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Munster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread.

12467193

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,591 ✭✭✭✭Aidric


    Fla can say what he wants.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    This might derail the match thread so I'll post it here.

    What are everyone's thoughts on changes in players/management for next season?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,799 ✭✭✭KELTICKNIGHTT


    with few players leaving and hopefully new blood,would be a good start,maybe coaches need too change few things,the amount of good players in munster,seems we not fully getting the best from them,could be wrong,there something missing sinse late 2008,cant fully put my finger on it


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,599 ✭✭✭ScrubsfanChris


    there something missing sinse late 2008,cant fully put my finger on it
    POC :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,799 ✭✭✭KELTICKNIGHTT


    POC :D
    even when hes playing dont play well


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,048 ✭✭✭Amazotheamazing


    I think McGahan is the right guy to bring us forward. he's been massively unlucky this year that we've played most of the season without our two best forwards, imo (POC and Leamy), he's also been unlucky that guys who should have progressed this year got injured just at the wrong time (Darragh Hurley and Dave Ryan when Horan was injured, Buckley when Hayes was suspended, Donncha Ryan when POC was injured, Williams when Leamy was injured). In addition, he's had to deal with injuries to Dowling and Howlett, both of whom I'd see as crucial to how our backline works. Add in injuries to guys like Earls, O'Leary, etc that kept them away for parts of the season and you can see how badly the squad was hit. Obviously every team gets injuries during the season, but no team has the strength to take that many, imo.

    I think we're looking better for replacements for some of the above players than we have for some time, imo. Flannery might have used up his last life if he was dropped for disciplinary reasons, I like Flannery, he's imo, the best hooker in Europe, but he's injury prone and is giving away too many penalties, I'd be tempted to stick with Varley until Cronin returns.

    We need to be honest about the continuing presence of John Hayes on the pitch, and the standard of his replacement, I'd retire both of them and bring in a top class prop. Unfortunately, we're not allowed do it. The rest of the pack is ok if guys like POM can come through.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,881 ✭✭✭PhatPiggins


    with few players leaving and hopefully new blood,would be a good start,maybe coaches need too change few things,the amount of good players in munster,seems we not fully getting the best from them,could be wrong,there something missing sinse late 2008,cant fully put my finger on it

    Jim Williams, pushing hard for recognition as the best forward coach in the world for his near miraculous turnaround of the Australian pack. Robbie Deans obviously takes some credit for it too.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,907 ✭✭✭✭CJhaughey


    Jim Williams, pushing hard for recognition as the best forward coach in the world for his near miraculous turnaround of the Australian pack. Robbie Deans obviously takes some credit for it too.
    All credit to Jim but was Patricio Noriega not part of that forwards coaching setup as well?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,772 ✭✭✭toomevara


    ROG is going to hang up the boots in 2012, and head to France in a backroom role if possible....interesting. (From the Indo, today.)

    O'Gara reveals French 'dream'.

    By Hugh Farrelly
    Tuesday May 18 2010
    RONAN O'GARA plans to play on for a year after the 2011 World Cup and has revealed his "dream" of a post-playing career in France.

    Speaking to 'Midi Olympique', the 33-year-old out-half stressed that he could never envisage playing for any side except for Munster but the Heineken Cup record points-scorer, and ERC player of the last 15 years, said he could see himself in backroom role with a Top 14 club after he stops playing.

    "Maybe as a kicking specialist or a three-quarter coach, I still don't know," said O'Gara, "but France has always attracted me, I studied the language over two years in university.

    "I think the year after the World Cup will be my last before I hang up my boots. I have had everything in Munster, a team which played at the top level in Europe and my family at the stadium every weekend. I also wanted to show my loyalty by staying with Munster and think I have made the right choice.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0518/1224270599183.html

    MUNSTER CHANGES

    INS :
    Sam Tuitupou (centre, Worcester, right), Johne Murphy (wing/fullback, Leicester).

    Upgraded (from development to full-time contracts):
    Timmy O’Donnell (flanker), Dave Ryan (prop), Duncan Williams (scrumhalf).

