Connacht Rugby Thread - Part III - The Violence of the Lams

S12b

Donnielighto wrote: »

Ah cheers, is the view from the enclosed section any better than behind the goals?

Zzippy wrote: »

Much better plus you pretty much have a private bar, but you're behind the glass so no atmosphere.

I'd say for a big game like Leinster with the place rocking, you'd be mad to go into the enclosed section.....I've talked to a few who got free tickets for there before and they all said never again....just too quiet and dead in there.

I've been behind the goals a few times, it's not actually bad at all.....view is grand.

connachta

S12b wrote: »

I'd say for a big game like Leinster with the place rocking, you'd be mad to go into the enclosed section.....I've talked to a few who got free tickets for there before and they all said never again....just too quiet and dead in there.

I've been behind the goals a few times, it's not actually bad at all.....view is grand.

I've booked for College road terrace two days ago:D

CatFromHue

Digifriendly wrote: »

Connacht should now be realistically aiming for a home semi -final.

Conn's next 3 Pro12 games are interpro's so that'll start showing us where everyone is.

Leinster have 3 interpro's still to play too and Ulster and Munster have 2 each.

ClanofLams

Digifriendly wrote: »

Connacht should now be realistically aiming for a home semi -final.

Absolutely. Being pessimistic one home win one away win to treviso and a couple of bonus points will leave connacht on around 70 points. That will be enough for a home semi.

maroondog

ClanofLams wrote: »

Absolutely. Being pessimistic one home win one away win to treviso and a couple of bonus points will leave connacht on around 70 points. That will be enough for a home semi.

Also Conn have next weekend off which will be very welcome break at this stage of season before the visit of Leinster, they will be out next weekend. At this stage of season could the difference for Conn to win it. Obviously Leinster will be favorites with their quality squad but got to be positive and thinking we can get a win.

Any word on Ronaldsons injury? Really hope its nothing too serious, his kicking has been crucial to our good run of form.

Bazzo

maroondog wrote: »

Also Conn have next weekend off which will be very welcome break at this stage of season before the visit of Leinster, they will be out next weekend. At this stage of season could the difference for Conn to win it. Obviously Leinster will be favorites with their quality squad but got to be positive and thinking we can get a win.

Any word on Ronaldsons injury? Really hope its nothing too serious, his kicking has been crucial to our good run of form.

Leinster might be favourites but I'd be very unsurprised for Connacht to be favourites at home. Leinster will still be missing internationals that week don't forget.

S12b

https://twitter.com/CraigR_10/status/706221001424683008

connachta

S12b wrote: »

https://twitter.com/CraigR_10/status/706221001424683008

TREMENDOUS!

S12b

Does anyone know how the player welfare scheme operates in the final few weeks of the season i.e will Robbie be available to us for every game??

ClanofLams

S12b wrote: »

Does anyone know how the player welfare scheme operates in the final few weeks of the season i.e will Robbie be available to us for every game??

As far as I remember it's just the week after 6N ends players miss so he won't be available for leinster on easter sat (nor will leinster''s internationals) but will be free to play from there on.

MarinersBlues

We are staring down the barrel of top 2!
It might be time to book tickets for the Glasgow game as well.
If we win that we could well have them at home for the semi too!
Every game is a final from here on out.

Pos Team Current R17 R18 R19 R20 R21 R22 R9 R12 Total
Edin (a) Leinster (h) Ulster (a) Munster (h) Treviso (a) Glasgow (h)
1 Connacht 54 5 1 1 4 5 1 71
Ospreys (h) Connacht (a) Munster (h) Edin (h) Ulster (a) Treviso (h) Glasgow (a)
2 Leinster 53 4 4 4 4 1 5 4 79
Treviso (h) Ospreys (a) Blues (h) Glasgow (h) Dragons (a) Munster (a)
3 Scarlets 49 4 1 4 1 4 1 64
Zebre (h) Glasgow (a) Connacht (h) Zebre (a) Leinster (h) Ospreys (a)
4 Ulster 46 5 1 4 4 4 1 65
Connacht (h) Dragons (a) Zebre(h) Leinster (a) Munster (a) Blues (h)
5 Edinburgh 42 1 1 5 0 1 4 54
Leinster (a) Scarlets (h) Dragons (a) Treviso (h) Blues (a) Ulster (h)
6 Ospreys 38 1 4 5 5 4 4 61
Dragons (h) Zebre (h) Leinster (a) Connacht (a) Edin (h) Scarlets (h) Blues (a)
7 Munster 42 5 5 1 1 4 4 4 66
Blues (h) Ulster (h) Treviso (a) Scarlets (a) Zebre (h) Connacht (a) Leinster(h) Zebre(a)
8 Glasgow 39 4 4 5 4 5 4 1 5 71

