Gap between Leinster and other provinces becoming dangerous for Irish game

[@joelyons886]

Munster too many schools playing GAA and GAA pushing better channels for the kids, Connacht the same, Ulster too, Leinster invested in the school’s system 30 years ago and it's off the back of parents and communities investing as well as IRFU and Leinster that has us where we are now, time for the other teams to stop crying and sort out their own systems and academes till then they will fade more and more. If they are not prepared to make the sacrifices that Leinster made then sorry FK THEM why should we be a feeder club (something that we already provide for all the other 3 provinces but seems to be forgotten by their "fans") Amazing the bitterness and crying foul when during the Munster hay days when Leinster couldn't buy a win there wasn't the same screams for "levelling the field" or even back to the 80's when Ulster could have fielded a 15 for Ireland and no one would complain!!! GET YOUR OWN PROVIENCES IN ORDER and stop crying because Leinster are doing well!

[@deirdreryan5674]

Leinster team and squad are not all from Leinster schools.

[@joelyons886]

@@deirdreryan5674 didn't say they all were the vast majority of them over 95% are can ANY of the other Proviences say the same?

[@deirdreryan5674]

@ Only three of the top players in Henshaw, Furlong and Doris from Mayo, although he went to school in Blackrock and developed a D4 accent!

[@joelyons886]

@@deirdreryan5674 Think you need to put the wine down hun, Furlong is a Wexford man and went through Leinster schools system, Doris went to Rock from 12..... 12! 😂 Robbie is about the only player that you can have any grasp or a grudge with but hey wan't me to list the number of Leinster players that are currently playing for Connacht? 🤣🤣🤣 As for our starting 15, Porter, Sheehan, Furlong, Ryan, JMC, JVDF, MD, SP, GR, JL, HK that's 11 are all Leinster Schools, but hey you keep sucking them lemons or just do wha the rest of you lot in Connacht or Munster do fk off and watch some GAA

[@nialllittle3820]

100% agree

[@jjcasey3191]

What is David Humphreys remit for all the provinces?

[@dermot_desmond_69]

His remit is to develop props for leinster and to not have the ladies team to be a complete laughing stock

[@DM-rp9ik]

To bring through players for Ireland

[@davidanderson5517]

You will never be told. No blame if the wheels fall off.

[@UlyssesRyan-n1i]

Munster’s European love affair ended in 2013 when they lost in the last few mins vs Clermont in the semis. O’Gara retired and Munster’s relationship with the tournament hasn’t been the same since

[@Jeffrey-rm4rj]

There was no focus from the IRFU to gice leinster some devine advanatge. Leinster spent the mid noughties focusing on private schools hoping it would pay off (i cant detail this better than Squidge Rugby did on their channel, check out that video its brilliant). It has in a huge way and is now combined with the natural population advantage putting serious distance between Leinster and the other province's. When Munster had the majority of the central contracts in the 00s nobody cried foul because there was no arguing with the players who had them, they were the best. The same is now, and the reality is if you looked at the players who didn't have central contracts the next in line would all be Leinster too. Now what I would say is I would have more argument against banning NIQ players for Leinster for the foreseeable and potentially increasing each other province by 1. Ulster underperforming is shambolic, Connacht is understandable given how small the sport is there but Munster are diabolical. People are quick to forget their success was based off their club game which they totally neglected during their prime years, they also totally financially mismanaged themselves and had to get bailed out by the IRFU, no one ever acknowledges that when discussing IRFU money.

[@brianboyle2681]

Yes. What people also forget re.Leinster schools was until StMichael's started a run of sustained success, the Leinster Schools system was effectively a parallel universe to professional Leinster Rugby - and openly hostile to deeper collaboration with the Leinster set up in some cases. A book needs to be written on the work that was done in the background on this. For reference, in my experience it was as bad as the big junior soccer clubs in Dublin and the FAI. Which says its own story. On Munster - they are a strategic basket case. They need to decide what - and where - they want to be. Which might look like having a monopoly on winter sport in Ireland's second and fastest growing city (Cork) and putting together an eminently doable plan to supercharge the club game in the province. Munster have such pressing needs, but such massive opportunity you'd almost feel this head coach stuff is more of the same sideshow that's diverted what they really need to do for years.

