And just as I typed that, Connacht made a juicy announcement.


"Connacht Rugby’s season has been given a massive boost with four players committing their futures to the club.

Centre Kyle Tonetti, lock Dave Gannon and scrum-halves Paul O’Donohoe and Dave Moore have all agreed contract extensions that will see them stay at the Sportsground into next season and beyond. Tonetti and O’Donohoe have signed up for another two years while Gannon and Moore have penned one year extensions."

Woo hoo! Moore and POD definites then!

And great to see Gannon and Tonetti sign.

Very happy with that.

With TOL off to France, could we end up keeping POD and Moore and see Murph head back to Munster?

Wow.

Seriously wow.

I guess it's hard to know what has been discussed in meetings, but it seems strange that Stringer would be allowed to go to England and the Rees signing would be green lighted by the IRFU.

It's a good signing, and Rees is younger, but it seems counter to the concept of keeping Irish talent in Ireland.

I don't know if Stringer (or even TOL) was asked to stay in Ireland. Or asked if they wanted to move to Connacht, but the fact that we're signing NIEs when IEs are available seems strange. With Rees coming in, will we cutting an Irish SH?

Having said that Rees is an upgrade, and a good one at that.

Rees is a great signing but it must mean that one of Frank/POD/Moore is out the gap.

You would also struggle to see how we can carry 4 outhalves next season. Despite being NIQ, I think Nikora may leave.

Front row needs a bit of work, we cannot keep flogging Wilkinson and Loughney to death and expect them to be fresh come end of the season. White is a great step in the right direction but we need a hooker and another t/h I feel.

If as is likely Henry does go, I think the kitty could well be empty and it could be Tom Gleeson or Ivan Dineen to provide depth.

m.guardian.co.uk/ms/p/gnm/op/sBdd_tfFwBO...yers&cat=rugby-union

According to the Guardian this is a done deal.

Borders no.2 wrote:
Whats the story with NIQ's?
Reynecke, White, George, Rees (if true), Parks, Vainikolo (who'd be the project player there?)

Only Reynecke and White could fall under the project grouping; the others are all non-Irish eligible, having played senior (or 7s in George's case) for another country. White will be eligible for Ireland 2 years into his 3 year contract with us.

In any case we aren't being held to the same foreign player rules - 5NIQ; max 4 NIE; min 1 project - as the other provinces.

If Henry leaves we'll be thin at centre. Each of McSharry, Tonetti and Grico have been out with injuries this season and Henry has been needed.

Don't know if the plan is to fast track some of our young guys, but I'm worried. mcCrea can play 12, but not sure if they want him there.

Borders no.2 wrote:
Whats the story with NIQ's?
Reynecke, White, George, Rees (if true), Parks, Vainikolo (who'd be the project player there?)

white even though he'll be 33 when he will be able to play for ireland

Interesting, saw he was moving on and his new team would be announced in a few weeks. Can't believe the Cardiff players would be so unprofessional as to put out wrong news on twitter but twitter has so much rubbish posted on it who knows. Its a good signing if true. Like below I hope Dave Moore is staying. Its looking a strong possibility of 4 scrum halfs and 4 out halfs on our books for next season unless they are going to give Jarvis more game time at full back.

Whats the story with NIQ's?
Reynecke, White, George, Rees (if true), Parks, Vainikolo (who'd be the project player there?)

Nikora will be IQ afaik.

Presume Fa'aili, Ah You, Ofisa and possibly Rodgers are off.

If this comes off hooker would be the only area I wouldn't be overly happy with at this stage. Flavin can do a job but is pushing on now, I know some here rate Reynecke but I wouldn't be one of them. Apart from that a few changes here and there in terms of the squad, maybe back up at centre etc and the management can then have no excuses with regards to the personnel at their disposal.

I think Moore should be No 2 at least he is young but he is streets ahead of POD and i think Franks days are numbered.

At least we will have some gas around the rucks mauls and srummages !!! good off both hands and can supply quick ball when needed. (Still think we should persevere with Dave Moore) !!!!

If true then its two half backs that are used to playing together so cuts down the bedding in time.
Would have prefered Stringer but Rees is a good player and id welcome him.
The branch are really making up for last years poor recruitment drive.
So where else do we need a position filled ??
Id say a hooker now and we would be motoring.I think Flavin is a good solid player but he doesent set the world alight.
Teach rodney how to throw and id be happy !!!

Richie Rees on his way to join us apparently, I knew he had been let go today but players are wishing him luck with Connacht.

Jamie Roberts and Robert Sowden Taylor

Robin Sowden-taylor ‏ @CyrilSneer82

·
Wishing @RichieRees all the best in Connacht next season, good luck brother

Surprised Munster kept Holland and O'Donnell they were meant to be on the way out. As for our crowd really hope that the Branch announce contracts soon their cutting it close...

I think Jarvis and Loxton are both on two year contracts, cocure with you ummREF Tonetti andGannon, hope they re-sign.

Hopefully Tonetti and Gannon re-sign. I'd imagine they will if offered, they've done well out of their decision to join us this year, plenty of game time.

Gannon did sign with Nolan out for the year, though, so maybe he won't be offered a new contract?