Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

Mr Tickle · 10-12-2018 10:20am

Wegians89 wrote: »

Considering friend and nucifora have some sort of relationship and that marmion got injured on Irish duty surely someone should be brought in. Also saw a post saying de buitlear had a hamstring injury so looking for a back three makes sense. Hugh lane (u20) was pictured training with the seniors last week but he picked up an injury playing for galwegians this weekend too. Not saying he’s ready for senior rugby but he would have been back 3 option. Signing a back three player should be no issue for irfu as Reece’s spot is still there

It's a pity Munster got an extension for Mathewson. When he first started playing i remember thinking he looked like Blade turned all the way up to 11. It was around the time that Blade was taking all those quick tap penalties and Mathewson was throwing NFL style lineouts.

Wegians89 · 10-12-2018 10:42am

The Friend Zone

Mr Tickle wrote: »

It's a pity Munster got an extension for Mathewson. When he first started playing i remember thinking he looked like Blade turned all the way up to 11. It was around the time that Blade was taking all those quick tap penalties and Mathewson was throwing NFL style lineouts.

I was thinking that he could be an option. Forgot he got an extension. Signing a 9 could prove difficult especially if they have to be IQ as friend has said in an interview post match. If the academy lads think Colm Reilly has a chance of making it I’d nearly just introduce him early. I know 19 is pretty early for a scrum half but might be the only option.

Back three should be easy enough to pick up. A few players on the fringes of other provinces could take the opportunity to go on loan. I’d love Byrne to sign look term but he’s nowhere near guaranteed starter, and I doubt he’d leave Leinster to be second choice somewhere else. Stephen Fitzgerald could be an option. Don’t know if he’s injured but he hasn’t featured at all for Munster. He can play anywhere in back three and obviously Conor could have a good word with him. Calvin Nash might find a short term loan a good move to progress his career as could maybe Keenan. Shane Daly could also be an option think he coveres 13/14/15. Although I’d say the outside back will be niq as Reece was supposed to be there?

FACECUTTR · 10-12-2018 11:04am

Where's Nick Cummins these days ? Wouldn't mind him rocking up for a season or 2.

sydthebeat · 10-12-2018 11:36am

The Friend Zone

FACECUTTR wrote: »

Where's Nick Cummins these days ? Wouldn't mind him rocking up for a season or 2.

doing loads of TV work, including tourist TV and stuff for national geographic..... and im sure earning a nice wedge for it too

Zzippy · 10-12-2018 11:47am

stephen_n wrote: »

Great going forward, defensively suspect, perfect fit for a Connacht’s back three.

Careful now! :rolleyes:

FACECUTTR · 10-12-2018 11:48am

sydthebeat wrote: »

doing loads of TV work, including tourist TV and stuff for national geographic..... and im sure earning a nice wedge for it too

Probably a lot more than he earned in rugby.

connachta · 10-12-2018 3:43pm

https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/sport/17288095.michael-heaney-signs-two-year-contract-at-worcester-warriors/

That's closing (was unlikely I noted) the only abroad IQ possibility IMO

Well there's also Charlie Mulchrone at Worcester. Not way more likely than Heaney though. Both are regular starters behind Care...

I'd go for :
NIQ SH on a 2-month-deal before Super Rugby
IQ back-three signed over for next season too (A.Byrne, Keenan, Lydon...)

KBurke85 · 10-12-2018 4:04pm

The Friend Zone

I imagine on a short term basis we're more likely to get one of the 5 scrum halves on Munster's books.

Dubinusa · 10-12-2018 4:26pm

Some Like It TOH

What happened to Conor McKeon? He's already contracted with Connacht.
Fitzgerald would be a decent pick up. He's not going anywhere with Munster. He's probably better moving elsewhere at this point as his career has stalled.
Scholes was in a similar situation and left.
I think we'll see some lads from the provinces leave. Peter Robb is buried down the depth chart and his career is stalled.
Some guys could leave for a year or two and come back with some meaningful game time under their belt.

KBurke85 · 10-12-2018 4:35pm

The Friend Zone

Dubinusa wrote: »

What happened to Conor McKeon? He's already contracted with Connacht.
Fitzgerald would be a decent pick up. He's not going anywhere with Munster. He's probably better moving elsewhere at this point as his career has stalled.
Scholes was in a similar situation and left.
I think we'll see some lads from the provinces leave. Peter Robb is buried down the depth chart and his career is stalled.
Some guys could leave for a year or two and come back with some meaningful game time under their belt.

McKeon is injured he dislocated his shoulder. Robb is also injured at the moment I believe.

