Bazzo wrote: Also don't think they had quite the star studded lineup they have this coming season previously. If they can't win the championship(at a canter) with players like Luatua and Madigan on the books they should just shut up shop.

It'll be very interesting to see how Pat does over there. I think his strength lay in establishing a high level culture and direction for the team then using his charisma to get players, fans, and media invested. I wonder how easy it'll be to create such a culture with players who absolutely would not be in Bristol if it wasn't for money.

I think Pat relied on his coaches to transfer his overarching strategy to the pitch. The difference in the quality of back play under Bell and then McPhillips was frightening.

Also don't think they had quite the star studded lineup they have this coming season previously. If they can't win the championship(at a canter) with players like Luatua and Madigan on the books they should just shut up shop.

pinky wrote:

Mark Mostyn wrote: if they're not in the Premiership by then it will be the greatest failure in the history of rugby.

Well it'll definitely be in the top 3, along with their failures in 2013/14 and 2014/15

With the playoffs gone I think it'd be worse.

Mark Mostyn wrote: if they're not in the Premiership by then it will be the greatest failure in the history of rugby.

Well it'll definitely be in the top 3, along with their failures in 2013/14 and 2014/15

connachta wrote: Everyone is keen to blame the "soccerisation" of rugby when 2 or 3 fans are booing, but i'm isolated when it's about being utterly upset to see 4,5 players like him (and a coach...) in 2nd tier chamionship only because of money. Pure shame
As a consolation consequence, the friendly home game very late in August against those guys may well worth the missing 12th game...

Piutau is joining them at the end of the season, if they're not in the Premiership by then it will be the greatest failure in the history of rugby.

In fairness Lam said that if he had the money Piutau would def have come to Connacht. He obv values Lam but money helps

Everyone is keen to blame the "soccerisation" of rugby when 2 or 3 fans are booing, but i'm isolated when it's about being utterly upset to see 4,5 players like him (and a coach...) in 2nd tier chamionship only because of money. Pure shame
As a consolation consequence, the friendly home game very late in August against those guys may well worth the missing 12th game...

www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2017/0810/896563-piutau-bristol-move/

Pat is splashing the cash...

swift4prez wrote: Miah nikora playing in Portugal now

Looks like Ciaran Gaffney will be added to zebre squad

Good for him. My sister lives in the north of Italy and it's some lifestyle.

Miah nikora playing in Portugal now

Looks like Ciaran Gaffney will be added to zebre squad

George Naoupu has been appointed head coach of Wicklow RFC.

www.the42.ie/george-naopu-3524656-Aug2017/

Bradley appointed new Zebre coach

www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2017/0731/894257-...ed-zebre-head-coach/

With Pro12 rushed expansion and Currie Cup, Cheethas and King may need extra players... I know an underated winger who's South-African, and may come to visit the Sportsground again...Hope so for him!

Borders no.2 wrote: I've said this before but I honestly believe him signing on for the first time in late 2009 was a turning point for Connacht. He gave us the impetus we needed in the European run that year and that close to the season, in particular the occasion against Toulon gave Connacht the springboard to push on from after a few embarrassing seasons prior to that. All round good guy and a huge part in building to our league success. Wish him all the best for the future.

his rampaging runs and ball in one hand was a thing to behold in his first season with us, just wish he hadn't gone to japan before he came back to us, was always a steadying influence on the pitch and no doubt off it

Great player for Connacht. Glad he's heading back home and whoever gets him as a coach will have a wealth of knowledge to tap into

Himself and Sene are genuinely great people outside of rugby and I wish them all the best

I've said this before but I honestly believe him signing on for the first time in late 2009 was a turning point for Connacht. He gave us the impetus we needed in the European run that year and that close to the season, in particular the occasion against Toulon gave Connacht the springboard to push on from after a few embarrassing seasons prior to that. All round good guy and a huge part in building to our league success. Wish him all the best for the future.