Irish Provinces NEWS & GOSSIP thread 2016-17

[Sin é]

First topic message reminder :

What it says in the title - a place to put all bits of news not worth starting a thread for the Four Proud Provinces of Ireland such as new signings, interviews that maybe of interest to others etc.

[thebandwagonsociety]

Is Triggs still around next season?

Out of contract players

Ed Byrne
Strauss
Cronin
Bryan Bryne
Ross
McCarthy
Triggs
Nagle
Mick Kearney
Dom Ryan
Jordi Murphy
Conan
Leavy
Luke McGrath
Reid
Tom Daly
Kirchener
McFadden
Barry Daly
Adam Byrne
Billy Dardis


I reckon there could be a clearout because they've signed Fardy as well as 7 academy graduates and are looking to sign James Lowe from the Chiefs. The highlighted players look the most likely to stay.

Bringing through 7 from the academy is good going.  Also considering two of them are outhalfs in Ross Byrne and Joey Carbery, those are usually hens-teeth to find.

The signing of Fardy as a lock still feels a bit wierd would it be better to have a pure lock enforcer than a flanker being outsized moving to the second row, we must be expecting a good few of our current options not to be around next season. And with Ryan coming through the system and Molony still very young there some decent competition appearing in the second row.

McCarthy is heading to Narbonne for next season. That's one lock gone from the squad for next season

[Guest]

Who are the 6 at Ulster?

Van der Merwe (Moving to Cardiff at end of season)

Coetzee

Pienaar (Unfairly forced out by Nucifora/IRFU at end of season)

Piutau

Projects: (both Irish qualified next season)

Herbst

Ludik

We were allowed two projects this season because Ireland have their eye on Ludik. Probably never play for Ireland, but does give them options.


So, for next season:

Coetzee

Botha

Piutau

Project:

Possible LH Prop.

[St John The Enforcer]

Who are the 6 in Ulster he asks?

Then he names them

So you will have 4 next season like we have had for the last 4 seasons.

Do you want a medal?

I'm sure Munster won't have 9 next season either.

[Guest]

Who are the 6 in Ulster he asks?

Then he names them

So you will have 4 next season like we have had for the last 4 seasons.

Do you want a medal?

I'm sure Munster won't have 9 next season either.

Only if you're including projects.

I was just setting out who is at Ulster, John. No need to be a complete prick about it.

Maybe Ulster supporters angst with the IRFU is getting under your skin? Our angst about Nucifora forcing Pienaar out isn't directed at Leinster. No need to be so precious about it, petal.

[St John The Enforcer]

No need to call someone a complete pr1ck because you don't agree with them.

Or refer to them as petal when you wouldn't be seen dead doing it to their face.

So there's no need to be so precious about it eh... Munchkin.

[Guest]

No need to call someone a complete pr1ck because you don't agree with them.

Or refer to them as petal when you wouldn't be seen dead doing it to their face.

So there's no need to be so precious about it eh... Munchkin.

Listen, if you're going to waffle on about "medals", etc, expect some fire in return. If you're too sensitive for the fight, don't start one, petal. Take up knitting, or flower arranging. Something more suited to your sensibilities.

[St John The Enforcer]

Believe me I am not sensitive at all. No interest in "fighting" (as you put it) online. People who engage in horseshidt like that are usually too sensitive to do it in real life.

Have a look in that mirror lad. See who's being "sensitive"

I'll leave you to it.

[Guest]

Believe me I am not sensitive at all. No interest in "fighting" (as you put it) online. People who engage in horseshidt like that are usually too sensitive to do it in real life.

Have a look in that mirror lad. See who's being "sensitive"

I'll leave you to it.

Well, it isn't me. You're the one doing the complaining.

Fair enough, we will leave it there

[SecretFly]

Oops .... I didn't realise that was such serious stuff.

Anyway. Let's all be friends again.

Good news to make us all smile. Nucifora is getting the sack. Neil Francis is taking over.

