I'm glad that Lam is putting a big onus on skills it's something that needs to be prioritized and can only reap dividends. My concern about giving everyone a run out is that come the first game of the season the first XV won't have played together meaning it could take a few games for them to re-click. You add in the new guys that will have to be integrated into the team and it could be a hard first few games for us.

Interesting piece, It's clear everyone will get a chance with the academy players included in Pre Season, even with Academy i didnt think we had 60 players though

clanman wrote: as far as I know Tonetti is taking a full part in pre-season training

www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugby/lam-ge...w-season-235154.html

Tonetti and McSharry not expected back until October/November.

as far as I know Tonetti is taking a full part in pre-season training

Anybody knows if Kyle Tonetti is fully fit?

Danny Barnes could be in the opposition. Would be a match I'd like to see.

Pat Lam's old club, must have arranged it with some of his old mates.

Head of Strength & Conditioning Tom McLaughlin told about a 3rd friendly match against Newcastle
in England
www.connachtrugby.ie/2013062083350/pre-s...sthash.EZ8ywPfA.dpuf

Nolan is currently training with the squad

I know that what I meant is he on a development contract or is a trial etc

Nolan is currently training with the squad

We've seen the lads preseason training so was wondering would the new academy boys be in the set-up at this stage? Would we know who we have? Also anyone have any new info on Dave Nolan?

Borders no.2 wrote: Imagine a draw of Toulon, Leicester and Castres next Wednesday!

Perish the thought Borders No 2. (I note the unsure face)

As much as I would love to see the H Cup, Eng Prem and Super 14 Champions in the Sportsground, I would much prefer us to have a reasonable chance of winning a few games in our Pool. Two away trips to France would also be a difficult one to swallow financially for the Clan.

Give me Clermont, Cardiff and Exeter with a reasonable chance of a 2nd place finish. :woohoo:

First game in charge for Pat Lam away to the French Top 14 Champions Congrats to Castres. Nice to see them edge out Toulon. They had to do it the hard way in the play offs beating Montpellier, Clermont and Toulon.

Its a scary thought that they are 4th seeds if they take the HC seriously next season.

Imagine a draw of Toulon, Leicester and Castres next Wednesday!

Am I the only one who wants a third game against a lesser opposition? Such as say Rotterham Titans or some newly promoted side? I want this for a few reasons. Firstly its a good opportunity to give some of the younger guys a chance and secondly it will give Lam 3 games to see/experiment with who/how he wants to play. We could have a team like this out:

1. Buckley
2. Harris-Wright
3. White
4. Clarke
5. Muldowney
6. Muldoon
7. Faloon
8. Naopou

9. Marcus Walsh
10. Jack Carty
11. David Panter
12. Darragh Leader
13. Mark Roche
14. Conor Finn
15. Shane Layden

This would let us see what our academy backs are like behind our strongest pack, giving them a proper platform to show us what they could do so we could see who is ready to step up. We could have the likes of Paratta and Blade on the bench as well to spring into action. We could also keep the other 2 games for the established players to get gametime with a sprinkling of the academy forwards like Heffernan and O'Brien getting some gametime also.

Hopefully Wasps don't try to steal Willie Faloon, they have previous! Rest him!

Two good games. Wasps still a big name with plenty of Connacht connections previously so good to see them in Galway.

As Phatguerilla says thankfully no game against Harlequins, nothing against them but I don't think I would even go if we were playing them in a friendly, bit of overkill at this stage.