IRISH RUGBY FANS have been so focused on railing against the spending power of the French and English clubs that they are neglecting to monitor the robust transfer dealings of a club closer to home.
Well, not geographically closer to home but since they compete in the same league as the provinces, it is interesting to see Zebre add another former southern hemisphere international to their squad.
Former Toulouse and Waratahs scrum-half Luke Burgess was always behind Will Genia in the Wallaby queue but he is a sharp passer and a sneaky sniper who should bring a lot to the Italian side.
Add that to Mils Muliaina and that is two seasoned internationals added to Zebre in the last few weeks.
It would actually be a great thing for the league if Zebre bought a raft of high-profile signings and became competitive. After London Welsh, they have been the worst team in the three main northern hemisphere leagues this season so anything that can change the dynamic of the Pro12 would probably be worth it.
The IRFU better lock down the rest of their big stars before Zebre start planning an audacious raid that takes 50% of the national team to Parma.
Even when on the bench he didn’t get game time. The coach doesn’t like or trust him. Saturday once again showed just how wrong O’connor has been all season
O’Connor is just all wrong for Leinster.
He has a very big chance next season with Leinster during the World Cup, midfield won’t be as competitive so he should get a good run of matches.
Mark if Darcy doesn’t make the World Cup squad, he’ll play 12 with t’eo at 13. Then Madigan and sexton will be back so the midfield won’t be as easy to get into as you may think
That pop pass from O’Brien
Battle between him and Madigan for the 12 jersey next season.
It’s always to easy to see who coaches ‘just like/don’t like’. When Gopperth played badly it was ignored whereas when Madigan played mediocre or even if Reid played well decisions went against them.
It creates such a poisonous culture as some players start to feel entitled to spots and others feel it doesn’t matter how well they play they won’t get picked. Cody and Fergusson were masters at disregarding players identities and judging on match performance alone. MOC is such a stink manager.