ConnachtBob from on here sent me a picture from the Independent. Seems we're signing flanker Nepia Fox-Matamua from Auckland this summer. Can't find it online though

it's been very quiet on the team news, also when was Lam due to be called up for sentence?

galway_gas wrote:

salmson wrote: Any news/speculation on what clever/lucky b*stards have pinched him?

I've heard glasgow - surprising unless Townsend moving onwards.

I think that would make a lot of sense for Glasgow, especially if they don't manage to secure the league this year. Their forwards and in particular front row consistently underperform for what is otherwise a quality team. They were mangled in the scrum against Leinster in the league final last year, whereas we are consistently performing as the best pack in the league right now, arguably with lesser quality players than what they have on offer (although at least two of our front row are better than theirs).

salmson wrote: Any news/speculation on what clever/lucky b*stards have pinched him?

I've heard glasgow - surprising unless Townsend moving onwards.

With him out of contract and not getting games, anyone think we might get vainikolo back?

We have better cheaper options in the academy and I wouldn't want to waste a NIQ spot on a winger.

RonanL wrote:

swift4prez wrote: With him out of contract and not getting games, anyone think we might get vainikolo back?

Him replacing, carr, layden, mils

Would we want him? I never really rated him too highly.

An absolute flyer and very good finisher but I agree with ya RonanL, other than that I'm not sure. He doesn't start that often for Exeter as far as I know.

Shouldn't we be hearing by now if we're bringing in anyone new?

swift4prez wrote: With him out of contract and not getting games, anyone think we might get vainikolo back?

Him replacing, carr, layden, mils

Would we want him? I never really rated him too highly.

With him out of contract and not getting games, anyone think we might get vainikolo back?

Him replacing, carr, layden, mils

Sad to lose Dan but in terms of his future to broaden his experiences and move up the food chain its probably a good move for him. I've no doubt we'll see him in some capacity in the future. Has brought on a lot of players and will be hard to replace.

Always did his job quietly, never seeking the limelight and always felt reassured when I heard him being interviewed.

Thanks for the incredible contribution over the years Dan - as big a factor as any in our advancement

+1 Hope he comes back in a few year to Ireland or Connacht in some capacity.

Jackman was on one of the RTE podcasts during the year singing Dan's praises and saying that he was drawing a lot of attention from France. He said himself that he didn't have room in his own team but that others would jump at the chance to bring him in.

Thanks for the incredible contribution over the years Dan - as big a factor as any in our advancement

rob murphy used the word 'European' on twitter today so I'm guessing it's France, he did play in France for a short period I think it was with Stade Francais

sea_point wrote: Castres as Head Coach? Every likelihood that they will be in Pro2 next season....

Castres are supposedly taking the Oyonnax coaching staff en masse next season. Of course if they have a relegation-to-ProD2 get-out clause....

salmson wrote: Any news/speculation on what clever/lucky b*stards have pinched him?

It's going to be France for sure I'd say..

Castres as Head Coach? Every likelihood that they will be in Pro2 next season....
Maybe Eddie O'Sullivan at Biarritz is in the market for an ally in his coaching team, he has former playr Benoit August as forwards coach currently.
I doubt Berch (Jackman) in Grenoble has a space, I imagine he looks after the forwards himself...

Personally I was a little surprised he didn't leave when he wasn't named to replace Eric. I don't think his contribution to Connacht rugby over the years can be overstated. The Connacht pack may have been out manned (and out earned) on any number of occasions but they rarely if ever backed down. His will be tough shoes to fill. Would Brett Wilkinson be a candidate to try?

Any news/speculation on what clever/lucky b*stards have pinched him?