Leinster Rugby 2022/23 Season

Interesting season coming up for the boys in blue - reached deep into the knockout rounds in both domestic and European cups and came up short. Some might argue that the depth wasn't there in key positions - notably lock and front row to make it through. With the cutbacks, the squad has been reduced again with a number of Leinster players heading west to Connacht, and promotions from the academy being capped at 4. The good news is that with Toner retiring, Cullen was finally able to get another foreign lock in, with Jason Jenkins moving from Munster. The 26-year old got one cap for the Springboks back in 2018, but hasn't been selected since, so hopefully, Leinster can rely on him being available for in-window games during the season.

The other foreign recruit is the 31-year old, Charlie Ngatai, another 1-cap test player from New Zealand, who will fill in regularly in the absence of Henshaw and Ringrose, and replace the departed Rory O'Loughlin.

All of the coaches' contracts are up at the end of this season, so with the new CEO installed, he'll have a lot on his plate, along with getting the RDS stand redevelopment programme underway.

With RWC coming up next season and test players on restricted programmes, could be another underwhelming season ahead.

Hi Pot, what's your opinion on the fly half situation at Leinster? Who do you see making it there own after Sexton?

Maine man wrote:Hi Pot, what's your opinion on the fly half situation at Leinster? Who do you see making it there own after Sexton?

They'll continue to rely on Ross Byrne methinks. Harry Byrne seems to have stalled in his development. Frawley is their only other option currently and it remains to be seen if he's going to get more starts at 10 with some encouragement and prompting from the national coaches. The arrival of Ngatai may help with that.

The RDS stand redevelopment has been a missed opportunity. They had plans/approvals(?) already in hand prior to lock down happening. That would have been the perfect time to take down the anglesea stand and get the new stand in place. Instead they will be taking 1 side of the pitch out of action when they are trying to get revenues back from re-opened attendance. Mind you, while that stand is pitch side, it doesn't really hold that much capacity from memory (Leinster have more seats behind the goals than along the side of the pitch?)

thebandwagonsociety wrote:The RDS stand redevelopment has been a missed opportunity.  They had plans/approvals(?) already in hand prior to lock down happening. That would have been the perfect time to take down the anglesea stand and get the new stand in place. Instead they will be taking 1 side of the pitch out of action when they are trying to get revenues back from re-opened attendance. Mind you, while that stand is pitch side, it doesn't really hold that much capacity from memory (Leinster have more seats behind the goals than along the side of the pitch?)

I reckon they might go for it before this season end. Leinster's last home regular league game is Mar 24. Get as many knockout games into the Aviva as they can at that point.

Pot Hale wrote:

thebandwagonsociety wrote:The RDS stand redevelopment has been a missed opportunity.  They had plans/approvals(?) already in hand prior to lock down happening. That would have been the perfect time to take down the anglesea stand and get the new stand in place. Instead they will be taking 1 side of the pitch out of action when they are trying to get revenues back from re-opened attendance. Mind you, while that stand is pitch side, it doesn't really hold that much capacity from memory (Leinster have more seats behind the goals than along the side of the pitch?)

I reckon they might go for it before this season end.   Leinster's last home regular league game is Mar 24.   Get as many knockout games into the Aviva as they can at that point.  

There could be method in the planning madness there alright. Unfortunately I don't think the organisers are that smart.
On knockout games, big games lansdowne makes sense, but could they use the opportunity to get around the 12 counties a bit?

Looks like Leinster will have to field more of their first team players in Rounds 2-4 due to some of the regular league players being away on test duty, missing out on URC games against Benetton home, Ulster away and the teeth-licking Sharks at the RDS.

Should prep them nicely for the inter pros in Rounds 5/6 against Connacht and Munster.

News out that Midfielder Conor O’Brien has to retire from the game due to injury. A shame because he’s been dogged by problems in last couple of years but still managed 26 caps for the blues since he was promoted from academy. Doesn’t look like he’ll be replaced and Leinster will work with squad of 42 seniors for the season.

Goo run-out by the boys in blue against a very competitive Harlequins side. Both teams traded tries with it 14-14 at the break, but Leinster came through with the winning score with 12 minutes to go and used their defence to hold the Premiership side.

Some of the new lads gave good account of themselves including Soroka, Deeny, Prendergast, Russell and the great acceleration of Max O'Reilly.

Presume a few of the youngsters might be climbing on a plane to tour with Emerging Ireland squad in a few weeks - good luck to them.

And good to see Dave Kearney still running out the hard yards and making tackles in his twilight years.

