URC Fixtures 2022/23

[Neill_M]

Ulster players selected.

Emerging Ireland Squad – Toyota Challenge 2022

Robert Baloucoune (Ulster/Enniskillen)*
Nathan Doak (Ulster/Banbridge)
Jake Flannery (Ulster/Shannon)
Michael McDonald (Ulster)
Ethan McIlroy (Ulster/Queens RFC)
Stewart Moore (Ulster/Malone)
Cormac Izuchukwu (Ulster/Ballynahinch)
Callum Reid (Ulster/Banbridge)
Tom Stewart (Ulster/Ballynahinch)

[jean valjean]

How is Baloucoune considered an emerging player? The guy has been playing European rugby for over 3 years. Unless we get stu, addison and Hume back soon our centres have been decimated as well.

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[Setanta]

Two scrum-halves as well as two hookers.

[paddybrown]

Full squad here.

Interesting that, at out-half, Jack Crowley and Jake Flannery are both selected, and Ben Healy isn't - Crowley and Flannery were both behind Healy in the Munster pecking order last year. Suggests our new boy is highly thought of in Ireland circles. Two Ulster scrum-halves chosen - hopefully nothing happens to Cooney while they're away.

Surprised Marcus Rea didn't get a call-up, he was a real breakthrough player for us last season.

[Neill_M]

How is Baloucoune considered an emerging player? The guy has been playing European rugby for over 3 years. Unless we get stu, addison and Hume back soon our centres have been decimated as well.

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Could be game time related as he missed out on New Zealand Tour.

[Neill_M]

Two scrum-halves as well as two hookers.

2 hookers? LHP and hooker surely.

Test of depth at LHP and Scrum Half in games v Scarlets, Leinster and Ospreys.

[Setanta]

It could have been worse but is still a real shambles. There are three other windows outside of League games. I was so annoyed I said two hookers - it is one hooker and one LHP.

[Setanta]

It could have been worse but is still a real shambles. There are three other windows outside of League games. I was so annoyed I said two hookers - it is one hooker and one LHP.

[Hans Indaruck]

Leinster still have 10 in the squad compared to our 9!!

[justinr73]

Munster aren’t left with much of a pack either.

[HammerTime]

Baloucoune should be starting for Ireland never mind in their thirds ffs. Agree with the rest although Marcus Rea should be there.

[allezlesverres]

Am greatly relieved by this - was expecting much worse. Really not sure what the point of the tour is however. Nucifora saying it is to get people ready for the world cup but even on the most optimistic trajectory, very few of those players are likely to make a 33 man world cup squad next year.

Leo's quote in the article on the42 suggested there has been a bit of horse trading in the provinces so that looks like what has happened to avoid Leinster having a full strength squad whilst taking the other provinces front liners.

From an Ulster perspective there is hope that the tour will actually accelerate the development of some players so some good might come from it in the medium to long term.

[StandUp]

How the f@ck can Michael McDonald be an emerging player???
He’s not even peeking out yet never mind emerging.
Don’t get me wrong I think he’s a real find and could be very good for us but ffs taking two scrum halves.
B@stards.

[Cormac]

Leinster still have 10 in the squad compared to our 9!!

Leinster have 11 in the squad. Smith, Osborne, Frawley, Milne, Clarkson, Deeny, McCarthy, Soroka, Culhane, Penny, Deegan.

[Dave]

Selecting Baloucoune is a nonsense. How can this be better than playing for Ulster in the league? Sexton may have been a better option but now he might get game time for Ulster which is better for him.