Inside Centre if/when Nacewa Retires

[mildlyinterested]

BOD said in commentary on Sunday that "it's not officially confirmed yet, but Nacewa is likely retiring at the end of the season". To me, that's insider knowledge and essentially equals "he's definitely retiring but it hasn't been announced yet", possibly because of the way Leinster tend to announce most arrivals, renewals and departures in one batch.

I'd be surprised if he was here next season in a playing role, I hope to god he is here in an off the field role though.

It looks like they are wrapping him in cotton wool at the moment just to have him ready for a few big games. He could potentially only have 4 more games for Leinster with semi's and finals in europe and the league.

It will be sad to see him go but another year might be too much for him physically.

I'd imagine so, but hope we don't lose his influence off the field around the place.

[mildlyinterested]

I’m surprised Tommy O’Brien has barely been mentioned yet. Obviously he can play anywhere from 11 to 14 and he’s able to slot in seamlessly to any position with ease. The fact that he has the intelligence and the skill level to do so is very encouraging. From what I’ve seen, he plays just about as good in each position, although I’m a fan of him at 12. There may be concerns over whether he’s big enough but I see no reason why he can’t do a very good job there if required. I don’t see his long term position being 12, he’s probably someone who will be able to cover any position we need him to when we need him to, so he’s definitely a viable option at 12.

Playing 12 tonight for UCD, certainly has skill level but seems to be destined for the wing at the moment.

But listed him as being an option for a reason, could easily see him maturing into a player who could play at a high level at either 12 or 13.

[cormac]

BOD said in commentary on Sunday that "it's not officially confirmed yet, but Nacewa is likely retiring at the end of the season". To me, that's insider knowledge and essentially equals "he's definitely retiring but it hasn't been announced yet", possibly because of the way Leinster tend to announce most arrivals, renewals and departures in one batch.

Would certainly confirm what I heard a couple of months ago.

[leinsterforever]

Jimmy O'Brien looks a very sharp runner with the 7s, and Tommy O'Brien looks an excellent prospect. But they look more physically suited to 13 and 13/wing respectively. I'd be putting all the eggs in the Conor O'Brien basket, with McFadden, Reid and maybe Frawley providing cover as necessary

[Edna Kenny]

Would Larmour be an option at centre? His footwork is so good and he's great at getting through traffic.

[Raydollard]

Frawley looks a likely one but could play in a number of positions.

[Dave Cahill]

Bye Bye Ian, Sayonara Joey, Hello Ciarán

[artaneboy]

Frawley could be a long-term option, but he seems to be being groomed for the 10/15 role a la Carbery.

Frawley seems to me to have the physique, hands and smarts to be very good at 12. Not much sense in totally overlapping with Carberry’s a d not covering the inside centre “gap”.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[neiliog93]

I’m surprised Tommy O’Brien has barely been mentioned yet. Obviously he can play anywhere from 11 to 14 and he’s able to slot in seamlessly to any position with ease. The fact that he has the intelligence and the skill level to do so is very encouraging. From what I’ve seen, he plays just about as good in each position, although I’m a fan of him at 12. There may be concerns over whether he’s big enough but I see no reason why he can’t do a very good job there if required. I don’t see his long term position being 12, he’s probably someone who will be able to cover any position we need him to when we need him to, so he’s definitely a viable option at 12.

Tommy is too small to be a top level 12. "D'Arcy made it at 12" isn't a comeback either, it's a different era now.

[ronk]

Olding might be available...

[A16]

I’m surprised Tommy O’Brien has barely been mentioned yet. Obviously he can play anywhere from 11 to 14 and he’s able to slot in seamlessly to any position with ease. The fact that he has the intelligence and the skill level to do so is very encouraging. From what I’ve seen, he plays just about as good in each position, although I’m a fan of him at 12. There may be concerns over whether he’s big enough but I see no reason why he can’t do a very good job there if required. I don’t see his long term position being 12, he’s probably someone who will be able to cover any position we need him to when we need him to, so he’s definitely a viable option at 12.

Tommy is too small to be a top level 12. "D'Arcy made it at 12" isn't a comeback either, it's a different era now.

What level is top level?

[mildlyinterested]

I’m surprised Tommy O’Brien has barely been mentioned yet. Obviously he can play anywhere from 11 to 14 and he’s able to slot in seamlessly to any position with ease. The fact that he has the intelligence and the skill level to do so is very encouraging. From what I’ve seen, he plays just about as good in each position, although I’m a fan of him at 12. There may be concerns over whether he’s big enough but I see no reason why he can’t do a very good job there if required. I don’t see his long term position being 12, he’s probably someone who will be able to cover any position we need him to when we need him to, so he’s definitely a viable option at 12.

Tommy is too small to be a top level 12. "D'Arcy made it at 12" isn't a comeback either, it's a different era now.

is Tommy smaller than Nacewa or Rory Scannell?

he is taller than both and has plenty of time to physically mature.

[ChrisUppy]

There's no way you can deem being 6ft and 89Kg at the age of 19 as already being too small for top flight rugby at 12. He's already taller and heavier than some of the (recent) greats in the position.

[mildlyinterested]

If Nacewa was missing for the scarlets match, i'd say they'd move Ringrose to 12 and start ROL at 13.. so that might be the answer.

[A16]

There's no way you can deem being 6ft and 89Kg at the age of 19 as already being too small for top flight rugby at 12. He's already taller and heavier than some of the (recent) greats in the position.

Yeah I completely agree, he’s not even that small for someone who’s being ruled out as not having enough size to play in that position. Besides, the whole point of this is finding a back up to Henshaw/replacement for Nacewa when he retires. So O’Brien should be more than good enough for Pro14 and Champions Cup games and I don’t see his size being a problem.

[A16]

There's no way you can deem being 6ft and 89Kg at the age of 19 as already being too small for top flight rugby at 12. He's already taller and heavier than some of the (recent) greats in the position.

Yeah I completely agree, he’s not even that small for someone who’s being ruled out as not having enough size to play in that position. Besides, the whole point of this is finding a back up to Henshaw/replacement for Nacewa when he retires. So O’Brien should be more than good enough for Pro14 and Champions Cup games and I don’t see his size being a problem.

[neiliog93]

Rory Scannell is built like a brick (5'10", almost 100 kg), I don't want Tommy O'Brien to risk losing some of his agility (arguably his best asset) for the sake of being able to handle the collisions at 12.

[curates_egg]

Bye Bye Ian, Sayonara Joey, Hello Ciarán

Is there anything to be said for playing him at scrumhalf?

[Oldschool]

Bye Bye Ian, Sayonara Joey, Hello Ciarán

Is there anything to be said for playing him at scrumhalf?

He's not small enough.

[Oldschool]

Olding might be available...

He's more a 13 than a 12 but he can play a few different roles.
Think he's played OH and FB at Pro12 level.