[@mawc92]

Here my thoughts: Every year the provinces keep the first 5-10 players for their academy. The rest go into a draft system. That means any spill over from Leinster gets distributed without taking the players they have brought through their system. Change niq to 2 world class players per province ie experienced internationals that can really add to the province under the irfu books. We don’t need journey men in the system. Youth system favours Leinster schools, as they have the money for proper coaches( not saying anything against it). Gaa is a massive competitor for talent in the Munster Ulster and Connacht. Rather than focus on schools maybe move these regions to club focused and have county teams for underage that can go against Leinster schools. The gap is huge between Leinster and the rest - there isn’t a rivalry anymore. The national team is doing fine but interest in the club game is dwindling in a major way. The champions cup is between 3/4 teams every year and urc is the only interest in have so long as we don’t play Leinster 😅

[@fionnmckool]

No, players from leinster want to play for a winning team. Munster is the next biggest boy in the room and has to step up. What is munster management doing ffs.

[@thomascoughlan3316]

Excellent, thoughtful solution. The others simply cannot compete with the Leinster schools system, turbo boosted by central contacts and foreign imports, and the fact that Leinster players are more likely to be favoured for a variety of reasons, not all of them due to performance. The competition is gone now. The other provinces have done their best but they've no chance the way it is.

[@johndoyle333]

What exactly do the other provinces want

[@andrewmartinfarrell8167]

There's so much waffle in this segment as there always is when Jackman is allowed to say what he wants uninterrupted for 5 minutes. But anyway...let's be honest. This has nothing to do with the 4 provinces. This is Munster. They're only concerned with a competitive Munster team. Because that's always where the conversation goes.

[@jacobkesanen8340]

Last Irish side to win a major cup was Munster. Silly talk. Leinster haven't won anything this year yet

[@MrFuzzydumplings]

It's no secret that they like picking from one team for the national squad, makes the national team play better as they are used to playing together. However, with the central contract system, Leinster have ended up with 10 or so top quality players for free, this means they get to spend big money on world cup winning coaches who get an assistant coach role at Leinster (Nienebar) Meanwhile other provinces struggle to get a decent quality head coach never-mind an experienced assistant coach. I don't mind Leinster keeping their internationals, they are the ones who produced them (save Henshaw) but it is unfair that the central contract strategy gives them 10 top flight players for free.

[@DM-rp9ik]

@MrFuzzydumplings The autumn would suggest that theory is BS

[@MrFuzzydumplings]

@@DM-rp9ik I'm not saying it works genius, I'm saying its the reason they pick mostly from one team, for cohesion.

[@DM-rp9ik]

@@MrFuzzydumplings It's not it's because the players picked are better. The bulk of them just happen to play for Leinster right now

[@aidanbrophy86]

Do you want these lads playing in France?

[@NickyDunne-l7z]

Jesus lads, leinster have won nothing for 3yrs BECAUSE they have so many international players. Leo Cullen has the biggest juggling challenge any manager could possibly have and leinster have suffered b8g time.

[@seanofarrell8896]

I do feel even as a fan of leinster, i would like to see talent more spread like any player that is 5th or 6th choice get a chance at another provence, but unfortunately, most of the players. Would rather stay where they are instead of going to other provences if the other where as successful the players would go plus the central contact thing to

[@paulrichards5002]

It's very difficult to spread the talent to other provinces if a player who isn't centrally contracted doesn't want to go to a different province,take Harry Byrne for example sooner wanting to go on loan at Bristol than go to Connoacht.weve seen munster make a mess of the Joey Carberry transfer.and also as much as the complaints go about Leinster getting RG lets not forget Munster had the choice between Jean Klyne or RG and chose Klyne..I understand it's more aimed at the Irish contingent if that's the case why have Connoacht been allowed to sign Ionae at 10 when there's say the likes of Frawley,Tector,Byrne x2,Prendergast for the IRFU to deal that's the issue

[@LeMerch]

Here’s my take. Non Leinster clubs need to stop moaning and whinging. End of. Stop it. I’m tired of seeing Leinster pundits give in to these absolute shower of moany whinge bags from mostly Munster. Grow your own club. Get better yourself. Stop trying to always want Leinster to be less than, and grow your own stupid club.

[@ciaranbrk]

Exactly I'm sick of hearing it as well Leinster just built a great Academy and give these guys game time. The invest in the kids and give them a good competition the other provinces need to start following the example rather than complaining it's not fair. Scout them early give them top quality coaching Young give them access to professional level resources and they will improve. That's the Leinster model they let the sub Academy train with train with the main Leinster team so they see what's required to play at top level.

