Ulster Bank League 2015-2016 Talk/Gossip/Rumours

The Lost Sheep

ArmchairQB wrote: »

I think JP Phelan is going to Munster academy as well any news on where he is going to play, a good prospect would have him ahead of Heffernan in Leinster

Ah yeah Phelan. Isnt a Dub but....

Armchair thoughts on how Cork Charity Cup being played over one day w/ short 40 minute games. Will be interesting to see how It goes.

ArmchairQB

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Ah yeah Phelan. Isnt a Dub but....

Armchair thoughts on how Cork Charity Cup being played over one day w/ short 40 minute games. Will be interesting to see how It goes.

Personally I think coaches would prefer a few more proper full length games for their preparation in the run up to the league and replicate match conditions, most teams fitness work will have been ongoing for nearly 2 months at the time of play but in saying that it will most likely be a fun day out for the players and a good event. With AIL staring early again this year it is hard to get the right format, senior Leinster clubs will have 3 cup games and 4 league games a run of 7 games in a row to start of the season which is not ideal either a training week before the start of the AIL would be preferred by most

The Lost Sheep

ArmchairQB wrote: »

Personally I think coaches would prefer a few more proper full length games for their preparation in the run up to the league and replicate match conditions, most teams fitness work will have been ongoing for nearly 2 months at the time of play but in saying that it will most likely be a fun day out for the players and a good event. With AIL staring early again this year it is hard to get the right format, senior Leinster clubs will have 3 cup games and 4 league games a run of 7 games in a row to start of the season which is not ideal either a training week before the start of the AIL would be preferred by most

I would disagree. Clubs playing in Charity Cup can look at wider variety of players over the day. They will still have plenty of time for pre season friendlies and this maintains the charity cup and will probably see more people attending and therefore it will see the most money raised for charity

Stainalert

LuimneachLad15 wrote: »

Jordan Coughlan also coming to garryowen i believe. Garryowen also have a hooker joining there side from Shannon and one from Old Crescent to try replace Eddie Rossiter, Any idea what club he joined?

Rossiter has joined Old Belvedere

Leinster5

Noel McNamara is the new UCD Head Coach which should improve their chances a lot in the AIL. Should know more about transfers in a week or two I'd imagine.

garryowenman

Is Noel Mc the former coach of Clongowes? He is a quality coach and should climb up the ladder fairly quick !

blackdog1

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Ah yeah Phelan. Isnt a Dub but....

Armchair thoughts on how Cork Charity Cup being played over one day w/ short 40 minute games. Will be interesting to see how It goes.

It's bad news for fringe platers or young players trying to break into senior squads as the charity cup is always used like a development league. Nice for a young lad to be involved 3 or 4 weeks in a season.

Stainalert

Leinster5 wrote: »

Noel McNamara is the new UCD Head Coach which should improve their chances a lot in the AIL. Should know more about transfers in a week or two I'd imagine.

Don't know too much about him but wouldn't say that is a given. Bobby Byrne is a very decent coach and Killian Keane who is highly rated has been involved with UCD for the last few years although admittedly not last season.

Has McNamara any experience of coaching at senior level before?

ArmchairQB

Don't think so most underage with Clongowes & Irish and Leinster Schools which he is continuing to do as well which might cause a bit of upset amongst other clubs similar to what went on with Ruddock when with Irish 20s

Stainalert

Leinster5 wrote: »

Noel McNamara is the new UCD Head Coach which should improve their chances a lot in the AIL. Should know more about transfers in a week or two I'd imagine.

Willie Staunton has signed for Old Belvedere apparently

ArmchairQB

Stainalert wrote: »

Willie Staunton has signed for Old Belvedere apparently

Would have thought he would have went back to Terenure if leaving Munsters but obviously not

ArmchairQB

Fixtures released so should be up soon on IRFU site if not already

esterhayes

I wonder if the rumours about Ruddock coaching a schools team this year are true.

ArmchairQB

Which School?

