Some truth in this I suspect. The reality like many things is a confluence of pressures and problems re moving Leinster players around.Morf wrote:I would imagine the IRFU are happy he's a shadowy figure there to take flack and attention for less palatable rugby-related strategic decisions.Up Wexford wrote:Another wrinkle here is we seem to get no leaks from Nuicfora's camp on his designs. Irish rugby is a leaky bucket with whatsapps, texts, team selections flinging every which way to players, members of the public, and journalists. But we hear nothing from Nucifora, from example are his offices based on Lansdowne road, does he have a big team, does he issue directives directly to Leo, Stuart, Van Grann, McFarland and Friend only, and if so why do they acquiesce so easily? We are in danger of putting Nucifora on a pedestal as this "dark lord" who has pushed Irish rugby to new heights but I'm not inclined to believe that, its as much our development and coaching structures, and raw talent thats won us our success as much as Nuciforas meddling. Obviously im not saying Nucifora out but it would do no harm to soften his cough, or do the O'Connor and Keane experiences have everyone shaken to their core?
Like leading the cut at Schmidt once he'd left and preparing the ground (pun semi intentional) for the fresh whiff of Faz.
i) Nucifora I don't think really understands the most valuable thing in Irish provincial rugby and that is the tribal value from keeping provinces largely comprised of local players. The Leinster v Munster used to be truly mammoth, it's somewhat devalued now. He thinks we are a bunch of franchises, his actions in recent years clearly show this and it's just wrong. He needs to be moved on.
ii) The IRFU has internal pressures from the weaker provinces to move players about so they can play Euro Rugby and allow stacks of saffers, Leinster movers etc despite it being counter productive. The reality is if Munster and Ulster were pushed to play more young players and keep teams largely comprised of their own talent and academy production in recent years neither would be playing European Rugby and would be very average PRO 14 teams now. The counter argument here of course is keeping them playing at the highest level in Euro rugby but it comes at a high price, devaluing the provincial integrity, not forcing them to put resources into their academy and schools and putting pressure on Leinster. Everyone is ultimately looking for a quick fix and instant results, import players = quick fix likely to get results. Building academy talent = slow and unpredictable.
iii) Leinster are now and have been in recent years the golden supply line for Irish rugby and it looks set to continue. It is supported by the Leinster schools but much good work has come from within the Leinster setup too with great coaching and a great academy the envy of Europe. This should be protected at all costs but envy is a problem and I have no doubt there is pressure from within the IRFU to balance this out and if you look at the mood music from Ulster and Munster they have accepted a route now where they prefer the quick fix of importing v developing local talent. If they had a stronger mindset they wouldn't be compromising but the reality is they have decided it's better to try and win with imports and remain competitive rather than grow from within and be prepared to accept many fallow years. Of course the ultimate prize would be Munster or Ulster rebuilding a great squad with a load of local lads and winning another Euro cup but they just don't seem to believe now they can do this. It's a pity as it would be a real asset to Irish rugby. I understand the financial issues and other issues with this (for example if Munster dropped out of Europe and were an average Pro 14 team gates would drop and financial problems increase) so it's not a simple issue but IRFU needs to have a longer term vision and find a way for it to work.
