Pro14 Season 2019-2020

salmocab

Cookiemunster wrote: »

Munster would also have Snyman and De Alende onboard and Carbery (you'd hope) fit.

Last seasons performances are out the window because squads and possibly coaches would be different.

I’d be very surprised anyway that whatever way they do it if it ends up being the same groups based on last years performance.

connemara man

https://www.the42.ie/connacht-training-home-david-howarth-5063845-Apr2020/?utm_source=shortlink

Everything Connacht do in the coming weeks is aimed towards having them ready to return to collective training on 18 May, the target date for all of Irish rugby. They’re very aware that could change, but it gives them a goal for now.

Once they’re back at their training facilities together, it’s been agreed that all Pro14 teams will have a six-week run in period before any games, allowing them to build up their contact work and, hopefully, avoid injuries.

El_Duderino 09

connemara man wrote: »

https://www.the42.ie/connacht-training-home-david-howarth-5063845-Apr2020/?utm_source=shortlink

Everything Connacht do in the coming weeks is aimed towards having them ready to return to collective training on 18 May, the target date for all of Irish rugby. They’re very aware that could change, but it gives them a goal for now.

Once they’re back at their training facilities together, it’s been agreed that all Pro14 teams will have a six-week run in period before any games, allowing them to build up their contact work and, hopefully, avoid injuries.

That's interesting. So they're hoping for a relaxation in social distancing by mid May and play behind closed doors from July. That's possible. It's not likely, but it's possible.

Burkie1203

https://twitter.com/dk3lly/status/1247113083698503681?s=19

El_Duderino 09

The one good thing from all this is that the players are all getting a couple of months off. The way Richie Mccaw took a six month sabbatical. I think Furlong has looked like he needs a proper break.

They’re athletes who have to be in peak condition most of the year to avoid injury. That might be ok for some players but a 20 stone man has to carry that 20 stone everywhere. He never gets a break from being a huge athlete. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see Furlong back to good form after this proper break.

peekachoo

Got an email from Ticketmaster saying they have been "advised" that due to the cancellation of the season/final etc...the Munster v Leinster, and the Leinster v Zebre games are being rescheduled? Anyone have any idea what that's about? I was expecting a refund any day now

MarinersBlues

peekachoo wrote: »

Got an email from Ticketmaster saying they have been "advised" that due to the cancellation of the season/final etc...the Munster v Leinster, and the Leinster v Zebre games are being rescheduled? Anyone have any idea what that's about? I was expecting a refund any day now

Maybe priority is being given to finishing the regular league instead of the playoffs.

Might make sense in terms of money giving teams opportunities to play and possibly get money through the gate (very unlikely that can happen)

Offers a bit more integrity to the competition than just skipping a third of the season and going straight to semi-finals etc.

It's very unlikely that any of the above happens but I can see why they might prefer attempting to conclude the regular season.

peekachoo

MarinersBlues wrote: »

Maybe priority is being given to finishing the regular league instead of the playoffs.

Might make sense in terms of money giving teams opportunities to play and possibly get money through the gate (very unlikely that can happen)

Offers a bit more integrity to the competition than just skipping a third of the season and going straight to semi-finals etc.

It's very unlikely that any of the above happens but I can see why they might prefer attempting to conclude the regular season.

Yeah it's a strange one, i've already gotten my refund for the final.
So I'm not sure what the aim is, I'm still gonna assume they'll be eventually cancelled or what not.

Cookiemunster

Frans Steyn joins the Cheetahs on a 2 year deal from July 1st.

thomond2006

The Cheetahs could potentially sign Johan Goosen as well. After all that nonsense with his faux retirement to get out of Racing...

https://twitter.com/DjRossouw87/status/1251453216811880449?s=19

Squidgy Black

thomond2006 wrote: »

The Cheetahs could potentially sign Johan Goosen as well. After all that nonsense with his faux retirement to get out of Racing...

https://twitter.com/DjRossouw87/status/1251453216811880449?s=19

He made a couple of appearances for the Cheetahs before he joined Montpelier and was actually decent for them, but it sounds like he just doesn't like France at all despite the money if he's looking for another early release.

Eod100

Glasgow head coach thinks league should be finished and title given to Leinster.

https://twitter.com/SDM_Robertson/status/1255240800713261057

Burkie1203

Eod100 wrote: »

Glasgow head coach thinks league should be finished and title given to Leinster.

https://twitter.com/SDM_Robertson/status/1255240800713261057

I think we are not too far from this season being declared done.

Eod100

Burkie1203 wrote: »

I think we are not too far from this season being declared done.

Yup. Not sure how qualification will work for best season"s CC, based on final position maybe? Looking like it could impact next season at this rate tbh

jacothelad

Burkie1203 wrote: »

I think we are not too far from this season being declared done.

I think they should agregate the two conferences together and call it over. Give the League to Leinster.
Leinster average points per game x 21 = 98.5
Edinburgh = 75.9
Munster = 72.7
Ulster = 71.7


That seems a fair way to get it done.

