Squad update...

Out: Jake & Jack definitely out of Zebre, monitored.

Possibly out: Robb (HI Protocols), Roux (groin injury)

Back: Mul, Ronaldson, DRMC

Added to EPCR squad: Andress, Farrell.

Other: Rowland back from injury, Crosbie & loan signing McCabe also training with the team but none of these 3 are in EPCR squad. Nepia F-M may be back for next week. Dillane doesn't need surgery, 3-4 weeks recovery time.

www.connachtrugby.ie/squad-update-ahead-...game-8/#ConnachtNews

Depending on whether Robb and Roux made it, we have between 27 & 29 of our (amended) EPCR squad available & 4 other seniors players (Rowland and newbies) available for training/B&I Cup. Depending on the state-of-play of academy injuries we might be able to put out a decent team vs. Irish.

Several Weeks of prep? more like several Days.

I know that Pat wanted the young lad back, but it does not take several weeks to learn calls. This is being overstated, with a few pitch sessions and a good day in the classroom with the books and video sessions, you can learn a lot.

sligsup wrote: www.the42.ie/connacht-steve-crosbie-out-...utm_source=shortlink

Still Pat's point is still valid regarding Mitch, who's ready to go whereas Crosbie has several weeks of prep to do to be ready to play....

www.the42.ie/connacht-steve-crosbie-out-...utm_source=shortlink

Hopefully we can keep his JR Trolley sponsorship going.

he's actually one of the players that caught the eye in the u20's world cup from 4 years ago, I think he had a few appearances in the Leinster A before moving to the UK, but he was frogleaped by a few of the other promising Leinster youngsters

clanman wrote: More of a long term prospect than a short term. Quality stop gap which is what we needed, was a decent u20's player, leinster fans thought he would be the real deal but has'not progressed as much as other players, has good skills from what I can recall, not overly physical

Possibly because he was only a kid when he was with Leinster, sure look at the progress Gary Ringrose is making physically in last 12 months...

Farrell is only 23, so physically has just reached maturity...

Below story form Bedfordshire on Sunday paper, would indicate that he's ready for Pro football now...

I'd also trust the Bedford Coach - Mike Rayer to know a decent centre when he see's one, wasn't to shabby himself back in the day...

BedsOnSunday wrote: Tom Farrell has become Bedford Blues' seventh new signing ahead of the 2016/17 season after the young centre agreed a deal to join from London Irish.

The 22-year-old have been part of the Exiles' Aviva 'A' League squad this season and at 6ft 2in and weighing in at 97kg, will provide pace and power in the Blues' midfield once he arrives at Goldington Road.

Farrell was previously part of the Leinster Academy, has played for Ireland up to U20 level and could face his old club in the Championship next season after Irish's relegation from the Premiership was confirmed last weekend.

Bedford director of rugby Mike Rayer said: "We are delighted to welcome a player of Tom's standard to Goldington Road and I believe he is going to have a huge impact for us next season.

"Tom came through the ranks at Lansdowne, where he was shortlisted for the Ulster Bank Rising Star of the Year honour, and also played for the Leinster Academy.

"He has a reputation for his strong running and line breaks, and I think that he is going to fit in perfectly."

Rayer also commented on outgoing Blues lock Mark Flanagan, who was rewarded for his excellent form this season with a move to Saracens on a two-year contract.

On the Irishman's impending departure, Rayer said: "Mark has had a great year for us and his efforts were duly rewarded with a move to Saracens. While disappointed to lose a player of his talent, everybody wishes him well with the move to Allianz Park."


Read more at www.bedfordshire-news.co.uk/london-irish...#okIUtlcR9rpzwjDp.99

Bedford Blues profile has him tipping 100Kg actually...

Bedford Blues wrote: TOM FARRELL
Position: Centre
Age: 22
Height: 1.90m
Weight: 99.95kg
Sponsor: J R Trolleys

Player Profile:
The self-proclaimed ‘Blues adopted Irishman’ has been a part of the London Irish A-League squad this season, but he really made a name for himself while part of the Leinster Academy. Standing at 6ft 2ins tall and weighing in at 97kg, the centre has pace and power that will add plenty to the Blues midfield. Farrell has also represented Ireland at Under 19 and Under 20 levels while also playing in the British & Irish Cup against Moseley and Ealing Trailfinders.

With Ronaldson & Kelleher for the same Lansdowne side, he should be able to settle into Galway fairly handily..hopefully..

Accidentally Onside wrote: described to me as a skillful passing centre rather than the bosh-merchant his size might suggest

With Ronaldson and now Aki out we're had real trouble getting quality ball through the centres from the halves to the back three, so this is indeed good news.

Accidentally Onside wrote: ...professional instagram-fashion-people...

I thought that was the name of an upcoming Vampire Weekend album, which shows how old I'm getting.

Agree this is a very good signing. He has the profile of a potential AJ McGinty type. And with O'Leary and Ronaldson both due back shortly.

Good signing for the time of year.
Who should be close to a return in the coming weeks ?
I have Masterson, Rowland, Ronaldson, Soroka, O'Leary, Ili.

Not sure how Blues are saying he's moving back to his hometown club as he's an ex-Castleknock boy :dry:

Checking with some people who know him and apparently a really likeable genuine guy, described to me as a skillful passing centre rather than the bosh-merchant his size might suggest so sounds like the sort of guy who can fit in pretty quickly. Played with Cian Kelleher at Landsdowne too so that should help him settle in.

Competition is over for prettiest wag too with this signing :silly: His better half is one of those professional instagram-fashion-people (I'm sure some of the younger boardies will know what that means) and is certainly very easy on the eye! The number of followers she has puts Marnitz Boschoff in the ha-penny place too :pinch:

The statement from Blues makes it sound like a big loss to them.

www.bedfordrugby.co.uk/content/farrell-heads-connacht

More of a long term prospect than a short term. Quality stop gap which is what we needed, was a decent u20's player, leinster fans thought he would be the real deal but has'not progressed as much as other players, has good skills from what I can recall, not overly physical

Looks a decent player Amsterdamage with a lot of potential and considering the time of year probably the best we could do.

He's not exactly a taute though.

Tom Farrell from Bedford Blues to join Connacht
www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/sport/rugby/farre...r-connacht-1-7763584

Thanks for clarification Salmson, let's hope if rumour is true that the 13 has experience and can slot in at 10