S12b

ClanofLams wrote: »

As far as I remember it's just the week after 6N ends players miss so he won't be available for leinster on easter sat (nor will leinster''s internationals) but will be free to play from there on.

With Ronaldson likely to miss the Leinster game (I know he said wasn't as serious as first feared but I still expect him to be out for a few weeks) and Carty already out.....I'd be hoping there might be some flexibility there and we might have him.

ClanofLams

S12b wrote: »

With Ronaldson likely to miss the Leinster game (I know he said wasn't as serious as first feared but I still expect him to be out for a few weeks) and Carty already out.....I'd be hoping there might be some flexibility there and we might have him.

Doubt there will be, can't remember an exception being made before. Also it probably kinda suits Henshaw to miss it. Robb/Parata (if back fit) will have to step up.

Bazzo

S12b wrote: »

Does anyone know how the player welfare scheme operates in the final few weeks of the season i.e will Robbie be available to us for every game??

I'm pretty sure the week after the 6 nations is a mandatory rest and besides that I think that there's a cap in place saying they can't play more than x number of games in a season. He was out injured for quite a while so it's unlikely he's close to that

connachta

Bazzo wrote: »

I'm pretty sure the week after the 6 nations is a mandatory rest and besides that I think that there's a cap in place saying they can't play more than x number of games in a season. He was out injured for quite a while so it's unlikely he's close to that

I think that works like you said indeed.

connachta

ClanofLams wrote: »

Doubt there will be, can't remember an exception being made before. Also it probably kinda suits Henshaw to miss it. Robb/Parata (if back fit) will have to step up.

Parata was due to miss 2 weeks before Zebre, he should be ok.
I want Henshaw with Robb though, not only for the 200kg in midfield but just to say it is the "Robshaw' pairing!:P:pac: Right, I'm out ---->

shuffol

When's the last time Connacht won in Ravenhill? If that game were played next week I'd fancy Connacht to win.

Which pretty much goes against everything I said last week but that result in Edinburgh was hugely impressive.

Zzippy

shuffol wrote: »

When's the last time Connacht won in Ravenhill? If that game were played next week I'd fancy Connacht to win.

Which pretty much goes against everything I said last week but that result in Edinburgh was hugely impressive.

1960 IIRC!

prawnsambo

Is that story in the Indo about Aly Muldowney going to Grenoble old news?

Bazzo

prawnsambo wrote: »

Is that story in the Indo about Aly Muldowney going to Grenoble old news?

Yeah it was brought up here a good while back.

testtech05

Another article on the Aly rumours......http://www.balls.ie/rugby/aly-muldowney-grenoble/326639

connachta

Now the Champions CuP is highly likely in the pocket, no more excuses for contract announcement. 3 weeks break = 3 announcements!!
Aly, Heenan and Cooney are the main ones, we have to sign them or a valuable replacement now...

I have the intiution Api, as IQ, will be renewed and do ok next season.
So we need those 3 above, a TH for AhYou and a 10 if IRFU doesn't want NIQ McGinty to be re-signed

Bazzo

Heffernan has got a 2 year deal. New prop signed.

We're pleased to announce the contract extension of hooker Dave Heffernan and the signing of new tighthead prop Conor Carey.

24-year-old Carey from Belfast is currently playing with English Championship side Nottingham Rugby where he has been for the past two seasons having spent a year at Ealing Trailfinders. The former Methodist College Belfast student spent three years in the Ulster Rugby system and represented Ulster and Ireland at under-18, 19 and 20’s level.

EDIT: Length of Heffernan's new contract is never actually mentioned but I presume it's the standard 2 years.

connachta

I posted this one month and five days ago on the Clan forum

Conor Carey is the one to enlist. Nottingham TH, highly rated 24 y o, probably on low money...

Woohooo I was right, in Carey we trust :pac:

wp_rathead

Fair play Connachta, have to admit I know nothing about him

connachta

Conor Carey said:

“Having spoken to Pat (Lam) and the management team at Connacht Rugby, I’m really excited about moving back to Ireland and playing with a team that have had been really impressive in what they have done over the past few seasons on and off the pitch. Connacht have some quality props in their squad, including an Irish international tighthead in Nathan White, so I’m really looking forward to working with them as well as the coaches.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Nottingham and would like to thank all the coaches I’ve worked with, particularly Martin Haag and Neil Fowkes who I’ve learnt a great deal from. I’m looking forward to finishing out the season strongly with the team.”

Pat Lam, head coach, added:

“We identified Conor Carey as a young and talented tighthead prop who could thrive here at the Sportsground. He has a gained lot of experience in the Championship which is a tough competition for forwards but he’s coming back to Ireland and we’re looking forward to him adding more competition to our front row options.

thomond2006

The replacement for Ah You I suppose?

connachta

Lods of those videos. Don't forget he was only 21 at the time, and was playing for relegated Ealing

cosalofa

He looks like a good signing.

I found a website where it was written that he hasn't missed a match in the English Championship since he moved to Nottingham. I am not sure how up to date they are but for certain he didn't miss a match last year. That sounds pretty impressive.

ClanofLams

Sounds like a decent signing. Considering White, Balham, O'Donnell are there its not an area of concern but nice to add depth. Said online he can play both sides as well which is always a help.

connachta

He'll be 25 when the season starts. New Bealham prospect, same age!

sfbdqc

I guess Saba isn't ready.

Neil3030

I informed my father of the Carey signing via text, ending a brief description of the player with: "originally from Belfast so IQ"

his response:

"Originally from Belfast so IQ lower than average?"

irishbucsfan

Carey played in my neck of the woods. Good guy and good player. Happy for him. Hard to say how well he'll take to scrummaging at Pro 12 level but fingers crossed he's a long term answer

cosalofa

From the 42:

Interestingly for Connacht fans, CEO Willie Ruane has promised that there will be confirmation of further new signings in the coming weeks.
“Recruitment and retention is ongoing and as our squad continues to evolve, we intend to have more announcements in the coming weeks,” said Ruane.

Number 137

I was never massively impressed when I saw Conor Carey play Irish u20's, but there is no doubt a few seasons and regular game time in the Championship will have brought him on. He's also at an age where there is still plenty of scope for improvement. And if there is one province who have a brilliant track record of improving players in recent seasons it's Connacht. I'll be watching next season with interest.

jacothelad

Neil3030 wrote: »

I informed my father of the Carey signing via text, ending a brief description of the player with: "originally from Belfast so IQ"

his response:

"Originally from Belfast so IQ lower than average?"

Your dad shouldn't be so hard on himself...;)

d-gal

cblaix wrote: »

From the 42:

Interestingly for Connacht fans, CEO Willie Ruane has promised that there will be confirmation of further new signings in the coming weeks.
“Recruitment and retention is ongoing and as our squad continues to evolve, we intend to have more announcements in the coming weeks,” said Ruane.

Any lads in the know (porterbelly) give us any hints on this?!

We need a few more recruits besides Griffin and Carey if we really want to compete continuously. Especially since we've lost Henshaw along with the possibility of McSharry, Muldowney and Heenan

wp_rathead

d-gal wrote: »

Any lads in the know (porterbelly) give us any hints on this?!

