And we have a dedicated skills coach which they don't

I stand corrected.

Evil_g wrote: (Any point in mentioning that Connacht have never had a dedicated defense coach?)

Mike Forshaw

The internet seems to already assume that Andy Farrell will be parachuted in.

(Any point in mentioning that Connacht have never had a dedicated defense coach?)

McQuilkin leaving Leinster immediately and going back to New Zealand for personal reasons. Huge loss, their defence was the main reason they finished top of the league last year.

www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/leinster-...season-34972370.html

phatguerilla wrote: Matt O'Connor has been kicked to the curb it seems, many Leinster fans are excited. I don't personally see what Cullen has done to warrant a (temporary) promotion given how poor the forwards were this season, there is an argument that he should have been shown the door as well.

Not sure why they even need to name Cullen temporary coach. Are they going on tour? Will he be signing new players? They certainly can't be considering making the change permanent, he has very little experience and, as Phatguerilla points out, it hasn't exactly proven earth shattering.

With someone like Ruddock they will likely bounce back somewhat, but with players missing through the RWC and the team having to deal with a new set-up so soon you never know. Connacht missed their chance to put some serious pressure on them this season just maybe they'll get another chance next season.

Aside from the rugby MOC did very little to engender himself to the public. Cheika and Schmid got involved in lots of off field activities - charities, hospitals, going to the clubs. Pat Lam has really bought into the community and fans here, and we love him for it - even when results go wrong, he has support. MOC has done none of that.

Have just seen that MOC is linked to Queensland Reds (the Australian Leinster!) if he turns them into a dour Premiership team then we know he is to blame!

Guess that there are potentially many candidates; I think Mike Rudock would be a good call. Hopefully not Robbie Deans!

Not really a suprise but the timing is strange!

Ruddock to take over for the season. Means they can look at who leaves after the RWC and so have a much bigger selection pot?

_nobody_ wrote: Eddie has to be in the running for the job. Sure he only lives down the road, they would be foolish to look elsewhere!

Quality!

In all seriousness, I think there are too many jobs for the boys in Irish Rugby. Ronan O'Gara had the right idea by going away and actually earning his stripes, rather than just being fast tracked because of your status as a player.

Eddie has to be in the running for the job. Sure he only lives down the road, they would be foolish to look elsewhere!

phatguerilla wrote: Matt O'Connor has been kicked to the curb it seems, many Leinster fans are excited.

Some of the fans I work with are devastated. The Munster fans, that is.

Matt O'Connor has been kicked to the curb it seems, many Leinster fans are excited. I don't personally see what Cullen has done to warrant a (temporary) promotion given how poor the forwards were this season, there is an argument that he should have been shown the door as well.
This decision has probably been coming for a while considering the smackdown MOC got recently for complaining about the player welfare system.

RonanL wrote:

RonanL wrote: I wonder what the odds are on all 4 Irish provinces winning this weekend away in Wales? Great timing with the international fixture there next week. Exciting weekend ahead.

I'd like to apologize to fans of all four provinces for jinxing their teams. Thankfully I never actually made it on to paddypower or betfair. A win for the international team next week will have to do it seems.

Already laid the blame at your door!! Prophesy is not in your dna :evil:

RonanL wrote: I wonder what the odds are on all 4 Irish provinces winning this weekend away in Wales? Great timing with the international fixture there next week. Exciting weekend ahead.

I'd like to apologize to fans of all four provinces for jinxing their teams. Thankfully I never actually made it on to paddypower or betfair. A win for the international team next week will have to do it seems.

RonanL wrote: I wonder what the odds are on all 4 Irish provinces winning this weekend away in Wales? Great timing with the international fixture there next week. Exciting weekend ahead.

Wonder what the odds on three of the four provinces winning in Wales are?

RonanL wrote: I wonder what the odds are on all 4 Irish provinces winning this weekend away in Wales? Great timing with the international fixture there next week. Exciting weekend ahead.

I like the message it sends.

We must kill them. We must incinerate them. Pig after pig. Cow after cow. Village after village....Sheep after sheep.