Connacht 2017 - 2018

[scentofgunpowder]

Andre Deegan the aussie out-half is heading back to the Southern Hemisphere to sign with Western Force. Can't say he'll be missed but it's another NIQ off Connachts Squad.

Werent they disbanded? So hes going back to club rugby?

Leaves Butler and Dawai as useful ones and Lli gathering dust but out of contract this summer

Yes. They're playing a "World Series" which is just 7 friendly games with yet to be announced rule adjustments to make the game more spectator friendly. They'll then take Perth Spirit's spot in the NRC.

Dawai is ok but I'd rather not be using an NIQ slot on a 3rd string back row.

[simonokeeffe]

Chapeau

I never checked on Dawais contract length.

They could really do with a centre, then its wishful thinking like an expensive outhalf

[scentofgunpowder]

Chapeau

I never checked on Dawais contract length.

They could really do with a centre, then its wishful thinking like an expensive outhalf

Expiring in the summer.

Yeah Farrell and Aki are good players for our level but the rest are very average. Linked with Kyle Godwin at the moment.

[simonokeeffe]

Chapeau

I never checked on Dawais contract length.

They could really do with a centre, then its wishful thinking like an expensive outhalf

Expiring in the summer.

Yeah Farrell and Aki are good players for our level but the rest are very average. Linked with Kyle Godwin at the moment.

And Aki misses a fair bit now. Rinaldson is class but is injured so often. I find it hard to pinpoint/prioritise where else they need to strengthen. Maybe prop and or locj

[sunshiner1]

That's Akhi and Deegan gone with Godwin rumoured to be coming in. Connacht really need a quality out-half. I could see them making a serious bid for Marsh or Byrne this summer. They'll keep Butler for sure but no idea about Dawai. With Aki and McCartney now IQ they have some scope to bring in some new guys.

Has anyone heard about the Aussie guy they signed for their academy Harley Fox? Is he staying or going?

[sunshiner1]

Kyle Godwin to pack his bagsWe’re hearing Godwin, the Brumbies No.12, has signed a deal to play in Ireland. His one and only Test for the Wallabies came in 2016 in a game when Michael Cheika rested some of his best players, so you can’t blame the 25-year-old for chasing the Euro.

From the Oz newspapers. Looks like Godwin is coming to Ireland but doesn't say what province.

[simonokeeffe]

Kyle Godwin to pack his bagsWe’re hearing Godwin, the Brumbies No.12, has signed a deal to play in Ireland. His one and only Test for the Wallabies came in 2016 in a game when Michael Cheika rested some of his best players, so you can’t blame the 25-year-old for chasing the Euro.

From the Oz newspapers. Looks like Godwin is coming to Ireland but doesn't say what province.

Has to be Connacht or Ulster Shirely

[Laighin Break]

Kyle Godwin to pack his bagsWe’re hearing Godwin, the Brumbies No.12, has signed a deal to play in Ireland. His one and only Test for the Wallabies came in 2016 in a game when Michael Cheika rested some of his best players, so you can’t blame the 25-year-old for chasing the Euro.

From the Oz newspapers. Looks like Godwin is coming to Ireland but doesn't say what province.

Has to be Connacht or Ulster Shirely

Unlikely to be "chasing the Euro" in Belfast Can't see Ulster signing a centre either.

[sunshiner1]

He also plays 10 which is why it's a toss up. I'd discribe him as a 12 who sometimes plays 10 but that might be enough for Ulster.

[simonokeeffe]

I cant see the Aussies knowing the difference in currency locations

[scentofgunpowder]

Chapeau

I never checked on Dawais contract length.

They could really do with a centre, then its wishful thinking like an expensive outhalf

Expiring in the summer.

Yeah Farrell and Aki are good players for our level but the rest are very average. Linked with Kyle Godwin at the moment.

And Aki misses a fair bit now. Rinaldson is class but is injured so often. I find it hard to pinpoint/prioritise where else they need to strengthen. Maybe prop and or locj

I would love to see us bring in Peter Dooley. A third decent TH would be nice but not sure we can justify an NIQ with Bealham and Carey there, not sure what IQ options are available. Maybe we'd take a punt on Oisin Heffernan he's hardly much worse than McCoy.

I'd love us to bring in a hardy veteran NIQ lock to mentor our promising young lads, but we have 6 already with Browne TBC so might not happen.

A ball carrying 8 is absolutely essential.

Definitely could do with a centre, maybe a 13 to allow Aki to move back to 12.

Have always wanted us to sign a tall powerful winger in the mould of someone like Patrick Osbourne, just to offer a different type of threat out wide.

[sunshiner1]

Whatever happended to that back you guys had Leader? Don't know the first name.

[Laighin Break]

Whatever happended to that back you guys had Leader? Don't know the first name.

Darragh Leader is still there AFAIK. Came on as a sub in a game I was watching earlier this season. Not sure if he's had injuries or just out of favour. One of the brothers will be playing in the American league

[sunshiner1]

by Laighin Break

sunshiner1 wrote:
Whatever happended to that back you guys had Leader? Don't know the first name.



Darragh Leader is still there AFAIK. Came on as a sub in a game I was watching earlier this season. Not sure if he's had injuries or just out of favour. One of the brothers will be playing in the American league

Thanks

[simonokeeffe]

Lam especially loved him but hes had a heap of serious injuries

[brotheroffrank]

CONNACHT HAVE CONFIRMED the signing of once-capped Ireland international Robin Copeland from Munster on a two-year contract.

Decent bit of business and the Connacht offload style might suit him better than Munster....

[blockhead]

Good move for all concerned

[Fireworks]

Good move for all concerned

Over time he faded into the background in the Munster squad so a change might help his career. I would see him as a good squad purchase. Solid but unremarkable and often that is enough.

[simonokeeffe]

Bit of a nerdy tangent but including schools and underage etc how many players have played for 3 provinces?

Keatley
Fogarty
Cooney

Wikipedia check

McCormack
Reddan
Willis

[sunshiner1]

by Fireworks

I would see him as a good squad purchase. Solid but unremarkable and often that is enough.

Agreed. He's nothing to get excited about but nothing to be disappointed about either.