Leinster Rugby 2022/23 Season

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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.

Id say Prendergast might need a year or two to bulk up.

Just saw Jacques Nienaber is joining Leinster after the world cup. Not sure about that one.

Nienaber is an odd appointment for me. From his point of view he’s dropping down a level so I don’t see him staying on longer than it takes him to get a head coach role elsewhere. From Leinster’s point of view surely there’s a better fit for them somewhere? in terms of style?
Prendergast was great! That’s two too many talented out halves at Leinster.

Nienabar is a bit of a weird one for me too though we dont know what his role is yet. I believe he is a really good defence coach so maybe he will add value there.

I thought the reports are he'd be head coach under Cullen as DOR? He's used to working under Rassie in a similar role. He won't be cheap so is unlikely to be in a minor position.

All I have read so far is that he will replace Lancaster as a senior coach without actually defining what his exact role will be.

Collapse2005 wrote:All I have read so far is that he will replace Lancaster as a senior coach without actually defining what his exact role will be.

Leinster didn't really define Lancaster's role either though most coaches have multiple specialisations so pigeonholing them might not make sense when they are so experienced.

Felipe Contepomi was sitting next to the Tigers CEO (on the other side was say Tigers incoming Head Coach Dan McKellar) at the game yesterday. The rumour mill is now in full flow (Tigers needing a replacement attack coach for Wigglesworth), what's the Leinster opinion of him?

Yeah thats fair enough.

You ask any Leinster fan what they think of Felipe Contepomi I dont think you will get a negative response from many if any at all. Leicester would be lucky to get him. I met Contepomi and his wife once and told him it was great that he was coaching in Europe again and he said that when Leo Cullen called him and offered him a job he could not turn him down because he holds Cullen in such high regard and that was the main reason he decided to return. He seemed to really look up to him. Perhaps Cullen is putting in a good word about Leicester with Comtepomi who knows. I do know though that a lot of Argentinians are trying to get out of Argentina at the moment as things  are quite bad there, inflation is at its highest since the 90s and the streets have got a bit unsafe. Maybe that is influencing a potential move back to Europe.

Collapse2005 wrote:Yeah thats fair enough.

You ask any Leinster fan what they think of Felipe Contepomi I dont think you will get a negative response from many if any at all. Leicester would be lucky to get him. I met Contepomi and his wife once and told him it was great that he was coaching in Europe again and he said that when Leo Cullen called him and offered him a job he could not turn him down because he holds Cullen in such high regard and that was the main reason he decided to return. He seemed to really look up to him. Perhaps Cullen is putting in a good word about Leicester with Comtepomi who knows. I do know though that a lot of Argentinians are trying to get out of Argentina at the moment as things  are quite bad there, inflation is at its highest since the 90s and the streets have got a bit unsafe. Maybe that is influencing a potential move back to Europe.

He's joined Chieka hasn't he so I didn't know if post world cup whether he'd want a new challenge. It's been publicly downplayed by the Tigers media officer but it's odd that he was sat next to the CEO for the game if just there to watch Montoya.

Leo Cullen has a great reputation over here in Leicestershire as well. Still well liked by the Tigers fans. Not surprising that big names in the game want to work with him and Leinster.

The Leinster pipeline continues;

https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/leinster-rugby-confirm-year-one-academy-players-for-2023-24/

thebandwagonsociety wrote:The Leinster pipeline continues;

https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/leinster-rugby-confirm-year-one-academy-players-for-2023-24/

Good crop of youngsters coming in.   Andrew Osborne, the second of 4 Osborne brothers coming through to join Jamie at Leinster.   Fintan Gunne did very well in schools, be interesting to see if he can breakthrough in the 9 jersey.   Gus McCarthy looks special and did well in the U20s.   Conor O'Tighearnaigh has already played with the senior squad getting a game out in South Africa last month.  

Leo hasn't made any announcements about new intake for next season - the only two players mentioned so far for academy promotions - Andrew Smith and Seán O'Brien are moving to Connacht next season.

Presumably, John McKee will be promoted from academy to one of the hooker slots, Rob Russell has had a few games on the wing but only in second year - possible replacement for Dave Kearney?   Alex Soroka looks a good back row prospect and is in his final year - is there space for him?  And Marcus Hanan seems to have been floating around for a while - with Cian Healy likely to exit after the World Cup - he could come through into the senior squad.  Last one is Max O'Reilly as a back three player, with 11 senior caps to his name since 2020.

McKee, Russell and Soroka have already signed senior deals. Hanan and Max O'Reily are being released. Shame about MOR he has a lot of talent.

In terms of the adacemy in take for next season. I think that's our strongest academy line up ever, which must be worrying for other team around Europe.

LeinsterFan4life wrote:McKee, Russell and Soroka have already signed senior deals. Hanan and Max O'Reily are being released. Shame about MOR he has a lot of talent.

In terms of the adacemy in take for next season. I think that's our strongest academy line up ever, which must be worrying for other team around Europe.

Oh thanks - didn't know that. Those three look good prospects. Not surprised about Hanan. Maybe O'Reilly might get a shot in the Championship.

Interesting that Lancaster says he wants to return to coach in Ireland again.

Keep the options open. Good strategic move. He's leaving on positive terms so no bridges burnt. Compare to when Matt O'Connor was approaching his end, he had a lot of of chips on his shoulder and never really bought into the reality that the province supports the national team and to accept access to top end talent as a bonus for certain fixtures and cut your cloth to be more focused on developing youngsters out of the academy production line to have the squad depth to compete.
Does Lancaster think that a HC role at Racing has an expiry date on it, 'bigger club' mentality, greater chance of getting the sack.

Lancaster seemed to most value on pitch coaching and helping players improve. That doesn't feel like it gels with coming back for an Ireland head coach role down the line.... or in the back of his head does he still have an itch to prove himself at Test level after his demise at England?

If Leo was to put a ticket together for the Ireland job I could see Lancaster go for a 'I'm not the top guy, but I'm a senior coach who gets involved with the pitch coaching'.

Or if Nucifora's time was down the line, would an older Lancaster be interested in that kind of opportunity. With 4 provinces, it's far more manageable than trying to do that role in a lot of other countries, he knows the layout and structures across Ireland and might feel he can improve the whole? But that would be a hiding to nothing, as nucifora gets enough grief from everybody... mostly just used as a scape goat when pushing though decisions that should have been made years before at provincial level and controls central contracts and purse strings. Nucifora was an outsider who everyone could hate in unison but still get behind the mission....... If that role was an ex-coach of one of the provinces.... and that province being Leinster.... good luck 'swanning' into any of those set ups and telling them what to do.

He can come and coach Ulster if he fancies it.

Pot Hale wrote:

LeinsterFan4life wrote:McKee, Russell and Soroka have already signed senior deals. Hanan and Max O'Reily are being released. Shame about MOR he has a lot of talent.

In terms of the adacemy in take for next season. I think that's our strongest academy line up ever, which must be worrying for other team around Europe.

Oh thanks - didn't know that.  Those three look good prospects.  Not surprised about Hanan.  Maybe O'Reilly might get a shot in the Championship.  

He'd probably be better off having a crack at ProD2 over in France. More money and apparently the leagues below the Top14 can be a lot of fun.

Teams out for tomorrow:
Leinster:H Keenan; J O’Brien, G Ringrose, R Henshaw, J Lowe; R Byrne, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan, T Furlong; R Molony, J Ryan (capt); C Doris, J van der Flier, J Conan. Reps: R Kelleher, C Healy, M Ala’alatoa, J Jenkins, R Baird, L McGrath, C Frawley, C Ngatai.

La Rochelle:B Dulin; D Leyds, UJ Seuteni, J Danty, R Rhule; A Hastoy, T Kerr-Barlow; R Wardi, P Bourgarit, U Atonio; R Sazy, W Skelton; P Boudehent, L Botia, G Alldritt (capt). Replacements: Q Lespiaucq Brettes, J Sclavi, G Henri Colombe, T Lavault, R Bourdeau, U Dillane, T Berjon, J Favre.

