Olly
Nothing against Scarlets - Bayonne have more cash. Both options are attractive
I learned from a Welsh fan who told me what I told you - Ireland prioritize the Heineken Cup and sure they do. Look at players from Leisnter or Munster in a ML match compared to a Heineken Cup match. Look at the match results. In fact I thought it could not be so upon being told this but it is clearly the way things go with the Irish.
Munster in first place is a rare thing - not the norm. You are familiar with Irish rugby and the ML are you not...
Just incase you aren´t let me jog your memory.
Fact: the Heineken Cup is superior to the ML.
Fact: Munster 6th place in the ML in 2006 yet Heineken Cup Champions.
Fact: Munster 3rd place in the ML in 2008 but Heineken Cup Champions.
Clearly there is something wrong with Munster. And indeed there is, simply put, like I said, they field stronger teams for the Heineken Cup than the ML.
Fact: Leinster third in the 2009 ML but 2009 Heineken Cup Champions. Edinburgh finished higher than Leinster in the 2009 ML.
This season Leinster are the best Irish side in the Heineken Cup but are midtable in the ML in 6th spot behind Heineken Cup strugglers Cardiff Blues and and are the third best Irish side according to the ML. How is this so.... Perhaps priority is given the the Heineken Cup. If, for some reason, you are still in doubt then check the following out:
http://www.magnersleague.com/matchcentre/6290.php
Ian Madigan was flyhalf, Eoin O'Malley centre, Sean O'Brien in the backrow
Meaning Sexton, BOD and Heaslip were all rested. - Three key Leinster players.
Learn more about your own country before saying others are ill-founded and no need to use nasty language.
1. Nothing to do with Argentina per se. Just mentioned them because of Contepomi being in Leinster and now Toulon. He has commented about the differences in France which are relevent considering this is all about the possibility of Euan Murray playing for maybe Bayonne or maybe Scarlets.
2. Rush played one test in 1998 then 7 in 2004. There were always better players around. He was in NZ considered a journeyman much like Todd Blackadder. Ask Smartcooky for his view if you like. Holah was long gone from the All Blacks upon leaving for Wales. Blair much the same.
3. Bayonne have far more history than Scarlets. Scarlets were founded in 2003 vs Bayonne in 1904. Bayonne are better than many sides in the Heineken Cup this year.
4. Scarlets looked strong vs Treviso, but were well beaten by Leicester and Perpignan gace them a good match. Hosting Leicester and playing Perpignan away will be very tough. The need to win both otherwise they will be second in the pool as both Perpignan and Leicester will defeat Treviso.
5. If Murray goes to Scarlets thats not a bad call. Bayonne, from what info I have, will offer more. If I were offered a deal by either to play pro I would take it.
6. I stand by my comments re Munster and Leinster. A guy from Swansea pointed it out to me back in 2005 from memory.