Delighted to have him back as well. Just hope I never run into him on a night out. I'm not sure he likes me

All joking aside. Very happy with this signing. Would love Fets to stay as well, but if we were going to lose him regardless, I'm delighted with the replacement

So happy with this, really hope we can get Fetu'u's contract sorted too, would hate to see him leave.

Fetu'u's contract is up this year

He has come good this year, but we need reinforcements in the pack and him leaving would free up an NIQ spot. Fionn's try record is also alot better. Delighted he's coming back, I'm sure he'll be itching to prove Leinster wrong which is good for us

So Fets, Rodney, Reyneke leaving would mean we can probably get 2/3 NIQ's in.

Jamie Hagan could be following Fionn...

2015 - White, Loughney, Wilkinson, Marmion, Poolman, Buckley, george, harris wright
2015 - mckeon, kearney, henshaw, carr

2014 - Tonetti, O'Donohoe, Faloon, Parks, Duffy, McSharry, Griffin, O'Halloran, Muldoon

2013 - Gannon, Moore, Ah You, Anderson, McCrea, Brian Murphy, Reynecke, Flavin, Swift, Fifita, Browne, O'Connor, Vainikolo, Frank Murphy, Grace, Healy, Jarvis, Loxton, Nikora

Unknown - Nolan, Cooney,

Fets leaving might be the best thing, for TOH's development. TOH is more comfortable in the 11 jersey than 14, which does make a difference. We also have so many riches coming through in the back 3, I think we should have kept Fetu or not signed Carr. I'd imagine he's leaving, because that would probably be a lot of money invested in an area we have a good amount of depth.

I may add, I am a Fetu'u fan and would be sad to see him go.

Anyone know if Fets contract is up this year?

GTTC wrote: Delighted!

Echo that, shouldn't have left but glad he's coming back home...

Still hoping that does not mean we lose Fet's....

GTTC wrote: Delighted!

+1

Delighted!

nicole wrote: Re-signing of Carr confirmed!
<strong> www.connachtrugby.ie/2013012183174/carr-returns-to-connacht </strong>

Carr returns to Connacht



Former Sportsground favourite Fionn Carr will return to Connacht Rugby at the beginning of the 2013/14 season.

The former Newbridge College Schools Cup representative first joined Connacht in 2008 where he established himself as one of the most exciting young backs in the country, racking up 73 Connacht caps over his three seasons with the province.

In the process, the explosive winger, who also plays at full-back, earned the title of ‘Connacht’s all-time leading try scorer’ with 34 tries (170 points); a record he still holds.

His pace and agility caught the attention of other clubs and Carr left the Sportsground in 2011 for a short spell with Leinster Rugby. Over the last two seasons, he has scored seven tries for Leinster in 25 starts and 8 appearances as a replacement.

Carr, aged 27, has represented Ireland at Schools, Under 19 and Under 21 level, including five games in the U21 World Championship. He has two Ireland ‘A’ caps, having played against Canada and England.

Speaking about his return to Connacht on a two-year contract:

“I’m delighted to have re-signed for Connacht. I thouroughly enjoyed my three seasons there and I can’t wait to get back to the club and continue to improve my game. I can see that there is fantastic work being done at Connacht both on and off the field. I’m really looking forward to being part of that again and contributing to the growing success over the next couple of seasons.”

Tom Sears, Connacht Rugby CEO said: “Everyone at Connacht is delighted to be welcoming Fionn back to the Sportsground. He enjoyed huge success here in his first spell and we are confident he will hit those heights again and make a big impact next season”

“He is a proven try scorer with the ability to do something special and he will add more quality to the hugely talented back line we have.

“Fionn’s recruitment is one of several key signings we anticipate making in the coming weeks and months.”

Re-signing of Carr confirmed!
www.connachtrugby.ie/2013012183174/carr-returns-to-connacht

connachtexile wrote: It leaves him as a dam fine no. 2

If (BIG) he want's to come here...

It leaves him as a dam fine no. 2

just that he'd be a better no. 2 than POD. If you think that he's past it ask Brad Thorn, Simon Shaw or Yachvilli if they think there past it. Or better yet ask Bath, Saracens and Newcastle who've all come courting him.

Players who can command starting spots in top teams aren't past it. Where does that leave Stringer?

I can't see what Stringer would add that Parks doesn't already bring. Marmion will learn more from playing with Parks than watching Stringer in training. He's still a decent player, but one old war horse on a downhill trajectory is enough and I can't imagine he'd come cheap.

Firstly he'd want to stay in Ireland to avail of the tax rebate that players get at the end of their career which makes us a lot more desirable than any other team outside Ireland.

Secondly I didn't say anything about Marmion learning off him just that he'd be a better no. 2 than POD. If you think that he's past it ask Brad Thorn, Simon Shaw or Yachvilli if they think there past it. Or better yet ask Bath, Saracens and Newcastle who've all come courting him.

connachtexile wrote: There's also rumours of Stringer heading to Bath on a loan deal again. Really think we should grab him. He's a lot better than POD and could be a great no. 2 for Marmion.

I can't see what Stringer would add that Parks doesn't already bring. Marmion will learn more from playing with Parks than watching Stringer in training. He's still a decent player, but one old war horse on a downhill trajectory is enough and I can't imagine he'd come cheap.