Connacht Thread 2013/14

[porterbelly]

Looking at Connacht's squad for next season though, there is a concern about the sheer number of their foreign players. They raison d'etre for the provinces is to provide players for the national side.

Connacht's first choice side could conceivably be:

Loughney, McCartney, White/Ah You, Clarke, Muldowney, Muldoon, Heeney, Nauopu, Marmion, Nikora, Poolman, Aki, Henshaw, Healy, Muliaina.

Obviously, that's worst case scenario but that's 10 foreign players in their starting side, potentially.

It's all relative. For alot of this season we were fielding teams with 13/14 Irish qualified players.

Tbh, I don't see it as an issue at all, and from a Connacht pov, we need to be selfish and think of our own needs as well. We've been burned before in taking in other provinces cast offs and seeing them leave or in the case of Elwood's signings-TJ Anderson, NOC, McCrea, Grace, POD, Dave Moore, just not good enough at all.

Also bear in mind that players from other provinces are reluctant to come here. If we can't top up our squad with signings from other provinces then what choice have we? I know that Luke O Dea and Nagle have said no of late to name just 2.

The IRFU clearly have relaxed the rules for us a bit and along with the Connacht coaching staff have identified project players who could break into the national team. Heenan and Bundee Aki being the 2 main ones.

And there's no problem with the Connacht production line. Some really good young players coming through. Griffin would always have to leave with Henshaw being earmarked for 13 by Schmidt. And take Conneely and Qualter, it's not an exact science, not every promising underage player fulfills their potential.

It's fantastic to get the experience of first Parks, then Clarke and now Muliaina who can guide all these young players. Definitely the correct approach.

[ratpack]

Given the squad that's being assembled for next season Connacht really should be targetting top 6/7 in the league. On paper they're going to be as strong or possibly stronger than they've ever been before. With the relative strenght of the other sides in the Pro12 diminishing this should be their realistic target.

[ronk]

Connacht appear to have their recruitment spot on. There's a clear mix, and they're leveraging Lam really, really well.

The IRFU taking more direct management means the the NIQ situation isn't the same for good reasons.

Off field, it's going to plan except maybe that squad players from other provinces aren't as enthusiastic about moving. That will come though.

[offshorerules]

Mils is a great player though and a great signing for them. I really hope they finish in the top 7 next year.

[simonokeeffe]

The 2 Italian teams, Edinburgh, going to be weaker than them for sure
Dragons have a couple of good signings but again definitely surpassable

Scarlets down J Davies, Cardiff may suffer on kicking front especially but if they can keep Jenkins and Rees fit they have a chance.
Theyre the 2 teams Connacht have to overtake (rather than watch others sink), not sure if they can overtake both

any word on Clarke btw?

[blockhead]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/c ... 50539.html

Penney having a good moan about being gazumpt by the Westies again. Not afraid to speak his mind now that he's off in 2/3 games time.

[ronk]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/c ... 50539.html

Penney having a good moan about being gazumpt by the Westies again. Not afraid to speak his mind now that he's off in 2/3 games time.

It's a selling point for season ticket holders that other provinces are jealous.

[offshorerules]

Where would you rather live? Galway or Limerick?

[ronk]

Where would you rather live? Galway or Limerick?

Is that a trick question?

[offshorerules]

Where would you rather live? Galway or Limerick?

Is that a trick question?

Just saying.

[simonokeeffe]

Where would you rather live? Galway or Limerick?

Is that a trick question?

Just saying.

'and I lost my wallet to a limerick girl, and I ask you friends...'

[RavenhillRaider]

Duffy to Mayo
http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/20 ... ayo-panel/

[ronk]

Duffy to Mayo
http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/20 ... ayo-panel/

I heard he's going well in training.

[blockhead]

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/a ... -1.1814024

Connacht have named former Wellington Lions coach Andre Bell as their backs and kicking coach as the province completed its coaching ticket for next season.

The New Zealander, who previously headed up provincial side Bay of Plenty, went on to coach the Wellington Lions for four years, first as assistant coach to Jamie Joseph and then two years as head coach where he led the team to the 2010 ITM Cup play-offs.

Bell’s playing career included 43 appearances for Otago while he completed an education degree in Dunedin. In 1997, the fullback chose to further his teaching and coaching career at Rotorua Boys’ High School where, at the powerhouse of New Zealand secondary school rugby, he influenced the early careers of players like Liam Messam, Mike Delany and Stephen Setephano.

