The UAFC

I'd say we need a quality prop, second row and utility back. One of them can be a decent project player - ideally someone of the quality of Payne.... (fat chance...)

if Williams leaves, then a backrower to replace.

Not sure if there are many decent irish-qualified players that would consider going to Ulster - Boss??

We need a tighthead prop, a back five forward (the precise position depending on Humphries/D4 pulling the finger out and giving Henderson a number to master, preferably 6), a scrum-half and possibly a centre/utility back.


Given we have just got rid of Afoa, and the IRFU edict of "not shooting ourselves in the foot", I think we'll be allowed to sign a NIQ tighthead, but he will have to be a project. That may mean yer man Herbst at Sharks. That, from the D4 perspective, would mean two THs proficient toTest level in 3 years (Moore and Herbst/whoever).

As regards a back five forward, it's anyone's guess, though I'm sure KOTH and a few others have heard names.

As much as Ruan brings sheer unadulterated class to the pitch, we need another scrum-half who isn't Paul Marshall, and it's too soon to be relying on Shanahan or another Raven. Tbh I would be happy with a proficient if not excellent back-up, so maybe project of even a current IQ - no use busting the budget on two world-class players in one position.

Finally, we are thin at centre until Marshall and Olding come back (and in whatever shape Marshall comes back in). A utility back to cover that general area and maybe 15 wouldn't go amiss, even if it's a one-off, 2 year contract until another 2 (say) youngsters come through.


Going by Humph's past few years, I'm confident he'll get at least 3 of the above 4, plus whomever he in his infinitely superior wisdom has decided we are in need of.

Have faith!


Edit: Reading back over this - is there any provision for declaring more than one international signing per year a "project"?

damianmcr wrote:I heard you get a tasty burger at Nutts Corner.

So that's where Nick is.

rorybestsbigbaldnoggin wrote: Edit: Reading back over this - is there any provision for declaring more than one international signing per year a "project"?

Exceptions to the guidelines would presumably be made on a case by case basis if D4 thought it were in the interest of Irish rugby.

There is talk that Payne does not become qualified until November and that prevents us signing a project until that time, not sure though if this is accurate.

Rooster wrote:There is talk that Payne does not become qualified until November and that prevents us signing a project until that time, not sure though if this is accurate.

Is it not that November will be the first International matches that he will be eligible for?

Wouldn't have thought that should have an impact on us.

Rooster wrote:There is talk that Payne does not become qualified until November and that prevents us signing a project until that time, not sure though if this is accurate.

End of September for Jared.

Have faith childer!

Cap'n Grumpy wrote:

Rooster wrote:There is talk that Payne does not become qualified until November and that prevents us signing a project until that time, not sure though if this is accurate.

End of September for Jared.

Have faith childer!

That passport at Nutts Corner ready?

rorybestsbigbaldnoggin wrote:We need a tighthead prop, a back five forward (the precise position depending on Humphries/D4 pulling the finger out and giving Henderson a number to master, preferably 6), a scrum-half and possibly a centre/utility back.


Given we have just got rid of Afoa, and the IRFU edict of "not shooting ourselves in the foot", I think we'll be allowed to sign a NIQ tighthead, but he will have to be a project. That may mean yer man Herbst at Sharks. That, from the D4 perspective, would mean two THs proficient toTest level in 3 years (Moore and Herbst/whoever).

As regards a back five forward, it's anyone's guess, though I'm sure KOTH and a few others have heard names.

As much as Ruan brings sheer unadulterated class to the pitch, we need another scrum-half who isn't Paul Marshall, and it's too soon to be relying on Shanahan or another Raven. Tbh I would be happy with a proficient if not excellent back-up, so maybe project of even a current IQ - no use busting the budget on two world-class players in one position.

Finally, we are thin at centre until Marshall and Olding come back (and in whatever shape Marshall comes back in). A utility back to cover that general area and maybe 15 wouldn't go amiss, even if it's a one-off, 2 year contract until another 2 (say) youngsters come through.


Going by Humph's past few years, I'm confident he'll get at least 3 of the above 4, plus whomever he in his infinitely superior wisdom has decided we are in need of.

Have faith!


Edit: Reading back over this - is there any provision for declaring more than one international signing per year a "project"?

Read back over it again

Clive's probably V+'d it anyway!

We need a 10. This constant switching to cover while PJ is on Ireland duty is no good.

Indiana wrote:We need a 10. This constant switching to cover while PJ is on Ireland duty is no good.

we have got another 10 signed

People need to keep up. This bs is not helping my hangover

Rooster wrote:

Indiana wrote:We need a 10. This constant switching to cover while PJ is on Ireland duty is no good.

we have got another 10 signed

We have no idea if he's any good ... but he's replacing McKinney ... starter for 10 in the beg!!!

Sorry Ross, I know what you mean!