We need a few more recruits besides Griffin and Carey if we really want to compete continuously. Especially since we've lost Henshaw along with the possibility of McSharry, Muldowney and Heenan

think McSharry got the all clear for next year
https://twitter.com/DaveMcSharry/status/702799526197854208

d-gal

wp_rathead wrote: »

think McSharry got the all clear for next year
https://twitter.com/DaveMcSharry/status/702799526197854208

Hopefully but I wouldn't be too confident. Something as simple as a pre season bang could retire. A tough situation to be in. Glad to see Connacht sticking by him

typhoony

d-gal wrote: »

Hopefully but I wouldn't be too confident. Something as simple as a pre season bang could retire. A tough situation to be in. Glad to see Connacht sticking by him

He's still only 26 and with player welfare in respect of concussion being closely followed nowadays you would expect him to be good to go next season.

porterbelly

Heenan u-turn

Staying put

thomond2006

porterbelly wrote: »

Heenan u-turn

Staying put

Wow, that is huge. Delighted for ye if so.

connachta

porterbelly wrote: »

Heenan u-turn

Staying put

Yeeeeeeeeeeah

jacothelad

porterbelly wrote: »

Heenan u-turn

Staying put

Damn! I wanted to see him in a back-row alongside Coetzee and Henderson for Ulster next year..........:D


(only messin')

S12b

So hoping Jake has signed on, that leaves the following players with contracts up:

Hooker: JHW
Prop: JP Cooney
Lock: Muldowney (assume he's gone), Browne, Marshall
No.8: George
Scrum-half: Cooney, Porter
Out-half/centre: AJ, Ronaldson, O'Leary, Api, Finn
Wing: Carr

So the players I think we must keep - JHW, Browne, Marshall, George, John Cooney, McGinty and Ronaldson

Players I'd like us to keep - JP Cooney, Porter (very solid for 4th choice) and Carr.

I've seen nothing of Api and Finn so can't comment. O'Leary looks ok but with the emergence of Robb and Parata and the return of Eoin Griffin, add in Ciaran Gaffney and Ed O'Keefe (who looks a real prospect) and he's under pressure.....his versatility might see him kept on.

George is an interesting one. A year I wanted to let him go, felt for the wages he would be on he wasn't delivering but I think he's really shown his worth this season with his versatility.....during the depth's of our lock crisis he stepped and I thought he was excellent for us.

S12b

Quick side note, huge credit has to go to all involved in the Academy.

This year alone it has provided 5 really quality players with big potential to the senior squad - Shane Delahunt, James Connolly, Sean O'Brien, Rory Parata and Peter Robb.

its_phil

S12b wrote: »

So the players I think we must keep - JHW, Browne, Marshall, George, John Cooney, McGinty and Ronaldson

Players I'd like us to keep - JP Cooney, Porter (very solid for 4th choice) and Carr

I think everyone above, bar Ronaldson and AJ, have to make sense financially.

MarinersBlues

Ronaldson and AJ and Muldowney would be nice.

There must be a bit of money around with Henshaw and Rodney moving on along with ECC next year.

Looking forward to a few more retentions, (maybe extensions for lads who's contracts are up next year??) and maybe one big incoming signing.

Every player must want to be part of the ECC after working so hard to get there.

ClanofLams

S12b wrote: »

So hoping Jake has signed on, that leaves the following players with contracts up:

Hooker: JHW
Prop: JP Cooney
Lock: Muldowney (assume he's gone), Browne, Marshall
No.8: George
Scrum-half: Cooney, Porter
Out-half/centre: AJ, Ronaldson, O'Leary, Api, Finn
Wing: Carr

So the players I think we must keep - JHW, Browne, Marshall, George, John Cooney, McGinty and Ronaldson

Players I'd like us to keep - JP Cooney, Porter (very solid for 4th choice) and Carr.

I've seen nothing of Api and Finn so can't comment. O'Leary looks ok but with the emergence of Robb and Parata and the return of Eoin Griffin, add in Ciaran Gaffney and Ed O'Keefe (who looks a real prospect) and he's under pressure.....his versatility might see him kept on.

George is an interesting one. A year I wanted to let him go, felt for the wages he would be on he wasn't delivering but I think he's really shown his worth this season with his versatility.....during the depth's of our lock crisis he stepped and I thought he was excellent for us.

Agree with most of what you say. Think we'll lose one scrum half though would like to keep both also. Hopefully we can keep Cooney anyway.

George has been excellent the last few weeks, really stepped up to the plate. Obviously dependent on the financial aspect but would be delighted to see him stock around.

I'm not sure about Carr really. He might be as well off to look for a move that would give him regular gametime in the last few years of his career and Connacht have a lot of depth in the back three as well as some excellent prospects like Ciaran Gaffney.