Synode

What do they do with season ticket holders etc. It's not as easy as just saying it's done imo

Cookiemunster

Synode wrote: »

What do they do with season ticket holders etc. It's not as easy as just saying it's done imo

They could discount your next ST. TBH I'm not at this stage too worried about money that I spent a year ago. In these extraordinary circumstance I doubt many would be.

troyzer

Cookiemunster wrote: »

They could discount your next ST. TBH I'm not at this stage too worried about money that I spent a year ago. In these extraordinary circumstance I doubt many would be.

I assumed I wasn't going to get my money back.

But I think a credit against your renewal is the obvious way to go. But a lot of people aren't going to renew, they'll have to be refunded.

OldRio

Synode wrote: »

What do they do with season ticket holders etc. It's not as easy as just saying it's done imo

Well the choice is ending the Season now or trying to organise the remaining fixtures.

There is no end date in sight for this Covid 19. There are five different countries involved in the competition. Each has different medical guidance, if not legislation regarding the outbreak. Logistics would be a nightmare if not impossible.
If a line is drawn under last season at least teams can focus on next season, if it happens.

As for Season tickets I have no idea but I'm sure the fans and clubs will come to some mutual accommodation.

Strange times we live in.

Buer

The only way I can see this season having any more rugby is if they go straight to semi finals right now or a final.

They cannot play out multiple weeks of an international competition even if it's behind closed doors and waits until June or July.

UAEguy2020

Eod100 wrote: »

Yup. Not sure how qualification will work for best season"s CC, based on final position maybe? Looking like it could impact next season at this rate tbh

We can’t give the media any ideas, if they had their way this virus would stay with us for ever.

Eod100

UAEguy2020 wrote: »

We can’t give the media any ideas, if they had their way this virus would stay with us for ever.

Think I'll go with what public health officials say and do. They're not known for sensationalism tbf.

Synode

Is now not the perfect time to align the world rugby calendar. Finish this season by the end of the year and start a new one in Feb or whatever.

Cookiemunster

Synode wrote: »

Is now not the perfect time to align the world rugby calendar. Finish this season by the end of the year and start a new one in Feb or whatever.

Not that simple. Contracts in the NH run July 1st to June 30th. Half the pro rugby players in Europe (and a lot of coaches and other staff) would be out of contract half way through the season. TV contracts are also based around a Sep -Jun season. Harmonisation can't occur overnight.

AdamD

Cookiemunster wrote: »

Not that simple. Contracts in the NH run July 1st to June 30th. Half the pro rugby players in Europe (and a lot of coaches and other staff) would be out of contract half way through the season. TV contracts are also based around a Sep -Jun season. Harmonisation can't occur overnight.

These problems will always exist though. Now probably is the best time to look into harmonisation seeing as all of those contracts are probably up in the air anyway

awec

I'll be totally honest and say I am not missing the pro14 in the slightest. I genuinely would not care if the season was over right now.

Just kill the season and move on. Give the trophy to Leinster.

And give me my refund.

Former Former

I don't even want the trophy. It's utterly meaningless. Just put a line through the season and start planning for next year.

Dave_The_Sheep

If it was a straight league, fair enough, maybe I could see the logic even though you wouldn't want it that way given the number of games left. But in a competition with playoffs after the league part finishes, nah.

CatFromHue

I do want a trophy but I don't want any of the players to be happy when they get it, just like Girvan Dempsey was



no touching it either

Richie_Rich89

Just give it to Munster. It's been so long since they won a trophy.

AdamD

awec wrote: »

I'll be totally honest and say I am not missing the pro14 in the slightest. I genuinely would not care if the season was over right now.

Just kill the season and move on. Give the trophy to Leinster.

And give me my refund.

I do miss it, though not overly bothered if they finish it or not. With the team ownership structures they're probably in a unique position to end it without much challenge.

thomond2006

https://www.edinburghrugby.org/the-clubhouse/2019-20-leavers-announced

Departures from Edinburgh. John Barclay only made 14 appearances in two seasons.

thomond2006

thomond2006 wrote: »

https://www.edinburghrugby.org/the-clubhouse/2019-20-leavers-announced

Departures from Edinburgh. John Barclay only made 14 appearances in two seasons.

Is it just me or is that a strangely written statement. It's almost disrespectfully blunt?

thomond2006

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Is it just me or is that a strangely written statement. It's almost disrespectfully blunt?

On Barclay in particular or the overall statement? I would have thought the quotes from RC cover the pleasantries.

Eod100

Pro14 still talking about returning for end of this season. Think they should just draw a line under it at this stage and plan for next season. https://www.the42.ie/pro14-season-update-5093129-May2020/?utm_source=shortlink

Cookiemunster

Unfortunately they can't plan for next season as they've no idea when or if it will start. As it is the 3 three Southern provinces know they can't return to training until at least August 10th, which means preseason starts a minimum 6 weeks late. If the hiatus was to last into winter the simplest option could be to finish this season (playing all remaining games) during 2020/21 and return to normal for 2021/22.

