Accidentally Onside wrote: Kerins looked good for the U20s a few years back but not seen much of him (any?) since.
Think we might see one more signing, which must surely be a back 3 player. Hopefully someone good.

We will definitely see one as friend said there is an NIQ coming in. I also think we will see another IQ as I don't believe Kerins is seen as a new signing factoring in he is only moving from the academy/, and fried said two weeks ago 3 new signings to be announced.

Kerins looked good for the U20s a few years back but not seen much of him (any?) since.
Think we might see one more signing, which must surely be a back 3 player. Hopefully someone good.

Edit: I'm not sure this is just a Connacht problem though, looks like all (bar Ulster) of the pro14 teams are struggling for signings. At a guess I'd think the Premiership teams are flush with their new private equity deal and are hovering up all available talent, which isn't generally plentiful in the year before a world cup anyway.

Totally agree. Llyod and Kerrins will be used too, when Marmion is with Ireland. Not confident. Hope Kenny steps up...
And hope we have big money for back-3 and lock, now

Starting to worry about next season already :sick:
We were pin of our collar qualifying for the CC this year whilst playing in the Challenge Cup, losing a TH that's going to a premiership club and replacing him with a reserve from the league below is not progress.
You'd hope McAllister can bring something to the party but he's had problems with injuries in the past.
Only upside is the teams around us don't really seem to be strengthening either, though Osprey will surely be stronger next year with Anscombe in and a bit more stability.

You'd imagine Joe Maxi will be taking that spot.

No a lock for Cannon.

Ah yeah, cheers, I'd forgotten all about McAllister! So that just leaves the number 8 and back 3 player! No bother to them!

Paddy McAllister was signed a while back he’s a loosehead coming from Gloucester. Ulster born.

Burke seems like a decent player, won't know till we see him get a proper chance at this level -with Carey going we needed a replacement, hopefully Burke is that. Any word on a replacement for Peter McCabe, or is one coming? When you look at the signings Ulster have made, I'm worried we're in danger of being left behind. Think we're still in need of another prop, that elusive no.8 wrecking ball and a genuine starter in the back line.

It's possible but I doubt it.

We started the season with 42 senior pros. Boyle replaced Scholes when he left, then the three loan/short term players brought us briefly to 45 (presumably paid for with the money saved on Reece). When Lloyd's deal ended we ran for the rest of the season with 44.

We already have 40 senior players signed, with just one fewer forward and one fewer back than this season, and Friend has talked about having a smaller squad. So I can't see more than one extra player coming in.

salmson wrote: TH Rory Burke from Nottingham and Kerins promoted from the academy.

www.connachtrugby.ie/connacht-sign-prop-...st-academy-graduate/

That's two IQ signings so just the mooted "Aussie Flyer" to come and we're done.

Would I be correct in assuming that moving from academy to pro contract is not seen as one of the IQ signings? As in already a squad member played senior so it’s just a change in type of contract.

TH Rory Burke from Nottingham and Kerins promoted from the academy.

www.connachtrugby.ie/connacht-sign-prop-...st-academy-graduate/

That's two IQ signings so just the mooted "Aussie Flyer" to come and we're done.

That's a pretty unnecessary level of snark in response to a pretty balanced response on the Sevu Reece issue.

fatgav wrote: I completely understand your frustration but I’m glad Connacht didn’t sign Reece. I support an American football team who has a player that has been convicted of domestic violence and has faced another serious allegation this offseason. If he’s playing with my team next year then I don’t think I’ll celebrate any of his touchdowns or if I do, it’ll be tempered. It’s a massive cloud over the team. I’d hate to have those feelings towards Connacht when it represents my homeplace and sense of place

Just exactly what is a tempered celebration ?

Is it a little whoo hoo as opposed to a great big WHOOO HOOO.

Maybe you could make and upload a video just so I can understand the level of protest you're planning against this despicable act. Then your "American football team" might pick up on it and reverse their decision to sign this player.

Bazzo wrote:

DeadStraightStare wrote: I see Doris the most likely of those three. Conan would obviously be first choice.

Nucifora has found some great wingers down south over the last few years with Lowe and Reece. Lets hope he has another gem ready to come up north.

Does anyone know if Super Rugby players will join earlier this year due to the World Cup? Waiting til November is never ideal, also would be nice to get a good March going while all the internationals are away.

Julian Savea could be looking for a club? Recon we could get him into shape?

Just curious is there any reason why you think it was Nucifora who scouted Lowe and Reece?

I thought the thing Nucifora was actually praised for was assisting with overseas signings. Could be way off on that one, was just something that was in the back of my head

I completely understand your frustration but I’m glad Connacht didn’t sign Reece. I support an American football team who has a player that has been convicted of domestic violence and has faced another serious allegation this offseason. If he’s playing with my team next year then I don’t think I’ll celebrate any of his touchdowns or if I do, it’ll be tempered. It’s a massive cloud over the team. I’d hate to have those feelings towards Connacht when it represents my homeplace and sense of place