Munster Team Talk Thread VI - Stander Up and Fight

thomond2006

A new born king to see POM POM POM POM POM

Regardless of next season, if possible it's a no brainer to extend Mathewson until the end of the season. That may be the extent of what JvG was referring to.

Zzippy

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Munster got a medical joker for a specific purpose. He's worked out, fine, and proved a very capable player. But that specific purpose is over. If he's kept on to the end of the season that should be it, and Munster should be thankful to have him that long. But if he's there next season, impeding the development of McCarthy, it will make a mockery of the medical joker reason, and of the whole player development rationale for players moving provinces.

Mr Tickle

Return of the JJ

Zzippy wrote: »

Munster got a medical joker for a specific purpose. He's worked out, fine, and proved a very capable player. But that specific purpose is over. If he's kept on to the end of the season that should be it, and Munster should be thankful to have him that long. But if he's there next season, impeding the development of McCarthy, it will make a mockery of the medical joker reason, and of the whole player development rationale for players moving provinces.

How about we release Mathewson. then we decide that Cronin isn't good enough so we need a new Scrum half.
I hear Mathewson is out of contract.....

Pepp1989

Zzippy wrote:

Munster got a medical joker for a specific purpose. He's worked out, fine, and proved a very capable player. But that specific purpose is over. If he's kept on to the end of the season that should be it, and Munster should be thankful to have him that long. But if he's there next season, impeding the development of McCarthy, it will make a mockery of the medical joker reason, and of the whole player development rationale for players moving provinces.

Not like it hasn't happened before in the system. Leinster were given clearance to sign Fardy exclusively as a lock as they needed one and had and still have plenty of Irish back row talent. I wonder how many times Fardy has played back row for them?

No scrum half realistically plays 80mins bar the odd exception. McCarthy will get plenty of game time with alby in a World Cup year.

Eod100

Zzippy wrote: »

Munster got a medical joker for a specific purpose. He's worked out, fine, and proved a very capable player. But that specific purpose is over. If he's kept on to the end of the season that should be it, and Munster should be thankful to have him that long. But if he's there next season, impeding the development of McCarthy, it will make a mockery of the medical joker reason, and of the whole player development rationale for players moving provinces.

Presumably they would have to get sign-off from IRFU for extension of NIE player though?

The Lost Sheep

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phog wrote: »

Our next two Pro14 games are in the international window and they're pressure games - both away in Wales where we have to win to stay ahead of Glasgow.

I clearly wasnt referring to this season.

phog wrote: »

I know that but I gave two as an example of two during the international window where there is a bit of pressure to stay ahead of Glasgow..

He can't see into the future so can't say how much pressure we'll be under for any game next season.

It's a world cup season so very different to any other. We'll be under less pressure than a normal season. Its very obvious what i was referring to

Pepp1989 wrote: »

Alby has made a massive impact. Should be doing all they can to try and keep him. Going by JVG comments, he is having a great influence on the squad also.

Would love to see him kept for another year. Hopefully bringing on McCarthy and Cronin. Murray won't play much next season.

McCarthy has 30+ appearances for Leinster. He will be brought on far more by playing than training with and getting less game time due to Alby being here

Eod100

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

McCarthy has 30+ appearances for Leinster. He will be brought on far more by playing than training with and getting less game time due to Alby being here

He has but only 5 starts and that's over a few seasons.

Zzippy

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Pepp1989 wrote: »

Not like it hasn't happened before in the system. Leinster were given clearance to sign Fardy exclusively as a lock as they needed one and had and still have plenty of Irish back row talent. I wonder how many times Fardy has played back row for them?

No scrum half realistically plays 80mins bar the odd exception. McCarthy will get plenty of game time with alby in a World Cup year.

He'll get a lot more though if Mathewson isn't here. Imagine John Cooney had signed for Connacht, then they signed a medical joker for Marmion and kept him on. Would Cooney have shone as he did, got a move to Ulster and played for Ireland? McCarthy was signed as a backup to Murray, not as a backup to a backup for Murray.

