Greencore Academy Update

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

British & Irish Cup involvement with Munster A…

“We had two very good wins over Ospreys Premiership Select both home and away in recent weeks and a lot of academy guys were given the chance to experience rugby and impress at that level, especially in the second game.

“After losing in Round 1 (away to London Scottish) the lads have recovered well to make it three wins from four and are now preparing for a top of the table clash next time out, away to Yorkshire Carnegie on Sunday January 17^th at 3pm.

“The brand of rugby has improved with every game and they academy lads are gelling well with senior players. The fact that Munster A are in contention for qualification is another type of pressure and good experience. Many of them are used to these pressures from the AIL but not at this level. Every game from here on in is key so our guys will need to perform when it’s needed most.

“The likes of Liam O’Connor, Sean McCarthy, Stephen Fitzgerald, Conor Oliver, David Johnston, Bill Johnston, Rory Burke and Ben Kilkenny in particular have received good exposure in the B&I Cup campaign so far.”

Munster A's next home game takes place on Saturday January 23^rd at 2pm when they welcome London Scottish to Midleton RFC. Click here to purchase tickets.

Free entry for MRSC members and Ten Year ticket holders on production of season tickets/cards.

Return to AIL action…

“The AIL gets back underway after a few weeks break and clubs will look to make a big impression at the start of the New Year. The weather disruption of the past few weeks will have made it hard for teams to train and play other games so no doubt they will all be raring to go this weekend. It’s great experience for our lads to have the rough and tumble of the AIL to look forward to when they are not on provincial duty.”


Dubai Men's Sevens International Invitational Tournament…

“We had two representatives at this tournament – Dan Goggin and Gearoid Lyons, and they played their part in Ireland Men’s 7s finishing third overall at the event. Unfortunately Alex Wootton who was in the squad all along was ruled out through injury.

“The lads took part in all games and got on the scoresheet a number of times as well. Gearoid had played their before while it was a new and worthwhile experience for Dan who really enjoyed it and felt he learnt a lot from it.

“The Men’s 7s squad will now keep one eye on the Olympics in Rio next year having qualified for a world repechage tournament in June that will decide which team takes the final spot in the Olympics.”

Munster Development XV v Ireland U20s…

“The Ireland U20s played our lads on Monday having also played a Leinster Development XV just before Christmas and over the two games we had a lot of academy and sub-academy players involved for Ireland. Those who featured included Ben Betts, Sean O’Leary, Sean O’Connor, Kelvin Browne, John Poland, Shane Daly, David O’Mahony (all sub-academy) and Bill Johnston (academy).

“All those guys acquitted themselves very well over the two occasions but it was good to see the Munster Development XV getting a strong 38-14 win at Irish Independent Park. Some of those who played for Ireland U20s against Leinster lined out against Ireland in the red jersey this week. In what was their last chance to view players ahead of February’s 6 Nations, Irish selectors kept a keen eye on those in green and red last Monday.”

Injury Update…

“On a positive note it’s great to see the return of Brian Scott following a neck and shoulder issue that kept him sidelined for over a year. After a lot of hard work he returned and played the last round of AIL for Dolphin and also featured for the Munster Development side on Monday.

“Bill Johnston unfortunately picked up a shoulder injury in that Development game and we’re still not sure of the full extent of his injury. That will be assessed once he has undergone the relevant scans.

“JP Phelan (leg) has gone through his return to contact and is due back on the field in early January – if not this weekend, then definitely the weekend after.

“Greg O’Shea (Achilles) is another set for a return in early January after making a very good recovery. He has already started his return to contact and is almost ready to play.

“Alex Wootton (foot fracture) has progressed to on-field running but we have yet to decide a definite timeline for his return.

“John Madigan (knee) is making progress and we remain hopeful that he will see some action before the end of the season.

"Jack Cullen (shoulder) and Darragh Moloney (ankle) continue to rehab their respective longer term injuries."