[@funnyeightyoneandtwo]

Basic…more people living in Leinster..more fee paying schools and thus more feeders into their team. If the other provinces see that the Ireland squad is almost completely Leinster and they feel they have a few players who, if playing for Leinster would be in the squad, eventually many will give up following their province ( in person at games) and the same will happen nationally.

[@davidanderson5517]

Does feel as if the IRFU doesn’t care where the majority of tickets for Ireland international games are sold. It’s hard to encourage fans from outside Dublin to travel. Book an exorbitant priced room, match tickets, plus travel is going to be a hard sell with non Leinster fans?. Especially as there maybe none or few players from the other provinces playing. MACK HANSEN’s rant won’t go on noticed with all the referees involved in upcoming matches. I expect all the referees to galvanise around each other and be super tight on Leinster/Ireland games. Mack may have shot himself in the foot in Ireland colours.

[@joelyons886]

blaming Leinster was a stupid and ill thought out rant by Mac as you said come 6N I'm sure the officials will have eyes on us. It's amazing how Connacht have played how many games this year and lost how many and then he takes a swipe at Leinster as all eyes are on them... he's not even the captain so why and what was he there for in the presser... was it all planned by the Head Coach and using a player with a high profile to air grievances without it blowing back on his short comings??? Why wasn't it Prendergast doing the post-match🤔

[@davidwalker2402]

Oh like french rugby would benefit from taking Toulouse’s exces depth, man city would benefit from taking liverpools depth . You do realise you are changing how sport is won and lost , have 4 mediocre Irish teams rather than let anyone one of them be successful, only a clown would even contemplate your ridiculous ideas.

[@joelyons886]

@davidwalker2402 they'll be blaming the population of Leinster next amazing how people forget when Munster were winning in Europe and Leinster were nowhere the lack of investment management and good strategic decision making has got Munster and Ulster to where they are now Connacht at least has the excuse of small population and rugby being at best a 3 school 2 club player pool all in all the bitterness towards Leinster is comical a successful team built on the schools and colleges systems over 30 years 6 non-irish schools players in the entire Leinster academy and first team ranks NO OTHER team in Europe in top flight comes close but they would have us now water down our player pool to aid wanton waste and stupidity in other Province’s... eh FKOFF!

[@Matt66120]

If you actually listen to what Mack Hansen said it was nothing to do with Leinster. He said week in, week out that Connacht are not getting decisions their way. Given that Connacht and Leinster only play each other twice in the regular season certainly not a rant against Leinster but is against the officials.

[@joelyons886]

@ he chose to say it after a Leinster game where he knew more eyes would be on him it wasn’t good for Leinster or more importantly Ireland as bitching in public about officiating will ultimately blow back on you so from an Ireland perspective he fked up if you can’t see that you’re not very smart

[@MrRedsh1rt]

Does having most of the Ireland players playing for one province benefit Ireland? Leinster have bottled it when it mattered for 3 or 4 years now, and coincidentally so have Ireland. When it really mattered NZ beat us, and when we could make history by doing back to back GS it was a complete bottlejob I guess what I'm trying to say is having the continuity of Leinster/Ireland works both ways. You get the good habits and the bad.

[@davidwalker2402]

So number 2 in the world and leading the URC by 10 points is Leinster fault . Just what are you looking for. You do realise Ireland have lost more than one QF , MANY BEFORE LEINSTER WAS THE NUMBER 1 PROVINCE.

[@MrRedsh1rt]

​@@davidwalker2402 Ireland havent truely been up there with SA/NZ until

[@tomf1dublin1]

Losing to England win last minute drop goal is bottle job? Leinster losing European cup finals by slimmest of margins is bottle job ? . What about Ireland prior to 2010 when Munster had bulk of players in team ?

[@ciaranbrk]

New Zealand would have beaten anyone on that day that was the best game of rugby I've ever seen. And even then we were still very close to winning just one held up try. We didn't bottle that game. I've seen us bottle quarter-finals League against Argentina and Wales we definitely didn't bottle the New Zealand game.