It was a good show by Leinster and their passing and running lines were slick. I suspect they'll want to toughen up their scrum and breakdown work, though

Injury update for the first game of season:

Rónan Kelleher (shoulder), Dave Kearney (hamstring), Will Connors (knee) and Ross Byrne (foot) all back and available for the first game.

Joe McCarthy (ankle) and Jordan Larmour (knee) will train fully next week

Hugo Keenan (knee and abdominal issue), James Lowe (calf) and Liam Turner (toe) all out for a number of weeks. James Tracy after neck surgery will be out for four months. That's going to put pressure on academy hooker John McKee and Diarmuid Barron to step up with Kelleher and Sheehan likely to be on test duty.

No update on long-term injured midfielder Tommy O’Brien (knee) or academy lock Charlie Ryan (knee).

Interesting news in a couple of backroom coaching appointments that Leinster have announced. Alongside Sean O'Brien moving from playing with London Irish to contact skills coaching and former Leinster 10, Andrew Goodman and assistant coach, is the appointment of Declan Darcy as Performance Coach at the club.

Darcy is a former Leitrim and Dublin Gaelic footballer and since retiring has been coaching with various teams over the last number of years but was most notably part of the successful Dublin football team under Jim Gavin as defence coach from 2013 until 2019.

His role will be to work with players and coaches individually as well as the team, to focus on how they can improve overall, particularly in the light of last season's failure to step up at the knockout stages of URC and European comps.

Cullen has always been one to look outside to see where he can harness new skills or ideas - look forward to seeing if this helps make a difference.

Team named for playing Zebre:

15. Max O'Reilly (9)
14. Rob Russell (5)
13. Jamie Osborne (19)
12. Charlie Ngatai (0)
11. Dave Kearney (173)
10. Ross Byrne (128)
9. Luke McGrath (175)

1. Ed Byrne (85)
2. Rónan Kelleher (36)
3. Michael Ala’alatoa (25)
4. Ross Molony (139)
5. Jason Jenkins (0)
6. Rhys Ruddock CAPTAIN (210)
7. Scott Penny (41)
8. Max Deegan (84)

Replacements:

16. John McKee (3)
17. Michael Milne (17)
18. Vakhtang Abdaladze (17)
19. Brian Deeny (2)
20. Alex Soroka (5)
21. Nick McCarthy (46)
22. Ciarán Frawley (56)
23. Will Connors (25)

Leinster signed up for a 25 year lease with the RDS. Have to think that will be linked to proving a rental income to cover the repayment period for any pending upgrades to the stands (expected to be announced in 2023). Strange to think it's been 15 years of Leinster playing at the RDS.
There was something special about Donnybrook all the same.

thebandwagonsociety wrote:Leinster signed up for a 25 year lease with the RDS. Have to think that will be linked to proving a rental income to cover the repayment period for any pending upgrades to the stands (expected to be announced in 2023). Strange to think it's been 15 years of Leinster playing at the RDS.
There was something special about Donnybrook all the same.

Agreed Donnybrook was a nicer ground to go to.

Somewhat raw squad line up for tomorrow's match away in Llanelli.

9/10/11/12 - plenty of experience
1/4/5/6/7/8 - ditto with Rhys Ruddock leading the team.

Off the bench - 3rd rank Mccarthy with the most club caps. A few newbies getting their first starts in blue, alongside this season's academy promoted players. Scarlets might be justifiably licking their lips.

15. Chris Cosgrave (2)
14. Rob Russell (9)
13. Liam Turner (7)
12. Charlie Ngatai (5)
11. Dave Kearney (176)
10. Ross Byrne (134)
9. Luke McGrath (180)
1. Ed Byrne (89)
2. John McKee (7)
3. Thomas Clarkson (19)
4. Ross Molony (145)
5. Jason Jenkins (5)
6. Rhys Ruddock (212) CAPTAIN
7. Scott Penny (43)
8. Max Deegan (86)

16. Tadgh McElroy (0)
17. Michael Milne (18)
18. Vakhtang Abdaladze (20)
19. Brian Deeny (3)
20. Martin Moloney (9)
21. Nick McCarthy (50)
22. Charlie Tector (0)
23. Ben Brownlee (0)

Weakest Leinster team I've seen in a long time, yet away from home at Scarlets still heavy favourites, says a lot about either Leinsters strength in depth, or about Scarlets

On the other hand, maybe not. Leinster come away with BP in the bag for 7 wins from 7 so far this season and 33 League points.

They'll be without their 17 test players until 28 Nov.

Next 7 games are:
Lein v Chile 18 Nov - F
Lein v Glasgow 26 Nov - URC
Lein v Ulster 3 Dec - URC
Racing 92 v Lein 10 Dec - EPCR
Lein v Gloucester 16 Dec - EPCR
Munster v Lein 26 Dec - URC
Lein v Connacht 1 Jan - URC

Interestingly, their last 3 games of the regular season are all against SA teams: Stormers (h), Lions & Bulls (a).

