Craic Head wrote: Of course the money was better in Northampton, but I also think that it is the desire to win a big trophy that lures people like JJ away. They are Prem champions, Amlin champs, not going to be far away from retaining the title again in England, he will be playing with some top players etc. top money and in a top team that will be in with a chance of winning the Heino for a few years is a big draw.

But if youre only a bit part player and they win some trophies what does that mean to you, if youre not part of the match day squad on a regular basis then a winners medal means nothing. Coming on as a sub in 4 or 5 games in the prem may entitle you to a medal but if youre not an integral part of the team they are IMO meaningless tokens.

He is recovering from a neck injury but axle is optimistic of a full recovery in time for next season. Afaik he isn't contracted but there is an understanding. Need two centres now though.

As a matter of interest what happening with the Kiwi Munster signed Bydenhal or something. Is he still coming?

Of course the money was better in Northampton, but I also think that it is the desire to win a big trophy that lures people like JJ away. They are Prem champions, Amlin champs, not going to be far away from retaining the title again in England, he will be playing with some top players etc. top money and in a top team that will be in with a chance of winning the Heino for a few years is a big draw.

I guess they had to make a call on whether it was worth matching the Northampton offer based on his potential, let's face it Northampton and a lot of the other English clubs can afford to take a punt on a guy like JJ. I think there's a lot of anger against Foley and the IRFU for letting this happen. Will this weaken Munster next season, I seriously doubt it. At least some of the other provinces are getting a taste of what Connacht went through losing players, in fact it was worse for us as the players we lost actually had a negative impact on the team.

I can remember was it 2 season ago the Munster players getting booed off the pitch, they have high standards of their players

salmson wrote:
BTW I doubt Connacht could even look at him for the money being talked about.

To this point it might have come down to how the IRFU rate JJ and how badly they wanted to keep him in Ireland. Nikora's contract is up at the end of the season and he is proving to be a bit injury prone. I've probably heard more about JJ's potential than seen his actual play at 10, but feel confident enough to say he is ahead of Carty in development so Connacht could have been an option for him. Maybe he's not worth the money to keep on the island especially over the next two years but personally I'm not confident in Sexton's replacement at present so someone with Hanrahan's potential shouldn't be let go too easily.

Reason I said it's about the money is that he is facing the exact same position there as at munster. Established players in Meyler, burrell and foden playing very well and not overly burdened by international duty ahead of him in all 3 of his positions. In fact he arguably has an easier chance of establishing himself at munster.
I've seen a few comments since speculating that he is the player foley slated in that leaked email at start of season. If true damage was likely done then as JJ seemingly has a big ego and a sensitive disposition.

rossie wrote: Just heard it there. Disappointed but thems the breaks. I wonder if connacht were interested and made an offer? He won't play any more there than he does here with myler, burrell and foden ahead of him in the 3 positions he can play. Obviously about the money.

Think that's a bit harsh. I'm sure if he was Munster's starting 10 or if he had the remotest chance of international recognition (he's currently 5th choice for Ireland after Sexton, Madigan, Keatley, and PJ, and would be 6th if an Irish flyhalf established themselves at Connacht) he would have stayed.

All else being equal* (not a starter, no international caps, status of province/club) why not take the bigger money?

*and ignoring how he perceives how Malinder and Foley rate him.

BTW I doubt Connacht could even look at him for the money being talked about.

If I remember rightly dan wasn't the answer for many on here either. Reality is good 10s who can kick points don't come cheap. Time will tell whether JJ becomes a top 10 but he has shown enough to say he is a good 10 and a consistent kicker. I think his kicking percentage last season was around 85% and he played a lot. I think that he has been impatient and immature in this decision. I hope it works out for him but fear that his career could go the way of Jeremy Staunton or Shane Geraghty both of whom chased the money too early in their careers and became journey men 10s.

I don't think JJ is the finished article or the answer at 10, I think we can do better although not in Ireland, seems to be plenty of decent 10's plying their trade in the Guinness Premiership, got to be a Dan Parks type out there somewhere.

You have two young irish 10s on the books but are either at JJ s level in terms of ability from tee or general play. Going by comments here the answer is no. Connacht currently can't afford the finished article as you put it.

rossie wrote: Just heard it there. Disappointed but thems the breaks. I wonder if connacht were interested and made an offer? He won't play any more there than he does here with myler, burrell and foden ahead of him in the 3 positions he can play. Obviously about the money.

If Northampton keep the current No 10's in myler, foden, hooley, along with the raft of centres, it is hard to see where Hanrahan fits in.

This could turn out like Eoin Griffin's move to London Irish, 2 starts and 1 Sub. Total of 197 mins.
www.london-irish.com/h/players/eoin-griffin/s46621/

rossie wrote: Just heard it there. Disappointed but thems the breaks. I wonder if connacht were interested and made an offer? He won't play any more there than he does here with myler, burrell and foden ahead of him in the 3 positions he can play. Obviously about the money.

JJ is certainly talented but nowhere near the finished article, we already have a young Irish outhalf on the books that fits that description so I doubt we would have been in for him. I can see why Munster fans are disappointed though. Best of luck to him, it could be the making of him.

Just heard it there. Disappointed but thems the breaks. I wonder if connacht were interested and made an offer? He won't play any more there than he does here with myler, burrell and foden ahead of him in the 3 positions he can play. Obviously about the money.

JJ Hanrahan to Northampton confirmed by Munster

Gopperth to wasps confirmed.

Keatley signs on for 2 more years at munster. Munster Back rows jack o donohue and Buckley re sign as does centre cian Bohane.