dont think anyone in the IRFU would have had that high on the list of USPs when looking at papali'i. Yes he may qualify... but anyone looking at a project that lasts 5 years shouldn't be looking at a 27 year old.

Dog Botherer · 09-07-2020 8:29pm

You've got a Friend in me

reminds me of a younger Nick Williams tbh

connachta · 09-07-2020 8:48pm

Dog Botherer wrote: »

reminds me of a younger Nick Williams tbh

I haven't dared to say but yeah that was my goal, 15kg lighter:P

ClanofLams · 09-07-2020 9:01pm

Mul, it's over

There’s an awful lot of hype here around a 27 year old who has basically never played professional rugby.

thomond2006 · 09-07-2020 9:09pm

Some Like It TOH

He reminds me of Kieran Read.

connachta · 09-07-2020 9:29pm

ClanofLams wrote: »

There’s an awful lot of hype here around a 27 year old who has basically never played professional rugby.

There’s an beautiful lot of hype here around a guy who can carry a ball across the ganeline, which we had not had for 5 years (Naoupu)

Diabhal Beag · 09-07-2020 9:35pm

I'd love to see Boyle fighting it out for 8 with the newbie. I see a much higher ceiling for Boyle at 8 than Butler (who works his bollocks off but is a better 7 which hopefully we'll get to see next season).

connachta · 09-07-2020 10:28pm

Right about Butler at 7
Boyle is too light to play there. I don't think everyone should be Nick Williams but between 108 kg (Boyle and Butler), and him (130kg),
there are the mobile ball-carrying 8s I love, 115-120kg, Big George, and now Big Papa:D

connachta · 09-07-2020 10:44pm

It's not like we were like Montpellier with too much mass around the park.

Roux, Robb, Daly, and now Sullivan and Papali'i are the 5 only among 43 who are above average corpulence
McAllister for a LH slightly maybe, and Kenny but he may slim a bit
let's admit 7 heavy guys

on the other hand, Healy, Heff, Aungier, Thornbury, Dowling, Murray, Oliver, Butler, Porsh have huge qualities but not physical guys (Boyle to a lesser extent I admit)

So we have (now, with this big n°8), a better balanced squad

Lucas44 · 09-07-2020 11:16pm

connachta wrote: »

Right about Butler at 7
Boyle is too light to play there. I don't think everyone should be Nick Williams but between 108 kg (Boyle and Butler), and him (130kg),
there are the mobile ball-carrying 8s I love, 115-120kg, Big George, and now Big Papa:D

Jesus you really are obsessed with players weightsðŸ˜‚ il be more impressed by what he does on a pitch for Connacht more so than the number that appears on the scale.. don’t set the expectations too high there’s a reason he hasn’t played super rugby

connachta · 09-07-2020 11:20pm

Lucas44 wrote: »

Jesus you really are obsessed with players weights�� il be more impressed by what he does on a pitch for Connacht more so than the number that appears on the scale.. don’t set the expectations too high there’s a reason he hasn’t played super rugby

The reason is because he chose to play XIII until recently

I don't say he's player of the year.
I say he brings a profile comparable to Naoupu's. And it's very worthy in our quite light pack

Wegians89 · 09-07-2020 11:56pm

The Friend Zone

Just to let you know Connachta most of those published weights for players are probably way off, Marmion had a weight put down for him at one point and There was no way he was that heavy, can’t remember the figure exactly.

Former Former · 10-07-2020 12:05am

You've got a Friend in me

connachta wrote: »

The reason is because he chose to play XIII until recently

But even then, he was playing semi-pro level.

Like, best of luck to the guy but it's an odd signing.

thomond2006 · 10-07-2020 12:47am

Some Like It TOH

He was a signing at short notice to fill a gap. If he stays fit and makes a few appearances he's done as much as you can expect for the CV. There will potentially be an upgrade available from another province in 2021.

connachta · 10-07-2020 7:16am

thomond2006 wrote: »

He was a signing at short notice to fill a gap. If he stays fit and makes a few appearances he's done as much as you can expect for the CV. There will potentially be an upgrade available from another province in 2021.

Think you underestimate his role. He's a beast. Like Nick Williams. We don't ask much more to him, Ulstermen did not either to N.W, we need this ball-carrying abilities.

