Guinness Pro12 2015/2016 Season thread

b.gud

b.gud wrote: »

I'd imagine that similar to the Fox rugby ones these won't actually be heard live. It'll probably surface in a week or so as a highly edited video that gives us a small insight into the kind of chat that happens without giving anything secret away

Actually I may have been wrong just read the article about it ,http://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/15180/9986879/sky-sport-launch-player-mic-for-scarlets-v-ulster, and it does seem like we'll hear some tonight

Bridge93

Ian McKinley has signed for Zebre. Will play wearing those special goggles. Remarkable story.

irishbucsfan

Brilliant news. Can't wait to see him playing in the Pro 12.

Bridge93

Bridge93 wrote: »

Ian McKinley has signed for Zebre. Will play wearing those special goggles. Remarkable story.

Unreal.



http://www.onrugby.it/2015/09/30/zebre-arriva-un-altro-permit-e-ian-mckinley-dal-viadana/

His Italian is up to scratch!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8WXBo5xoIU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmhfU5NXI-c

total former

Wow. Great news.

He's only signed as temporary cover but it would be fairytale stuff if he could make an impression and get a full deal.

Zebre vs Scarlets on S4C on Sunday just got very attractive...

wp_rathead

Bridge93 wrote: »

Ian McKinley has signed for Zebre. Will play wearing those special goggles. Remarkable story.

That's fairytale stuff
Brilliant

phog

Deleted User wrote: »

Unreal.



http://www.onrugby.it/2015/09/30/zebre-arriva-un-altro-permit-e-ian-mckinley-dal-viadana/

His Italian is up to scratch!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8WXBo5xoIU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmhfU5NXI-c

Stupid question. Can he play in Ireland? Wasn't there some mention of a player prevented from playing in Ireland because those glasses weren't approved here or is that only relevant to IRFU players.

Bridge93

phog wrote: »

Stupid question. Can he play in Ireland? Wasn't there some mention of a player prevented from playing in Ireland because those glasses weren't approved here or is that only relevant to IRFU players.

I think I heard it was a World Rugby directive to allow these goggles. I presume that would include playing here if it's a decision at the top?

The Lost Sheep

phog wrote: »

Stupid question. Can he play in Ireland? Wasn't there some mention of a player prevented from playing in Ireland because those glasses weren't approved here or is that only relevant to IRFU players.

He cant at this time. World Rugby approved the trial of one specific pair of goggles about a year ago but the IRFU are not part of the trial. Italy/Scotland are definitely part of the trial but not many more countries are involved other than them

phog

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

He cant at this time. World Rugby approved the trial of one specific pair of goggles about a year ago but the IRFU are not part of the trial. Italy/Scotland are definitely part of the trial but not many more countries are involved other than them

But he's playing for an Italian team, because of that can he play in a another country in a cross border tournament supported/recognised by the Italian rugby federation?

If he's restricted to the countries that are involved in the trial then it seems he can only play home games or away to Treviso, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

irishbucsfan

phog wrote: »

But he's playing for an Italian team, because of that can he play in a another country in a cross border tournament supported/recognised by the Italian rugby federation?

If he's restricted to the countries that are involved in the trial then it seems he can only play home games or away to Treviso, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Yes, but that's 14/20 of their games this season. They've played 2 away games in Wales already so it's just away to Scarlets/Blues and the 4 provinces that he'll miss. Not the end of the world, especially if he's as good as I hope he is.

phog

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Yes, but that's 14/20 of their games this season. They've played 2 away games in Wales already so it's just away to Scarlets/Blues and the 4 provinces that he'll miss. Not the end of the world, especially if he's as good as I hope he is.

I'm not knocking Zebre or McKinley for the contract, in fact I'm delighted for the player. It's just Id just like to see him free to play in Ireland. I'd love to see play live in Cork/Limerick.

irishbucsfan

phog wrote: »

I'm not knocking Zebre or McKinley for the contract, in fact I'm delighted for the player. It's just Id just like to see him free to play in Ireland. I'd love to see play live in Cork/Limerick.

Well I think that's the ideal scenario. The IRFU will hopefully come under pressure to get involved in the trial when the media get on the (completely legitimate) "McKinley for Ireland" bandwagon.

rrpc

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Well I think that's the ideal scenario. The IRFU will hopefully come under pressure to get involved in the trial when the media get on the (completely legitimate) "McKinley for Ireland" bandwagon.

I'm not sure they can take part in the trial at this late stage. I imagine it's coming to an end soon; probably worth checking that out and if it's a positive outcome then all rugby unions will be able to use them.

There's a French player playing in Italy who's using them as well.

Yep, Florian Cazenave.

The RFU are also trialling them but only for under 13s and below. Also USA Ruby joined the trial last year, so maybe the IRFU can do it.