Abdaladze called up to the Georgian squad, like Roberts playing for Wales, will mean his career in Ireland is over. Would be the same if Salanoa played for USA which I think is a shame should be someway of helping tier 2 nations not depriving them of players.

Big risk for him after all he won't get his contract renewed in Ireland and the English teams after wasps and Worcester have a surplus of players.

Kingshu wrote:Abdaladze called up to the Georgian squad, like Roberts playing for Wales, will mean his career in Ireland is over. Would be the same if Salanoa played for USA which I think is a shame should be someway of helping tier 2 nations not depriving them of players.

Big risk for him after all he won't get his contract renewed in Ireland and the English teams after wasps and Worcester have a surplus of players.

I saw that report. Think Leinster are surprised too given their understanding of his commitment to Ireland. But perhaps he believes he has better chance of success going this route. Perhaps in France.

Kingshu wrote:Abdaladze called up to the Georgian squad, like Roberts playing for Wales, will mean his career in Ireland is over. Would be the same if Salanoa played for USA which I think is a shame should be someway of helping tier 2 nations not depriving them of players.

Big risk for him after all he won't get his contract renewed in Ireland and the English teams after wasps and Worcester have a surplus of players.

It is an interesting one alright. Fair play to Abdaladze for playing well enough so far in the front row to get a call up by Georgia. Part of me wonders for the 'greater good' of the game should each province get a dispensation for 1 forward and 1 back. Maybe 1 player from a >10 on the world rankings and a second >15 on the world rankings? It would be interesting how to put it together? Maybe it should be based on giving out an academy spot in each of the 4 provinces, less of a cost, doesn't get mis-used to just bring in a marquee player or aging journeyman under the clause. Just have Nucifora put out an edict that each academy should have at least 1 such player in the system?


Have to say too, that was a poor Scarlets side. Leinster showed some nice play over the course of the match, but that should have been the kind of squad to come home with a LBP, not the road victory.

Hugo Keenan has signed a 3 year central contract with the IRFU.
First player to come through the sevens programme and make it as far as the senior XVs central contracts.
Fair play to him, he's really solidified his position at both Leinster and Ireland in a very short period of time.

This second break weekend from the 6Ns is always an interesting round for assessing squad depth. Injuries mount around this time, the national squad fringe players get released but probably aren't involved enough in set up to get full game run outs for 80 minutes.

But there is a position I'm curious about and that's outhalf.
Sexton - elder statesmen about to hang up the boots.
Ross Byrne - the long time understudy, secured place.
Harry Byrne - starting to move from the 'promising youngster' into the seasoned veteran role.
Ciaran Frawley - Cullen/Lancaster tried to make him a centre but he keeps ending up, when fit, back in the outhalf role as he shows so much promise there (but again, isn't necessarily young anymore).
Charlie Tector - Out of the U20s I'd have said this guy needs minutes and he will shoot up this board.
Sam Prendergast - currently in the u20s. This kid looks scary.

When it was the first 4 names only, resting old man Sexton and an injury to any other meant selection looked after itself.

However you take out a (limited minutes for Leinster anyway) Sexton and add in those 2 youngsters and the squad doesn't really make sense. A natural fit would be 1 of the Byrnes, Frawley as a flex and 1 of Tector/Prendergast as the young prodigy to learn from above (or no frawley, and keep one of the others). But all doesn't feel like an option. Or is it?

What are peoples thoughts.

Agree bandwagon, the numbers don't add up, and potentially stall development of an OH successor for Ireland. Ulster could do with a top OH, but seem to be making a complete mess of it. For me Burns isn't as bad some say, but we do need to be grooming a (superior) successor. Flannery was brought in but hasn't got any significant game time so we have little idea of his abilities. Perhaps after last weekend that is changing, but there have been rumours of him wanting to return to Munster.

My guess is that Sexton will retire from everything after the RWC and R Byrne appears his provincial successor. I don't see what everyone else seems to see in H Byrne and haven't really seen enough of Frawley to give any comment. Tector looked good in U20s, but Prendergast looks ready to make the step up straight away. One of these latter guys should look for game time elsewhere, and I'd take either at Ulster if I had the confidence they would get properly tested and used. There is no point in Leinster having such a profusion of players.