How long haven't you seen a Connacht forward

1) putting another forward on his arse
2) offloading when tackled by another 2 forwards

Naoupu was the last one to do this. 1 specific profile of this type (I don't say all forwards) was badly needed

Bazzo · 10-07-2020 7:26am

Mul, it's over

I think it's fair to say that now that we have the next Billy Vunipola on the way we should be a much more formidable outfit.

connachta · 10-07-2020 7:38am

Bazzo wrote: »

I think it's fair to say that now that we have the next Billy Vunipola on the way we should be a much more formidable outfit.

exactly:cool::cool:

more seriously, we have a more balanced squad, that's all I keep saying

sydthebeat · 10-07-2020 7:55am

The Friend Zone

We'll just have to see if he will be allowed to / be fit enough to loiter in the back field for receiving kicks like he is in those clips. Also, he makes good breaks running an outside in line off rucks, will he be able to reproduce that against top level defenses?

Hopefully he can, but as yet he's unproven at this level.

connachta · 10-07-2020 8:03am

sydthebeat wrote: »

We'll just have to see if he will be allowed to / be fit enough to loiter in the back field for receiving kicks like he is in those clips. Also, he makes good breaks running an outside in line off rucks, will he be able to reproduce that against top level defenses?

Hopefully he can, but as yet he's unproven at this level.

My main issue is will he adapt to wet and slow rythm...

Bridge93 · 10-07-2020 9:36am

If he turns out half the player Nick Williams was then Connacht have made a shrewd signing. As has been said hopefully more established options are available next summer or he’s proven himself

thomond2006 · 10-07-2020 9:40am

Some Like It TOH

Bridge93 wrote: »

If he turns out half the player Nick Williams was then Connacht have made a shrewd signing. As has been said hopefully more established options are available next summer or he’s proven himself

Leinster are going to have to let go a very good name in the backrow if Dan Leavy comes back on form.

Bridge93 · 10-07-2020 9:43am

thomond2006 wrote: »

Leinster are going to have to let go a very good name in the backrow if Dan Leavy comes back on form.

Deegan, Doris, Conan
Ruddock, Murphy
Leavy, VdF, Connors, Penny

Couple of second rows who comfortably cover 6 too. Yeah there’ll be at least one on the move very soon. Personally don’t see Ruddock and Conan staying. Doris and Deegan for me are priorities to keep so if that means one must move to 6, I see either Conan at 8 or Ruddock at 6 moving on

Think Penny May have to move too. Probably more talented than Connors or maybe even VdF but will struggle to get time in big games to show it and his size may be a problem. Seems injured a fair bit.

None of this relevant to Connacht for now so I’ll stop

Scottmactom · 10-07-2020 9:59am

Bridge93 wrote: »

Deegan, Doris, Conan
Ruddock, Murphy
Leavy, VdF, Connors, Penny

Couple of second rows who comfortably cover 6 too. Yeah there’ll be at least one on the move very soon. Personally don’t see Ruddock and Conan staying. Doris and Deegan for me are priorities to keep so if that means one must move to 6, I see either Conan at 8 or Ruddock at 6 moving on

Think Penny May have to move too. Probably more talented than Connors or maybe even VdF but will struggle to get time in big games to show it and his size may be a problem. Seems injured a fair bit.

None of this relevant to Connacht for now so I’ll stop

move Ruddock and Murphy on. Maybe Conan too.

jacothelad · 10-07-2020 10:14am

Evil_g wrote: »

Hang on. We signed a back three player who's done his cruciate and is out for the foreseeable?

That doesn't sound like a good idea.

It's ridiculous. Given his injury status he should have signed for Ulster as they have much experience in offering contracts to crocks and cripples.

connachta · 10-07-2020 10:17am

No-one trust Papali'i , then. I do. Leinster guys you quoted are not ball-carriers. He is.
It's not just about qualities, but profiles into a specific team. Connacht have a problem for years : gain ground in contact. He will help to fix it. Simple as this. For other qualities, I totally trust SOB, Masterson, Butler and so on

gally74 · 10-07-2020 10:18am

The Friend Zone

Bridge93 wrote: »

Deegan, Doris, Conan
Ruddock, Murphy
Leavy, VdF, Connors, Penny

Couple of second rows who comfortably cover 6 too. Yeah there’ll be at least one on the move very soon. Personally don’t see Ruddock and Conan staying. Doris and Deegan for me are priorities to keep so if that means one must move to 6, I see either Conan at 8 or Ruddock at 6 moving on

Think Penny May have to move too. Probably more talented than Connors or maybe even VdF but will struggle to get time in big games to show it and his size may be a problem. Seems injured a fair bit.

