munster#1 wrote: ↑May 24th, 2023, 9:54 pm
Right, before this blows up any more than it already has, (although not sure it gets much worse than being called a C-unt) I have to clarify that I would have no issue with Sexton or ROG going on to coach Ireland should their coaching ability justify the position.
The comment was clearly a theoretical question based on the reams of comments directed at ROG, with one even describing him as my crush despite me staying out of the anti ROG discussions.
I personally would have the antics of ROG and Sexton on a par, (I’m sure you will meet many who lean more one way or the other) they are both highly motivated, competitive, combative and angry people.
They are also both known for having a bit of a nasty and sulky side, with reputations for disagreeing with referees.
You have to take both sides of them to ensure you get the best version of them. If ROG should be disregarded based on how he handles himself, then imo all others should be held to the same regard.
Again, to remove all doubt, whilst I wouldn’t be a massive fan of the way Sexton portrays himself and to an extent ROG also (as a big Munster fan I am bias a bit), I don’t think either should be removed from consideration based on their personalities.
The crush comment wasn't aimed at you specifically having a crush, it was ROG's relationship with the Munster fanbase. Apologies if you took it that way.
There are 3 separate aspects to ROG's personality/history.
There's the interpro rivalry. I could move past that if he would but it would be tricky to navigate. It doesn't have to be his fault, but it would be easy for him to arouse feelings of bias if he had the Ireland job. The lad has 128 caps and he objected to saying he was coming home to Aviva Stadium.
There's the combativeness and disreputable behaviour ( his shocking disciplinary record as a coach), which some people (including me) have a problem with.
But for the IRFU the most serious is the way he uses politics to advance. He embarrassed Munster to score points with La Rochelle fans when he said he would be Judas to take the job during his 3 year contract (having done exactly that for his move to Crusaders). Then he outed Prendergast's involvement. A year later he leaked being considered for England, which undermined Jones. And also shows that was insincere about wanting to coach Munster. I thought Munster fans had more self-respect but they ate it up.
Hire him? The IRFU can't even talk to him, because he'll use it to undermine their strategy if it doesn't suit him.
Sexton has his history with Munster. It's all moot because hes not going into coaching. But he was captain of Ireland since the last RWC, so it was his job to have a good relationship and the trust of the Munster based players.
People might question Cullens coaching record (which is stellar) in the context of the Irish team, but I don't think there's any argument that he wouldn't excel in the other areas above.