Munster 2014/2015

[Donny B.]

http://www.the42.ie/paul-oconnell-toulo ... 6-Jun2015/

AFTER ALL THE hype surrounding his retirement from international rugby and a move to European champions Toulon, a report has emerged from France this morning that suggests Paul O’Connell may not be going anywhere just yet.
Midi Olympique says the French side may be looking elsewhere in the short-term following concern over a shoulder injury, one that caused O’Connell to sit out Munster’s game with Treviso last month.
While the rugby newspaper does point out that Toulon may still sign O’Connell after the World Cup as a ‘medical joker’, helping them to save money on his salary, the club appears to be looking at alternatives including 33-year-old Australian lock Mark Chisholm for the start of the Top 14 season.

Midi Olympique reports that with less than 24 hours of the official window for confirming transfers remaining, O’Connell’s possible move to France remains uncertain.
The article does also mention that O’Connell is wanted by Pau, who were promoted into the Top 14 after a dominant season in the Pro D2. The Ireland second row laughed off links with the Simon Mannix-coached club back in November, but Midi Olympique says they proposed a one-year contract.
O’Connell has publicly refused to rule out a move to Toulon in a similar manner in recent times, only adding to the uncertainty over his future after the World Cup.

[waterboy]

MIght explain why the IRFU didn't seem to put out about him walking out on the last year of his contract. I know everyone went on with the, ah he owed us nothing etc., stuff but unusual enough for an organisation to just let one of their key players walk away.

[simonokeeffe]

Hes on Wikipedia as having been signed

Guess we'll know for real very soon

[domhnallj]

Hes on Wikipedia as having been signed

Guess we'll know for real very soon

Yeah, but the thing about Wikipedia is....

[simonokeeffe]

Hes on Wikipedia as having been signed

Guess we'll know for real very soon

Yeah, but the thing about Wikipedia is....

I know, its like religion

[Dave Cahill]

According to Var Matin, the deed is now done and O'Connell has signed a one year contract with an option for a second year

[nc6000]

RTE News just said he has signed for Toulon.

[Logorrhea]

that is some loss for Munster.

[deco]

I guess he was bought out of The Jersey.

[Oldschool]

that is some loss for Munster.

Not really.
At his age it's more a case of over hyped, over paid (now) and over there.
But good luck to him he's earned the chance to bang a few extra bob into the pension pot.
He was a great servant to Munster and Ireland.

[Logorrhea]

that is some loss for Munster.

Not really. At his age it's more a case of over hyped, over paid (now) and over there.

what's his age got to do with anything when he is playing as well as he has been this year gone.

You think Ireland would miss him were he to be injured for the WC?

[offshorerules]

Ireland would definitely miss him as will Munster and to say that he is over hyped is ridiculous to be fair.

[goreyguy]

James Cronin's move to tighthead confirmed.

Meanwhile, the Irish Independent has learned that Munster's James Cronin is expected to switch from loosehead prop to tighthead before the start of next season.

[offshorerules]

James Cronin's move to tighthead confirmed.

Meanwhile, the Irish Independent has learned that Munster's James Cronin is expected to switch from loosehead prop to tighthead before the start of next season.

Think it'll work out for him?

[LeRouxIsPHat]

Would be amazing for Munster and Ireland if it did. Kilcoyne has been fantastic recently but I wonder what has prompted it? In other words, are Munster pushing it or is he? Have they seen something in him or is everyone just hoping he could do it because Kilcoyne is so good and can't move across?

I'm struggling to remember the last time a move like this worked but hopefully it will this time. Hopefully they do have someone lined up for after the World Cup (not Furlong!) so he can get some good time under his belt before they arrive and then rotate regularly to get as much experience as possible. He should probably do it at club level when possible too.

[Logorrhea]

Well if Bent could do it then ...................... oh

[domhnallj]

Well if Bent could do it then ...................... oh

John Smit

[simonokeeffe]

John Ryan is probably the best scrummaging losehead they have

Cronin is an interesting move as he wasnt exactly a renowned scrummager on the supposedly easier side but maybe theyve seen something there and or want their best players/carriers on the pitch

But my reading would be they arent actually getting an NIQ tighthead after the world cup or theyre prioritising NIQs in other areas; Guinezeau and GVDH still to be announced

[fourthirtythree]

Yeah, John Ryan is much of the reason I would have thought. He's been fantastic this season. They need a pro for some matches on the other side.

Best of luck to him.

[simonokeeffe]

Yeah, John Ryan is much of the reason I would have thought. He's been fantastic this season. They need a pro for some matches on the other side.

Best of luck to him.

they probably though but my NIQ conspiracy theory though is if Cronin is on the radar at international level at LH and pushing Killer why would he move across and be behind a foreign signing and probably Archer for a while at least?