I think B would be out. With the recent overspend I can't imagine Connacht would spend any money they didn't have in their hands even if 2 months ago they were 99.9% certain Clarke wasn't coming back. As for C, I'm going to assume Connacht were fully aware of Clarke's concussion history when they signed him therefore they had some form of insurance or clause in his contract in place that relieved them of a large portion of his salary if he were unable to see out the end of his contract due to further concussion issues. Or at least from the beginning were paying him a lot less money than a healthy Craig Clarke would command.

That leaves us with A, but Craig's retirement probably frees up closer to €100k than €300k so the shopping will be limited especially at this time of year. Personally I would shy away from any SH based NIQ players who won't report to the team until Nov. Connacht can't really afford it. Marmion and Rodney will probably be held back some by the IRFU for player welfare, Bundee will be a late arrival and I'm not sure about Henshaw or any other player getting over injury. Expecting solid rather than spectacular signings at this point.

I might leave a spot open for Jonny Wilkinson. Might be able to catch him in a moment of weakness come August when he feels lost not heading into training as a player for the first time in years. Galway could be just the challenge he needs. Anyone could do well in the south of France with the budget of Toulon.

RonanL wrote: Assuming we will actually have the money to spend

We can't assume that
either
A: we have the money and a niq spot - lets go shopping
B: They knew this was coming (for at least 2 months)and have already spent the money (on Mils for example)
or
C: Craig is still entitled to some or all of his salary as his last injuries were sustained in Connacht. I assume if this were true he would have to continue to live in Galway (which he ain't).
I'm guessing some kind of deal was done. In any case best wishes to him.

ConnachtCows wrote: The rumor was that he was on €300k a season. If true, I hope that money is available to replace him.
It also clears up a NIQ slot in our squad, so we should be casting a very big net, when looking for a replacement.

Funny enough I heard he was on less than McCarthy gets at Leinster i.e. half that figure you're quoting.

An all too frequent occurence in the sport in recent years, and as others have said the health of the players has to come first. He was a great signing, and made a positive impact from the word go. All the best to him and his young family.

With that said, is it safe to assume that Connacht are protected financially through insurance in this scenario? If so, I'd imagine those premiums are on the rise!

Assuming we will actually have the money to spend, we'd be lucky to find someone of Craigs calibre. Fingers crossed.

The rumor was that he was on €300k a season. If true, I hope that money is available to replace him.
It also clears up a NIQ slot in our squad, so we should be casting a very big net, when looking for a replacement.

Shame that he was forced to retire but all the best to him in the future.

Thankfully the rugby world is becoming more enlightened in recent years and there is more long term thought put into a players' health and wellbeing. I wish him well, he made a gutsy move coming to Connacht after such high profile success with the Chiefs. Even though he was only here a season, he'll leave a lasting impact.

I really feel for Craig such a shame but not altogether unexpected. He made you feel that any opposition lineout was there for the taking and even from his first game you could see the other players deferring to him which showed his true leadership quality. I can only wish him and his family all the best in the future.

Very disappointing news as a Connacht fan, but it's only a game. His health is paramount.
Shame we got so little from him.
Hopefully, anyone money saved by this, can be re-invested into the team

Really unfortunate for him but it was expected for a while now. I had hoped he might have had some sort of role as a coach here.

Sake.
Thankfully Swifty is invincible.

was coming wasnt it. huge pity. Clarke has retired

Craig Clarke announces retirement
03rd June 2014

Connacht Rugby today announced that Craig Clarke has confirmed his retirement from professional rugby.

The New Zealand born lock has suffered a number of concussions over an extended period of time which has contributed to his decision.

The 30-year-old former Waikato Chiefs captain is acting on the medical advice of a number of specialists both from within Irish Rugby and elsewhere.

Craig joined Connacht at the start of the 2013/14 season on a three year deal. His previous experience with the Chiefs as a double Super Rugby winning captain meant that he played a key role both on and off the field at Connacht. His leadership credentials became apparent upon his arrival at the Sportsground and he was appointed captain for the season. Craig made 15 appearances in the Connacht jersey, starting in the second row on every occasion which included five Heineken Cup games.

His last game for the province came against Heineken Cup finalists Saracens at Allianz Park in January. A head knock sustained in that game ruled him out of any further action while medical experts carefully monitored his symptoms over the last few months.

Based on the medical advice presented to him, Craig made the decision to end his playing career.

Commenting on the news, Connacht Team Manager Tim Allnutt said:

“Craig was obviously one of the biggest signings we’ve ever had at Connacht and it was huge for us to get someone of his experience. But he also had all the qualities of a Connacht team man and we are extremely disappointed for him that his time with the club has been cut short. As is the case with every player, the priority is his health and we’re thankful that every precaution has been taken here.