What a match up, probably the two best club sides in world rugby!

Ireland v La ROGelle.

It's a RWC warm up match with meaning.

Pete330v2 wrote:Ireland v La ROGelle.

It's a RWC warm up match with meaning.

Based on this Ireland will be desperate for Peyper to officiate. Ridiculously lenient.

Lenient or incompetent?

Heaf wrote:Lenient or incompetent?

It's a fast and furious game so there's a lot going on to be fair. Peyper is not the best ref though.

That is a RC and will probably cause Leinster the game

Full of drama this one. I can’t see a way back for Leinster after the Red.

Blatant red.

Going to be an interesting final couple of mins.

What a game that was, how did La Rochelle find a way to win that game?

Leinster just didn't play in that second half. Even camped on the La Rochelle line they didn't have the confidence to go wide.

Dont think Leinster would have lost to anyone else today. Huge performance by La Rochelle. Great entertainment!

There is an old adage about not sitting back on a lead and you have to say, Leinster were surely guilty of that.

Momentum is such a powerful thing in sport!

Wow....what a game. Leinster started that as good as I've ever seen a Euro final (up there with Saints 2009ish)....can't believe they lost it.

La Rochelle will go down as one of the greats with ROG masterminding.

Such an amazing season just imploded in 2 weekends.

Amazing game, how La Rochelle came back from 17 down was unbelievable.
Leinster have to be careful not to be labelled as the new Clermont Auvergne.

They will be labelled chokers but they cant really be acused of not playing well and not giving it everything. Two one point losses against La Rochelle isnt really something to be ashamed of in my view especially given how both sides played.

Collapse2005 wrote:They will be labelled chokers but they cant really be acused of not playing well and not giving it everything. Two one point losses against La Rochelle isnt really something to be ashamed of in my view especially given how both sides played.

Two wonderfully entertaining finals for the neutral. I doubt anyone would complain if it became a trilogy next season.

Id be up for that

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Pete330v2 wrote:Ireland v La ROGelle.

It's a RWC warm up match with meaning.

Based on this Ireland will be desperate for Peyper to officiate. Ridiculously lenient.

Was crazy. First half he must have lost his whistle then at half time someone handed him the spare.

Honking phrase “a game of two halves” but it really was today.

Collapse2005 wrote:Id be up for that

Hopefully Leinster win. They’ve just taken the title from Clermont for biggest chokers!

Pretty tough for either side to lose that game.
Innovative from Leinster first half, brute power at scrum and maul from La Rochelle second half. Very rare for a team to win the European cup without a test flyhalf but ROG seems to manage it - the size of that pack probably helps.
The lineouts were a joke - both hookers would line up in front of their team and throw it straight. Leinster applied a lot of nous at the breakdown and were clever with the counter ruck, La Rochelle probably didn't get as much from their scrum as they deserved, a little bemused that Porter was awarded a penalty when he stepped out and at a 45° angle. Lowe messed up a couple of key kicks, which kept up massive pressure on the Leinster defence. Leinster could/should still have won it but the clear red card killed it.
Lancaster never seems to get much luck in the big games.
The test management teams of the Springboks, AB's and France will have watched that game with interest.

tigertattie wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Pete330v2 wrote:Ireland v La ROGelle.

It's a RWC warm up match with meaning.

Based on this Ireland will be desperate for Peyper to officiate. Ridiculously lenient.

Was crazy. First half he must have lost his whistle then at half time someone handed him the spare.

Honking phrase “a game of two halves” but it really was today.

Yeah he did forget to ref certain parts of the game. Re the gane of 2 halves there is a strange press release from the organisers.

EPCR is aware of reports of an incident at half-time during the Heineken Champions Cup final at the Aviva Stadium and the tournament organiser will be investigating this as soon as practicable. We have no further comment at this time.”

Sounds as if there were several people on both sides surrounding the ref in the tunnel at half time. Sexton also had a go at him at full time.

No 7&1/2 wrote:

tigertattie wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:

Pete330v2 wrote:Ireland v La ROGelle.

