Leinster sign Redden

robgloster · 06-04-2009 1:44pm #1

LEINSTER swoop for IRISH PAIR
By Hugh Farrelly

Monday April 06 2009

IN a week when Leinster crave good news after the Magners League defeat to Munster greatly reduced their chances of retaining the title, the province are on the verge of announcing two key acquisitions for next season.

Leinster are focussing solely on next Sunday's Heineken Cup quarter-final with Harlequins at The Stoop but an announcement is imminent confirming the signing of scrum-half Eoin Reddan and prop Mike Ross.

Reddan was Ireland's first-choice scrum-half at the 2007 World Cup and during the 2008 Six Nations but the Wasps man is now third-choice behind Tomas O'Leary and Peter Stringer while former Cork Con prop Ross will also seek to further his international career by moving back to Ireland from Harlequins, whose coach Dean Richards is said to be greatly frustrated by his exit.

Harlequins defeated Bath at the weekend to stay at the top end of the Premiership and are favourites going into next weekend's clash while Leinster are anxiously awaiting fitness reports on Brian O'Driscoll, Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Healy and Bernard Jackman.

Jackman is the biggest worry after being forced off in the first half with a knee injury while prop CJ van der Linde is likely to be unavailable again with a toe injury.

- Hugh Farrelly

Otacon · 06-04-2009 1:50pm

Is he going on any kind of solid information, or is it an 'insider' that told him?

spoon · 06-04-2009 1:53pm

Good news for Leinster if the deals go through. Also looks like Rocky will be staying put too.

It would seem Leinster Rugby have won the war against the Australian Rugby Union in a tog-of-love for Rocky Elsom.

The Sun-Herald reported that Elsom has "all but confirmed" he will not be returning to Australia later this year to play for the Wallabies, nor in the Super 14 next year.

The ARU are furious that a player "released on compassionate grounds," who gave a commitment to return to Australia this June has reneged on the arrangement.

"He gave his word that he was going to come back but nothing was actually signed. It was a massive oversight. He was released on a promise," issued an ARU source.

"Rocky's a pretty complicated bloke and he dragged out negotiations for so long that it [the contract signing] was overlooked. The ARU aren't happy and understandably so, but it's all worked out well for Rocky Elsom. Who's to blame him for taking the massive cash on offer?"

robgloster · 06-04-2009 1:58pm

Good for leinster. Rocky will staying the Australian Rugby Union had a major F up by not signing getting him to sign a contract saying he'd return. He gave them his word he'd come back but that means nothing

robgloster · 06-04-2009 2:03pm

THE Australian Rugby Union, reeling from Sam Norton-Knight's decision to play with Cardiff, has another problem brewing: star flanker Rocky Elsom is not expected to return to play in Australia.

Elsom was released early from his ARU contract last year on "compassionate grounds" - believed to be related to financial problems caused by a property deal that went bad - to link with Irish club Leinster for a one-year sabbatical.

But the Test veteran has all but confirmed he will not be returning to the Super 14 next season, as originally outlined in his contract, by deciding to play for the Barbarians against Australia in June.

It is believed an ARU administration oversight might have meant Elsom never signed the contract in question.

The ARU is furious, as there appears to be no chance of retaining the star, who is believed to be earning upwards of $600,000 - double his NSWRU and ARU contracts.

"Rocky was released on compassionate grounds and was committed to coming back to Australia this June to play for the Wallabies and was released on that basis," a source told The Sun-Herald.

"He gave his word that he was going to come back but nothing was actually signed. It was a massive oversight. He was released on a promise.

"Rocky's a pretty complicated bloke and he dragged out negotiations for so long that it [the contract signing] was overlooked. The ARU aren't happy and understandably so, but it's all worked out well for Rocky Elsom. Who's to blame him for taking the massive cash on offer?"

A sensation in Ireland, Elsom has had offers from Leinster and other powerhouse clubs abroad. But the biggest indication the 27-year-old has no intention of returning was his decision to play for the Barbarians against Australia in June.

