The UAFC

SUFTUM_19 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 30, 2024 1:33 pm

So It Is wrote: ↑Tue Jan 30, 2024 1:28 pm What we really need is a mid-20s Kiwi 10 that has been playing NPC/Super Rugby for 4+ years. Never going to trouble the NZ squad but is a good operator, that will seriously elevate standards. Like a young Jimmy G or Steinmetz (I know Steiner got 2mins off the bench, once, for NZ . . ). But of that ilk, a committed lad with ability. Get him in, build the team around him.

I haven't watched Soup Rugby in years. Is therr anyone like that floating about?

Fergus Burke would be ideal from the Crusaders. Possibly Irish qualified but unsure, also rumoured that Townsend is trying to get him to Glasgow so he must be Scottish qualified too. Not sure he’d leave though, with Mo’unga leaving for Japan, he seems to be in a strong position for the 10 jersey over there.

Thelaw wrote:I think the more worrying part of the report is that we are doing this as part of a cost cutting exercise. That means there will be no big money NIQ replacement. Or I think any replacement at all. If the Leinster players were moving they would go to Munster, just like carberry, though that was a lucky miss. It looks like we have been told no by Dublin, they are going to support the 3 southern teams first and we can make do and mend. There is definitely some dead wood, Addison has been woeful for example. Maybe a season with kids coming through wouldn't be the worst if we can get are heads around it. But management changes are nessecary

Thelaw wrote: ↑Tue Jan 30, 2024 2:48 pm I think the more worrying part of the report is that we are doing this as part of a cost cutting exercise. That means there will be no big money NIQ replacement. Or I think any replacement at all. If the Leinster players were moving they would go to Munster, just like carberry, though that was a lucky miss. It looks like we have been told no by Dublin, they are going to support the 3 southern teams first and we can make do and mend. There is definitely some dead wood, Addison has been woeful for example. Maybe a season with kids coming through wouldn't be the worst if we can get are heads around it. But management changes are nessecary

Dharper wrote: ↑Tue Jan 30, 2024 4:28 pm Maybe under “cost cutting” may force UR to make the decisions around players they could’ve made previously. Going forward there could be a painful few seasons, but a coach with experience of improving/bring through pups will be a must, as the squad profile changes.

The entire coaching set up will gradually drop off contract. Dan sounds like a man out of ideas, and beaten by a system that unless you have a production line of youth talent / high training standards you’re in big trouble.

I hope the remaining players / management realise this is the result of losing to connacht and pitchgate. May just sharpen the resolve going forward.

justinr73 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 30, 2024 7:49 pm Hmmm, not really.

There’s frequently a painful play-off defeat but most Ulster fans only see about three losses a year.

SUFTUM_19 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 30, 2024 4:58 pm

Thelaw wrote: ↑Tue Jan 30, 2024 2:48 pm I think the more worrying part of the report is that we are doing this as part of a cost cutting exercise. That means there will be no big money NIQ replacement. Or I think any replacement at all. If the Leinster players were moving they would go to Munster, just like carberry, though that was a lucky miss. It looks like we have been told no by Dublin, they are going to support the 3 southern teams first and we can make do and mend. There is definitely some dead wood, Addison has been woeful for example. Maybe a season with kids coming through wouldn't be the worst if we can get are heads around it. But management changes are nessecary

Judging by the rumour that we are prepared to offload our starting 10 to save money, with no real sign of a replacement, there is absolutely no chance we are in a position to afford to release coaches from their contracts a year early, so whilst I do agree that management changes are necessary, I don’t think it’s possible and we’re just going to have to stick it out for the next season and a half. It makes the whole plastic pitch decision even more confusing if finances are as bad as they seem to be.

Thelaw wrote:Perhaps the irfu could help out someone other than Munster for a change. No reason the under 20s six nations couldn't move north now for a couple of years, should help with the Bank Balance

Lurgan Lad wrote: ↑Tue Jan 30, 2024 9:42 pm

SUFTUM_19 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 30, 2024 4:58 pm

Thelaw wrote: ↑Tue Jan 30, 2024 2:48 pm I think the more worrying part of the report is that we are doing this as part of a cost cutting exercise. That means there will be no big money NIQ replacement. Or I think any replacement at all. If the Leinster players were moving they would go to Munster, just like carberry, though that was a lucky miss. It looks like we have been told no by Dublin, they are going to support the 3 southern teams first and we can make do and mend. There is definitely some dead wood, Addison has been woeful for example. Maybe a season with kids coming through wouldn't be the worst if we can get are heads around it. But management changes are nessecary

Judging by the rumour that we are prepared to offload our starting 10 to save money, with no real sign of a replacement, there is absolutely no chance we are in a position to afford to release coaches from their contracts a year early, so whilst I do agree that management changes are necessary, I don’t think it’s possible and we’re just going to have to stick it out for the next season and a half. It makes the whole plastic pitch decision even more confusing if finances are as bad as they seem to be.

If this is about money, then signing Kitschoff sure speaks of disfunction. Cunningham and Petrie should have an idea of what their budget will be year on year, pointless spending money on a big signing and then struggle to retain starters elsewhere a year later.

Thelaw wrote: ↑Tue Jan 30, 2024 9:52 pm Perhaps the irfu could help out someone other than Munster for a change. No reason the under 20s six nations couldn't move north now for a couple of years, should help with the Bank Balance

Horse15 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 30, 2024 10:48 pm

Thelaw wrote: ↑Tue Jan 30, 2024 9:52 pm Perhaps the irfu could help out someone other than Munster for a change. No reason the under 20s six nations couldn't move north now for a couple of years, should help with the Bank Balance

I don’t think these games would be much of a money spinner - avg attendances in or around 4K.