Laulala Joining Munster

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/10089.php

Following on from their signing of James Downey Munster will be adding former All Black Casey Laulala to their squad at the end of the current season. The 29 year old currently playing with Cardiff Blues, played Super 14 rugby with the Crusaders and Air New Zealand Cup withCanterbury before moving to Cardiff, making his debut against Connachtin December 2009. Laulala who to date has made 58 appearances for Cardiff Blues scoring 14 tries has signed a two year deal with Munster.

Commenting on the news Munster coach Tony McGahan said, "The club is obviously delighted that we've managed to secure the services of a player of his undoubted calibre for the next two seasons. I believe it shows the ambition that Munster Rugby harbors for the years ahead and I think it speaks volumes that a high quality player such as Casey chooses to come to Munster ahead of a very impressive chasing pack." We're only too well aware of his rugby capabilities having come up against him first hand for the past number of seasons and believe he will not only have a strong contribution on-field but also act as a mentor to the emerging back talent we have in our squad."

Speaking after training with the Blues today in Cardiff Laulala said, "I've enjoyed myself very, very much here at the Blues and was fortunate enough to win the Amlin Challenge Cup with them in my first season here. " My family and me have thoroughly enjoyed our time in Cardiff and I'd like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for welcoming me. "I guess this is a fresh challenge for me, it's something new and hopefully the Munster welcome will be as warm as the one I experienced here in Cardiff. "Munster are a very successful team so I'm looking forward to joining them and experiencing life in Ireland. "However, there is still a lot of rugby to be played this season so I am still fully focused on doing well for the Blues."

Good signing. He and Downey should form a fairly strong partnership

 

[coonor]

Not my type of centre partnership to be honest but I think they'll fit into the Munster game plan really well.

 

[cyRil]

Quality signing for Munster. Don't know how well he'll link up with Downey but you can't deny Laulala's class.

 

[psychic duck]

so has Munster and everybody else finally realised (apart from Kidney) that Earls is not a centre?

this could be the Munster first choice backline next season:

9. Conor Murray
10. Ronan O'Gara
11. Keith Earls
12. James Downey
13. Casey Laulala
14. Johne Murphy
15. Felix Jones

21. Peter Stringer
22. Ian Keatley
23. Denis Hurley/Simon Zebo

 

[Groundhog]

I'm quite pleased about this. I suspected this a while ago but thought it was a no go when Munster signed Downey. I've been quite impressed with him from what I've seen

 

[Gavin]

so has Munster and everybody else finally realised (apart from Kidney) that Earls is not a centre?

this could be the Munster first choice backline next season:

9. Conor Murray
10. Ronan O'Gara
11. Keith Earls
12. James Downey
13. Casey Laulala
14. Johne Murphy
15. Felix Jones

21. Peter Stringer
22. Ian Keatley
23. Denis Hurley/Simon Zebo

Zebo instead of Murphy and Barnes on the bench at number 23. Back-line would be quite nice with a full Irish (and young) back three, two solid centers and a fly-half who is playing in the form of his life. Also means the young centers in the academy could learn from the more mature signings.

 

[munstermuffin]

Doug Howlett mighn't be finished yet either so watch that 14 shirt

 

[gogo]

Shame for Cardiff, one of the few standout players in that squad. Hard to replace.

 

[Robert Prosser]

Not happy about this and I can see it happening more and more now with the new wage cap coming in to play in Wales, He was class for us and its a shame I got a feeling no one will be brought in and Gavin Henson will be kept on as a replacement for Lualala.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

In another article on the official Munster Rugby website yesterday that speaks about Casey Laulala, it's also mentioned in passing that Rhys Ruddock and Tommy Bowe appear to have turned Munster down with regards to signing next season. It says Bowe is likely joining Ulster and Ruddock is staying with Leinster. I've no idea why Munster felt the need to mention this but from an Ulster and Leinster perspective, it's good news. It probably would have been wiser to let those provinces announce those deals though since it's absolutely none of Munster's business to get involved.

Signing Laulalu means Munster have one NIE spot remaining. Will they give a new contract to Doug Howlett, Lifiemi Mafi or try sign a new backrower? If Peter Borlazy is shown the door, they'll have a "project player" spot open too.

Their squad is taking shape in very impressive fashion. I've said before and I'll say again, Tony McGahan is doing a stellar job rebuilding an old squad.