"The understanding of the agreement was that he was meant to be back playing for the Wallabies in June against the Barbarians, so with that in mind, I can't see him coming back anytime soon," the source said.

"He is already on big money over there and he's been such a hit that he's been offered even more to stay, I'd say. And I understand there are no shortage of clubs in Wales, England, France, Japan and elsewhere, who are in the market for his signature. He's a bloody good rugby player and he has a lot of opportunities to consider.

"They love him over there and he's very close to coach Michael Cheika. I think it's pretty safe to assume he won't be returning to Australia for a while longer, and that wasn't the basis on which the ARU agreed to release him. They're not happy."

On the other side of the scale, the ARU has officially refused to help the Waratahs retain another Wallabies star in Phil Waugh, despite the Super 14 team's plea to consider him a marquee player. And with the Waratahs reportedly limited to an offer of just $150,000, it's looking more and more likely the 29-year-old will join Elsom playing in the Magners League despite his desire to stay.

Meanwhile, Western Force powerhouse Tamaiti Horua will leave the club at season's end after just two years, having signed a deal with another Irish club, Ulster, to play in the Magners League.

The 28-year-old, a former Australian under-21 skipper, last week agreed to a two-year deal with the club, coached by former Waratahs mentor Matt Williams.

The skilful breakaway joins star playmaker Matt Giteau, hooker Tai McIsaac, prop Ben Castle and back Scott Staniforth as Force players who have confirmed they will leave the club.

Stev_o · 06-04-2009 2:11pm

Didn't the Indo say the exact same thing last year only for Reddan to sign a new contract with Wasps?! Ill believe it when i see a official statement otherwise it's just bs rumours.

robgloster · 06-04-2009 2:19pm

With a few faces already leaving Wasps and the fact they have been poor. I dont see why he should stay. It would make more sense for his international carrer to come home. And maybe this time the IRFU offered his serious money

ch2008 · 06-04-2009 4:51pm

Sure he might as well bring Danny C with him :pac:

Chucky the tree · 06-04-2009 4:58pm

ch2008 wrote: »

Sure he might as well bring Danny C with him :pac:

He already signed at new contract with wasps didnt he?

Podge_irl · 06-04-2009 4:59pm

I'll believe it when I see it.

[Jackass] · 06-04-2009 5:19pm

Reddan is confirmed behind closed doors apperantly. He's been terrible this year though which is a concern, but 1 & 2 seasons ago he was unbelievable for Wasps though, brilliant player! Hopefully that's the Reddan we're getting and not the Reddan of this season - he's been a bit of a dud. Really would have prefered Stringer, but he'd never move to Leinster and who can blame him.

Also believe enquieries were made about Wilkonson who may be available, but nothing will come of that I'd say..

Ross is excellent also - really good all round prop and has gotten very good in the lose also - good prop options at Leinster next season with Ross, Healy, CJ - then Knoop if he's ever fit and McCormack - a couple of very good young props coming through also like Jamie Hagan (absolute disgrace he did not get a game this year and Ollie was brought back - simular to O'Donoghue missing out last season and Easterby coming back - Also Holwell brought back denying Sexton game time...and why do we need to bring him back when we had a kicker in Keatley that we let go???? - don't get me started!

)

2 very good signings though and 1 to follow.

themont85 · 06-04-2009 5:28pm

I wouldn't be suprised if Rocky will play in the tri nations after getting a short off season of about 6 weeks from the end of May to the start of July. Leinster could allow him to play in the tri nations, then take him back at the start of September,give him a couple of weeks of then into the Heineken Cup.That will keep everybody happy i reckon. Although if he doesn't play the tri nations the Aussies will moan, and rightly in some ways. However, he could easily turn to league for big bucks down there so this is a good way of keeping him happy financially until the world cup.

