Leinster looms as Rocky's next role

[Justtoby]

IRISH province Leinster has expressed interest in restless Wallabies and NSW Waratahs blindside flanker Rocky Elsom.

Elsom will decide next week whether to accept an offer from the ARU or have a stint overseas before the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

Leinster is coached by Australian Michael Cheika, who played and coached at Elsom's Sydney club, Randwick.

"It is fair to say if a player of Rocky Elsom's calibre became available, a lot of clubs would be interested in him," Leinster chief executive Michael Dawson said.

"If he's interested, we would be interested. That's all I can say at the moment."

It is understood Irish provinces Munster and Ulster have also shown interest in Elsom as well as several French clubs.

Meanwhile, Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie has expressed concern the speculation about his future will adversely affect the team's performance in tomorrow's blockbuster against the Crusaders.

While the Waratahs have denied a strong rumour that they have already offered the head coaching job to McKenzie's assistant, Todd Louden, there is little doubt they are seriously considering making a change.

"The main thing for me is the playing group is in great shape and in good spirits," McKenzie said. "I just would not like the constant speculation to have an impact there."

Waratahs chief executive Jim L'Estrange revealed to The Australian yesterday that they would make a decision on the coaching staff before the end of the season.

Asked whether this would place extra pressure on him, McKenzie said: "We are playing two of the top teams (Crusaders and Blues) in the next three weeks and then we've got two of the other top teams, the Force and the Sharks, three weeks after that.

"It's a pretty treacherous path, but if you come through that, you might be looking like a pretty good team and you get the reflected glory then, I guess. It could go both ways. Interesting times."

McKenzie has made only two changes to the Waratahs' squad for the big game in Christchurch tomorrow with Dean Mumm replacing Will Caldwell in the second row, while Josh Valentine, who will celebrate his 50th Super rugby cap if he gets on, has displaced Luke Burgess as the back-up halfback.

The Crusaders have had a major blow with the withdrawal of injured All Blacks fullback Leon MacDonald. Winger Scott Hamilton will move to fullback to accommodate Caleb Ralph.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/st ... 06,00.html

[Danthefan]

Just saw this on boards.ie, apparently it's being reported in the local press in Aus. He's moving to Europe for sure (short term-ish, back for the next RWC) and he's a Randwick player so favours linking up with Cheika.

Please keep in mind, this may be horseshit.

[Danthefan]

Ok there's an article here, mods do your thang on my thread if you want.

[thecoolfreak]

IRISH province Leinster has expressed interest in restless Wallabies and NSW Waratahs blindside flanker Rocky Elsom.

Elsom will decide next week whether to accept an offer from the ARU or have a stint overseas before the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

Leinster is coached by Australian Michael Cheika, who played and coached at Elsom's Sydney club, Randwick.

"It is fair to say if a player of Rocky Elsom's calibre became available, a lot of clubs would be interested in him," Leinster chief executive Michael Dawson said.

"If he's interested, we would be interested. That's all I can say at the moment."

It is understood Irish provinces Munster and Ulster have also shown interest in Elsom as well as several French clubs.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/st ... 06,00.html


He would be a great signing but i'd prefer to see us develop some of homegrown talent in the backrow

[Danthefan]

If we got him for 2 years say (or maybe even 3), I'd be delighted. Like I said he'd be going back to establish himself for the next RWC for Aus so he wouldn't be blocking talent on a long term basis. Within the next 2 years none of the youngsters would become first choice anyway and with Gleeson gone we're a backrow down in the squad already.

[thecoolfreak]

It would mean that guys like O'Brien and McLaughlin would slip down the pecking order. Although if we got rid of Jowitt I wouldn't mind him coming. I think he can also cover the second row

[Danthefan]

They wouldn't be any lower than they are already if you think about it. They'd also have a world class backrow around to learn a thing or 2 from.

[thecoolfreak]

They wouldn't be any lower than they are already if you think about it. They'd also have a world class backrow around to learn a thing or 2 from.

