I think Swifty's play this season has at least earned him consideration for another year. Would have to take into account Clarke's future and any new signings that are on the horizon, but of the 10 he would top my list. I would give POD another year if they couldn't get anyone else in that was better. For me Gavin would only be given another year on a sentimentality basis. I think Pat's mind is made up on him. There have been opportunities to have him in the squad since he's returned from injury but he's only featured with the Eagles. I think he'd be more likely to line out with Mayo this summer than get another Connacht contract.

I also thought they announced Swift signed up for another year. He seems to have adapted well to the new system and has shown some epic moments of skill at times. At the very least signing in a player-coach capacity would probably be worthwhile.

Was thinking about Duffy this week actually, its sad but I think he's been one of the worst adapters to the new game plan, made worse by his injuries of course. It would be sad for his career to just peter out like that but at the same time its hard to justify keeping him, except maybe on a one year deal? I suppose the counter argument to not signing him is that he could have offered some experienced back three cover at times this season especially after So'oialo left, but part of the reason cover was needed was because Duffy was injured.

Apparently Shane O Leary is joining Connacht from Grenoble.

He looks like a good player but seems to be apart of the Canadian Rugby Set-up. Admittedly he's not a senior cap yet for them but I have no idea if there U20 is their designated second team. Is he still eligible for Ireland?


www.thescore.ie/shane-oleary-grenoble-2-1135135-Oct2013/

Craic Head wrote: I can't see anyone on that list of 10 actually being retained. I think that they will all be let go.

I don't think I can be objective enough about the likes of Swifty and Gav to say if they should be kept on or released. I would argue that they both bring a lot of unmeasurable qualities that the stats don't show but equally that sounds like a bit of emotional poppycock.

Can't be too soon from finding out one way or the other as they'll have to confirm it before the Cardiff game.

I would like to think they will be retained in some capacity, perhaps with the academy anyway.

But nothing to hope for Farley, will be in the Grenoble staff next year

Apparently Shane O Leary is joining Connacht from Grenoble.
Good move for him and Connacht. Can play 10/12.

Ps : I was right to watch closely the Irish colony of Bernard Jackman . Nothing sure yet, though

I can't see anyone on that list of 10 actually being retained. I think that they will all be let go.

I'd keep POD and Swifty. If Clarke retires we will need him. If not he is still a wealth of knowledge and an absolute legend and will be a great influence on the young guys.

It's been reported before in the media that Swifty has signed. That was 2months ago? Surely a mistake as something would of been out since. He always gives everything so worth keeping.
I'd like pod kept too as we need a scrumhalf behind km and currently don't have anyone. Too soon for academy player.

Murphy b and mata didn't get much game time
Duffy is third choice at best
Connely hasn't had a Senior game and has spent 4 years here. Crazy. Okay first 2 years of academy I get but he should of made some head way last 2 season.

Swifty and pod for me to be kept on 1 year deals

So Ms MacKenzie's piece today in the Advertiser is interesting in terms of trying to second guess what the squad will look like next season.

advertiser.ie/galway/article/68905/lam-faces-tough-choices-to-finalise-next-seasons-squad

"Our player budget is the same as last year and my responsibility to Connacht is to get the best possible team. I have to look at the depth chart, making sure a No 3 can realistically challenge for the top spot, and also who is in the academy for cover. As a result some players will have to move. The hardest bit is making those calls because careers are on the line, but I have to go back to the vision for Connacht and my responsibility to the rugby board and the people to have the best."

Of the players who have not had their contracts extended so far, who can you see being retained?

James Rael Hooker
David Nolan Lock
Michael Swift Lock
Aaron Conneely Flanker
Mata Fafita Flanker
Frank Murphy Scrum-half
Paul O'Donohoe Scrum-half
Dan Parks Out-half
Brian Murphy Centre
Gavin Duffy Fullback

Gav, Frank, Dan and Swifty I think would free up a good chunk of wages but to let all four go at the same time would be a big call when you think Gav & Swift were made joint captains not so long ago. From the rest, I thought Conneely has been there or there about's at times this year but has been unlucky with injuries.

Still a lot more signings to be made whatever way it pans out.

Interesting article here about a relatively untapped market:

thescore.thejournal.ie/nrfl-rugby-combin...all-1423687-Apr2014/

Maybe Pat should be onto the WRU and offer to give Warburton a place to play next season if the regions won't take him and his central contract on. He'd be handy enough to have around especially if they're footing the bill. I think if we can prove Connacht will not be a threat to any Welsh spots in the new Champions Cup it's a done deal.

Connachtexile wrote:

connachtexile wrote:
Leinster A trashed Munster A in the quarter finals of the B&I Cup with Leinster's scrum dominating with a TH prop called Martin Kelly from Trinity. He's 6'2 and 125 Kg and just 24 so still very young for a prop.

He's player a few times now for Leinster A against Ealing Trailfinders in the B&I and also played for the Irish Universities against the Irish Exiles.


Got a good mention by the Leinster boys who saw the game.

A big mention to Martin Kelly though, who from his body shape was clearly a club prop standing in. He was blowing hard after ten minutes but he kept going for an hour and was part of a scrum that demolished Munster. Might be worth a look for a development contract to see what a summer of conditioning could do for him.


With Wilkinson now unfortunately retired I'm thinking this lad might be worth a punt on a 1 year deal like Fiftia. He seems to be a late bloomer, he's IQ and wouldn't cost a huge amount. Yes I know Brett was a LH but with Loughney now gone over to cover the LH side having someone like this lad who could be a decent third string is not something to sniff at.

Seapoint wrote:
Presuming he's on a degree course at Trinity, yep Medical intern....
Would need to be a proper offer methinks..

Apparently Martin Kelly the prop from Trinity has signed a deal with Munster next year on a development contract. Another opportunity missed sigh

as good as Mils was, he's very injury prone now. We don't need any more players on the physios table. I'd rather bring in an up and comer like Aki than someone on their pension tour.

wp_rathead wrote: Not sure how true the Muliaina rumors are but he is out for season anyhow:

www.superxv.com/42234/1/muliaina-ruled-o...-season#.U1BaVfldXqI

Well considering his age and now the injury all the more reason to think he could be on the move in search of a better opportunity for first team rugby. I'd hate to see him take the spot of a young Irish player like Leader or TOH (though I'm not sure Lam sees him as a fullback) but he would certainly bring something to the team.

Not sure how true the Muliaina rumors are but he is out for season anyhow:

www.superxv.com/42234/1/muliaina-ruled-o...-season#.U1BaVfldXqI