Munster Nucifora's Pet Province?

by Kingshu Tue 20 Dec 2016, 12:29 pm

First topic message reminder :

I think it was another reporter in the same paper said that Nucifora may be taking Munster on as a sort of personal project, getting Erasmus (his man) in and getting them on the right path again, it can be taken with a pinch of salt but reading more

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/munster-rugby/ruaidhri-oconnor-ben-smith-capture-would-catapult-munster-back-to-the-top-table-35307339.html

"Talk of Ben Smith joining Munster...... the province may have sought outside help to bring Smith in. IRFU performance director Nucifora has spoken of his willingness to get private investors involved."

"Erasmus is working hard to increase his options next season, with Irish-qualified trio Chris Farrell, JJ Hanrahan and James Hart on the way, while Munster are likely to be allowed retain one of Jaco Taute or Francis Saili."

"Rhys Marshall, a project player from New Zealand, has already joined and uncapped South African prop Oliver Kebble has been linked with a move."

Munster couldn't afford their stadium repayments last year and are now in talks with Smith?

How much of this is true?

How much is down to Munster, and how much Nucifora?

How can Munster get Hart to be behind Murray, and have Pienaar leave Ulster? (why is Nucifora not making this an Ulster move to replace Pienaar)
Allowed an NIQ center forever and add a NIQ fullback, yet they have not produced any centers and have to relay on former Ulster ones Farrell, and Arnold?

If any of this is true fair play to Munster, but if its true and Nucifora is involved I wouldn't be as happy.
How can Nucifora push through all this for Munster who have limited finances, yet can't assit in moving some backrows to Ulster?

by No 7&1/2 Fri 31 Mar 2017, 11:38 am

Surprised nz has as many to be honest.

by Sin é Fri 31 Mar 2017, 11:42 am

Cyril wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:
Sgt_Pooly wrote:Heaslip is a pretty average 8, POC was on a complete different level as a player and leader. Heaslip has amassed this amount of caps due to lack of a decent viable option rather than being such a good player.

I would accept your logic if Heaslip hadnt been picked for two Lions tours as test starter and nominated for world player of the year twice and under 20s world player of the year once. Ireland has had its fair share of good 8s in that time, none were as good as him.

Are you also saying that when he was nominated for under 20s world player of the the year there were no other viable 8s at that age group in the world?
Are you saying that when he received his two world player of the year nominations in 2009 and 2016 there were no other viable 8s in the world?
Same question for his two Lions tours in 2009 and 2013?

Those selections and nominations were all tied into sponsorship deals and other financial considerations. It happens sometimes (and fair play to Heaslip for having the right connections and 'image').

The only thing Heaslip is world class at is not getting injured and one of the reasons why he might have got those (irrelevant) nominations for World Player of the Year is probably down to the fact that he plays every game, where other players are usually out of the picture for a couple of games during the year because of injury so would not get so many points.

by GunsGermsV2 Fri 31 Mar 2017, 11:47 am

No 7&1/2 wrote:Surprised nz has as many to be honest.

Its because NZ and Ireland have similar player management systems and central contracts. All of the top NZ players would have played way less club games than the top English and French players.

McCaw played 179 games for Canterbury/Crusaiders
Leonard played 309 games for Sarries and Quins
Martin Johnson 362 games for Leicester

There is no doubt that someone like Jonny Wilkinson would have played more England games if he wasnt flogged to death by the club game.

by GunsGermsV2 Fri 31 Mar 2017, 11:50 am

Sin é wrote:
The only thing Heaslip is world class at is not getting injured and one of the reasons why he might have got those (irrelevant) nominations for World Player of the Year is probably down to the fact that he plays every game, where other players are usually out of the picture for a couple of games during the year because of injury so would not get so many points.

Did Donnacha Ryan get a central contract Sin? Any news on that?

by Sin é Fri 31 Mar 2017, 11:50 am

St John The Enforcer wrote:
Sin é wrote:

Please do not compare Healip to POC - he isn't up to wiping his boots, let alone get a 3 year international contract which will block any development of No. 8s in Leinster for the next 3 years.

Holy heart a jaysis! Just seeing this now! Did you actually write this about a 2 tour lion and 100 cap Irish player? The best Irish 8 to ever wear shoe leather.

I knew you were a small minded parochial type but seriously?

I have had the pleasure of meeting both men and I suggest you ask POC about his opinion of Jamie. Paulie is one of the nicest, most relaxed and unassuming characters I have ever met considering how driven etc he is. True gentleman.

Jamie has a different personality. But one that deserves ultimate respect from the likes of you. Not everything can be judged within a small mind.

If you have ever played rugby you will know that out of 15 people on the pitch.... You will not get on famously with every one of them. But they will all have your back and visa versa. Someone pulls on a green or Lions jersey and honors it 100 times you better focking respect that.

In 150 or so European games for Leinster there have only been 7 times that either Jamie or Big Vic have not started at 8.

Get your head round that and I will accept your humble apology.

If he is regarded highly by his fellow Pros as you seem to think he should be, you'd think he would have at least been IRUPA player of the Year since they vote them.

by Sin é Fri 31 Mar 2017, 11:51 am

GunsGermsV2 wrote:
Sin é wrote:
The only thing Heaslip is world class at is not getting injured and one of the reasons why he might have got those (irrelevant) nominations for World Player of the Year is probably down to the fact that he plays every game, where other players are usually out of the picture for a couple of games during the year because of injury so would not get so many points.

Did Donnacha Ryan get a central contract Sin? Any news on that?

No. He is going to Racing. ROG confirmed it in Examiner today. ROG wrote that he approached him.

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Fri 31 Mar 2017, 11:52 am

No 7&1/2 wrote:Surprised nz has as many to be honest.

Especially as we had none until comparatively recently (McCaw was the first in RWC 2011). Our golden generation* had decent runs of being injury free. 2 of the 6 are global GOATs in their positions though so hardly surprising that they ratcheted up the caps. Woodcock & Mealamu benefitted from increased use of the bench in recent years too

McCaw
Mealamu
Carter
Nonu
Muliaina
Woodcock

by GunsGermsV2 Fri 31 Mar 2017, 11:57 am

Sin é wrote:

If he is regarded highly by his fellow Pros as you seem to think he should be, you'd think he would have at least been IRUPA player of the Year since they vote them.

Rog, Murray and Sexton never won it either. Not sure that means they arent rated by fellow players does it? You are more likely to win if you play all club games as guys like Nacewa & Nick Williams have won it. Costello won it in 07 too even though Heaslip was starting for Ireland ahead of him.

by No 7&1/2 Fri 31 Mar 2017, 11:57 am

The club game is the bread and butter guns.

What's your view on that list Pete? A few there are in the goat class themselves...how much pressure (other than the win every game!) From other players did they get over the course if those careers. Towards the end with cane and Barrett for mccaw and carter but to me it came across as they were clearly number 1.

by GunsGermsV2 Fri 31 Mar 2017, 12:01 pm

No 7&1/2 wrote:The club game is the bread and butter guns.

What's your view on that list Pete? A few there are in the goat class themselves...how much pressure (other than the win every game!) From other players did they get over the course if those careers. Towards the end with cane and Barrett for mccaw and carter but to me it came across as they were clearly number 1.

For me international rugby trumps everything.

by Sgt_Pooly Fri 31 Mar 2017, 12:07 pm

GunsGermsV2 wrote:
Sgt_Pooly wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:
Sgt_Pooly wrote:Heaslip is arguably the 5th best 8 in the NH, hes just an average Int player these days. He looked excellent around 6 years ago but has never kicked on. He's done well with such limited ability to ne fair.

So how do you explain his 2016 world player of the year nomination?

A token nomination? I don't, it is what is. Its also now 2017.

Well it debunks you silly theory that "He looked excellent around 6 years ago but has never kicked on"

Just because its not your opinion doesnt make it silly. Heaslip was excellent in 2011 but has regressed imo, hardly a uncommon opinion. He looked like he could be world class back then, he never achieved this. A few pointless, token nominations mean nothing.

by Sin é Fri 31 Mar 2017, 12:10 pm

GunsGermsV2 wrote:
Sin é wrote:

If he is regarded highly by his fellow Pros as you seem to think he should be, you'd think he would have at least been IRUPA player of the Year since they vote them.

Rog, Murray and Sexton never won it either. Not sure that means they arent rated by fellow players does it? You are more likely to win if you play all club games as guys like Nacewa & Nick Williams have won it. Costello won it in 07 too even though Heaslip was starting for Ireland ahead of him.

POC has won it twice!

(and Costello has never won it).

And further evidence that he had little or no competition for a few years - he used make nearly every PRO12 Team of the Year (despite playing about 6 games a year in the PRO12). Since they have introduced a minimum number of games, he hasn't been making it.

by Pete C (Kiwireddevil) Fri 31 Mar 2017, 12:13 pm

No 7&1/2 wrote:The club game is the bread and butter guns.

What's your view on that list Pete? A few there are in the goat class themselves...how much pressure (other than the win every game!) From other players did they get over the course if those careers. Towards the end with cane and Barrett for mccaw and carter but to me it came across as they were clearly number 1.

McCaw possibly could've been behind Cane for his last 20-30 caps (he did finish on 147) if he hadn't been bringing leadership in spades. Carter was probably given extra chances to come back from injury based on his past than another player might have gotten - OTOH he turned it on in RWC15 when needed. Barrett wasn't quite ready that year (though a fantastic finisher), Cruden's injury cleared space for DC, and probably Sopoaga deserved more of a shot - arguably NZ had 4 of the best 5 #10s in the world that year. A bit of a change from 2008-2010 when our 2nd best 10 was Stephen feicing Donald. Otherwise NZ are generally pretty quick to replace players as the production line brings people through - the players themselves generally pre-empt things when they sense they're starting to fade and take that nice NH club retirement package too

Otoh, if Chris Paterson, Ross Ford, Gethin Jenkins, Marco Bortolami and Nathan Sharpe can get 100 caps it's more a gauge of lack of depth and fitness than quality.

Player of the year definitely has a political component. Shane Williams in '08 ahead of McCaw, and McCaw in '09 ahead of BOD ...

by **profitius** Fri 31 Mar 2017, 12:23 pm

Heaslip is a marmite player for sure. I suppose how highly you rate him depends on what you look for. Heaslip doesn't do anything spectacular but he is consistent, has good skills and is smart.

The backrow looked much better against England without him there. It was mainly down to POM coming in rather than Heaslip missing.

Heaslip had a good run of not being challenged but that's changing now.

The most underrated 8 (and backrow in general) in the pro era for Ireland was Denis Leamy imo. I happened to read an article on him the other week. He is only 35 now and after a hip replacement! His coaching career is going well though.

by Sin é Fri 31 Mar 2017, 12:46 pm

profitius wrote:Heaslip is a marmite player for sure. I suppose how highly you rate him depends on what you look for. Heaslip doesn't do anything spectacular but he is consistent, has good skills and is smart.

The backrow looked much better against England without him there. It was mainly down to POM coming in rather than Heaslip missing.

Heaslip had a good run of not being challenged but that's changing now.

The most underrated 8 (and backrow in general) in the pro era for Ireland was Denis Leamy imo. I happened to read an article on him the other week. He is only 35 now and after a hip replacement! His coaching career is going well though.

Good point. The 2nd row looked better with Ryan in it as well.

Leinster fans hated Leamy as he was always winding up Contepomi Very Happy

Man of the Match v Toulouse in HC final in 2008. The Kiwis were raving about him on the tour to NZ (where Ireland very nearly beat NZ on a freezing, cold, wet day). I think he came back from that tour and had a shoulder operation and was never the same again. His body just started breaking down.

Very impressive coaching career to date - he seems to win everything he is involved in (including All Ireland Hurling in Tipperary's backroom).

by mikey_dragon Fri 31 Mar 2017, 12:55 pm

GunsGermsV2 wrote:
No 7&1/2 wrote:The club game is the bread and butter guns.

What's your view on that list Pete? A few there are in the goat class themselves...how much pressure (other than the win every game!) From other players did they get over the course if those careers. Towards the end with cane and Barrett for mccaw and carter but to me it came across as they were clearly number 1.

