Marshall looked good when he came on tonight. Strange game, but liked the look of him.

overstrander wrote: Ben Marshall's signing has just been confirmed.

And he has been named on the bench for Ireland vs the Barbarians tomorrow evening, so that'll add some interest from a Connacht perspective.

I wonder does nucifora see him as more a 6 than a lock. Mul won't be able to keep up his current level of game time for much longer and we've nobody else here other than Browne. Several 6's ahead of him in Leinster Ruddock McLaughlin sometimes jordi sometimes Ryan.

Delighted to get Marshall, His a good lad and always gives 100%, Yes he could put on a bit of weight. His got good hands and gets around the pitch very well.
Hopefully he turns out as good as Roux and Cooney.
Great to see a lad making the jump and testing himself elsewhere.
Makes you wonder how Dominic Ryan would have got on elsewhere. His had an awful year and is stale. He used to have a great spark and workrate but he needs to move.

I always liked the cut of his jib, this could be a good signing, depending of course on whether he can stay fit (like any player). Probably needs to gain a stone at least. While he hasn't a lot of senior Leinster experience behind him he has enough that he should be capable of hitting the ground running and making a positive contribution from the start.

Qualter... seems unlikely at this stage but would love to see him work out at Connacht, physically he's everything that we need in the second row. But even allowing for Roux's breakout season there was still plenty of gametime available and Qualter never looked like breaking into the team (to the point where Dillane obviously jumped ahead of him).

Ben Marshall's signing has just been confirmed.

Ben Marshall would be a very good signing in the 2nd row from what I've seen of him. Qualter and Cooney really just there to pad out the squad. Had good hopes for Cooney a couple of years back but hasn't really pushed on. Still just 25 though so maybe can play a part yet. Heffernan is a good player around the pitch but his inconsistency at lineout time will probably count against him I'd imagine. O'Leary I've only seen on a couple of occasions but expect to see more of him next season, could prove to be a good capture under the radar.

sparking wrote: They've edited the Press Release and taken Ben Marshall's name out of it.
Bunch of clowns.

That explains why when I did a countvback there was one less than I had thought :silly:

If we had 41 last year I'd hope for at least 2 more in and then space for someone from the academy/coming in post world cup

MOC's parting gift?

so what is this all about Ben Marshall, seen him play a few times, a good option to have in the squad if it's true

They've edited the Press Release and taken Ben Marshall's name out of it.
Bunch of clowns.

Accidentally Onside wrote: think we had 38 last year wasn't it? Though that was bolstered later in the year with academy guys coming in. Article says recruitment is ongoing but still a bit of worry there.

We had 41 in the senior squad last year (i.e. not counting Masterson, Blade, Connolly etc. who played in the first XV but were still in the academy). So we have a smaller squad than last year unless we sign a few more players.

That's what I thought....wonder if Ben knows yet :lol:

Can't say I know much about him- anyone got any opinions on him? 6'5 122kg with nearly 20 caps for Leinster so stats aren't too bad.

Edit: initial count puts the squad at 37.....think we had 38 last year wasn't it? Though that was bolstered later in the year with academy guys coming in. Article says recruitment is ongoing but still a bit of worry there.

2nd edit: as I can't count

swift4prez wrote: No. Not even in the statement but added to the updated squad list.

Fionn Carr and Conor Finn also in the updated squad but no mention of them elsewhere.

No. Not even in the statement but added to the updated squad list.

swift4prez wrote: Forwards Dave Heffernan, Danny Qualter, JP Cooney and versatile back Shane O’Leary have become the latest players to sign new one-year contract extensions with Connacht Rugby and the IRFU.

Ben Marshall also signed for second row

Spotted Ben Marshall in the squad list.......was that every announced? Don't remember hearing that anywhere