whats the story with Frawley - any chance he is up for grabs?

IMO:

Hugo Keenan - very skilled footballer, quick, elusive runner, nice hands, good open field tackler. Looked good against the Ospreys but had an armchair ride. Could be a replacement for Rory Scholes, covering wing and fullback.

Conor O’Brien - looks to have potential, very powerful guy. Ability to cover 12 and 13, could be an upgrade on Robb or Griffin.

Jimmy O’Brien - another naturally talented footballer, very impressive at 20s and 7s levels but not much of a body of work in pro 15s. Could play a similar role to Ronaldson, a 12 who can cover 10 in a pinch.

Jack Kelly - hugely hyped coming out of school but hasn’t shown much since.

Ed Byrne - very good player, would easily be 2nd choice loosehead here. Both twins seem to love Leinster and love playing together, can’t see either leaving.

Bryan Byrne - also a very good player but I don’t see a huge need for a new hooker.

Mick Kearney - has regressed at Leinster but a good player when in form. Don’t see any real need for a signing at lock.

Noel Reid - better player than he’s given credit for, would prefer to have him over Ronaldson given their respective injury records. That said, wouldn’t be hugely keen for us to sign him at 29 years old.

Adam Byrne - offers something completely different to all our current wingers, would give Jack a kicking option he does not currently have. Defence is poor but I think he’d round out our back 3 stocks nicely and allow for more “horses for courses” selections.

Am I mistaken or has Ed Byrne been preferred to Dooley mostly over the past year or so?

I don't think there's really a need for another hooker.

Mark Mostyn wrote: All 4 year 3 academy players featured for Leinster tonight. Due to the stacked nature of Leinster’s squad all 4 are potential signings for us. Of them, I thought Hugo Keenan was very sharp at fullback. With Reece and Scholes out of the picture there is probably room in the squad for a back three player.

From tonight’s team, the Byrne brothers, Mick Kearney, Noel Reid, and Adam Byrne are all likely out of contract at the end of the season.

Keenan - would add to the squad
Byrne brothers are good and give us a bit of depth esp at lh
Kearney and Reid would add nothing to our squad
Adam Byrne hadn’t realized his potential and would add to the depth

All 4 year 3 academy players featured for Leinster tonight. Due to the stacked nature of Leinster’s squad all 4 are potential signings for us. Of them, I thought Hugo Keenan was very sharp at fullback. With Reece and Scholes out of the picture there is probably room in the squad for a back three player.

From tonight’s team, the Byrne brothers, Mick Kearney, Noel Reid, and Adam Byrne are all likely out of contract at the end of the season.

Or is he playing next week mmmmm?

He definitely travelled as he was in some of the training pics this week.

No Copeland in the 23 this weekend.
Is he injured or cannot make it?

Great stuff, looks a smashing player. We’re absolutely stacked at back row.

Apologies if this has already been posted


Paul Boyle graduates from Connacht Academy to sign first professional contract

Connacht Rugby are delighted to announce that back row Paul Boyle has signed his first professional contract with the province. The contract will keep the 21 year old at the Sportsground up to the end of the 2020-21 season.

Boyle made his Connacht debut away to Munster last season and has gone on to make seven further appearance in the Connacht jersey so far this season.

Originally from Gorey in Co Wexford, he previously captained the Ireland Under 20’s side at the World Rugby Championship. He has been part of the Connacht Academy since 2017.

Announcing the contract signing, Connacht Head Coach Andy Friend said: “Paul Boyle has impressed me hugely this season. He is a big powerful player who shows real maturity both in how he plays the game and how he conducts himself off the field. He will be an important player for us in the coming seasons.”

Following his contract signing, Paul Boyle added: “I am hugely proud to graduate form the Connacht Academy and sign my first professional contract with the province. I have enjoyed the season so far and have been privileged to get the opportunity to contribute when called on. It is an exciting time to be part of the Connacht squad and we extremely ambitious about what we can achieve in the seasons ahead.”

Bundee Aki will go to New Zealand to get married after beating All Blacks being reported in the 42 . Not back till middle of December. Would probably have being managed anyways from a game end of it ! It’s the not training with the squad which will be slightly concerning!

salmson wrote:

Mark Mostyn wrote: We have 5 scrumhalf options, we’ll be fine.

With Marmion and McKeon out for the foreseeable, and two 9s in the academy, I make that 4 options. Unless we've signed someone already?

The McKeon injury slipped by me. Looking a bit thin alright. A lot depends on whether the coaches feel Kerins is a potential first team player, not a lot to suggest that they do.

Awful pity for Marmion but always felt Mitchell never got a fair shake- perfect chance for him to really step up and make a name for himself.

He may well have done RonanL, and maybe Chris Keane or even Robbie McGrath migt still be able to do a job too!

salmson wrote:

Mark Mostyn wrote: We have 5 scrumhalf options, we’ll be fine.

With Marmion and McKeon out for the foreseeable, and two 9s in the academy, I make that 4 options. Unless we've signed someone already?

Didn't Matt Healy keep Murray out of the Ireland U20's team back in the day?!

Mark Mostyn wrote: We have 5 scrumhalf options, we’ll be fine.

With Marmion and McKeon out for the foreseeable, and two 9s in the academy, I make that 4 options. Unless we've signed someone already?