This is fuckin' pure wayurd.

Kiddinme out !

Kiddinme out !

irishtimes.com - Last Updated: Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 10:40
McLaughlin facing the exit at Ulster
Rugby: Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin will not be offered a new deal when his contract expires at the end of the season. Despite guiding the province to the knockout stages of the Heineken Cup for a second successive season, McLaughlin faces the prospect of being replaced at Ravenhill.

John Kirwan and Matt Sexton have already been linked with the job, with Ulster simply stating that the McLaughlin’s contract, and those of his backroom team, are under review.

“In response to media speculation today regarding the Ulster coaching position, Ulster confirms that the current coaching contracts are set to finish at the end of the season, and are under review,” the province said in a statement this morning. “There will be no further comment at this time.”

McLaughlin took charge of Ulster following the departure of Matt Williams in 2009 and has overseen a revival in fortunes with the province that saw the side reach the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup last year for the first time since winning the tournament in 1999.

The 52-year-old repeated the trick this season, the highlight of a memorable campaign a 41-7 thrashing of Leicester in Belfast that helped Ulster make it through as a best runner-up. Ulster, who are currently sixth in the Pro12 standings, will face Munster in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals when the competition resumes in April.

I thought Bowe to Munster was all but confirmed? Bloody Irish rugby rumours, we're like a bunch of nattering old women.

Seems like both sides are confident. I personally know nothing about where he will be going. Would be very disappointed if he chose any other province over Ulster. The only thing that seems certain is that we will know in the next day or two.

Professional rugby game... he can go where he wants.... you feeling guilty about Cronin and Ross..??

Professional rugby game... he can go where he wants.... you feeling guilty about Cronin and Ross..??

exactly... Leinster ruled out, even though some were saying he was a "perfect" replacement for Mongo...
Ulster Munster, it's up to him, saying that, I am sure there is plenty of "close to the Mediterranean clubs" enquiriing about him too....

Won't happen in a Lions year I'd imagine

So what were we arguing about before the SS PR was sunk and we piled into the lifeboats?

Picked up my tickets for the Wales match this morning.

Leinster lottery?

If so, any idea is there a cutoff for picking them up?

Yep. Can still collect them until Friday afternoon. They're open 8-4. There's some blond yoke behind the desk has them in a box. It all takes about 30 seconds once you show your ticket.

"Come on back Mattie, all's forgiven!"

Is this still on page one? bit of work to get it as long as the last one

Much better thread this.

Strange enough about McLoughlin but there is obviously more to the story than meets the eye. Thought Bowe to Munster was almost a done deal as well but obviously not. Interesting times ahead.