Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread XII (The Byrne Supremacy)

Leavy is this hours new contract signer

Ronan Kelleher signs new contract.

https://twitter.com/leinsterrugby/status/1383042493843791873?s=20

hahashake wrote: »

Out of the loop, are they giving the duration for any new contracts?

Never do, generally tends to be 2 year deals unless they're one of the oldies who get 1.

Although with Covid they could be 1 year deals for some but we'll only find out when it comes to renewals next year

Deleted User wrote: »

That's a big one. Must be confident enough that he'll return to competitive fitness.

they are either very confident or he's now a bargain that was worth the risk.

Yes Devin!!

You love to see it

It wouldn't shock me if Furlong went away for a year to England or France (or Japan?!). He could then come back to Ireland on a long-term contract, when one hopes the IRFU's finances will be much healthier. I think any club with resources would kill to sign a top international class TH in his prime for a year. Furlong is the type of player that could turn a middling club into a contender.

Furlong departing would certainly explain the Ala'alatoa signing.

thomond2006 wrote: »

It wouldn't shock me if Furlong went away for a year to England or France (or Japan?!). He could then come back to Ireland on a long-term contract, when one hopes the IRFU's finances will be much healthier. I think any club with resources would kill to sign a top international class TH in his prime for a year. Furlong is the type of player that could turn a middling club into a contender.

Furlong departing would certainly explain the Ala'alatoa signing.

he'll go no where. he'd miss the spuds too much. no spuds like Irish spuds

Furlong's contract will be announced by IRFU, not by Leinster so not unusual that he's not in the current list.

I'd be shocked if he leaves. He must be IRFU's absolute top priority. Porter was doing great but as soon as Furlong was fit, he was cast aside. I thought it was harsh but Furlong absolutely justified it. No doubt in my mind that he'll stay.

That said, if he left, he wouldn't be picked. Absolutely no way IRFU are making any exceptions for anyone.

Neil3030 wrote: »

IRFU would be wise to get ahead of that. If he goes away, they'll need to come close to matching his money to get him back (e.g. Sexton's return from Racing). Could end up paying him a lot more in the long run than if they find the cash to lock him to a multi-year deal now.

Furlong and his agent will know that too.

I don't think Furlong will leave but it wouldn't shock me, particularly with (what would be) his replacement already signed. From a Leinster POV, a post Lions season would mean Furlong's action in blue would be quite limited anyway.

sebdavis wrote: »

Keeping some players and losing Furlong would be idiotic for the IRFU. You would be risking one of their biggest assets and great from a marketing point of view to save a few quid while spending it on some players past their peak and not even guaranteed starters

Agreed. Particularly when you consider that the IRFU part funded Zebos contract, so if they were to fall short on Furlongs it would incredibly stupid.

Exclamation Marc wrote: »

Agreed. Particularly when you consider that the IRFU part funded Zebos contract, so if they were to fall short on Furlongs it would incredibly stupid.

<insert Zebo covering tight head joke here>

Exclamation Marc wrote: »

Article on Leinster Rugby's homepage with Leo welcoming the contract signings announced.

https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/cullen-welcomes-19-new-contracts-ahead-of-2021-22-season/

It does read as if the new contracts are done and the rest could be assumed to still under contract from previous years. Couldn't see the sense of Leo reflecting on some but not all new contracts.

Yeah really it’s what happens when we don’t know how long they signed for to start with. Beyond Bent going I can’t see any squad changes for next season now, out or in.

thomond2006 wrote: »

It wouldn't shock me if Furlong went away for a year to England or France (or Japan?!). He could then come back to Ireland on a long-term contract, when one hopes the IRFU's finances will be much healthier. I think any club with resources would kill to sign a top international class TH in his prime for a year. Furlong is the type of player that could turn a middling club into a contender.

Furlong departing would certainly explain the Ala'alatoa signing.

This is mere mischief-making. Neither Furlong or Porter are going anywhere, regardless of the fantasies of those who dream of the days when Munster and Leinster were actual rivals.