salmson wrote: My understanding was that AJ was on a student visa at university in the States this past three years and needed to arrange permanent residency before his return. Connacht only a temporary sojourn, as some of the other lads have already said.

Win win for everyone then. He's certainly got a few additions to his highlights reel in the past few months, which should improve his job prospects.

My understanding was that AJ was on a student visa at university in the States this past three years and needed to arrange permanent residency before his return. Connacht only a temporary sojourn, as some of the other lads have already said.

Always got the feeling that AJ was here just for the season. As other have said the US probably wants him back for the new domestic league. It was a beneficial arrangement for both sides. Connacht needed another outhalf and the US wanted to make sure AJ was involved in a meaningful competition to build on his RWC performance. Admittedly I have not seen Boshoff play but he sounds like a step up from Connacht's current Outhalves and one that they will need in the Champions Cup and to remain in the top 6 of the league next season.

not sure about this. i can only see this move is because aj has to move. unsure why. personally he's the dogs bollox these days so why we would want to get rid of him at end of season is confusing.

connachta wrote:

sea_point wrote: It's an interesting signing, with potential to be great. I'm holding fire on the superlatives though, because Galway ain't the High Veldt or Jo'burg.The Lough Atalia wind will test him out handy enough. I don't know if they've ever been to UK/Ireland before but having lived with South Africans, they really, really don't like the cold and damp.

He's bringing his wife Monique, so a long as he's happy he'll be happy and settle mor quickly. Danie Poolman will be key to the success of their early integration I guess..

.

Poolman, Van der Merwe, all the Sarries tribe, and someone called Quinn Roux did fit in well in wet and cold conditions coming from S-Af. True Poolman/Roux will help for sure indeed.

Yeah really, and how many backs amongst them, specifically tens....?
Danie didn't bring a new bride to Galway either, so there was no additional pressure on him.....

And kicking at altitude where air is thinner and even slighter tens can kick a helluva distance is completely different to kicking in the teeth of a gale in Galway, He's going to need a season to adjust especially to the Rugby required in the worst of winter. But he does seem to fit the skill set for the Rugby blueprint that Pat has implemented.....

Seems to be a shrewd signing and Pat has proven already his talent here. I think it will benefit Jack and other OH's and it's a position we all wanted addressing.
The following from the Leinster forum and it makes me smile :

Connacht are already operating under different parametres than other Provinces, particularly Leinster. Reports in Leinster from Professional Committee indicate they are getting nowhere with IRFU re NIQ recruitment for next season. Ulster & Connacht seem to have an open door - Ulster because they can afford and Connacht because the IRFU pay for it.

Screw Leinster again seems the IRFU theme. Is Nucifora turning the screw to get some mobility from Leinster players

The intrerpro rivalry between fans in Ireland is faintly ridiculous and only getting worse!!

I used to enjoy supporting all provinces in the past, but I can now barely stand the other three because of the poo one reads in forums!!!!

A sure sign that rugby fans are catching up with soccer fans!!!!!

Munster fans forget the greats of the game they have enjoyed over the years.

I hope we sign a world class 8 now to also piss them off!!!!

Parks was a junior compared to THAT :

Evil_g wrote: And meltdown over on Munsterfans in 5.....4.....3.....

"What's going on in Irish rugby. Munster crying out for an out half and Connacht are able to just go out and get a class 10. Leinster seem to be able to sign anyone they need, Ulster have new players coming in every year and now Connacht get a 10. Munster don't have a 10. JJ left last season, Keatley is out of his depth and the projected player, Tyler spends most of the time on the treatment table. This Connacht signing means Munster are screwed. No out half can be signed for next year with the one player per position rule. Question need to be answered and quick !"

Saw this on FB :silly:

pinky wrote: Did a bit of research myself.
I'm sure what we all really wanted to get hold of are his wedding photos, so here ye go:
www.ineckephotography.co.za/#monique-marnitz-wedding

Pinky, Mrs Park and now Monique, I suspect you to influence the recruitement of our outhalfs for hidden reasons :lol:

Borders no.2 wrote:
10 has been our main problem area so happy with this. In terms of the rest of the recruitment we'll have to see who is staying on but we probably need a 2nd row if rumours on Muldowney are true and a no.8. After that we can probably fill the rest of the squad from within.

That's why I'd wish one player only who can cover both 5 and 8 à la Naoupu. Would be a waste of talent to add two names competing with Masterson/McKeon/Marshall/Dillane/Roux/Browne/SOB. One goood signing is better than two average IMO

On paper this looks like exactly the type of signing we are looking for. He is experienced, his age profile is right, he has played at a high level and his kicking % is very good. Haven't seen him play but then again don't get to watch a lot of Super Rugby. Pat and the team have in general got the overseas signings right and I'd trust they've weighed this one up for a while.

AJ McGinty has been good the last few games but I think his signing was always intended as filling the gap for this season and it has worked out well for both parties. He has proved his worth and we've got a good return from him. He'll be able to use this as a good springboard following on from the World Cup. It's a real pity he isn't Irish Eligible as I'd like to see him remain on.

10 has been our main problem area so happy with this. In terms of the rest of the recruitment we'll have to see who is staying on but we probably need a 2nd row if rumours on Muldowney are true and a no.8. After that we can probably fill the rest of the squad from within.

clanman wrote: just been reading up on Boshoff, as well as out-half he can also play at Full-back, now that is very usefull signing for us considering our lack of strength in depth in that position

Did a bit of research myself.
I'm sure what we all really wanted to get hold of are his wedding photos, so here ye go:
www.ineckephotography.co.za/#monique-marnitz-wedding

I noticed this too. I still think we need one more utility back, except if Pat trust Api a lot...
Priorities are now a marquee lock/backrow and Ronaldson.
After them, it will be a relief, and bonus additions.

just been reading up on Boshoff, as well as out-half he can also play at Full-back, now that is very usefull signing for us considering our lack of strength in depth in that position

my wishlist has already shortened

connachta wrote: So for next year, with my own picking order, we should have
In red "still uncertain", which will be sorted out within next weeks
Into bracket those who will need to step up in case of injury crisis
In blue the "good news"

1) Buckley, O'Donnell, Loughney (JP Cooney)
2) McCartney, Heff, Delahunt, JHW
3) Bealham, White, Carey (JP Cooney)
4) Roux, Muldowney, Naoupu or another strong ball-carrier 5/8, (Qualter or Romaine)
5) Dillane, Marshall, Browne, (Qualter or Romaine)
6) Muldoon, SOB 2.0, Connolly, (Heenan)
7) Heenan, Nepia, Connolly, (McKeon)
8 ) McKeon, Masterson, Naoupu or another strong ball-carrier 5/8
9) Marmion, Blade, Cooney, (Kerrins/Lowndes)
10) Boshoff, Carty, Ronaldson, (O'Leary)
11) Healy, TOH, Carr or another winger/FB, (O'Keefe)
12) Aki, Ronaldson, Robb, McSharry (Brennan)
13) Griffin, Parata, Finn, Api
14) Poolman, Leader, Niyi, (Gaffney)
15) TOH, Leader, Carr or another winger/FB, (Gaffney)