Leinster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread XII (The Byrne Supremacy)

Murray Kinsella saying as of right now, Ulster haven't any plans to replace Billy Burns "As things stand, Ulster aren’t set to bring in a replacement for Burns and it seems that 22-year-old scrum-half Nathan Doak could play at out-half more often next season, competing with 24-year-old Jake Flannery for the number 10 shirt." They are also set to lose Will Addison and potentially Dave Ewers as well as Eric O'Sullivan and James French heading out the door.

No wonder Leinster thought they could grab Tom O'Toole. Didn't realise Ulster were in such a bad way. Hopefully they can turn it around sooner rather than later, I always enjoyed the competitive fixtures with our friends up north.

I really wouldn't be convinced by EOS. He has gone backwards massively after being a very promising prospect a few years ago. He really doesn't stand out for anything good on the few occasions he does play. He seemed to be a big favourite of McFarland's when he first came through, enjoying a huge amount of game time. But that has dropped massively in the last couple of seasons and he seems very ineffectual when he plays now whether in his carrying, set piece or clear outs.

At 29 this season, I wouldn't be surprised if he has to go somewhere fairly low level if he wants another contract.

I think Doak is a 10! Not a 9

I doubt it unless the see their way blocked. Hard to get over nepotism claims

Central contracts aren't the godsend or hack they are made out to be by some. It can be lazy analysis.

They come with strings, you need more depth to cover them, your team is more disrupted, and your players can end up wrecked.

It is a good problem to have. Always good to have more of the best players but there is an argument that Leinster over the last few years have suffered by holding up too much of the Irish team by itself.

Well tell the other provinces complaining earlier in the year for having to rest their few centrally contracted players. Leinster have had to do this for a good chunk of their team for the last decade. Also, talk to Munster when they packed out the Irish team during their peak years and how the feeling was that it took its toll on them at club level.

Having the bulk of your starting team play AIs, 6 nations, Summer Tours takes it toll versus training with your club team. Getting the odd week off from the URC doesnt balance out the effort. Look at Stade Rochelle last season vs this season when it comes to their players being involved in international rugby and the impact it has had. I dont think there is an argument that it is easier to settle in with a new coach, like Leinster are, if your players actually get to train with him for more time.

I said it was a good problem to have, but it would be great if the other provinces could carry some of the load of developing their own elite level players.

You ignored the other provinces complaining about resting their handful of players just a few months ago.

Not sure what is confusing, in general of course Leinster would have had a better chance of winning more matches if the frontline team was available more frequently and not being mandated to rest.

Leinster have managed to be successful over the decade of providing the vast majority of the national team because they are an extremely well run organisation. The central contract savings could have been absolutely squandered but they havent been - they just set the next players up.

When it came to the latter end of the last few competitions Leinster lost by the narrowest of margins. Would the majority of their team not having to carry the country give them the tiniest of improvement that could have given them that extra percent in those situations? I would say yes but understand others disagreeing.

Would be fun, not for me tho as I'm a Leinster man. Doesn't mean I can't see the big picture and get annoyed at Leinster fans whining like spoiled brats.

I was critical of Munster not making hay in '06 and '08 and using the success to grow Munster rugby.

Leinster rugby could be accused of similar.

Still completely reliant on the school system for players. The occasional furlong/frawley/osbourne is small return from the development of talent entrusted to the development officers.

Yes the academy improves them but they are coming out of school primed for the pro game not just in coaching but in the attitude that has been fostered to S&C, video analysis, nutrition etc.