Connacht CEO Sears not prepared to suffer in silence

Date Published: 19-Dec-2012

IRELAND has gradually become a country where political correctness, health and safety and a reluctance to speak one’s mind have become pervasive. Sure, the politicians can still knock strips off each under Dail privilege, but people tend not to court controversy even when they have right on the side. We now have a largely hyper-sensitive and over-principled population which tends to take umbrage at the slightest criticism.

Against that background, it was refreshing to see new Connacht CEO, Tom Sears, not holding back last week in his condemnation of Leinster after their successful swoop for the Western province’s star player this season, Mike McCarthy. It had been known for some time that the international second row was a big target for Leinster, but Connacht were in no mood to accommodate them.

In fact, Sears was already on record that the province was determined to hang onto McCarthy, whose terrific form in recent months was highlighted by a barnstorming performance in the Autumn Internationals against South Africa. The 31-year-old has been the stand out performer in the Connacht pack this season with his commitment and leadership making the Englishman a popular hit with the fans at the Sportsground.

Despite Connacht matching Leinster’s contract offer of reportedly €200,000 a year, the greater prospect of endorsements, sponsorship benefits, match bonuses and, admittedly, winning something has understandably tilted McCarthy’s head east and though few are finding fault with the player’s own decision, it must have led to some awkwardness on the training ground when his departure at the end of the current campaign was confirmed.

To their credit, Connacht have never been in better shape on the playing fields. Long gone are the days of the routine hammerings, with the emergence of home grown talent winning the hearts and minds of the increasing numbers who now regularly flock to the revamped College Road venue. But the province also needed to stand up and be counted off the field, and Sears is admirably meeting that challenge head on.

When McCarthy’s controversial move was confirmed, the Connacht CEO abandoned diplomatic channels in accusing Leinster of “persistently targeting Connacht players in recent years” and also questioned if Irish rugby would be the losers. Sears pointed to similar transfers involving Fionn Carr, Sean Cronin and Jamie Hagan in the past which hadn’t worked out to the desired level for the individuals concerned.

It also rankles the corridors of power in Connacht that these moves only seen to happen when the team itself is enjoying relative success. Sears, however, also struck a defiant note. “We won’t adopt a defeatist attitude and moan about the situation. We will continue to strive to prove to players that they can fulfil their potential with us and win trophies as Connacht players.” His stance typifies the new sense of rugby confidence and self-worth out West, and also flushed Leinster coach Joe Schmidt out into the open on the matter.

He denied that Leinster had acted improperly in their pursuit of McCarthy, but was clearly uncomfortable about having to defend the province’s reputation. He also insisted that they had only followed the protocols laid down by the IRFU in the transfer of players – a claim subsequently rebutted by Sears who said that the current protocols were not sufficient to serve Irish rugby well.

Given the furore over the poaching of McCarthy, it’s likely at least that Leinster will think twice in the future about heading west to improve their squad. The affair has cast them in a negative light, while Connacht certainly retaining the high moral ground. Fair play to Sears for rattling Leinster’s cages and being not prepared to suffer in silence – in the circumstances, he was perfectly entitled to let off some steam.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.