    Upgraded (Academy to development contracts):
    Ian Nagle (lock/backrow), Dave Foley (lock), Stephen Archer (prop), Peter O’Mahony (backrow), Danny Barnes (wing/centre), Declan Cusack (training contract).

    OUTS:
    Jean de Villiers (South Africa), Jeremy Manning (France/Italy), Nick Williams (released), Julien Brugnaut (released), Ciaran O’Boyle (released)*.

    *I presume GT meant Ciaran.


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  • Registered Users Posts: 321 ✭✭dromdrom


    http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0518/1224270599183.html

    MUNSTER CHANGES

    INS :
    Sam Tuitupou (centre, Worcester, right), Johne Murphy (wing/fullback, Leicester).

    Upgraded (from development to full-time contracts):
    Timmy O’Donnell (flanker), Dave Ryan (prop), Duncan Williams (scrumhalf).

    Upgraded (Academy to development contracts):
    Ian Nagle (lock/backrow), Dave Foley (lock), Stephen Archer (prop), Peter O’Mahony (backrow), Danny Barnes (wing/centre), Declan Cusack (training contract).

    OUTS:
    Jean de Villiers (South Africa), Jeremy Manning (France/Italy), Nick Williams (released), Julien Brugnaut (released), Ciaran O’Boyle (released)*.

    *I presume GT meant Ciaran.

    Brugnaut has signed for Racing Metro already


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,772 ✭✭✭toomevara


    Jeremy Manning (France/Italy),

    What's the word on Manning club-wise?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/7572.php

    Julien Brugnaut having been released by Munster will join Paris Racing Metro.

    The former French international prop who won 15 caps for Munster will return to his native France next Monday.

    Jeremy Manning who also leaves now that the season is over, along with Nick Williams, Jean de Villiers, Ciaran O'Boyle and Danny Riordan, has no definite plans other than returning to New Zealand, despite reports of him joining either an Italian or French club
    Nor have any definite plans been concluded for Williams while O'Boyle and Riordan look set to return to the club scene.

    The squad assembled in Charleville this morning for a season wrap up meeting and for those not involved in the summer tour to New Zealand/Australia, holidays beckon.


  • Registered Users Posts: 448 ✭✭GymJim


    Anyone know the story on Timmy Ryan. Thought he had only 1 year contract at Toulon?!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,698 ✭✭✭Risteard


    Lifeimi Mafi will miss the opening games of the 2010/2011 season as he recovers from a shoulder operation.


    The 28 year old had the operation last Tuesday for an injury that has been troubling him throughout the season and now uses the closed season to have the problem sorted out.

    Other than that, news concerning long term injured is positive with Denis Leamy (knee), Donnacha Ryan (shoulder), Darragh Hurley (eye), Felix Jones (neck) and Barry Murphy (leg) all expected to be fully fit and available for the opening pre-season games against Leicester Tigers on August (20th). The venue for that game has yet to be confirmed and nor has it been decided where the second pre-season game, versus Gloucester (27th Aug) will take place.

    Hurley who sustained an eye tear that subsequently became infected has been cleared by medics to take full part in training while Leamy and Ryan are both recovering well from their injuries and expected back with Hurley for pre-season when it starts at the end of June.

    Barry Murphy is still at the recovery stage but also expected to report for full training then while Felix Jones has taken part in the last couple of training sessions before season's end and should be cleared for full contact when pre-season begins.

    Link


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    Great news for Jones. :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,207 ✭✭✭durkadurka


    GymJim wrote: »
    Anyone know the story on Timmy Ryan. Thought he had only 1 year contract at Toulon?!


    He's on the bench for the final anyhow...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/7580.php

    With six Munster Rugby academy players receiving development contracts for the 2010/11 season, eleven new players have been recruited to the academy.

    Moving on are, Academy Player of the Year, Scott Deasy, and those recently involved in the B&I Cup final, Ian Nagle, Dave Foley, Peter O’Mahony, Stephen Archer and Danny Barnes, who have all been promoted to the senior squad on development contracts.