The coach is currently assisting the Fiji squad prepare for their June internationals against Italy, Tonga and Samoa as well as the RWC qualifier against the Cook Islands before he flies into Ireland for the Connacht pre-season.

The new appointment completes the Connacht coaching ticket for next season. Head coach Pat Lam, in his second year at the helm, is once again joined by Dan McFarland who will continue in his role as assistant coach, with specialist responsibility for the Forwards, while Dave Ellis will continue as skills coach for the club.

“It’s a very exciting time for myself and my family and we’re all really looking forward to the move to Galway,” said Bell.

“While I haven’t yet worked with Pat– but played and coached against him – I have a lot of admiration for his coaching. I’m excited by the vision for Connacht that has been shared with me and by the personal challenge as a coach.”

Lam was equally as pleased with the appointment.

“We are delighted to appoint Andre as our backs and kicking coach for the coming season. He has proven himself as a quality and innovative technical coach in his roles within New Zealand rugby and we look forward to welcoming him here to Connacht.

“We had several candidates put their names forward for this position. The standard and calibre of applicants was really impressive which is a very positive sign for Connacht and its attraction as a club.

“On the back of the support from the IRFU, we are now in a position to strengthen our coaching team from two personnel at the start of last season to four going into the next. This was a major priority for me and I’m thrilled to now have a full complement of quality, experienced coaches for next season.

“I’d like to thank the IRFU for all their work and also Joe (Schmidt) who sat on the interview panel with us. As the national coach and particularly as a quality backs coach, Joe’s input was crucial in ensuring we got the right person for the job.

“Our back line for next season is remarkably young with 12 of the 16 backs coming in under the age of 25. But the addition of Andre as well as Mils Muliaina as player-mentor will really drive the development of the young Irish qualified players. It’s an exciting time for Connacht Rugby and we’re already looking forward to next season.”

[jezzer]

Given the squad that's being assembled for next season Connacht really should be targetting top 6/7 in the league. On paper they're going to be as strong or possibly stronger than they've ever been before. With the relative strenght of the other sides in the Pro12 diminishing this should be their realistic target.

And you'd hope they could sell at least 5000 season tickets with the buzz going.

[Dave Cahill]

Craig Clarke has retired.

Connacht Rugby today announced that Craig Clarke has confirmed his retirement from professional rugby.

The New Zealand born lock has suffered a number of concussions over an extended period of time which has contributed to his decision.

The 30-year-old former Waikato Chiefs captain is acting on the medical advice of a number of specialists both from within Irish Rugby and elsewhere.

Craig joined Connacht at the start of the 2013/14 season on a three year deal. His previous experience with the Chiefs as a double Super Rugby winning captain meant that he played a key role both on and off the field at Connacht. His leadership credentials became apparent upon his arrival at the Sportsground and he was appointed captain for the season. Craig made 15 appearances in the Connacht jersey, starting in the second row on every occasion which included five Heineken Cup games.

His last game for the province came against Heineken Cup finalists Saracens at Allianz Park in January. A head knock sustained in that game ruled him out of any further action while medical experts carefully monitored his symptoms over the last few months.

Based on the medical advice presented to him, Craig made the decision to end his playing career.

Commenting on the news, Connacht Team Manager Tim Allnutt said:

“Craig was obviously one of the biggest signings we’ve ever had at Connacht and it was huge for us to get someone of his experience. But he also had all the qualities of a Connacht team man and we are extremely disappointed for him that his time with the club has been cut short. As is the case with every player, the priority is his health and we’re thankful that every precaution has been taken here.

“Despite his short stint here, Craig brought an abundance of knowledge and expertise with him to Connacht. He was an enthusiastic teacher who gave generously of his time to the younger forwards.

“He will of course be missed but we wish himself, Veree and their daughter Isabella all the best for the future in New Zealand and thank him for everything he has done in his short time with Connacht.”

Head Coach Pat Lam added:

“Craig could see the potential we have as a young team and he wanted to be a part of that. He was continuously driving standards and challenging areas that needed to be challenged. His consistent, high class performances on the pitch meant he earned massive respect from the outset.

“Even when he was unable to play, he was always helping and mentoring others, encouraging guys from the sidelines in training, staying around to do analysis on other teams and sitting with Dan (McFarland) on the forwards’ play. His work ethic and attitude was inspirational and he had a major influence, leaving a lasting impression on the squad.

