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What Next For Ireland’s Provinces?

As the European transfer-merry-go round gathers pace, Munster’s loss of emerging star JJ Hanrahan to Northampton could be the start of a worrying trend for the Irish provinces.
En route to annexing five Heineken Cup trophies in seven seasons between 2005/6 and 2011/12 Munster and Leinster always managed to balance a core of indigenously produced international talent with overseas superstars.
No one can argue with the impact the signings of the likes of Rocky Elsom and Felipe Contepomi had on the east coast, much in the same manner with the likes of Doug Howlett and Trevor Halstead had down South. However the worry exists that we have now been catapulted into a new era of European club rugby. An era where those with the deepest pockets will emerge as not only front runners for the European Cup, but as the only runners.
As is the case in football’s equivalent, the Champions League, we face the very real prospect of losing the unpredictable nature that made European club rugby so entertaining. Would the Irish provinces be capable of attracting the aforementioned talent as things stand?…… see full story on :- http://www.punditarena.com/uncategorized/omcmahon/next-irelands-provinces/