Leinster's Backrow going forward.

[mildlyinterested]

Leinster Backrow options - ages as of end of the season (31st May 2018):
Jamie Heaslip(34) - Signed central 3 yr contract in 2017
Sean O'Brien(31) - Signed central 3 yr contract in 2016
Rhys Ruddock(27) - Signed contract in 2016
Jordi Murphy(27) - Signed contract in 2017
Jack Conan(25) - Signed contract in 2017
Josh Van Der Flier(25) - Signed contract in 2016
Dan Leavy(24) - Signed contract in 2017
Peadar Timmins(24) - Signed contract in 2017
Max Deegan(21) - Signed contract in 2017

Josh Murphy(23) - Academy Year 3
Will Connors(21) - Academy Year 2
Caelan Doris(20) - Academy Year 1

Players definitely not out of contract: Jamie Heaslip, signed until 2020 on a central deal, however his future is up in the air due to back injury/surgeries. Sean O'Brien, signed until World Cup, rarely plays for Leinster either due to ireland or fitness concerns.

Quite likely that both Rhys Ruddock & Josh Van Der Flier are out of contract this season, currently both are 1st choice for Leinster. Jordi Murphy was rumoured to have signed a one year deal last season but that is unconfirmed. Peadar Timmins also likely only signed a one year deal last season meaning he would be out of contract this year, has fallen behind Deegan at 8.

Unlikely Dan Leavy, Jack Conan and Max Deegan are out of contract this season.

Meanwhile in the academy, Josh Murphy seems to be being looked at in the 2nd row with his recent start there for Leinster A, if he can play both 4 and 6 for Leinster it could see him earn a development deal for next season. Will Connors is playing 7's and 7 for Leinster A, it's likely he would do another year in the academy. Meanwhile the standout backrow in the academy and likely Ireland u20 captain, Caelan Doris is currently injured. He appears to be on the fast track ala Deegan, although this may be slowed somewhat due to injury.

In the sub academy, Richard Dunne(DUFC) and Max Kearney(DUFC) are two standout 7's, while JJ O'Dea(Old Wesley) and Cian Reilly(UCD) are two other backrows to keep an eye on.

[leinsterforever]

Surely Doris will gravitate towards playing blindside for Leinster with all the options at 8. It would be good to have him as a genuine option behind Ruddock, especially if Josh Murphy is going to be playing some of his rugby in the second row

[mildlyinterested]

Surely Doris will gravitate towards playing blindside for Leinster with all the options at 8. It would be good to have him as a genuine option behind Ruddock, especially if Josh Murphy is going to be playing some of his rugby in the second row

Yeah, I think Doris will settle long term at 6.

[neiliog93]

You would think Timmins would go to Ulster or Connacht, or England. Not sure if Josh Murphy will get a contract offer such is our depth in the back row, and the fact that Dorris and Connors seem to have higher potential than him.

[mildlyinterested]

You would think Timmins would go to Ulster or Connacht, or England. Not sure if Josh Murphy will get a contract offer such is our depth in the back row, and the fact that Dorris and Connors seem to have higher potential than him.

I think Murphy could earn one if he looks like a potential option at 2nd row, he has the height and looks to be bulking up..

Timmins you'd assume is off, assuming the players ahead of him don't leave, will always wonder what if they had tried to convert him to hooker. He has the same stats as Sean McNulty after all, 1.88m and 105kg.

I guess it will come down to Leinster retaining the players out of contract - Ruddock/JVDF/Murphy? Along with Heaslips future.

[johng]

I'd rather Leinster's back row going forward than Leinster's front row going backward.

[jimbobjoe]

I'd rather Leinster's back row going forward than Leinster's front row going backward.

Immediately makes me think of Juan Gomez

[johng]

I'd rather Leinster's back row going forward than Leinster's front row going backward.

Immediately makes me think of Juan Gomez

With his arm around Harry Vermass?

[jimbobjoe]

I'd rather Leinster's back row going forward than Leinster's front row going backward.

Immediately makes me think of Juan Gomez

With his arm around Harry Vermass?

Completely forgot about Harry!

[mildlyinterested]

Josh Murphy on the bench ahead of Peadar Timmins is notable today.

[Dave Cahill]

Is it that notable? With Jordi Murphy and Leavy in the squad there was more of an opening for a player with Josh's profile - especially as the plan seems to be to evolve him into a Scott Fardy, Nathan Hines type player - a 5.5 if you will

[mildlyinterested]

well with Murphy almost certain to play 6 in this game, I think it's notable that Timmins isn't there, especially as I'd rate Timmins to be a better player than Murphy at the moment.

[Oldschool]

Max Deegan - Is he a Jamie Heaslip style of player or Jack Conan style.
How highly do people rate him?
Is he a better no. 8 than SOB even at this stage of his career?
Indeed is it wise to be blocking his development by selecting SOB at 8 at all.
ie is he/should he be our second choice no. 8 with Jamie hor's de combat.
Is he good enough to eventually become Ireland's first choice no. 8.

[mildlyinterested]

Max Deegan - Is he a Jamie Heaslip style of player or Jack Conan style.
How highly do people rate him?
Is he a better no. 8 than SOB even at this stage of his career?
Indeed is it wise to be blocking his development by selecting SOB at 8 at all.
ie is he/should he be our second choice no. 8 with Jamie hor's de combat.
Is he good enough to eventually become Ireland's first choice no. 8.

Heaslip style IMO.
Very highly.
Eh hard to say, SOB obviously the better backrow.
He just turned 21, no need to rush his development massively, especially as he is still developing physically.
Yes, he is good enough to be first choice irish number 8 at some point.

[riocard911]

IMO, Seanie should stick to playing flanker, preferably at seven, and leave number 8 to Jack and Max.

[ronk]

He covers across the backrow, best at 7. He probably wants the odd game in a different position to keep him prepared.

[mildlyinterested]

IMO, Seanie should stick to playing flanker, preferably at seven, and leave number 8 to Jack and Max.

they should play the 3 best backrows available for each game.. much rather see SOB at 8 against Ulster away than Deegan at least for the time being.

[the spoofer]

What I would give to see the Sportsfile Leinster training photo's with Heaslip togged out and the lifting blocks on his legs.

[mildlyinterested]

So with Jordi off:

Jamie Heaslip(34) - Signed central 3 yr contract in 2017
Sean O'Brien(31) - Signed central 3 yr contract in 2016
Rhys Ruddock(27) - Signed contract in 2016
Jack Conan(25) - Signed contract in 2017
Josh Van Der Flier(25) - Signed contract in 2016
Dan Leavy(24) - Signed contract in 2017
Peadar Timmins(24) - Signed contract in 2017
Max Deegan(21) - Signed contract in 2017

Josh Murphy(23) - Academy Year 3
Will Connors(21) - Academy Year 2
Caelan Doris(20) - Academy Year 1

[neiliog93]

I'd say Timmins is almost certain to leave as well, and you'd think Josh Murphy will get a deal. So, next season:

No.8: Heaslip, Conan, Deegan (+ Dorris)
7: VDF, Leavy (+ new academy entrant, possibly Richard Dunne)
6.5: SOB
6: Ruddock, Josh Murphy (+ Connors)