True. He really would be a great signing and if we let Jowitt go it would mean that guys like McLaughlin and co would get gametime. Is Keogh's contract up at the end of this season or next? If it is this season, then Elsom really would be a great signing

[icebaby]

Rocky Elsom? With a name like that should this not be in General Chat under the Rock bands to visit Europe category or something Don't tell me he got that at birth

[epaddy]

Rocky Elsom? With a name like that should this not be in General Chat under the Rock bands to visit Europe category or something Don't tell me he got that at birth

Right.

Anyway, he would be awesome.

[Cossax]

They wouldn't be any lower than they are already if you think about it. They'd also have a world class backrow around to learn a thing or 2 from.

True. He really would be a great signing and if we let Jowitt go it would mean that guys like McLaughlin and co would get gametime. Is Keogh's contract up at the end of this season or next? If it is this season the Elsom really would be a great signing

Keogh's signed on a two year contract alright, would love him to come home for next season.

[epaddy]

They wouldn't be any lower than they are already if you think about it. They'd also have a world class backrow around to learn a thing or 2 from.

True. He really would be a great signing and if we let Jowitt go it would mean that guys like McLaughlin and co would get gametime. Is Keogh's contract up at the end of this season or next? If it is this season the Elsom really would be a great signing

Keogh's signed on a two year contract alright, would love him to come home for next season.

Really? Never kicked on from his early promise for me.

[Darce]

True. He really would be a great signing and if we let Jowitt go it would mean that guys like McLaughlin and co would get gametime. Is Keogh's contract up at the end of this season or next? If it is this season the Elsom really would be a great signing

Keogh's signed on a two year contract alright, would love him to come home for next season.

Really? Never kicked on from his early promise for me.

Really?
Think he's turned into a quality blindside. In much better form than Leamy at the moment. Certainly twice the player he was when he came here. Does anyone remember how bad his hands were? :shudder:

[epaddy]

Really? Never kicked on from his early promise for me.

Really?
Think he's turned into a quality blindside. In much better form than Leamy at the moment. Certainly twice the player he was when he came here. Does anyone remember how bad his hands were? :shudder:

I think he lacks the graft and grunt of a top class 6. Good squad player though, just not international class.

[Sosume]

Now that would be a class signing (although I have to say I think Keogh has been a fantastic signing for us).
Would worry too for Mc Loughlin and O'Brien, they are going to need game time.
Didn't Elsom grow the mother of all beards recently????

[CRAZYDAVE]

Beats me why we would want to sign another tourist in the back row.

IMO the backrow (apart from Heaslip) was one of the most invisible factors in Ireland's performances in the 6N. We need to develop from within for the future of the game and there are enough back rows within the existing structure with the potential to push on and become international standard if they get the necessary game time at the right level.

[Aussiedub]

The reasons for having him apart from being an excellent No6 who would easily make the Leinster team we also need the squad to ensure that we don't get killed by injuries etc...

Next season we will have -
Keogh, Jowitt
Jennings, O'Beirne
Heaslip, McLoughlin

What happens if we get an injury to say Keogh/Jennings together do you really think we can compete in the HC with that backrow?

[Danthefan]

The posters on PR are saying he's in amazing form this season too, possibly the best 6 in the S14 on form. I don't want to get too excited about this though, we already had one disappointment with Reddan.

[CRAZYDAVE]

The reasons for having him apart from being an excellent No6 who would easily make the Leinster team we also need the squad to ensure that we don't get killed by injuries etc...

Next season we will have -
Keogh, Jowitt
Jennings, O'Beirne
Heaslip, McLoughlin

What happens if we get an injury to say Keogh/Jennings together do you really think we can compete in the HC with that backrow?

I appreciate your concern, but part of the role of management in Leinster is to ensure that those immediately behind the "first choice" get sufficient game time during the ML to enable to step in seamlessly if the need arises. It also makes long terms sense, if we want to try and hold on to some of our emerging talent. The danger of bringing Elsom in is the temptation to play him week-in week-out at the expense of others who might have a future with the team.

[Avenger]

How long was Keogh signed for?
Might he possibly be going home?

It's very early to be saying who will and won't be here next season.
We're losing a quality backrow player in Gleeson. I don't think we should be rejecting the idea of signing another one.