Jasus that would be catamatic altogether

Saw it on another site, poster is usually on the ball . Not a done deal but contract on the table hasn't been signed.

Hard to think anything other than we're going backwards at a rate of knots if we lose those 2 as well. How believable is this rumour Shelflife?

Borders no.2 wrote: I know loyalty means little in a professional game and I'm all for players doing what they need to do for their career but provided Connacht have made a reasonable contract offer Jake Heenan owes us at least one good season for how we've stood by him the last 3 years.

Wait and see for the time being but to me this would be a bigger blow than Henshaw. If we can't hold on to lads like Muldowney and Heenan where is our future heading?

+1. Worrying times.

I know loyalty means little in a professional game and I'm all for players doing what they need to do for their career but provided Connacht have made a reasonable contract offer Jake Heenan owes us at least one good season for how we've stood by him the last 3 years.

Wait and see for the time being but to me this would be a bigger blow than Henshaw. If we can't hold on to lads like Muldowney and Heenan where is our future heading?

Shelflife wrote: Hearing rumours that Jake and Aly not re signing.

that would be disastrous

Shelflife wrote: Hearing rumours that Jake and Aly not re signing.

That would be two serious blows.

Hearing rumours that Jake and Aly not re signing.

salmson wrote: Anyone know if Simon Hickey (Kiwi outhalf at Bordeaux, out of contract in the summer) is Irish qualified?

I doubt it but he's only played u20 for NZ and Jake is freeing up a project spot.

Anyone know if Simon Hickey (Kiwi outhalf at Bordeaux, out of contract in the summer) is Irish qualified?

That's the big problem, quality outhalves aren't exactly flooding the market ATM especially IQ ones. Not sure Munster are over the moon with Keatley, but they realise he's the best they're going to get. Really begs the question how did the IRFU allow Madigan to jump ship.

If we aspire to dine consistently at the top table of European rugby (read as averaging in the top 6 in Pro 12 most years), then we need a top quality 10, who is a high % goal kicker and possesses strong game management.

The young players we have may not develop enough. There is every risk they may not make it and we just can't afford to wait and see with such a pivotal position. Mc Ginty will probably be off sooner rather than later as he is NIQ.

Think we need an influential number 8 too and a talented centre also.

It would be a great shame if the rumours of Jack Conan to Ulster are true, because he would do very well in Galway. Noel Reid too.

Out Half is the difficult one. Gareth Steenson would be perfect, but no hope obviously.

I don't even know who the other Irish qualified options are?

Is Reid out of contract? He wasn't on the list of 17 renewals that Leinster announced today.

Speaking of 17, that's exactly the number that out of contract players Connacht have that have yet to have their status confirmed for next season. That's to go with 2 confirmed departures and 6 coming in (almost all academy players who are already first team regulars).
So we need 13 renewals/new signings to keep the senior squad at the same strength.
Might be time to start making the odd announcement ...

columoc wrote:

FACECUTTR wrote: Are we sufficiently covered at centre now he who shall not be mentioned has left ? I know Griffin is coming in. Are we tight in other areas and of course do we need a 10 with Carthy being inconsistent ?

Noel Reid, completely underestimated, best passer in league IMO. Must be cheesed off in Leinster, will never get a cap there, Connacht makes sense.

He's a slick operator with the ball, some may ask questions about his defence.
I would be thrilled to see him come west.

FACECUTTR wrote: Are we sufficiently covered at centre now he who shall not be mentioned has left ? I know Griffin is coming in. Are we tight in other areas and of course do we need a 10 with Carthy being inconsistent ?

Fullback is looking a bit thin - TOH and Leader only two on our books really
Gaffney seems like he will be able to step up but won't know until we see it

A lot of people don't want him. I disagree. Perfect cover for 10 and 12. Still potential to develop à la Ronaldson and maybe further