overstrander wrote: I know everyone disagrees with me but I think Flavin has been Connacht's best hooker for the last 10 years. Did everything solidly without being spectacular. Never a big fan of hookers who couldn't throw...

au contraire: +1 on that.

I know everyone disagrees with me but I think Flavin has been Connacht's best hooker for the last 10 years. Did everything solidly without being spectacular. Never a big fan of hookers who couldn't throw...

i just remember him for that missed tackle on may at kingsholm with connacht in a winning position. it wasnt missing it so much as the effort to make the tackle considering the potential significance of the tackle that sticks in my mind.

barry o mahoney has been doing well there at A level for munster but is quite small and light. a real traditional style 7 though aparantly

Munster have offered him a contract he hasn't signed it but it's more a case of when not if.

You'd also imagine that if Rael is confirmed that's Flavin leaving us be it through retirement or being released. Always thought he was a great player for us never set the world alight but honest as the day was long.

conor gilsenen played 7 for leinster A v munster in Ul the other day and by all accounts was their best player on the day. hes well down pecking order at leinster. also van der flier played well there for 20s but might be a bit underdeveloped yet. barry o mahoney has been doing well there at A level for munster but is quite small and light. a real traditional style 7 though aparantly.
13 is a problem everywhere. it will be interesting to see if dineen gets nod there over casey for munster at weekend.

mary hinge wrote: I still think Grace can do a job for us at 7

Grace has signed for Plymouth Albion

I still think Grace can do a job for us at 7. Stringer must be the key target now. We need someone of quality to rotate with Marmion. Murphy is shot, O'Donohue is a journeyman's journeyman at best, and Moore is on his way.

its_phil wrote:

connachtexile wrote: Rumour going around at Munster is Stringer might retire at the end of next season. Can't see it myself but thought I'd mention it.

Was talking about Isa Nacewa with a friend of mine and Charles Piutau's name came up as a kick ass replacement for him as he can play 11,12, 14 & 15 but why don't we try and steal him if Vainikolo is going? He plays for the Blue's couldn't Lam have a chat with him and bring him up here for a year or two?

We don't need an NIQ to cover 11, 14 and 15. We have plenty of options in those positions. A top quality NIQ hooker, not that JHW hasn't been great, would be the best use of that kinda money and spot.

If we get James Rael we will have 4 hookers on senior. squad (JHW Heffernan Henry). My money would be on a NIQ 13 (unless Robbie is moved into that spot) or a 7.

connachtexile wrote: Rumour going around at Munster is Stringer might retire at the end of next season. Can't see it myself but thought I'd mention it.

Was talking about Isa Nacewa with a friend of mine and Charles Piutau's name came up as a kick ass replacement for him as he can play 11,12, 14 & 15 but why don't we try and steal him if Vainikolo is going? He plays for the Blue's couldn't Lam have a chat with him and bring him up here for a year or two?

We don't need an NIQ to cover 11, 14 and 15. We have plenty of options in those positions. A top quality NIQ hooker, not that JHW hasn't been great, would be the best use of that kinda money and spot.

Rumour going around at Munster is Stringer might retire at the end of next season. Can't see it myself but thought I'd mention it.

Was talking about Isa Nacewa with a friend of mine and Charles Piutau's name came up as a kick ass replacement for him as he can play 11,12, 14 & 15 but why don't we try and steal him if Vainikolo is going? He plays for the Blue's couldn't Lam have a chat with him and bring him up here for a year or two?

salmson wrote:

rossie wrote: or defence!

or skills coaching, or working with an academy.

Come to think of it, it's a wonder more scrum halves don't become forwards coaches, I mean Stringer's been ordering forwards round (and all but dragging them into position by the ear if they don't pay attention) for a decade and a half now

Agree re Strings influence on pack. Reminds me of my favorite tv programe growing up ................One Man and His Dog!

salmson wrote:

rossie wrote: or defence!

or skills coaching, or working with an academy.

Come to think of it, it's a wonder more scrum halves don't become forwards coaches, I mean Stringer's been ordering forwards round (and all but dragging them into position by the ear if they don't pay attention) for a decade and a half now

and with great results! no place to hide when peter is behind a pack.

rossie wrote: or defence!

or skills coaching, or working with an academy.

Come to think of it, it's a wonder more scrum halves don't become forwards coaches, I mean Stringer's been ordering forwards round (and all but dragging them into position by the ear if they don't pay attention) for a decade and a half now

or defence!

mary hinge wrote: Any update on Stringer's signing yet?

Bath rugby have announced extension of Stringers loan till end of season. From their website:
Gary Gold, Bath Head Coach, said: "Strings has been superb since he arrived, both on the field and off it. He prepares himself exceptionally well, and knows the game as well as anybody. We are delighted to have retained a man of his experience; his influence will not only help the first team, but the aspiring professionals too."


Sounds like he might have some backs coaching potential

Probably another Munster hooker arriving

James Rael