The details of the trial are here.

vienne86

total former wrote: »

Zebre vs Scarlets on S4C on Sunday just got very attractive...

I'll be in Stratford ( ), but recording being set up!

phog

Not sure how true this is but heard that Sky & BT Sport are taking over the broadcasting of the Pro12 from next season.

Proper nuisance for TV supporters if true.

CatFromHue

Sky and BT?

Sounds like bad news to me.

molloyjh

vienne86

phog wrote: »

Not sure how true this is but heard that Sky & BT Sport are taking over the broadcasting of the Pro12 from next season.

Proper nuisance for TV supporters if true.

Aw no - I LOATHE BT, quite apart from the cost!

thomond2006

1 point from 3 games for the Ospreys, although fixture wise it wasn't the easiest start: Ulster (A), Munster (H), Edinburgh (A).

RAKM

phog. What sort of source did you get this from. Current contract runs til 2018. I know of course they can be renegotiated.

Cookiemunster

phog wrote: »

Not sure how true this is but heard that Sky & BT Sport are taking over the broadcasting of the Pro12 from next season.

Proper nuisance for TV supporters if true.

I doubt it's true. Sky are only in the second year of a 4 year deal.

irishbucsfan

Cookiemunster wrote: »

I doubt it's true. Sky are only in the second year of a 4 year deal.

Well BBC exited the Open contract early.

It may be that they've looked to exit their rugby commitments as well and BT are taking that from them.

phog

RAKM wrote: »

phog. What sort of source did you get this from. Current contract runs til 2018. I know of course they can be renegotiated.

It was a guy I met a the game last night. I'd prefer not to say who/what he was but he was there in an official capacity. Hopefully, he's got things wrong.

Say what you like about the likes of the BBCs, TG4 or S4C but we're blessed with the amount of games they cover. I'd hate to go down the route of two pay to view channels. Though, their scheduling might improve.

vienne86

Clean sweep for the provinces this weekend - excellent!

b.gud

phog wrote: »

It was a guy I met a the game last night. I'd prefer not to say who/what he was but he was there in an official capacity. Hopefully, he's got things wrong.

Say what you like about the likes of the BBCs, TG4 or S4C but we're blessed with the amount of games they cover. I'd hate to go down the route of two pay to view channels. Though, their scheduling might improve.

I kinda wouldn't mind this happening if it meant that every game got shown every weekend and every game had a tmo. I'd just stream all the games as BT and Sky streams are easy to come across it can be much more difficult for someone who doesn't have a sky box to get some of the BBC channels

phog

b.gud wrote: »

I kinda wouldn't mind this happening if it meant that every game got shown every weekend and every game had a tmo. I'd just stream all the games as BT and Sky streams are easy to come across it can be much more difficult for someone who doesn't have a sky box to get some of the BBC channels

A big standard free to air/view box will give you S4C and a choice of BBC channels. There's no need for a Sky dish, box or subscription.

wp_rathead

If it means there is a TMO at every game then it is worth it
It's a farce how some games don't have it - should be standard at all Pro12 games

OldRio

wp_rathead wrote: »

If it means there is a TMO at every game then it is worth it
It's a farce how some games don't have it - should be standard at all Pro12 games

I do agree that a TMO should be used at every match but as for going behind a paywall. Just No.

phog

wp_rathead wrote: »

If it means there is a TMO at every game then it is worth it
It's a farce how some games don't have it - should be standard at all Pro12 games

For the games where we don't have the TMO we should down the route of having an official on the try lines too. Still wouldn't be as accurate as the TMO or cover as many incidents but I'd prefer that what happens at the moment and certainky prefer free to view than pay to view.

b.gud

phog wrote: »

A big standard free to air/view box will give you S4C and a choice of BBC channels. There's no need for a Sky dish, box or subscription.

This would still need an aerial right? That's the major blocker for those of us in rented accommodation who can't put up dishes

phog

b.gud wrote: »

This would still need an aerial right? That's the major blocker for those of us in rented accommodation who can't put up dishes

A dish, but seeing as Sky use a dish too unless you're in UPC land that's the same issue for their & BT Sport subscribers.

b.gud

phog wrote: »

A dish, but seeing as Sky use a dish too unless you're in UPC land that's the same issue for their & BT Sport subscribers.

Yup pretty much every house/apt I've rented over the past 12 years has been a UPC hub

phog

Andrew Bishop forced to retire

BBC Wales Sport (@BBCWalesSport) tweeted at 6:33 AM on Thu, Oct 08, 2015:

Ospreys and Wales centre Andrew Bishop, has announced his retirement from rugby after three separate back operations.