None of this relevant to Connacht for now so I’ll stop

it obvious, split them in two,

https://thewildgeese.irish/profiles/blogs/that-fifth-province-of-ireland

Ireland had 5 provinces, leinster is now 2.

salmocab · 10-07-2020 10:53am

connachta wrote: »

No-one trust Papali'i , then. I do. Leinster guys you quoted are not ball-carriers. He is.
It's not just about qualities, but profiles into a specific team. Connacht have a problem for years : gain ground in contact. He will help to fix it. Simple as this. For other qualities, I totally trust SOB, Masterson, Butler and so on

He only helps to fix that issue (Assuming he’s is a good carrier)if he’s good enough to start regularly, which is really what I think people are questioning. He’s played RL at a not quite top level and union at a not quite top level, hopefully he’s a decent player but nothing in his career so far suggests he’s going to be much more than squad filler.

connachta · 10-07-2020 10:59am

salmocab wrote: »

He only helps to fix that issue (Assuming he’s is a good carrier)if he’s good enough to start regularly, which is really what I think people are questioning. He’s played RL at a not quite top level and union at a not quite top level, hopefully he’s a decent player but nothing in his career so far suggests he’s going to be much more than squad filler.

He's clearly a ball carrier, I've watched his 7's games too

the question is :

do you want to start a 7/10 player which brings a quality you don't have in your XV, or a 8/10 player which won't bring that specific added-value

the answer depend on the team you face, fitness etc. Rotation will happen

Disagree with the term "squad filler". If he plays mostly 20 and cause havoc within tired defences, then it's good for me (that's what George Naoupu did in his final years)

Lucas44 · 10-07-2020 11:50pm

connachta wrote: »

He's clearly a ball carrier, I've watched his 7's games too

the question is :

do you want to start a 7/10 player which brings a quality you don't have in your XV, or a 8/10 player which won't bring that specific added-value

the answer depend on the team you face, fitness etc. Rotation will happen

Disagree with the term "squad filler". If he plays mostly 20 and cause havoc within tired defences, then it's good for me (that's what George Naoupu did in his final years)

Look no1 wants to see him fail ultimately it’s just a bit of a head scratcher that we left jasper Wiese on the table after being released by the cheetahs after seeing his body of work in the super rugby to sign a relatively unknown commodity

Wegians89 · 11-07-2020 12:16am

The Friend Zone

Lucas44 wrote: »

Look no1 wants to see him fail ultimately it’s just a bit of a head scratcher that we left jasper Wiese on the table after being released by the cheetahs after seeing his body of work in the super rugby to sign a relatively unknown commodity

Thought the Weise deal collapsing came from the South African side of things?

Lucas44 · 11-07-2020 1:27am

Wegians89 wrote: »

Thought the Weise deal collapsing came from the South African side of things?

Perhaps I don’t know the full ins and outs but pretty sure he’s still a free agent https://www.sarugbymag.co.za/sa-rugbys-deadline-day-movement/

Utopia Parkway · 11-07-2020 1:37am

From his brief highlights AP seems very big and explosive. Two qualities Connacht have lacked in the pack for quite a while. His hands seem decent too. It looks like fitness is the main concern with him. He was taken off around the 50 minute mark in most of his Bay of Plenty appearances. If Connacht can push that up to 60 and even 70 minutes then they might have a bargain on their hands. No doubt there is an element of risk though. Not financially as I doubt he’s on big money but they really need him to work out as they cant afford him not to contribute much next season in a position where they are light.

connachta · 11-07-2020 9:23am

Utopia Parkway wrote: »

From his brief highlights AP seems very big and explosive. Two qualities Connacht have lacked in the pack for quite a while. His hands seem decent too. It looks like fitness is the main concern with him. He was taken off around the 50 minute mark in most of his Bay of Plenty appearances. If Connacht can push that up to 60 and even 70 minutes then they might have a bargain on their hands. No doubt there is an element of risk though. Not financially as I doubt he’s on big money but they really need him to work out as they cant afford him not to contribute much next season in a position where they are light.

100% agree!

we have a chance in this squad

either he'll be n°20 and he has the profile to impact the end of a game

either he'll start and we can easily sub him after 50. If there's an injury in back-row in the final 30, you just have to anticipate by having Dowling or Gallagher as n°19, who'd cover 6. If injury happens openside Masterson/Boyle would be moved to 7 for a few minutes.

either way Papili'i will play even if he doesn't last 80, until S&C works!

connachta · 11-07-2020 10:30am

realhorrorshow wrote: »

Loosehead

Denis Buckley (30) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Matthew Burke (23) - Signed contract in 2019
Jordan Duggan (22) - Signed contract in 2020
Paddy McAllister (31) - Signed contract in 2019

