rossie wrote: He seems to be a confused young man though. At 26 he still doesn't know what he wants. If he can't make it at regional level as a prop in Australia he won't make it here.

My thoughts exactly.

Frustrated by the residency rules? Surely he knew all about them before he made his decision to head down under. Still as a prop he's young enough to blossom as it were. I wonder if Ulster are taking the gamble on him because he is IQ and can play both sides.

Maybe you are right. I just remember that during the great TH panic of a couple of seasons ago ruadhri Murphy was cited asan example of how IRFU were failing when he was allowed to sign for brumbies. Rugby journalists here were saying that he was a good prospect for international team at TH at a time when according to them there were very few.
He seems to be a confused young man though. At 26 he still doesn't know what he wants. If he can't make it at regional level as a prop in Australia he won't make it here.

rossie wrote: I'm pretty sure Murphy is a TH.

I think that he is predominantly a Loose Head, but can play TH.

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I'm pretty sure Murphy is a TH.

Stephen Ferris has just tweeted that he needs his boots tomorrow for the first time in quite a while. Best of luck to him.

i know that the connacht lads who got contracts did say connacht and irfu. deccie fitz it said irish contract, little different.

sitting down to watch ulster - montpellier, ulster should hockey this second choice team out the gate.

No need to highlight the "Irish contract" bit, it doesn't mean a central contract. These days every player who signs a new contract it's reported as an "Irish contract" in the press release. It just means the IRFU have agreed to the contract.

The IRFU and Ulster Rugby are pleased to announce that forwards Declan Fitzpatrick and Stephen Ferris have agreed new contracts.

Fitzpatrick, who has been capped seven times for Ireland, has signed a new two-year Irish contract that will keep him at Ulster until at least the summer of 2016.


His last international cap appearance was against the All Blacks in November.

Commenting on his new contract Fitzpatrick said: “I am delighted to be staying at Ulster for a further two years.


Stephen Ferris has signed a short-term extension to enable him to continue his rehabilitation from the injury that he sustained against Edinburgh in November 2012.

While the former British and Irish Lions flanker has made great progress, no date has yet been set for his return-to-play.

"Ryan ✔ @RyanWalkinshaw
Could @gloucesterrugby have the best front row in the @premrugby next season.... Highly likely "

Gloucester's 25/26 year old Chairman. Glad he hasn't signed for Sarries anyway!

Posted this on ins and out thread before seeing it here.

She and kids are apparently back in NZ. This is likely to be his last contract. I wonder if he has a clause in it allowing regular visits home?

Bit odd considering his wife was supposed to be unhappy away from home I wonder how that turned out. He's obviously given up any intention to play for NZ again.

Also an independent article today quoted Anscombe as saying they're not after McGrath.

Tighthead prop, John Afoa, is to leave Ulster at the end of this season, having signed a long-term deal with an Aviva Premiership club.

OK late night and all that . I get it now. Although holding is a 10/12 AFAIK..

salmson wrote:

connachtexile wrote: Jack McGrath to Ulster apparently to replace Tom Court

Rumour has it it's a swap deal and Olding or Farrell will be coming to Leinster. If so the D4's should stow the bitching, great deal for everyone. Well. Kilcoyne and Earls asides :evil:

At the risky of being accused of being a defensive Munster man why are earls and killer mentioned?

connachtexile wrote: Jack McGrath to Ulster apparently to replace Tom Court

Rumour has it it's a swap deal and Olding or Farrell will be coming to Leinster. If so the D4's should stow the bitching, great deal for everyone. Well. Kilcoyne and Earls asides :evil: