URC 2022/23 - Other Sides

[kingofthehill]

The URC is brilliant.

Very little between 2nd and 9th when you include games in hand.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jetstream]

Munster has also offered to send a guy over to light the braai every evening for him. Insisting that you don't it, ever yourself please no, never ever. It might swing it tbf.

Has RG lost the contract?

[Dave]

Munster has also offered to send a guy over to light the braai every evening for him. Insisting that you don't it, ever yourself please no, never ever. It might swing it tbf.

Has RG lost the contract?

Up in smoke...

[Neill_M]

BERNARD JACKMAN SAYS it’s his understanding that a Munster move for South Africa hooker Malcolm Marx is “a long shot” and unlikely to come to fruition.

The powerful Springbok has been quietly linked with the southern province for several months and, on Friday, Rugby Pass reported that Munster had tabled a substantial offer for the 28-year-old Marx who is currently on the books of the Kubota Spears in the Japanese Top League.
Marx has also recently been linked with a move to France and, speaking on Monday’s Rugby Weekly Extra podcast for The42 members, former Grenoble and Dragons head coach Jackman told Murray Kinsella, Gavan Casey and RWE listeners that he didn’t believe Munster would win the race for the 50-cap Bok’s signature.

“Look, I don’t want to crush anyone’s dreams but my understanding is that it’s very unlikely to happen,” Jackman said.
“It’s a great rumour. He would be a game-changing signing if he came, he was fit and he played regularly. But I understand that it’s not very likely, to be honest, given the budgetary constraints and that reality for Munster. It’s a long shot, for sure.”

Asked by presenter Casey if he had heard anything to the contrary, The42 rugby writer Kinsella replied: “I’ve only heard the rumour over the last few months, never strongly enough to write it as a story or to suggest that it’s a done deal. Similar to Berch, it’s probably around that financial aspect…
“Niall Scannell’s contract is up at the end of the season and there’s rumours of him potentially going to Bath with Van Graan or elsewhere,” Kinsella added. “And Marx is the player they need: really dynamic, world-class. But he would come with a hefty enough salary.

“You never know, the 1014 group (Munster’s private investors) might step up again — but it’s not looking too likely at the moment.”

https://www.the42.ie/malcolm-marx-5964438-Jan2023/

[solidarity]

Glasgow's first try at the weekend was a thing of beauty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GfbmdwLeH0

[Jetstream]

BERNARD JACKMAN SAYS it’s his understanding that a Munster move for South Africa hooker Malcolm Marx is “a long shot” and unlikely to come to fruition.

The powerful Springbok has been quietly linked with the southern province for several months and, on Friday, Rugby Pass reported that Munster had tabled a substantial offer for the 28-year-old Marx who is currently on the books of the Kubota Spears in the Japanese Top League.
Marx has also recently been linked with a move to France and, speaking on Monday’s Rugby Weekly Extra podcast for The42 members, former Grenoble and Dragons head coach Jackman told Murray Kinsella, Gavan Casey and RWE listeners that he didn’t believe Munster would win the race for the 50-cap Bok’s signature.

“Look, I don’t want to crush anyone’s dreams but my understanding is that it’s very unlikely to happen,” Jackman said.
“It’s a great rumour. He would be a game-changing signing if he came, he was fit and he played regularly. But I understand that it’s not very likely, to be honest, given the budgetary constraints and that reality for Munster. It’s a long shot, for sure.”

Asked by presenter Casey if he had heard anything to the contrary, The42 rugby writer Kinsella replied: “I’ve only heard the rumour over the last few months, never strongly enough to write it as a story or to suggest that it’s a done deal. Similar to Berch, it’s probably around that financial aspect…
“Niall Scannell’s contract is up at the end of the season and there’s rumours of him potentially going to Bath with Van Graan or elsewhere,” Kinsella added. “And Marx is the player they need: really dynamic, world-class. But he would come with a hefty enough salary.

“You never know, the 1014 group (Munster’s private investors) might step up again — but it’s not looking too likely at the moment.”

https://www.the42.ie/malcolm-marx-5964438-Jan2023/

I can see IRFU stepping in and helping to finance it. It's all about keeping bums on seats at Thomond Park. IRFU are helping to finance Zebo's salary.

[Neill_M]

BERNARD JACKMAN SAYS it’s his understanding that a Munster move for South Africa hooker Malcolm Marx is “a long shot” and unlikely to come to fruition.

The powerful Springbok has been quietly linked with the southern province for several months and, on Friday, Rugby Pass reported that Munster had tabled a substantial offer for the 28-year-old Marx who is currently on the books of the Kubota Spears in the Japanese Top League.
Marx has also recently been linked with a move to France and, speaking on Monday’s Rugby Weekly Extra podcast for The42 members, former Grenoble and Dragons head coach Jackman told Murray Kinsella, Gavan Casey and RWE listeners that he didn’t believe Munster would win the race for the 50-cap Bok’s signature.

“Look, I don’t want to crush anyone’s dreams but my understanding is that it’s very unlikely to happen,” Jackman said.
“It’s a great rumour. He would be a game-changing signing if he came, he was fit and he played regularly. But I understand that it’s not very likely, to be honest, given the budgetary constraints and that reality for Munster. It’s a long shot, for sure.”

