Greencore Academy Update

Catching up with Elite Player Development Officer Colm McMahon on the happenings of the Greencore Munster Academy over the past month.

New Academy recruits – Bill Johnston and Ollie Lyons…

“Bill is another exciting prospect to come out of Rockwell College after a couple of very strong years with them at Schools level. He spent a good portion of the season training with the Munster seniors and really impressed while there. That experience culminated in him lining out for the seniors in pre-season action and for Munster A in this season’s B&I Cup.

“This is a path well-travelled for the Johnston family with older brother David now in year three of the academy and the family will have been very proud to see both brothers line out alongside each other at senior and A level.

“Hailing from the UK, Ollie was with us across the summer and acquitted himself really well when any opportunity came his way, most notably when representing Munster at the Limerick World Club 7s in August and we are very excited by what he brings as a back row.”

First European cap for Rory Scannell…

“Rory is a well-established member of the academy who like David Johnston has spent a lot of time in the senior set-up more recently. Rory made the breakthrough last season to establish himself as one of the lead performers for Munster A. That led to opportunities at PRO12 level which in turn led to his European debut after a series of strong and consistent performances. It’s just deserves for his hard work and dedication.”

Opening two rounds of the British & Irish Cup…

“The opening game away to London Scottish was tough going for our lads who played very well in patches, but were unable to finish a number of opportunities that came their way. That was telling at the end, especially as we lost by only two points. London Scottish were just that bit more clinical and took their opportunities – that was the main difference on the night.

“The players no doubt learnt some lessons from their trip to London and brought those lessons into Friday’s game against Yorkshire Carnegie in Kinsale. They performed well in matching such a big and physical outfit up-front and to keep Carnegie try-less was no mean feat, especially on a wet and windy night that was more conducive to forward play.

“The B&I Cup is a valuable stepping stone between club and PRO12 for our guys and they will be all the better for the experience. Next time around, Munster A will face a new challenge in the form of Welsh opposition when they welcome Ospreys Premier Select to Old Crescent RFC on Friday December 11^th at 7.30pm.”


Attack & Defence Modules…

“The senior coaches recently ran some attack and defence modules for our academy players in which they reiterated the principles that the seniors play off. That was important in preparing guys for Munster A and B&I Cup involvement.

“It works well on a number of different levels. The players experience another point of view and approach, while it gives senior coaches another opportunity to view academy players and their capabilities, especially during a 16 week block of games for the seniors where opportunities can arise.”


Injury Update…

“John Madigan (knee) is now moving well and we are hopeful that John will see some action before the end of the season

“Niall Horan (knee) has progressed to contact in training with some light scrummaging and should return to competitive action in the next two weeks.

“Brian Scott (neck & shoulder) has made some good strides of late and we are hopeful that he will play competitively before the New Year.

“JP Phelan picked up a leg injury playing for Garryowen in the Munster Senior Cup and we expect him to be side-lined for the next three to four weeks.

“Alex Wotton picked up a foot fracture playing for Garryowen in the AIL and is still a few weeks away from a return.

“Jack Cullen (shoulder), Greg O’Shea (Achilles) and Darragh Moloney (ankle) all continue to rehab their respective longer term injuries.”