Leinsters new signing Ben Teo went off after 20 mins with what looked like a broken hand. Tough start if it is that.

Even so on the contract situation, I think Madigan might have some thinking to do if he has designs on playing outhalf. Would he be happy backing up Sexton when he could move elsewhere and start? Is the IRFU happy enough with plans to move him to centre?

Madigan signed up until June 2016, Gopperth done at the end of the season.

Big decision for madigan to make now, will he stay and play in the centre or settle for back up to Sexton.

If he decides to move would we be in the running?

As expected Sexton has announced that he will return to Leinster next season

Gopperth will be 32 next summer so will be looking for a final lucrative contract before retiring. His goalkicking will ensure interest so a 3 to 4 year contract worth circa 200k min is the ballpark if connacht are to interest him. He will get more in france and england but probably not the length of contract.
Munster and ulster would only be allowed sign him for 1 year because of his age afaik.
I expect tyler to be munsters 10 aswell.

Sol_ie wrote: I'd love to think that a solid offer, with a decent player management package and guaranteed game time would intice him to the West. Unlikely, tho. Maybe if he moves to Munster we might get their third place?

Munster won't be looking for any new OH's for a while. They've signed Tyler Bleyendaal on a 3 year as "centre" but I wouldn't be surprised if he became first choice OH.

I'd love to think that a solid offer, with a decent player management package and guaranteed game time would intice him to the West. Unlikely, tho. Maybe if he moves to Munster we might get their third place?

menacethedenis wrote: If, as expected, Sexton agrees to return next season won't that leave Gopperth out in the cold? Would we be in with a shout for him?

I'd like to think so, but he won't be short of offers from France and England...

Leinster have penned a new sponsorship deal with BOI - 6 million over 5 years. Not a bad bit of business considering banking crisis etc. A significant amount of this will probably end up in Johnny Sexton's back pocket.
I think our deal with Mazda was 1 million over 3 years. I've no idea what the Lifestyle deal was worth.

If, as expected, Sexton agrees to return next season won't that leave Gopperth out in the cold? Would we be in with a shout for him?

I don't it looks that tbh. Certainly nowhere near as bad as the Clarke tackle.

phatguerilla wrote: www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-15/south-syd...-lengthy-ban/5673220

Have Leinster messed up with this signing before he even arrives in Ireland? It was already known that T'eo had a poor disciplinary record but this 'chicken wing tackle' is seemingly a serious offence in League and they don't want it becoming more widespread. To do that to another player requires the tackler to intentionally want to harm their opponent. As it stands T'eo was always going to need time to adapt to Union play and would therefore not be immediately available for big matches (imo). But if he brings this type of stuff to the game he could face lengthy bans and cause Leinster further headaches.

Nasty stuff. He won't be made welcome by Leinster fans. Reminds me of a similar incident by Calum Clarke a couple of years back.

www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-15/south-syd...-lengthy-ban/5673220

Have Leinster messed up with this signing before he even arrives in Ireland? It was already known that T'eo had a poor disciplinary record but this 'chicken wing tackle' is seemingly a serious offence in League and they don't want it becoming more widespread. To do that to another player requires the tackler to intentionally want to harm their opponent. As it stands T'eo was always going to need time to adapt to Union play and would therefore not be immediately available for big matches (imo). But if he brings this type of stuff to the game he could face lengthy bans and cause Leinster further headaches.

Mentioned that on the Connacht Signings thread! Now would be the time to go after him. He's only 19 so he still has time but he must be disappointed not making it this year.

connachtexile wrote: Leinster finally announce their academy for next year


Harrison Brewer - Centre
Ross Byrne - Out-half
Ian Fitzpatrick - Wing
Cian Kelleher - Wing/FB
Nick McCarthy - Scrum-half
Rory O'Loughlin - Centre
Garry Ringrose - Centre
Peadar Timmins - Flanker/No. 8

I've heard great things about Ringrose.

I note that Oisin Heffernan has not been included, even though he did well at U20 World Cup. He is a Galway lad, I wonder if this is an opportunity for Connacht?