Irish provinces NEWS and GOSSIP thread part 2

[profitius]

First topic message reminder :

Continued from this one. https://www.606v2.com/t63658-irish-provinces-news-gossip-thread-2016-17
________________________________

[Sin é]

Help!

Montpellier in €840k a year offer to Munster’s CJ Stander

http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/montpellier-in-840k-a-year-offer-to-munsters-cj-stander-819375.html

Since its the Examiner, I'd believe it.

It seems that Irish players have become very attractive now because the French/English clubs know that they will be excluded from international call-ups if they leave Ireland.

Joe needs to call up Donnacha Ryan for a game or two!

[marty2086]

I said it at the time of Zebos exclusion it would be the case but read elsewhere that the IRFU have been told by Montpellier they won't be making another offer until Stander decides if he wants to stay or go. Could be their way of getting the IRFU to lowball him then swoop in and not get into a bidding war

[rodders]

Take the money CJ!

[eirebilly]

Looks like Healy will receive ban.

http://sportlocker.ie/cian-healy-set-for-further-punishment-following-reckless-shoulder-in-exeter-game/

Really hope that they take into consideration the lack of force and give him a low end punishment. Should have been a red card on the day though.

Shame for him as he is in some fine form.

[formerly known as Sam]

Montpellier have two number 8's on the books both capped by France and one is King Louis. Chance of CJ going and starting the big games in the 8 shirt isn't great. There's some pretty good flankers there as well so competition will be tough. That big wedge of cash will help but surely he's a bit young for taking the money, offers will be there after the RWC when he's around the 30 mark.

[formerly known as Sam]

Looks like Healy will receive ban.

http://sportlocker.ie/cian-healy-set-for-further-punishment-following-reckless-shoulder-in-exeter-game/

Really hope that they take into consideration the lack of force and give him a low end punishment. Should have been a red card on the day though.

Shame for him as he is in some fine form.

It was one of the more moronic pieces of play from the weekend. He was very lucky the officials didn't apply the laws as strictly as they ought.

[Collapse2005]

Help!

Montpellier in €840k a year offer to Munster’s CJ Stander

http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/montpellier-in-840k-a-year-offer-to-munsters-cj-stander-819375.html

Since its the Examiner, I'd believe it.

It seems that Irish players have become very attractive now because the French/English clubs know that they will be excluded from international call-ups if they leave Ireland.

Joe needs to call up Donnacha Ryan for a game or two!

Its a shame the IRFU didn't sort Stander's contract out before POMs. I think Stander would be the bigger loss as he is a guaranteed starter whereas POM is probably more of a bench player especially if and when Heaslip returns.

[eirebilly]

Help!

Montpellier in €840k a year offer to Munster’s CJ Stander

http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/montpellier-in-840k-a-year-offer-to-munsters-cj-stander-819375.html

Since its the Examiner, I'd believe it.

It seems that Irish players have become very attractive now because the French/English clubs know that they will be excluded from international call-ups if they leave Ireland.

Joe needs to call up Donnacha Ryan for a game or two!

Its a shame the IRFU didn't sort Stander's contract out before POMs. I think Stander would be the bigger loss as he is a guaranteed starter whereas POM is probably more of a bench player especially if and when Heaslip returns.

POM is a definite starter, not sure where you get him as a bench option from.
Heaslip will have difficulty getting his starting spot back off Conan at Leinster, in fact I think Conan may even be pushing CJ to start at 8 for Ireland...

[rodders]

The IRFU have made a total mess by giving Jamie Heaslip a central contract and making him the highest paid player again.

In fairness He was in good form and his injury couldn't have been foreseen but Stander and POM are more important to Ireland at this stage.

They should have offered Heaslip reduced terms on his last deal with the foresight that some of these other contracts were due for renewal.

[eirebilly]

In a way I agree with you rodders but you cant have a go at the man himself. He negotiated a good contract for himself, fair dues I say. May not seem fair but the world aint fair

[Collapse2005]

The IRFU have made a total mess by giving Jamie Heaslip a central contract and making him the highest paid player again.

In fairness He was in good form and his injury couldn't have been foreseen but Stander and POM are more important to Ireland at this stage.

They should have offered Heaslip reduced terms on his last deal with the foresight that some of these other contracts were due for renewal.

Pretty sure Denis O'Brien pays for part of Heaslip's contract no? Maybe that was just Sexton.

He was nominated one of the best players in the world around when he signed a new contact. Surely therefore he deserved a good one.

[Collapse2005]

POM is a definite starter, not sure where you get him as a bench option from.
Heaslip will have difficulty getting his starting spot back off Conan at Leinster, in fact I think Conan may even be pushing CJ to start at 8 for Ireland...

He is only starting because Heaslip is injured.

Of the following back row forwards O'Brien, Stander, POM and Heaslip, POM has been a sub the most. That's a fact. When all 4 are fit something has got to give.

[eirebilly]

POM was injured, that is why CJ was starting at 6 with Heaslip at 8...

As I said, let Heaslip first win back his spot at Leinster ahead of Conan before talking of putting POM on the bench.

[rodders]

May not seem fair but the world aint fair

It was Christmas Eve babe... in the drunk tank ...

[Sin é]

Help!

Montpellier in €840k a year offer to Munster’s CJ Stander

http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/montpellier-in-840k-a-year-offer-to-munsters-cj-stander-819375.html

Since its the Examiner, I'd believe it.

It seems that Irish players have become very attractive now because the French/English clubs know that they will be excluded from international call-ups if they leave Ireland.

Joe needs to call up Donnacha Ryan for a game or two!

Its a shame the IRFU didn't sort Stander's contract out before POMs. I think Stander would be the bigger loss as he is a guaranteed starter whereas POM is probably more of a bench player especially if and when Heaslip returns.

POM is in his arse a bench player

[profitius]

POM is a definite starter, not sure where you get him as a bench option from.
Heaslip will have difficulty getting his starting spot back off Conan at Leinster, in fact I think Conan may even be pushing CJ to start at 8 for Ireland...

He is only starting because Heaslip is injured.

Of the following back row forwards O'Brien, Stander, POM and Heaslip, POM has been a sub the most. That's a fact. When all 4 are fit something has got to give.

Before the England game POM hadn't a chance because he was coming back from a long term injury. Since his MOTM performance in that match the Irish backrow has looked better balanced.


Dan Leavy made som impact at the weekend when he came on. If he can stay fit I think he could see a lot of 6 nations action.

[Geen sport voor watjes]

Help!

Montpellier in €840k a year offer to Munster’s CJ Stander

http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/montpellier-in-840k-a-year-offer-to-munsters-cj-stander-819375.html

Since its the Examiner, I'd believe it.

It seems that Irish players have become very attractive now because the French/English clubs know that they will be excluded from international call-ups if they leave Ireland.

Joe needs to call up Donnacha Ryan for a game or two!

Its a shame the IRFU didn't sort Stander's contract out before POMs. I think Stander would be the bigger loss as he is a guaranteed starter whereas POM is probably more of a bench player especially if and when Heaslip returns.

POM is in his arse a bench player

Blue magoo alert

[Collapse2005]

Help!

Montpellier in €840k a year offer to Munster’s CJ Stander

http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/montpellier-in-840k-a-year-offer-to-munsters-cj-stander-819375.html

Since its the Examiner, I'd believe it.

It seems that Irish players have become very attractive now because the French/English clubs know that they will be excluded from international call-ups if they leave Ireland.

Joe needs to call up Donnacha Ryan for a game or two!

Its a shame the IRFU didn't sort Stander's contract out before POMs. I think Stander would be the bigger loss as he is a guaranteed starter whereas POM is probably more of a bench player especially if and when Heaslip returns.

POM is in his arse a bench player

Blue magoo alert

Of the four top back row options for Ireland POM, Stander, O'Brien, Heaslip, POM has more caps from the bench than any of them. That is a fact. Only Stander has less overall caps.

Even Van der Flier has appeared on the bench less often than POM albeit he has way less caps too.

[marty2086]

Help!

Montpellier in €840k a year offer to Munster’s CJ Stander

http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/montpellier-in-840k-a-year-offer-to-munsters-cj-stander-819375.html

Since its the Examiner, I'd believe it.

It seems that Irish players have become very attractive now because the French/English clubs know that they will be excluded from international call-ups if they leave Ireland.

Joe needs to call up Donnacha Ryan for a game or two!

Its a shame the IRFU didn't sort Stander's contract out before POMs. I think Stander would be the bigger loss as he is a guaranteed starter whereas POM is probably more of a bench player especially if and when Heaslip returns.

POM is in his arse a bench player

Blue magoo alert

Of the four top back row options for Ireland POM, Stander, O'Brien, Heaslip, POM has more caps from the bench than any of them. That is a fact. Only Stander has less overall caps.

Even Van der Flier has appeared on the bench less often than POM albeit he has way less caps too.

vDF has 9 caps in total, POM has 7 caps from the bench and SOB has 6 from the bench. If that qualifies him as a bench player then your ramblings qualify you as a rugby expert.

Now we know what George Hook does with himself now he's unemployed

By the way if SOB gets another cap from the bench does he become a certified bench player?

[rodders]

Merry xmas Sin and Billy

https://www.balls.ie/rugby/cj-stander-new-munster-and-ireland-contract-379986

[carpet baboon]

So just Henderson left to sign now.

[marty2086]

So just Henderson left to sign now.

He did say last week his future would be sorted in the next few weeks, can't see them announcing anything during xmas week so surely will be today or tomorrow they announce a bumper 6 year deal for him

[geoff999rugby]

Looks to me the IRFU tried to push the players into lower paid Provincial contracts and they have said no and the IRFU just blinked

[geoff999rugby]

JJ or Carbery been mentioned as possible short term 10s at Ulster for FEB to MAY

[marty2086]

Looks to me the IRFU tried to push the players into lower paid Provincial contracts and they have said no and the IRFU just blinked

I don't know if he's tried to force them onto provincial contracts but it stinks to high heaven of him trying to call their bluff and hope they will sign on the cheap to stay and play at the RWC but he typically folded as the agents are better at it than him

Zebos exclusion can't be a coincidence, it was surely a warning shot to everyone. You decide to leave it'll be a cold house for you

[marty2086]

JJ or Carbery been mentioned as possible short term 10s at Ulster for FEB to MAY

Would Munster or Leinster have a say on that?

[Pot Hale]

Good business by Nucifora & Co in getting Stander tied down until 2021. Henderson next on the list with Kearney and Best to be sorted in the New Year. Payne’s situation must be very difficult for him with his injury status getting in the way of sorting out his future. Bowe presumably will get an Ulster extension. 2018/19 will be interesting as the IRFU and relevant central contract players decide what they’re doing post RWC.

[carpet baboon]

I don't think I Leinster would let Joey go not after sexton getting ko'ed again at the weekend. And who else do Munster have at 10?

[Sin é]

JJ or Carbery been mentioned as possible short term 10s at Ulster for FEB to MAY

I can't see either of them going unless in the case of JJ, Tyler is fit and well and Carberry will be in Ireland camp. I think Keatley will be in Ireland camp as well (it looked like he was in IRFU camp this week).

[geoff999rugby]

I cant see Carbery going either but being mooted
Having said that Leinster seem happy to play Bryne at 10

[Collapse2005]

[

vDF has 9 caps in total, POM has 7 caps from the bench and SOB has 6 from the bench. If that qualifies him as a bench player then your ramblings qualify you as a rugby expert.

Now we know what George Hook does with himself now he's unemployed

By the way if SOB gets another cap from the bench does he become a certified bench player?

SOB has more caps over all than POM over a longer time frame and less bench caps so yes he is less likely to be benched over POM. Fairly logical based on facts.

Take a cold shower Marty. You are chasing your tail again looking to get upset over nothing as usual.

[marty2086]

[

vDF has 9 caps in total, POM has 7 caps from the bench and SOB has 6 from the bench. If that qualifies him as a bench player then your ramblings qualify you as a rugby expert.

Now we know what George Hook does with himself now he's unemployed

By the way if SOB gets another cap from the bench does he become a certified bench player?

SOB has more caps over all than POM over a longer time frame and less bench caps so yes he is less likely to be benched over POM. Fairly logical based on facts.

Take a cold shower Marty. You are chasing your tail again looking to get upset over nothing as usual.

Sorry but you claimed POM was a bench player based on the number of caps he has got from the bench, I have asked if SOB got another bench cap which would take him level with POM, would that make him a bench player. Instead you talk about the likelihood of him being benched which wasn't what you were asked but again just shows the utter trash you talk

[geoff999rugby]

Looks to me the IRFU tried to push the players into lower paid Provincial contracts and they have said no and the IRFU just blinked

I don't know if he's tried to force them onto provincial contracts but it stinks to high heaven of him trying to call their bluff and hope they will sign on the cheap to stay and play at the RWC but he typically folded as the agents are better at it than him

Zebos exclusion can't be a coincidence, it was surely a warning shot to everyone. You decide to leave it'll be a cold house for you

Agreed Zebo was the warning shot but the players failed to fold.