Craig Clarke said:

“While it is of course extremely disappointing the way my career has come to an unexpected end I am, at the same time, so thankful for the opportunities afforded to me through my involvement in the professional game.

“There have been so many people who have helped shape my rugby career and my life and I want to thank them all. My family, especially my wife Veree and my parents Brian and Bev, have been there for me through it all. Everyone involved in my school, club and professional rugby including team mates, coaches, management staff, medical staff, referees, administrators and volunteers have all helped me along the way.

“I am proud of what I have achieved. I have experienced tough times with teams which has just made me appreciate the good times all the more. While I will always be disappointed not to have worn the black jersey of my country, I will sleep easy knowing that I gave it a real crack, particularly in my last three seasons playing in New Zealand.

“Of course I understand that health takes priority over sport every time, but I still can’t escape the disappointment that I couldn’t contribute to Connacht Rugby as I would have liked and envisaged before my arrival.

“It was a challenging season in terms of results, but so rewarding in other ways. There are a fantastic group of people here at Connacht and they work extremely hard for everything they have. I really enjoyed getting to know my teammates and working with the coaches. My rugby knowledge benefited hugely, especially around Northern Hemisphere set piece play.

“There will be a lot I’ll remember from my time in Ireland. Naturally, our victory over Toulouse was a huge highlight but there are other little things I’ll never forget. The Connacht fans are like no other I’ve ever encountered. The first time I ran out through the Clan Stand and on to the pitch, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I’ve never experienced such noise and atmosphere, and from within a relatively small stadium. They are an amazing bunch of supporters and I’d like to thank them for making me feel so welcome here.

“The clapping off of the opposition after a game (except for Toulouse who stormed off straight away after we beat them) is also something that is unique and special to this part of the world. As is the silence of the crowd when kicks at goal take place (with the small exception of Aaron Cruden who had two chances from the side line to win a test match in a very noisy Aviva stadium!). I’ve really enjoyed my time here.

“Myself and my family will now return to New Zealand and start work on our farm there. I’m also excited about the prospect of getting into coaching at any level and continuing my involvement in the game. I am looking forward to new challenges in life and to spending time with my extended family back home. I will of course be keeping a keen eye on Connacht Rugby and their games next season.

“The birth of our little girl Isabella in Galway means that we will always have a connection with the West of Ireland, and it will be a great excuse to visit again in the not too distant future.”

[simonokeeffe]

very sad news, Kieran Read is in trouble with concussions too

Connacht ins and outs so far

In: McCartney 2, Aki 12, Porter 9, O'Leary 10/12/13, Muliaina 15
Out: Wilkinson 1, Griffin 12, Tonetti 12/13, Parks 10, Duffy 15, Murphy 9, POD 9, Nolan 5, Rael 2, Conneely 7, Murphy 13, Clarke 5

[jezzer]

Hard to know what to make of the Clarke debacle. Overall, I think it was very poor judgement by Connacht, but I can appreciate them feeling they need to take some risks with their squad, in order to compete.

22 concussions is wildly excessive though. If they didn't know they should have and if they did know, they weren't doing themselves any favours by taking such a huge risk. In the NFL, where concussions are a huge hot topic, players with a college history of maybe only a handful of concussions are likely to miss out on the draft entirely, or at the least get taken as a cheap late-round flyer. Jared Abbrederis, a WR with a history of something between 1 and 4 concussions in 4 years, was originally projected to go in the draft's second round. When news of his concussion/s broke, he ended up sliding to the fifth round, where the Packers snagged him.

22 concussions is about 15 too many before the guy's career should have been discussed with him and the team should have come to a severance arrangement. It's outrageous and the rugby world needs to address the head trauma issue much better.

[ceemec]

If you think that's bad, jezzer, don't read Shontayne Hape's article in the NZ Herald this week. Truly scary stuff. He hid his concussions as much as possible and managed to navigate through the return to play protocols. He's screwed at 33. Memory badly affected, headaches, can't concentrate on anything for more than 30 minutes.

He estimates he had 20 concussions before he even switched to union.

[ronk]

If you think that's bad, jezzer, don't read Shontayne Hape's article in the NZ Herald this week. Truly scary stuff. He hid his concussions as much as possible and managed to navigate through the return to play protocols. He's screwed at 33. Memory badly affected, headaches, can't concentrate on anything for more than 30 minutes.

He estimates he had 20 concussions before he even switched to union.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/artic ... d=11264856

This is what happens. His clubs generally did the right things and certainly took action when he finally admitted that he had been hiding a problem.