Greencore Academy Update

Elite Player Development Officer Colm McMahon discusses the happenings of the Greencore Munster Rugby Academy over the past month.

Defeat to Doncaster Knights in the B&I Cup Quarter Final – full time score: 38-17…

“A tough defeat for the lads with Doncaster winning the battle up front and getting a lot of mileage from their mauls – that led to four tries. It was quite typical of what we’ve seen before from the English Championship sides in the B&I Cup. They are bruising and physical and that cost us mainly at set piece.

“Outside of set piece we were well in the game but didn’t get enough primary possession to exploit them.

“However, players learn a lot from tough tests like that. It’s a steep learning curve, especially for our younger
Academy, sub-Academy and U20 players who featured. You learn fast in that environment and it’s a reality check that this is the level guys need to reach in order to compete in professional rugby.”

The inclusion of 5 Academy players in the extended Ireland U20s 6 Nations squad – Greg O’Shea, Jack Cullen, Stephen Fitzgerald and Sean McNulty (sub-Academy)…

“Great for the lads to get this experience and our involvement was increased when Frank Bradshaw Ryan (sub-Academy) was also called in to train with the squad this week. We have one or two more guys who are waiting in the wings if an opportunity arises over the 6 Nations or in the Junior World Cup come the summer time.

“The opportunity to represent their country is a massive honour, but more than that, the opportunity to pit themselves against the best in Europe at that age grade will be hugely beneficial.”
The Ireland U20s side to face Italy was named on Wednesday with O’Shea named on the right wing while Cullen is amongst the replacements. They face the Italians at the Stadio Pozzi Lamarmora at 6pm (Irish time) tonight.

Year Three Academy player Darren Sweetnam signing a two-year contract, moving to development status for 2015/16 and a full contract for 2016/17…

“Great news for Darren. He had a big decision to make with his rugby career and hurling career as he showed well in both. He’s a great athlete who could have made it in a number of sports and we’re delighted that he’s been seen as good enough to move up to the Senior squad. Speaking to Darren I know that he’s very excited by the opportunity.”

The inclusion of the Academy’s Jack O’Donoghue, Rory Scannell and Darren Sweetnam in this week’s Senior squad training camp in Lanzarote…

“More good experience for the lads. All three have impressed when called into the Senior fold this season and hence have featured in a lot of the Senior training sessions.

“A week away with the Senior squad will be a good bonding experience for them, while training in the warm weather conditions will make conditioning both tough and hugely beneficial.”

See the shots and get the Lanzarote lowdown by clicking here.

Injury Update…

“Good news for John Madigan. After undergoing shoulder surgery last November, John has made good progress and we hope to have him back in action in about a month’s time.

“Niall Horan (thumb) is another due back in the coming weeks and should be available for the next round of AIL action. Same timeline for Rory Burke (ankle) and Darragh Moloney (ankle) with all three now being reintroduced to contact.

“We’re still waiting to see the full extent of the Sean McCarthy’s injury (ankle), but Sean will remain sidelined for the coming weeks.

“Ryan Foley (knee), Ryan Murphy (arm) and Brian Scott (neck) continue to rehab their respective long term injures and won’t play competitive rugby until the new season. We had hoped to have Brian back soon, but unfortunately he didn’t recover the way we would have liked from his reintroduction to contact.

This week also saw the Academy attend another Mental Skills Workshop with sports psychologist Dr. Tadgh MacIntyre. Read more by clicking here.