Ireland 2025

[munstermuffin]

Central contract system amended again. Provinces now to pay 40%. Makes not having one 10 on a CC, let alone two which I think we should have, seem stranger.

Pressure coming on now and I predict within next 10 years we will be away from this model. Alot of internal and external fighting.

 

[big ginger 8]

IRFU have announced that the men's sevens team will be discontinued from the end of this season.

 

[Gavin]

IRFU have announced that the men's sevens team will be discontinued from the end of this season.

Thoughts?

Seems like an attempt to save money in the wrong area.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

That's a big shame,

Would be interesting to know how much it was actually costing the union considering it would be part funded as an olympic venture - does feel like they should've bitten the bullet and continued to run it, it's been a) a good thing to have in general, and b) a good development pathway for players into XVs

 

[big ginger 8]

What do we reckon the summer squad will look like. Will the retiring trio be taken and kept fit for a potential Lions call-up? Only two tests so I would expect around 30 players, maybe at the higher end to allow for call ups.

Think I'd be looking at something like:

Loosehead: Boyle, Milne
Hooker: McCarthy, Stewart, Herring
Tighthead: Bealham, Clarkson, O'Toole
Locks: Henderson (captain) Ahern, Edogbo (probably way too early), Mangan (could be Murray but they seem to like Mangan)
Backrow: Izuchukwu, McNabney, Prendergast, Timoney, Hodnett - Coombes would be worth the call up but there are a lot of 6s and 8s and he clearly isn't fitting the requirements of the coaching staff before now.
Scrumhalves: Casey, Devine, Blade
Outhalves: Prendergast, Crowley, Frawley (mostly to play other positions)
Centres: Henshaw, Osborne, Gavin
Backthree: J O'Brien, T O'Brien, Bolton, Stockdale, Nash

 

[munstermuffin]

What do we reckon the summer squad will look like. Will the retiring trio be taken and kept fit for a potential Lions call-up? Only two tests so I would expect around 30 players, maybe at the higher end to allow for call ups.

Think I'd be looking at something like:

Loosehead: Boyle, Milne
Hooker: McCarthy, Stewart, Herring
Tighthead: Bealham, Clarkson, O'Toole
Locks: Henderson (captain) Ahern, Edogbo (probably way too early), Mangan (could be Murray but they seem to like Mangan)
Backrow: Izuchukwu, McNabney, Prendergast, Timoney, Hodnett - Coombes would be worth the call up but there are a lot of 6s and 8s and he clearly isn't fitting the requirements of the coaching staff before now.
Scrumhalves: Casey, Devine, Blade
Outhalves: Prendergast, Crowley, Frawley (mostly to play other positions)
Centres: Henshaw, Osborne, Gavin
Backthree: J O'Brien, T O'Brien, Bolton, Stockdale, Nash

I think Lee Barron will go ahead of Herring. Bealham will be in Aus, Can't see Henderson and feel it will be him easing out, Izuchukwu will be a lock on this tour. Coombes will 100% go as he was getting in favour toward end of 6 Nations and Kendellen and Deegan are rated too.
I can't see Henshaw going and feel Tom Farrell may get a cap as a reward, Gavin won't either. Likes of Dan Kelly or incoming guys like that could get a shot too.

The retiring trio are not touring and aren't under consideration for the Lions. So they won't tour.

 

[Groundhog]

Edogbo may get a shout, but probably not. He came back for Munster A on Friday, which I watched. He is absolutely massive now, looks to have put on a lot of muscle. I'm always a bit worried for guys with long term lower body injuries putting on a load of weight, but I also don't know what I'm talking about. He only played 20 or so though and looked wrecked at that. I think if he even had a few more A games between now and the tour he would have a shot, but he probably just isn't fit enough yet to jump the que. Just as an irrelevant aside, Ruadhan Quinn was pretty unplayable in that game. He, Foy and Gleeson were a v exciting backrow.

I'd like to see Farrell tour, but I completely understand why he probably won't. He will probably never be a guy who wins a load of caps, but he has been in ridiculous form this year. Leading the URC in successful carries, offloads, carries, joint top try scorer and second in defenders beaten.

I think Henderson will probably tour. They will bring any non-retiring senior players who are available. I do think however Lee Barron may be thrown an atta boy for moving to Munster, even though he probably shouldn't be. Herring only signed a 1 year deal, and he doesn't make a fit Irish 23, so I think he may be done after next year and the IRFU are no doubt aware if this is the case.

 

[big ginger 8]

I think Lee Barron will go ahead of Herring. Bealham will be in Aus, Can't see Henderson and feel it will be him easing out, Izuchukwu will be a lock on this tour. Coombes will 100% go as he was getting in favour toward end of 6 Nations and Kendellen and Deegan are rated too.
I can't see Henshaw going and feel Tom Farrell may get a cap as a reward, Gavin won't either. Likes of Dan Kelly or incoming guys like that could get a shot too.

The retiring trio are not touring and aren't under consideration for the Lions. So they won't tour.

I heard he was good the other night but I don't super rate Barron as a international prospect, he is possibly the skinniest hooker I've ever seen. Herring is usually in or around the squad and is considered a leader.

Yeah I'd imagine Bealham will end up in Oz but for the moment he isn't. Would guess Jager is next in line.

I wouldn't be shocked to see Coombes go but the other guys are as or more in favour and fit the mould the coaches are looking for more. As you point out I forgot Deegan and I would fully expect him to go. Of course someone will probably get injured making the point moot anyway.

I could see Kendellen going but Hodnett and Timoney were in the last squad and you don't need three 7s for this tour.

Henshaw will absolutely go. He's definitely on the reserve list for the Lions and they'll want him to stay sharp. Again he's also a senior voice they'll want around camp. I would be far more shocked if Kelly went then if Gavin did. But could see one of the Ulster lads getting the spot.