Asked by presenter Casey if he had heard anything to the contrary, The42 rugby writer Kinsella replied: “I’ve only heard the rumour over the last few months, never strongly enough to write it as a story or to suggest that it’s a done deal. Similar to Berch, it’s probably around that financial aspect…
“Niall Scannell’s contract is up at the end of the season and there’s rumours of him potentially going to Bath with Van Graan or elsewhere,” Kinsella added. “And Marx is the player they need: really dynamic, world-class. But he would come with a hefty enough salary.

“You never know, the 1014 group (Munster’s private investors) might step up again — but it’s not looking too likely at the moment.”

https://www.the42.ie/malcolm-marx-5964438-Jan2023/

I can see IRFU stepping in and helping to finance it. It's all about keeping bums on seats at Thomond Park. IRFU are helping to finance Zebo's salary.

MUNSTER ASSISTANT COACH Denis Leamy has confirmed that the province will not be signing Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx.
The southern province have been repeatedly linked with the World Cup winner in recent months, but Leamy says Munster won’t be bringing in Marx, who currently plays his club rugby in Japan.

“I’d like to work with Malcolm Marx, but there’s nothing in it,” said Leamy this afternoon. “There’s nothing there for us. No, that’s not something that’s happening, to be as clear about that as I can. “Look, obviously we look in different areas of the market but that’s not a conversation that’s ongoing.”

https://www.the42.ie/munster-malcolm-ma ... 6-Jan2023/

[Jetstream]

BERNARD JACKMAN SAYS it’s his understanding that a Munster move for South Africa hooker Malcolm Marx is “a long shot” and unlikely to come to fruition.

The powerful Springbok has been quietly linked with the southern province for several months and, on Friday, Rugby Pass reported that Munster had tabled a substantial offer for the 28-year-old Marx who is currently on the books of the Kubota Spears in the Japanese Top League.
Marx has also recently been linked with a move to France and, speaking on Monday’s Rugby Weekly Extra podcast for The42 members, former Grenoble and Dragons head coach Jackman told Murray Kinsella, Gavan Casey and RWE listeners that he didn’t believe Munster would win the race for the 50-cap Bok’s signature.

“Look, I don’t want to crush anyone’s dreams but my understanding is that it’s very unlikely to happen,” Jackman said.
“It’s a great rumour. He would be a game-changing signing if he came, he was fit and he played regularly. But I understand that it’s not very likely, to be honest, given the budgetary constraints and that reality for Munster. It’s a long shot, for sure.”

Asked by presenter Casey if he had heard anything to the contrary, The42 rugby writer Kinsella replied: “I’ve only heard the rumour over the last few months, never strongly enough to write it as a story or to suggest that it’s a done deal. Similar to Berch, it’s probably around that financial aspect…
“Niall Scannell’s contract is up at the end of the season and there’s rumours of him potentially going to Bath with Van Graan or elsewhere,” Kinsella added. “And Marx is the player they need: really dynamic, world-class. But he would come with a hefty enough salary.

“You never know, the 1014 group (Munster’s private investors) might step up again — but it’s not looking too likely at the moment.”

https://www.the42.ie/malcolm-marx-5964438-Jan2023/

I can see IRFU stepping in and helping to finance it. It's all about keeping bums on seats at Thomond Park. IRFU are helping to finance Zebo's salary.

MUNSTER ASSISTANT COACH Denis Leamy has confirmed that the province will not be signing Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx.
The southern province have been repeatedly linked with the World Cup winner in recent months, but Leamy says Munster won’t be bringing in Marx, who currently plays his club rugby in Japan.

“I’d like to work with Malcolm Marx, but there’s nothing in it,” said Leamy this afternoon. “There’s nothing there for us. No, that’s not something that’s happening, to be as clear about that as I can. “Look, obviously we look in different areas of the market but that’s not a conversation that’s ongoing.”

https://www.the42.ie/munster-malcolm-ma ... 6-Jan2023/

They have also denied that they are signing Groucho, Harpo or Zeppo Marx but should the IRFU finance the purchase of Marks & Spencer for them they would be agreeable. Meanwhile Bryn is assessing Poundland.

[BR]

BERNARD JACKMAN SAYS it’s his understanding that a Munster move for South Africa hooker Malcolm Marx is “a long shot” and unlikely to come to fruition.

The powerful Springbok has been quietly linked with the southern province for several months and, on Friday, Rugby Pass reported that Munster had tabled a substantial offer for the 28-year-old Marx who is currently on the books of the Kubota Spears in the Japanese Top League.
Marx has also recently been linked with a move to France and, speaking on Monday’s Rugby Weekly Extra podcast for The42 members, former Grenoble and Dragons head coach Jackman told Murray Kinsella, Gavan Casey and RWE listeners that he didn’t believe Munster would win the race for the 50-cap Bok’s signature.

