Door Open For South Munster RDS

There is still a chance for players to join the South Munster Regional Development Squad that began training in October.

Munster Rugby maintain an open door policy which means it is never too late for a player to join this pathway.

Our coaches are continuously searching for the next James Cronin and Johnny Holland, who are just two examples of current players who have come through this programme.

If you think your club has that player within your underage squad, his coach can contact Ken O’Connell at 086 815 7577 to discuss.

Approximately 30 players from clubs within South Munster will form the Regional Development Squad with four scouts attending U-16 matches every weekend identifying prospective players.

These players are currently playing at Under-16 level with their clubs, and most would have already been on the pathway and training with the South Munster Cadet Squad throughout the summer.

Players in the South Munster RDS train on Mondays in Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa under Coach Development Officer Ken O’Connell and Assistant Coaches Conor Twomey and Damon Urlich.

Players also have two supervised strength and conditioning sessions a week in one of the three designated gyms, under the care of qualified S&C coaches. Along with this, players will be taking full part in their club activities.

The aim of the Regional Development Squads is to develop the players, work on position-specific skills and educate the players on nutritional needs among other things.

Clubs whose players are engaging in the programme are providing very positive feedback.

The squad will continue to train until next May when players will be selected from all four regional squads to form the Munster Under-17 Development Squad under Head coach Andy Brace.

Along with his coaching team, Brace will work with this squad throughout the summer to prepare them for a 12-month programme with the Munster Under 18 Clubs side under the watch of Head Coach Fiach O'Loughlin.