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reddititisOPLeinster•

One issue not addressed is university, not sure how many young players are basing where they play on what they are studying.

That being said henshaw leaving Connacht is not good for Irish rugby in my mind.

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belkabelkaUlster•

I agree with him - when we only have 4 provinces playing in a top tier league it gives us a lack of space for creating depth in each position. Even more so if key positions are filled by foreign nationals.

If we had 14 teams like France, or 12 like England, then of course there would be more foreigners but it also expands the potential routes for talent to prove themselves. If you're not getting regular games at one club, you can get it elsewhere. If you're an up-and-coming fly half, number 8 or full back in Ireland you only really have 4 places to establish yourself in and make a claim for the national team - and tough luck if those spots are nailed down by 'stars' or regular starters.

There's also the echo chamber effect. When 90%+ of national starters come from the same league, they have no external influences or experience of radically different styles of play. It would do the world of good to have some key players abroad, ideally in the Southern Hemisphere.

I really like what happened with Sexton, his move to Racing improved him as an individual whilst letting Maddigan have a go on centre stage - both players developed a good deal during that time.

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pooroldbenConnacht•

You cannot seriously think Sexton is a better player now than he was 2 years ago. I agree with your sentiment but in Sextons case it is not true.

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belkabelkaUlster•

Well you're right in the case I cited, absolutely, he's not as good as 2 years ago. I was talking more about Madigan and the principle of not worrying too much if confirmed starters for the national side play abroad since it opens up a lot of growing room for new talent.

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NeoVeciLeinster•

I disagree to a point. Although it does allow for more players to come in it also saturates the talent on some level of both training staff/coaches, and players. I prefer the New Zealand. or South African system . You have have the ITM or Curry cup to help cultivate talent. Allow talent to shine, and grow and develop. Though you keep some really spectacular players in amongst there to help up the level. Then you have the Super Rugby teams which has a much higher playing quality, and allows for the talents to add depth to their talent playing against stronger opposition on a consistent basis.

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bitteredRuck me until I scrum•

it's time to have four equally funded professional squads

What is the funding for each province? I thought Connacht did quite well in terms of IRFU funding. They've been able to outbid the other provinces on a number of occasions despite the fact that they have a smaller supporter base (and presumably less non-IRFU income).

a player moving to the Premiership or Top 14 need not be forsaking his chance of wearing the green jersey anymore. Not if he’s good enough.

Isn't that the case anyway? Sexton was good enough so he played for Ireland. The issue is that the IRFU have no control over player management in other leagues. Schmidt doesn't get to spend as much time with the player so it stands to reason that he will favour a player that is in camp for the full duration.

If the Irish player in a foreign league can negotiate the same player management policy as the IRFU and they can be available for the entire Irish training camp then they should be judged on par with local Irish players. I imagine it would be tough to negotiate this with a foreign club though and you would take a hit in your pay packet for it.

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Evil_JeeConnacht•

What is the funding for each province? I thought Connacht did quite well in terms of IRFU funding. They've been able to outbid the other provinces on a number of occasions despite the fact that they have a smaller supporter base (and presumably less non-IRFU income).

They also have less unserviceable debt than some clubs.

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