Trevor wrote: Some people calling April Fool's on it but it just made too much sense realistically. I'm sure his input off the pitch has been huge but on the field he just hasn't been that influential. It has been great having him here though for sure but by cutting him loose we continue to show ambition to move forward.

Have to agree with everything that you said. Hopefully the money saved can be put to good use.

Ya agree it's probably for the best. Frees up an NIQ spot and quite a wedge of money too I'd imagine.

Some people calling April Fool's on it but it just made too much sense realistically. I'm sure his input off the pitch has been huge but on the field he just hasn't been that influential. It has been great having him here though for sure but by cutting him loose we continue to show ambition to move forward.

Trevor wrote: Mils moving on to Zebre.
www.connachtrugby.ie/muliaina-to-move-to-zebre/#ConnachtNews

I wish him all the best, but I have to say I'm glad. He was a good signing from a marketing perspective, but he has lost too much pace to be effective on the pitch, and quite a bit of confidence too I'd say.

Mils moving on to Zebre.
www.connachtrugby.ie/muliaina-to-move-to-zebre/#ConnachtNews

salmson wrote: for instance Toulon aren't re-signing David Smith, not that we could afford him. There are probably a few gems like Mike Delaney at Clermont we could have a look at.

There was talk over on babbling brook about Smith to Leinster a few weeks back (weak rumours only) . Delaney off to Falcons.

FFR are tightening up on the numbers of non-homegrown players in Top 14 squads. In combination with the expected influx of Southern Hemisphere stars a large number of players are being released this summer - for instance Toulon aren't re-signing David Smith, not that we could afford him. There are probably a few gems like Mike Delaney at Clermont we could have a look at.

Swift and Faloon gone, indications that Kearney will go to Leinster. Of the others, Henry would be unlucky not to get a new contract, I'd imagine given the time they've invested in him they'll want to keep Heffernan but that would leave 4 hookers and they wouldn't then be able to promote Delahunt which I'm sure they'd like to do.

I'd imagine Finn will stay, O'Leary will stay also I'd imagine and may see a bit more gametime next season.

Cooney, Fafita and Nikora will leave I'd imagine. Would be surprised if Fionn is kept on. Layden and Qualter hard to know, Muliaina?

For me with it being a world cup year it'll be hard to find much quality available around the provinces, they'll hold on to any fringe players for next season at least.

A prop, a couple of 2nd rows, another back row/8, an out half and a centre are the positions I'd be targetting. Out half and 2nd row/back row the main priority for me.

I'd be happy with 3 or 4 signings who will really improve the side rather than bringing in lads to fill out the squad. A lot depends on whether Muliaina is staying or going. That will be a big chunk of the budget either way.

Either way Pat will have to use all his contacts to pick up players for next season, its a limited market.

I can only see us signing one of Heffernan or Henry. Particularly with Delahunt filling in nicely when required. Munster might like to get Henry back as their 3rd/4th choice especially if they don't get Creevy.
I've no doubt there will be some new signings. Handy list here of which super rugby players are not contracted for next season yet.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2015%E2%80...uper_Rugby_transfers
Slade has declared his wish to play in Europe in last week. French teams would probably outbid us. Simon Hickey - Blues second choice OH would be a nice (and not too expensive) fit for us . Plenty of Blues/Auckland players/coaches here already.

salmson wrote:

RonanL wrote:

salmson wrote: Andrew Browne and Jason Harris-Wright have signed one year contracts.

www.connachtrugby.ie/forward-pack-booste...-deals/#ConnachtNews

Two guys who have had their injury problems - hopefully they came fairly cheap, and we've got more significant announcements to come. Fingers crossed.

With 2 confirmed departures (Swift & Faloon), 12 players remaining unsigned (Heffernan, Henry, Cooney, Kearney, Qualter, Fafita, Nikora, O'Leary, Finn, Carr, Layden, Muliaina), and only 4 new signings (Dilane, Masterson, Blade, Fox-Matamua) we need 10 more re-signings or new signings just to fill out our 41-man senior squad.

i know technically they're new signings but 3 of those were available and played (well) for us this year. I'm sure there is but I really hope there's loads going on that we don't know about

There's a lot of announcements coming from other clubs but all we have is a new Fox in the Sportsground.

RonanL wrote:

salmson wrote: Andrew Browne and Jason Harris-Wright have signed one year contracts.

www.connachtrugby.ie/forward-pack-booste...-deals/#ConnachtNews

Two guys who have had their injury problems - hopefully they came fairly cheap, and we've got more significant announcements to come. Fingers crossed.

With 2 confirmed departures (Swift & Faloon), 12 players remaining unsigned (Heffernan, Henry, Cooney, Kearney, Qualter, Fafita, Nikora, O'Leary, Finn, Carr, Layden, Muliaina), and only 4 new signings (Dilane, Masterson, Blade, Fox-Matamua) we need 10 more re-signings or new signings just to fill out our 41-man senior squad.

salmson wrote: Andrew Browne and Jason Harris-Wright have signed one year contracts.

www.connachtrugby.ie/forward-pack-booste...-deals/#ConnachtNews

Two guys who have had their injury problems - hopefully they came fairly cheap, and we've got more significant announcements to come. Fingers crossed.

Andrew Browne and Jason Harris-Wright have signed one year contracts.

www.connachtrugby.ie/forward-pack-booste...-deals/#ConnachtNews

ConnachtBOB wrote: Dan confirmed for Glasgow

www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/latest/dan-...w-warriors-1-3730670

like how they use pic of Bernard Jackman :pinch:
wish him all the best though

Dan confirmed for Glasgow

www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/latest/dan-...w-warriors-1-3730670

Leinster have two second rows finishing up with the academy this year Tadhg Beirne & Gavin Thornbury. Wouldn't be surprised to see one of them coming here to replace Kearney who is going the other way.