“Look, I don’t want to crush anyone’s dreams but my understanding is that it’s very unlikely to happen,” Jackman said.
“It’s a great rumour. He would be a game-changing signing if he came, he was fit and he played regularly. But I understand that it’s not very likely, to be honest, given the budgetary constraints and that reality for Munster. It’s a long shot, for sure.”

Asked by presenter Casey if he had heard anything to the contrary, The42 rugby writer Kinsella replied: “I’ve only heard the rumour over the last few months, never strongly enough to write it as a story or to suggest that it’s a done deal. Similar to Berch, it’s probably around that financial aspect…
“Niall Scannell’s contract is up at the end of the season and there’s rumours of him potentially going to Bath with Van Graan or elsewhere,” Kinsella added. “And Marx is the player they need: really dynamic, world-class. But he would come with a hefty enough salary.

“You never know, the 1014 group (Munster’s private investors) might step up again — but it’s not looking too likely at the moment.”

https://www.the42.ie/malcolm-marx-5964438-Jan2023/

I can see IRFU stepping in and helping to finance it. It's all about keeping bums on seats at Thomond Park. IRFU are helping to finance Zebo's salary.

MUNSTER ASSISTANT COACH Denis Leamy has confirmed that the province will not be signing Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx.
The southern province have been repeatedly linked with the World Cup winner in recent months, but Leamy says Munster won’t be bringing in Marx, who currently plays his club rugby in Japan.

“I’d like to work with Malcolm Marx, but there’s nothing in it,” said Leamy this afternoon. “There’s nothing there for us. No, that’s not something that’s happening, to be as clear about that as I can. “Look, obviously we look in different areas of the market but that’s not a conversation that’s ongoing.”

https://www.the42.ie/munster-malcolm-ma ... 6-Jan2023/

They have also denied that they are signing Groucho, Harpo or Zeppo Marx but should the IRFU finance the purchase of Marks & Spencer for them they would be agreeable. Meanwhile Bryn is assessing Poundland.

Chico to Munster then! You read it here first.

[Neill_M]

2 contract extensions at Connacht - John Porch to Summer 2025, Caolin Blade to Summer 2026.

[Jetstream]

Bundee Aki will stay with Ireland until after the World Cup despite his current Connacht woes as he has already signed a contract extension with IRFU chiefs until the end of 2024.

Connacht’s Jarrad Butler has assured anxious supporters that Sportsground cult hero Bundee Aki still has an important role to play at the province, even though he cannot get into the team presently.

And Butler hopes his fellow Kiwi-born import can stick around for a few more years yet.

It had been assumed that the 32-year-old might be free to leave Ireland as the last contract he signed in 2019 expired this summer ahead of the 2023 World Cup.

However, despite being exiled from his provincial squad, Andy Farrell is expected to name him in an extended Six Nations squad this Thursday and he has remained in constant contact with Connacht as he monitors Aki’s troubling decline in fortunes.

Farrell is a big supporter of Aki and, despite a suspension earlier this season which ruled him out of the majority of the Autumn Series clean sweep, Farrell insisted he remained part of the squad.

However, that is not the case at Connacht.

Current Connacht supremo Andy Friend is leaving the club this summer and Peter Wilkins, who may replace him, reiterated this afternoon that Aki’s exclusion is for form reasons.

From Irish Independent.

[Dave]

He will start for Ireland, though. He has been awful.

[Godots bedpan]

He will start for Ireland, though. He has been awful.

Not sure about that, SMcC is the man in possession & Henshaw is not available. He did nothing wrong in the AI's and he is not a red card machine. Aki should be going to tackle school with Owen Farrell. I suspect there is more to this, if the guy is under the minutes limit surely Connacht play him if he is fit. Is he is not fit he shouldn't be in the Irish camp. There is more behind this and it will come out in the wash in time.

Could see a good few guys on a central contract other than Aki not picked like Murray & Earls. Stockdale not in the mix too which underlines the flaw with longer central contracts when someone's form goes they are locked in. JVDF doesn't have one, which is insane on one level, if he signs one now he'll be looking for 3 years at his age - will he be first choice in three years time? Would players take contracts that stipulate continued selection for Irish squads - when uninjured - as a condition? Doubt it.

[Neill_M]

2 contract extensions at Connacht - John Porch to Summer 2025, Caolin Blade to Summer 2026.

Ireland international Dave Heffernan is the latest player to renew his contract with Connacht, signing a new two-year deal.

He will now remain at the club until at least the end of the 2024/25 season.

[Neill_M]

Significant news for Connacht - new updated table. Top 4 get home game in Round of 16.

1. Cardiff 15 points
2. Toulon 15 points
3. Connacht 14 points
4. Glasgow 14 points
5. Bristol 9 points.

Bristol Bears have been deducted five match points and handed a suspended fine of €10,000 following an independent Disciplinary Hearing arising from the club’s EPCR Challenge Cup, Round 1 and Round 2 fixtures against USAP and Zebre Parma respectively. Bristol Bears were charged with misconduct by EPCR as the club was believed to have breached the 2022/23 Tournament Rules by selecting an ineligible player, Elliott Stooke, as a replacement in their match day squads for both fixtures in Pool A.​