Bazzo wrote: Masterson, McKeon, O'Brien, Butler, Connolly, Copeland, Boyle all senior now I believe and Gallagher more than able to cover 6 if necessary. Masterson II I'd imagine will be seeing some senior rugby this year too. I'd say they're slimming the squad down this year and hoping to use the academy a bit more, it was probably slightly oversized last year and with the failure to make Heineken cup again I'd say the IRFU are less willing to stretch the budget for a couple extra squad players.

Was it not smaller last year than the last couple of years? You might be onto something all the same, maybe need to qualify for Heineken again to earn further signings.

Also, is there nothing to be said for Leader at 13? There are a few other fb options and he has the strength and distributing skills to be an option if developed imo.

At this stage I'd say the odds are rapidly declining of it happening. Lots of versatile senior front rows and I'd imagine an academy player will be named for the last European spot (even though you can add academy players more easily.

Loosehead: Buckley, McCabe, O'Donnell, Robertson-McCow, Bealham, McCartney

Hooker: McCartney, Delahunt, Heffernan, Murphy

Tighthead: Bealham, Carey, Robertson-McCoy, O'Donnell

Even though it's only 10 players every position has at least 4 options because of versatility. Of course when a huge injury crisis strikes we are screwed.

A LH is still very very needed anyway

Masterson, McKeon, O'Brien, Butler, Connolly, Copeland, Boyle all senior now I believe and Gallagher more than able to cover 6 if necessary. Masterson II I'd imagine will be seeing some senior rugby this year too. I'd say they're slimming the squad down this year and hoping to use the academy a bit more, it was probably slightly oversized last year and with the failure to make Heineken cup again I'd say the IRFU are less willing to stretch the budget for a couple extra squad players.

I was thinking with Claffey and Gallagher getting promoted and the signing of that guy from Leicester would we be looking at Dillane playing a bit at 6 ?
We have lost Mul, Heenan and Dawai and only gained 1 in Copeland in the back row. It leaves us a bit short with only Boyle and Masterson junior to call up.
With the news that Connors is in pre season with Leinster maybe there is room for a niq back row spot but it's late to shopping for a decent replacement. If so I'm sure Friend knows a few guys.

www.ultimaterugby.com/news/saturday-supe...op-performers/607049

Muller wrote: I agree but it might be nice just to at least send the invite.

Completely agree.It would be great to have him there.

I agree but it might be nice just to at least send the invite.

Muller wrote: Quick question, has there been any request for the new coach to attend the AGM? Could be a nice way for Andy to meet the Clan and maybe this could get the relationship off to a good start?

I see from the world of Twitter that he is on his way to Galway. He seems good at interacting with people on social media which is a change from previous Coaches. That is all fine during the Honeymoon Period.

Quick question, has there been any request for the new coach to attend the AGM? Could be a nice way for Andy to meet the Clan and maybe this could get the relationship off to a good start?

Just a change to that, I'd have Griffin as 13 as last choice in all those.
His performances weren't great last season and for me he's lost the pace that made him dangerous, I wouldn't be surprised to see him more as a 12 this year

Aki/Farrell
Aki/Godwin
Godwin/Farrell
Robb/Godwin
Ronaldson/Godwin
Robb/Farrell
Ronaldson/Farrell
Godwin/Griffin

So, in the picking order you'd placed the pairings like this

Aki/Farrell
Aki/Godwin
Godwin/Farrell
Godwin/Griffin
Robb/Godwin
Ronaldson/Godwin
Robb/Farrell
Ronaldson/Farrell

Leader and Horwitz as emergency covers

Mark Mostyn wrote:
Godwin has played plenty of 13, I'm sure Salmson will pop along with the stats at some stage.

He played most of Super Rugby 2015 at 13 (12 of 16 starts) and also had (just) 2 national championship starts there over 4 seasons. Looks like he's very much like Bundee: a specialist 12 who can cover 13.

Looking at the Irish Lions tourists - who were fit, so Stander and Furlong, not Henshaw - over the course of last season, we can expect Bundee to be available for about 15 games, fitness permitting. So we need a second starting 12 and that's where Godwin fits in. I noted that Farrell was moved back to 13 for the Leinster match and I expect him to be first choice there next term.

connemara man wrote: Connacht 12s for next season
Farrell/Bundee
Godwin
Robb
Ronaldson
Horwitz

Connacht 13s
Bundee/Farrell
Griffin

Godwin has played plenty of 13, I'm sure Salmson will pop along with the stats at some stage.

Connacht 12s for next season
Farrell/Bundee
Godwin
Robb
Ronaldson
Horwitz

Connacht 13s
Bundee/Farrell
Griffin

Well Bundee will train and play 12 half of the season at least (with Ireland). Time to reconsider where he plays with us.

Problem is Godwin and Farrell played 12 too for now because it's easier to defend. One of them has to be moved to 13
Neither Robb or Ronaldson can be.