[@roberthalvey8880]

I think that if munster had taken 3 points every time they got a penalty and kept the score board ticking over , they would have conserved energy and maybe made leinster think

[@kevinlynch6721]

That was the Munster way always

[@ucanprofit]

A decision was to go for the corner. That's grand if you can dominate the lineout.

[@davidwalker2402]

So you’re saying play rugby and you might just win wow just wow.

[@ciaranbrk]

Not necessarily true a lot of those penalties were worn after another after another they were accumulative if Munster took the three points Leinster would have been happy with pressure relieved and use the aggressive press defence to keep munster pinned back

[@dublin7]

I don't think Leinster would have any problem helping the other provinces out what so ever. Leinster do have a overabundance of talent on their books but I think Leinster need to see a benefit from it. Leinster could let go of a few Irish capped players if it meant they got some players in areas they are slightly deficient. That is not to say, take players away from the other provinces and make them significantly weaker, I'm not saying send Rob Russell to Munster for Tadhg Beirne!! , I'm saying just take a player from a position of abundance from Leinster and move them to another province for a player in a position of surplus for another province who Leinster would have interest in. For example Leinster could send Ronan Kelleher to Munster in exchange for Tom Ahern (That would hurt Munster fans but they do have depth at both the LK and FLKR positions). Kelleher would be huge for Munster. Leinster could send Ross Byrne to Connacht for Jack Aungier- They keep Bealham and Ilo so Leinster get better depth at TH and Connacht get a starting 10 long term next to Ben Murphy. Leinster could send Will Connors to Ulster for Robert Baloucoune. Connors, McCann and Timoney would be a great FLKR trio and Leinster get depth on the right wing. Baloucoune hasn't been used much this year from Ulster so wouldn't be missed much but would provide Leinster with a speedy wing threat on the right wing. It is a redistribution of resources across the provinces. This would require the provinces giving the go ahead and then the IRFU to give the final seal of approval.

[@nialllittle3820]

Think the guys nailed a key point. Other provinces need to produce better talent. Leinster can’t be trusted with producing all the young talent.

[@28copland]

What's worrying for me as a munster fan is the decision to rest Crowley yet play him the previous week v ulster , that means they already wrote the leinster game off as a loss

[@ciaranbrk]

They did but you have to remember championships aren't one at the start of the season otherwise Leinster would have god knows how many titles. I think munster need to focus on bringing through new players use this season as a write-off and try some new things.

[@28copland]

Still sad to see they didn't even want to compete against leinster

[@tomf1dublin1]

Crowley not starting was a dreadful decision for rugby in Ireland overall. He only played a few minutes in November and also, a rest week this week . Made no sense .

[@rochellepaws]

Correct decision since Ulster was the more winnable game and IRFU protocol meant Jack had to be rested in one of those games. Munster only had 3 wins out of 7 before those games so prioritising winning 1 rather than gamble on both was sensible.

[@davidwalker2402]

Sport should be about earning the right to be the best. Are we now saying we should baby teams , it’s like saying we handicap teams . It’s absolutely ridiculous it’s not sport . By all means put more money into Connaught ulster Munster but stop saying we can help them without them helping themselves …

[@philipmoore52]

Connaught are great overachievers, Ulster are underachieving but there's a sense they're on the way back, Munster seems to be stuck in some club-centred model that worked at the start of the AIL but. there was a lack of vision to grow the game and to expand the playing base and make themselves relevant and attractive to potential players and to their supporters that's come back to bite them. As a Leinster supporter, I realise we need all the provinces in as good a shape as possible, but, when Munster was doing well there was an arrogance that was hard to stomach. (I supported Munster when they were doing well early on btw) And now they're not coming to matches because they're not winning! I'd be lying if I didn't admit to a bit of schadenfreude. We were the "girlie boys", and then when they started not winning matches I experienced them not selling their tickets to Leinster supporters and witnessed them attending matches in their Munster jerseys and supporting Leinster's opposition. Munster has a great brand but there's a bit of a victim mentality going on, maybe it's time to put on their "big boy" pants and sort out where the real issue is and that's somewhere in how the province is run.

[@ronanmcallister1232]

Ladyboys was a phrase Invented and used mostly by an ex Leinster player In The media at the time so I'm not sure what you're saying there bud

[@davidryan1345]

I saw the fall of English rugby became of imbalance in the league now we are seeing the same in Irish rugby, not Leinster fault but the leadership in the Irfu

[@patrickmccutcheon9361]

From the outside, the English league looks more competitive. Several teams, including Saracens, Exeter and Northampton have been successful over the last decade and now Bath are on top.

