Re the squad balance I agree 100% but I just think we've lost the fulcrum of our attack and I don't see who is capable of taking up the batten.

A lot depends on our new 10 I guess. I'm looking forward to it tbf and still hoping for a great season but it is definitely more heart than head.

Re big dave, very unlucky lad but thanks for all your efforts. You'll always be welcome in the west.

connachta wrote:

EvoGeo wrote: Fair enough, it's fine to hope and be optimistic. Personally I'm deflated and disappointed going into the season due to our recruitment or lack of so far. What happened to all the cv's landing on Pat's desk?

Your viewing of the situation is partial, and I understant why.
You point out the departure of Naoupu/Robbie/Muldowney without signing of the same quality is a loss. You're right.
BUT, you forget to take into account the maturation of the squad as a whole
Robb Parata Romaine Dillane Masterson Delahunt Bealham TOH, even Kelleher in Dublin, all were very young and already talented. If the logic is respected, they should all be at least a bit better, with one more year of experience. The age structure of our squad should drag the overall level in the way of progress.

Injuries aside, nearly all the players haven't reached their best, and should be closer to it. Even someone like Roux may have his best season, boosted by the cap in S.A (not a play on word). Fox, Marshall and Heenan can bring us a lot more than last year if they are fit.

Except White (ageing) Buckley/McCartney/Muldoon (already to their best) there's no-one who should be anywhere else than on a the upward trend
Time to reach their best is now for all the ex-prospects, and it should be a golden age, Robbie or not!

Current senior squad age structure in October 2016

Under 25 17 players
25-30 20 players
30 + 4 players

2013-2014 squad age structure in October 2013

Under 25 21 players
25-30 10 players
30 + 9 players

Much more balanced now.

Gutted for McShaz a top lad and player. Only 26 he should really be hitting his prime. Hope all works out for him in the future..

Hopefully it's a valuable lesson to some of the young lads in the Academy, to seize their opportunities because you never know ho loing your career will last.

I wish the man well. He is a fine player and seems to come from good stock and enjoyed the story about how his folks looked after Finn Russell, etc after his nasty injury.

Do we think this leaves us a little weak in the squad? I am guessing no, with Robb, Donaldson, Aki, Griffin, Parata, etc, but it is another loss of some good experience. It also frees up some funding too?

Still no formal squad announcement, so I am optimistic there is a late surprise!!!

pinky wrote:

Decadence wrote: It's been some day for rugby news, Dave McSharry to retire on medical grounds, seems like the right call given his history, best of luck to him.

www.connachtrugby.ie/connacht-centre-dav...retire/#ConnachtNews

Class player. Owes us nothing. All the best Dave.

Ah man I love that guy.
Wish him all the best. Seems very down to earth, so hope he has something lined up.
He made the right call though. Long term issues are not worth it all.

Hope he gets paraded around the sportsground at some point

Decadence wrote: It's been some day for rugby news, Dave McSharry to retire on medical grounds, seems like the right call given his history, best of luck to him.

www.connachtrugby.ie/connacht-centre-dav...retire/#ConnachtNews

Class player. Owes us nothing. All the best Dave.

EvoGeo wrote: Fair enough, it's fine to hope and be optimistic. Personally I'm deflated and disappointed going into the season due to our recruitment or lack of so far. What happened to all the cv's landing on Pat's desk?

Your viewing of the situation is partial, and I understant why.
You point out the departure of Naoupu/Robbie/Muldowney without signing of the same quality is a loss. You're right.
BUT, you forget to take into account the maturation of the squad as a whole
Robb Parata Romaine Dillane Masterson Delahunt Bealham TOH, even Kelleher in Dublin, all were very young and already talented. If the logic is respected, they should all be at least a bit better, with one more year of experience. The age structure of our squad should drag the overall level in the way of progress.

Injuries aside, nearly all the players haven't reached their best, and should be closer to it. Even someone like Roux may have his best season, boosted by the cap in S.A (not a play on word). Fox, Marshall and Heenan can bring us a lot more than last year if they are fit.

Except White (ageing) Buckley/McCartney/Muldoon (already to their best) there's no-one who should be anywhere else than on a the upward trend
Time to reach their best is now for all the ex-prospects, and it should be a golden age, Robbie or not!

It's been some day for rugby news, Dave McSharry to retire on medical grounds, seems like the right call given his history, best of luck to him.

www.connachtrugby.ie/connacht-centre-dav...retire/#ConnachtNews

connachta wrote: We have too many SH, I guess Cooney will be back to Leinster/go to Munster next summer.

I'd be very surprised if Cooney went back to Leinster. If he's not getting a look in in Int set up I think he'll go abroad

Stevenson is a wise choice. He started against Toulon 1 and a half years ago; there are reasons for that.
He may have had an average season, but he's "only" 32, it isn't a physical decline. Coaches can turn him back to the decent player we need behind Roux/Dillane for the season

Exeter supporter, yesterday on their forum
"Solid squad player. Great person to have on the training field and in the changing room.
I'm a big fan."

Another one
"off the field he's one of the nicest guys you'll meet. He described himself as being a 'tractor' but never gives less than 100%."

Love that

Interview with Bundee about his future especially international.

www.the42.ie/bundee-aki-ireland-contract...ource=facebook_short

Not a lot in it but wouldn't be surprised if he was leaving at the end of the season. Hopefully not he's a great player and a great influence on the team.

dobby wrote: If I remember correctly we got tossed an extra million from the irfu for next season.

All the provinces did.

If I remember correctly we got tossed an extra million from the irfu for next season.

he was wearing a helmet in France so I barely saw him

No, you think?
Maybe, he just looks like so different with the beard if this is him

Fox Matamua?