Started first 3 games came on in second 3 as sub. Kept out by Gareth Anscombe !!

Rumour gathering pace within the camp is Mils Muliaina to be our big name signing - 34 now but still has a year or two left in him. Just a rumour at this stage.

Rumour is that Conan is staying put, heard he is getting promoted a year early from the Leinster academy and will soon become Heaslip's primary backup with Murphy moving to his more natural position at openside.

In my opinion its good news if there's no leaks coming from Connacht. There have been so many fiascos in the past (for example new coach appointment process, Jamie Hagan, Benson Stanley, Kyle Tonetti first time around to name but a few) that it's good to do whatever business we are doing on the qt.

I'd agree with Porterbelly above but with Griffin and Tonetti both moving on we need to bolster in the centre with 2 players really especially with how injury prone McSharry is. Also we never replaced So'oialo, there may no longer be a need to but its worth considering. If we can get a backup prop it'd be useful but priorities for me are Quality 10, couple of good squad signings,
defence coach and keep hold of all our key players and we'll be doing fine.

I'd imagine Dan Parks will be finishing up in a playing capacity, if not we can write off a new 10 and with it would go most of the limited optimism I'd have for next season.

Frank Murphy will be moving on, Tonetti and Brett Wilkinson have unfortunately had to retire. I'd say Gavin Duffy may move on. Add in the possibility of Craig Clarke (god forbid) not being able to continue and even with a budget that will be cut down, there'll have been some heavy hitters on the wages front leaving.

With all the other teams starting to make their moves it'd be nice to hear of a good signing coming in but best to wrap it up 100% rather than creating a big splash over nothing.

Welcome Furlo!!

Conor Gilsenan going to London Irish so he won't be coming.

The talk was of Porter joining, that will probably happen. Jack Conan was another, I'd be delighted if we could get him, he's a great prospect and a player who physically is ready for first team rugby. If he was signed I wouldn't be surprised to see George moved back into the 2nd row (if we take it Clarke will have to retire).

Rael is being let go but the emergence of Heffernan has offset the need for him and Dineen could be a good prospect with more A games under his belt. It's very wise of Carolan and Dan to make this move, Heff wasn't getting a look in in the back row, but he's a big strong lad and as long as he keeps learning the nuts and bolts of the hooking position he'll be fine. Also of great benefit to retrain him when the new hooking rules were being introduced so he didn't have to readjust. Hopefully this time next year we can say the same about Dineen.

Overall, I'd be happy if we can retain what we have, get a 10, Porter and Conan and a centre and I'd be happy. I'd be more worried about clearing the debt, blooding more young lads and keep honing the style of play. I think we'll see Ronaldson move into the centre more as well next year, where he has looked more comfortable.

I think above any player signing, first priority must be getting a defence coach.

All right Furlo

1) sorry from all of us to have quoted your twitter account, but it's so complete and passionate about Connacht!!

2) Great to have you here, welcome

3) Lack of information is worrying because a lot of IQ are already signed, and we're in mid April with 0 new cracking or even backup player

Hi lads, seing as ye use my stuff thought id join in

Clearly we need two props, two centres and a non brittle 7 at minimum. We might bring in a LH only as they may see Saba as a third TH behind Nathan & Dave but he's a child in prop terms so a LH & a TH would make more sense

Have heard a rumour that no-one knows what's happenning next year as Pat keeps cards close to his chest. Even when I asked about Porter who would be a James Rael type signing Pat was coy in the extreme. Everyone finds out at the same time which is fair enough but the squad is in the dark as well.

Get the impression if, and at this stage it is still an if, Dan does leave, it'll be a move he makes because he has no choice. He likes it here, is settled off the pitch but doesnt know where he stands.

Also wouldn't be surprised if Gav calls it a day but this is very much just my opinion and has no basis beyond mere speculation

Presuming he's on a degree course at Trinity, yep Medical intern....

He could defer for a year maybe? You ain't going to get that many chances to play pro-rugby.

connachtexile wrote: Leinster A trashed Munster A in the quarter finals of the B&I Cup with Leinster's scrum dominating with a TH prop called Martin Kelly from Trinity. He's 6'2 and 125 Kg and just 24 so still very young for a prop.

He's player a few times now for Leinster A against Ealing Trailfinders in the B&I and also played for the Irish Universities against the Irish Exiles.


Got a good mention by the Leinster boys who saw the game.

A big mention to Martin Kelly though, who from his body shape was clearly a club prop standing in. He was blowing hard after ten minutes but he kept going for an hour and was part of a scrum that demolished Munster. Might be worth a look for a development contract to see what a summer of conditioning could do for him.

With Wilkinson now unfortunately retired I'm thinking this lad might be worth a punt on a 1 year deal like Fiftia. He seems to be a late bloomer, he's IQ and wouldn't cost a huge amount. Yes I know Brett was a LH but with Loughney now gone over to cover the LH side having someone like this lad who could be a decent third string is not something to sniff at.

Presuming he's on a degree course at Trinity, yep Medical intern....
Would need to be a proper offer methinks..

Martin Kelly Position: Prop
Height: 6’2
Weight: 125kg
Age: 24
Studying: Medical Intern
Previous School/College:
Honours: Leinster A

Martin joined the squad from North Kildare last season. Martin has made massive strides in the last season and was recently selected to represent Leinster A in the British & Irish Cup.

Leinster A trashed Munster A in the quarter finals of the B&I Cup with Leinster's scrum dominating with a TH prop called Martin Kelly from Trinity. He's 6'2 and 125 Kg and just 24 so still very young for a prop.

He's player a few times now for Leinster A against Ealing Trailfinders in the B&I and also played for the Irish Universities against the Irish Exiles.


Got a good mention by the Leinster boys who saw the game.

A big mention to Martin Kelly though, who from his body shape was clearly a club prop standing in. He was blowing hard after ten minutes but he kept going for an hour and was part of a scrum that demolished Munster. Might be worth a look for a development contract to see what a summer of conditioning could do for him.

With Wilkinson now unfortunately retired I'm thinking this lad might be worth a punt on a 1 year deal like Fiftia. He seems to be a late bloomer, he's IQ and wouldn't cost a huge amount. Yes I know Brett was a LH but with Loughney now gone over to cover the LH side having someone like this lad who could be a decent third string is not something to sniff at.

RogueXV wrote: Either way, both are now gone so maybe it won't be as much of a stumbling block.

It's not, but was talking to him after game at Aviva on Saturday and the impression I got is that he's not looking to come back. Certainly when I suggested as much he just laughed. I'd say at his age if an offer from a T14/Pro2 was on the table he'd be off.

For those who remember her from back in the day, his Mum is well and still very much enjoying her match travels albeit following red instead of Green...

Either way, both are now gone so maybe it won't be as much of a stumbling block.

connachtexile wrote:

but read an interview last year where he a little bitter about being released by Eric for being "injury prone"

He was released by Bradley not EE.

You're correct. He refers to both in interview.

www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/vi...knocks-28818094.html

but read an interview last year where he a little bitter about being released by Eric for being "injury prone"

He was released by Bradley not EE.

connachtexile wrote: Would love to get Downey for a year. With any luck it will happen but it depends on money I'd say.

Am surprised Munster are letting him go. Agree would love to see him back but read an interview last year where he a little bitter about being released by Eric for being "injury prone"