Leinster Squad 20-21

[wixfjord]

Wow, pretty strong words from Jonny Petrie - https://twitter.com/JP_Petrie/status/13 ... 5201811457

[Dave Cahill]

Strong talk that Coetzee is leaving Ulster and heading to the Bulls.

Deegan to go north would be a fairly good bet I’d say.

Departure at the end of the season confirmed now by Ulster.

Its a big problem for them - the one thing they are really lacking when he doesn't play is a power carrier

Yep and I'm not sure Deegan would add that either.

I don't think he would, I don't think he'd really add anything that they don't already have (outside of Coetzee) - he might be better at some of it, but one thing he isn't is a power guy

[Jonny tight lips]

Wow, pretty strong words from Jonny Petrie - https://twitter.com/JP_Petrie/status/13 ... 5201811457

If he’s out of contract and wants to go home I don’t see what all the fuss is about. He’s played well for them any time I’ve seen him play.

[wixfjord]

Wow, pretty strong words from Jonny Petrie - https://twitter.com/JP_Petrie/status/13 ... 5201811457

If he’s out of contract and wants to go home I don’t see what all the fuss is about. He’s played well for them any time I’ve seen him play.

He isn't out of contract though, that's the point.

[riocard911]

There's serious bad blood up north about Coetzee leaving and/or the Bulls buying him out before the end of his contract. As an outsider looking in, it's great to see some serious rivalry injected into the Pro16 before a ball has even been kicked! We've already now got a grudge fixture already to look forward to. Hopefully the Bulls and the Ultonians end up in the same pool for the Rainbow Tournament!!!!

[Jonny tight lips]

Wow, pretty strong words from Jonny Petrie - https://twitter.com/JP_Petrie/status/13 ... 5201811457

If he’s out of contract and wants to go home I don’t see what all the fuss is about. He’s played well for them any time I’ve seen him play.

He isn't out of contract though, that's the point.

If he’s not out of contract why can’t they just tell him he’s staying?

[Dave Cahill]

Wow, pretty strong words from Jonny Petrie - https://twitter.com/JP_Petrie/status/13 ... 5201811457

If he’s out of contract and wants to go home I don’t see what all the fuss is about. He’s played well for them any time I’ve seen him play.

He isn't out of contract though, that's the point.

Not out of contract until summer of 2022, and Ulster were very good to him during his original contract when he was injured for two thirds of it

[Dave Cahill]

If he’s not out of contract why can’t they just tell him he’s staying?

To what end? How would that benefit Ulster?

[wixfjord]

If he’s out of contract and wants to go home I don’t see what all the fuss is about. He’s played well for them any time I’ve seen him play.

He isn't out of contract though, that's the point.

If he’s not out of contract why can’t they just tell him he’s staying?

Technically they possibly could.

In reality, they've chosen to not keep a very expensive guy who doesn't want to be there and facilitate a move.

Bulls will likely be paying a buy out clause.

[Jonny tight lips]

If he’s not out of contract why can’t they just tell him he’s staying?

To what end? How would that benefit Ulster?

He would play for them for the remainder of his contract, he’s a professional player after all. Messi had a transfer request turned down during the summer and is banging in goals for Barca.

[Dave Cahill]

If he’s not out of contract why can’t they just tell him he’s staying?

To what end? How would that benefit Ulster?

He would play for them for the remainder of his contract, he’s a professional player after all. Messi had a transfer request turned down during the summer and is banging in goals for Barca.

One would hope that he would, and I have no reason to suggest he wouldn't, but other players in his position haven't always been so professional - and you try to make a player spend 18 months where he doesn't want to be and you'll soon find that there are 100s of ways of making your retention less than desireable - and all of them are contractually sound.

This way, Ulster at least will probably get a few bob for him and they have six months to find a replacement in a pretty good employers market

[Keith]

There's serious bad blood up north about Coetzee leaving and/or the Bulls buying him out before the end of his contract. As an outsider looking in, it's great to see some serious rivalry injected into the Pro16 before a ball has even been kicked! We've already now got a grudge fixture already to look forward to. Hopefully the Bulls and the Ultonians end up in the same pool for the Rainbow Tournament!!!!

You do realise this probably means another Leinster player moving north?

[ronk]

When you have to desperately slash budget, an offer for one of the highest paid players in Ireland looks tempting, especially for a non-international. Even better if there's a fee.

[Serb]

You do realise this probably means another Leinster player moving north?

More than probably. It’s guaranteed his replacement will be sourced from our wealth of back rows — most likely Deegan as mentioned. Sure, he’s not a like for like replacement, but we can’t really offer them a player exactly in the mould of Coetzee and Deegan’s contract expires this summer along with Penny (who will go south).

[limecat]

You do realise this probably means another Leinster player moving north?

More than probably. It’s guaranteed his replacement will be sourced from our wealth of back rows — most likely Deegan as mentioned. Sure, he’s not a like for like replacement, but we can’t really offer them a player exactly in the mould of Coetzee and Deegan’s contract expires this summer along with Penny (who will go south).

Alex Soroka?

[Jonny tight lips]

Wow, pretty strong words from Jonny Petrie - https://twitter.com/JP_Petrie/status/13 ... 5201811457

Jack McGrath .... not exactly the same thing but close enough

[munster#1]

Crazy move. I was only reading an article the other day where he was saying how lucky he was that Ulster stood by him.
You would imagine he would have returned the favour.

Given the financial situation within the IRFU you would have to think that players will be rotated between provinces to cover off gaps like these.

I know that there are a list of players at Leinster who could potentially be heading north, but I would see this as a great opportunity for JOD to get regular first choice gametime, and I think he would be a great fit.

[riocard911]

Crazy move. I was only reading an article the other day where he was saying how lucky he was that Ulster stood by him.
You would imagine he would have returned the favour.

Given the financial situation within the IRFU you would have to think that players will be rotated between provinces to cover off gaps like these.

I know that there are a list of players at Leinster who could potentially be heading north, but I would see this as a great opportunity for JOD to get regular first choice gametime, and I think he would be a great fit.

How about sending Gavin Coombes to Ravers? He'd be an even greater fit!!!

[munster#1]

Crazy move. I was only reading an article the other day where he was saying how lucky he was that Ulster stood by him.
You would imagine he would have returned the favour.

Given the financial situation within the IRFU you would have to think that players will be rotated between provinces to cover off gaps like these.

I know that there are a list of players at Leinster who could potentially be heading north, but I would see this as a great opportunity for JOD to get regular first choice gametime, and I think he would be a great fit.

How about sending Gavin Coombes to Ravers? He'd be an even greater fit!!!

I would rather see neither go, and I doubt it will be a player from Munster, but never say never.

They need a ball carrier, so that will reduce the list of potential signings, as many of the options that would be seen as a luxury item at the other 3 provinces would not posses this talent to the level required.

[ronk]

Strong talk that Coetzee is leaving Ulster and heading to the Bulls.

Deegan to go north would be a fairly good bet I’d say.

They've got David McCann coming through at No.8. He looked a real blue chip prospect when captaining the U-20's last season. They should be looking to back him rather than importing yet another solution.

He's a fantastic player but is still only 20, and not an immediate replacement for their best player.
Deegan would go straight into the first 15.

If he comes back from the ACL and he's interested in a move it's a no brainer.

With less contracts and less money to go around it makes a lot of sense from an IRFU POV too.

Rhys would be another one I'd look at if I were Ulster. He'd be an incredible signing and give them an edge that their pack still lacks a bit.

Generally best not to try to replace a player like that like-for-like. Get other guys to do more carrying rather than find another elite carrier.