Kieran Marmion

I see the Indo have it that Kieran is talking to Saracens about moving at the end of this season. Hopefully there's nothing in this, and with Saracens about to be penalised for persistent breaches of the Premiership salary cap as soon as England exit the RWC, then it isn't great timing on behalf of Kieran's agent!

Hopefully he stays and both he and Caolin together feature regularly in Irish squads under Andy Farrell, because let's face it Lukey McGrath isn't the future and Murray looks like he'll never be the player he was before his neck injury

It's one of 2 things. It's his agent scaremongering or it's all Joe Schmidt's fault for not bringing him to the world cup

Or he's not happy at playing second fiddle to Blade and this could be one of the reasons that he didn't go to Japan, he isn't even first choice in his club team.

Ps. I'm a huge Marmion fan and can't understand at all how he isn't first choice. We're lucky to have two good scrumhalves but, for me, Marmion is hands down the better player.

wigglesworth is 36 and the guys behind him are not up to much at all.

Marmion could easily double his wage by going to England, while being a great bargain for Saracens.

Connacht need two high quality scrum halves, and he has been very poorly treated by Ireland under joe. I couldn't blame him for leaving if he thinks that Farrell will continue with more of the same, which seems the most likely scenario.

I didn't realise that Marmion's dad played for Saracens but having that personal connection as well just makes it sound like a no brainer. Best of luck to him I hope he gets a lot of medals with them he will get a chance to really show his ability.

Really do hope he stays - I believe he will get more opportunity with Andy Farrell and not be restricted by the formulaic approach Joe Schmidt adopted.

fingers crossed!

Cant imagine:whistle: him playing challenge cup with Saracens as a bit player when we are pushing for H Cup honours....

Doubt he would be a bit part player at saracens even if they aren't fined, wiggles is near the end of his contract afaik and the other 9s are not big names. I think he would go in as a starter, especially as moving to England would rule him out of Irish selection meaning he'd be available during internationals.

Would like to think this put a stop on the deal but presumably (not having seen the full ruling) if Saracens were breaching the salary cap they currently still are, in which case they will have to move some players on. That doesn't mean they wouldn't have the money to bring Marmion in and stay under the salary cap, as a like for like he might even cost them less than a comparable player or could replace two players on the books (wigglesworth and their third/fourth choice sh for instance).

I highly doubt they could afford Marms, they will put money on retaining their players, and without salary difference Kieran will stay

His agent is (I'm hoping) putting the cat amongst the pigeons to try and get the IRFU to improve his pay. The mention of an elite club like Saries pouching a home grown player may make the men in blazers think about keeping Kieran home. However if its true, great for him. His career won't last forever, so earnings for the next few years are vital and Saries have the cash..... well it'll be a bit less now with the latest fine. Match time may be less though. But what ever happens I wish him the best.

Linley McKenzie tweeting that marmion has signed 3 year contract extension.

Great news if true

Accidentally Onside wrote: Linley McKenzie tweeting that marmion has signed 3 year contract extension.

Great news if true

Absolutely.
Blade has been playing fantastic for the past 15months, but I would have been very disappointed to see Marmion leave.
I love the guy, and can only hope he loves me too

I dont think it would be a stretch to call him the greatest scrumhalf that Connacht have ever had, and potentially, one of the greatest players to ever play for Connacht

Great news. Presumably Sarries will now move for Luke McGrath