It is was always going to happen I suppose. What if he got the all clear and gets a concussion in the first few games then it's definite retirement. Shouldn't have come to this and he will be a big loss and he was our biggest signing. We are actually ok at lock so when the money does free up and I'm sure it's substantial it will help.

FACECUTTR wrote: Galway Gas is that what is happening ??

Afraid so. They're still awaiting another medical report but I gather there's not much optimism around. It might be a while before its sorted out.

Added a new squad list for 2014-2015.
We more or less have three for every position in the forwards (with some overlap).
But as yet only 13 senior backs.

Yes he has a vision and is going about implementing it. If porter is signed tomorrow great but we need another or we could get caught. Galway Gas is that what is happening ?? We need a 10 still and a utility back. Fafita needs to show he was worth the year contract.

Really happy that Parks is going. He was a good player but this season he was terrible plus I don't think his style meshes well with what Lam is trying to do. Need someone to replace him though. Shame POD is going but if he's seriously injured then it has to be done. Glad Lam is being ruthless and getting rid of guys who are just taking up places in an already small squad. Now to replace them!

Thanks to all the lads for their efforts and best of luck to them in the future, especially Gavin Duffy. Started his career here and came back with Johnny O'Connor and Mike McCarthy amongst others when times were very bad and I'm sure he had a lot of days saying what the hell brought me back here but he hung in there. Didn't always show his best form but the year we got to the Challenge Cup Semi-Final he was immense.

Ger C wrote: Surprised with the number of players leaving and with some of those named.

On the plus side no mention of Clarke so hopefully he's ok.

Not so sure. Announcement could be pending contract exit negotiations.

Surprised with the number of players leaving and with some of those named.

On the plus side no mention of Clarke so hopefully he's ok.

Maybe John Cooney from Leinster at SH. Luke McGrath seems to have got ahead of him.

Solid player, nice zippy pass.

If only stringer hadn't signed a new contract... also surprised about POD but if its his back then not much can be done, I think he would have been kept on otherwise. Could see Matt Healy employed at sh, whether that would be the best use of resources or not is a different question.

9-10-15 à la Muliaina are probable recruits now... Uncertain for a 6/8 as Mata will stay...

Not surprised one bit with Conneely going, he is here 4 years and failed to get a match. Not including b&i
I'm now worried about scrum half, wanted pod to stay but heard his back is fucked
Not we need a scrum half even tho I expect blade to step up to senior squad
2 scrum half is not enough, with one not playing before. Ian porther to be confirmed tomorrow

pollypigwash wrote: Connacht confirm outgoing players
29th April 2014

Connacht Rugby can confirm that the following players will finish with the province at the end of the current season: Gavin Duffy, Frank Murphy, Dan Parks, Paul O’Donohoe, Aaron Conneely, Brian Murphy, Dave Nolan and James Rael.

Surprised at the ones highlighted above I must say. Sad that Gavin has to retire but that's sport. Really curious if there's anything in the works at outhalf now.

Gavin Duffy, Frank Murphy, Dan Parks, Paul O’Donohoe, Aaron Conneely, Brian Murphy, Dave Nolan and James Rael all gone.

I've updated the squad list. No-one left in amber anymore.
12 out and 6 in so far including 4 from academy.

Connacht confirm outgoing players
29th April 2014

Connacht Rugby can confirm that the following players will finish with the province at the end of the current season: Gavin Duffy, Frank Murphy, Dan Parks, Paul O’Donohoe, Aaron Conneely, Brian Murphy, Dave Nolan and James Rael.

Head Coach Pat Lam said:

“It’s a tough time of year for players and management who have to make decisions about the future of the squad. In the professional game, no squad is ever the same from one year to the next and there are always a number of players moving on. These guys have given so much to the club and we have nothing but respect for them as well as appreciation for what they have done.

“Guys like Gavin Duffy exemplify what Connacht Rugby is all about. Born and bred here, he has been a fantastic ambassador for the club and has always conducted himself with the utmost professionalism.

“Over the last two seasons, Parksy in particular has contributed massively to the development of our young back line and I know they have taken a great deal from the wealth of experience he brought with him.

“Gavin, Frank and Parksy all played a vital role in our leadership group this season. They acted as a great support to the management team as well as the other players and there is a lot of respect there for them – both from within the club and from the supporters and the wider community.

“All these men are extremely committed and ambitions individuals and I know that they will go on to achieve great things in other areas of their lives, bringing with them the values and skills they have honed at Connacht.”

Connacht Team Manager Tim Allnutt paid particular tribute to his former teammate Gavin Duffy:

“Gav is one of Connacht’s longest-serving players, and someone I had the privilege of playing with myself for two seasons going back over 10 years.

“It’s hard to imagine the place without him. He’s achieved so much with the province and also spent three successful years in his early career over in Harlequins. He’s one of the most respected and hard-working guys that has gone through the ranks at Connacht and I have no doubt that whatever he chooses to do now will bring him great success. I wish himself, Sara and their family all the best for the future.

“Everyone who comes through Connacht contributes to the organisation in some way or another through hard work and dedication. Frank has played over 100 games for Connacht while Parksy and Paul have become such a central part of the Connacht family over the last two to three seasons.

“The younger guys who haven’t played as many games but have worked just as hard in training and within the organisation deserve all our thanks and appreciation.”

Outgoing Players 2013/14: Brett Wilkinson (retired), Gavin Duffy, Frank Murphy, Eoin Griffin (London Irish), Paul O’Donohoe, Dan Parks, Kyle Tonetti (retired), Aaron Conneely, Brian Murphy, Dave Nolan, James Rael.

They have to tell us who is leaving before last game, don't they
I'd expect more news tomorrow, maybe something Thursday and team named Friday.

Surely there is an outhalf some place? Parks is not good enough for us going forward and the other 3 aren't good enough to start. Why was nikora signed. He ain't going to get better.
Please connacht rugby, give us a good kicker