is the Rainbow Cup still going ahead?

[Lock9541]

So our last game of the season is against Ulster on the 14th of May?

[mildlyinterested]

So our last game of the season is against Ulster on the 14th of May?

No.

[Lock9541]

So our last game of the season is against Ulster on the 14th of May?

No.

What games are we playing after that if we can’t play the South African teams?

[mildlyinterested]

So our last game of the season is against Ulster on the 14th of May?

No.

What games are we playing after that if we can’t play the South African teams?

they haven't been announced yet.

[cormac]

So our last game of the season is against Ulster on the 14th of May?

No.

What games are we playing after that if we can’t play the South African teams?

We'll be playing three of the Welsh/Scottish/Italian sides.

[LeRouxIsPHat]

Now that we’re in this situation there’s actually a window to come up with something new and better.

Appreciate I’m looking at this from a Leinster POV and I’m conscious of leaving the rest of the PRO14 behind but I’d love if we looked to play the Lions or played the SA clubs in SA for their warmup games, or it could even be the time to play a world club competition with the super rugby sides, just semis and a final for example. The logistics of the rainbow cup were always going to be impossible but small scale stuff like that could actually work.

I know Ireland have a tour pencilled in but I can’t see that happening. Something like I’ve suggested seems more plausible and I think it’s worth trying something different.

[mildlyinterested]

I don't see leinster heading to SA given the covid/vaccine situation as much as I like the idea.

[Oldschool]

Now that we’re in this situation there’s actually a window to come up with something new and better.

Appreciate I’m looking at this from a Leinster POV and I’m conscious of leaving the rest of the PRO14 behind but I’d love if we looked to play the Lions or played the SA clubs in SA for their warmup games, or it could even be the time to play a world club competition with the super rugby sides, just semis and a final for example. The logistics of the rainbow cup were always going to be impossible but small scale stuff like that could actually work.

I know Ireland have a tour pencilled in but I can’t see that happening. Something like I’ve suggested seems more plausible and I think it’s worth trying something different.

Interesting thinking.
Mildly's point about the vaccine is relevant.
Is it time for L'einster to be talking to the government about special treatment given that the extra games helps the general mood of the nation.
Perhaps a standby arrangement.
Ulster players can't be too far off getting their jabs - A go figure perhaps.

[JB1973]

I'd guess the games will be played against sides you only played once during the regular season

So that would mean we avoid you and ulster but could play ulster and Connacht

The rainbow cup was an excellent idea n principle, it's a shame that current events have curtailed it

[riocard911]

Now that we’re in this situation there’s actually a window to come up with something new and better.

Appreciate I’m looking at this from a Leinster POV and I’m conscious of leaving the rest of the PRO14 behind but I’d love if we looked to play the Lions or played the SA clubs in SA for their warmup games, or it could even be the time to play a world club competition with the super rugby sides, just semis and a final for example. The logistics of the rainbow cup were always going to be impossible but small scale stuff like that could actually work.

I know Ireland have a tour pencilled in but I can’t see that happening. Something like I’ve suggested seems more plausible and I think it’s worth trying something different.

Interesting thinking.
Mildly's point about the vaccine is relevant.
Is it time for L'einster to be talking to the government about special treatment given that the extra games helps the general mood of the nation.
Perhaps a standby arrangement.
Ulster players can't be too far off getting their jabs - A go figure perhaps.

Leinster are already talking to the government; they presented the relevant department(s) with a detailed plan to reintroduce fan attendance at matches in the RDS, starting initially with 2000 supporters, about two weeks ago and AFAIK still haven't received a reply!

[cormac]

I'd guess the games will be played against sides you only played once during the regular season

So that would mean we avoid you and ulster but could play ulster and Connacht

The rainbow cup was an excellent idea n principle, it's a shame that current events have curtailed it

That's probably a fair shout. So, my guess would be that the rest of our fixtures in this competition would be Cardiff (a)*, Benetton (h) and Edinburgh (a). That would leave the Scarlets as the only team we won't have played twice this season.

* reason for thinking we'll play Cardiff rather than Scarlets is that we've two home games against the other provinces so will only have one home game remaining.

[Oldschool]

Now that we’re in this situation there’s actually a window to come up with something new and better.

Appreciate I’m looking at this from a Leinster POV and I’m conscious of leaving the rest of the PRO14 behind but I’d love if we looked to play the Lions or played the SA clubs in SA for their warmup games, or it could even be the time to play a world club competition with the super rugby sides, just semis and a final for example. The logistics of the rainbow cup were always going to be impossible but small scale stuff like that could actually work.

I know Ireland have a tour pencilled in but I can’t see that happening. Something like I’ve suggested seems more plausible and I think it’s worth trying something different.

Interesting thinking.
Mildly's point about the vaccine is relevant.
Is it time for L'einster to be talking to the government about special treatment given that the extra games helps the general mood of the nation.
Perhaps a standby arrangement.
Ulster players can't be too far off getting their jabs - A go figure perhaps.

Leinster are already talking to the government; they presented the relevant department(s) with a detailed plan to reintroduce fan attendance at matches in the RDS, starting initially with 2000 supporters, about two weeks ago and AFAIK still haven't received a reply!

The Civil Service aka the HSE or DOH don't mind keeping people waiting.
The point is that we should have more than one iron in the fire.
I think the Ulster link is worth exploring even if it came to nothing.

[riocard911]

Oldschool: "... we should have more than one iron in the fire."

100%. I with you!!!

[Twist]

South African teams will not be travelling to Europe according to reports - more details will apparently follow

Are we playing them on Zoom?

Couldn't we play online for the Rainbow Cup in Mario Kart?

[Oldschool]

South African teams will not be travelling to Europe according to reports - more details will apparently follow

Are we playing them on Zoom?

Couldn't we play online for the Rainbow Cup in Mario Kart?

You could be on to something there.
The players from the respective teams play each other online using the 23 selected.
And as an added attraction the fans get to see the players in action (liove) at their consoles.

[joooooe]

Bernard Jackman was on the42.ie Rugby Weekly podcast t'other day talking about how French clubs sack off the end of their seasons when they are safe from relegation but out of contention for the Bouclier. He said they send their SH players home early and get their front liners sorted out with any required operations or procedures in order for them to be back for a good pre-season. With nothing to play for this year now I wonder if it's time to take the French approach and play the kids in the Rainbow Cup. Start next season like a train.

[heno]

I'm sure the guys who are in contention for a lions place would not appreciate that. Even when the squad is announced, they still have to play onto the team

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

[D4surfer]

https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/fixtures-c ... inbow-cup/

So we play Glasgow away and Dragons at home after Ulster. We also got a bye week because we should have been playing a SA team but aren't. You would think that they are making this up as they go along.

[neill_m]

The final is on Saturday June 19th between either the top 2 in the NH competition / top sides in each of the NH and SH competitions. If latter, Italy being suggested as a venue. The format is flexible!

[wixfjord]

The final is on Saturday June 19th between either the top 2 in the NH competition / top sides in each of the NH and SH competitions. If latter, Italy being suggested as a venue. The format is flexible!

Are you serious?! What a shitshow

You'd think at this stage they'd finally call the format of the FINAL of the competition like!

Clearly it's difficult to plan during a pandemic, but everything about the communications and planning for this tournament has been a disaster start to finish. Real 'head in the sand' stuff all round.