“Despite his short stint here, Craig brought an abundance of knowledge and expertise with him to Connacht. He was an enthusiastic teacher who gave generously of his time to the younger forwards.

“He will of course be missed but we wish himself, Veree and their daughter Isabella all the best for the future in New Zealand and thank him for everything he has done in his short time with Connacht.”

Head Coach Pat Lam added:

“Craig could see the potential we have as a young team and he wanted to be a part of that. He was continuously driving standards and challenging areas that needed to be challenged. His consistent, high class performances on the pitch meant he earned massive respect from the outset.

“Even when he was unable to play, he was always helping and mentoring others, encouraging guys from the sidelines in training, staying around to do analysis on other teams and sitting with Dan (McFarland) on the forwards’ play. His work ethic and attitude was inspirational and he had a major influence, leaving a lasting impression on the squad.

Craig Clarke said:

“While it is of course extremely disappointing the way my career has come to an unexpected end I am, at the same time, so thankful for the opportunities afforded to me through my involvement in the professional game.

“There have been so many people who have helped shape my rugby career and my life and I want to thank them all. My family, especially my wife Veree and my parents Brian and Bev, have been there for me through it all. Everyone involved in my school, club and professional rugby including team mates, coaches, management staff, medical staff, referees, administrators and volunteers have all helped me along the way.

“I am proud of what I have achieved. I have experienced tough times with teams which has just made me appreciate the good times all the more. While I will always be disappointed not to have worn the black jersey of my country, I will sleep easy knowing that I gave it a real crack, particularly in my last three seasons playing in New Zealand.

“Of course I understand that health takes priority over sport every time, but I still can’t escape the disappointment that I couldn’t contribute to Connacht Rugby as I would have liked and envisaged before my arrival.

“It was a challenging season in terms of results, but so rewarding in other ways. There are a fantastic group of people here at Connacht and they work extremely hard for everything they have. I really enjoyed getting to know my teammates and working with the coaches. My rugby knowledge benefited hugely, especially around Northern Hemisphere set piece play.

“There will be a lot I’ll remember from my time in Ireland. Naturally, our victory over Toulouse was a huge highlight but there are other little things I’ll never forget. The Connacht fans are like no other I’ve ever encountered. The first time I ran out through the Clan Stand and on to the pitch, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I’ve never experienced such noise and atmosphere, and from within a relatively small stadium. They are an amazing bunch of supporters and I’d like to thank them for making me feel so welcome here.

“The clapping off of the opposition after a game (except for Toulouse who stormed off straight away after we beat them) is also something that is unique and special to this part of the world. As is the silence of the crowd when kicks at goal take place (with the small exception of Aaron Cruden who had two chances from the side line to win a test match in a very noisy Aviva stadium!). I’ve really enjoyed my time here.

“Myself and my family will now return to New Zealand and start work on our farm there. I’m also excited about the prospect of getting into coaching at any level and continuing my involvement in the game. I am looking forward to new challenges in life and to spending time with my extended family back home. I will of course be keeping a keen eye on Connacht Rugby and their games next season.

“The birth of our little girl Isabella in Galway means that we will always have a connection with the West of Ireland, and it will be a great excuse to visit again in the not too distant future.”

salmson wrote:

ummm, wrote: Can't see why it would be a privacy issue. Any time a player is out injured with concussion it's reported in the press.

www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/pr...-20140213-32lun.html

File under medical history.

Interesting, thanks.

Robbo wrote: Can anyone enlighten me what kind of documentation arises when a player is "officially" concussed and if there's anything recorded for "unofficial" concussions (on the training pitch, ones in competitive play that escape the offiicals

The official documentation that is used in Ireland is available here www.irbplayerwelfare.com/?documentid=112
The problem is that the rules are not always strictly adhered to. Players "cheat" by deliberately underperforming at preseason testing so when they get a few questions wrong it appears " normal". Medical staff overuse the blood rule to get a player off the pitch for 10 mins when they are clearly concussed , coaches put physios/docs under pressure not to call a concussion. Rabo are trying implement a rule whereby an independent match day doctor makes the call and has the ability to take a player off for 10 mins for further assessment and be replaced just like a blood substitution. My problem with the whole thing is that school and club players deserve the same level of attention as the professionals and won't be getting it .

ummm, wrote: Can't see why it would be a privacy issue. Any time a player is out injured with concussion it's reported in the press.

www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/pr...-20140213-32lun.html

File under medical history.

While there are some merits to the article, all it effectively does is ask questions and cast despertions on all involved, there was no effort to find out any facts and all the article does is throw loads of mud in the air and see where it lands.

A small bit of homework wouldnt have gone astray and what could have been a decent piece is lost in the ether.

Its worthy of a converstaion in the dail bar after a few pints, not a piece in a national paper, wondering out loud is not journalism.