    New recruits include sub academy players Luke O’Dea, Cathal Sheridan, Simon Zebo, Sean Henry, Brian Hayes, Dave Kilcoyne, Alan Cotter, Gareth Quinn McDonogh and Ronan O’Mahony, who continue to progress making the move into the academy programme.

    Rockwell outhalf and leaving cert student JJ Hanrahan also joins the academy, after impressing with his participation in the National Talent Programme throughout the year.

    Ireland U19 and Exiles player Corey Hircock joins the Munster Rugby Academy from the Bedford Blues, the centre/winger was involved in Ireland U19‘s defeat against the Australia U19 Schools side last December in Cork.

    Simon Zebo and Brian Hayes will join the Ireland U20s squad next week for the IRB Junior World Cup in Argentina, while remaining academy players will return to training in mid-June.

    First Year Academy Players:
    Alan Cotter (Young Munster) Prop
    JJ Hanrahan (School Rockwell, Club TBC) Outhalf/Centre
    Brian Hayes (Cork Constitution) Second Row
    Sean Henry (UL Bohemians) Hooker
    Corey Hircock (TBC) Centre
    David Kilcoyne (UL Bohemians) Prop
    Luke O’Dea (Shannon) Fullback
    Ronan O’Mahony (Garryowen) Fullback/Winger
    Gareth Quinn McDonogh (Shannon) Outhalf
    Cathal Sheridan (UL Bohemians) Scrumhalf
    Simon Zebo (Cork Constitution) Winger


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,976 ✭✭✭profitius


    Paddy Butler??


  • Posts: 0 ✭✭✭✭ Clementine Helpless Scalpel


    profitius wrote: »
    Paddy Butler??

    yeah, where is he? Thought he was fantastic in the U20s games.

    Was keeping an eye on him


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,193 ✭✭✭[Jackass]




    Nice show of strength from Buckley that sometimes in the past he hasn't displayed.

    I think his performances have improved significantly over the last while and certainly think he should be able to oust Hayes from the 3 jersey over the next season. Probably will be starting 3 for world cup, although Ross may make an impact with CJ leaving Leinster and moving up the pecking order to see more game time.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2 woodviewman


    you must be joking. Buckley would be first choice already if he was up to it. Has had enough chances by now and time to realise that he is not up to it at this level. Just because he shows a few pieces of strength means nothing


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2 woodviewman


    good honest player timmy ryan. letting him go backfired on munster. Such a shortage in props now it looks frightening for Irish rugby.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    http://www.sport24.co.za/Rugby/CJ-heading-back-to-SA-20100524
    However, Bok prop Wian du Preez will not be available for the Cheetahs in this year’s Currie Cup. Du Preez will join Irish side Munster, whom he helped before this year’s Super 14.

    However, the 27-year-old Du Preez’s decision is a setback for Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské’s Currie Cup plans.

    Du Preez is not getting the recognition he deserves from the Bok selectors and his decision comes as no surprise as he has only played one Test.

    A number of experts view him as the most powerful scrummager in South African rugby.

    “Wian played for Munster in the Heineken Cup during his off-season after South Africa’s end-of-season tour last year,” said Weyers of the man who made his Super 14 debut for the Sharks against the Hurricanes in 2005.

    “They were really impressed by his scrummaging and commitment, and have made a good offer. We told Naka early on that we are considering another offer and were open with him from the outset.

    “Wian would love to come and end his career at the Cheetahs.”

    Interesting news.

    Can he play tighthead? :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,978 ✭✭✭✭irishbucsfan


    Fantastic signing for Munster.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,599 ✭✭✭ScrubsfanChris


    Will he play a full season though?
    Or just leave in January to join the Cheetah's Super 15 campaign.

    Great signing either way.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,413 ✭✭✭chupacabra


    Great to see another Kerry lad in the munster academy. Well done JJ.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 625 ✭✭✭theKramer


    profitius wrote: »
    Paddy Butler??
    Was reading a thread on Munsterfans and they are going nuts that he's not in the academy. The rumour on Munsterfans is that he wants to skip the academy and go straight to a full contract and that he is looking at options abroad if Munster dont bite......


