ConnachtCows wrote: I was listening to Willie on Newstalk on Monday night, and what I took from his conversation was as follows

They want a coach who plays the right style
They want a coach who understands Connacht
They want an Irish coach

Sometimes it's not possible to get all 3, and in that case, a coach playing the right style, and understands Connacht are more important that the nationality

Yeah was listening to Podcast today, jaysus poor little auld Eddie O'Sullivan what did he ever do wrong? Nearly brought me to tears, his pity fest....

Couldn't resist pitching himself of course, 25 miles from Galway, for donkeys years blah, blah.
Strange how the Newstalk crew never brought up his disastrous recent tenure at Biarritz Olympique, and whether it may have been a nail in the coffin of his coaching career...?

Obviously I'm sad to see Pat Lam moving on. It was going to happen eventually but I thought we had him for a while longer. I can understand though if the money being mentioned is accurate. That kind of money is hard to turn away from and I don't begrudge him that.

As for a replacement, I also would rather not have ROG as I don't see what experience he would bring to the table. I doubt we would get him for anything other than head-coach and he's not been tested in that role yet. For Jackman he's got the style aspect down but would he accept the "status quo" given that he grew up with it?

My preference would be Carolan to come into a senior role, perhaps getting Elwood involved again, along with a coach without any vested interest in the IRFU. But look I'm sure the PGB are going through all of these iterations and more right now. They found Pat, so I'm hopeful that they can do it again.

This Suasua lad sounds very like Mark Anscombe prior to arrival at Ulster, and that didn't work out. He'd be a huge step down in terms of experience level when compared to Pat when he took over. You'd really need Super rugby at a minimum to be worth considering, NPC the teams meet up in July and disband three months later.

As to keeping Carolan with the academy, that's not a valid argument. If he wants the top job and he's told he has to stay where he is because the academy is so important, what's to stop him leaving for fresh pastures? Just as access to the international team is key to recruiting & keeping players, the coaches need to know there's a progression pathway. If you look at our indigenous coaches, Duffy, MCPhilips and Carolan are streets ahead of the likes of Cullen, Doak, Dempsey and so on; if we want to keep them they need to know that there is career progression at Connacht if they're going to stay.

www.sportsjoe.ie/rugby/pat-lam-bristol-connacht/105448

Lam explaining the decision a little bit more

Connacht Abú wrote: What about Counties Manukau coach Darryl Suasua, from what I saw in Mitre Cup they play some great rugby. He'd be a bit of a gamble but playing style would continue. I'm surprised the bookies or media aren't tipping Rob Penny also.

I think somebody like this is exactly who we should be looking for (Suasua, Penny would be after too many pennies :pinch: ), a Kiwi with a record for success at NPC level, as they tick a whole load load of boxes for us: skills focused, similar playing style, no "development province" baggage, good knowledge of the up-and-coming/overlooked players in NZ as that is where we need to be looking for value recruitment.

Someone like ROG is the worst case scenario for me: living off reputation as a player, would see Connacht as a stepping stone to one of the other provinces and, steeped in the outdated Irish rugby mentality. If we're going Irish it's Carolan or no one as far as I'm concerned, and wouldn't be too keen on Carolan getting it either as (selfishly) want to see him kept with the academy.

What about Counties Manukau coach Darryl Suasua, from what I saw in Mitre Cup they play some great rugby. He'd be a bit of a gamble but playing style would continue. I'm surprised the bookies or media aren't tipping Rob Penny also.

I was listening to same interview and my interpretation was they would like an Irish coach but he needs to tick the boxes as mentioned in relation to experience amd style and brand. From my point of view I felt he was as good as ruling out any Irish coach.

I was listening to Willie on Newstalk on Monday night, and what I took from his conversation was as follows

They want a coach who plays the right style
They want a coach who understands Connacht
They want an Irish coach

Sometimes it's not possible to get all 3, and in that case, a coach playing the right style, and understands Connacht are more important that the nationality

Wouldn't agree with all of that but would be sceptical. Bundee will be on a decent sum and if as rumoured that irfu are covering 40% of that cost, it may have a slight impact.

Of more concern is from newstalk earlier this morning. They stated that Willie has said ideally he'd like an Irish head coach. I see irfu imprint there.


Actually. Maybe I do agree with you.

Very pessimistic and hope the lads are tight enough to not let it hinder performance this weekend.

I think we'll be limited in our options budget wise. IRFU allowed us dig deep for Bundi and Ultan. Pat wasn't on huge money so it's hard to see much additional funding being offered. Just my 2c view.

I like the idea of McKenzie; but I think if Lancaster's wants it, it would be hard not to offer it. He denied any rumours about Bristol, definitely not in the hunt, but refused to comment on Connacht. He has a major impact on Leinster so far this year...it sure ain't down to Leo.

On the face of it Ewen McKenzie looks like he'd be a great choice. Worked wonders at the Queensland Reds taking them from bottom 5 to 5th place 1st year & champions the following year beating the Crusaders in the final playing beautiful attacking rugby that was not only good to watch but effective.
1st year of the Australia job he introduced a lot of new caps at the expense of established front line players and they were well beaten by NZ & SA. 2nd year was definitely an improvement and lots of reasons for optomism but then he handed in his resignation before the last game due to all the off field crap with Kurtley Beale & the Aus business manager which saw a split among the players.
This would be the only possible doubt for me. A head coach has to have the respect of everyone in the organisation. If you have a CEO or several of your best players pulling against you then you're in trouble. I have no idea of the rights and wrongs of this particular situation but the fact that he wasn't tuned in enough to hear the early rumblings and sort it before it got out of hand would be a worry if he was Connacht coach. The PGB & IRFU have to get this one spot on first time to carry on the great work of Michael Bradley, Eric & Pat or else thigs will start to go backwards.

McCall could care about being Ireland coach in 2019, then 2 years back in the country, to prove his real value with a low budget skillful squad, would be the correct call. Could assist Joe before RWC as special advisor in the meantime too. I know chances are slim but not ridiculous.

He was an important part of Sarries from trying to "buy success" and end defeated in SF, to Sarries winning everything.

I really think we need to go with s New Zealand coach as our first option

We can use Pat as our poster boy.
Have 3 good years with us and it will open the door to the big bucks in the UK.

I think it maybe a bit early for Nigel, look at axel and Leo worked out initially lets not make the Same mistake as them. I think he should be included on the ticket and take over in 3 years time learning from the new coach.

The advantage of the New Zealand coach he should be able to sign similar bargains like bundi, Jake, Tom, Fox etc. Could a NH coach get do that? I think not. we need similar signings because we will lose all of those guys with our budget.

Another option if the above does not work out is Ewen McKenzie,(think big and I think Nigel could learn loads from him) I have not heard him being mentioned yet but he should be able to attract bigger signings and maybe keep our own big guns. He may also be able to sign Australian bargains which we will need if we are to move to the next level

being reported that he had an escape clause in his contract which was 6 months notice which is the reason they are giving for the timing, sounds like sugar coating to me.

Tana Umaga anyone?

Benji wrote: ....As for Bundi and Dillane this happens all the time and they are professionals

That's true but the goalposts have been moved suddenly and probably significantly too.