connachtexile wrote: Is J.P Cooney still with Garyowen? Alot of our boys playing for them not that I got a problem if they get gametime.

Cooney only has a development contract so I'd imagine he is

Is J.P Cooney still with Garyowen? Alot of our boys playing for them not that I got a problem if they get gametime.

Both Jarvis and Anderson have signed with Garryowen

I'd agree with Borders, McKeon and Dave Heffernan are hopefully the long term contenders for the 6 jersey, but both are now of an age where they need to be getting more gametime and I would regard them as better options than TJ. Mick kearney and Andrew Browne are probably the 2 at the head of the queue, depending on whether Eric sees them as locks or blindsides.

I think the TJ signing was just as a direct replacement for Mike McComish. TBH, unless things change drastically, I can't see Grace or Anderson being here next year. If that's the case, I'd love to see McComish back here, thought he was a really underrated player and offered a great engine and commitment at 6, 7 or 8. Another option is to try and nab one of the up and coming Leinster lads, Conan/Coughlan or Gilsenan. The preferred option would be to see Conneely, McKeon and Heffernan really step up to the plate, but if it doesn't happen we can't hang around for them.

Couldn't really figure out this signing at the time and still struggling to. I'd prefer to see Eoin McKeon get more game time this year if he's fit. If Anderson can prove himself enough with Garryowen or in whatever A games he gets a chance in fair play to him and it'll be a positive to have another alternative but in terms of succession planning for the eventual retirement of the likes of Muldoon and JOC its important McKeown and Conneely get the chance to get games at a good level and start to emerge as players who can have a serious future at senior level.

I still think TJ has a future in the game, but he needs to be putting some serious pressure on Mul for the No6 jersey this year. Mul is not getting any younger and can't play week in, week out.
As regards Grace, I actually think he could play himself into starting 7 this season. I think he has more natural talent than Willie Faloon, but with Eoghan it's all a question of his attitude and keeping a lid on the occasions when the red mist descends and stupid penalties are given away. This is a huge season for him, and I believe he's up to it.

rossie wrote: Has there been a change to the AIL rules regarding contracted players?

I thought rule was only one Contracted player per team in AIL?

Think it's 1 contracted forward and 2 contracted backs. May be wrong? Academy players are exempt

Even allowing for B&I Cup there wouldn't be enough Eagles game to keep him sharp all year round. Not a fan of our fringe players just playing AIL though, but as long as he is free for the Eagles (or Connacht) when required then it's win/win...

Has there been a change to the AIL rules regarding contracted players?

I thought rule was only one Contracted player per team in AIL?

Heard he has signed with Garryowen for the year

Probably makes sense for the sake of match sharpness, playing 1A in the AIL when he isn't involved in Pro12/ B & I.

I'd imagine it's shit or get off the pot time for himself and Eoghan Grace in terms of earning contracts for next year so they need to keep sharp playing AIL so they'll be ready if they get their chance with us. There's plenty of surplus back row talent in Leinster that could shine down here in time to come ie. Conan, Coughlan etc, so Grace and Anderson need to step up.

Matthew Jarvis may also be signing with them