RuPi

I had heard Michael's

The Lost Sheep

Leinster5 wrote: »

Noel McNamara is the new UCD Head Coach which should improve their chances a lot in the AIL. Should know more about transfers in a week or two I'd imagine.

Interesting. Will he improve them that much? They are still a university side so hard to see them being that close at end of season in terms of league honours

garryowenman wrote: »

Is Noel Mc the former coach of Clongowes? He is a quality coach and should climb up the ladder fairly quick !

Been coaching provincial and irish age grade sides for a number of years now as well...

blackdog1 wrote: »

It's bad news for fringe platers or young players trying to break into senior squads as the charity cup is always used like a development league. Nice for a young lad to be involved 3 or 4 weeks in a season.

I don't see it as bad for fringe or young players. Playing in this format will most likely see more players used and also gives clubs other games to try fringe/young players

ArmchairQB wrote: »

Fixtures released so should be up soon on IRFU site if not already

http://www.irishrugby.ie/club/ulsterbankleagueandcup/fixtures.php

Leinster5

RuPi wrote: »

I had heard Michael's

He worked with Castleknock last year so I imagine he might help them out again, he's not working with St. Michael's.

Tough starts for Young Munster, Terenure, Old Belvedere and Ballynahinch. You'd expect Clontarf and Lansdowne to start well in first 4/5 fixtures.

Anyone have any idea on who's gone where ? I know Clontarf and Lansdowne have lost a few players.

ArmchairQB

Joey Carberry to Clontarf, Rossiter & Staunton to Belvo are the only major ones I have heard, although Wesley are rumoured to be making a pretty big signing which may raise a few eyebrows if true. UCD, trinity Terenure & Lansdowne primarily build through their 20s so would expect a few from each squad to step up to senior level this season especially Terenure who have had very good 20s teams the last 2 years so would expect them to start blooding a few this season. Dolphin along with Mary's are bound to loose a few with Cork Con probably benefiting from Dolphin who along with Young Munster have all new coaching set ups this season. Young Munster may do well from the few lads leaving Leinster clubs to join Munster academy and also have a good few decent 20s come thru

esterhayes

Hope Carbery plays 9 for Tarf.

The Lost Sheep

ArmchairQB wrote: »

Joey Carberry to Clontarf, Rossiter & Staunton to Belvo are the only major ones I have heard, although Wesley are rumoured to be making a pretty big signing which may raise a few eyebrows if true. UCD, trinity Terenure & Lansdowne primarily build through their 20s so would expect a few from each squad to step up to senior level this season especially Terenure who have had very good 20s teams the last 2 years so would expect them to start blooding a few this season. Dolphin along with Mary's are bound to loose a few with Cork Con probably benefiting from Dolphin who along with Young Munster have all new coaching set ups this season. Young Munster may do well from the few lads leaving Leinster clubs to join Munster academy and also have a good few decent 20s come thru

Wesley making a big signing isn't that much of a surprise. Good strong side and plenty of backing.....
Trinity wont be losing too many off their firsts and a lot of their 20s are underage again.....
Munsters are looking at signing a NZr who's over in next few weeks afaik.....

Squidgy Black

Carberry to Clontarf is a bit of a strange one, with Cronin at 9 and Du Toit behind him, and then Joyce at 10, there isn't a guarantee he'll get a lot of game time.

esterhayes

_Tyrrell_ wrote: »

Carberry to Clontarf is a bit of a strange one, with Cronin at 9 and Du Toit behind him, and then Joyce at 10, there isn't a guarantee he'll get a lot of game time.

in theory he should be good enough to displace them

RobbieRuns

It will have been thought out with Girvan and the Leinster Academy, he would be behind both half backs at UCD, so moving to Tarf has to have a purpose. Be interesting to see what position he plays.

esterhayes

RobbieRuns wrote: »

It will have been thought out with Girvan and the Leinster Academy, he would be behind both half backs at UCD, so moving to Tarf has to have a purpose. Be interesting to see what position he plays.

could possibly play every position in the backline.. but you'd expect where he plays for tarf will indicate where leinster think he best fits long term.

ArmchairQB

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Wesley making a big signing isn't that much of a surprise. Good strong side and plenty of backing.....
Trinity wont be losing too many off their firsts and a lot of their 20s are underage again.....
Munsters are looking at signing a NZr who's over in next few weeks afaik.....

New rules seem not to apply to some clubs where club houses still being given to players, not likely players will rat on themselves but in Dublin we all know the clubs with houses and how they use them, an open secret that doesn't seem to worry certain clubs as rules are only as good as the enforcement that is provided.

The Lost Sheep

Brett Wilkinson new Buccs coach with Danie Poolman his assistant

http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/35143.php#.VcEQ1E3bLcs

Any more news on coaching changes etc. No competitive games this weekend but from the following weekend clubs will be playing provincial leagues/cups in prep for the league....

Stainalert

RobbieRuns wrote: »

It will have been thought out with Girvan and the Leinster Academy, he would be behind both half backs at UCD, so moving to Tarf has to have a purpose. Be interesting to see what position he plays.

I think he has been told to focus on 9 by Leinster but that was pre world cup

esterhayes

Stainalert wrote: »

I think he has been told to focus on 9 by Leinster but that was pre world cup

has been playing 10 this preseason but right now not as much cover there as scrumhalf.

Stainalert

esterhayes wrote: »

has been playing 10 this preseason but right now not as much cover there as scrumhalf.

Good player - think he will do well for clontarf

turtleshead

ArmchairQB wrote: »

Joey Carberry to Clontarf, Rossiter & Staunton to Belvo are the only major ones I have heard, although Wesley are rumoured to be making a pretty big signing which may raise a few eyebrows if true. UCD, trinity Terenure & Lansdowne primarily build through their 20s so would expect a few from each squad to step up to senior level this season especially Terenure who have had very good 20s teams the last 2 years so would expect them to start blooding a few this season. Dolphin along with Mary's are bound to loose a few with Cork Con probably benefiting from Dolphin who along with Young Munster have all new coaching set ups this season. Young Munster may do well from the few lads leaving Leinster clubs to join Munster academy and also have a good few decent 20s come thru

I thought that Garryowen had signed most of these players coming down from Leinster, that's what was stated on munsterfans, and wouldn't be surprised if true, do you know who has signed for what club?

The Lost Sheep

turtleshead wrote: »

I thought that Garryowen had signed most of these players coming down from Leinster, that's what was stated on munsterfans, and wouldn't be surprised if true, do you know who has signed for what club?

Oliver is with Garryowen as is Jordan Coghlan. Cant recall who Phelan is with.

Garryowen appear to be competing in an Invitational tournament in the Hague at the end of August. Any other games lined up?

turtleshead

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Oliver is with Garryowen as is Jordan Coghlan. Cant recall who Phelan is with.

Garryowen appear to be competing in an Invitational tournament in the Hague at the end of August. Any other games lined up?

Personally I think munster should be dispersing players better to maximise they game time they get, Garryowen have Josh Hirstch, captain Sherry already in the back-row would imagine one of coughlan and Olivier would lose out on game time in the UBL, similar to Jamie Glynn signing when he was never going to oust Neil Cronin.

The Lost Sheep

turtleshead wrote: »

Personally I think munster should be dispersing players better to maximise they game time they get, Garryowen have Josh Hirstch, captain Sherry already in the back-row would imagine one of coughlan and Olivier would lose out on game time in the UBL, similar to Jamie Glynn signing when he was never going to oust Neil Cronin.

How would you disperse players better? I agree Munster should be doing it better but how would you do it. Contracted players have to be in Division 1.

turtleshead

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

How would you disperse players better? I agree Munster should be doing it better but how would you do it. Contracted players have to be in Division 1.

Identify players incoming to the academy versus players registered to clubs, also could look at the clubs head coach their area of expertise and their track record on developing players, from that you could guide the players on what club to sign for based on where they would best develop. Right now it seems there is a monopoly on players going to certain clubs over others, I don't think that serves the best interest to those player(s) and ultimately their employer, example here is for munster, but think it equally applies to Connacht and Leinster in relation to players leaving school and joining academy directly.

