ConamaraOB wrote: Aye, if they're releasing a statement now that Vasiteri isn't joining you'd imagine they already have a replacement lined up. What would people's preference be, a loan signing from another province or a foreign signing? Personally I think I'd prefer a proper signing and not a loan deal.

If it's the right player it doesn't matter where he's from.
IMO we've generally done alright overall with loan signings from other provinces.
Certainly the notion that being farmed out to Connacht short term being a step down isn't as much of an issue anymore...

Saying that, not sure who would be free from the other provinces that would be a better option than we already have in reserve or prove to be a bit of a bolter...

I wouldn't be surprised if we don't end up with a centre at all now, but strengthen in another area...

ConamaraOB wrote: Aye, if they're releasing a statement now that Vasiteri isn't joining you'd imagine they already have a replacement lined up. What would people's preference be, a loan signing from another province or a foreign signing? Personally I think I'd prefer a proper signing and not a loan deal.

If it were a loan to the end of the season then that amounts to the same thing as a foreign player who'll probably only be signed til end of season. I can only think of a couple of Irish players who'd fit the bill - Cave is an experienced head, a good defender and an excellent passer, so I think he'd fit in, while O'Laughlin from Leinster is raw and exciting and nowhere near the Leinster 23 for the big games. But to be honest I'd expect a foreign option with the profile of Deegan or Vasiteri would be a whole lot cheaper, and that's the way we'll go.

Aye, if they're releasing a statement now that Vasiteri isn't joining you'd imagine they already have a replacement lined up. What would people's preference be, a loan signing from another province or a foreign signing? Personally I think I'd prefer a proper signing and not a loan deal.

Soon too which means it's a done deal. That's quite fast considering it was only a week or so ago he got banned. Any ideas if it's somebody from another Irish province in a loan deal or a totally new signing ?

www.connachtrugby.ie/connacht-rugby-conf...ri-will-not-proceed/

Vasiteri not coming now. New signing to be announced

I honestly would prefer if we signed a project instead of an international who we could possibly lose if he gets called up to the national side. I'm sure there will be enough guys free with all the sh competitions finishing up soon that could suit what we need.

FACECUTTR wrote: I see Peter Robb has to do some compulsory coaching up in Westport. The result of having too much of a good time back in April.

www.mayonews.ie/news/30898-judge-orders-...ort-underage-players

There for the grace of God goes a lot of us:)

I see Peter Robb has to do some compulsory coaching up in Westport. The result of having too much of a good time back in April.

Has anyone seen the incident? Eye gouging is maybe the most horrible thing a player can do. Was it deliberate or accidental I wonder?

ThisYearWillBeDifferent wrote:

Bazzo wrote: So we might see him in December then... at least he'll be well up to speed with the plays & gelled with the team...

Good guess.
www.the42.ie/eroni-vasiteri-connacht-eye...eks-3638937-Oct2017/

Plonker.

www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/connacht-...-doubt-36215844.html

Looks Like we might not be seeing him at all unless he comes to Galway on Holiday

Bazzo wrote: So we might see him in December then... at least he'll be well up to speed with the plays & gelled with the team...

Good guess.
www.the42.ie/eroni-vasiteri-connacht-eye...eks-3638937-Oct2017/

Plonker.

connachta wrote:

Bazzo wrote: McKeon made the most metres of our forwards again last night, though a good chunk of that will be that break. Worth noting that's the second game in a row he's been in the right place at the right time to make a break like that though, which is no coincidence(Not too long ago I seem to recall some people saying we shouldn't bother renewing his contract...)

You take out that break and which of our forwards made the most metres in the tight? Muldoon. Worthless indeed...

Heenan SOB and Dawai (and Connolly) weren't there. All of them can gain more meters than Muldoon IMO.
We will see.
And AFAIC I've never underestimated McKeon

Wasn't saying it was you who said anything about McKeon Connachta. Still wouldn't understimate what Muldoon contributes. Absolutely the time to start phasing him out but I still think he's probably one of our best rounded back rows.

Bazzo wrote: McKeon made the most metres of our forwards again last night, though a good chunk of that will be that break. Worth noting that's the second game in a row he's been in the right place at the right time to make a break like that though, which is no coincidence(Not too long ago I seem to recall some people saying we shouldn't bother renewing his contract...)

You take out that break and which of our forwards made the most metres in the tight? Muldoon. Worthless indeed...

Heenan SOB and Dawai (and Connolly) weren't there. All of them can gain more meters than Muldoon IMO.
We will see.
And AFAIC I've never underestimated McKeon

Did anyone see an update on TOH.
How long will he be out?

McKeon made the most metres of our forwards again last night, though a good chunk of that will be that break. Worth noting that's the second game in a row he's been in the right place at the right time to make a break like that though, which is no coincidence(Not too long ago I seem to recall some people saying we shouldn't bother renewing his contract...)

You take out that break and which of our forwards made the most metres in the tight? Muldoon. Worthless indeed...

Physicality should be the criteria to pick the team. We need to win the contact area sometimes

Thornbury at least on the bench
Dawai and SOB asap (new year for the latter), Heenan/McKeon/Butler in the meantime
Ronaldon 10!! (we should trust Farrell/Aki in the centre)
Ili/Leader on the wings

That's the changes we need, with the front-5, centre pairing, and international Marmion/TOH as the remaining vertebral bone