Bridge93

https://www.change.org/p/world-rugby-and-the-irfu-let-ian-mckinley-play-on-irish-soil?recruiter=244961456&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink

Petition to try get World Rugby and the IRFU to allow Ian McKinley play here. Dunno how effective it can be but sure worth a try.

.ak

phog wrote: »

Andrew Bishop forced to retire

Ah that's a shame, great player.

vienne86

Bridge93 wrote: »

https://www.change.org/p/world-rugby-and-the-irfu-let-ian-mckinley-play-on-irish-soil?recruiter=244961456&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink

Petition to try get World Rugby and the IRFU to allow Ian McKinley play here. Dunno how effective it can be but sure worth a try.

Just on RTE Morning Ireland - nice interview.

aimee1

Edinburgh have signed john hardie

CatFromHue

The Dragons looking to sell Faletau?
http://www.planetrugby.com/news/dragons-want-to-sell-faletau/

It makes sense for them to sell him if you ask me. That money, plus the freed up wage bill, would come in handy for them to recruit someone who'll be with them all season.

jacothelad

CatFromHue wrote: »

The Dragons looking to sell Faletau?
http://www.planetrugby.com/news/dragons-want-to-sell-faletau/

It makes sense for them to sell him if you ask me. That money, plus the freed up wage bill, would come in handy for them to recruit someone who'll be with them all season.

Nick Williams would be good.

total former

CatFromHue wrote: »

The Dragons looking to sell Faletau?
http://www.planetrugby.com/news/dragons-want-to-sell-faletau/

It makes sense for them to sell him if you ask me. That money, plus the freed up wage bill, would come in handy for them to recruit someone who'll be with them all season.

They probably figure that since he's out of contract at the end of the season, he'll go anyway and they'll get nothing, so may as well cash in.

CatFromHue

I can't remember what but there was something weird about him not getting a dual contract too

aimee1

CatFromHue wrote: »

I can't remember what but there was something weird about him not getting a dual contract too

he was rumoured to be going to Bath last season

errlloyd

Jesus, he's only 24.

irishbucsfan

This is already shaping up to be the most competitive season in the league's history imo. Glasgow have only won 2 of 5 and Edinburgh are looking much improved.

None of the Irish provinces should be taking European qualification for granted any more. Certainly Leinster or Ulster could easily have problems. Munster haven't played well but have managed 4/5. Not easy to predict how things will turn out.

aimee1

irishbucsfan wrote: »

This is already shaping up to be the most competitive season in the league's history imo. Glasgow have only won 2 of 5 and Edinburgh are looking much improved.

None of the Irish provinces should be taking European qualification for granted any more. Certainly Leinster or Ulster could easily have problems. Munster haven't played well but have managed 4/5. Not easy to predict how things will turn out.

Leinster have not far off an entire first choice match day squad to come back so I think they will make a huge difference. I thought Munster were poor last night and only Zebo, Earls, Ryan and Murray to come back who will make a difference but the difference for leinster will be by far the biggest and they are only 4 points ahead.

The Italians are looking even worse then ever

errlloyd

Yeah, shame about the Italians. Lots of pressure coming on from Edinburgh, scarlets and connacht for Europe places.

irishbucsfan

aimee1 wrote: »

Leinster have not far off an entire first choice match day squad to come back so I think they will make a huge difference. I thought Munster were poor last night and only Zebo, Earls, Ryan and Murray to come back who will make a difference but the difference for leinster will be by far the biggest and they are only 4 points ahead.

The Italians are looking even worse then ever

Leinster won't have an entire first choice match day squad for the vast majority of the games. They never do. Those Irish internationals will play a handful of games and those will be in the lead up to European weeks. The league positions are really decided when those guys are away, although plenty of fringe internationals will certainly help. Those guys also have to get used to the new setup to a degree. I'm confident of an improvement but let's not raise expectations too high.

aimee1

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Leinster won't have an entire first choice match day squad for the vast majority of the games. They never do. Those Irish internationals will play a handful of games and those will be in the lead up to European weeks. The league positions are really decided when those guys are away, although plenty of fringe internationals will certainly help. Those guys also have to get used to the new setup to a degree. I'm confident of an improvement but let's not raise expectations too high.

yeah but having 6-7 of those guys available in rotation for every game will make a massive difference in the pro12. A lot of the errors so far this season are a result of so many inexperienced guys alongside one another and there wont be so many guys missing during the 6n because there will be players released back to the provinces.

molloyjh

aimee1 wrote: »

yeah but having 6-7 of those guys available in rotation for every game will make a massive difference in the pro12. A lot of the errors so far this season are a result of so many inexperienced guys alongside one another and there wont be so many guys missing during the 6n because there will be players released back to the provinces.

I'd also like to think that having guys like Sexton in camp all but permanently now will help the likes of Marsh etc develop that bit more. We also have to remember that it is still early days in the new coaches tenure.