Leinster sign Shaun Berne

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

While trawling through various sources to find out more on the Bath scandal, I came across this nugget:

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/sport/Bath-Rug...il/article.html

And former Australia A centre Shaun Berne is departing for Leinster - a move that the Irish side is expected to officially announce after the Heineken Cup final on Saturday.[/b]

I don't know what to make of it. He'll backup Jonny Sexton and Gordon D'arcy so in a sense he's a lesser quality player filling the gap left by Felipe Contepomi. He's probably just what Leinster need but it's not exactly a signing to get the pulse racing. That said, Reddan, Ross and Berne is a good trio of signings even if they're coming in from an inferior competition in the Guinness Premiership

 

[An Tarbh]

Imagine my shock at Leinster signing another Randwick old boy

 

[monkeypigeon]

What age is this fellow?

 

[MunsterMan]

You did need a third choice goal kicker, While McFadden seems to be a solid goal kicker, Sexton just isn't and they don't have much experience between the two of them. Still another Randwick old boy, how does he get away with it? How many is that now?

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MunsterMan @ May 22 2009, 11:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Still another Randwick old boy, how does he get away with it?[/b]

He gets away with it because Cheika is a winner and his record in the transfer market is excellent. Berne is also decent cover at 10 and 12. The Randwick connection has led to Rocky Elsom, Michael Berne, Owen Finegan, Chris Whitaker, David Knox and Alan Gaffney coming to Leinster. All apart from Finegan have made good contributions to Leinster rugby.

With Leinster's Lions due to miss the opening 4 or 5 weeks of next season, Leinster will be able to put out an experienced backline during those games. Nacewa, Horgan, McFadden, Berne, Keogh, Sexton and Reddan with O'Donohoe, McKinley and Dempsey on the bench gives Leinster a lot of cover while also giving youth a chance to shine.

 

[dundeesmiffy]

Yeah I would say Leinster are more than prepared for next years season.