Lebute · 10-12-2018 4:36pm

Dubinusa wrote: »

What happened to Conor McKeon? He's already contracted with Connacht.
Fitzgerald would be a decent pick up. He's not going anywhere with Munster. He's probably better moving elsewhere at this point as his career has stalled.
Scholes was in a similar situation and left.
I think we'll see some lads from the provinces leave. Peter Robb is buried down the depth chart and his career is stalled.
Some guys could leave for a year or two and come back with some meaningful game time under their belt.

In relation to Mckeon he picked up a shoulder injury and had surgery, he is on the long term injury list. Would have thought it would is an ideal time for Stephen Kerins to get a run who is year 3 of academy and has never featured. He is now playing with Shannon but seemingly is injured also.

b.gud · 10-12-2018 4:36pm

Dubinusa wrote: »

What happened to Conor McKeon? He's already contracted with Connacht.

He's injured and will be out for most of the season

connachta · 10-12-2018 4:50pm

Speaking about Munster, ex-Irish U20 Ryan Foley could be poached from Ealing too, he hasn't much gametime there..

Zzippy · 10-12-2018 5:33pm

If Munster can get an All Black 9 on a medical joker (now extended, surprise, surprise!) the IRFU can't really tell Connacht you have to sign someone IQ.

Burkie1203 · 10-12-2018 5:35pm

Mul, it's over

Zzippy wrote: »

If Munster can get an All Black 9 on a medical joker (now extended, surprise, surprise!) the IRFU can't really tell Connacht you have to sign someone IQ.

Absolutely spot on Zzippy
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IRFU should block any signing for Connacht

Squidgy Black · 10-12-2018 6:00pm

Zzippy wrote: »

If Munster can get an All Black 9 on a medical joker (now extended, surprise, surprise!) the IRFU can't really tell Connacht you have to sign someone IQ.

What about one of the Munster SHs as short term cover? James Hart is playing A team rugby and hasn't a hope of getting ahead of any of the 4 ahead of him, and is apparently looking to leave at the end of the season anyways.

Wegians89 · 10-12-2018 6:08pm

The Friend Zone

On the craggy rugby podcast it was mentioned that a player from Leinster who has played in the pro 14 already couldn’t make a short term switch? I think angle has played for both ulster and Leinster this year and did McCabe not get on the Connacht bench for a weekend before going back to Munster while he was in loan? Anyone know if players can play for two teams ?

If the rule is true getting in iq 9 and back three cover will be extremely difficult

stephen_n · 10-12-2018 6:08pm

Squidgy Black wrote: »

What about one of the Munster SHs as short term cover? James Hart is playing A team rugby and hasn't a hope of getting ahead of any of the 4 ahead of him, and is apparently looking to leave at the end of the season anyways.

There is a good reason for that.

connachta · 10-12-2018 6:09pm

Squidgy Black wrote: »

What about one of the Munster SHs as short term cover? James Hart is playing A team rugby and hasn't a hope of getting ahead of any of the 4 ahead of him, and is apparently looking to leave at the end of the season anyways.

In talk with Biarritz

The Lost Sheep · 10-12-2018 6:12pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

On the craggy rugby podcast it was mentioned that a player from Leinster who has played in the pro 14 already couldn’t make a short term switch? I think angle has played for both ulster and Leinster this year and did McCabe not get on the Connacht bench for a weekend before going back to Munster while he was in loan? Anyone know if players can play for two teams?

If the rule is true getting in iq 9 and back three cover will be extremely difficult

Google it... check pro14 website and regulations there?
Could be limits in terms of number of games played?

Wegians89 · 10-12-2018 6:17pm

The Friend Zone

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Google it... check pro14 website and regulations there?
Could be limits in terms of number of games played?

Couldn’t find anything other than no signing after mid March can be registered. But it seems odd they’d say it if it wasn’t true?

b.gud · 10-12-2018 6:45pm

According to @furlo on Twitter Kerrins was due to be on the bench at the weekend but picked up an injury

https://twitter.com/Furlo/status/1072182922692755456

For those who can't access twitter here's the full text of the tweet

#connachtrugby To clarify the scrum-half issue - Stephen Kerins was due to start on the bench Saturday but was injured in the week; No time-frame but must be minimum 4 weeks if IQ joker to be played

Squidgy Black · 10-12-2018 7:18pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

Couldn’t find anything other than no signing after mid March can be registered. But it seems odd they’d say it if it wasn’t true?

There's a rule in there for 'permit' players ie players of another nationality (project or NIQ) only being able to play for one side in the season, but nothing mentioned about IQ players.

