In fairness it wasn't hard look good against Edinburgh, even allowing for the conditions they were truly dire. If Bradley gets anymore time there its a joke but I wouldn't put it past him to land a new contract.

You couldn't really judge Sheridan on the few minutes he got it was an armchair ride at that stage and anyone will look better coming on after Duncan Williams. Would have to see more of him but the Munster coaching staff see these guys every day and if he can't get ahead of Williams at Munster I don't really think he'll add anything to Connacht.

Dineen and Nagle need to move. They would probably both benefit Connacht. Both have it all to do wherever they move to, both are living off a handful of decent games for a few years now.

Dineen was excellent, he'd be a great signing on last night's evidence

we got a chance to view 3 munster players who are out of contract in summer last night and all were impressive in their own way.
1. Nagle did very well in lineout and turned up eegularly out wide and at breakdown.
2. Dineen at 13 looked dangerous all night and defended well.
3. sheridan did well for time on field.

i think nagle will get an offer from munster with pocs future uncertain but a better offer may tempt him. after all frankie is his agent! dineen needs a move imo to progress. hes 25 now and is good enough to play reg ball at this level. same applies to sheridan whos 4th choice atm. being another sligo man he could be tempted. imo hes better than mooee and o donohue altho thats based on limited viewing of him.

Connacht Corsairs - Clan Naval Division

Follows wrote:

ConnachtCows wrote:

Follows wrote: Mark was an error as in calling for a "Mark" lol not connected to Exeter in any way Have adjusted accordingly

Will be visiting to watch when I can but not moving over

That said really looking forward to enjoying the hospitality

Depending on how often you plan on visiting, we can give you an idea of the best games to pop over for.
Obviously the Munster, Leinster, and Ulster matches draw the biggest crowds.
We almost certainly will play one of Munster or Leinster over the Christmas period, and those games are always close to a sell out.
If we're back in the Heineken Cup again next season, they usually draw a big crowd as well.
After that, the crowd size will depend on how we're getting on at the time, and also the time of year of the match.
You can expect around 4,000 at every match, and then many more at the big games. There are only a few each season, where you will be struggling to get tickets on the door

To be honest, as much as is possible so I am guessing 6 ish games. Thanks for the heads up and I am just as happy with the 'smaller' games as the big ones so will try and take in a mix.

Will be bringing the family over too and make a long weekend out of the games as I might even get brownie points too!!

Is this the foundation of the Torquay Clan...?

Was checking out a bit of the ol' South African Rugby and this lad caught my eye

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Willemse

Really like us to get a young lad who we can turn into a project player since Muldowney will tick the veterean status for us. So a lad like Willemse or Bulbring would certainly fit the bill.

ConnachtCows wrote:

Follows wrote: Mark was an error as in calling for a "Mark" lol not connected to Exeter in any way Have adjusted accordingly

Will be visiting to watch when I can but not moving over

That said really looking forward to enjoying the hospitality

Depending on how often you plan on visiting, we can give you an idea of the best games to pop over for.
Obviously the Munster, Leinster, and Ulster matches draw the biggest crowds.
We almost certainly will play one of Munster or Leinster over the Christmas period, and those games are always close to a sell out.
If we're back in the Heineken Cup again next season, they usually draw a big crowd as well.
After that, the crowd size will depend on how we're getting on at the time, and also the time of year of the match.
You can expect around 4,000 at every match, and then many more at the big games. There are only a few each season, where you will be struggling to get tickets on the door

To be honest, as much as is possible so I am guessing 6 ish games. Thanks for the heads up and I am just as happy with the 'smaller' games as the big ones so will try and take in a mix.

Will be bringing the family over too and make a long weekend out of the games as I might even get brownie points too!!