[@lummix6]

2 points (1) I think Ulster are just about to bring through a very good crop of players thatll make them the number 2 province in ireland over ther next 18 months. (2) Why havent munster looked at converting some of their abundance of back rows to other positions. No point in having 9 backrows but no hooker, loose head or inside center (what about a kendellen or hodnett to hooker for example)

[@ciaranoconnor6525]

It’s been manufactured by the IRFU to be the case

[@thomascoughlan3316]

There's only one strong province in Ireland now, thats a fact. Leinster have been favoured, there's no doubt about that. They get capped much easier which gives them a huge boost in terms of development ahead of the other provinces. Leinster have access to an enormous population base compared to the others, never mind the private schools system which provides a centre of excellence no other province can compete with. Keeps going like this, it'll be more quarterfinals at World Cups, at best. The Snyman move took the biscuit. Why couldn't he go to Connacht? We'll be wondering why our lineout is a shambles whilst bringing in players from rival counties to study it.

[@justRedDevil]

"Leinster have been favoured" what ridiculous statement. Leinster have worked for years to developed their school system and players. They consistently produce more talent than any other province. If Leinster just hoovered up all the best young players from the 3 other provinces, I'd sympathise, but that's not what is happening. It's remarkable to hear people like you completely absolve Munster, Connacht, and Ulster of any responsibility. Ireland is a minnow nation and it's incredible we have a team as talented as Leinster and a strong national team. This wasn't a problem when Munster dominated Irish rugby and they did it for a much longer period of time than Leinster currently have. If you genuinely want the other 3 provinces to improve the answer isn't blaming Leinster for a larger population. Adopt a similar system and give it time to bear fruit. It will take decades just like it did for Leinster but Irish rugby will be stronger for it, and the other provinces won't be relying on Leisnter to produce talent for them. As for Synaman, he wanted to play for a team with a chance of winning titles. Hence why he chose Leinster. You can't just force a player to play for Cannacht. Leinster have earned everything they've got.

[@davidwalker2402]

What a bunch of whiners , like now Ireland should divide up the players and have 4 mediocre teams instead of 1 great team for the other 3 teams to aspire to. Let the IRFU disperse the players instead of management and coaches developing teams. Let the world of rugby know that Ireland is no longer competitive they just want balanced non competitive teams. Such rubbish ive heard such shite.

[@grahamshaw3802]

Well said and the media just stir the pot.. nonsense

[@TE-xk4tg]

Agree totally!!! Just a bunch of begrudging moaning whingers here. Surprised particularly with jackman, given his leinster connection in the past, but there you go, maybe he's really more of a Lunster man? Fact is Leinster are, of course, one of the best sides in the world, not just Ireland. Essentially what these guys appear to be saying is let's weaken Leinster as a European power house, and by extension, irish rugby, so that the other Irish provinces can be more competitive with Leinster. Absolutely NUTS!!!!!

[@deirdreryan5674]

As a Munster long term fan, I’m completely disillusioned. Not much point going to games like the last one when Crowley isn’t even playing-very disappointing.

[@johntownsend2347]

There is a risk that if the non Leinster provinces develop a good player then they could be poached because they don’t have the money Leinster have to keep players

[@johntownsend2347]

Just look at Healy and JJ for example

[@DM-rp9ik]

​@@johntownsend2347 That's a strawman argument. Neither were near the Ireland set up or even close.

[@finnwain2183]

@@DM-rp9ik healy would of had plenty of Ireland caps if he played for leinster. Hes miles better than any utility back they've got.

[@DM-rp9ik]

@finnwain2183 Man, what are you talking about? he can't make the Edinburgh team. He probably wouldn't be a professional at Leinster and likely have been picked up by Connacht

[@finnwain2183]

@ lol i’m not talking about his current form you dose, he’s no longer eligible for Ireland. He’s clearly at a lack of confidence after being abandoned by the IRFU. Anyways he’s better than the Byrne brothers (they’re both washed). Healy was the type of player to get us past a Quarterfinal at a WC. He fit the munster team really well. Able to cover pretty much every position whist having the ability to close out a tight game against kiwis or saffas with a long range kick. Ur telling me any other player at leinster could do that excluding maybe prendergast?

