Leinster Team Talk Thread (Love you Furlong time)

Munster shouldn't be responsible for paying the Irish Captain, surely that is what Central Contracts are for? I'd argue he would be better value to them if he was dropped or retired from International duty.

I agree fully. The IRFU will be setting a very dangerous precedent if they don't offer O'Mahony a contract.

Pains me to say it as a Connacht fan but either Kilgallen or Bolton would be a great fit for Leinster imo. Both the type of powerful, abrasive athlete that doesn't seem to come through the Leinster academy. Both are probably as good as it will get in terms of replacing Lowe, at least in terms of power. I can't imagine Irish rugby producing a player with Lowe's combination of power, playmaking, and kicking ability any time soon.

I can see Leinster outsourcing for another winger in the future. They have some good players like Jordan Larmour, Rob Russell, Tommy O'Brien, Jimmy O'Brien as well as young players like Andrew Osborne, Aitzol King but I expect them to get another big booted left footed winger similar to Lowe not next season but the season after.

I think at this stage, you are right, it probably will be a Bok but it has been interesting that they tried to get Tom O'Toole. It makes me think would they consider Jack Aungier? They could easily go out and find a NIQ TH but they focused on O'Toole first, why is that? Are they worried about Furlong long term? Are they looking to hold onto the NIQ designations for different positions? Were they just trying to take advantage of Ulster's salary cap difficulties?

I am probably digging way too deep but has me curious.

Probably should have been more clear, I was referring to back 3 players only, which is where I could see either Bolton or Kilgallen filling a gap. I imagine Osborne will primarily play centre moving forward. The Leinster academy isn't churning out many power wingers, more so smaller footballers like Russell, JOB, Keenan, Cosgrave, etc. Aitzol King is probably the exception to the rule, but the Connacht lads mentioned are a good bit ahead of him in terms of first team readiness right now.

I think the 2nd Tighthead at Leinster is actually a really good role. Furlong isn't going to play every week so that player will get a lot of game time, They will be working alongside a lot of the starters for Ireland and bench players meaning easier to see a natural fit for the Ireland team if they play well. The likelihood of representing Ireland usually goes up representing Leinster so Aungier might get more opportunities internationally.

I like Clarkson alot but if Furlong was to get injured next season, Leinster are left very very light in terms of top quality. Aungier isn't there either but he is on his way.

I think Furlong probably stays put, He knows his worth but I think Leinster and Ireland will keep him on a central contract and Furlong probably won't push to hard for a move abroad.