Follows wrote: Mark was an error as in calling for a "Mark" lol not connected to Exeter in any way Have adjusted accordingly

Will be visiting to watch when I can but not moving over

That said really looking forward to enjoying the hospitality

Depending on how often you plan on visiting, we can give you an idea of the best games to pop over for.
Obviously the Munster, Leinster, and Ulster matches draw the biggest crowds.
We almost certainly will play one of Munster or Leinster over the Christmas period, and those games are always close to a sell out.
If we're back in the Heineken Cup again next season, they usually draw a big crowd as well.
After that, the crowd size will depend on how we're getting on at the time, and also the time of year of the match.
You can expect around 4,000 at every match, and then many more at the big games. There are only a few each season, where you will be struggling to get tickets on the door

Mark was an error as in calling for a "Mark" lol not connected to Exeter in any way Have adjusted accordingly

Will be visiting to watch when I can but not moving over

That said really looking forward to enjoying the hospitality

i can see it in my tea, that we just might sign someone else from exeter.
this is very weird but his name might be mark! there are 2 players (wingers) called mark at exeter plus 2 staff memebers, head of strength and conditioning, and also Head of Communications & Media

Best of Luck with the move. Bring wellies
Good to hear Connacht might have made a great signing. His got big boots to fill.

Welcome on board, Follows! You from Exeter? I used to spend a bit of time down there - did the Topsham Ten once or twice too - left me feeling great the next day...

Welcome on board Follows.
You moving to Galway?

First post but looking forward to contributing

Seems like I am going to be spending my weekends at Connacht rather than Sandy Park for the next few years which I look forward to!

Have to say I believe you have a gem in the signing of Aly and am sure he will contribute greatly - definitely the best hands in a lock I have seen and will make the hard yards.

I look forward to next season

The stats on Mike Foreshaw's contribution don't require comment:

In the 3 seasons before Foreshaw (07/08 to 09/10) arrived we conceded 2.2/3/2.9 tries and 22/26/26 points per game in the league.

In his two full seasons this dropped to:
10/11 2 tries/21 points per game
11/12 1.6 tries/20 points per game

This season so far we're conceding slightly more tries (2) and slightly fewer points (18) per game.

Mike Forshaw, Connacht Rugby Defence Coach, to finish this season

Connacht Rugby Defence Coach Mike Forshaw will finish with the club at the end of the current season.

The former Great Britain and England rugby league international has been with the Irish province since the start of the 2010/11 season.

42-year-old Forshaw won 14 caps for Great Britain and played three times for England in a professional career that started at Wigan and also saw him play for Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls and Warrington Wolves. In 1997, he was named in the Super League Dream Team.

Forshaw also had a brief stint as a player at Saracens rugby union club and was briefly the Player Performance Advisor for the Rugby Football League. He served a number of years as Assistant Coach with Wigan Warriors before coming to Connacht.

Head Coach Eric Elwood said:

“When I took the job as Director of Rugby, I wanted to appoint a Defensive Coach because I felt this was crucial for us to progress and move forward as an organisation.

“The key when hiring people is that they are a good person and a good fit for your organisation and we got the right person in Mike. He is an extremely disciplined individual and after winning all major trophies in his Rugby league career the players respected his values and work ethic.

“One of Mike’s strengths was his technical work in both the tackle and wrestle areas. We found this hugely beneficial, particularly in the off-season. He is a fantastic motivator and always got the best out of players.

“We want to thank Mike for all the good work he’s done for Connacht Rugby over the last three years. We wish him every success for the future in whatever path he takes. We have nothing but praise for Mike and wish him well in the future.”

Mike Forshaw said:

“I’d like to thank Eric (Elwood) for giving me the opportunity to work with Connacht Rugby for the last three years.

“I also have to credit the players on their outstanding work ethic. I have nothing but praise for the way they’ve responded to me from day one.

“I’ve enjoyed my time immensely at Connacht Rugby and I believe that there is now a real culture and sense of pride with regards to the team’s defence. It means something to them and is a big part of how they want to play.

“I’m looking forward to the next challenge in my carreer and hopefully building on my experiences that Connacht has provided me.”
Last Updated ( Monday, 04 February 2013 09:43 )