Munster U.21 Squad For Interprovincials Announced

The 2005/6 Munster U.21 squad for the upcoming Interprovincial Series has been announced, with twenty eight players from ten clubs and schools throughout the province chosen on the side. Having won the competition in 2002/3 and 2003/4, Munster will be hoping to take back the title won by Ulster last year, and will be hoping for an opening win in the series against the defending champions in Ravenhill on Friday night.

The squad includes nine players from UCC, four from Shannon, three each from UL Bohemian and Garryowen and Cork Constitution, two from Dolphin and one each from Highfield, Clonakilty, Crescent College Comprehensive, Limerick and Presentation Brothers College Cork. A number of players on the squad were involved in the IRB U19 World Championships in South Africa earlier this year, including Kevin Griffin, Barry O Mahony, Evan Ryan and Eric Moloney. Garryowen s Conan Doyle was part of the Irish U.21 squad that travelled to Argentina for the IRB U.21 World Championships in June.

At a well attended fixture on Tuesday night in Tralee RFC, the Munster U.21 team took on a Munster Development Selection in preparation for the Interprovincial Series. Although the Development Selection led 7-0 at half time after a try from Ryan Hartigan, which was converted by Jeremy Manning, the Development Selection pulled away in the second half to win 19-5. Despite some excellent work by the U.21 s, they were unable to break the defence of the Munster Development Selection until the final quarter of the game, when they were rewarded for a dominant final quarter with an excellent try from UCC s Billy Holland. For the Munster Development Selection, Brian Tuohy picked up two tries in a sparkling performance.

Although disappointed in losing the fixture it was a brave performance against a more experienced and physically stronger Development XV, and excellent preparation in advance of the Interprovincial Series. The game follows the U.21 s 21-3 victory over Leicester Tigers Academy in Leicester the previous weekend.

The Munster U.21 team is coached by Buccaneer s Coach Geoff Moylan. David O Mahony (Dolphin RFC) and Paul Cunningham (Garryowen FC) are Assistant Coaches. The team is managed by Donal Brennan from Shannon RFC, with Ian Costello on board as Technical Advisor.

Munster U.21 s kick off the Interprovincial Series with a trip to Ravenhill to play defending champions, Ulster, on Friday 2^nd September at 7.30pm. The following Friday night they play Connacht at the Sportsgrounds in Galway at 6pm. Finally, Munster host Leinster in Thomond Park at 7pm on Friday 16^th September. After all pool games are completed, the top two teams will compete for the Series title, with a play off for third and fourth place.

U.21 INTERPROVINCIAL FIXTURES

Friday 2^nd September

Ulster v Munster, Ravenhill, 7.30pm

Friday 9^th September

Connacht v Munster, Sportsgrounds, Galway, 6pm

Friday 16^th September

Munster v Leinster, Thomond Park, 7pm

Playoff weekend Saturday 24^th September in Buccaneers RFC.

MUNSTER U.21 SQUAD 2005/6

With thanks to Donal Brennan, Manager Munster U.21 Squad