I feel Dan's impact at Connacht is underrated by many. To me, he was hugely influential in the progression of several individuals in a very young backline: Marmion, Henshaw and Griffin in particular. I remember watching his first home game, and being blown away by the communication going on between him and those lads off the ball, and in the lead up to set plays. And he played a large part in our most famous victory ever, which I'll be eternally grateful for.

RonanL,
totally agree with what you've said here.

phatguerilla wrote: If Layden could put together an uninjured year in the AIL I'm sure Connacht would be looking at bringing him back but that seems unlikely at this stage. Surprised that Leader might be gone, I think the same applies though AIL experience is now a proven road to professionalism.

All four players are young enough to turn their careers around and make it as Pro's, idf they want it enough they'll find a way to achieve it.

Personally think there's a higher risk of schools players not making it through academies, because as schools players they get idolised for five or six years (JCT & SCT's) and then leave thinking they are already the finished product...

Actually my sources tell me Shane Layden will be given a one year extension to the academy - apologies for the earlier misinformation.

If Layden could put together an uninjured year in the AIL I'm sure Connacht would be looking at bringing him back but that seems unlikely at this stage. Surprised that Leader might be gone, I think the same applies though AIL experience is now a proven road to professionalism.

End of the road for S Layden, T Leader, P Reilly and S Macauley

Shame if this is true but can't be any room for sentimentality from management. Fans yes and I wish all the best to Gavin Duffy. The academy is going to look very different next year. Hopefully Carolan has unearthed some gems.

Mixed emotions with the announcement of players leaving, but my head says they are all good calls, and it shows that Pat has a plan he is working towards in terms of the way he wants to play and the types of players he needs to implement it - there's no room for sentimentality with that in mind.

Gavin has been a great servant to Connacht rugby, and deserves all the well wishes that are coming his way.

I feel Dan's impact at Connacht is underrated by many. To me, he was hugely influential in the progression of several individuals in a very young backline: Marmion, Henshaw and Griffin in particular. I remember watching his first home game, and being blown away by the communication going on between him and those lads off the ball, and in the lead up to set plays. And he played a large part in our most famous victory ever, which I'll be eternally grateful for. Did I mention I was in Toulouse?!

Frank Murphy - while he has also been a good servant, I am honestly happy to see him go. For the last couple of years he appears to have been a guy going through the motions, and there's no room for someone like that in a place like connacht. Still, all the best to him in his retirement.

So, hopefully we'll be hearing about some great new signings in the coming weeks, and our hopes will build nicely towards next season. Like every year!

Ya said it before about reily and macualey going to new Zealand. Seen it on twitter. Fingers crossed for them. No better place to learn about rugby

I thought leader would of come through, haven't seen him since last year but I thought he was better then darragh

I've only seen layden play once and that was for buccs
From all the eagle's, connacht a and connacht under age, haven't seen him play. So fair to say I don't know what he has to offer.

Good luck to all,

its a fair clean out...especially if some of those academy guys are also going.

better be better players coming in.

Browser wrote: End of the road for S Layden, T Leader, P Reilly and S Macauley

I didn't see this.
Sad for Layden especially if true, becasue of injuries.

Source?

Sorry to see Duffy leave. He was a legend.
I can understand why it's come to this with these players though.
Unfortunately for Frank Murphy, it's over for him. I feared seeing his name in the 23 any week this season, but he has been a great servant for Connacht
Dan Parks split opinions, and I am one, who thought well of him.
He was a steady kicker after a few years of poor number 10s. He scored some very important points for us. His touch line conversion in Toulouse was the difference between winning and drawing that game. I was also shocked to see how studious he seemed. He was either in Pats ear, or watching game footage on a tablet for the full flight to Toulouse.
I'm not too bothered about the other lads who were released.

Duffy though, what a man. Really friendly, nice fella. Very approachable, and always seemed to be happy. He made a big decision to come back to Connacht, and always gave 100%.
He was always a safe pair of hands under the high ball, and without the emergence of Henshaw, I have no doubt he'd have been offered a new deal. Hope he enjoys his retirement, and gets a huge send off from the Clan on Saturday

End of the road for S Layden, T Leader, P Reilly and S Macauley

columoc wrote: Maybe John Cooney from Leinster at SH. Luke McGrath seems to have got ahead of him.

Solid player, nice zippy pass.

Replacing POD for the second time? Wouldn't like to see the post-nightclub handbags for that one.

Any word on Layden or Tadhg Leader? They are due to finish up in the academy.

Nagle has played only 11 minutes at Newcastle. Munster seem to have no interest in keeping him. The likes of Flanagan or Hayes who have a year of pro d2 behind them would be much better bets if we need a lock.

Best of luck to Gavin. The writing was on the wall, but it shouldn't take away from the wonderful effort he has put in over the years for the province. Up Mayo!

I thought POD would be back for another year so a suitable replacement needs to be brought in. Maybe that's Porter, but it's only a matter of time before Kieran is regularly called away for international duty so Connacht will need solid 2nd and 3rd choice scrumhalves.

If Clarke does retire I'd like him to stick around for a season in some form of coaching variety. Again it comes down to money etc and also if he is retiring.

P.S. Anyone else see this?

"Ian Nagle, who is currently on loan to Newcastle Falcons, will finish with the province at the end of the current season. Despite being offered a Munster contract the 25-year-old lock has opted to look further afield for his career progression. Nagle, a product of the Munster Rugby academy, made 29 appearances for the province."

Could be worth a punt if Clarke has to retire. Glad he's leaving Munster though he's fallen way down the pecking order.