Connacht Signing Announcments - 2012-13

ummm, wrote: Might not be fashionable to give them credit, but also a congrats to the provinces on following through on last years announcment that they would do more to facilitate the movement of players to Connacht.

White & Faloon (fingers crossed) are great signings. Borlase by all accounts did well last week also.

I don't think it's just a case of there being more leeway from the other provinces

McCrea, O Connor and Anderson were all surplus at Ulster last season, they would have been playing AIL if we didn't come calling

Faloon (if he signs) is also surplus at Ulster, can't quiet fathom why but that's the word going round. Connacht is a bigger draw than it used to be, things are improving off the pitch, obviously with the bumper attendances, there's more money to put into the playing side of the things.

Fair play to Eric and the branch. We're certainly moving in the right direction with these type of signings

Any word where this Faloon rumor is coming from?
I want to throw it up on Twitter, and make myself look knowledgable

Not saying it's the only factor. But these are just the kind of signings the agreement was supposed to result in.

ConnachtCows wrote: Any word where this Faloon rumor is coming from?
I want to throw it up on Twitter, and make myself look knowledgable

You can if you like, but you'll be three hours behind my discussion of it

Other important non-signing is the Kaino deal at Ulster is off. That's one less world class player on the opposition we have to worry about next year.

Would be a good signing if it comes off. Still think there are other areas that should be addressed first but will be pleased if this materialises. Not quite sure where the rumour has come from though.

Faloon has been unlucky with a few injuries and a very competitive back row at Ulster, showed good promise in the not too distant past, remember him having a couple of very good games against us.

With JOC's injuries and wear and tear a good no.7 as back up is vital. Aaron Conneely I'd hope is the medium/long term hope. Will be sad to see Ray go if all this goes as it looks like it is. I'm almost sure Grace is here for another year though so not quite sure we are stacking up the balance in the squad as well as we should be unless there is something else we don't know about.

I can't believe that we're signing 'Mad Willie' Faloon (his nickname at Ulster). I know that Chris Henry plays there alot but he never struck me as a natural 7. I wonder who Ulster have to replace him?

Ulster were after Kaino, but that deal is after falling through. Im sure that they will go after somebody else now

There's a new deal on the table for Wannenburg, although clubs in France are offering him more money than is on offer in Ulster

From todays Sindo

CONNACHT are hoping to sign Ireland 'A' flanker Willie Faloon when his Ulster contract runs out at the end of the season, writes Hugh Farrelly.

Faloon, a natural openside, has struggled for game time with Ulster under Brian McLaughlin, who has played Chris Henry out of position at 7 to accommodate Pedrie Wannenburg.

While Connacht would not confirm their interest, it is understood that the province have been in discussions with the 25-year-old, who has also been attracting interest from France.

Meanwhile, it is believed Connacht had more than 60 applicants for the CEO position, with Gerry Kelly set to retire this summer. ERC commercial manager Diarmaid Murphy has been linked with the position.

EDIT: Not fallon, Farrelly. does he read this site??

Cool, if Connacht are avoiding comment that's as good as confirming the interest

60 applicants for the CEO? Wow. Big wow. If many are outsiders who want to bring a new way of thinking to Connacht that would be great. I wouldn't be in favour of a Connacht native taking charge this time round.

ummm, wrote: Cool, if Connacht are avoiding comment that's as good as confirming the interest

60 applicants for the CEO? Wow. Big wow. If many are outsiders who want to bring a new way of thinking to Connacht that would be great. I wouldn't be in favour of a Connacht native taking charge this time round.

Why? surely the best applicant should get it, regardless of where he's from

I'm not trying to be anti-Connacht natives. But I'd like someone who's been around a bit and isn't tainted with a sense of what he can and can't ask for.

Gerry once commented Connacht weren't asking for equality and were fine with it. I wasn't fine with it. I don't want outsiders for outsiders sake, I just think an outsider is more likely to have a fresher outlook.

Having said that, if there is a Connacht man with the same in your face and uncompromising attitude as Eric when it comes to asking the best out of province then I won't be unhappy with that.

Although I wonder if that will even be possible. Won't the IRFU be involved in the selection?

I'd echo those sentiments Umm

Of course we want the best candidate, but maybe it would be better to get an outsider, with a fresh outlook and a clean slate.