[@splah01]

This is a bit nonsense, look at the URC table, the 4 Irish provinces used to be in the top 5. SA sides have joined is not the only reson why irish sides are mid table now, glad the lads brought this detail up, but apparently its all Leinster's fault. But I suppose if you cannot improve your own lot, look to drag others down to your level. We could be found out in the 6N as we only have the one club team to draw most of the players from and they're not quite as good as even 2yrs ago.

[@poo2764]

Munster was the last club to win a championship cup, what has Leinster won? Listening to this conversation they are making little sense, lets call it as it is talk about what needs solutions, not constant negativity. This could be lost??? typical Irish attitude. lets hear what Irish players solutions are to Munster at this moment in time. For me they need a coach no1 new players better forward thinking, academy better structure, the I.R.F.U. Need to get there act together support MUNSTER AND CONNACHT, And get rugby back to where it was 8 or 9 years ago, leinster are a single part of the IRFU. Irish rugby is Leinster so if they start going down the slippery slope then what have we got a cluster f**k up?????? I.R.F.U. wake up forward thinking, or we will end up like Wales and I hear some rumbling coming out of England set up? The last time Leinster won a championship I think 2018? To my beloved Munster I have not lost faith in you, the relevant bodies need to get there act together! (Erin go Bragh Munster)

[@daithipol]

Thomond is half empty. Ravenhill looks full with a crappier team munster need to quit whinging and quit blaming the success of others on their own failure. Shoulder chips dont win games anymore

[@daireharlin181]

A draft type system for academy players for the provinces. Young players sign to irfu then get assigned to a province. Only way its fair.

[@rationalthinker6753]

It’s not only a rugby career that’s to be considered, it’s a post rugby career life. An academy player in Leinster, he has to do a degree. The choice is clear for these guys and they wast to go to UCD or Trinity. The real question is why do so many kids 17-19yr olds want to play for Leinster. Structure, coaching, education, environment, and an insatiable desire to better their ability. I’m not knocking other provinces, they do offer different paths to a great career. It’s hard to find a balance now, as Leinster started on this road a long time ago now, are reaping the rewards.

[@Stereo_mike]

You can’t force a player to go to a club he doesn’t want to go to. They aren’t slaves

[@grahamshaw3802]

Rubbish these are Leinster lads they want to play for Leinster.. munster Don't want a team full of dubs do they?

[@TomBrennan183]

Terrible idea. The majority of each team should be from the area. As a Munster fan we have to get our shit together.

[@NevilleMiddleton-u9b]

The URC is skewed towards Leinster and Glasgow with their numerous international signings. Very biased against the Saffas (only Loader in the Stormers injured) and the Welsh. But South African players will use this international competition to improve and hone their skills for the Boks. We await the 2027 WC.

[@ciaranbrk]

What are you talking about the sharks mostly made up of springboks?

[@NevilleMiddleton-u9b]

@@ciaranbrk All born in South Africa, that's my point, no ex-Kiwis, Saffas or other foreign nationals.

[@DufftronicOk]

​@@NevilleMiddleton-u9bSA's population is 63 million mate.

[@StephenMcGowan-o4w]

Munster had so many foreign internationals they had to let Snyman go. Of the 43 senior players at Leinster players 5 are born abroad, 1 from Connacht, 37 senior players from the academy. Leinster have benefitted by bringing players through their academy at a high standard to go on to be internationals, not signing a team of internationals.

[@NevilleMiddleton-u9b]

@@StephenMcGowan-o4w Foreign nationals are used to plug the gaps where strength is needed for a position. If a Saffa team lacks a very good player in a position, e.g. the Bulls at flyhalf at the moment, they have to make do with what they have. This is one example and is currently making a huge difference to their performance.

[@PWGC]

It’s been a conscious decision from the IRFU to focus on Leinster. The very fact that they have their offices right in the heart of Leinster rugby land subconsciously gives them an advantage. They know that Leinster have all the advantages yet do very little to counter it.