Eod100 wrote: »

Presumably they would have to get sign-off from IRFU for extension of NIE player though?

Yes. And presumably it will not be granted past the end of the season, given the McCarthy move.

phog

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

I clearly wasnt referring to this season.

It's a world cup season so very different to any other. We'll be under less pressure than a normal season. Its very obvious what i was referring to

McCarthy has 30+ appearances for Leinster. He will be brought on far more by playing than training with and getting less game time due to Alby being here

I know - I stated that in a subsequent post that you just quoted.

But until we know the fixtures and the conferences for next season then you're guessing at best.

shootermacg

Guess Who's Back, Back Again? JJ's Back, Tell a Friend

If Taute goes at the end of the season, how many non IQ players/project will we actually have in the team?

Eod100

Here ya go:

Tomtom364 wrote: »

Current NIQs



Botha

Klyne - August 2019 Qualified

Cloete

Marshall - November 2019 Qualified

Matthewson - No Contract

Taute - No Contract

Tomtom364

Psycho Killer - "Hands Away" (Prop-Prop-Prrrroppp-Prop, Prop-Prop-Prop-Prrrrrrop-Prop)

Zzippy wrote: »

He'll get a lot more though if Mathewson isn't here. Imagine John Cooney had signed for Connacht, then they signed a medical joker for Marmion and kept him on. Would Cooney have shone as he did, got a move to Ulster and played for Ireland? McCarthy was signed as a backup to Murray, not as a backup to a backup for Murray.



Yes. And presumably it will not be granted past the end of the season, given the McCarthy move.

Has this ever been stated?
Was Cronin not given his new deal before McCarthy was signed?

I'm not saying this wasn't the case I just think people are making far too much of a leap.

McCarthy being signed from 3rd choice at Leinster to parachute into "2nd choice", which will have the most game time next season lets be honest, at Munster doesn't really make alot of sense.

I for one hope Matthewson gets extended till the end of the season, He has been fantastic for Munster since joining and offered an option far far superior to the other scrum halves available. If he is also helping Cronin and the academy lads develop then even better.

(Also, partly because on a personal level I hate seeing any player out of contract in March, very unlikely for them to pick anything up untill the following season and dosnt help them sell themselves.)

I'd love for Munster to be able to hold onto him even just till Christmas next year as I think Cronin and McCarthy arnt enough for the first half of the season next year. It could take awhile for either of them to step up to the plate and Id much rather Munster dont lag behind in the League or Europe and end up playing catch up all season.

Keeping Matthewson as an experienced general for the start of next season and to help to develop Cronin and McCarthy, particularly into the second half of next season when I'd really want one to of them to be taking over at 9 while Murray is at the 6 nations would be an ideal scenario in my opinion.


And Ill say it outright, I don't care about Leinster having Fardy as a "second row", he should be resigned to get them past the world cup at the very least.
And Ulster should have kept Pienaar.

I appreciate the sentiment that the IRFU want to develop players for the national team, but you need people like this to bring in their experience to the clubs to help develop young players around them which in turn benefits the national team.
And if it helps keep the Irish clubs more competitive and winning silverware, how is that a bad thing?

The Lost Sheep

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Tomtom364 wrote: »

Has this ever been stated?
Was Cronin not given his new deal before McCarthy was signed?

I'm not saying this wasn't the case I just think people are making far too much of a leap.

McCarthy being signed from 3rd choice at Leinster to parachute into "2nd choice", which will have the most game time next season lets be honest, at Munster doesn't really make alot of sense.

I for one hope Matthewson gets extended till the end of the season, He has been fantastic for Munster since joining and offered an option far far superior to the other scrum halves available. If he is also helping Cronin and the academy lads develop then even better.

(Also, partly because on a personal level I hate seeing any player out of contract in March, very unlikely for them to pick anything up untill the following season and dosnt help them sell themselves.)

I'd love for Munster to be able to hold onto him even just till Christmas next year as I think Cronin and McCarthy arnt enough for the first half of the season next year. It could take awhile for either of them to step up to the plate and Id much rather Munster dont lag behind in the League or Europe and end up playing catch up all season.