For me international rugby trumps everything.

Donald

.

by SecretFly Fri 31 Mar 2017, 12:56 pm

profitius wrote:Heaslip is a marmite player for sure. I suppose how highly you rate him depends on what you look for. Heaslip doesn't do anything spectacular but he is consistent, has good skills and is smart.

The backrow looked much better against England without him there. It was mainly down to POM coming in rather than Heaslip missing.

Heaslip had a good run of not being challenged but that's changing now.

The most underrated 8 (and backrow in general) in the pro era for Ireland was Denis Leamy imo. I happened to read an article on him the other week. He is only 35 now and after a hip replacement! His coaching career is going well though.

Thus perhaps why he's past tense and was a bit of a player who famously 'liked contact'.... maybe he liked it too much? Contact is all very good,but if you always chase it down then the opposition know they don't have to be all that alert in trying to defend it. Just put a player out there to wave his hand and the 'contact' lovers charge at them - red flag to a bull.

Maybe Heaslip seems more resilient and gets more 80 minute games (even still, in his downward facing years) because he's a few things - smarter and cuter and knew how to pace himself, through a season, through his career. Some might say that's not being honest or that it's letting his team down, but I don't know - this fury for contact as if it were a skill (a skill that Stander now gets applauded for) it has its strategic limits and of course it has the risk of great players burning themselves out much too soon in their careers.

by GunsGermsV2 Fri 31 Mar 2017, 1:15 pm

Sin é wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:
Sin é wrote:

If he is regarded highly by his fellow Pros as you seem to think he should be, you'd think he would have at least been IRUPA player of the Year since they vote them.

Rog, Murray and Sexton never won it either. Not sure that means they arent rated by fellow players does it? You are more likely to win if you play all club games as guys like Nacewa & Nick Williams have won it. Costello won it in 07 too even though Heaslip was starting for Ireland ahead of him.

POC has won it twice!

(and Costello has never won it).

And further evidence that he had little or no competition for a few years - he used make nearly every PRO12 Team of the Year (despite playing about 6 games a year in the PRO12). Since they have introduced a minimum number of games, he hasn't been making it.

You are right about Costello. Not sure where I got that from.

He had plenty of competition. Refer to the list I posted earlier. All good players.

by GunsGermsV2 Fri 31 Mar 2017, 1:22 pm

Sin é wrote:
Good point. The 2nd row looked better with Ryan in it as well.

Leinster fans hated Leamy as he was always winding up Contepomi Man of the Match v Toulouse in HC final in 2008. The Kiwis were raving about him on the tour to NZ (where Ireland very nearly beat NZ on a freezing, cold, wet day). I think he came back from that tour and had a shoulder operation and was never the same again. His body just started breaking down.

Very impressive coaching career to date - he seems to win everything he is involved in (including All Ireland Hurling in Tipperary's backroom).

I didnt hate Leamy at all. I liked him a lot. I loved how he would punch people in the face when he was handing them off in the tackle. He did it a few times in NZ games. Great player.

by eirebilly Fri 31 Mar 2017, 4:42 pm

Sgt_Pooly wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:
Sgt_Pooly wrote:
GunsGermsV2 wrote:
Sgt_Pooly wrote:Heaslip is arguably the 5th best 8 in the NH, hes just an average Int player these days. He looked excellent around 6 years ago but has never kicked on. He's done well with such limited ability to ne fair.

So how do you explain his 2016 world player of the year nomination?

A token nomination? I don't, it is what is. Its also now 2017.

Well it debunks you silly theory that "He looked excellent around 6 years ago but has never kicked on"

Just because its not your opinion doesnt make it silly. Heaslip was excellent in 2011 but has regressed imo, hardly a uncommon opinion. He looked like he could be world class back then, he never achieved this. A few pointless, token nominations mean nothing.

