Up Wexford wrote: ↑September 15th, 2020, 5:44 pm
I suppose, not trying to be smart, the definition of "brother" is when you remove the quotation marks and essentially behave how you describe in the paragraph.
While it might sound like insincere mumbo jumbo it is something that some of the top top coaches in the world work on. It is manifested most recently in the "breathers" thing with the younger members of the squad and I could guarantee it is something Stuart especially works on - the concept of "more than a team". Scott Robertson with the Crusaders is very big on this - you could pick it up with many of the interviews O' Gara did in Irish media when he worked with him. The All Blacks work on this constantly - if you get a chance the book Legacy by James M Kerr is essentially their 9-point manifesto on how to become more than a team (tolerance to the biz development jargon may vary). Off the top of my head the "Ubuntu" Celtics of '08 and the omerta of Jim Gavins Dublin would be two more examples.
If it means anything to Deegan remains to be seen but I would say the psychological aspect of cohesion in a team is not overlooked by Leo and Stu.
Jordi lifting the cup, and latterly Ferg and Rob - is this worth Deegan staying on the "margins" as percieved by those outside the group for a year or two until form and injury works his way again? Bearing in mind of course he is top class player and would walk on to most other teams.
Playing in a winning environment where the teamwork is so strong that any individual can shine on any given day is a huge attraction. That's its the team just down the road which your family and you have always supported and from which your boyhood heroes emerged, unbalances the argument. And then you look at those who did move in search of national recognition or big bucks - not too many strong examples of personal attainment of goals, particularly from Leinster.
So despite how easily speculation can run onto the page, or the screen, there is no automatic resolution for ambition. For some the itch is overpowering. For others, advice from advisers, family or others, or a rational plan laid out by a Coach who has proved his trustworthiness, maybe the ideal solution, particularly when he has outlined the specific areas you need to work on and how he will measure your future progress.
Should Max go or should he stay? Is there anywhere else he would love to be? Is there somewhere else he would get the opportunity to improve and fulfill all his objectives? Max and his Agent are among the few people who can answer those questions. For the rest of us, the opinions are pure speculation, just shooting the breeze.
I believe he should stay because I can't see any team, who have a chance of winning a major trophy in the immediate future, which would give him a chance to play international rugby at No 8 in the coming season. If he improves in a couple of specific areas, and his physique is one aspect, he would be strong competition for Conan and Stander by the start of the 2021-22 seaso. - less than 12 months away.
But its just my opinion and everyone is entitled to an opinion.