My guess is that Sexton will retire from everything after the RWC and R Byrne appears his provincial successor.  I don't see what everyone else seems to see in H Byrne and haven't really seen enough of Frawley to give any comment.  Tector looked good in U20s, but Prendergast looks ready to make the step up straight away.  One of these latter guys should look for game time elsewhere, and I'd take either at Ulster if I had the confidence they would get properly tested and used. There is no point in Leinster having such a profusion of players.[/quote]

I want to second that and add that if we could have Prendergast that'd be nice. Thanks!

Leinster team to play Edinburgh in that Dam stadium named with ages beside them:
Frawley being tried at 15 as part of a fairly young, next generation backline with the exception of old timer, Dave K.
McKee the only Academy player to start with another 4 on the bench to come on.

Can't believe that Osborne has 30 caps already at age 21.

15. Ciarán Frawley -25
14. Jordan Larmour -25
13. Liam Turner -23
12. Jamie Osborne - 21
11. Dave Kearney -33
10. Harry Byrne -23
9. Luke McGrath -30
1. Michael Milne -24
2. John McKee -23 A
3. Michael Ala’alatoa -31
4. Ross Molony -28
5. Jason Jenkins -27
6. Rhys Ruddock -32
7. Scott Penny -23
8. Max Deegan -26

16. Lee Barron -22 A
17. Jack Boyle -22 A
18. Thomas Clarkson -23
19. Brian Deeny -23
20. Will Connors -26
21. Nick McCarthy -27
22. Charlie Tector - 22 A
23. Rob Russell -24 A

Pete330v2 wrote:

Unclear wrote:My guess is that Sexton will retire from everything after the RWC and R Byrne appears his provincial successor.  I don't see what everyone else seems to see in H Byrne and haven't really seen enough of Frawley to give any comment.  Tector looked good in U20s, but Prendergast looks ready to make the step up straight away.  One of these latter guys should look for game time elsewhere, and I'd take either at Ulster if I had the confidence they would get properly tested and used. There is no point in Leinster having such a profusion of players.

I want to second that and add that if we could have Prendergast that'd be nice. Thanks!

Sam Prendergast looks the most natural of the lot - time on the ball, measured, and very composed with the U20s. But he's only Year 1 in the Academy.

Depends in part on who Leinster decide to let go for next season - Dave Kearney has to be near the exit door with Rob Russell graduating from academy.   Tommy O'Brien seems to be having bad luck with injury and may not last.  

Jimmy O'Brien is Keenan's back up on paper, but Frawley might be a better bet, with O'Brien ostensibly moving to midfield.
Ngatai may only be here for the season, he'll be 33 at start of next season, but depends on RWC selection as to whether Leinster might still need him.

Max O'Reilly(23) and Andrew Smith (22) are both in their third and final year in academy, and I don't get the sense they'll be continued.

Last season, Frawley had 13 starts at inside centre, 1 at out half, 5 x 23 and 2 at bench out half
This season, with Ngatai coming in, and injury, Frawley's had 4 games only - 1 starter at 10, 2 benches at 10, and 1 start at 15.

There are fears Sexton may have played his last game for Leinster as coach Leo Cullen isn't expecting him to play again this season.

With Prendeghast coming through I would have thought one of Harry Bryne or Frawley could be surplus to requirements

I'd take Frawley in a heartbeat

geoff999rugby wrote:With Prendeghast coming through I would have thought one of Harry Bryne or Frawley could be surplus to requirements

I'd take Frawley in a heartbeat

It depends on whether Fawley wants to play 10 or if he's happy as a utility player. He generally gets in the match day squad when he's fit (which is rare enough).

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

geoff999rugby wrote:With Prendeghast coming through I would have thought one of Harry Bryne or Frawley could be surplus to requirements

I'd take Frawley in a heartbeat

It depends on whether Fawley wants to play 10 or if he's happy as a utility player. He generally gets in the match day squad when he's fit (which is rare enough).

I'll second that comment from Geoff, although my concerns about the Ulster coaching ticket's handling of 10s makes me wonder if anyone would be prepared to take the risk. The very few glimpses of Flannery I have had make me wonder why he hasn't featured more (starting or on the bench). So add that to the general reluctance to move provinces and my glass remains resolutely half empty.

He's a better 10 than Burns by a country mile.

Unclear wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:

geoff999rugby wrote:With Prendeghast coming through I would have thought one of Harry Bryne or Frawley could be surplus to requirements

I'd take Frawley in a heartbeat

It depends on whether Fawley wants to play 10 or if he's happy as a utility player. He generally gets in the match day squad when he's fit (which is rare enough).

I'll second that comment from Geoff, although my concerns about the Ulster coaching ticket's handling of 10s makes me wonder if anyone would be prepared to take the risk.  The very few glimpses of Flannery I have had make me wonder why he hasn't featured more (starting or on the bench).  So add that to the general reluctance to move provinces and my glass remains resolutely half empty.