[Guest]

Oops .... I didn't realise that was such serious stuff.

Anyway.  Let's all be friends again.  

Good news to make us all smile.  Nucifora is getting the sack.  Neil Francis is taking over.  

Sure he couldn't be any worse  Although, just to be fair, the IRFU should give the job to Humpreys, or me

Anyway, the fighting's over, and peace has broke out. It was just a storm in a D Cup

[SecretFly]

Really nice goodbye message from Zane Kirchner to the Leinster faithful:

"To a badge and a fraternity that literally turned my life around. A place that became home. Friends that grew closer then family.  From me and my family we humbly thank everyone for the adventure. To the organisation, from top to bottom, thank you for allowing me to set foot in a club which I believe is the best that I've ever been.

To the Leinster blue faithful, I hope that even for a little while I brought joy to your presence at our games. The roar and memories of the RDS is something I'll carry and treasure for the rest of my life.

I am very grateful.”

And thank you too, Zane.  Your efforts were much appreciated.  Come back and see us sometimes.

[Guest]

Interesting that he's moving to Dragons. The WRU are to take over the Dragons, and maybe they want someone with Kirchner's experience to help with coaching?

It's also alleged that the WRU are to take over Cardiff. Peter pies will probably settle for a financial return on his investment over the years, or at least some of it.

Interesting times for Welsh rugby.

[SecretFly]

Interesting that he's moving to Dragons. The WRU are to take over the Dragons, and maybe they want someone with Kirchner's experience to help with coaching?

It's also alleged that the WRU are to take over Cardiff. Peter pies will probably settle for a financial return on his investment over the years, or at least some of it.

Interesting times for Welsh rugby.

?

Say it softly - Welsh rugby finally admitting that for a Nation of a certain size, the Irish way ain't a bad way to attempt survival?

There's a particular Welsh rugby supporter that will not be pleased with such developments.

[Guest]

Nothing written in stone, from I can see but, if the Regions move towards the Irish model, I can envisage certain supporters having a breakdown. I think that would be very entertaining

[marty2086]

Nothing written in stone, from I can see but, if the Regions move towards the Irish model, I can envisage certain supporters having a breakdown. I think that would be very entertaining

Apparently the Blues would just be 'managed' by the WRU for two years while the Arms Park is redeveloped because the Blues cant afford to run the team at the best of times never mind when their income is down

[munkian]

Nothing written in stone, from I can see but, if the Regions move towards the Irish model, I can envisage certain supporters having a breakdown. I think that would be very entertaining

Apparently the Blues would just be 'managed' by the WRU for two years while the Arms Park is redeveloped because the Blues cant afford to run the team at the best of times never mind when their income is down

There will be melt downs from various quarters if Kerdiff start playing at Sardis Road

[geoff999rugby]

Ludik only stayed on the insistence of the IRFU

Kearney was looking dodgy re injuries, Jones retired, Schmidt not a fan of TOH.
They wanted cover just in case

[Guest]

Nothing written in stone, from I can see but, if the Regions move towards the Irish model, I can envisage certain supporters having a breakdown. I think that would be very entertaining

Apparently the Blues would just be 'managed' by the WRU for two years while the Arms Park is redeveloped because the Blues cant afford to run the team at the best of times never mind when their income is down

I have read that Cardiff will run differently to the Dragons, marty. Don't know what that means, but your comment sheds some light on it. It could just be a temporary fix, but still seems odd that the WRU will have to manage Cardiff, what ever that means?

[marty2086]

Nothing written in stone, from I can see but, if the Regions move towards the Irish model, I can envisage certain supporters having a breakdown. I think that would be very entertaining

Apparently the Blues would just be 'managed' by the WRU for two years while the Arms Park is redeveloped because the Blues cant afford to run the team at the best of times never mind when their income is down

I have read that Cardiff will run differently to the Dragons, marty. Don't know what that means, but your comment sheds some light on it. It could just be a temporary fix, but still seems odd that the WRU will have to manage Cardiff, what ever that means?

I think Wales Online have an article on it, apparently the idea is that the WRU takeover the contracts of the players and coaches for two years or however long the work goes on. Apparently they have a £500k shortfall they currently have to cover every season and that'll double when they leave CAP, not sure how though when the big stadium is being considered as a replacement in the short term and I doubt the WRU would overcharge them or burden them with as many of the costs they currently have.

[Guest]

It's strange that they will take over players/coaches contracts if Peter pies remains the owner, unless he is leaving and the WRU will look for a new owner, or take ownership themselves. I'm probably missing something

[marty2086]

You're just missing he who shall not be named coming on ranting and raving about it and giving unbiased clarity to it all

[carpet baboon]

Isn't the ownership of the blues and Cardiff RFC all a little complicated? Don't Cardiff athletic club own all the land and lease it to the blues? And if I remember the athletic club compromises a cricket and hockey club as well as the rugby club. So who is redeveloping the site?

[marty2086]

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/full-truth-whats-going-cardiff-12704271

[Guest]

You're just missing he who shall not be named coming on ranting and raving about it and giving unbiased clarity to it all

It would be great if the WRU were to take ownership, if only to see his reaction

[Guest]

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/full-truth-whats-going-cardiff-12704271

Thanks, marty.

This is the really interesting bit:

"Would the current Blues bosses resume control and financial responsibility once the ground is completed or would the Union stay at the helm?

Might it even be a mixed ownership model, involving both the Union and private investment?"

So, still up in the air, but does strongly hint at the WRU having greater control, in some form.

[SecretFly]

Phill called me and asked me to give the thread this message:

Miffed Munch and Mighty Mouse Marty, you two tiresome idiots still can't back up your comments with references.  
Prove I'd be pi-ssed if the WRU took ownership of Clubs they cannot possibly own unless they pay the market price for.  Prove I'd be pis-sed.  You have no links.  Where's your links Martyn and Munchkinyn?  You two don't even know how to do a Google search much less prove your opinions with links.

You have no clue about business practices as your lack of knowledge of Section 3, sub paragraph 4 of the 'Corporate Structure of Big Legal Words and Profit Principle Private Equity Foundation Stock Renewable Dynamics Directives' proves.  And no, I don't have to show you the link as you can't show me the link you claim to have that proves I'd be pis-sed.

[carpet baboon]

Frighteningly accurate fly

[Guest]

Phill called me and asked me to give the thread this message:

Miffed Munch and Mighty Mouse Marty, you two tiresome idiots still can't back up your comments with references.  
Prove I'd be pi-ssed if the WRU took ownership of Clubs they cannot possibly own unless they pay the market price for.  Prove I'd be pis-sed.  You have no links.  Where's your links Martyn and Munchkinyn?  You two don't even know how to do a Google search much less prove your opinions with links.

You have no clue about business practices as your lack of knowledge of Section 3, sub paragraph 4 of the 'Corporate Structure of Big Legal Words and Profit Principle Private Equity Foundation Stock Renewable Dynamics Directives' proves.  And no, I don't have to show you the link as you can't show me the link you claim to have that proves I'd be pis-sed.

'Miffed Munch' I probably deserve that

I have my links. Inform Phil to check out WikiLeaks, Vault 7, or just ask his television.

[SecretFly]

"or just ask his television"

[SecretFly]

I'm going to use that in some future correspondence with some likely lads I talk to on other threads.

[Guest]

I'm going to use that in some future correspondence with some likely lads I talk to on other threads.

Should keep them occupied for a while

[Sin é]

Dave Foley off to Pau.

World Rugby are in Dublin today inspecting Croke Park & Aviva for Rugby World Cup.

[SecretFly]

Dave Foley off to Pau.

World Rugby are in Dublin today inspecting Croke Park & Aviva for Rugby World Cup.

Aren't World Rugby in Dublin every day?

