About flipping time, I was getting worried!

Versatile Connacht forward Andrew Browne has signed a new two year contract to remain at the Sportsground.

Galway born Browne made his debut for the province in 2006/7 season and has gone on to make 84 appearances. The 26-year-old, who is equally adept at lock and in the back row, has featured regularly in both positions this season after enduring a frustrating season last term through injury.

A torn Achilles tendon kept him out for all of last year but he has recovered fully to feature regularly in the Connacht pack this season. His versatility and attributes in both set piece and open play have seen him develop into a key member of the Connacht squad.

Chief Executive Tom Sears said: ‘Andrew has been top quality this season after coming back from serious injury. His ability to cover a number of positions is a real asset and he has put in consistently high performances this year in whichever role he has been asked to fill.

‘The coaching staff is delighted with his form this season and believe there is more to come from him in the future as his game continues to develop. As a local born player he has a real affinity to Connacht Rugby and we see the qualities in him to become a vital member of the squad for years to come'.

I gotta say I really want Layden to be given a chance this season coming and wing is the perfect place to start him.

Dissapointed to see Vainikolo leaving as we were only starting to see the best of him. I was dubious about him for a long time but he certainly showed his quality in the last few months. It does free up a NIE position which is helpful but suddenly we look a bit short on wingers again with McCrea gone and Loxton and Healy likely to leave.

Still plenty of work to do on recruitment before next season, the news from the last few weeks has me a bit worried though.

Have to believe Lam will have at least as much money as Millard was on to pay a replacement so I wouldn't be overly concern that he couldn't bring in someone of quality.

I'd be in agreement with Decadence on Millard though. Maybe he has been able to improve the play of some individual players, but it hasn't necessarily translated into more scores for the backs. If there has been any improvement there I'd put it down to the addition of Parks and Poolman.

Agree with most others on losing Vainikolo. It's an area where Connacht have some good options and his leaving will free up money and a NIQ spot that can used in more pressing areas. He should have plenty of offers, I just hope he doesn't end up with anyone in the Rabo.

It's a fair question, we've signed some high profile players in the last two years and that money has to come from somewhere.

It wouldn't surprise me to see Parks named as player/backs coach as part of his own plan to move into management.

connachtexile wrote: As for Milliard I think he did well here. People have to remember he didn't have Parks here last year and our outhalf combinations of NOC/Nikora and Murphy/POD hardly set the world on fire. He can only work with the materials he's been given. It does let Lam bring in another staff member of his choosing to put his imprint on how we should play. Interesting times ahead.

This came up on against the head on Monday, and a question was raised about whether or not Lam will be given the money he might want/need to bring in a decent replacement for Milliard. I don't know if the comment was based on anything, but hopefully not.

Sorry to see Fets go but it is a position we have strength in Depth in so his lose won't be as bad as some others who might have left. Anyone have news on Browne?

As for Milliard I think he did well here. People have to remember he didn't have Parks here last year and our outhalf combinations of NOC/Nikora and Murphy/POD hardly set the world on fire. He can only work with the materials he's been given. It does let Lam bring in another staff member of his choosing to put his imprint on how we should play. Interesting times ahead.

connolly wrote: I was talking to fets after the game on Friday night and he confirmed he's leaving at the end of the season. He didn't say where he was going though. Sorry to see him go

Very disappointing to hear alright, but not entirely surprising with Carr's return. I can't imagine that there will be a shortage of demand for his services in some decent clubs...

The only saving grace in this is the electric form of Danie Poolman, although pretty sure his declared desire is to play in the centre.

I know Tiernan has his admirers but I don't see him suddenly turning into a try machine (7 tries /27 games last season and 2 / 20 games this). I get the feeling that we will only ever see the best of him if he moves away, he plays in his comfort zone too often and if he had designs on the 15 shirt Robbie Henshaw has pretty much sown up that slot for the foreseeable...

I was talking to fets after the game on Friday night and he confirmed he's leaving at the end of the season. He didn't say where he was going though. Sorry to see him go

This is an interesting one, it seems like Millard is very highly regarded, but IMO, our backline play only improved this season when Parks began pulling the strings at outhalf. It was turgid at times last year so (unlike Forshaw) it's hard to see where Millard has had major influence. Best of luck to him in the new job, they seem to be a bit vague about the details, is it with US Eagles?

Any speculation as to who Lam will look to bring with him into the two new roles? Will we see changes in Strength and Conditioning coaches or video analyst too?

Confirmed:

www.connachtrugby.ie/2013030483234/millard-to-leave-connacht

(Edit:Stupid linking, grrr...)

Twitter rumours are Billy Millard is to leave at the end of the season

Billy Millard is off to USA at the end of the season.

Jimmy Gopperth linked with Leinster now according to Michael Corcoran

Would be a very solid backup to Madigan

Problem is that up to recently there were only 2 teams in republic to play for. Small changes lately to make it 3 but time will tell. Ulster is viewed as a different country down here and then theres the baggage that potentially goes with being a catholicup there( real or percieved). How many players have left southto play for ulster?

In that situation only the very best will break through .