Podge_irl · 06-04-2009 5:31pm

themont85 wrote: »

I wouldn't be suprised if Rocky will play in the tri nations after getting a short off season of about 6 weeks from the end of May to the start of July. Leinster could allow him to play in the tri nations, then take him back at the start of September,give him a couple of weeks of then into the Heineken Cup.That will keep everybody happy i reckon. Although if he doesn't play the tri nations the Aussies will moan, and rightly in some ways. However, he could easily turn to league for big bucks down there so this is a good way of keeping him happy financially until the world cup.

He can't play for Aus unless he plays S14 as far as I know. Aus won't be keen to lose that as a bargaining chip to stop other players going overseas.

robgloster · 06-04-2009 5:32pm

[Jackass] wrote: »

Reddan is confirmed behind closed doors apperantly. He's been terrible this year though which is a concern, but 1 & 2 seasons ago he was unbelievable for Wasps though, brilliant player! Hopefully that's the Reddan we're getting and not the Reddan of this season - he's been a bit of a dud. Really would have prefered Stringer, but he'd never move to Leinster and who can blame him.

Also believe enquieries were made about Wilkonson who may be available, but nothing will come of that I'd say..

Ross is excellent also - really good all round prop and has gotten very good in the lose also - good prop options at Leinster next season with Ross, Healy, CJ - then Knoop if he's ever fit and McCormack - a couple of very good young props coming through also like Jamie Hagan (absolute disgrace he did not get a game this year and Ollie was brought back - simular to O'Donoghue missing out last season and Easterby coming back - Also Holwell brought back denying Sexton game time...and why do we need to bring him back when we had a kicker in Keatley that we let go???? - don't get me started! )

2 very good signings though and 1 to follow.

I fairness Reddan is playing in a bad team at the moment.
Big mistake in letting Keatley go . He is turning out to be a star in Connacht. Maybe they'll swap for sexton.
As far as ollie coming back . How could they resort to that. He didnt look fit but infairness to the guy when called upon he gave it his all, which was a lot to give

Serenity Now! · 06-04-2009 5:34pm

themont85 wrote: »

I wouldn't be suprised if Rocky will play in the tri nations after getting a short off season of about 6 weeks from the end of May to the start of July. Leinster could allow him to play in the tri nations, then take him back at the start of September,give him a couple of weeks of then into the Heineken Cup.That will keep everybody happy i reckon. Although if he doesn't play the tri nations the Aussies will moan, and rightly in some ways. However, he could easily turn to league for big bucks down there so this is a good way of keeping him happy financially until the world cup.

On the other hand, a near-year long season is not exactly what the doctor would order for Elsom. Dan Carter is zipped for this very reason. I would say a backrower would burn out and become prone to injury even more.

Elsom already played rugby league. He was a fringe player for Canterbury's NRL side in Sydney.

robgloster · 06-04-2009 5:37pm

Rocky should stay he is a star in leinster and if he goes back no1 knows what they will do with him. He could end up on the bench with nothing more that false promises

Serenity Now! · 06-04-2009 5:39pm

robgloster wrote: »

Rocky should stay he is a star in leinster and if he goes back no1 knows what they will do with him. He could end up on the bench with nothing more that false promises

He would definitely make the Wallabies as a starter.

Sangre · 06-04-2009 5:55pm

Easily start, best player in last tri nations for australia while playing. If he was still in Australia a very likely future captain.

While I feel for australia I'm bloody delighted he is staying, easily the player of the season imo and he doesn't have to go on international duty.

Aidric · 06-04-2009 5:57pm

That's a massive boost for Leinster if Elsom stays. He has been immense since signing.

robgloster · 06-04-2009 6:01pm

Serenity Now! wrote: »

He would definitely make the Wallabies as a starter.

I dono alot of compitition
George Smith
Phil Waugh
Wycliff Palu
David Pocock
Richard Brown

Serenity Now! · 06-04-2009 6:04pm

robgloster wrote: »

I dono alot of compitition
George Smith
Phil Waugh
Wycliff Palu
David Pocock
Richard Brown

Pocock is new. Great player alright but his time will come. Elsom is the best non-openside the Wallabies had at their disposal. Elsom at blindside, Smith (or Waugh depending on form) at open and Brown at 8th man is their best back row combo available to them. Palu, like his predecessor David Lyons, is still too hot and cold to nail down the place and he has never superceded Elsom in selection.
None of those players have actually beaten Elsom to his place on the team.

robgloster · 06-04-2009 6:09pm

I still think he shouldn't play the tri nations it will be too long a season.

Serenity Now! · 06-04-2009 6:12pm

robgloster wrote: »

I still think he shouldn't play the tri nations it will be too long a season.

I think he should go back. Australia need him. Going to be a tough Bledisloe and Tri.
He'll probably head back before the RWC (he's still only 26!).

Podge_irl · 06-04-2009 6:31pm

Elsom came straight from playing in the Tri Nations, so if he went back to play in it again you'd be talking about a 2+ year long season!

robgloster · 06-04-2009 7:02pm

Podge_irl wrote: »

Elsom came straight from playing in the Tri Nations, so if he went back to play in it again you'd be talking about a 2+ year long season!

He'll burn himself out if he doesnt get injured first.

Rocky Take a Break

Junior · 06-04-2009 7:10pm

Isn't there talks of Waugh coming north anyways ?

robgloster · 06-04-2009 7:13pm

Junior wrote: »

Isn't there talks of Waugh coming north anyways ?

Havent heard. Were Toloun out shopping again:P

robgloster · 06-04-2009 7:34pm

robgloster wrote: »

Havent heard. Were Toloun out shopping again:P

Sorry the ospreys signed him

Junior · 06-04-2009 7:44pm

I spotted an article somewhere today basically saying the ARU won't go above 150k on his new contract

Link 1
Link 2

Fishtits · 06-04-2009 10:42pm

Leinster have the squad, its Cheika they need to look at...

Until he goes and is replaced by someone with basic values they're going nowhere.

Incoherent performances are the norm.

Crazy selection, & positioning, constant under performers doing Irish Rugby a disservice.

Basic stuff, look at the forward passes vs Munster?

I'd hazard a guess that the Leinster members of the Grand Slam will notice the deficit in coaching when they return

Serenity Now! · 07-04-2009 7:55am

Podge_irl wrote: »

Elsom came straight from playing in the Tri Nations, so if he went back to play in it again you'd be talking about a 2+ year long season!

His season would be a year and a half. Not two plus. And after a layoff for half of may and most of June he'd be ready for the Tri in July.
He'd only be burnt out if he came back to Europe which is what I'm hoping he doesn't do because as I've said, he's needed in his home country's union.

robgloster · 07-04-2009 10:01am

He's needed in Leinster too

Serenity Now! · 07-04-2009 6:11pm

robgloster wrote: »

He's needed in Leinster too

Money abroad vs National Team.
Sad state of affairs if a young player and probable future captain bins playing in the pinnacle level of the sport for Euros.

stephen_n · 08-04-2009 11:40am

Serenity Now! wrote: »

Money abroad vs National Team.
Sad state of affairs if a young player and probable future captain bins playing in the pinnacle level of the sport for Euros.

Quite romantic view if somewhat naive, Australia may well have to look at their ruling on players playing in the super 14 but the reality is the players are entitled to make as much money from the game as they can. In terms of commitment and long term physical damage that the modern game exerts they have a small window of oppertunity to make money and it's a no brainer when Leinster are offering 4 times the amount that the ARU can. Would you do your job for a quarter of your salary and extra pride? so why should players like Elsom. It is up to the ARU to find increased revenue streams or be more flexible in their approach to players eligability while playing abroad but this was the choice the sport made when it went fully professional!

anonymous_joe · 08-04-2009 12:25pm

The Sanzar teams are economically weaker than some up North.