[@Jeffrey-rm4rj]

Such nonsense, office was there when Munster dominated. It's not some grand conspiracy that the office is in the capital. There was no focus from the IRFU, Leinster spent to mid noughties focusing on private schools hoping it would pay off. It has in a huge way and is now combined with the natural population advantage putting serious distance between Leinster and the other province's. When Munster had the majority of the central contracts in the 00s nobody cried foul because there was no arguing with the players who had them, they were the best. The same is now, and the reality is if you looked at the players who didn't have central contracts the next in line would all be Leinster too. Now what I would say is I would have more argument against banning NIQ players for Leinster for the foreseeable and potentially increasing each other province by 1. Ulster underperforming is shambolic, Connacht is understandable given how small the sport is there but Munster are diabolical. People are quick to forget their success was based off their club game which they totally neglected during their prime years, they also totally financially mismanaged themselves and had to get bailed out by the IRFU, no one ever acknowledges that when discussing IRFU money.

[@johndoyle333]

Correct

[@Ireland1206]

Fair enough if Sam is the man, but as a Munster fan jack being dropped and only one player being in the starting Irish team will definitely feel like a blow

[@tomf1dublin1]

Well , we in Leinster could say Prendergast now ahead of Ross Byrne and Frawley also seems like a blow .

[@ciaranbrk]

Being ahead of Frawly yes, being ahead of Ross byrne no. The kids playing with Confidence he looks like he has lots of time on the ball he's making good decisions he's kicking well out of hand and he's running the defence very well.

[@ciaranbrk]

I see as merit based if you're the best you get in if the best were 15 Munster players I would follow Ireland if the best for 15 Connacht place I would follow Ireland and same if the best were 15 ulster players. The problem is they aren't the best players. I supported Ireland during the Eddie O'Sullivan reign where munster were dominant. What we need is our best 15 I don't care where in Ireland they come from so long as when they wear the green jersey they play with their heart on their sleeve and with their brains. At the moment Sam Prendergast is the form fly half in the country Crowley isn't setting the world alight he attacked the line but Prendergast at the moment just looks better each game.

[@TineBeo]

The IRFU don't want 4 strong provinces. The IRFU have the poor provincial attitude of Leinster first. It's sad and not good for the game here or the national team. When Connacht won the Pro 12 they still got only 1 starter on the national team after they knew he was leaving for Leinster (Henshaw). Joe Schmidt refused to acknowledge the shift in styles and stuck to where Leinster were at, and that's all Ireland were therefor allowed to be. Nothing has changed. Ultimately too the very best aren't always picked for Ireland.. Just Leinsters best and the rest have to go through the "other' province filter and need to be twice as good as their Leinster counterpart. Even newbies getting a shot ahead of proven players is just insulting. The IRFU is no GAA thats for sure. A long way to go to reach that level of professionalism..ironically.

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

So why don't you list an alternative Provincial Team Selection omitting all Leinster players that you consider the equal (if not superior to) of the current Ireland squad. Pay particular attention to the 'TWICE AS GOOD AS' category you refer to - there must be quite a few out there to match your outrage.

[@NickyDunne-l7z]

The reason leinster have not won anything in the last 3yrs is because they keep losing their best players to the international team. Hopefully snyman and barret can compensate this season. Leo Cullen has an impossible job, trying to win trophies for leinster and ireland 🇮🇪

[@davidwalker2402]

That is such a diatribe of complete rubbish. I can’t believe anyone would take the time to spout such rubbish.

[@nickoneill5773]

Yeah I don’t agree with this at all. Leinster have an excellent school system and therefore academy and massively benefit from it. If any of the other provinces had that player pipeline, like Munster had for a while, we’d be saying the same thing about them.

[@kookvision9295]

@NickyDunne-l7z. The original poster is delusional but so are you🤣

[@tvpc3194]

im not going to games anymore the system is rigged we all see it

[@ciaranbrk]

The system isn't rigged one province invested in its people. So do some scouting invest in the Next Generation get some development coaches in. If you want to be better then you have to put in the groundwork.

[@grahamshaw3802]

Won't be missed so

[@DamianDelaney-k9z]

The IRFU are absolutely loaded. They do a lot of good work helping clubs around the country… but… there is nothing to suggest out there that they have been giving any form of additional support to the other 3 provinces. To change the NIQ prop rule after Leinster signed Slimani was laughable. Barrett and Snyman to Leinster, Tom Farrell and Billy Burns to Munster! Come on ffs. Connacht, Munster and Ulster have literally been on the verge of injury crises in recent seasons and nothing done about it. Also, Harry Byrne turns down Connacht and Ulster and then they approve a loan deal for him to Bristol. Talk about total piss take