good news for me and my predictions, Sheriff and Noone are good prospects for us (especially if Clarke Conan and Gilsenan aren't around next year)

"Stringer expected to sign on as a player-coach at Bath, while Tony Buckley is on his way out of Sale and Eoin Sheriff from Saracens. Niall Annett going to Worcester and John Andress's future up in the air. Michael Noone may also be leaving Leicester"

He's a pretty good player alright. Wouldn't be surprised if Munster made a bid on him for next year.

With Cardiff in pretty bad shape they might not be able to hold onto Isaia Tuifuia. Seen him play a few times and he is a beast for his size. Could do a job for us at centre with us losing Griffen. He is Niq but we have spots freeing up. Pat should know him well from the Samoa squad too.

Craic Head wrote:

swift4prez wrote: LOOKS LIKE SWIFTY HAS SIGNED FOR ANOTHER SEASON

Up there as one of our top 3 players this season.

Swift for President !

I'd allow him to retire from playing in 2016, constitutional campaign for naturalised citizens to be eligible for the presidency in 2017 and to be elected in 2018 when Michael D's term is up.

swift4prez wrote: LOOKS LIKE SWIFTY HAS SIGNED FOR ANOTHER SEASON

Up there as one of our top 3 players this season.

Swift for President !

Agreed. He also brings heft to the squad and with Clark maybe retiring we will need his leadership next season.

LOOKS LIKE SWIFTY HAS SIGNED FOR ANOTHER SEASON

Up there as one of our top 3 players this season.

That was why I mentioned him

Speak of the devil:

www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/pro12/uls...k-williams-1.1705487

Continues the strange trend of homesick Southern hemisphere players

A lot of people (myself included) felt he looked to have slimmed down this season. Also nitpicking but he's listed as 112kg or 17.6 stone on the connacht site which isn't exactly underfed but against the better teams we would struggle with both him and Kearney in the row in fact at times this season we already appeared to have a lighter second row. That can be a positive too if used in the right way but it adds to the packs general lack of heft around the field imo. There's a lot to be said for a big lump.

phatguerilla wrote:

salmson wrote:

phatguerilla wrote: Re George, maybe his confidence is a bit down atm but he still has a lot to offer even if its off the bench as an impact utility sub, just needs to get back to straight running, hard hitting rugby.

Rossie suggested his future for us may be at lock. In any case form is temporary and class is permanent. I see him at A games cheering on the young lads, I've heard first hand that his coaching is excellent, and he and his wife are very active with ACT for Meningitis. He's struggled at times this year but he's an example to the younger pros of how you should carry yourself. Hopefully he'll be round for a few more years. '

I almost suggested it myself earlier except I think he would have to bulk up a bit to make the move full time. As it is he could get away wtih staying the same weight as a utility sub. Even the very very best players lose form at times, its just more apparent and more damaging when it happens to a team like Connacht. He can and will bounce back, if anything perhaps he is feeling pressure to perform now that there's a former 8 as coach playing running nz style rugby maybe he feels the need to impress the coach too much.

George is 6' 5" and 18.5 stone.

salmson wrote:

phatguerilla wrote: Re George, maybe his confidence is a bit down atm but he still has a lot to offer even if its off the bench as an impact utility sub, just needs to get back to straight running, hard hitting rugby.

Rossie suggested his future for us may be at lock. In any case form is temporary and class is permanent. I see him at A games cheering on the young lads, I've heard first hand that his coaching is excellent, and he and his wife are very active with ACT for Meningitis. He's struggled at times this year but he's an example to the younger pros of how you should carry yourself. Hopefully he'll be round for a few more years. '

I almost suggested it myself earlier except I think he would have to bulk up a bit to make the move full time. As it is he could get away wtih staying the same weight as a utility sub. Even the very very best players lose form at times, its just more apparent and more damaging when it happens to a team like Connacht. He can and will bounce back, if anything perhaps he is feeling pressure to perform now that there's a former 8 as coach playing running nz style rugby maybe he feels the need to impress the coach too much.

connachtexile wrote: a back row of Gilsenan, Heenan and Conan would be awesome

Don't forget last years player of the year - Faloon. If Gilsenan or Conan or both come on a 2 year I'd say Leinster will have negotiated first refusal on their contract when its time for renewal. Pity Aaron Conneely hasnt got a run out first team yet. Is he injured?

If we do get either Conan or Gilsenan here full time next season both who can play 8 I can see George moving to lock for the rest of his career. It makes sense for us to be targeting Conan who can only play 8 if this is the plan. Firstly a back row of Gilsenan, Heenan and Conan would be awesome and George in the 2nd row would give us extra grunt. If this scenario would play out it would seem that Clarke won't be around for next season though.

George is class but its just not happening for him at the moment. He is worth his weight in gold to us as he covers lock. Maybe lock will suit him in a few years but he is just out of form or carrying an injury. Where would we be if we didnt have him.

phatguerilla wrote: Re George, maybe his confidence is a bit down atm but he still has a lot to offer even if its off the bench as an impact utility sub, just needs to get back to straight running, hard hitting rugby.

Rossie suggested his future for us may be at lock. In any case form is temporary and class is permanent. I see him at A games cheering on the young lads, I've heard first hand that his coaching is excellent, and he and his wife are very active with ACT for Meningitis. He's struggled at times this year but he's an example to the younger pros of how you should carry yourself. Hopefully he'll be round for a few more years. '