  • Posts: 0 ✭✭✭✭ Clementine Helpless Scalpel


    theKramer wrote: »
    Was reading a thread on Munsterfans and they are going nuts that he's not in the academy. The rumour on Munsterfans is that he wants to skip the academy and go straight to a full contract and that he is looking at options abroad if Munster dont bite......

    Too right they're going nuts, the guy is a serious talent, I wouldn't be surprised if he was in Munster's starting XV by this time next year!


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  • Registered Users Posts: 94 ✭✭mareegoo


    hopefully he will sign for connacht......


  • Registered Users Posts: 110 ✭✭GisforGrenade


    Don't pay any attention to Munsterfans, the place is rife with rumours planted by player's agents and family members simply trying to force a better deal for their player.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    Paddy Butler has been given a development contract: http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/7590.php


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,413 ✭✭✭chupacabra


    Paddy Butler has been given a development contract: http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/7590.php

    so he bypassed the academy? Impressive. He id still very small for a no. 8 tho


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 625 ✭✭✭theKramer


    chupacabra wrote: »
    so he bypassed the academy? Impressive. He id still very small for a no. 8 tho
    His profile says hes 97Kg, which is very light for an 8. He'll probably have to put on another 7 - 10KG to be competitive in the ML.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,976 ✭✭✭profitius


    theKramer wrote: »
    His profile says hes 97Kg, which is very light for an 8. He'll probably have to put on another 7 - 10KG to be competitive in the ML.

    When I saw him playing in the U20 six nations there was a noticable different between him, Rhys Ruddock and Dominic Ryan. The 2 Leinster lads were far more developed. Having said that Butler was the best backrower playing. He's about 6ft 2 or 6ft 3" tall which is about Heaslip/Leamy height.

    He has good pace and power, he's great handling was used in the lineouts alot and he is aggressive. He'll be a regular for Munster after next season, I reckon.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 403 ✭✭TheTMO


    chupacabra wrote: »
    so he bypassed the academy? Impressive. He id still very small for a no. 8 tho

    Hes been in the academy for a year now. Hes an incredible player.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,300 ✭✭✭2040


    TheTMO wrote: »
    Hes been in the academy for a year now. Hes an incredible player.

    I think he was sub academy.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6 paryan


    2040 wrote: »
    I think he was sub academy.

    whats his club


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,976 ✭✭✭profitius


    paryan wrote: »
    whats his club

    Shannon. He's play regulary for Shannon this season.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 625 ✭✭✭theKramer


    profitius wrote: »
    Shannon. He's play regulary for Shannon this season.
    Hes been the starting Nr 8 for Shannon this year. Remember reading that during the U20's 6N


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,249 ✭✭✭Stev_o


    He's a unreal prospect who will no doubt make the international grade some day.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 625 ✭✭✭theKramer


    Id say post WC, we'll see Leamy at 6, Butler at 8, and someone else at 7 (probably Ryan) at some stage in Magners League games...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,881 ✭✭✭PhatPiggins


    theKramer wrote: »
    Id say post WC, we'll see Leamy at 6, Butler at 8, and someone else at 7 (probably Ryan) at some stage in Magners League games...

    If Leamy isn't retired by then. The injuries seem to be getting worse and more frequent.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,976 ✭✭✭profitius


    If Leamy isn't retired by then. The injuries seem to be getting worse and more frequent.

    Yeah its looking bad. The only consolation for him being injured is it gives the rest of his body plenty of time to recover.
    the Kramer wrote:
    Id say post WC, we'll see Leamy at 6, Butler at 8, and someone else at 7 (probably Ryan) at some stage in Magners League games.

    Peter O'Mahony 7, Leamy 6, Butler 8. Watch out for Dave O'Callaghan too. He's a certainty to make it too and I've heard O'Hara (7) is supposed to be an excellent talent too.


  • Posts: 0 ✭✭✭✭ Clementine Helpless Scalpel


    Dave O'Callaghan is a class act, some great talent coming through the ranks down there!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,048 ✭✭✭Amazotheamazing


    Dave O'Callaghan is a class act, some great talent coming through the ranks down there!

