Connacht Team Talk Thread VI - Some like it TOH

I don't think they do very often

I've heard Jackman talk comment about Connacht's underperformance a few times recently. The general gist of his argument has been that Connacht players have been making lots of poor individual errors that the coaches have limited control over. I get the impression that he thinks we have a mentally weak squad lacking in player leadership. He has also said that out coaching team need to look at our gameplan because elements of it clearly aren't working.

Unless you're an Irish rugby legend you need to keep the IRFU and most of the provinces on side if you want long-term career as a pundit or journalist. You'll run out of things to say very fast if you put noses out of joint. Jackman does waffle a bit at times but at least he watches our games, has played provincial rugby to a decent level, and has coached struggling sides where the squad and budget were issues.

Congratulation Connacht four young players (Flynn, Gavin, Treacy, Naughton) who are selected for u20 world championship. Please care not to get any injuries.

Irish provincial rugby season was over.

So When Connacht begin summer (real training only) camp? Connacht should begin it earlier than other province as possible. I think that already they (especially young players) take their breaks long enough. For the good starting of the next season, they must win at the first match vs Munster (away). IRFU (or Humphreys) seems to have little interest in Connacht as far as I courd read their first public interview. (It may only my impression) He said 'I'll not move a player against their will'. So Connacht must help themselves and the thing that Connacht (who have too small money) can do super-hard physical and individual skill-up training only imo. And I think maybe Connacht can not find and invite any experienced NIQ out-half player at even short-term loan. So I hope Wilkins should use West, Naughton or Forde at the position. Connacht must forge them strictly as sooner as possible. On the other hand, according to the Independent's article about Irish summer tour's squad, only Aki and Bealham will be selected. (this is the prediction of Indo reporter ) If it's true that means Connacht could use Hansen, Cian Prendergast from the first match of the new season alongside Devine, Cordero, Murrays and others. If Connacht implement early starting of super hard-training, they will start strongly at the next season. I expect it.

Yeah I though he had a poor season, and is probably lucky there's not a lot of options at the moment. The likes of McGrath and Doak weren't great either. He's a good player though, hopefully some time in a Farrell camp will help him rediscover his confidence. Personally I think captaincy was a burden on him, but no way of knowing that for sure.

I'm glad that The Independent'predict was wrong and C.Prendergast and Blade was selected. Both were most many appearance two in the team. I hope that other youg players follow them next season through getting more stronger at physicalty and higer skill.

There are only 1,760 guaranteed minutes available next season (18 URC and 4 Challenge Cup games). Blade played 1,279 this season, if he played the same again that could leave just 481 minutes to be distributed between three young players who need gametime to develop. I do think we'll ease Blade's workload, but even so it's hard to see him playing less than 1,000 mins, barring injuries.

I can see Reilly being discarded. It's unfortunate, but he's about to turn 25, and looks to be far from comfortable at pro level. You'd imagine Devine will start the season as second choice, and get decent time to impress, but as always injuries will likely have a big say in the matter.

Jackman saying we're close to a NIQ 10 on twitter. Any idea who that could be? Can't imagine we've too much cash to be splashing on signings with the stadium redevelopment.

https://x.com/bernardjackman/status/1803512542741872868

I heard that he has played in Japan 22~23 season. But the result was a bit dissapointed.

How about Rhys PATCHELL? Playing for Highlanders, 362 min this season, started 6 games…

Might be tough get him on a loan..

He is an excellent player I'd love to see him in Galway. Has any Welsh player ever played for Connacht or any of the other provinces ?

As redo91 says matt jarvis played for connacht about a decade ago

Chris Wyatt at munster IIRC

Congratulation, Connacht womens. 6 players is selected for WU20 match squads. (Kiripati, Maher, Ovaiawe, Barrett, Clarke, Ni Dhonnacha) I can't wait the match day against England. Wishing you all best of luck.

And I hope players who was not selected that don't get disappointed. The competition way continues for long time from this.