We'll almost definitely sign a loosehead but I'm not so sure there'll be any other front row signing. Conan O'Donnell will probably see some more game time, but don't we actually have loads of academy props? Jamie Dever, Conor Kenny, Conor Kyne, Saba and O'Donnell were all there this year. Saba is gone to England isn't he? Is that a loan or permanent? What's going on with the rest?

Could do worse than sign Michael Bent. He hasnt let Leinster down this year

No official word on Masterson, but Murray Kinsella's word is good enough for me. He's usually (continental legal complications asides) bang on the money about contractual stuff.

I'm assuming, given he was Academy Player of the Year, that Micko McKeon is coming on board too. I'm also assuming that as per Rowland 12 months ago, Conroy's accidental listing as a Connacht player by the IRFU when listing him for the 7s means he's coming on board. That would leave us with 38, but 2 front rows short of minimum Euro requirement. We also have room for 2 or 3 NIE signings as TOM and Bundee are IQ for next season and Nepia F-M is leaving.

FR ( - Bucks, JP, Heff, Tom, Delahunt, Finlay, Carey, Robertson-McCoy.
Lock (5) - Ultan, Quinn, Brownie, Cannon, Thornbury.
Backrow (7) - Mul, Jake, SOB, McKeon, Masterson, Dawai, Connolly.
Halfbacks (6) - Marmion, Blade, Micko(?), Jack, Boshoff, Crosbie.
Centre (5) - Bundee, Craig, Griff, Rob, Farrell.
Back 3 (7) - TOH, Matt, Niyi, Kelleher, Leader, Ili, Conroy.

Was anything ever officially confirmed for Masterson? It seems to be generally accepted he has another year and it was mentioned in Murray Kinsella's article www.the42.ie/eoghan-masterson-connacht-k...ury-3242979-Feb2017/ that he's here til next summer but I never saw anything from Connacht about it.
Last announcement I can see about him is this one, which brings him up to now:
www.connachtrugby.ie/trio-sign-on-with-c...-rugby/#ConnachtNews

Also I presume John Andress is already gone? Coaching Instonians next season apparently: www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/s...rcoach-35714223.html
(also Lewis S coaching Bangor - fair play).

Hon JP.

JP cooney, Shane Delahunt, Crosbie and Farrell all signed up for next season

Also Conor Carey, Dominic Robertson-McCoy and Stacey Ili have had the second year on their current contracts activated and will remain at the Sportsground for the 2017/18 season.

www.connachtrugby.ie/four-senior-players...201718/#ConnachtNews

chops123 wrote: I would assume that last spot is kept for Ultan, if he can prove fitness.
If he can't then Quinn Roux will be next in line if he can perform this weekend. And if he doesn't then he'll go back to Donnacha Ryan

Putting my cards on the table I'm hoping Ultan doesn't travel as I think the break will do him good (for Ireland and us).

If Roux doesn't make it after Ultan then I think it goes to Moloney. I can't see any way Donnacha Ryan gets in the squad now, he has made his choice and he knew not staying in Ireland meant not getting to play for the national team. Whether we agree or not it definitely helps the provinces (and by proxy the IRFU) when negotiating contracts with our top players as if they want to play for the national team then they know the club holds all the power. We may lose the odd Madigan or Ryan and all the best to them in securing their financial future but the majority of players in their prime will want to play for Ireland so will stay here I reckon.

I would assume that last spot is kept for Ultan, if he can prove fitness.
If he can't then Quinn Roux will be next in line if he can perform this weekend. And if he doesn't then he'll go back to Donnacha Ryan

I wouldn't be surprised to see Ultan start.

salmson wrote:

clanman wrote: Was'nthe expecting to see Ultan back this season, a few players being monitored so hopefully a full deck to pick from except for bundee, niyi and healy back also yeeeehaaaa

I wouldn't be too hopeful. All the returning players (Dillane, Crosbie, Robb, Adeolokun, Healy) are listed as being integrated into training, which in previous injury updates has meant they're not ready to play. That said a player will be added to the Ireland squad after this week's games, and it's a lock short, so Dillane has every incentive to make it onto the pitch this weekend.

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

Bit of a different situation as opposed to earlier in the season, it's do-or-die time. If they can prove they're up for it and Pat feels they are the better option any returning player would be in the reckoning I would think. You certainly wouldn't get reckless with any players health, but you are planning for a very short season now.

inpho.ie/cache/inpho/e4/cd/6b/e99c78a298...3/INPHO_01208634.jpg
Doesn't look bad for Ultan...

salmson wrote:

clanman wrote: Was'nthe expecting to see Ultan back this season, a few players being monitored so hopefully a full deck to pick from except for bundee, niyi and healy back also yeeeehaaaa

I wouldn't be too hopeful. All the returning players (Dillane, Crosbie, Robb, Adeolokun, Healy) are listed as being integrated into training, which in previous injury updates has meant they're not ready to play. That said a player will be added to the Ireland squad after this week's games, and it's a lock short, so Dillane has every incentive to make it onto the pitch this weekend.

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

If Browne can't play, Dillane might be involved on the bench, behind Roux/Cannon.
Doubt Stevenson can do better than a 80% Dillane. SOB as lock's a possibility too...

m.epcrugby.com/try-of-the-season.php

Niyi's try against Toulouse a nominee

clanman wrote: Was'nthe expecting to see Ultan back this season, a few players being monitored so hopefully a full deck to pick from except for bundee, niyi and healy back also yeeeehaaaa

I wouldn't be too hopeful. All the returning players (Dillane, Crosbie, Robb, Adeolokun, Healy) are listed as being integrated into training, which in previous injury updates has meant they're not ready to play. That said a player will be added to the Ireland squad after this week's games, and it's a lock short, so Dillane has every incentive to make it onto the pitch this weekend.

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

Was'nthe expecting to see Ultan back this season, a few players being monitored so hopefully a full deck to pick from except for bundee, niyi and healy back also yeeeehaaaa

Putting this in here as it may be a potential source of talent.

www.the42.ie/irfu-irish-qualified-maggs-...ora-3380846-May2017/

Good to see Joe Lydon with his strong Oughterard connections involved.