 

[Gavin]

Peter Borlazy (as you call him Snoop) has to go. He has been poor and really a project player would be a better idea. I'd give the final NIE spot to Howlett because at least then we'd have pure class on the bench in the form of the backs.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Mafi's going to Perpignan, I think.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

That proposed rule doesn't comes into effect until the 2013/14 season.

 

[munstermuffin]

Can give the lowdown:
First of all Mafi is nearly signed off to France (more teams than Perpignan sniffing)
Borlaise isn't taking a NIQ spot as he is project player so can't replace his spot with Laulala, Howlett etc,
Our NIQ's next season will be Laulala, WDP, Botha, Howlett (could be on coaching ticket and not playing), still in the hunt for a NIQ backrow.
Howlett's situation could possibly keep Mafi here.
Also there is a searh for a project player to replace Borlaise. 4 options being looked at 3 backrow and 1 is a winger/fullback.

And can I add while I can understand Bowe situation I struggle to see Ruddock staying with Leinster. He's got sniff of International scence but is now overtaken by POM and well is well down pecking order at Leinster and well I think Domnic Ryan will overtake him there as well as Jordi Murphy possibly but maybe I'm wrong as Snoop knows them boys better.

Same would be for Nagle/Foley to maybe go sniffing up at RDS as I think either in 12 months could get past Toner and get a spot and simply launch themselves.

 

[profitius]

Can give the lowdown:
First of all Mafi is nearly signed off to France (more teams than Perpignan sniffing)
Borlaise isn't taking a NIQ spot as he is project player so can't replace his spot with Laulala, Howlett etc,
Our NIQ's next season will be Laulala, WDP, Botha, Howlett (could be on coaching ticket and not playing), still in the hunt for a NIQ backrow.
Howlett's situation could possibly keep Mafi here.
Also there is a searh for a project player to replace Borlaise. 4 options being looked at 3 backrow and 1 is a winger/fullback.

And can I add while I can understand Bowe situation I struggle to see Ruddock staying with Leinster. He's got sniff of International scence but is now overtaken by POM and well is well down pecking order at Leinster and well I think Domnic Ryan will overtake him there as well as Jordi Murphy possibly but maybe I'm wrong as Snoop knows them boys better.

Same would be for Nagle/Foley to maybe go sniffing up at RDS as I think either in 12 months could get past Toner and get a spot and simply launch themselves.

Why are Munster looking at backrow players? They have Wallace, Ronan, POM, Leamy, Coughlan, TOD, DOC2, Butler etc. Donnacha Ryan can play 6 too. And I also don't see the point in searching for a winger or fullback. They have plenty already especially if Howlett resigns and with Earls possibly moving back to wing.

Any news of a clearout?

 

[munstermuffin]

Why are Munster looking at backrow players? They have Wallace, Ronan, POM, Leamy, Coughlan, TOD, DOC2, Butler etc. Donnacha Ryan can play 6 too. And I also don't see the point in searching for a winger or fullback. They have plenty already especially if Howlett resigns and with Earls possibly moving back to wing.

Any news of a clearout?

Plenty will be cleared out but we don't have numbers at Fullback or Backrow.
At Backrow:
Wallace, Ronan, POM, Leamy, Coughlan, TOD, DOC2, Butler.
Butler and DOC2 still a year or 2 away,
Leamy and TOD are very injury prone,
Wally is pushing on and Coughlan past 30. Ronan having good season but again is it just Form and how will he return.
And in possibility we had an injury and internationals its slim.
Donnacha Ryan will be with Ireland alot and yes he's a good 6 but an excellent lock.

On Fullback - we have Felix and that is our only natural 15. Yes there are others that can fill in but we need someone possibly that can cover centre and play 15.

As for clearout yeah there will be a good few fringe players let go I suspect

 

[Feicarsinn]

Can give the lowdown:
First of all Mafi is nearly signed off to France (more teams than Perpignan sniffing)
Borlaise isn't taking a NIQ spot as he is project player so can't replace his spot with Laulala, Howlett etc,
Our NIQ's next season will be Laulala, WDP, Botha, Howlett (could be on coaching ticket and not playing), still in the hunt for a NIQ backrow.
Howlett's situation could possibly keep Mafi here.
Also there is a searh for a project player to replace Borlaise. 4 options being looked at 3 backrow and 1 is a winger/fullback.

And can I add while I can understand Bowe situation I struggle to see Ruddock staying with Leinster. He's got sniff of International scence but is now overtaken by POM and well is well down pecking order at Leinster and well I think Domnic Ryan will overtake him there as well as Jordi Murphy possibly but maybe I'm wrong as Snoop knows them boys better.

Same would be for Nagle/Foley to maybe go sniffing up at RDS as I think either in 12 months could get past Toner and get a spot and simply launch themselves.

Peter O'Mahony is only being considered ahead of Ruddock because of versatility. Ruddock is only really a 6, he's been played a good bit at 8, but has never really impressed there. I'm of the opinion that no matter where he moves he won't be getting a look in internationally as long as O'Brien and Ferris are around, unless he shows some serious improvement. That said, he's only 21. He's played 17 times for Leinster this season, including the full 80 against Montpellier in the Heineken Cup. He's also captained the team on a number of occasions. He also benefits with working at the best team in Ireland in terms of bringing young players through. When you bear that in mind, there's no real point in him going anywhere else.

Rhys still has the makings of a very good player, certainly of international quality. But I don't see him getting into the Ireland 22 while our 6 options are so strong.

 

[munstermuffin]

Peter O'Mahony is only being considered ahead of Ruddock because of versatility. Ruddock is only really a 6, he's been played a good bit at 8, but has never really impressed there. I'm of the opinion that no matter where he moves he won't be getting a look in internationally as long as O'Brien and Ferris are around, unless he shows some serious improvement. That said, he's only 21. He's played 17 times for Leinster this season, including the full 80 against Montpellier in the Heineken Cup. He's also captained the team on a number of occasions. He also benefits with working at the best team in Ireland in terms of bringing young players through. When you bear that in mind, there's no real point in him going anywhere else.

Rhys still has the makings of a very good player, certainly of international quality. But I don't see him getting into the Ireland 22 while our 6 options are so strong.

Yes but IF your not considered first choice for your province you won't get sniff of International. And POM hasn't been tested massively at 7 or 8 in big games - He made the bench simply because he has been really impressive for Munster in the big games. Ruddock played that 80 mins against Montpellier but Leinster rotated team and well that was because they knew they should have enough and Schmidt rotates well. I think on being a 6 alone O'Mahony is gone ahead of Ruddock. And as I said I think Ryan especially has the makings to put Ruddock even further down pecking order at Leinster.

 

[big ginger 8]

Yes but IF your not considered first choice for your province you won't get sniff of International. And POM hasn't been tested massively at 7 or 8 in big games - He made the bench simply because he has been really impressive for Munster in the big games. Ruddock played that 80 mins against Montpellier but Leinster rotated team and well that was because they knew they should have enough and Schmidt rotates well. I think on being a 6 alone O'Mahony is gone ahead of Ruddock. And as I said I think Ryan especially has the makings to put Ruddock even further down pecking order at Leinster.

O'Callaghan isn't a starter at provincial level...

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Why are Munster looking at backrow players? They have Wallace, Ronan, POM, Leamy, Coughlan, TOD, DOC2, Butler etc. Donnacha Ryan can play 6 too.

I think you've answered your own question. Just because a team has plenty of numbers in a position, it doesn't mean they have quality. If we're 100% honest, none of Ronan, Coughlan (although playing well), O'Donnell and Ryan are international quality backrowers. Wallace is 35 and Leamy is past his best. Butler and O'Callaghan are very talented but neither are top quality yet. O'Mahoney is the only guy you can hang your hat on and say will be a top player for another decade.

I suspect Tony McGahan thought he could build a long term backrow of Ruddock, O'Mahoney and Butler. With it looking like the Ruddock signing has fallen through, I imagine they're looking for quality fall back options. It's not as though he's neglected talented young players in favour of old warhorses. O'Mahoney, Murray, Zebo, Barnes and more have all been given plenty of chances to shine. Some have taken their chances, others haven't. The coach wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't look to fill gaps in the squad where he doesn't feel there's enough quality available.

@munstermuffin
Jordi Murphy isn't in the same league as Rhys Ruddock. Ruddock is good enough to win a bagful of international caps. Murphy is a Pro 12 player at best in my opinion.