I am not a great fan of Heaslip but to say he never achieved world class is wrong in my opinion. He has consistently been one of Leinster and Irelands best players for years. Always seems to improve his game in the big games as well, rarely has he let Ireland down. That is world class in my book.

by Sgt_Pooly Fri 31 Mar 2017, 5:20 pm

Has Heaslip been the best 8 in rugby at any point since 2011?

by Geen sport voor watjes Fri 31 Mar 2017, 7:11 pm

POC and J'aime. Aha ha ha ha ha ha. Ho ho ho ho ho ho.

by eirebilly Sun 02 Apr 2017, 11:58 am

Sgt_Pooly wrote:Has Heaslip been the best 8 in rugby at any point since 2011?

How many 8's have?

He has certainly been Irelands best 8 in that period and one of the most consistent in world rugby so I am still of the opinion that he is world class.

by Sgt_Pooly Sun 02 Apr 2017, 12:03 pm

eirebilly wrote:
Sgt_Pooly wrote:Has Heaslip been the best 8 in rugby at any point since 2011?

How many 8's have?

He has certainly been Irelands best 8 in that period and one of the most consistent in world rugby so I am still of the opinion that he is world class.

I'm confused by your definition of world class. Being Ireland's best 8 automatically puts you in the "world class" bracket?

by marty2086 Sun 02 Apr 2017, 12:05 pm

Sgt_Pooly wrote:
eirebilly wrote:
Sgt_Pooly wrote:Has Heaslip been the best 8 in rugby at any point since 2011?

How many 8's have?

He has certainly been Irelands best 8 in that period and one of the most consistent in world rugby so I am still of the opinion that he is world class.

I'm confused by your definition of world class. Being Ireland's best 8 automatically puts you in the "world class" bracket?

Pretty sure its the one of the most consistent in the world bit earns him that distinction in billys eyes, the World Player of the Year noms might play a part too

by eirebilly Sun 02 Apr 2017, 12:08 pm

Sgt_Pooly wrote:
eirebilly wrote:
Sgt_Pooly wrote:Has Heaslip been the best 8 in rugby at any point since 2011?

How many 8's have?

He has certainly been Irelands best 8 in that period and one of the most consistent in world rugby so I am still of the opinion that he is world class.

I'm confused by your definition of world class. Being Ireland's best 8 automatically puts you in the "world class" bracket?

Consistency is the key, not only do I feel he has been Irelands most consistent but also one of the most consistent in the NH. As I said, I am not his biggest fan but in my opinion, he is world class. I guess that's just my take on things, you have your opinion and I have mine.

by Sgt_Pooly Sun 02 Apr 2017, 12:24 pm

I agree he's been a consistently average international 8.

by eirebilly Sun 02 Apr 2017, 12:27 pm

Sgt_Pooly wrote:I agree he's been a consistently average international 8.

Aahh, now I know you are on the wind up. Got me there bud, I am a little slow today, well done thumbsup

by Sgt_Pooly Sun 02 Apr 2017, 12:27 pm

No windup Billy.

by SecretFly Sun 02 Apr 2017, 12:57 pm

Heaslip has the trinkets to prove his consistency has been good enough to collect some nice prizes along the way - prizes any current European players would like to have under their belt.

He doesn't need approval ratings from fans. He's world class - brain mostly, then some physicals when opportunity requires. On his downward trajectory towards retirement to be sure but he'll giggle at the 'average' comments because he's let people know often that rugby is only a part of his life - not remotely all of it.

by Sin é Thu 04 May 2017, 11:20 pm

So, Munster's 10 year tickets are going on sale again. Cost about 5k. Think they are selling 3,000 and expect to raise €15m.

-----

3 May 2017 by Dave Williams

Munster rugby aren’t short of support. The boost they received from marketing ten-year tickets back in 2008 helped to bankroll the new Thomond Park – an impressive 25k-seater close to the centre of Limerick - with a contribution of close to €15m (£12.75m) toward the total budget.

As the ten-year period elapses, Munster have prepared for the second iteration by conducting a year-long consultation with their most loyal fans to combine the results with what they already know in order to better persuade the faithful for another long-term commitment over the next 12 months.

Brian Cheasty is Munster’s head of ticketing in charge of the project: “I can’t say we were surprised by our research. These are people we see and speak to on a regular basis during the season and we already had a pretty good idea of their thoughts. But the consultation allowed us to more accurately match expectations to the ticket packages we are now offering.”

