LEINSTER ARE IN “ongoing” conversations with the IRFU about the possibility of extending RG Synman and Rabah Slimani’s contracts into next season, while the union is also discussing potential NIQ signings with other Irish provinces.
Springboks lock Snyman has been excellent for Leinster since joining from Munster last summer and veteran French tighthead Slimani has also had an impressive impact to earn a recall to les Bleus’ Six Nations squad.
IRFU performance director David Humphreys confirmed that the union has been in talks with Leinster over their hopes of keeping Snyman and Slimani onboard.
All Blacks centre Jordie Barrett has also been excellent since joining after the November Tests but he will return to New Zealand at the end of this season.
However, Leinster are hopeful of holding onto their two other non-Irish-qualified [NIQ] players.
“Yeah, those are the conversations that are ongoing,” said Humphreys at Ireland’s training camp in Portugal yesterday.
“You’ll have seen the impact that they’ve made. You’ll have seen the fact from a development point of view, certainly with the number of players who are playing in the national squad, the number of nationally contracted players, they have not been in any way a break on player development or young player development.
“So I think they have added a huge amount to Leinster this year and those conversations with Leinster and the other provinces as to who they are recruiting are ongoing.”
If Leinster were to keep Slimani into next season, that would be in contravention of the IRFU stance Humphreys stated last summer when he said that the four Irish provinces would no longer be permitted to make further NIQ front-row signings.
Humphreys said there will be flexibility in what had initially seemed like a hard rule on NIQ front rows.
“There has to be a flexibility,” said Humphreys.
“It started a conversation, we all recognised that front-row succession was something that Andy Farrell was very concerned about.
“Even in the course of the last six months with someone like Thomas Clarkson coming through, some of the real concerns have eased. But we’re still very conscious that developing front row forwards is a huge priority for us.
“It’s why Seamus Toomey has been appointed as the scrum development coach to do a lot of that work further down at 16 to 18 level and with underage teams from a technical point of view.
“The nature of high performance, yes of course you’re going to set some restrictions and guidelines to give people some parameters in which to work, but as we showed in November when there’s a pressure in a particular province, i.e. with Munster Dian Bleuler was allowed to be signed because from a performance point of view, we had to be flexible and adaptable.
“That’s very much how I see it. We are very much committed to developing our own front row forwards but as the system evolves and players develop there’s definitely ongoing conversations.”
Indeed, Humphreys said that the IRFU no longer works by NIQ rules that are completely set in stone.
While producing Irish players for the national team remains the key priority, the union’s performance director indicated that each possible transfer is considered on a case-by-case basis.
“It’s much more flexible now,” said Humphreys.
“I think if you look back 10 years ago, it was four foreign players and one project player and that was set in stone with no negotiation around that.
“The provinces have moved a little bit, some of that is financial pressure they’re under and from an IRFU point of view it’s about making sure that the NIQ players who come in are adding real value in terms of what they can do on the pitch and also the influence and impact they can have on some of the younger players coming through.
“At this stage, there’s no set restrictions on who they can and can’t sign.”
I think that this statement says it all. It is all about having Leinster win at all costs. Humphries has the neck to say oh we really facilitated Munster with the three month contract for Beuler. I understand that he he is a Sharks player but on the day he leaves Munsters three loose head props are all injured and Humphries is most concerned about Leinster’s pathway to success for next season and into the future. It is difficult not to feel totally screwed.
@Brian Gallivan: I don’t think that it is but it’s now put the focus on the need to have flexibility with the rules and definitely have exceptions, which hasn’t been the case. Leinster have hopefully convinced the IRFU to be more flexible and this should benefit all the provinces. Notice, I’ve used the word “should”, if not then we will have animosity which helps no one.
@Brian Gallivan: seems more like a general rolling back on the stated policy. I didn’t see anything there about Leinster specifically having different treatment, though he did mention money and Leinster have been doing well out of playing in the Aviva
@Mark O’Keeffe: Honestly it doesn’t feel that way to me. We won’t go to the Irish game on Saturday can’t move the feeling that Munster are being screwed by the IRFU. Something else quite interesting reports that Munster are signing Milne and Barron from Leinster Milne is injured at the moment but Barron nowhere near the squad last weekend despite Kelliher and McCarthy being with the Irish squad.
