Filo Paulo

[GerryO']

I wasn't at the Bath match, but noticed on the highlights.
I also noticed he isn't on the profiles section of the UR site.
What is the story, has he a contract?

[ali c]

Don't know Gerry, I was at the match last night and he's not listed anywhere in the programme, either in last nights selection or in the larger squad listings

[MightyRearranger]

I doubt he has a contract. Seem to remember him playing in one of the friendlies last year too. Not sure why he does if he can't play for them any other time though.

[cables]

Filo was initially registered as an Ulster player last season for the ML. The registered players did not include our International players at that time. His name was subsequently removed from the registration and Intl players were added (may not have been at the same time).

Filo was probably initially registered as 'cover' for Del Fava on Intl duty.
Perhaps similar will happen this season.

[BR]

It does beg the question - how much can he play for Ulster (either in friendlies, ML or even ERC) without the powers-that-be deciding that he is working as a professional rugby player? Assuming that that is still the issue. If it were a case that he was brought in at the last minute as cover for an injured player, then an argument could be made that he did that on an amatuer basis, but if he was to play week in and week out, then I suppose someone would start asking difficult questions.

IIRC there was mention (in the MR interview??) that the issues may be resolved this season (and that was the reason it was not necessary for him to move to Connacht (assuming Connacht would want him)). Apart from my previous offer of a civil partnership - which, as I have heard nothing, I'm guessing he's not interested in (is anybody that desperate to play rugby?); what are the other ways out of this?

I don't know the guys personal circumstances, but I guess there are other non-rugby routes to obtain the necessary status to work here. Has he been resident (under IRB rules) for 3 years? Could we get him an Ireland cap (even an EO'S style injury time job) on that basis , thereby making him a capped Tier 1/2 player ...

[browner]

How do people here rate F/P?.....................i'm afraid i've yet to see anything that would warrant giving him a contract.

[Ithryn]

good tackler, good in rucks, strong runner, feisty around the pitch, worth a pop

[MightyRearranger]

good tackler, good in rucks, strong runner, feisty around the pitch, worth a pop

From what I've seen he's all that, but his handling would need a bit of work.

[BR]

From the very little I've seen, I'd give him a contract. If nothing else, he looks hungry.

[McPepper]

From the very little I've seen, I'd give him a contract. If nothing else, he looks hungry.

Why not give him an Ulster fry?

[cjp]

At 20 or 21 he is a great prospect, was able to play for Ulster Under 20's last season but the IRFU wanted players only eligable for Ireland Under 20 selection.

[BR]

From the very little I've seen, I'd give him a contract. If nothing else, he looks hungry.

Why not give him an Ulster fry?

Because all the Ulster fries around here are accounted for - and don't you forget it!

[GerryO']

What age is ?

[ali c]

According to Malone his DOB is 11/01/1980

Same date, though sadly not the same year, as mine

[UlsterJock]

After seeing him on Friday night I thought he was committed, keen and at times a force to be reckoned with. Has the potential to be a cult figure, good to have someone who has a bit of character