Keeping Matthewson as an experienced general for the start of next season and to help to develop Cronin and McCarthy, particularly into the second half of next season when I'd really want one to of them to be taking over at 9 while Murray is at the 6 nations would be an ideal scenario in my opinion.

And Ill say it outright, I don't care about Leinster having Fardy as a "second row", he should be resigned to get them past the world cup at the very least.
And Ulster should have kept Pienaar.

I appreciate the sentiment that the IRFU want to develop players for the national team, but you need people like this to bring in their experience to the clubs to help develop young players around them which in turn benefits the national team.
And if it helps keep the Irish clubs more competitive and winning silverware, how is that a bad thing?

I dont think Mathewson should be signed until end of season. If others are fit.
Cronin and McCarthy and Stafford and Casey will all learn far more from playing games than by training with Mathewson.
It isnt simply Cronin and McCarthy until christmas of next season. Its the two academy players as well.
Its a world cup season. this is the best time to get younger players game time at pro14 with less pressure of other seasons/any time.
Fardy isnt needed by Leinster and Ulster shouldnt have kept Pienaar. Players improve by playing games not training. Yes having an experienced player to learn from is important but gametime and learning on the pitch is the best way to improve.

razorblunt

Mickiemcfist wrote: »

Not sure where they're living, but he's said that he wants a contract of over a year somewhere so he can move them over rather than the current temporary contract.

More than fair, really.

Eod100

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

I dont think Mathewson should be signed until end of season. If others are fit.
Cronin and McCarthy and Stafford and Casey will all learn far more from playing games than by training with Mathewson.
It isnt simply Cronin and McCarthy until christmas of next season. Its the two academy players as well.
Its a world cup season. this is the best time to get younger players game time at pro14 with less pressure of other seasons/any time.
Fardy isnt needed by Leinster and Ulster shouldnt have kept Pienaar. Players improve by playing games not training. Yes having an experienced player to learn from is important but gametime and learning on the pitch is the best way to improve.

It's not just Pro 14 league games though. Could be looking at potential CC sf and potentially final (assuming Matthewson will be around for qf), Pro14 semi and final. Think if Murray gets injured there's a drop in form to next player. Williams seems to be dropped out of fold altogether.

The Lost Sheep

A new born king to see POM POM POM POM POM

Eod100 wrote: »

It's not just Pro 14 league games though. Could be looking at potential CC sf and potentially final (assuming Matthewson will be around for qf), Pro14 semi and final. Think if Murray gets injured there's a drop in form to next player. Williams seems to be dropped out of fold altogether.

We have to trust our own players. There will always be a drop from Murray. Mathewson was signed as injury cover for Murray who is now back fit. we should use our own resources and let him go.

Pepp1989

If munster want to win anything this year I am confident it will only be done if alby is around.

Far superior to what is there bar Murray and Murray is currently out of form.

troyzer

Mr Tickle wrote: »

How about we release Mathewson. then we decide that Cronin isn't good enough so we need a new Scrum half.
I hear Mathewson is out of contract.....

Then develop another scrum half? I don't understand this seemingly unique Munster perspective that if an Irish trained player isn't good enough, you automatically look to import someone better. No other team in Ireland does this except for Connacht but there's a specific reason for that.

Of course every team has NIQs and that's fine, there's scope for that. But Munster has a ridiculous amount as it is and it's being used to paper over the craps of a system which gives up on its academy players too early.

If Mathewson is better than any scrumhalf Munster has, then develop better scrumhalves. There are plenty of available NIQs who are better than the incumbents in any number of positions across Irish rugby but it has always been the policy to limit these.

Eod100

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

We have to trust our own players. There will always be a drop from Murray. Mathewson was signed as injury cover for Murray who is now back fit. we should use our own resources and let him go.

That's grand in theory but don't think it has happened much all season. Seems odd decision to only do it towards business end of season with knock out games.