@Brian Gallivan: bizarre that’s what you got from his quotes. Leinster are not getting preferential treatment. I reckon you had this comment typed out ready to go before you even read the article
@adizlack93: Of course he did. Typed with one hand and the beggars bowl in the other. Didn’t you know dastardly Leinster are 100% responsible for the previous years of mismanagement off the pitch by Munster
@Carmine Lorenzo: the early success Munster had has really given some of their fans a sense of entitlement. Like it’s their god given right to be on top yet they can’t produce their own players to maintain the success of old and so demand that the IRFU helps to level the playing field at every opportunity
@adizlack93: Yeah there is definitely that with a part of their cohort alright. Will blame everyone else rather than looking inward. Thankfully we get a few very balanced fans on here too.
@Brian Gallivan: it was agreed with Sharks when he was returning. It’s not hard to understand.
@adizlack93: SAD
@Carmine Lorenzo: You are even sadder
@adizlack93: you’ve made no counterpoint. You’ve just ridiculed his comment. A very clear example of Bleur was given and Humphries statement here goes against every single statement made prior. You can blindly defend the preferential treatment of Leinster if you must, but it’ll be for the longterm detriment of Irish rugby.
@Brian Gallivan: Munster are being screwed by the IRFU!? You’re having a laugh. With your own debt star down there that the IRFU have continually facilitated debt restructuring for and even now with IRFU S&C resources down there bailing you out of the mess you made for yourselves, plus Codling helping out despite the fact that he’s meant to be full time with the womens team coming into their 6Ns. The IRFU have facilitated and bailed Munster out plenty over the years. The chip on the shoulder is ridiculous at this stage.
@Sam Bingham: I couldnt care less Sam. I support Leinster and Ireland. Thats all.
@Brian Gallivan: I think that goes both ways, once players have decided to leave they are less likely to get minutes. That’s why not seeing more of Frawley is worrying me :-)
@John Molloy: you mean the 12 million loan that munster received to build the stadium wheres leinster got 16 million for free this year to develop. Who is receiving special treatment again?
@Brian Gallivan: The irony is your 2 responses in this way are the saddest in an otherwise interesting conversation. It is hard not to see your point of view as the last NIQ Prop signed was by Leinster (excluding jokers) and then the first sign of it being relaxed less thab 12 months later is to resign the same player for Leinster. It is not a good look for the IRFU. BUT… how can DH be accused of a Leinster bias?? I would take it that he is being pragmatic and maybe he has relected and realised that he has to help development first and foremost before inflicting untold damage on the chances of success for ALL 4 provinces. Yes, success is more likely for Leinster right now, but that is for multiple reasons, not just this.
RG signing for Leinster last summer was never going to be one year, the dogs on the street knew that. Silami in the same boat. One rule for one province and another rule for the other 3.
@Liam23: hah you salty little falla
@Liam23: what’s your problem? Leinster are entitled to 3 NIQ players in their squad. All 3 have been good this season. It makes sense to re-sign both. Munster are signing players hand over fist. Nankivell, Kleyn and Abrahams will also all be there next year. The irony is astonishing.
@Liam23: Yep, no NIQs anywhere else. Remember when Leinster had 3 saffer born locks on good money at the same time? Disgrace
@Liam23: One rule for one province and … eh… Dian Bleuler… for everyone else?
@Liam23: what are the different rules exactly? Munster signed and extended Snyman. Now Leinster are. Seems the same to me. Munster have been allowed sign and resign plenty of NIQs over the years.
@Liam23: Liam, remind me again how many years RG was a Munster player?
@Liam23: We won’t hear from Liam because he has been silenced by facts disproving his paper thin argument.
If there is some flexibility for NIQ players, can we keep Bleuler at Munster?
@Colm Tarpey: Agreed, this only makes sense if Bleuler can stay. Flexibility and pragmatism are needed by the IRFU.
@Colm Tarpey: from what I’ve heard it’s more to do with his club wanting him back
@Con Cussed: Sharks would have to agree to that also
@Colm Tarpey: The sharks might have something to say about that given that they employ the player.
@Mark O’Keeffe: Absolutely and no guarantee they would!