Charlie Ward (20) - Academy year 1

Tighthead

Jack Aungier (21) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Finlay Bealham (29) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Conor Kenny (24) - Signed 1 year contract in 2020
Dominic Robertson-McCoy (26) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020

Hooker

Shane Delahunt (26) - Signed 1 year contract in 2020
Dave Heffernan (29) - Signed contract in 2019
Jonny Murphy (28) - Signed contract in 2018

Declan Adamson (21) - Academy year 2
Eoin De Buitléar (u20) - Academy year 1
Dylan Tierney-Martin (21) - Academy year 3

Lock

Ultan Dillane (26) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Oisin Dowling (23) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Cillian Gallagher (23) - Signed contract in 2018
Niall Murray (20) - Signed contract in 2020
Quinn Roux (29) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Gavin Thornbury (26) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019

Darragh Murray (u20) - Academy year 1
Cian Prendergast (20) - Academy year 1

Back row

Paul Boyle (23) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Jarrad Butler (29) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Eoghan Masterson (27) - Signed 2 year contract in 2018
Sean Masterson (22) - Signed contract in 2020
Sean O'Brien (25) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Conor Oliver (24) - Signed 1 year contract in 2020
Abraham Papali’i (27) - Signed contract in 2020

Ciaran Booth (20) - Academy year 1
Donnacha Byrne (u20) - Academy year 1
Hubert Costello (u20) - Academy year 1
Joshua Dunne (20) - Academy year 3
Oisin McCormack (19) - Academy year 2

Scrumhalf

Caolin Blade (26) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Stephen Kerins (24) - Signed contract in 2019
Kieran Marmion (28) - Signed 3 year contract in 2020
Colm Reilly (21) - Signed contract in 2020

Outhalf

Jack Carty (28) - Signed 2 year contract in 2019
Conor Dean (22) - Signed contract in 2020
Conor Fitzgerald (22) - Signed contract in 2019

Cathal Forde (19) - Academy year 1

Centre

Bundee Aki (28) - Signed 3 year central contract in 2020
Sammy Arnold (24) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Tom Daly (27) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Tom Farrell (26) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Peter Robb (26) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020

Shane Jennings (19) - Academy year 2
Sean O'Brien (22) - Academy year 3

Back 3

Stephen Fitzgerald (24) - Signed contract in 2019
Matt Healy (31) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
Ben O'Donnell (25) - Signed contract in 2020
Tiernan O'Halloran (29) - Signed 2 year contract in 2020
John Porch (26) - Signed contract in 2019
Peter Sullivan (22) - Signed contract in 2020
Alex Wootton (26) - Signed 1 year loan contract in 2020

Colm de Buitléar (22) - Academy year 3
Oran McNulty (20) - Academy year 3

In: Jordan Duggan (Academy),Jack Aungier (Leinster), Oisin Dowling (Leinster), Niall Murray (Academy), Sean Masterson (Academy), Conor Oliver (Munster), Abraham Papali'i (Bay of Plenty), Colm Reilly (Academy), Conor Dean (Academy), Sammy Arnold (Munster), Ben O'Donnell (Australia Sevens), Peter Sullivan (Academy), ALex Wootton (Munster, loan)
Out: Peter Mccabe, Rory Burke, Tom McCartney (Retiring), Joe Maksimyw (Dragons), Robin Copeland (Soyaux Angouleme), Colby Fainga'a (Lyon), Eoin McKeon, Angus Lloyd (Retiring), Dave Horwitz, Kyle Godwin (Western Force), Niyi Adeolokun, Darragh Leader

Calculated average age (senior 43-man squad) : 25.6 years

Bazzo · 11-07-2020 11:40am

Mul, it's over

Kyle Godwin back playing rugby already, just subbed on for Western Force now.

sydthebeat · 11-07-2020 11:59am

The Friend Zone

Bazzo wrote: »

Kyle Godwin back playing rugby already, just subbed on for Western Force now.

Godwin joining the tahs from the force next season

connachta · 11-07-2020 12:10pm

Scottmactom wrote: »

LH Prop
Cian Healy(32/Belvedere/Clontarf) - central contract until 2021
Ed Byrne(26/Clongowes/UCD) - signed contract in 2020
Peter Dooley(26/Birr RFC/Lansdowne) - signed contract in 2020

TH Prop
Michael Bent(34) - signed contract in 2020
Tadhg Furlong(27/New Ross RFC/Clontarf) - central contract until 2021
Andrew Porter(24/St. Andrews/UCD) - signed contract in 2020
Vakh Abdaladze(24/Coolmine RFC/Clontarf) - signed contract in 2020