Eod100

[quote="troyzer;109465341"

Of course every team has NIQs and that's fine, there's scope for that. But Munster has a ridiculous amount as it is and it's being used to paper over the craps of a system which gives up on its academy players too early.

If Mathewson is better than any scrumhalf Munster has, then develop better scrumhalves. There are plenty of available NIQs who are better than the incumbents in any number of positions across Irish rugby but it has always been the policy to limit these.[/quote]

Ah come on that's an exaggeration. Leinster have JGP, Lowe, Fardy, Tomane. The latter 2 who have been capped with Aus. Not to mention Isa until lately. Don't think Munster are that out of step with other provinces. Operate under same rules too.

aloooof

Psycho Killer - "Hands Away" (Prop-Prop-Prrrroppp-Prop, Prop-Prop-Prop-Prrrrrrop-Prop)

troyzer wrote: »

Of course every team has NIQs and that's fine, there's scope for that. But Munster has a ridiculous amount as it is and it's being used to paper over the craps of a system which gives up on its academy players too early.

I think this has been asked before, but which academy players that Munster gave up on do you think they regret releasing? I can't really think of too many.

troyzer

Eod100 wrote: »

Ah come on that's an exaggeration. Leinster have JGP, Lowe, Fardy, Tomane. The latter 2 who have been capped with Aus. Not to mention Isa until lately. Don't think Munster are that out of step with other provinces. Operate under same rules too.

Ulster only have 1: Coetzee

Connacht have 3: Fainga'a, Butler, Godwin

Leinster have 4: JGP, Fardy, Lowe and Tomane

Munster have 6: Mathewson, Taute, Cloete, Botha, Kleyn and Marshall.

So they are an outlier here. Not to mention that you can only have 1 scrumhalf on the pitch at a time and 2 in your 23. It's not like outside back or back row where you can have several in the team. Mathewson would be blocking someone.

aloooof

Psycho Killer - "Hands Away" (Prop-Prop-Prrrroppp-Prop, Prop-Prop-Prop-Prrrrrrop-Prop)

troyzer wrote: »

Ulster only have 1: Coetzee

Connacht have 3: Fainga'a, Butler, Godwin

Leinster have 4: JGP, Fardy, Lowe and Tomane

Munster have 6: Mathewson, Taute, Cloete, Botha, Kleyn and Marshall.

So they are an outlier here. Not to mention that you can only have 1 scrumhalf on the pitch at a time and 2 in your 23. It's not like outside back or back row where you can have several in the team. Mathewson would be blocking someone.

You're conflating NIQ's and project players there, tho. Cloete, Kleyn and Marshall were signed when the rule was still 3 years.

Mr Tickle

Return of the JJ

troyzer wrote: »

Ulster only have 1: Coetzee

Connacht have 3: Fainga'a, Butler, Godwin

Leinster have 4: JGP, Fardy, Lowe and Tomane

Munster have 6: Mathewson, Taute, Cloete, Botha, Kleyn and Marshall.

So they are an outlier here. Not to mention that you can only have 1 scrumhalf on the pitch at a time and 2 in your 23. It's not like outside back or back row where you can have several in the team. Mathewson would be blocking someone.

Ok but before christmas next year two of those will be eligible. And as for giving up on academy players I'd like to point out Tadgh Tiberius Beirne and Tom Tiberius Farrell.
in a position where you can only have two involved in a match day 23 Munster have had a nice string of homegrown talent for a long time.

Connacht have Horowitz too just FYI.

Stone Gossard

The reality is that Munster were allowed sign players as projects...with the consent and probably direction from the IRFU. Taute will be gone by the seasons end... Kleyn becomes IQ before the world cup, Marshall afterwards.
That means Botha is the only NIQ player on our books for next season... Cloete will be a project until he's IQ in 2020... Munster will have no problems keeping Alby next season as long as it's with the blessing of the IRFU

Eod100

troyzer wrote: »

Ulster only have 1: Coetzee

Connacht have 3: Fainga'a, Butler, Godwin

Leinster have 4: JGP, Fardy, Lowe and Tomane

Munster have 6: Mathewson, Taute, Cloete, Kleyn and Marshall.

