Bernard Jackman (on the42 podcast) was saying there has been talk of trying to keep Bell for another year, but he also said it probably now will not happen (AUS will want him in the country back pre-world cup).  He seemed to think that O’Toole would therefore move to LH for Ulster, but that’s not what Richie said last week.  So there’s probably a lot going on behind the scenes.

TBH I don’t know that I’d risk (or spend) too much to keep Bell.  We’ve plenty of good ball carriers now, and he’s not a great scrummager.

@forestial I listened to the same pod cast this evening ( just going to post the same), he said that IRFU would allow a NIQ TH for Ulster ( & Munster) too.   O’Toole seems to play better for Ireland, than Ulster would be interesting to see him play on loose for ulster to see if can match his ulster performance

I wonder where they’re going to find all these NIQ tightheads!  There was a mention somewhere about Frans Malherbe going to La Rochelle; he’s getting on a bit and I don’t think he has played for a good while.

I’d wondered the same about Tom O’Toole’s future, you’d have to imagine a lot depends on where Faz sees him in the Irish pecking order now.  I think after how he went in the last few games, he’d be at least 3rd choice as a loosehead, I think Porter is fairly nailed on as first choice when fit and you’d imagine McCarthy playing for Leinster has him above TOT in the pecking order too when fit.  With Furlong looking like he’s on the decline, I think Ireland look a bit weaker at Tight Head Prop when everyone is fit, so that might be where the greatest opportunity sits in the mid term future for him.

I’m personally not sure where I’d want to see him play from a purely Ulster perspective eiiher.  When Bell goes at the end of the season, i think him and Wilson will be our two best props by a fairly wide margin, so being able to have them on the pitch at the same time would be good, but much as the youngster impressed last week, we’d look very weak at TH in terms of depth if TOT moved across. At Loosehead, I think EOS is a solid squad player, but there’s not much past that, I’ll never understand the thinking behind the decision to not offer Warwick another contract last year, at 32 he still had a good few years left in him, he was a solid, reliable workhorse and had been one of our most dependable players for a long while.  Sam Creen is a solid URC level scrummager, but to my eye doesn’t offer much round the park and isn’t close to what Warwick gave us.

100%  agree about Warwick,  he was dependable, never let you down. Was really surprised when his contract was not renewed ( or maybe he had enough?).  EOS has regressed, at the start he seemed to have a higher ceiling that Warwick, but right now I would prefer to have Warwick from 2 years ago ( But Warwick did get better in his last few year so maybe EOS will do the same) 

I think money (the lack of it) was the reason for many of the players who left the last couple of summers (which makes it hard to see where Bell’s wages are coming from).  Depending what side O’Toole plays at next year, we’re definitely short of at least one solid prop.  I’m more positive on Crean: he’s a good scrummager and I’d forgive him a bit for the play around the park.  We scrummed well against Edinburgh but it’s been a weak area for us for a good while.

BTW Jackman thinks O’Toole will play at both LH and TH after Bell goes (but it won’t happen this season according to Richie).  That flexibility is his ticket to the RWC 27 squad.

read in a few places online the ulster are chasing prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi , plays both sides but mainly TH.  The source is supposed to be rugby pass, but I can’t find anything on their website.  

The 42 are reporting that IRFU has made an offer to Australian tighthead prop Massimo De Lutiis , but they don’t say to which province.

The also are saying Ulster and Munster are chasing  IQ Harlequins out-half Jamie Benson

‘He definitely has an offer’ – IRFU look to lure Aussie prop to Ireland

According to Aussie media Tommasio has had a change of heart

change of heart? of was it always about pressuring the Aussies to give him a better contract?  A lot of people were sceptical about it in the first place ( including me)

It would appear that his agent has played a blinder. Hopefully we can still add a TH for next season.

Massimo re signing with Rugby Australia. Played the IRFU and possibly Ulster like a fiddle.