Irish Provincial Rugby Player Updates – Jan 8th

Ian Keatley looks likely to move to Benetton Rugby next season

A couple of interesting sound bites from the Irish provinces with players in their final year of their contracts mulling over their options. Hawkeye Sidekick picks apart the key points from start of this week press releases and pays tribute to Ian Keatley, a player who has given total commitment to the Munster Rugby jersey despite some supporters protestations.

The news in Munster Rugby is that Ian Keatley looks primed to move to Benetton Rugby next season. This has to be confirmed officially by both parties and of course the player but the media sources look on point here.

It is a decision if confirmed although sad to see was inevitable given the surplus of fly-halves at the club as well as the decision to acquire Joey Carbery in the off-season. Munster Rugby’s intentions were clear; they were going in a different direction from a ten jersey perspective.

What will Ian Keatley’s legacy be at Munster Rugby? The guy has to be applauded for his grit, determination and resilience during his time. He was in the unenviable position of replacing the mercurial Ronan O’Gara and arrived in 2011 just as the core group of players who won Heineken Cups were departing the club.

The transitional phase at the club during these next few years were a mess and unfortunately for Keatley, certain sections of the Munster Rugby home supporter bayed for his head, looking for the fall guy after a shaky period of performances in the 2015 / 16 season.

It was brutal viewing. Your own fans turning on you in that way, have never seen it happen to another player in Thomond Park before or since. Munster Rugby management perhaps could have taken the player out of the firing line but they did not and what unfolded was deplorable treatment of a player from a mental standpoint.

Most players would have caved in, thrown in the towel and looked for pastures new but Keatley remain staunchly committed to the club. His performances for the club post Axel Foley’s death were on point; the supporter base fully galvanized behind the Belvedre College product last season as the side advanced to the last four of the European Champions Cup.

His performance against Leicester Tigers at home last season was ironic; he left the pitch to a chorus of applause and gratitude in stark contrast to December 2015 when he was heckled and harangued on his replacement. Sport can be quite unbelievably fickle?

No game time this season for Keatley but Benetton Rugby if confirmed have secured a quality professional, a player who can fill multiple positions. Keatley is an accomplished full back as well as twelve along with his fly-half duties.

Benetton Rugby have recruited well here; the potential gap in fly-half options at the start of next season has been mitigated by this move if it materializes.

Keatley can slot in and make a genuine case to be the ten starter for the club when the Italian contingent including Ian McKinley come back from the RWC 2019. A good move for Ian Keatley and his family; nice part of the world to play your rugby. All the best Ian from Hawkeye Sidekick!

Jaco Taute – Leicester Tigers Bound?

The news also from the Munster Rugby camp is that South African three quarter powerhouse Jaco Taute looks destined to move to the Leicester Tigers next season. Taute has struggled for game time since picking up a serious knee injury last season and with the emergence of Chris Farrell, Dan Goggin and Sam Arnold, that predicament may continue.

The player galvanized the unit when he arrived in October 2016 and his attacking and defensive nous was key to Munster Rugby’s resurgence. I met the player a couple of times in Limerick and I have to say Jaco is an absolute gentleman.

Leicester Tigers is a club in transition. The long term vision of the club needs stability at the head coaching role position so hopefully Geordan Murphy gets the time to implement his ideas and recruitment strategy to the party. Taute’s physicality in ball carrying should aid the likes of Manu Tuilagi and Matt Toomua immensely next season.

Taute’s defensive skill set and organizational ability to get players around him to reset was a key facet during his time in Munster Rugby; something that the Tigers are in serious need of. A player who has provided a key contribution to the Munster Rugby jersey.

Cian Kelleher in Leinster Rugby attire again from next season

The rumors were out at the weekend outside the Sportsground about the future of Cian Kelleher and today was confirmation from a Connacht Rugby that the player is leaving the club at the end of the current season to most likely Leinster Rugby (even the club have yet to confirm the story on their end).

Kelleher was brave to leave the Leinster Rugby setup in search of first team rugby but the risk has been rewarded handsomely with standout performances this season particularly under the guidance of Andy Friend. His performances against the Irish provinces this season alone an indication of the progression in his skill set and player development.

Leinster Rugby’s squad depth means that the player is not guaranteed a back three slot but questions will abound on who from the current squad may go at the end of the season?

Some big names at the club in the back three positions currently. Kelleher will have a superb opportunity to secure invaluable game minutes early next season; he needs to take the opportunity with both hands with the Irish RWC 2019 squad contingent back for European Cup action in November.

Jack Carty commits to Connacht Rugby for two more years!

As Jack Carty stated today, it was a no brainer decision. Carty has committed his future to Connacht Rugby by signing a new two year contract. Why would Carty leave the Sportsground? His performances this season have been outstanding, his consistency in all facets of play reaching new heights under the managerial guidance of Andy Friend.

The performance levels have risen as well by genuine competition in the squad ranks for the ten jersey with the acquisition of David Horowitz and Conor Fitzgerald who have shown well this season. Good recruitment policy from the club has set the platform for Carty to be challenged and flourish.

Carty has excelled and his relationship with Marmion or Blade in the half-back unit has been key to Connacht’s resurgence this season. A contract which was very much expected to be signed, sealed and delivered any day has been confirmed. Well deserved contract extension!