The Lost Sheep

turtleshead wrote: »

Identify players incoming to the academy versus players registered to clubs, also could look at the clubs head coach their area of expertise and their track record on developing players, from that you could guide the players on what club to sign for based on where they would best develop. Right now it seems there is a monopoly on players going to certain clubs over others, I don't think that serves the best interest to those player(s) and ultimately their employer, example here is for munster, but think it equally applies to Connacht and Leinster in relation to players leaving school and joining academy directly.

Thing is for most players in Munster and Connacht they will have been affiliated with and played with clubs all through age grade rugby which isn't the case in Leinster(Dublin) in a lot of cases. Like Greg O Shea, Shannon etc
I don't see looking exactly what style a club coach has should come into the discussion.
Connacht are very limited again with just 3 options for players(Corinthians, Buccs/Wegians) as Sligo are a non runner due to distance and even then Corinthians are now division 2 which limits any contracted players on edge of squads

turtleshead

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Thing is for most players in Munster and Connacht they will have been affiliated with and played with clubs all through age grade rugby which isn't the case in Leinster(Dublin) in a lot of cases. Like Greg O Shea, Shannon etc
I don't see looking exactly what style a club coach has should come into the discussion.
Connacht are very limited again with just 3 options for players(Corinthians, Buccs/Wegians) as Sligo are a non runner due to distance and even then Corinthians are now division 2 which limits any contracted players on edge of squads

When I say club coach I mean I would think that for JP Phelan coming to Limerick he might develop better going to Shannon under Marcus Horan rather than playing under Paul Neville at Garryowen.

I take your point on affiliation to a club when it comes to underage but think a player can suffer as a result of making the wrong choice of club just cause he always played there so could be guided, if they want to go against guidance that is their right but the academy is about developing the player.

esterhayes

turtleshead wrote: »

When I say club coach I mean I would think that for JP Phelan coming to Limerick he might develop better going to Shannon under Marcus Horan rather than playing under Paul Neville at Garryowen.

I take your point on affiliation to a club when it comes to underage but think a player can suffer as a result of making the wrong choice of club just cause he always played there so could be guided, if they want to go against guidance that is their right but the academy is about developing the player.

an academy player is going to do most of his training and development with the province bot the club.

The Lost Sheep

turtleshead wrote: »

When I say club coach I mean I would think that for JP Phelan coming to Limerick he might develop better going to Shannon under Marcus Horan rather than playing under Paul Neville at Garryowen.

I take your point on affiliation to a club when it comes to underage but think a player can suffer as a result of making the wrong choice of club just cause he always played there so could be guided, if they want to go against guidance that is their right but the academy is about developing the player.

Maybe he might but Phelan is in academy. He will be working with the academy and provincial coaches more than club coaches. Players are guided a lot in their choice of club if in academy/provincial system. Munster could be doing better but they do guide/direct players towards clubs....

turtleshead

esterhayes wrote: »

an academy player is going to do most of his training and development with the province bot the club.

Understand and agree but they could be getting added coaching with the club on a Thursday night before a UBL game and during a game.

RobbieRuns

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Thing is for most players in Munster and Connacht they will have been affiliated with and played with clubs all through age grade rugby which isn't the case in Leinster(Dublin) in a lot of cases. Like Greg O Shea, Shannon etc
I don't see looking exactly what style a club coach has should come into the discussion.
Connacht are very limited again with just 3 options for players(Corinthians, Buccs/Wegians) as Sligo are a non runner due to distance and even then Corinthians are now division 2 which limits any contracted players on edge of squads

It used to be more the case that players in Munster and Connacht stayed with their clubs all through age grade rugby to senior rugby, but this trend has changed in recent years a lot I would say. Some players have been brought into the academies and changed teams in recent years, G Lyons Shannon/Young Mun, Jack Cullen Bruff/Shannon, JOD waterpark/UL Bohs just as a few examples, they do not always stay at the same club. It would be more relevant to Connacht, but in reality the three teams mentioned Corinthians, Buccs and Wegians are the only options and sadly with Corinthians going down from 1B last year, you only have two clubs in the whole province to choose from, as you rightly say, very limited.