Buer

They can resume training on June 10th but would be limited in what they can do and break into groups. August refers to playing matches and having contact.

Digifriendly

Cookiemunster wrote: »

Unfortunately they can't plan for next season as they've no idea when or if it will start. As it is the 3 three Southern provinces know they can't return to training until at least August 10th, which means preseason starts a minimum 6 weeks late. If the hiatus was to last into winter the simplest option could be to finish this season (playing all remaining games) during 2020/21 and return to normal for 2021/22.

That would surely leave a lot of blank Saturdays in second half of 2020/2021 if for instance there was no rugby up to November.

Cookiemunster

Digifriendly wrote: »

That would surely leave a lot of blank Saturdays in second half of 2020/2021 if for instance there was no rugby up to November.

Well if there's no rugby until November, then there isn't enough time have a normal 2020/21 season before the Lions tour. There's no perfect solution here.

Eod100

Cookiemunster wrote: »

Unfortunately they can't plan for next season as they've no idea when or if it will start. As it is the 3 three Southern provinces know they can't return to training until at least August 10th, which means preseason starts a minimum 6 weeks late. If the hiatus was to last into winter the simplest option could be to finish this season (playing all remaining games) during 2020/21 and return to normal for 2021/22.

Yeah fair shout and I think that's part of reason why PL hasn't been cancelled yet too. Hard to know what will happen to be honest.

Digifriendly

There is much talk of a second wave of this pandemic in the autumn. If that is the case will there then be a 2020/1 season at all?

Sheep Shagger

Digifriendly wrote: »

There is much talk of a second wave of this pandemic in the autumn. If that is the case will there then be a 2020/1 season at all?

It's hard to see how there will be any new season until rapid testing is available - players get tested say 2 hours before KO and can only play if they are clear (games are played behind closed doors).

Emirates have started doing it for passengers, maybe an option there...

Digifriendly

BBC Sport saying there is a possibility of restarting Pro 14 in mid August. Have teams play 2 regular season matches against teams in their own country. Then move to knock out phase in September.

Digifriendly

BBC Sport reporting plan to restart Pro 14 season in late August behind closed doors. Teams to play 2 regular season games against teams in their own country and then move straight to knock out phase in September.

Buer

Digifriendly wrote: »

BBC Sport reporting plan to restart Pro 14 season in late August behind closed doors. Teams to play 2 regular season games against teams in their own country and then move straight to knock out phase in September.

Saw that. Intriguing. Something has to give somewhere along the way. This plan, the rumoured EPC proposal to complete this season's European competition, the autumn tests and the Lions tour all along with the normal domestic seasons....I can see at least two of the above not happening if not more.

I'd guess the EPC proposal and autumn tests won't go ahead. The Pro 12 proposal could work as it would essentially eliminate any travel to Italy or SA. It all seems a little pointless though as the top 2 sides in each conference are well ahead so are close to certain to be the semi finalists.

The only question mark would be Ulster as the Cheetahs could well take 10 points from a double header with the Kings meaning Ulster would have to get something from one of their games. They're 7 ahead at the moment with a game in hand so I assume everyone would be given 2 points to make up for that putting Ulster 9 points ahead. Munster are 8 points ahead of the Scarlets.

The provincial matches would be the unfulfilled interpros from this season, I assume meaning we'd see:

Leinster vs Munster
Ulster vs Leinster
Connacht vs Ulster
Munster vs Connacht

connachta

So again any team but Connacht favored

Westerners facing 2 of the best (Ulster and Munster) without opportunity to get points vs Zebre etc
Treviso facing weak Zebre twice, + handed 4 points they might never have had for cancelled games

Pro14 with added derbies was an amount of unfairness. But this (derbies alone) is awful.

Back to a home-and-return competition, please

thomond2006

Void the season and start over with 2020/21.

Oh and disband Connacht.

Panda Killa

thomond2006 wrote: »

Void the season and start over with 2020/21.

Oh and disband Connacht.

Oooooh... that's controversial....




Don't think anyone wants to abandon the season

Rigor Mortis

thomond2006 wrote: »

Void the season and start over with 2020/21.

Oh and disband Connacht.

It seems very unfair to rob Munster of their annual big day out in the Semi Final

Rigor Mortis

connachta wrote: »

So again any team but Connacht favored

Westerners facing 2 of the best (Ulster and Munster) without opportunity to get points vs Zebre etc
Treviso facing weak Zebre twice, + handed 4 points they might never have had for cancelled games

Pro14 with added derbies was an amount of unfairness. But this (derbies alone) is awful.

Back to a home-and-return competition, please

If Connacht are serious about being a top four team they should look at that list and say if we beat Ulster we have a head to head against Munster (who have probably just lost away to Leinster) to potentially knock them out.

Glasgow could get totally shafted out of the play offs here and are getting a far worse deal than Connnacht.

Yes this isnt an ideal way to end it, but it has to be ended somehow.