Hooker
Sean Cronin(34) - signed contract in 2020
James Tracy(29/Newbridge/UCD) - signed contract in 2020
Ronan Kelleher(22/St. Michaels/Lansdowne) - signed contract in 2019
Dan Sheehan(21/Clongowes/Lansdowne) - signed contract in 2020

Lock
Scott Fardy(36) - signed 1 yr contract in 2020
Devin Toner(34Castleknock/Lansdowne) - signed 1 yr contract in 2020
Ross Molony(26/St. Michaels/UCD) - signed contract in 2020
James Ryan(24/St. Michaels/UCD)- signed 3 yr central contract in 2020
Jack Dunne(21/St. Michaels/DUFC) - signed contract in 2020
Ryan Baird(21/St. Michaels/DUFC) - signed contract in 2020

Backrow
Rhys Ruddock(29/Exile/St. Marys) - signed contract in 2020
Jack Conan(28/St. Gerards/Old Belvedere) - signed contract in 2019
Josh Van Der Flier(27/Wesley/UCD) - signed 2 yr contract in 2020
Dan Leavy(26/St. Michaels/UCD) - signed contract in 2020
Josh Murphy(25/St. Michaels/UCD) - signed contract in 2020
Will Connors(24/Clongowes/UCD) - signed contract in 2020
Max Deegan(23/St. Michaels/:ansdowne) - signed contract in 2019
Caelan Doris(24/Blackrock/DUFC) - signed contract in 2020
Scott Penny(20/St. Michaels/UCD) - signed contract in 2019

Scrumhalf
Jamie Gibson Park(28) - signed contract in 2019
Luke McGrath(27/St. Michaels/UCD) - signed contract in 2019
Rowan Osborne(23/Clongowes/DUFC) - signed contract in 2020
Hugh O'Sullivan(22/Belvedere/Clontarf) - signed contract in 2019

Outhalf
Jonathan Sexton(35/St. Marys/St. Marys) - central contract until 2021
Ross Byrne(25/St. Michaels/UCD) - signed contract in 2020
Ciaran Frawley(22/Skerries RFC/UCD) - signed contract in 2019
Harry Byrne(21/St. Michaels/Lansdowne) - signed contract in 2020

Centre
Robbie Henshaw(27) - central contact until 2022
Rory O'Loughlin(26/St. Michaels/UCD) - signed contract in 2020
Garry Ringrose(25/Blackrock/UCD) - signed 2 yr central contract in 2020
Conor O'Brien(24/Mullingar RFC/Clontarf) - signed contract in 2019
Jimmy O'Brien(23/Newbridge/UCD) - signed contract in 2019
Tommy O'Brien(22/Blackrock/UCD) - signed contract in 2020

Back Three
Dave Kearney(31/Clongowes/Lansdowne) - signed contract in 2019
James Lowe(28) - signed contract in 2020
Adam Byrne(26/Naas RFC/UCD) - signed contract in 2020
Cian Kelleher(26/St. Michaels/Lansdowne) - signed contract in 2019
Hugo Keenan(24/Blackrock/UCD) - signed contract in 2019
Jordan Larmour(23/St. Andrews/St. Marys) - signed contract in 2020

.

Calculated Leinster average age (base on this senior 46-man squad) : 26.0 years

connachta wrote: »

Calculated average age (our senior 43-man squad) : 25.6 years

Not a big difference in age-profile, then. We could have had thought we had very yooung squad with the newcomers this season. Not so much. Balanced with decently experienced guys

Lucas44 · 11-07-2020 12:58pm

connachta wrote: »

Calculated Leinster average age (base on this senior 46-man squad) : 26.0 years

Not a big difference in age-profile, then. We could have had thought we had very yooung squad with the newcomers this season. Not so much. Balanced with decently experienced guys

Big difference in minutes played the likes of jimmy Obrien Ross Byrne Conor Obrien will connors etc are already established as good pros in comparison to our players who a lot of the younger lads are rather up in the air

realhorrorshow · 11-07-2020 2:06pm

Lucas44 wrote: »

Big difference in minutes played the likes of jimmy Obrien Ross Byrne Conor Obrien will connors etc are already established as good pros in comparison to our players who a lot of the younger lads are rather up in the air

One thing that really frustrates me about Connacht Rugby is that we frequently let players complete three years in the academy without making a senior appearance. Leinster are much better at exposing their academy players to senior rugby. A couple of years ago Rory Moloney did three years in the academy then one year on a dev deal without playing a single game. What’s the plan there? I know that there is a feeling among young players that Connacht string along young lads who have no realistic chance of making it in the pro game.

Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

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