Was poking about on the Rabo site. Their stats zone has 'most appearances', both Rodney and Marmion are in the top 5. (Probably has more to do with their surnames, mind, but still!)

I just love the enthusiasm and optimism that flows when a new signing is Announced ! The mood swings involved with being a Connacht supporter is unreal.

While I'd love a top 6 finish next year I'd honestly be happy with some improvement on our league position. 7th or 8th with some more quality signings in the year after. We're building a decent foundation which is being augmented by good signings. Let's keep doing that and we should hopefully see a slow rise up the table.

Still think there needs to be an upgrade at 10 otherwise the other new signings will mostly go to waste. Nikora might have been able to pull off the win against Cardiff had he not gone off injured but I don't see him as someone capable of leading the team to a top six finish.

Its not fair to judge the squad for next season until its finalised. There's definitely more recruitment to come, just hope its targeted in the right areas.

Unless we find some backrows who can carry the ball it will be a 9-12th finish as ever.

I'd prefer a 6 and a 8 who can carry and a 10 who can direct operations.

So that when robbie and marmion head east you cant complain! Lol.

One for over the summer months.

Conspiracy Theory time. (Up there with the CIA killing JFK and that the Moon landing was filmed in Area 51).

The IRFU are encouraging Connacht to recruit as many Southern Hemisphere players as they can get, so that when they outnumber the IQ players in the squad, they will have an excuse to shut us down.

:whistle: :whistle: :whistle:


DISCUSS !!!

I hope that Carty gets more opportunities next year as well. I do think that Nikora will be first choice next year though.

Ciaran Gaffney is down as an Academy player which certainly he will be, but don't see him as a fly half. He has played on the wing on both Irish 19's games this year and is listed as a full back on the Irish 20's JWC squad, which would be where I would say is his best position, he would be another young talent (along with Darragh) who would learn loads off our new signing !

Still worried we're missing a trick in the back row. We lack strong carriers in the pack. We can't be greedy now with what we've got but it has to be said.

10 is also a big worry, unless one the lads really puts his hand up. I hope Carty gets the reigns as I could see Ronaldson being used more at 12.

As I have posted, Daily Mail journo has said that we are singing a Saffer 9 also.

Probably but still some recruitment to be done in key positions like Darragh mentions.

With the quality of players that is in the squad the aim has to be top 6 or at least pushing right to the finish for top 6. Connacht are making the most significant signings of any side in the league to date and that has to start being reflected on the league table. Games like last Saturday have to be put away clinically next season. The poor mouth stuff and ah sure aren't we doing alright with the budget we have sh1t has to be end.

By all means keep the chip on the shoulder that the world is against us but its time for all parties to deliver on expectations.

great recruitment

need an really good 8 and really a 10?

14 kiwis attached to connacht playing + coaching staff next season.

For god sake sorry I swear it wasn't on purpose (Corrected)

you missed a lock. hint, look at my username lol

With Muliaina annoucement, We have to enjoy the look of our squad!! (still hope a 10 and a big 5/6/8 but yet) :


LH props-- Buckley, Loughney, Mc Carthy, Jacob Walshe (Conor Kyne)
TH props-- Ah You, White, Cooney, Bealham (Saba Meunargia)
hookers-- Harris wright, Mc Carthy, Henry, Heffernan, Dineen
locks-- Kearney, Clarke, Muldowney, Swift, SOB 2.0 (Ultan Dillane or Conor Kindregan)
6-- Muldoon, Fafita, Browne (James Connolly)
flanker-- Heenan, Faloon, Rory Moloney
8-- McKeon, Naoupu, Masterson
scrum half-- Marmion, Porter, Blade, (Walsh)
out half-- Carty, O'Leary, Nikora, Ronaldson, (Conor McKeon, Kiaran Gaffney)
wingers-- Poolman, Healy, O'Halloran, Carr, Layden (David Panter)
inside centres -- McSharry, Bundee Aki, Ronaldson (Jerome Harimate)
outside centres -- Henshaw, Finn, Poolman (Rory Parata)
full backs-- Henshaw, Leader, Layden, Muliaina
:woohoo: