Ulster 2014/15

[Peg Leg]

Williams struck him with his forearm.

I was given the impression by previous posters on a previous thread that leading and striking with the forearm is acceptable.

Personally, I think it should be completely and definitely listed as an act of foul play with absolutely zero tolerance. We have seen 3 incidents of the damage a leading forearm can do highlighted in the recent past, with one player receiving a facial injury, one knocked out and now a player hospitalised with a concussion and neck injury.

Time to specifically write it into LAW.

The tip tackle, always a dangerous tackle, was once admired and hailed. (See the highlight reels of some of our most illustrious players). That has rightly been outlawed and eliminated from the game. Time to bin the forearm smash as well.

Did judge dredd type "law" for you there?

[All Blacks nil]

s

This wasn't someone 'leading with a forearm' it was more of a swinging forearm smash (as described on PR). An entirely different offence and there is no connection whatsoever.

So is leading with a forearm acceptable?

[Peg Leg]

I think leading with the forearm is a reflex in most instances. If you make it illegal the rate of concussion would probably increase due to "leading with the head".

Yes a Leinster player did it with a WWE style wrap on his arm and Cian Healy did it to Richie McAwe. Leinster are cheaters yada yada yada.

You're tiresome.

[johng]

I've seen sob do it. Dan Tuohy does it. Nick Williams. Quite a few. Probably no one from Munster though. They're lovely!

[offshorerules]

s

This wasn't someone 'leading with a forearm' it was more of a swinging forearm smash (as described on PR). An entirely different offence and there is no connection whatsoever.

So is leading with a forearm acceptable?

Isn't it how Cathal Sheridan broke his?

[flustered]

Charles Piatau to Ulster.......(just seen on Twitter!!)

[blues_fan]

Piutau to Ulster...
This year couldn't get any worse.

But seriously, $1 million/year? Hey I'm all for it, and good luck to him, but he's an unproven kid (relatively). Showerly Ulster could find better ways to spend that kind of $$$.

[johng]

Baffling on several levels.

A/ they need back rows not outside backs

B/ They already have too many NIQs

C/ They have Ludik along with a load of IQ backs.

Must mean that Either Williams AND Ludik are leaving early or It's a load of horlix

[johng]

Ah. He ain't coming until 2016. That makes sense now

[neill_m]

Aye of the NIQs in Ulster, only Pienaar has a contract post 2015/2016 season. The other 3 are up that summer. He would replace Ludik, assuming its true of course. Its £500k/season based on the figures quoted in the report.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all- ... -world-cup

[LeinsterLeader]

€700 a year . Surely that's like Toulan type wages. I didn't think the provinces had that type of money. Maybe an independent sponsor?

[johng]

It is the first of April in New Zealand. Bastids!

[rooster]

It is the first of April in New Zealand. Bastids!

It was published though on the 31st of March over there, guess we will have to wait and see.

[simonokeeffe]

Baffling on several levels.

A/ they need back rows not outside backs

B/ They already have too many NIQs

C/ They have Ludik along with a load of IQ backs.

Must mean that Either Williams AND Ludik are leaving early or It's a load of horlix

didnt realise Williams still under contract, but him leaving will save them a fortune in legal fees and catering

[neill_m]

Ulster NIQs 15/16

Pienaar, Herbst (PP), VDM, Williams, Ludik

VDM, Williams and Ludik all out of contract summer 16, Pienaar summer 17.

Ulster NIQs 16/17

Pienaar, Herbst (PP), Piutau + 1 or 2 depending on whether the NIQ reduction from 4 + 1 PP to 3 + 1 PP is brought in.

[rooster]

€700 a year . Surely that's like Toulan type wages. I didn't think the provinces had that type of money. Maybe an independent sponsor?

There has been talk of the provinces being allowed to bring in one extra marque player as long as they can afford them or someone else funds the wages.

[Donny B.]

Lousy news about Stuart Olding for both Ulster and Ireland. Still think he could make up a fantastic centre pairing with Henshaw, but it will have to wait until next year at the earlier now.

[rooster]

Lousy news about Stuart Olding for both Ulster and Ireland. Still think he could make up a fantastic centre pairing with Henshaw, but it will have to wait until next year at the earlier now.

Donny he will be at least next January before he is fit and that is the earliest I have heard, don't be surprised if he does not play at all next season, It is second repair on that knee

[rooster]

The Charlie Piutau thing is more clear now as he is joining after Ludiks contract is over

[rooster]

Fat Nick banned for 8 weeks reduced down from 16