The UAFC

Neill_M wrote: ↑Wed Sep 30, 2020 2:50 pm

Columbo wrote: ↑Wed Sep 30, 2020 2:02 pm

Neill_M wrote: ↑Wed Sep 30, 2020 11:46 am Injury/Transfer/Other?

Contract buyout...

Couple of theories that it could be, already covered in responses. Is there the cash in for that to happen?

I was thinking about that - actually if it’s true it could be quite nice opportunistic timing by SARU. They know the IRFU are absolutely bleeding cash and uttering dire prognostications about the future of the game - and right now Marcel is probably on one of the biggest contracts in Ireland. So the ‘buyout’ number could be considerably less than it would have been in ordinary times - basically we’ll take his wages off your hands a year early, and perhaps chuck in a little sweetener.. I’d say that would definitely get the IRFU’s attention.

Of course presumably ulster would scream bloody murder (unless they’re still following the Logan blueprint, in which case they’d probably offer him up for free ) and demand some quid pro quo, like Ruddock or Deegan, so it could get a bit messy.

thecrouch wrote: ↑Wed Sep 30, 2020 5:16 pm Isn't this old news?

No.. the earlier rumour was just kite flying by SA journos I think. This came from someone in the camp, within the last week - what I don’t know is if it’s just a rumour among the players, or whether they have been told something concrete

It would be a total disaster and a 2nd/3rd/4th choice Leinster player would not soften the blow all that much.

Our finances have been on a slippery slope since we made Piteau the highest paid player in the league...

Columbo wrote: ↑Wed Sep 30, 2020 8:30 pm

thecrouch wrote: ↑Wed Sep 30, 2020 5:16 pm Isn't this old news?

No.. the earlier rumour was just kite flying by SA journos I think. This came from someone in the camp, within the last week - what I don’t know is if it’s just a rumour among the players, or whether they have been told something concrete

Hopefully he's just been offered a buyout but not necessarily accepted it- which then could be known amongst the players..

I've heard he likes it here? Maybe he's not in a rush to leave?
Hope there's nothing to it- he'd be a massive loss at a time were we need to be building depth in the back row not losing it..

If Deegan and penny headed north to sweeten the deal would it be worth it?

No

Personally I’d expect Faddes & Carter to leave at end of season - my understanding is both are in last yr of 2 season deals. There are enough cover/development in the backs for Faddes. There maybe opportunities re movement between provinces for a 2nd row replacement for Carter. I’d definitely expect further movement between provinces going forward. The Irfu are going to want maximum return for their buck re IQ players, and now project players with the 5yr rule are really a bit of a non starter. Ire have holes at 15/10/9, BR, lock - they need maximum player exposure. I expect pressure to pass on game time to young talent in academies rather than older squad men to benefit the national team long term.

Dharper wrote: ↑Thu Oct 01, 2020 10:31 pm Personally I’d expect Faddes & Carter to leave at end of season.

both are average at best.
Who is scouting these imports?

Snipe Watson wrote: ↑Thu Oct 01, 2020 10:59 pm

Dharper wrote: ↑Thu Oct 01, 2020 10:31 pm Personally I’d expect Faddes & Carter to leave at end of season.

both are average at best.
Who is scouting these imports?

Rumn.... (sorry Rumn )

Carter is a multi capped Oz international who captained The Brumbies, he suffered an injury setback against Bath and hasn't had any time to find rhythm. I think he will surprise a few once he gets going. I certainly remember him being a hard nosed grisly character when watching him play in Super Rugby.

Faddes covers 11 to 15, wasn't signed to be a super star but to add depth. Again he also has been hampered with injury. I think Ulster fans need to temper their expectations with Faddes. Appears to try too hard to impress and it doesn't always come off, the guy needs to relax.

I understand Carter’s pedigree, and that he has had injuries but I have yet to be convinced that He on current performances offers a real step up from our current 2nd rows Certainly not to the extent I would expect from a NIQ signing.
Fades is a different case in that he was signed as a utility back to provide depth to the squad Madigan is a similar signing.

Faddes will come good I do believe, though it can’t be easy with injuries and constantly playing different positions and not getting much continuity.

I could understand Carter’s contract if he does actually start playing like an Aus international and former Super Rugby captain, but unfortunately I don’t see the point in Faddes. We can produce enough pups in the backs but the NIQ needed to go for a back row, preferably openside. We need more grunt that current options - Carter playing to his potential and a Saffa 6. I can’t see the academy unleashing another 1F anytime soon.

Might be a chance to sweep one up in the SA rugby reshuffling for next season. Any decent looking prospects in the Cheetahs or Kings?

UlsterNo9 wrote: ↑Fri Oct 02, 2020 12:10 am

Snipe Watson wrote: ↑Thu Oct 01, 2020 10:59 pm

Dharper wrote: ↑Thu Oct 01, 2020 10:31 pm Personally I’d expect Faddes & Carter to leave at end of season.

both are average at best.
Who is scouting these imports?

Rumn.... (sorry Rumn )

Carter is a multi capped Oz international who captained The Brumbies, he suffered an injury setback against Bath and hasn't had any time to find rhythm. I think he will surprise a few once he gets going. I certainly remember him being a hard nosed grisly character when watching him play in Super Rugby.

Faddes covers 11 to 15, wasn't signed to be a super star but to add depth. Again he also has been hampered with injury. I think Ulster fans need to temper their expectations with Faddes. Appears to try too hard to impress and it doesn't always come off, the guy needs to relax.

All NIQs should be automatic starters. Neither of these two are.

Snipe Watson wrote: ↑Fri Oct 02, 2020 6:34 pm

UlsterNo9 wrote: ↑Fri Oct 02, 2020 12:10 am

Snipe Watson wrote: ↑Thu Oct 01, 2020 10:59 pm

Dharper wrote: ↑Thu Oct 01, 2020 10:31 pm Personally I’d expect Faddes & Carter to leave at end of season.

both are average at best.
Who is scouting these imports?

Rumn.... (sorry Rumn )

Carter is a multi capped Oz international who captained The Brumbies, he suffered an injury setback against Bath and hasn't had any time to find rhythm. I think he will surprise a few once he gets going. I certainly remember him being a hard nosed grisly character when watching him play in Super Rugby.

Faddes covers 11 to 15, wasn't signed to be a super star but to add depth. Again he also has been hampered with injury. I think Ulster fans need to temper their expectations with Faddes. Appears to try too hard to impress and it doesn't always come off, the guy needs to relax.

All NIQs should be automatic starters. Neither of these two are.

Agree that all NIQs should be but that's a personal train of thought rather than IRFU criteria.