Stainalert

RobbieRuns wrote: »

It used to be more the case that players in Munster and Connacht stayed with their clubs all through age grade rugby to senior rugby, but this trend has changed in recent years a lot I would say. Some players have been brought into the academies and changed teams in recent years, G Lyons Shannon/Young Mun, Jack Cullen Bruff/Shannon, JOD waterpark/UL Bohs just as a few examples, they do not always stay at the same club. It would be more relevant to Connacht, but in reality the three teams mentioned Corinthians, Buccs and Wegians are the only options and sadly with Corinthians going down from 1B last year, you only have two clubs in the whole province to choose from, as you rightly say, very limited.

Does that mean there are a load of Corinthians players on the move this year? Any idea which of the other 2 they have moved to?

Heno97

Stainalert wrote: »

Does that mean there are a load of Corinthians players on the move this year? Any idea which of the other 2 they have moved to?

I imagine Wegians would get the cream of the crop

FR2

esterhayes wrote: »

I wonder if the rumours about Ruddock coaching a schools team this year are true.

I heard this a while back and from the same person that said mcnamara was taking over UCD. Got that right, but I've heard nothing since. Big jump from schools to AIL even with Irish 18's experience. Some start with 'tarf first up!

The Lost Sheep

RobbieRuns wrote: »

It used to be more the case that players in Munster and Connacht stayed with their clubs all through age grade rugby to senior rugby, but this trend has changed in recent years a lot I would say. Some players have been brought into the academies and changed teams in recent years, G Lyons Shannon/Young Mun, Jack Cullen Bruff/Shannon, JOD waterpark/UL Bohs just as a few examples, they do not always stay at the same club. It would be more relevant to Connacht, but in reality the three teams mentioned Corinthians, Buccs and Wegians are the only options and sadly with Corinthians going down from 1B last year, you only have two clubs in the whole province to choose from, as you rightly say, very limited.

Cullen is an exile and didn't play any of his age grade rugby in Ireland so is slightly different to Jacko, Lyons etc.
Jack O Donoghue moved as Waterpark were, by the time Jack O was playing/able to play adult rugby, a junior club. Much more in Munster do stay with the same club. The trend of players staying with the same club hasn't changed a lot in recent years. Yes there is some examples but its largely true...

Leinster5

Tyrone Moran signed for London Scottish, was just announced on their website. I imagine Lansdowne will be need a replacement. Joseph McSwiney and Conor McKeon have also left so I imagine they'll need to sign a few if they want to go back to back.

Old Belvedere have signed Rossiter and Staunton.

SA09

Lansdowne have signed Matt Darcy from St Marys

Terenure have signed a few UCD players for the coming season - Eoin Joyce, Adam Clarkin, Risteard Byrne and Kieran Moloney.

Any news for Clontarf?

the perfect ten

SA09 wrote: »

Lansdowne have signed Matt Darcy from St Marys

Terenure have signed a few UCD players for the coming season - Eoin Joyce, Adam Clarkin, Risteard Byrne and Kieran Moloney.

Any news for Clontarf?

So Lansdowne are certainly well provided for scrum-halves with Griggs, O'Driscoll and now Darcy.

Leinster5

Will anyone be catching any Leinster League games ? Some good fixtures in next three weeks with Lansdowne vs Old Belevere, UCD vs Clontarf and Terenure vs St. Mary's.

The Lost Sheep

Leinster5 wrote: »

Will anyone be catching any Leinster League games? Some good fixtures in next three weeks with Lansdowne vs Old Belevere, UCD vs Clontarf and Terenure vs St. Mary's.

I will be going to a Connacht League game or two and a Limerick Charity Cup game or two if I can. May make one or two Leinster league games as well. Nenagh played Tullamore Friday night according to twitter. There was a game or two in Limerick as well I think..
Trinity playing Naas ahead of Leinster League...

SA09

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Trinity playing Naas ahead of Leinster League...

Trinity playing Naas in the Leinster league