Probably wont be a new 10
Probably wont be a new 9

Then again

I thought there probably wouldnt be a Muliaina

Just after watching edinburgh v munster on setanta. First viewing but paddy butler had another great game at 8 following on from his motm performance at sportsground. He carried with pace and power, tackled and rucked well and linked well with backline moves. Everything you want from an 8/ backrow.

A quality experienced 10 who can goal kick to a high success rate is now a must given the players signed. They dont grow on trees and are in big demand. Thats why toulon want jonnie to stay on and racing registered rog. Its why andy goode is still playing and why connacht signed parks. There are no stars sitting in the irish acadamies or playing B+I. Reality is carty is at same level as marsh or holland. Humphries is available but imo hes poor. The choice is simple. A good proven old one or take a chance on a young one. They havr investef too much gor option b.

We need a 10, a backrow i.e. 6/8, a second row and maybe a prop. That's at least 4 maybe 5 signings needed. While yes a 10 is badly needed we really need to beef up our pack we are way to lightweight and need some heft there. Really happy with the signings just hope there is more to come.

Its very hard to imagine being able to find a 10 that is any ways developed to the point that they can be dropped in as first choice (which is effectively what is being asked) and who is also not in demand elsewhere. Even players like Biggar, although not essential to the Welsh national team, is inseparable from the Ospreys. I like Ruaridh Jackson even though he has large gaps in his game and he's not even first choice at Glasgow any more never mind Scotland. I don't know what he's going to be paid by Wasps but they're not short on cash.

connachta wrote: The point is : he may not be a strong choice everybody wants

What do you mean? Is Niall O'Connor coming back? :evil:

The point is : he may not be a strong choice everybody wants

Agree with Rossie. I'd love to think that one of our lads could come on strong at 10 if given the chance. Ronaldson could improve, and Carty could be immense. But I think we need a strong first choice while they develop.

I agree 10 is a major area of concern for next season but at 34 and not starting I don't think Warwick is the answer. Hopefully Pat has his eye on someone.

rossie wrote: A backline with bundee aki, henshaw, poolman and muliana cannot be directed by acadamy graduates or miah nikora. In addition who is going to deliver the required level of points from the boot that this team needs to finish top 6 which is what investment of this level demands.there are no quality irish 10s/goalkickers available.

I often (always?) disagree with Rossie but as with him I can't believe any of Nikora, Carty, or Ronaldson are the anointed long term outhalf solution at Connacht. None of them are contracted past 2015; none of them address the single biggest issue at Connacht this year, our goalkicking.

We also have at least 3/4 other large holes in the squad: we haven't signed a replacement for Brett; we're a scrumhalf short; we have no number 8 worth speaking of - George and McKeon have both gone backwards at a rate of knots this year; and we need a new lock if Clarke retires.

If we fill those gaps then we can truly talk about challenging for a top half finish next year.

A backline with bundee aki, henshaw, poolman and muliana cannot be directed by acadamy graduates or miah nikora. In addition who is going to deliver the required level of points from the boot that this team needs to finish top 6 which is what investment of this level demands.there are no quality irish 10s/goalkickers available.

Coincidence I thought about him this morming but he's 34 and 2nd choice in a relagated team, can't see what he could bring more than Parks or our young lads

rossie wrote: What is paul warwicks contract status? Hes behind lambe at worcester and has the game and experience connacht require imo. Hes married to an irish girl too so probably returning here longterm.

Good shout that Rossie, would make good sense.

rossie wrote: What is paul warwicks contract status? Hes behind lambe at worcester and has the game and experience connacht require imo. Hes married to an irish girl too so probably returning here longterm.

Bizarrely Worcester did not reveal the length of his contract when he signed - could have been relegation clauses in it maybe?

Anyway we already have 7 NIQ foreign players (3 NIE and 4 project players), same as last year (4 NIE, 3 project), and if Clarke goes I imagine we'll have to go non-Irish to replace him, so probably moot.

What is paul warwicks contract status? Hes behind lambe at worcester and has the game and experience connacht require imo. Hes married to an irish girl too so probably returning here longterm.

It's true but with Toner Jennings and Marshall on contract, a loan is highly possible