    Makes sense, it's about 10 or so years since the Munster team really got going in Europe, all the kids who started following rugby then would be playing senior cup around now. It's also interesting that a lot of the best talent is coming from non-traditional rugby areas, three Kerrymen in the Academy, good few Tipperary lads, etc. Hopefully we're about to see the break-through of a new generation of talent.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,976 ✭✭✭profitius


    Makes sense, it's about 10 or so years since the Munster team really got going in Europe, all the kids who started following rugby then would be playing senior cup around now. It's also interesting that a lot of the best talent is coming from non-traditional rugby areas, three Kerrymen in the Academy, good few Tipperary lads, etc. Hopefully we're about to see the break-through of a new generation of talent.

    Scouting the clubs for talent is the next step. No matter where the players are from the vast majority in Irish academies are playing for school teams.

    You're right about the Munster effect on kids. The game is growing in non traditional areas with development officers helping. Theres about 400 kids training with Waterpark youth section. Waterpark is winning underage trophies against more traditionally stronger clubs and its surely a matter of time before we'll have Waterford players playing for Munster.

    If the IRFU can get the game to grow into non traditional areas it'll help Ireland become a true force in world rugby.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,221 ✭✭✭Junior


    profitius wrote: »
    You're right about the Munster effect on kids. The game is growing in non traditional areas with development officers helping. Theres about 400 kids training with Waterpark youth section. Waterpark is winning underage trophies against more traditionally stronger clubs and its surely a matter of time before we'll have Waterford players playing for Munster.

    We've already had three Waterford Men play for Munster ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    Mail on Sunday: I'M NOT GIVING UP THE FIGHT YET
    By Liam Heagney

    PETER STRINGER'S fine career isn't quite what it used to be. Thirty-
    three next December, he's no longer the automatic first- choice scrum-
    half for Ireland and Munster. His Test career has stalled. He hasn't
    featured in a year. And it's a similar tale of inactivity at Munster.
    Heineken Cup starts are rare - but he hasn't been forgotten.

    Despite not seeing that much of Stringer this season, Declan Kidney
    still wants a piece. Of the original squad chosen for Ireland's June
    series, only Rory Best and Jerry Flannery had seen less action.
    However, while they can point to serious injury (and suspension in
    Flannery's case) as reasons for limited use, Stringer has largely been
    left straining at the leash on the sidelines, craving exposure.

    'I want to be playing all the time. It's something I still have a
    massive appetite for, both for Munster and Ireland,' he says, adding
    that on the days after provincial games in which he only gets 10 or so
    minutes off the bench, you'll find him doing fitness work or in the
    gym when those who started have time off.

    'It's something I still have in my sights - I want to be back playing
    regularly where I was before. I'm as fit as I have ever been and I try
    to keep that sharpness so that when I do get to play a game I'm ready
    to go.' Life changed remarkably for scrum-half Stringer on that
    infamous 2007 night in Bordeaux.

    He threw the intercept pass that handed Georgia their try and left the
    minnows within a whisker of causing the greatest World Cup upset ever.
    Despite years of planning for that finals campaign, he was dramatically dropped by Eddie O'Sullivan who gave an inexperienced Eoin Reddan only his second Ireland start the following week against
    France.

    THAT was September and if Stringer thought he'd at least have Munster
    to fall back on, he was mistaken. That previously blissful
    relationship was also to take a dramatic turn for the worse, Kidney
    handing the jersey to Tomas O'Leary for a European quarter-final at
    Gloucester.

    Coping with all the sudden upheaval can't have been easy. Stringer,
    though, had no option but to get on with it. Sympathy is scarce in the
    dressing room. 'I wouldn't have seen them [the omissions] coming,' he
    admits.

    'It's a while ago now but it has been difficult. The last couple of
    seasons have been tough. It was a massive shock at the start, having
    played so often and regularly. But I have put that behind me. I've
    adapted without becoming comfortable.