It's hard to get players to leave Leinster, even if they aren't first choice players. Just look at the interviews with the likes of Bryan Byrne and Rory O'Loughlin, who wanted to stay with Leinster despite being down the list in the squad.

Looks like Sexton wont play any more games for Leinster as his groin injury means he will be out for the rest of the season and will hopefully return for Ireland's warm up matches in August. Shame that he wont get the send off in the Leinster jersey that he deserves.

Collapse2005 wrote:Looks like Sexton wont play any more games for Leinster as his groin injury means he will be out for the rest of the season and will hopefully return for Ireland's warm up matches in August. Shame that he wont get the send off in the Leinster jersey that he deserves.

Indeed a great shame. He'll just have to make up for it by bringing back the Webb Ellis trophy to ensure appropriate celebrations, even if they aren't province specific

Groin injuries can take time, Id say there is a chance he may not make the RWC

Contrary to popular belief Leinster players do not regularly join Ulster - Murphy is the only one who comes to mind.

Cooney, Moore, Madigan arrived from third parties
The rest of them either came through the Ulster Academy or joined it after being dropped by Leinster
EOS, AOC, TOT, Timoney, Shanahan, Jones

McGrath was a long shot at getting a player fit after his career was effectively over

Ulster have approach numerous Leinster players and Murphy is the only one who has said yes

Sam Prendegast is set to get his debut v the Lions tomorrow. Big test for your debut. Interesting to see how he goes.

Leinster have announced that Jacques Nienaber will take over from Stuart Lancaster as Senior Coach after the Rugby World Cup this year Autumn.  

Interesting appointment.  Has experience already of Irish set-up working with Rassie Erasmus in Munster.   Familiar with URC and season demands.

https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/jacques-nienaber-to-join-leinster-rugby/

Collapse2005 wrote:Sam Prendegast is set to get his debut v the Lions tomorrow. Big test for your debut. Interesting to see how he goes.

Is there anybody else we should be keeping an eye out for?

Do leinster ever know they are beaten? Lions leading by 12 pts with 10 mins to go. Leinster win.

too good them buggers :-)

Incredible win, Prendegast did not disappoint.

Amazing to win in Ellis Park with seconds and academy players.

Maine man wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:Sam Prendegast is set to get his debut v the Lions tomorrow. Big test for your debut. Interesting to see how he goes.

Is there anybody else we should be keeping an eye out for?

Sorry didnt see your message. Was excited to see Prendegast and was very happy with how he played.

Collapse2005 wrote:

Maine man wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:Sam Prendegast is set to get his debut v the Lions tomorrow. Big test for your debut. Interesting to see how he goes.

Is there anybody else we should be keeping an eye out for?

Sorry didnt see your message. Was excited to see Prendegast and was very happy with how he played.

Unfortunately I didn't get to see the game myself. Any other youngsters stand out?

So where would you put Prendegast in the pecking order?

Maine man wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

Maine man wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:Sam Prendegast is set to get his debut v the Lions tomorrow. Big test for your debut. Interesting to see how he goes.

Is there anybody else we should be keeping an eye out for?

Sorry didnt see your message. Was excited to see Prendegast and was very happy with how he played.

Unfortunately I didn't get to see the game myself. Any other youngsters stand out?

So where would you put Prendegast in the pecking order?

He is the next Sexton for me

Pendergast was immense today. I was worried given the pack and scrum half he was with. Murphy played 5 times quicker when he came on. Agreed Sam is the next Sexton. If he had a few more games this season he could have gone to the world cup. Milne was excellent, as was Sokokra when he came on. As second/back row hybrid. Liam Turner, 13 or winger, looks like he could make it. If Barron failed his HIA we could be left with only 1 Hooker for the next game

Cian Healy will step in

Collapse2005 wrote:

Maine man wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:

Maine man wrote:

Collapse2005 wrote:Sam Prendegast is set to get his debut v the Lions tomorrow. Big test for your debut. Interesting to see how he goes.

Is there anybody else we should be keeping an eye out for?

Sorry didnt see your message. Was excited to see Prendegast and was very happy with how he played.

Unfortunately I didn't get to see the game myself. Any other youngsters stand out?

So where would you put Prendegast in the pecking order?

He is the next Sexton for me

Would you start him ahead of both Byrnes and Frawley next season? Throw him straight in do to speak.

Ross to be our starter. Sam to be back up with Ciaran to be a 10/12/15. I think Harry should move on. Ulster maybe. Never have been convinced by him

Still have Charlie Tector as 3rd or 4th 10