It's a RWC warm up match with meaning.

Based on this Ireland will be desperate for Peyper to officiate. Ridiculously lenient.

Was crazy. First half he must have lost his whistle then at half time someone handed him the spare.

Honking phrase “a game of two halves” but it really was today.

Yeah he did forget to ref certain parts of the game. Re the gane of 2 halves there is a strange press release from the organisers.

EPCR is aware of reports of an incident at half-time during the Heineken Champions Cup final at the Aviva Stadium and the tournament organiser will be investigating this as soon as practicable. We have no further comment at this time.”

Sounds as if there were several people on both sides surrounding the ref in the tunnel at half time. Sexton also had a go at him at full time.

Bans and fines should follow if that's the case. Whether you agree with him or not you respect the match official.

Mad to think that Leinster only lost by a typical Irish fly into a ruck with a chicken wing arm. Good to see a decent side won again, despite the cowardice. Budgets always even out in the end, in Europe. Such a real shame they focused on Europe and not the league and lost. My heart broke.

Whilst we are at it, the non booing nation played a blinder with howling over a stricken player.

Wow that’s quite a lot of bitterness there Risca.

Anyways, thanks Dublin for a great weekend, 2 good games from a neutrals perspective and a good atmosphere around the city all weekend, with a really raucous atmosphere in the stadium for the champions cup final. Loved it, now to go sell some stuff to pay for it

Some rumours flying about that Sexton might be in hot water following an altercation with La Rochelle representatives at half time and then saying more than he should have done to Peyper at full time. Investigation into the half time shenanigans has already been confirmed.

The incident involved Rog and Sexton which isnt such a surprise since they both love the verbals and are ultra competitive.

RiscaGame wrote:Mad to think that Leinster only lost by a typical Irish fly into a ruck with a chicken wing arm. Good to see a decent side won again, despite the cowardice. Budgets always even out in the end, in Europe. Such a real shame they focused on Europe and not the league and lost. My heart broke.

Whilst we are at it, the non booing nation played a blinder with howling over a stricken player.

Glad you enjoyed it so much man. Sounds like you're having a tough time of it.

formerly known as Sam wrote:Some rumours flying about that Sexton might be in hot water following an altercation with La Rochelle representatives at half time and then saying more than he should have done to Peyper at full time. Investigation into the half time shenanigans has already been confirmed.

Sexton has never been a particularly good loser.

As a neutral, I thought Leinster got more than their fair share of 50/50 decisions too, especially at the breakdown. I'm not sure what Mr Sexton has to complain about tbh......

Agree, Sarge. It was nice to sit and watch a high quality club game without a horse in the race. The momentum flowed one way in the first half, reversed in the second, then went down to the wire. Great game by two great teams.

Yea Doc, it was a cracker. I even got my Wife (French unfortunately) slightly interested with the La Rochelle link.......then she asked if Chabal was playing after about 60mins.....I give up.

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Yea Doc, it was a cracker. I even got my Wife (French unfortunately) slightly interested with the La Rochelle link.......then she asked if Chabal was playing after about 60mins.....I give up.

Chabal, eh? You married a young 'un! Mine remembers Serge Blanco....

Sgt_Pooly wrote:

formerly known as Sam wrote:Some rumours flying about that Sexton might be in hot water following an altercation with La Rochelle representatives at half time and then saying more than he should have done to Peyper at full time. Investigation into the half time shenanigans has already been confirmed.

Sexton has never been a particularly good loser.

As a neutral, I thought Leinster got more than their fair share of 50/50 decisions too, especially at the breakdown. I'm not sure what Mr Sexton has to complain about tbh......

To be fair you dont know what happened and whether he was complaining at all or maybe you do? Anything Ive seen seems to suggest the main confrontation was between Sean OBrien and OGara. Sexton had also not lost at that point in the game so a bit left-field and unnecessary to call him a sore loser. Everyone is free to write their own narrative however, I find it a bit hard to understand how the primary narrative after that match isnt how well two global heavy weights put on a great final.