Yeah, like Mildly said, I think he's a hugely promising Full Back. I just don't think he has the bulk for centre, and I don't think his style of play lends itself to putting on more bulk. Watching him against Connacht a few weeks ago, there were a few moments that stood out to me. I can't think of them all off hand, but a bounce off a tackle for their second try comes to mind.wixfjord wrote: ↑January 10th, 2021, 3:03 pmCiaranIrl wrote: ↑January 10th, 2021, 2:57 pmThanks for these updates sir. Much appreciated.mildlyinterested wrote: ↑January 10th, 2021, 2:16 pm Robbie Henshaw(28) - central contact until 2022.
Rory O'Loughlin(27/St.Michaels/Old Belvedere) - Signed contract in 2020.
Garry Ringrose(26/Blackrock/UCD) - Signed 2 yr central contract in 2020.
Conor O'Brien(25/Mullingar RFC/Clontarf) - Signed contract in 2019.
Jimmy O'Brien(24/Newbridge/UCD) - Signed contract in 2019.
Ciaran Frawley(23/Skerries RFC/UCD) - Signed contract in 2019.
Tommy O'Brien(23/Blackrock/UCD) - Signed contract in 2020.
David Hawkshaw(22/Belvedere/Clontarf) - Academy Y3.
Liam Turner(22/Blackrock/DUFC) - Academy Y2.
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Marcus Kiely(U20/Newbridge/Naas)
Jamie Osborne(U20/Naas RFC/Naas)
Karl Martin(U19/Boyne RFC/Old Belvedere)
Osborne could end up in the back three, but listing him here given his physical maturation and appearances for the A's. Kiely and Martin are both big physical centres by leinster standards. It wouldn't surprise me to see all three sub-academy players listed join the academy, given Osborne's versatility.
Based on recent evidence, we need all three. I've been a bit unconvinced in recent games that Turner, Jimmy O'Brien or Hawkshaw can live with the physicality for centre.
Find this a bit strange, can I ask why?
I'm not saying that those three players aren't good enough at all. I just think that centre at the highest level is a punishing position, and it might not the the right fit for them. It's not like it was when O'Driscoll and D'Arcy were coming through. The other two o'brien's seem like more like centre candidates.