    'You have no option but to just get on with things. No squad is going
    to wait. Things move on. If you wallow in self-pity you'll certainly
    be left behind. You've no option but to get your head up and start
    working even harder than before.

    'Ask anyone who sits on a bench, it's not an easy thing to do. You
    watch the game and see if you do get a run where you can make a
    difference. You're looking at it from a different perspective and it's
    tough, but when you do get an opportunity you try and make the most of
    it.

    'At times you come on and feel you've to get everything spot on.
    You've to try and fit everything into 10 minutes and impress, which
    sometimes doesn't work, but more often you try and make an impact as
    best you can, make a difference for whatever length of time you do get
    on. 'On the sideline you become a lot more tuned into where space is
    because on the pitch that's the tough part - trying to do it under
    pressure, trying to do it when you're making calls and in the heat of
    the battle. When I'm on the bench I make use of every second.

    'If there's anything you can add at half-time that will make it easier
    for guys, you speak up and make yourself heard. There may be room for
    improvement, identifying where space may be, so you bring that to the
    game to make a difference.

    'It has been difficult not starting but I have got my head around it
    without being too comfortable. I still want to get back to where I
    was.' THAT'S not to say there haven't been highlights since his world
    was turned upside down. He had a massive role in Ireland's Grand Slam,
    setting up a crucial try for Jamie Heaslip in Scotland and then giving
    Ronan O'Gara that pass to fire over the clinching drop goal in Wales a
    week later. And no one can forget Stringer's ballsy effort in nearly
    inspiring a weakened Munster to beat the touring All Blacks in 2008.
    'It's nice because they are reminders.

    When you find yourself not playing as regularly as you'd like, there
    are sometimes doubts in your head and reminders like that - and
    previous achievements - come to the fore and really drive you home.

    'My motivation certainly hasn't faded or diminished in any respect. If
    anything, it's driven me harder to get back to where I was because I
    look after my health and fitness.

    'Everything like that isn't an issue.

    Mentally when guys get older the question of when to call it a day may
    creep in but there are a good few years left in me yet. I feel that
    physically and mentally. It's something I'm looking forward to - to
    giving it a go and getting back to where I was.' His belief that this
    aim is feasible is illustrated in his decision to sign for two more
    years with Munster. Out of contract at the end of this season, he
    could have decided enough was enough and opted to chase more regular
    game-time elsewhere.

    He is one of the players to lose out in the IRFU's reduction of
    national team contracts to 21 and was in demand abroad, but he has chosen to keep fighting his battle for greater recognition from home in Cork, the long-term ambition being to make Kidney's 2011 World Cup squad.


    'I've signed on, so that's that. I'm happy. Contract negotiations are
    a stressful time. You're trying to sort out your life but now that
    it's done it's just a matter of getting on with it and looking forward
    to the next two years - and hopefully more after it.


    'It's great to have signed again...

    and it's a massive goal to get back to a World Cup. I'd love to be
    part of it. I'll keep striving for those little goals, keep working
    hard. If they come about, brilliant.' Sounds like he's keen to
    impress.


    Peter Stringer -before and after Played 79 of 88 Ireland matches on
    making his Test debut in 2000 (75 as the starting No9) He then earned
    just 12 caps since his dramatic axing from the team at the 2007 World
    Mail on Sunday: I'M NOT GIVING UP THE FIGHT YET ; Stringer looks to shine after signing 91) ™
    Cup, just four of them starts, the last a year ago against USA
    Featured in 74 out of a possible 77 Heineken Cup games for Munster (73
    appearances as a starter) Has started just two of Munster's 19
    European games since his surprise omission for 2008 quarter-final at
    Gloucester, making do with nine other runs off the bench

    Originally published by By Liam Heagney.

    (c) 2010 Mail on Sunday; London (UK). Provided by ProQuest LLC.

    Fair play to him for sticking around. :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,721 ✭✭✭Otacon


    Fair play to him for sticking around. :)

    I still feel Stringer offers better options off the bench for Ireland. Reddan, Boss and TOL are all very similar but Stringer still provides that change of style that could open up a dead-locked game.

    Hope he shows us more of this in the next year.


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