Won't get into the debate about Munster having two homes, but as long as the IRFU aren't footing the bill for this good for Cork.

Sol, I assume you're doing a little dreaming about a WC bid bringing any money to the Sportsground. They'd have to bring capacity up to at least 25,000 to be any use to them so it's never going to happen. Best chance for Galway to host any pool games would be some sort of deal with the GAA. Offer money to do some work on Pearse Stadium in exchange for WC games and allow Connacht the use of it for 6 games per year for the next 15 years.

Fair play, I assume they'll be sending some more Rabo games down to Cork.

I'm surprised that anyone is thinking about upgrading at the moment. If Leo is serious about making a bid for the World Cup in ten years time you'd imagine cash would be thrown at various stadia (hopefully the SG among them).

They have sold the land subject to planning and the rest of the finance ( grants etc) is in place according to the press release. It was badly needed alright.
I like the sportsground but to answer your question, yes probably.

rossie wrote: This involves the building of a new 3000+ stand where temp one currently stands and upgrading of terraces and covering of terrace opposite new stand.

Was there in March, the place as it stands is an absolute dump. I believe that they've sold some adjoining land to fund this, so without taking on any debt they'll have a far superior facility to the Sportsground in a year's time?

He is injured. Out til the new year AFAIK.

Munster rugby announced yesterday that planning permission had been granted for redevelopment of Musgrave park. This involves the building of a new 3000+ stand where temp one currently stands and upgrading of terraces and covering of terrace opposite new stand. Building starts immediately after last Musgrave park pro12 game this season and will take 9 myths to complete. Capacity of Musgrave park will be 9500 when complete.

Is TOD fit or injured at the moment? Was just looking at the Ireland side and would like to see another option at 7 with SOB going to 6 or 8. There's bugger all fit 7's in this country at the moment.

Doubtful he'll get another Central Contract then so it will be up to Munster to contract him so could be some credence to the rumours as Munster wouldn't be able to pay as much as the IRFU.

Yes and has been for 8-10 yrs

First I heard of paul having financial problems. Apparently he rubbished these rumours in the post match interview on Saturday evening .

Apparently he (and a lot of other people) got burned on a property deal but I have no idea how much or how little (it's the reason I wrote allegedly before the statement). I think some french team might have inquired about him and his agent playing silly beggars.

P.S. Is POC on a central contract?

rossie wrote: Stringer isn't tied to Munster in any way. He transferred to bath in the summer. God knows why(financially) but he did because he wanted to continue playing at highest level.
First I heard of paul having financial problems. Apparently he rubbished these rumours in the post match interview on Saturday evening .

Would you put money against Stringer playing until he's 40.

O'Connell seems to be pretty ok financially - his company had the guts of a million cash in the bank last year - but given ROG's (alledged) monetary issues were broadcast to the point where they were lampooned on breakfast radio, any player of that generation looking France-wards will be asked that question...

People always seem to think you have to finish your career in Ireland to avail of this tax break, you only have to be a tax resident during the time period you attempt to claim back, at least that's what this article from when it was introduced claims;
www.independent.ie/irish-news/sports-sta...rement-26057828.html

Also although it would take a decent bit of planning its not inconceivable that someone like Johnny Sexton could remain a tax resident while playing in France. You don't have to spend the whole year in the country, you become a tax resident upon spending 183+ in the state, or the second test is 280 days in a two year period, this latter example seems even more likely to apply to a player. I'm not saying that's definitely how it works but if I were in Sexton/Drury's position I'd have an accountant run a ruler over it.

Stringer isn't tied to Munster in any way. He transferred to bath in the summer. God knows why(financially) but he did because he wanted to continue playing at highest level.
First I heard of paul having financial problems. Apparently he rubbished these rumours in the post match interview on Saturday evening .

Yeah allegedly POC got burned quite badly, no idea how badly but the money their giving out in France is meant to beat the TAX rebate (according to Fintan Drury at least) I could see POC doing something similar to Peter Stringer who plays for Bath but is technically still tied to Munster in some way so he can avail of the tax rebate when he quits. He's not the definite first teamer he used to be and Munster could be happy to unload his salary from the club. All speculation of course.

A lot of the golden generation are flat broke, having got toasted in the property crash. I guess the money in France is so nuts now that a few years there might conceivably be worth more than the tax break. Could be just a negotiating position though.

If POC were to go, he'd still have to finish out his career in Ireland to avail of the sports tax break, right?

Can't really see it happening, to be honest, but I thought the same thing about Sexton moving. I suppose people have to think of the retirement fund. That milk money isn't gonna last for ever.

Jonnie Wilkinson was almost permanently injured before he joined Toulon. As for his age well he would fit right it at Toulon. Hope it doesn't happen though.