If you follow football, substitute Brazil and Argentina for SA/OZ/NZ and you have the obvious problem - it's a job for these guys, not a hobby, and they want money at the end of the day.

The Unions down there are being arrogant and inflexible, and it's going to cost them.

Serenity Now! · 08-04-2009 12:56pm

stephen_n wrote: »

Quite romantic view if somewhat naive, Australia may well have to look at their ruling on players playing in the super 14 but the reality is the players are entitled to make as much money from the game as they can. In terms of commitment and long term physical damage that the modern game exerts they have a small window of oppertunity to make money and it's a no brainer when Leinster are offering 4 times the amount that the ARU can. Would you do your job for a quarter of your salary and extra pride? so why should players like Elsom. It is up to the ARU to find increased revenue streams or be more flexible in their approach to players eligability while playing abroad but this was the choice the sport made when it went fully professional!

Nothing "naive" in it at all and yes it is up to the likes of the ARU, NZRFU, SARU to keep their players at home.

toomevara · 08-04-2009 2:00pm

Do SH players in Ireland have an 'image rights' clause in their contract which allows them to collect a tax free payment on the way home? Its becoming an issue over here particularly in rugby league, as the revenue are closing the loophole....its very attractive to the players in that it minimises the tax they pay, and also means the clubs don't have to make NI contributions on the money....

They reckon that this alone may cause an exodus of big name talent back to Oz and make the UK a considerably less attractive destination for SH players. From an RL point of view, the less of them that come over here the better for the game as far as I'm concerned, just wondered if there's a similar issue in Ireland?

Serenity Now! · 08-04-2009 2:04pm

toomevara wrote: »

Do SH players in Ireland have an 'image rights' clause in their contract which allows them to collect a tax free payment on the way home? Its becoming an issue over here particularly in rugby league, as the revenue are closing the loophole....its very attractive to the players in that it minimises the tax they pay, and also means the clubs don't have to make NI contributions on the money....

They reckon that this alone may cause an exodus of big name talent back to Oz and make the UK a considerably less attractive destination for SH players. From an RL point of view, the less of them that come over here the better for the game as far as I'm concerned, just wondered if there's a similar issue in Ireland?

Well its getting so silly in France at the mo, that even the FFR is considering implementing salary caps and limiting non-French qualified players *gasp*
Matt Williams and Cheika look like they dont care where their players come from. I mean, why on earth is Blocker Roach's kid, Daniel in the Ulster Academy? :eek:

Stev_o · 08-04-2009 2:39pm

Serenity Now! wrote: »

Well its getting so silly in France at the mo, that even the FFR is considering implementing salary caps and limiting non-French qualified players *gasp*
Matt Williams, Cheika, Bradley,McGahan look like they dont care where their players come from. I mean, why on earth is Blocker Roach's kid, Daniel in the Ulster Academy? :eek:

Fixed.

In fairness to Ulster they'v blooded alot of players from their academy into their XV team.

gosplan · 08-04-2009 3:40pm

Serenity Now! wrote: »

Money abroad vs National Team.
Sad state of affairs if a young player and probable future captain bins playing in the pinnacle level of the sport for Euros.

A few years with Leinster and Elsom doesn't have to worry about the job he needs to find after his playing career, however long that lasts.

As regards the unions, they're being inflexible because the minute they stop being, they demote the S14 clubs to the status of feeder clubs for the European Leagues.

The price they'll pay is that some top level players will leave but if they move on this, they'll get caught in the same vicious circle that the formerly great South American football leagues were caught in.

The only real solution is to make the S14 more lucrative but I'm not sure how you'd go about doing that.

anonymous_joe · 08-04-2009 4:05pm

gosplan wrote: »

A few years with Leinster and Elsom doesn't have to worry about the job he needs to find after his playing career, however long that lasts.

As regards the unions, they're being inflexible because the minute they stop being, they demote the S14 clubs to the status of feeder clubs for the European Leagues.

The price they'll pay is that some top level players will leave but if they move on this, they'll get caught in the same vicious circle that the formerly great South American football leagues were caught in.

