The IRISH RUGBY thread

[AZOffaly]

I was on about this a couple of years ago, particularly in relation to NZ fielding non New Zealand born Pacific Islanders. Turns out it's actually not a big number at all, despite what we think. It might change in future, but I'd say proportionally we in Ireland field more non-born Irish than New Zealand do.

[AZOffaly]

"Of the 1133 men who have represented the All Blacks (in matches as well as tests), just 32 were born in the islands - Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and American Samoa.


Of those four archipelagos, Samoa is the dominant nation. They have produced 13 All Blacks who have played a total of 396 tests. That figure puts Samoa on a par with Nelson and Masterton.

Tonga's nine All Blacks have played a comparatively meagre 53 tests, Fiji's eight have played 138, while Jerome Kaino and Frank Solomon, born in American Samoa, have accumulated 53.

That's 640 tests of value the All Blacks have got out of Pacific Island-born players."

[Walter Cronc]

Always thought it would be higher. I'd say France are the biggest offenders in this regard with England not far behind. As stated the alternative of 5 years residency rule will just force them to source younger.

[Tony Baloney]

Not much homegrown talent in that Ulster pack.

[michaelg]

Go on wee Paddy!

[seafoid]

6 nations taken off the free to air on RTE list. Punters will have to pay per concussion.

[AZOffaly]

Ryle Nugent must be in tears.

[magpie seanie]

The Champions are back after last night. The first few weeks were tough to watch - it was totally unlike what this team has been about for a long time. Mistake after mistake....... It has to be as a result of the poor preseason preparation. Nice to see Leinster cast off Kelleher fitting in so well.

[johnneycool]

The Champions are back after last night. The first few weeks were tough to watch - it was totally unlike what this team has been about for a long time. Mistake after mistake....... It has to be as a result of the poor preseason preparation. Nice to see Leinster cast off Kelleher fitting in so well.

Enjoyed watching the Ulster Connacht game. Connacht have good handling ability throughout the team and Pat Lam needs to be a shoe in when Joe Schmidt heads home. Very All Blacks in their approach, struggle in the"set pieces" but in open play are a joy to watch.

[Milltown Row2]

Not much homegrown talent in that Ulster pack.

Or Connacht for that matter

[manfromdelmonte]

Not much homegrown talent in that Ulster pack.

Or Connacht for that matter

thats cause other teams keep stealing them

[bennydorano]

Next on PK's hitlist

http://m.independent.ie/sport/rugby/its-played-by-guys-with-no-moral-courage-theyre-cowards-paul-kimmage-hits-out-at-rugbys-silence-on-painkillers-35120535.html

[seafoid]

Connacht 23 Toulouse 21
Another black-magic night for Connacht rugby. On one of the great nights for the West of Ireland club, they executed a sublimely timed game-winning surge against, well, the standard bearers of European rugby, with Bundee Aki capping another electrifying performance with the decisive try.

The announcer asked the crowd to refrain from entering the pitch.
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/european-cup/connacht-run-the-hell-out-of-everything-including-toulouse-1.2831576

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6TjV74ujNM

[seafoid]

I love listening to the Sky boys pronouncing Connacht
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBUwv6WLCDc

[Tony Baloney]

Anthony Foley found dead in the team hotel.