[theslosty]

What sort of salary is CJ reported to be on? It seemed to me that POM and especially Furlong settled for deals that were somewhat below their market value - not sure how it's the IRFU who have folded.

[marty2086]

What sort of salary is CJ reported to be on? It seemed to me that POM and especially Furlong settled for deals that were somewhat below their market value - not sure how it's the IRFU who have folded.

And what amounts are they earning?

[geoff999rugby]

The IRFU wanted CJ and POM to sign Provincial contracts at a lower rate

Also they wanted Henderson to sign for a lower CC than he is prepared to accept.

On the first point I can only go in what I've read, on the latter going by a totally reliable source at Ulster

[geoff999rugby]

What sort of salary is CJ reported to be on? It seemed to me that POM and especially Furlong settled for deals that were somewhat below their market value - not sure how it's the IRFU who have folded.

And what amounts are they earning?

Again the press seem to imply POM was on 400,000 euro and was initially offered a Provincial contract of 280,000 euro
CJ was reported as being offered 280,000 as well (up from 260,000)
Seems both said no

Henderson will be getting around a 100% pay increase

[Collapse2005]

[

vDF has 9 caps in total, POM has 7 caps from the bench and SOB has 6 from the bench. If that qualifies him as a bench player then your ramblings qualify you as a rugby expert.

Now we know what George Hook does with himself now he's unemployed

By the way if SOB gets another cap from the bench does he become a certified bench player?

SOB has more caps over all than POM over a longer time frame and less bench caps so yes he is less likely to be benched over POM. Fairly logical based on facts.

Take a cold shower Marty. You are chasing your tail again looking to get upset over nothing as usual.

Sorry but you claimed POM was a bench player based on the number of caps he has got from the bench, I have asked if SOB got another bench cap which would take him level with POM, would that make him a bench player. Instead you talk about the likelihood of him being benched which wasn't what you were asked but again just shows the utter trash you talk

Calm down Marty. This isn't Jerry Springer.

SOB has more caps over a longer time period. Its fairly logical conclusion that POM is more likely to be the bench man. If all 4 are fit who do you think our back row is?

[LeinsterFan4life]

Looks to me the IRFU tried to push the players into lower paid Provincial contracts and they have said no and the IRFU just blinked

I don't know if he's tried to force them onto provincial contracts but it stinks to high heaven of him trying to call their bluff and hope they will sign on the cheap to stay and play at the RWC but he typically folded as the agents are better at it than him

Zebos exclusion can't be a coincidence, it was surely a warning shot to everyone. You decide to leave it'll be a cold house for you

Agreed Zebo was the warning shot but the players failed to fold.

Oh come on Geoff admit you were talking poopie this whole time about the "dam bursting" and how IRFU will have to change it's model...almost every nation would kill to have our model.
Like I said earlier this thread; its the same stories every time a player comes out of contract, it's just pure click bait from the media. It doesn't matter what money they offered Zebo, he has always said he wanted to experience playing in France whilst still in his prime,, hence why he's already talking about coming back to Munster.

[Sin é]

What sort of salary is CJ reported to be on? It seemed to me that POM and especially Furlong settled for deals that were somewhat below their market value - not sure how it's the IRFU who have folded.

And what amounts are they earning?

Again the press seem to imply POM was on 400,000 euro and was initially offered a Provincial contract of 280,000 euro
CJ was reported as being offered 280,000 as well (up from 260,000)
Seems both said no

Henderson will be getting around a 100% pay increase

I don't think the IRFU would be brazen enough to offer a reduced contract of such magnitude to POM having just earned the IRFU 100K player fee for making the Lions Tour, but as a 28 year old who captained the Lions in a test match.

Furthermore, POM as Munster captain would be worth a bit more than a Provincial 280K contract!

[Sin é]

Looks to me the IRFU tried to push the players into lower paid Provincial contracts and they have said no and the IRFU just blinked

I don't know if he's tried to force them onto provincial contracts but it stinks to high heaven of him trying to call their bluff and hope they will sign on the cheap to stay and play at the RWC but he typically folded as the agents are better at it than him

Zebos exclusion can't be a coincidence, it was surely a warning shot to everyone. You decide to leave it'll be a cold house for you

Agreed Zebo was the warning shot but the players failed to fold.

Oh come on Geoff admit you were talking poopie this whole time about the "dam bursting" and how IRFU will have to change it's model...almost every nation would kill to have our model.
Like I said earlier this thread; its the same stories every time a player comes out of contract, it's just pure click bait from the media. It doesn't matter what money they offered Zebo, he has always said he wanted to experience playing in France whilst still in his prime,, hence why he's already talking about coming back to Munster.

I wouldn't be a bit surprised if Zebo was back in 2 years in time for the next world cup. That probably would suit everyone.

[Kingshu]

The dam will burst unless the Pro 14 can generate more to make up the the financial gap with the AP. The prospect of a WC on the horizon will hold it back but after that a number of senior players that we would rather keep will leave. The Pro 14 has 2/6 years to make a big jump financially

[LeinsterFan4life]

The dam will burst unless the Pro 14 can generate more to make up the the financial gap with the AP. The prospect of a WC on the horizon will hold it back but after that a number of senior players that we would rather keep will leave. The Pro 14 has 2/6 years to make a big jump financially

I'm sorry I just don't see this threat from the AP that other people do. Traditional big spenders like Saracens and Bath have really scaled back in recent years and are looking like they are recruiting more EQ players and promoting from within. Wasps are in huge financial debt and will surely have to scale back too. The dam has been apparently about to burst since at least 2013 but I just don't share the pessimistic views of most people on here. I think we can more than compete with other clubs hence why quality NIQ players like Piautau, Fardy, Kleyn, Lowe, Grobler etc are still being signed along with retaining our top IQ players.

[geoff999rugby]

Looks to me the IRFU tried to push the players into lower paid Provincial contracts and they have said no and the IRFU just blinked

I don't know if he's tried to force them onto provincial contracts but it stinks to high heaven of him trying to call their bluff and hope they will sign on the cheap to stay and play at the RWC but he typically folded as the agents are better at it than him

Zebos exclusion can't be a coincidence, it was surely a warning shot to everyone. You decide to leave it'll be a cold house for you

Agreed Zebo was the warning shot but the players failed to fold.

Oh come on Geoff admit you were talking poopie this whole time about the "dam bursting" and how IRFU will have to change it's model...almost every nation would kill to have our model.
Like I said earlier this thread; its the same stories every time a player comes out of contract, it's just pure click bait from the media. It doesn't matter what money they offered Zebo, he has always said he wanted to experience playing in France whilst still in his prime,, hence why he's already talking about coming back to Munster.

I said the dam would burst after the WC - that is two years away.

The increasing salary differences means the dam is creeking but the possibility of the WC will stall the problem till late 2019 when all of the CCs of a month ago are up (bar one)

[Pot Hale]

The dam will burst unless the Pro 14 can generate more to make up the the financial gap with the AP. The prospect of a WC on the horizon will hold it back but after that a number of senior players that we would rather keep will leave. The Pro 14 has 2/6 years to make a big jump financially

I'm sorry I just don't see this threat from the AP that other people do. Traditional big spenders like Saracens and Bath have really scaled back in recent years and are looking like they are recruiting more EQ players and promoting from within. Wasps are in huge financial debt and will surely have to scale back too. The dam has been apparently about to burst since at least 2013 but I just don't share the pessimistic views of most people on here. I think we can more than compete with other clubs hence why quality NIQ players like Piautau, Fardy, Kleyn, Lowe, Grobler etc are still being signed along with retaining our top IQ players.

Completely agree with you L4L. The IRFU have managed this well and will continue to use central contracting as one of their mechanisms to keep players in Ireland. The Premiership is like a mini version of the Irish property boom. Unsustainable.

[geoff999rugby]

The dam will burst unless the Pro 14 can generate more to make up the the financial gap with the AP. The prospect of a WC on the horizon will hold it back but after that a number of senior players that we would rather keep will leave. The Pro 14 has 2/6 years to make a big jump financially

I'm sorry I just don't see this threat from the AP that other people do. Traditional big spenders like Saracens and Bath have really scaled back in recent years and are looking like they are recruiting more EQ players and promoting from within. Wasps are in huge financial debt and will surely have to scale back too. The dam has been apparently about to burst since at least 2013 but I just don't share the pessimistic views of most people on here. I think we can more than compete with other clubs hence why quality NIQ players like Piautau, Fardy, Kleyn, Lowe, Grobler etc are still being signed along with retaining our top IQ players.

Saracens and Bath may be cutting back but others like Sale, Bristol and Gloucester have substantially increased their budget.
I see no sign of an overall decrease.
Their league generates more income and that will tell in the long term.

[geoff999rugby]

The dam will burst unless the Pro 14 can generate more to make up the the financial gap with the AP. The prospect of a WC on the horizon will hold it back but after that a number of senior players that we would rather keep will leave. The Pro 14 has 2/6 years to make a big jump financially

I'm sorry I just don't see this threat from the AP that other people do. Traditional big spenders like Saracens and Bath have really scaled back in recent years and are looking like they are recruiting more EQ players and promoting from within. Wasps are in huge financial debt and will surely have to scale back too. The dam has been apparently about to burst since at least 2013 but I just don't share the pessimistic views of most people on here. I think we can more than compete with other clubs hence why quality NIQ players like Piautau, Fardy, Kleyn, Lowe, Grobler etc are still being signed along with retaining our top IQ players.

Completely agree with you L4L.   The IRFU have managed this well and will continue to use central contracting as one of their mechanisms to keep players in Ireland.   The Premiership is like a mini version of the Irish property boom.  Unsustainable.  

People been saying that for years - the fact is it remains a cheap play thing for multi millionaires (compared to soccer).
As to CCs we used to have 23 odd, now down to 15 or so - post WC I reckon 8 to 10 tops

[Pot Hale]

Looks to me the IRFU tried to push the players into lower paid Provincial contracts and they have said no and the IRFU just blinked

I don't know if he's tried to force them onto provincial contracts but it stinks to high heaven of him trying to call their bluff and hope they will sign on the cheap to stay and play at the RWC but he typically folded as the agents are better at it than him

Zebos exclusion can't be a coincidence, it was surely a warning shot to everyone. You decide to leave it'll be a cold house for you

Agreed Zebo was the warning shot but the players failed to fold.

Oh come on Geoff admit you were talking poopie this whole time about the "dam bursting" and how IRFU will have to change it's model...almost every nation would kill to have our model.
Like I said earlier this thread; its the same stories every time a player comes out of contract, it's just pure click bait from the media. It doesn't matter what money they offered Zebo, he has always said he wanted to experience playing in France whilst still in his prime,, hence why he's already talking about coming back to Munster.

I said the dam would burst after the WC - that is two years away.

The increasing salary differences means the dam is creeking but the possibility of the WC will stall the problem till late 2019 when all of the CCs of a month ago are up (bar one)

Why do you think it will be post RWC? New contracts will be negotiated in advance of the end date with those who they want to keep.

[Pot Hale]

The dam will burst unless the Pro 14 can generate more to make up the the financial gap with the AP. The prospect of a WC on the horizon will hold it back but after that a number of senior players that we would rather keep will leave. The Pro 14 has 2/6 years to make a big jump financially

I'm sorry I just don't see this threat from the AP that other people do. Traditional big spenders like Saracens and Bath have really scaled back in recent years and are looking like they are recruiting more EQ players and promoting from within. Wasps are in huge financial debt and will surely have to scale back too. The dam has been apparently about to burst since at least 2013 but I just don't share the pessimistic views of most people on here. I think we can more than compete with other clubs hence why quality NIQ players like Piautau, Fardy, Kleyn, Lowe, Grobler etc are still being signed along with retaining our top IQ players.

Completely agree with you L4L.   The IRFU have managed this well and will continue to use central contracting as one of their mechanisms to keep players in Ireland.   The Premiership is like a mini version of the Irish property boom.  Unsustainable.  

People been saying that for years - the fact is it remains a cheap play thing for multi millionaires (compared to soccer).
As to CCs we used to have 23 odd, now down to 15 or so - post WC I reckon 8 to 10 tops

You left out the bit in the middle, Geoff. Used to be 22, went down to 11, now up to 15. You were claiming a little while ago, that they’d be gone completely. Now you’re up to 10. Even you’re getting more optimistic. .

[geoff999rugby]

There are plenty of players at the end of the WC Ireland will not offer top dollar to

e.g. Earls, Heaslip, Healy, Best, Kearney, McGrath SOB

Post WC I think we could easily see only Furlong, Henderson, Toner (who will be dropped in 2020)
CJ, POM with offers to Murray, Henshaw and probably Sexton
Will look to places for the likes of Ryan (the Leinster one), Ringrose and Stockdale when their contracts are up

Henderson was being offered crazy money to go to France - the same could well be made to the likes of Murray and Henshaw
With a WC 4 years away can we be sure they wont be tempted.

The salary difference has grown significantly in the last 3/4 years

I also said they might be gone completely but 5 to 10 would not surprise me.
Currently 15 due to WC - will be down to 13, at least, this coming summer as Bowe and Payne are dropped
Kearney and Best remain in flux

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