Big D.P. wrote: I think a sense of realism is required. Despite the wonderful Pro12 win last season we're still not a big budget outfit, and don't generate the cashflows to allow us afford those high profile head coaches.

I think someone slightly under the radar who'd be affordable but more importantly has scope and a point to prove might fit the bill better.

EOS is local, and is a good coach. His historical soundbites in the media aren't great but that's not a critical issue surely?

Not sure how well the players would adjust going from Lam, who by all accounts is charismatic very well liked by everybody, to EOS who has a reputation for being quite abrasive and supposedly can be tough to get on with at times.

Porterbelly wrote:

connachta wrote: In theory IRFU can't force us to take anyone..
Let's just hope Willie Ruane has a surprise guest in his pocket.
Even some are unlikely/not desired by some, those names are still available this summer.

Mark McCall
Saracencs Irish head coach, out of contract after a renewal in 2014

Sean Holley
Approached in 2013, ex Ospreys and Bristol successful coach

Jack White
Released by Montpellier this spring

Mike Ruddock
Ex Wales and Ireland U20 coach

Jason Holland
Hurricanes assistant coach, Irish head coach of the New Zealand Schools side

Rob Penney
Ex Munster, Canterbury coach

Andy Farrell
Defence coach for the 2013 Lions tour to Australia, contracted with IRFU until RWC.

Jeremy Davidson
Aurillac coach, great balence of play, but contracted until 2022 in theory

It's none of the above

Rumour on Planet rugby which Porter is aware of that an Aussie Coach expected to be announced by end of month.

connachta wrote: In theory IRFU can't force us to take anyone..
Let's just hope Willie Ruane has a surprise guest in his pocket.
Even some are unlikely/not desired by some, those names are still available this summer.

Mark McCall
Saracencs Irish head coach, out of contract after a renewal in 2014

Sean Holley
Approached in 2013, ex Ospreys and Bristol successful coach

Jack White
Released by Montpellier this spring

Mike Ruddock
Ex Wales and Ireland U20 coach

Jason Holland
Hurricanes assistant coach, Irish head coach of the New Zealand Schools side

Rob Penney
Ex Munster, Canterbury coach

Andy Farrell
Defence coach for the 2013 Lions tour to Australia, contracted with IRFU until RWC.

Jeremy Davidson
Aurillac coach, great balence of play, but contracted until 2022 in theory

It's none of the above

I think a sense of realism is required. Despite the wonderful Pro12 win last season we're still not a big budget outfit, and don't generate the cashflows to allow us afford those high profile head coaches.

I think someone slightly under the radar who'd be affordable but more importantly has scope and a point to prove might fit the bill better.

EOS is local, and is a good coach. His historical soundbites in the media aren't great but that's not a critical issue surely?

Entering the commercially most important part of the season with ST renewals in 2-3 weeks so you'd surely expect any big coaching/ signing announcements to happen then.

In theory IRFU can't force us to take anyone..
Let's just hope Willie Ruane has a surprise guest in his pocket.
Even some are unlikely/not desired by some, those names are still available this summer.

Mark McCall
Saracencs Irish head coach, out of contract after a renewal in 2014

Sean Holley
Approached in 2013, ex Ospreys and Bristol successful coach

Jack White
Released by Montpellier this spring

Mike Ruddock
Ex Wales and Ireland U20 coach

Jason Holland
Hurricanes assistant coach, Irish head coach of the New Zealand Schools side

Rob Penney
Ex Munster, Canterbury coach

Andy Farrell
Defence coach for the 2013 Lions tour to Australia, contracted with IRFU until RWC.

Jeremy Davidson
Aurillac coach, great balence of play, but contracted until 2022 in theory

Also agree with borders No.2 we need someone here for the preseason, and players joining before the preseason.. With the lions tour it would give us a great shot at getting crucial points at the start of the season .. Just like last year when teams were weakened at the World Cup

www.ulsterrugby.com/news/15731#.WKGJzyS6CnM

It's official Gibbes joins Ulster, Kiss stays too..
Very disappointing the irfu aren't giving this kind of support to Connacht.
I'm worried that Doaks availability is there, if Ulster don't want him why should we be forced to have him..
Ulster have Kiss and Gibbes
Leinster have Lancaster and Cullen (and a lot more behind the scenes)
Munster have Rassie and a lot more in the pipeline..
Connacht have nobody and Jimmy Duffy who's ruled himself out..
Just shows even after winning the pro12 the respect isn't there from the irfu.. In the past few weeks clubs have been announcing new players and coaches .. Connacht announced the shock departure of their coach, and the signing on of 2 players.. No new players, no rumours of new players and every coach linked to the job says they don't want it.. Not good

My heart did sink slightly this morning reading this. Would have been a great call but looking at Ulster this season they badly need a proper coach and someone who can make a few additions up from and turn their pack into a coherent unit.

From our viewpoint I'm sure there's a lot of work going on behind the scenes but would be nice to see some movement now. Next season is after a Lions Tour and like with 15/16 I think there may be the potential for us to make a fast start again provided there is a chance for us to get settled in pre-season.

Absolutely and we could do with a loose head too. It is very frustrating but I'm sure the branch are doing their best aided or unaided by the IRFU. It's mid February now things need to be moving.

With Gibbes now set for Ulster, no coaching staff other than Jimmy Duffy in place for next season when are we going to hear something from the monastic Willie Ruane. Time we started making some announcements!

I swear I'm going to organise a march on Connacht branch then the IRFU if we end up with Doak or Clarke as head coach.

I know that Ulster fans can be a wee bit negative but they really have a negative outlook regarding them. From general play right down to academy players getting shots

Gibbes would be taking over Doaks job, Kiss still DoR

Don't know if I'd blame IRFU for Gibbes deciding to go North rather than West- but he is definitely the caliber of Coach we should be chasing

connemara man wrote: Gibbes on the way to Ulster apparently

www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/irish-sport/u...head-coach-n87zppm6s

Disappointed to say the least that he is not coming our way! Can't help but feel we are very much the poor relation again - assume this is an IRFU call(if true). IMO we need a coach of this calibre/potential if we are to progress.

If this is true where does Les Kiss go?

Gibbes on the way to Ulster apparently

www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/irish-sport/u...head-coach-n87zppm6s

Wonder would EOS entertain taking the job now knowing he was 5th-6th choice?