So they are an outlier here. Not to mention that you can only have 1 scrumhalf on the pitch at a time and 2 in your 23. It's not like outside back or back row where you can have several in the team. Mathewson would be blocking someone.

Not sure about outlier to be fair. As pointed out Cloete, Botha, Kleyn and Marshall all will be IE in time. Taute likely to be released.

Could take a similar line and question Leinster supposedly having best academy in country and greater population to boot relying on NIQ like Fardy and Tomane?

Think it's a fairly moot point with change of rules, IRFU are concentrating on bringing in IE players playing abroad like Haley and Addison.

thomond2006

A new born king to see POM POM POM POM POM

Botha is a capped Springbok so he's a NIE.

Pepp1989

troyzer wrote:

Then develop another scrum half? I don't understand this seemingly unique Munster perspective that if an Irish trained player isn't good enough, you automatically look to import someone better. No other team in Ireland does this except for Connacht but there's a specific reason for that.

You may want to look up the definition of unique.

Everyone wants their province to do well and have the best players. Any munster fan not wanting Alby kept on must not have seen them play in a while.

Up to the IRFU to make this decision in the national interest. Which they will.

The Lost Sheep

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Pepp1989 wrote: »

You may want to look up the definition of unique.

Everyone wants their province to do well and have the best players. Any munster fan not wanting Alby kept on must not have seen them play in a while.

Up to the IRFU to make this decision in the national interest. Which they will.

Ive been at most Munster games in Limerick this season and dont want Alby kept on.
Id rather we use our other 9s and keep an NIQ spot for a better time in another position.

Eod100

thomond2006 wrote: »

Botha is a capped Springbok so he's a NIE.

You're right. Forgot he was capped by senior side.

Pepp1989

Agree to disagree then. Our other 9's excluding Murray don't come near him. And he offers a different style to Murray. We suffer a very noticeable drop down to the other 9's.

Murray is currently showing the effect a 9 out of form can have on a whole team. It's a vital position.

Cookiemunster

Psycho Killer - "Hands Away" (Prop-Prop-Prrrroppp-Prop, Prop-Prop-Prop-Prrrrrrop-Prop)

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Ive been at most Munster games in Limerick this season and dont want Alby kept on.
Id rather we use our other 9s and keep an NIQ spot for a better time in another position.

You're in a very small minority.

Henry Ford III

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Ive been at most Munster games in Limerick this season and dont want Alby kept on.
Id rather we use our other 9s and keep an NIQ spot for a better time in another position.

What individual supporters might want regarding team recruitment or retention isn't of much importance or relevance let's be honest.

The Lost Sheep

A new born king to see POM POM POM POM POM

Pepp1989 wrote: »

Agree to disagree then. Our other 9's excluding Murray don't come near him. And he offers a different style to Murray. We suffer a very noticeable drop down to the other 9's.

Murray is currently showing the effect a 9 out of form can have on a whole team. It's a vital position.

It is important but when do Munster trust all the other scrum halves they have on their books then?
There will always be a very noticeable drop down from a world class 9 to the rest in the squad. Murray makes virtually any team in the world.

Cookiemunster wrote: »

You're in a very small minority.

maybe i am but we should use our NIQs in other positions and not as a back up.

Henry Ford III wrote: »

What individual supporters might want regarding team recruitment or retention isn't of much importance or relevance let's be honest.

well close the forum then. sure whats the point .....

Zzippy

A new born king to see POM POM POM POM POM

Stone Gossard wrote: »

The reality is that Munster were allowed sign players as projects...with the consent and probably direction from the IRFU. Taute will be gone by the seasons end... Kleyn becomes IQ before the world cup, Marshall afterwards.
That means Botha is the only NIQ player on our books for next season... Cloete will be a project until he's IQ in 2020... Munster will have no problems keeping Alby next season as long as it's with the blessing of the IRFU

AFAIK there is no longer a set no. of NIQ spots allowed, they are looked at on a case by case basis by IRFU before approval is given. NIQ spots are supposed to add quality to a squad where there is a lack in a certain position, not to fulfil a backup role, and certainly not to fill a backup role which takes gametime away from the important role of developing young IQ players. Even if there was a set no. of NIQ spots allowed, it should be seen as a limit, not a target.