Munster currently have almost 1300 ten-year ticket holders possessing some 3,000 tickets. Cheasty expects renewals to be high and hopes to renew them all and then add to that number.

“With the help of W2 Consulting, we conducted focus groups at the beginning of the process, then we had a 50% response rate to our survey.”

“Location in the stadium is everything,” says Cheasty. “All the tickets we offer are category A: centrally located on both the main stands.

“The new ten-year tickers offer a guaranteed seat, dedicated entrance and 900 premium tickets will have access to their own bar. The €4,750 (£4038) price covers ten matches per season and the right to purchase tickets for knock-out stages of European games and Pro12, access to discounted hospitality deals as well as to other events at Thomond in the same seat.”

The split of the main population groups in Munster province means it’s not all about Limerick. Cork-based fans have the option to swap four games to Irish Independent Park (formerly Musgrave Park) in Cork where some PRO12 games are played.

“Seventy percent of our customer-base live outside Limerick,” explains Cheasty. “A fifth of those attending matches travel down from Dublin, although they are probably back visiting friends and family having originated from here.”

“The split between private and corporate tickets holders is about 80:20 with many who may seem like lone individuals from the ticket office point-of-view actually buying in a row with a group of their mates.

Munster have introduced a five-year ticket for the first time and added three payment options (all detailed on the link below).

“The price of the package is lower than in 2008, reflecting the market,” he reveals. “The economy is picking up and we know from our data that many of our fans are moving into the demographic more likely to commit to the long-term.”

“We are giving the current ten-year ticket group the option to renew for six months before opening up our sales efforts to new purchasers in September. That process in turn is scheduled to run until March 2018 or until we’ve sold-out.”

There’s a limit to premium positions in the stadium and also an obligation to hold a number of quality seats for away fans and for European games.

Munster have a database of 120,000 fans which they have managed through the Ticketmaster system and carried out analysis to gain insights by exporting and manipulating the data. To speed up this process and gather more effective insights they have recently started working with locally-based customer engagement firm, Azpiral. Two dedicated sales staff are to be added to handle the workload.

By their own high standards, Munster have endured a tough time both on and off the field over the last eighteen months. Qualification for this season’s European semi-finals and reaching the top-four of the PRO12 have addressed doubts that the downturn could be more than a temporary blip. A long-term solution for the commercial competitiveness of the Guinness PRO12 may assist sales, but most loyal fans will be expecting to see silverware paraded at Thomond Park for at least another ten years.

For more details of long-term ticketing packages...

by marty2086 Fri 07 Jul 2017, 9:47 am

Munster Rugby and the IRFU are pleased to confirm the signing of flanker Chris Cloete and lock Gerbrandt Grobler.

Southern Kings and Pumas flanker Chris Cloete has signed a three-year contract while Gerbrandt Grobler has signed a one-year deal.

26-year-old Cloete has made 21 appearances for the Port Elizabeth Super Rugby side, scoring six tries, and has enjoyed a standout season during the Kings 2017 campaign. Currently with the Pumas, Cloete previously lined out for Western Province in the Currie and Vodacom Cups, and also spent time playing in Sri Lanka.

A powerful loose forward that excels at the breakdown, Cloete’s form this season propelled him into the South African ‘A’ side where he was instrumental in the 48-28 win against French Barbarians during the June series, scoring two tries.

Grobler makes the move from Top 14 side Racing 92 where he played on 20 occasions during the 2016/17 season, including a start against Munster in round 2 of the Champions Cup, and scored five tries.

The 25-year-old imposing second row previously represented Western Province in the Currie and Vodacom Cups, and played Super Rugby with the Stormers.

While both signings are subject to being granted valid work permits and obtaining medical clearance, Grobler will link up with the squad during preseason while Cloete will join the province on completion of his Currie Cup commitments.

by Kingshu Fri 07 Jul 2017, 10:16 am

I wonder is Gerbrandt Grobler on a one-year contract, as the plan is for Munster to sign Tadhg Beirne next season?

by Kingshu Fri 07 Jul 2017, 10:55 am

Looks like Ulster and Leinster have 4 NIQ each next year, and with Aki becoming qualified Connacht have only 3NIQ.

