Zane Kirchner leaving for Dragons

[goreyguy]

Zane Kirchner to join @DragonsRugby #GUINNESSPRO12 http://pro12rug.by/NNUc8f

[arsebiscuits1]

https://twitter.com/dragonsrugby/status ... 2404176897

As suspected, he is off.

Didn't expect rainy Newport as the destination however.

Thanks for everything Zane

[arsebiscuits1]

Just in ahead of me.

Quite the suprising move it must be said.

Hopefully it works out for him

[sunshiner1]

Would have assumed he'd be off to France on a big contract. Fair play to the Dragons for getting him.

[arsebiscuits1]

Double thread.

Anyway I can remove this or is it up to the mods?

[Oldschoolsocks]

Best of luck Zane. Always a solid player for us.

[simonokeeffe]

Would have assumed he'd be off to France on a big contract. Fair play to the Dragons for getting him.

dont think largely riding pine for 4 years and playing out of position helped with a big deal, plus hes 33 in the summer, but best of luck to him

[offshorerules]

Thanks Zane, the receiver of some harsh criticism at times, mostly unwarranted. Best wishes for the future.

[lotmc]

One of the stand-out players in the RDS on Saturday.

Thanks Zane, and best of luck.

[cormac]

Best of luck to him. More than a bit surprised by the destination though. They're even more of a sh!t-show these days than they have been previously.

[Logorrhea]

I've always been a fan and think he's been a real good player for us.

Will be a great signing for the Dragons. Best of luck Zane.

[riocard911]

Zane's performance vs the Scarlets on Saturday was the best I've seen him play at 13 in blue. That thunderous tackle in the centre of the park, which led to the bonus point try, was worth the admission price on its own. Funnily, during his time in Ireland I reckon Zane's best games were played in Thomond Park: He had a major part in Jenno's Barbarians' win vs Ireland in May 2015. Ditto the Leinster match later that year, in the course of which Ringer announced his arrival on the scene with a dazzling run and offload to Isa and Zane ran in an intercept try in the second. Good luck to him with Dragons - when they're not playing Leinster that is!!!

[Backplay]

Best of luck Zane and thanks for the contribution you've made to Leinster Rugby in your time here. Your 2 tries in the Pro12 Final against Warriors were a highlight for me as were the tries you scored against Munster down in Thomond. Your Barbarians' try was a thing of beauty as well

[Oldschool]

Thanks Zane - Always liked your big match temperament.
Good luck with the Dragons.

[Dave Cahill]

“To a badge and a fraternity that literally turned my life around. A place that became home. Friends that grew closer then family.

“From me and my family we humbly thank everyone for the adventure. To the organisation, from top to bottom, thank you for allowing me to set foot in a club which I believe is the best that I’ve ever been.

“To the Leinster blue faithful, I hope that even for a little while I brought joy to your presence at our games. The roar and memories of the RDS is something I’ll carry and treasure for the rest of my life.

“I am very grateful.”

[wwed]

Best of luck to him in the future.

[fourthirtythree]

He's been quite a find at 13 this year when experience, nous, and hard tackling are required to keep the inexperienced young backs scoring tries.

Best of luck and thanks, could really help that Newport team rediscover some steel.

[jezzer]

“To a badge and a fraternity that literally turned my life around. A place that became home. Friends that grew closer then family.

“From me and my family we humbly thank everyone for the adventure. To the organisation, from top to bottom, thank you for allowing me to set foot in a club which I believe is the best that I’ve ever been.

“To the Leinster blue faithful, I hope that even for a little while I brought joy to your presence at our games. The roar and memories of the RDS is something I’ll carry and treasure for the rest of my life.

“I am very grateful.”

Wow. Makes a very touching change from the pre-written, cut-and-paste statements that players usually make. I thought he didn't benefit from the very high bar for NIQs that the Ollie's, Felipe's, Nathan's, Rocky's, Brad's and Isa's have set. You were easily a cut above a lot of our other overseas signings and there's no doubt you brought a buzz and commitment to the team and to games, plus covered 4 positions for us to a high standard.

Best of luck, Zane, you'll need all of it in Newport.

[Mickado]

“To a badge and a fraternity that literally turned my life around. A place that became home. Friends that grew closer then family.

“From me and my family we humbly thank everyone for the adventure. To the organisation, from top to bottom, thank you for allowing me to set foot in a club which I believe is the best that I’ve ever been.

“To the Leinster blue faithful, I hope that even for a little while I brought joy to your presence at our games. The roar and memories of the RDS is something I’ll carry and treasure for the rest of my life.

“I am very grateful.”

Who's been chopping onions...?

[riocard911]

“To a badge and a fraternity that literally turned my life around. A place that became home. Friends that grew closer then family.

“From me and my family we humbly thank everyone for the adventure. To the organisation, from top to bottom, thank you for allowing me to set foot in a club which I believe is the best that I’ve ever been.

“To the Leinster blue faithful, I hope that even for a little while I brought joy to your presence at our games. The roar and memories of the RDS is something I’ll carry and treasure for the rest of my life.

“I am very grateful.”

Fair play to you, Zane!!!!