ClanofLams · 10-12-2018 7:22pm

Mul, it's over

I listened to Craggy Rugby earlier on, can't remember who made the remark about not being to transfer players who have made an appearance but fairly sure they said 'I think' so they might well be mistaken.

Whatever about back three (and depending on how bad De Buitléars injury is) there should be no limitation on the 9 being IQ. Ireland have an abundance of 9s ffs. Need an experienced scrum half who can do a decent job, with the run of fixtures coming up, getting someone decent in could well be the difference between playoffs & top tier European rugby next season and not.

FACECUTTR · 10-12-2018 8:19pm

ClanofLams wrote: »

I listened to Craggy Rugby earlier on, can't remember who made the remark about not being to transfer players who have made an appearance but fairly sure they said 'I think' so they might well be mistaken.

Whatever about back three (and depending on how bad De Buitléars injury is) there should be no limitation on the 9 being IQ. Ireland have an abundance of 9s ffs. Need an experienced scrum half who can do a decent job, with the run of fixtures coming up, getting someone decent in could well be the difference between playoffs & top tier European rugby next season and not.

Can totally understand if it was for a long term signing but for a medical joker it shouldn't make a blind bit of difference where they are from.

evil_seed · 11-12-2018 11:03am

The Friend Zone

might be a case of just getting in someone quickly. if it's IQ then they jump right in. NIQ would need to wait on work permit?

realhorrorshow · 11-12-2018 12:23pm

My picks would probably be Angus Lloyd and Colm Hogan, not sure if they’re available though.

Wegians89 · 11-12-2018 12:25pm

The Friend Zone

realhorrorshow wrote: »

My picks would probably be Angus Lloyd and Colm Hogan, not sure if they’re available though.

Did Colm hogan not decide to Priorities college over rugby?

realhorrorshow · 11-12-2018 2:07pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

Did Colm hogan not decide to Priorities college over rugby?

Yeah that rings a bell alright. Maybe Terry Kennedy or Ian Fitzpatrick then.

tobdom · 11-12-2018 2:39pm

The planning for the Sportsground redevelopment has been submitted.....

https://www.connachtrugby.ie/connacht-rugby-submit-planning-application-for-sportsground-redevelopment/

https://geo.galwaycity.ie/ePlan5/AppFileRefDetails/18402/0 If this link doesn't bring you direct to Connacht's application, click on "Planning File Reference number" under 'Search by' and enter 18402 in the 'File Search' field, then click search.

Permission for development which will consist of : 1) The demolition and removal of the existing Clan Terrace, Connacht Rugby offices, maintenance buildings and training pitches, ancillary temporary cabins and storage facilities, section of boundary wall along College Road and ESB Sub station and Switch room. 2) The new construction will consist of: A new North Stand with terracing and seated areas over 4 levels and which will also incorporate player and match day facilities, a café, sports merchandise shop, TV facilities, various hospitality areas, supporter facilities and plant areas. The Refurbishment and extension of the existing South Stand. A new High-performance Centre comprising of a new indoor synthetic training pitch and office accommodation which will incorporate offices and player welfare facilities (canteen, treatment rooms, etc) to replace the demolished clubhouse.

b.gud · 11-12-2018 2:39pm

https://twitter.com/connachtrugby/status/1072447914885214208

STADIUM UPDATE | We can confirm that a planning application has been formally submitted to Galway City Council for the redevelopment of the Sportsground Stadium.

#GrassrootsToGreenShirts

Full info ➡️ http://fal.cn/rtKV

b.gud · 11-12-2018 3:15pm

Being one of only 2 fit scrum halves is taking it's toll on Caolin Blade

Burkie1203 · 12-12-2018 7:43am

Mul, it's over

Indo reporting Tom Daly loan deal for rest of season

Wegians89 · 12-12-2018 9:25am

The Friend Zone

Burkie1203 wrote: »

Indo reporting Tom Daly loan deal for rest of season

More like a trial deal I’d say if it happens. Think he could do a job for Connacht

salmocab · 12-12-2018 9:27am

Wegians89 wrote: »

More like a trial deal I’d say if it happens. Think he could do a job for Connacht

Yeah I’d say it’ll end up permanent if he goes well, he’s hardly going to get much time in Leinster long term and has looked good when he got a few games.

Diabhal Beag · 12-12-2018 9:32am

Not seen a lot but have heard good things of him. Seems sensible all round.

Wegians89 · 12-12-2018 9:34am

The Friend Zone

He had a great center partnership with Tom Farrell for both Irish u20s and lansdowne. I think he can place kick too?