@Con Cussed: in fact, the belief is that Munster were allowed to attempt to extend it, but the Sharks refused.
@Robert McGee: this. There’s this weird belief out there that Blueler leaving is somehow the IRFUs fault when anyone who makes an effort to understand what’s going on knows, the Sharks had loaned him to Munster and now want him back. If Munster were able to develop a prop worth a damn in the last decade then this wouldn’t be an issue.
@Colm Tarpey: if you can persuade the Sharks to agree.
Nothing to do with IRFU.
@Colm Tarpey: No, because the Sharks want him back. So there is nothing the IRFU or Munster can do about it. Unless the Sharks are willing for his contract to be bought out.
Talking about Thomas Clarkson coming through and “concerns being eased” in the prop development area but extending Slimani’s deal who keeps Clarkson out of the match-day squad for big games, comical
@Mícheál: Totally but rowing back on the prop thing was always going to be embarrassing. The only good thing is that it’s happened so quickly.
@Mícheál: So are you suggesting that Leinster go into next season with just Furlong and Clarkson as senior tighthead props? A Furlong with a grand total of two appearances for Leinster this season and these days rarely gets into double figures for appearances for Leinster? McGuire is in the academy and there is no confirmation that he is going onto a senior deal, yet. Munster have 4 senior TH props if you need context. Think before you type.
@Mícheál: Clarkson has played in 3 of Leinsters 4 Champions Cup games and 6 of their 10 URC games while also playing in 2 of Irelands 4 AIs leading to him being named in the 6Ns squad where it looks like he’ll be getting game time again. Slimani isn’t impacting his game time in any meaningful way. And he’s also helping to develop his scrummaging.
@Carmine Lorenzo: They could always sign a couple from the Champo like Ulster, no?
@Mícheál: IRFU can easily stipulate that Slimani can’t take minutes from Clarkson, as they have done with RG and McCarthy/Ryan, if it’s felt that is best for Clarkson’s development. No need for outrage
@Carmine Lorenzo: Hi Carmine, that’s a great point that you’re making, potentially the issue is that the recent hype surrounding the production line in Leinster is misguided. They cannot seem to produce players in lots of positions and have to outsource for many options. As you’ve correctly pointed out, they’re struggling to produce props (including LH after Porter with 37 year old Healy still next in line). Their best prop has being Slimani, best lock has been RG, best 9 JGP, best centre Henshaw, and best back 3 player being Lowe – with none of these coming through the academy at Leinster. Have a good one, Carmine.
@Mícheál: And yet Leinster have provided 5 of the 6 props to the original Ireland squad? Think before you type.
@Carmine Lorenzo: maybe that’s why we can’t win a scrum, another good point
Let Munster sign Bleuler for next season. Whether the IRFU wants to admit it or not, Ireland don’t produce an abundance of props. If you want them to be competitive, they need to sign guys that will make that big impact in the front row and also mentor and younger guys coming through. Just telling each province they must develop their own isn’t realistic.
@mcdb06: he’s contracted to the Sharks. They can’t extend his contract because Sharks want him back. Why do so few people seem to know this!? It’s been publicly stated multiple times now.
@John Molloy: That’s why I said next season. It is possible for players to get out of a contract and move.
If they are going to continue to supply 3 full front rows every time there is an international window, there should be some flexibility, yeah.
As per usual the rules get broken to suit Leinster.
The biggest cheaters in the history of rugby.
@Tommy Kennedy: meanwhile Munster with 4 NIQ players on their books
@Tommy Kennedy: Please explain to the class how Leinster are the biggest cheaters in rugby? On a day when it was revealed that Toulouse, got Jaminet, to take out personal loans, to buy his contract out with Perpignan. So they could stay within the Salary cap. I’m looking forward to your factual response here.
@Tommy Kennedy: What rules are been broken Thomas? Ye are some bunch of whingers. We didn’t hear Leinster fans whinging when Munster had half of the South African national team.
Leinster are in a different position to the other provinces they are trying to win the champions cup. Therefore if they can afford to do it they should be entitled to sign whoever they want regarding NIQ players despite IRFU policy on props. Why should Leinster be held back?
Ohhh yeahhh