Munster have 6 NIQ - Nucifora's Pet Province?

by Don Alfonso Fri 07 Jul 2017, 11:09 am

Not many Munster men straying in the Munster 15 next year. Ulsteresque.

by Don Alfonso Fri 07 Jul 2017, 11:12 am

For clarity - their best 15 might very well include Kleyn, Grobler, Cloete, Stander, Bleyendaal, Conway, Taute and possibly Farrell.

by geoff999rugby Fri 07 Jul 2017, 10:27 pm

Who are the 6 NIQ at Munster next year?

by marty2086 Fri 07 Jul 2017, 10:38 pm

Marshall, Kleyn, Taute are three NIQ who are already there with Bleyendaal as a project and now Grobler and Cloete are joining

by geoff999rugby Sat 08 Jul 2017, 10:51 am

so come November they will be down to 5 - Bleyendaal will be an Irishman then

Funny we are only allowed 4 NIQ + Projects
I say allowed deliberately as Ulster were told they could not sign a Project Lock

Maybe some truth in the phrase 'Pet Province'

by marty2086 Sat 08 Jul 2017, 11:32 am

I don't think Bleyendaal is IQ until January, think his neck injury pushed the timetable back a bit, will be interesting to see if he is in camp during the AIs and how things play out at 10 come the 6Ns

by marty2086 Sat 08 Jul 2017, 11:35 am

We've yet to include Munsters customary injury jokers they will have during the season too

by Pete330v2 Sat 08 Jul 2017, 1:00 pm

I'd love to see this forum if Ulster had 6 NIQ players.
Nucifora does have his favourite doesn't he.

by St John The Enforcer Sat 08 Jul 2017, 1:10 pm

Pete330v2 wrote:I'd love to see this forum if Ulster had 6 NIQ players.
Nucifora does have his favourite doesn't he.

they had 6 last season...... even if munster had 9

by marty2086 Sat 08 Jul 2017, 1:14 pm

St John The Enforcer wrote:
Pete330v2 wrote:I'd love to see this forum if Ulster had 6 NIQ players.
Nucifora does have his favourite doesn't he.
they had 6 last season...... even if munster had 9

The rules last season were 4+1, Ulster were allowed to resign Ludik as a project as it made sense for Ireland but Ulster have been denied the opportunity to sign a project lock, told they couldn't keep Pienaar or vDM while Connacht were last season forced to use Cooney at 10 because they couldnt sign a NIQ 10 and were told to go into the AIL to find a 10 yet consistently this is never the case with Munster.

by St John The Enforcer Sat 08 Jul 2017, 1:17 pm

yiz still had 6.... Smile

by marty2086 Sat 08 Jul 2017, 1:24 pm

Sorry I fail to get your point other than making clear you can count?

Ulster actually only had 4 NIQ plus 2 Projects, last season Munster had 7 NIQ plus 1 project. Marshall or one other may take the project slot come January but as yet thats not the case so there is an imbalance in the system and its making little sense.

Munster were crying poverty and making the IRFU out to be the bad guys in the Ryan situation too, yet can afford to keep signing NIQ players but wouldnt pay for an IQ one?

by St John The Enforcer Sat 08 Jul 2017, 1:47 pm

The point is very simple and all to do with counting.

Someone said he would hate to see this board if Ulster had 6 NIQ players obviously forgetting the season just gone where they did. Despite the fact that Munster had 9. (not 8) Dress them up any way you like but all 6 (and Munster's 9) would not have been qualified to play for Ireland at any time during last season.

Counting is important. Smile

by geoff999rugby Sat 08 Jul 2017, 1:48 pm

We only had 6 last year because IRFU insisted we kept Ludik due to a shortfall of 15's in Ireland.
We were prepared to give him up.

As it happens he had an excellent season.
IRFU bit worried that age and injuries could see both Kearney and Payne go by the wayside - leaves Ireland very short at 1

by St John The Enforcer Sat 08 Jul 2017, 1:58 pm

Fair enough. I wasn't arguing the merits or otherwise of the situation.

by geoff999rugby Sat 08 Jul 2017, 2:59 pm

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