New Performance Director - a bloke we all know

[solidarity]

I guess we all know that David Humphreys has got the job, as rumoured.
Rory's impressed: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/67287889
What does everyone else think?

[justinr73]

The 42 is a bit quiet these days since it has gone behind a paywall but there seemed to be some concern that it was a terrible mistake because he would favour Ulster.

I think it’s intriguing that someone born on the island of Ireland has actually been entrusted with a senior role in Irish Rugby.

[Dharper]

Certainly from a box ticking pt of view he hits the majority:

Prov and int player of high quality
DOR in Ireland and England
Involvement in recruitment/contracts….legal professional
Experience in another sport (ECB cricket), and legal practice.

I think DH would be ruthless enough to rock the boat, but how far is another matter.
For instance personally I think you could almost put UR into special measures: academy, recruitment, contracts/re contracts, coaching-all areas of concern. Coaching at all provinces should be a must.

Ire are running off 2 provinces - while that is the case they’ll lack the player depth to win on the world stage. Domestically only Leinster are serious euro contenders.

The disparity in squad quality is stark. Madness there are no season loan systems in place. Game time is huge for player development. Whereby NIQs are often seen as an issue, I personally view low quality domestic players as bad. Certainly a far more Ruthless hands on approach at ur is a must for a successful long term Ireland at the top level.

I’d also say inter prov movement is also huge. If every prov was well run and coached I’d not see the problem.

[jean valjean]

I think while it may be a benefit that Ulster are not lost in the national picture, humphreys will not want to be accused of favouritism. Hence no controversial moves of a promising leinster player north like was done for carbery heading to munster.

[Gerald the Mole]

Poor appointment and delusional if anyone thinks this is a good appointment

[Dave]

First question: can our boys come home?

*I know they don't want to.