Murray was injured, Mathewson was signed as emergency cover. Murray is fit, Mathewson should be gone. Cronin and McCarthy (next season) need as much gametime as possible to develop. Keep Duncan Williams on if ye need another experienced 9 in the squad, but there is no way IRFU should sanction an extension for Mathewson past this season.

thomond2006

A new born king to see POM POM POM POM POM

The best case scenario might be Mathewson joining the coaching staff.

Eod100

Zzippy wrote: »

AFAIK there is no longer a set no. of NIQ spots allowed, they are looked at on a case by case basis by IRFU before approval is given. NIQ spots are supposed to add quality to a squad where there is a lack in a certain position, not to fulfil a backup role, and certainly not to fill a backup role which takes gametime away from the important role of developing young IQ players. Even if there was a set no. of NIQ spots allowed, it should be seen as a limit, not a target.

Murray was injured, Mathewson was signed as emergency cover. Murray is fit, Mathewson should be gone. Cronin and McCarthy (next season) need as much gametime as possible to develop. Keep Duncan Williams on if ye need another experienced 9 in the squad, but there is no way IRFU should sanction an extension for Mathewson past this season.

Seeing as Williams was playing AIL when Munster were playing Kings, I'd be fairly surprised if he was kept on.

Jump_In_Jack

razorblunt wrote: »

Are Mathewson's family still in the south of France or back in NZ?
Seen a few posts where he says he misses them, can't be easy on him or them.

Thought I read a while back that they were in Australia.

https://punditarena.com/rugby/smcmahon/mathewson-alby-munster-tough-family/

Stone Gossard

Zzippy wrote: »

AFAIK there is no longer a set no. of NIQ spots allowed, they are looked at on a case by case basis by IRFU before approval is given. NIQ spots are supposed to add quality to a squad where there is a lack in a certain position, not to fulfil a backup role, and certainly not to fill a backup role which takes gametime away from the important role of developing young IQ players. Even if there was a set no. of NIQ spots allowed, it should be seen as a limit, not a target.

Murray was injured, Mathewson was signed as emergency cover. Murray is fit, Mathewson should be gone. Cronin and McCarthy (next season) need as much gametime as possible to develop. Keep Duncan Williams on if ye need another experienced 9 in the squad, but there is no way IRFU should sanction an extension for Mathewson past this season.

Williams will be released... Cronin and McCarthy may be back up to both Murray and Alby...they would both get plenty of gametime next season if he was kept on...but who knows, it's all supposition at the moment

shootermacg

Guess Who's Back, Back Again? JJ's Back, Tell a Friend

Mathewson is the perfect complement to Murray, he seems to bring a lot of pace to the game which is something Munster can build on.

Do Munster need to need two world class scrum halves with different styles. I would say yes, regardless of the whataboutery from the usual boys in blue.

I hope we pony up the money and keep him, I wouldn't even say he's a step down from Murray, just a different style.

Zzippy

A new born king to see POM POM POM POM POM

shootermacg wrote: »

Mathewson is the perfect complement to Murray, he seems to bring a lot of pace to the game which is something Munster can build on.

Do Munster need to need two world class scrum halves with different styles. I would say yes, regardless of the whataboutery from the usual boys in blue.

I hope we pony up the money and keep him, I wouldn't even say he's a step down from Murray, just a different style.

Mod: Enough of the accusations about provincial BS - people are entitled to their opinions without the snide remarks. Attack the post not the poster etc.

Former Former

John Hayes Ligind

shootermacg wrote: »

I wouldn't even say he's a step down from Murray, just a different style.

Steady on. He's been a good signing but...