The only real solution is to make the S14 more lucrative but I'm not sure how you'd go about doing that.

Make New Zealand Australia and above all South Africa richer.

I know we're not having a great time economically, but Ireland is still one of the richest countries in the world, and while our economy will struggle for a few years, that's a global issue, not a national one. We're not going back to the 80s.

As such, Ireland will remain quite wealthy, and given that the game is primarily a sport played by the middle classes, rugby fans are the ones who'll still be able to afford to go.

Rugby in this country is putting bums on seats, whether in the stadium, at home or in the pub. There's money coming from TV rights and from the fans themselves directly.

Stade Francais have a yearly budget of around €25 million. Now while that's not comparable with the top tier of European football, that's certainly as much as most teams in Europe's second tier of football leagues. It's a lot of money, and given the low enough wages a lot of guys are paid, it's easy to attract them North.

The fall of sterling will however, have a negative effect on the Welsh/Scots/English and put us and France in the driving seat in terms of player signing.

ALH-06 · 09-04-2009 4:50am

anonymous_joe wrote: »

Make New Zealand Australia and above all South Africa richer.

I know we're not having a great time economically, but Ireland is still one of the richest countries in the world, and while our economy will struggle for a few years, that's a global issue, not a national one. We're not going back to the 80s.

As such, Ireland will remain quite wealthy...

Wow wow, don't mean to change the subject, but that comment is so, so far off the mark!!!

bamboozle · 09-04-2009 8:46am

ALH-06 wrote: »

Wow wow, don't mean to change the subject, but that comment is so, so far off the mark!!!

if you're basing nations wealth on our taoiseach's salary, then yes we're very very rich, if you're basing it on reality we're not too wealthy at all,
didnt see an invite for the G20 coming our way!

anonymous_joe · 09-04-2009 10:33am

ALH-06 wrote: »

Wow wow, don't mean to change the subject, but that comment is so, so far off the mark!!!

Is it? We were in the top 5 or so for GDP per capita. We're still a first world country and we're still in the Euro-zone.

bamboozle wrote: »

if you're basing nations wealth on our taoiseach's salary, then yes we're very very rich, if you're basing it on reality we're not too wealthy at all,
didnt see an invite for the G20 coming our way!

They only invite real countries, not tiny little afterthoughts, which is what we are at the end of the day.

chupacabra · 09-04-2009 11:04am

anonymous_joe wrote: »

They only invite real countries, not tiny little afterthoughts, which is what we are at the end of the day.

How exactly are we tiny little afterthoughts? I think you should choose your words more carefully.

LeeroyJones · 09-04-2009 11:24am

so.........................

Have Leinster signed Reddan (yet) or not?!

robgloster · 09-04-2009 11:27am

LeeroyJones wrote: »

so.........................

Have Leinster signed Reddan (yet) or not?!

Not i believe. At least not offically. Thinks though its a done deal though.

RuggieBear · 09-04-2009 11:52am

jesus christ lads...this is the rugby forum.

rugby!

Trojan · 09-04-2009 12:33pm

RuggieBear wrote: »

jesus christ lads...this is the rugby forum.

rugby!

Lol. I love the digression, and it's almost on topic (almost).

Back to the issue at hand - who will our primary scrum-half be next year so?

anonymous_joe · 09-04-2009 12:38pm

Trojan wrote: »

Lol. I love the digression, and it's almost on topic (almost).

Back to the issue at hand - who will our primary scrum-half be next year so?

If Cheika has his way Whitaker.

If Whitaker retires and/or Cheika leaves, I'd guess Stringer or Reddan.

Timothy Bryce · 09-04-2009 1:24pm

Trojan wrote: »

Lol. I love the digression, and it's almost on topic (almost).

Back to the issue at hand - who will our primary scrum-half be next year so?

Whittaker it would seem. No decent half backs.....the 09/10 season looks great!

Leinster sign Redden

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