I really feel Porter is here to more than just fill in the numbers and play with the Eagles. Connacht need a backup to Marmion that when he comes on there will not be a huge drop in form from the SH position. Can't see them bringing in anyone else at the position so that has to be either Porter or Blade. If it were going to be Blade he would have seen more time with the senior team this season. A little concerned Porter might pan out like NOC. I share S_P's concern that his ambition may be lacking not unlike NOC with both preferring the comfort of 3rd/4th string at Ulster rather than seeking out a challenge further afield.

My concern with the O'Leary signing is that it might be a signal no one else is coming in at outhalf. IMO Connacht need to upgrade at outhalf if they are to push on and challenge for a spot in the top European competition in the 15/16 season.

Whats happened/happening with Marcus Walsh the other academy SH? Has Blade simply out-jumped him in the queue?

Can only be an improvement on Frank Murphy this season

I'm looking on the bright side of this
I was exactly the same with sean Henry last season.
Coming from munster with only 4 caps (senior games, never mind b&i) at age of 25 or 26

With only 3 scrum half and hopefully km being with Ireland, I hope he'll come good

Agree with the posts above - they appear to be "make up the numbers" type signings, with perhaps a hope that one can push on and press for a first team spot. More likely scenario is a lot of eagles time, and some bench time to cover injuries. Still, I think that's fine if we are spending the real money on the right signings.

With PoD and Murphy gone Porter can battle it out with Blade for the second spot. To take an optimistic position on the signing it should be good for Blade at least as he will not be guaranteed the bench spot and now has competition. Plus if Marmion is increasingly away we'll need a third option. I agree Porter's record doesn't inspire confidence.

phatguerilla wrote: Mixed feelings about this, obviously needed Porter so happy with that. Not so sure we needed another young out half but Lam says he can play 10,12 or 13 so he will probably get moved around a little. I thought Ronaldson went well at 12 after some initial teething but I wouldn't want to see a Carty/Ronaldson/O'Leary 10/12/13 set up any time soon! :blink:

Be fascinated to know what deals they are on, because I can't see beyond the Eagles for these two singing's. Bit of IRFU horse-tradin there by the looks of it.

For Porter, at 26 and only 11 appearances for Ulster in that time he should have been long gone from the province if he was ambitious (with Pienaar, Marshall & Heaney a good bit ahead of him). A couple of seasons playing Pro2 or English Championship Rugby is way, way better than a diet of mainly AIL 1B [Quins] & 2A [Banbridge] and some Ulster Ravens. Two years is generous, hopefully he earns them.

O'Leary at 21 is least is still young in Rugby terms, hopefully a year in France has helped his development and isn't just coming to Connacht to come back home. He's got a year to prove a point..

Happy of the confirmation of Shane and Ian, we needed kickers.. Now I'm ok with the shape of the squad, I would add some weight with a big 2nd row/6/8, 'cause we were cruelly fragile about this, especially if Clarke isn't a 100% available... The rest would be a bonus with Muliaina or Luke O'Dea (but Layden is a quality enough backup plan). Or another surprise who knows!

We have 2 what I would call dedicated outhalves - Carty & Nikora
Ronaldson covers 10 & 12
New young fella 10 & 12/13

Jesus were busy signing. I'm not complaining.
Only problem now is we have 3 outhalf and now Shane, I wonder will we be getting someone else, none of the 4 would not give me much confidence vs big teams. We can't afford to miss kicks.

Who will we be signing tomorrow, I'm saying money bill Williams or nick Cummins

Mixed feelings about this, obviously needed Porter so happy with that. Not so sure we needed another young out half but Lam says he can play 10,12 or 13 so he will probably get moved around a little. I thought Ronaldson went well at 12 after some initial teething but I wouldn't want to see a Carty/Ronaldson/O'Leary 10/12/13 set up any time soon! :blink:

www.connachtrugby.ie/exciting-young-guns...-rugby/#ConnachtNews

Another announcement this morning

That Trinity winger Niyi Adeolokun we were meant to looking at has being good enough to stick up a highlight vid you can watch it here.

Borders no.2 wrote: Does anyone in the know have any idea is there any truth to this Mils Muliaina rumour.

Keep hearing it too but have no idea. Had elbow surgery a few weeks back and wont be playing for chiefs again this season. If Dave Ellis is gone then Mils could be take on a player/coach role - could even be available for pre-season coaching !!!

Does anyone in the know have any idea is there any truth to this Mils Muliaina rumour. Have had a few people mention it to me the last few days? Even at his age it'd be a big signing, there are higher priorities but it'd be an interesting one.

Dissapointing news for the academy lads being let go but hopefully they can make a go of it elsewhere. McCauley when he signed was one I thought we'd do well with but wasn't to be. Hopefully they pick up a contract elsewhere. If not, I'm sure they will do well in whatever they pursue.

If Browser's information is correct, I'm happy to see Layden being kept on for a year. Over the last number of years he's the most player who excited me at underage level. He has had so many knock backs with injury it'll be difficult to come back but really hope he does.

Agree with Parks bringing on those guys mentioned. I think he worked well the first year but his style just didn't fit what Pat wanted.