The Lost Sheep

A new born king to see POM POM POM POM POM

shootermacg wrote: »

Mathewson is the perfect complement to Murray, he seems to bring a lot of pace to the game which is something Munster can build on.

Do Munster need to need two world class scrum halves with different styles. I would say yes, regardless of the whataboutery from the usual boys in blue.

I hope we pony up the money and keep him, I wouldn't even say he's a step down from Murray, just a different style.

He isnt world class and is certainly a step down from Murray regardless of being a different style player.

troyzer

I suppose there's two issues to unpack here.

Are Munster claiming he's necessary and that's why he needs to be kept? If so, this is clearly bull**** and it's indefensible. He was picked up for a specific reason which is now gone. He should be gone too.

Or, as we all suspect, it's because Munster just want to keep him on form. If that's the case, then I do genuinely think McCarthy should be giving the choice to reassess. He left his home province when it was clear that he'd be fighting for the 21 jersey. He's not an academy player, he's had European experience and he needs a **** load of Pro14 minutes right now to keep developing. If Alby is kept, he won't be getting that.

That aside, if Munster want to keep him as one of their NIQs (there is no hard limit of course but Munster are due to lose a few either due to being cut or becoming Irish eligible) then fine. But it does seem an awful waste of a limited NIQ slot to spend on a backup. The era of the project player is dead for the most part. Whereas before there was a clear distinction between an import who could play for Ireland one day and one who couldn't, now there isn't. Not really. And that means you have to use your NIQ slots much more carefully.

thomond2006

A new born king to see POM POM POM POM POM

It's only an awful waste of an NIE slot if there are other positions crying out for an NIE signing. Calling it BS and indefensible to re-sign a medical joker who has outperformed reasonable expectations is hysterical.

Is there a need in the following positions:

LH - No
Hooker - No
TH - Possibly
Lock - No
Backrow - No; Cloete and Botha are already signed.
FH - No
Centre - No; Taute will be let go and has already been replaced by Irish players.
Back three - No

Again, FWIW, I don't expect Mathewson to be retained beyond the season because a) Munster won't be allowed and/or b) Mathewson will receive a better offer elsewhere as Munster aren't going to break the bank to sign a backup player.

troyzer

thomond2006 wrote: »

It's only an awful waste of an NIE slot if there are other positions crying out for an NIE signing.

Is there a need in the following positions:

LH - No
Hooker - No
TH - Possibly
Lock - No
Backrow - No; Cloete and Botha are already signed.
FH - No
Centre - No; Taute will be let go and has already been replaced by Irish players.
Back three - No

What about when we get Joey back?

phog

Is Alby the first player to arrive at a club as injury cover and then to get a full contract?

Zzippy

A new born king to see POM POM POM POM POM

thomond2006 wrote: »

It's only an awful waste of an NIE slot if there are other positions crying out for an NIE signing. Calling it BS and indefensible to re-sign a medical joker who has outperformed reasonable expectations is hysterical.

Is there a need in the following positions:

LH - No
Hooker - No
TH - Possibly
Lock - No
Backrow - No; Cloete and Botha are already signed.
FH - No
Centre - No; Taute will be let go and has already been replaced by Irish players.
Back three - No

Again, FWIW, I don't expect Mathewson to be retained beyond the season because a) Munster won't be allowed and/or b) Mathewson will receive a better offer elsewhere as Munster aren't going to break the bank to sign a backup player.

It's not BS in a case where a club has already signed a player for that exact position for the following season. Which is why he should not be kept beyond this season. If Munster had not signed McCarthy (and thereby seen to be developing Irish talent) then they would have a stronger case for keeping Mathewson. And again, even if there is a set no. of NIE slots per province, which is no longer certain, it is a limit, not a target, and certainly not ideal to be looking to fill as many NIE slots as allowed.

Eod100

Is he really on big bucks?

Shefwedfan

It is the same every season, some random foreign player....Munster NEED him...usual out rage, poor Munster, IRFU ganging up on them, XYZ

Moore was one of the most recent....what exactly would have happened Scannell if Moore was allowed to join?