At 6 ft 4 he’s a big lump and I think himself and Robb will be battling for a squad spot for next season

evil_seed · 12-12-2018 9:49am

The Friend Zone

Munster/Leinster/Ulster - "we need cover", Irfu - "here's an international from Oz/NZ/SA". Connacht "we need cover", Irfu - "welcome to scrapheap challenge"

Mr Tickle · 12-12-2018 10:15am

Burkie1203 wrote: »

Indo reporting Tom Daly loan deal for rest of season

Does the fact that he represented team GB in the olympics make a difference to him being IQ?
Or does diving have different rules?

Lebute · 12-12-2018 11:03am

evil_seed wrote: »

Munster/Leinster/Ulster - "we need cover", Irfu - "here's an international from Oz/NZ/SA". Connacht "we need cover", Irfu - "welcome to scrapheap challenge"

Personally, I love these type of signings as we are not going to get a marquee signing at this time of year. As in lad has got slightly lost in the Leinster system for one reason or another in this case injury has seemed to plague Tom. But he now will be with a team that he may have a chance to prove to himself he is capable of playing regularly. in the past we have got some real gems in this type of signing. Personally I believe Daly is a definite upgrade on Robb.

Kyle Tonetti
Dave McSharry
Tom Farrell

My only query is we are looking for a back three player not a 12 and Leinster are struggling at 12 at the moment given Henshaws & Tomanes injury.

Wegians89 · 12-12-2018 11:13am

The Friend Zone

With griffin and Robb injured the center options are bundee farrell godwin and Joyce. Bundee will be with Ireland for large periods of the rest of the season, while Joyce is only just getting his chance and is untested. Godwin has played on the wing already this season so signing another center could give more room for godwin to play on the wing? Maybe de buitlears injury isn’t long term either .

Lebute · 12-12-2018 11:36am

Wegians89 wrote: »

With griffin and Robb injured the center options are bundee farrell godwin and Joyce. Bundee will be with Ireland for large periods of the rest of the season, while Joyce is only just getting his chance and is untested. Godwin has played on the wing already this season so signing another center could give more room for godwin to play on the wing? Maybe de buitlears injury isn’t long term either .

Good point and I think Daly has covered with for Leinster previously.

Diabhal Beag · 12-12-2018 11:51am

Godwin has gone wing this year so it could be Daly to partner Farrell or whoever in centre and then Godwin as 23.

Burkie1203 · 12-12-2018 12:15pm

Mul, it's over

evil_seed wrote: »

Munster/Leinster/Ulster - "we need cover", Irfu - "here's an international from Oz/NZ/SA". Connacht "we need cover", Irfu - "welcome to scrapheap challenge"

Nagle to Ulster
Brad Thorn is the last Medical Joker at Leinster IIRC. Almost 7 years ago

connachta · 12-12-2018 12:53pm

Guys let's be reasonable

Godwin is above all a centre
he played there for Australia and Brumbies
he's using his sidesteps better here
The pairing with Farrell is functionning absolutely great

so it would be a huge mistake to keep him in the fridge as 23
Main composition (without Aki) should be 12 Farrell 13 Godwin 23 Daly
Then if something happen to one of the remaining back-3 guys in the end of a game, Godwin moves to the wing and Daly comes in for him in midfield

Richie_Rich89 · 12-12-2018 12:56pm

Mul, it's over

Burkie1203 wrote: »

Nagle to Ulster
Brad Thorn is the last Medical Joker at Leinster IIRC. Almost 7 years ago

Maks van Dyk and Lote Tuquri

Wegians89 · 12-12-2018 1:02pm

The Friend Zone

Bundee will be available for the Leinster match after his wedding. I’d probably rather rest him that week so that he could play the two home interpros and Cardiff games.

Zzippy · 12-12-2018 1:23pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

Bundee will be available for the Leinster match after his wedding. I’d probably rather rest him that week so that he could play the two home interpros and Cardiff games.

Jeez, is he only going home for a week? I'm sure player welfare and JS will dictate, but I too would much rather have him for the 2 home games which we need to target big time.

Wegians89 · 12-12-2018 1:44pm

The Friend Zone

Sob 3:0 a winger/center registered for Europe is also wearing a moon boot. The academy lads getting a bad run of injuries

WillieMason · 12-12-2018 1:56pm

Griffin and Robb injury prone players now add in Daley you would be lucky to get these guys complete a season of fixtures between the 3 of them

Connacht Team Talk Thread V - The Friend Zone

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