Leinster Team Talk Thread (Love you Furlong time)

Well, it's a bit different with foreigners. Personally, I think it's a bit sad - and a remnant of when they were second class citizens - to see Pasifika players taking on European nicknames like 'Charlie' Piutau and 'Israel' Folau. What's wrong with their original names? I think it's better to respect and promote their culture rather than them fitting into European norms.

I believe Ruddock split with his long term partner in the second half of last year so could be looking for a completely fresh start.

Brilliant servant and excellent leader. Wish him the best whatever he decides to do going forward.

I think Leinster might have tipped their hand to Ruddock and he is maybe leaving before he is pushed out of respect to the immense contribution he has made to Leinster. Giving him the opportunity to leave on his terms.

Players like Max Deegan, Ryan Baird, Jack Conan and Caelan Doris are ahead of him in the pecking order.

I'm also guessing Ruddock and his team have already had discussions with Wales about the switch as there is no way the rumours came out of the blue.

They must be open to the idea if it is openly being discussed now.

A great leader of men and at his peak was a brilliant flanker. If he does go to Wales, I hope he can do a job for them and continue his career. Would love to have him back in a coaching capacity when he finally calls it a day.

Might strengthen the case to include Frawley in the 6 nations squad or I wonder does someone like a Will Addison come back into contention?

Interesting. He could also start his coaching career over there as well.

James Lowe and Tadhg Furlong both in line for coming back against Stade Francais.

Tend to agree. It's hard to see how/why Leinster would retain all of them. If RB was fit as he has been for the vast majority of his career, we'd have seen a real drop off in game time for the others and that's the likely scenario next season.

Preferably, it's Tector but it could well be Harry Byrne or Frawley. Tector is potentially going to leave regardless when he finishes up in the academy in 2025 if we've three established senior outhalves.

While I reckon Frawley would be on Munsters radar. I don't see why they'd be on his.

Unless Frawley wants to play all his rugby going forward at 10 and fancies displacing the much heralded local lad Jack Crowley but sure he's up against that here.

The likely scenario in Munster is that Frawley would be considered a 12/15 option with the added luxury of an ability to play 10..... how is that different from here? He's got 750 minutes so far this season

It could be considered a more prudent move to go after Tector who I think will become a really solid pro but ultimately he's not much further along in his development than Tony Butler is now.

The final realistic option would be Harry Byrne who is obviously an out and out 10 who might fancy his chances at usurping Crowley.

And I for one hope none of these come to pass

I still think a Leinster 10 goes up north, I just don't think it will be Harry. If anything I always thought that Ciaran Frawley would be really good in Ulster with his versatility.

Flannery is a good example of how a player can get above what they would normally would if they've a strong negotiating position. Ulster were fairly screwed for an outhalf as they approached this season. Doak isn't seen as an outhalf. Madigan was being moved on. Flannery, who was only on a one year deal, appeared to be totally surplus and played barely over 100 minutes of rugby last season and less than 300 minutes in his career at the age of 24.

Out of the blue, Ulster announce a 3 year deal for Flannery.....a guy who some thought would potentially go back to the AIL and give up on pro rugby.

That's where Munster are now, to my mind. Someone is going to get a decent deal there above what they may have expected previously.

Ulster want a ten (although Flannery is starting to improve). Fullback is covered by Addison, Lowry, McIlroy, Moore and Stockdale if pushed. Inside centre is covered by McCloskey, Moore, and Marshall (even Curtis). I'm not saying that Ciaran wouldn't be a welcome addition, and would be better than a number of those players, but his versatility isn't a particular attraction up here. A really good ten would be a much better option.

Definitely for the cash/change of scenery. It's supposedly to Bordeaux so if he can't get last Crowley, he certainly ain't getting past Jalibert.