[Golden]

Lancaster has indicated hes staying at Leinster. The coaching team seems to be doing a great job this year so delighted thats its staying together.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2017/0330/863721-stuart-lancster-leinster-contract/

[GunsGermsV2]

Lancaster has indicated hes staying at Leinster. The coaching team seems to be doing a great job this year so delighted thats its staying together.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2017/0330/863721-stuart-lancster-leinster-contract/

Great news. Next Ireland coach?

[Sin é]

Lancaster has indicated hes staying at Leinster. The coaching team seems to be doing a great job this year so delighted thats its staying together.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2017/0330/863721-stuart-lancster-leinster-contract/

Great news. Next Ireland coach?

The sooner the better.

[SecretFly]

Lancaster has indicated hes staying at Leinster. The coaching team seems to be doing a great job this year so delighted thats its staying together.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2017/0330/863721-stuart-lancster-leinster-contract/

Great news. Next Ireland coach?

The sooner the better.

Even more Leinster players. It's a win win.

[The Great Aukster]

Dave Foley off to Pau.

World Rugby are in Dublin today inspecting Croke Park & Aviva for Rugby World Cup.

It's disappointing that Munster are letting the next POC (according to Sin é after his Ireland debut) leave and recruit backrows to play lock.

[Artful_Dodger]

Dave Foley off to Pau.

World Rugby are in Dublin today inspecting Croke Park & Aviva for Rugby World Cup.

It's disappointing that Munster are letting the next POC (according to Sin é after his Ireland debut) leave and recruit backrows to play lock.

Donnacha Ryan is only 6'5 which is too small for a lock (apparently) was never going to cut it.

[Sin é]

From IRFU website:
Donnacha Ryan
Height 1.98 m (6' 6")
Weight 114 kg (17 st 13 lb)
Iain Henderson
Height 1.96 m (6' 5")
Weight 112 kg (17 st 8 lb)
Ultan Dillane
Height 1.98 m (6' 6")
Weight 115 kg (18 st 1 lb)

[Rory_Gallagher]

Henderson is not only 6 foot 5.

[Sin é]

Just going on what they say on IRFU website. Why would they claim he was smaller than what he actually is?

[Rory_Gallagher]

I don't know, but I think they take their stats from the provincial websites. The Ulster website have some strange statistics for the players that don't make sense.

Either way, if you believe the IRFU stats...



I guess that means Paul O'Connell was too small for International rugby, considering he was slightly shorter than a 6 foot 5 Ulsterman.

[SecretFly]

The IRFU only have the Diplomatic stats.  It's known that Nucifora's office holds the real stats:

From IRFU's Performance Director's website:
Donnacha Ryan
Height 2.06 m (6' 9")
Weight 122 kg (19 st)
Iain Henderson
Height 1.65 m (5' 5")
Weight 60 kg (9 st 6 lb)
Ultan Dillane
Height 1.98 m (6' 6")
Weight 115 kg (18 st 1 lb)

[SecretFly]

Henderson is obviously standing on a chair in that pic... thus why they are not showing a full view.

[Rory_Gallagher]

Fake news.

[GunsGermsV2]

I wonder is Conor Murray partially to blame for Ireland's impotent back line? His biggest weakness has always been the speed of his distribution.

We never seem to score from first phase because we dont seem to be able to get the ball to our backs before the opposition defence has set.

While Murray was sidelined there is a case for saying that the Ireland and Munster back lines have looked more threatening. For Ireland Marmion definitely speed things up V England and Duncan Williams had a very good game in terms of distribution for Munster.

[Geen sport voor watjes]

Even more fake news

[SecretFly]

Nah...there's a truth there.  I been tellin' Joe for years to get a whip out for Conor.  That lad needs a few stings on the bum to pump his distribution rate up.  His heart rate is too calm..... and that blasted twirling of the ball as he waits to put in to the scrum proves the consistent lethargy.  
He's looking at the fast boys now from the sideline and he knows there'll be comparisons.  Good for Conor.  It might finally get him off his sleeping-pill addiction.

[Geen sport voor watjes]

Complete horse manure.

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