Faloon Geared Up For Ulster Clash

We catch up with Munster U19 backrow Bailey Faloon who is set to feature in the side’s opening Interprovincial fixture of the series against Ulster tomorrow, at Queens University Belfast (kick-off 1pm).

Born in Brisbane, Australia, Bailey started his rugby career with the Coomera Crushers on the Gold Coast before moving to Limerick three years ago.

Educated at Crescent College Comprehensive, Bailey represented his school in the Munster Schools Senior Cup on two occasions and was part of the winning squad that claimed the title in 2014.

He also represented the province last season as part of the Munster U18 Schools side that went undefeated to win the Interprovincial championship.

Following an intense selection process Bailey has taken part in the Munster U19 Talent Camp programme under Head Coach Colm McMahon and said the squad, made up of a combination of last season’s Munster U18 Clubs and Munster U18 Schools representative players, will use their experience to full advantage as they head into the series.

“We are virtually two squads rolled into one which has really raised the intensity at training. We are all fighting for our positions but in a way it has brought us all closer as a group as ultimately we all have the same goal.

“There are no certainties in terms of selection throughout the series so we know we have to keep on training as hard as possible to give ourselves the best possible chance.”

This year the Munster U19 side have trained at the Mardyke, Cork and Castletroy, Limerick in conjunction with the Munster U20 side and Munster Sub Academy squads and Bailey said working together on their specific positions has been a great benefit.

“As a group of forwards we work together on our lineout and scrum and focus on setting up a base for our backs to work off. We have all been helping each other out by exchanging ideas and I think it has been really helpful.”

With reference to the management team Bailey commented on their attention to detail and acknowledged the work done by the squad’s Strength and Conditioning Coach Danielle Cunningham.

“Danielle has been particularly helpful. She’s keeping the boys in shape and has given us a lot of help in many areas such as injury prevention, how we should recover after training and advice on how many hours we should be sleeping.

“If we have a niggle she makes sure we get it checked by a physio and is always there to follow up on our progress.

“We have also had great talks from coaches about mental skills. When you’re tired your mental skills are affected as well as your fitness skills and we have had good advice on how to get the balance right.

“It’s all about setting goals for yourself that are achievable. For example when you’re in a state of fatigue during play we have been told how to stay mentally focussed to get ourselves through to the final whistle.”

Looking towards the Ulster game Bailey said the squad are confident and acknowledges it will be a tough task to play them on their home turf in Belfast.

"We’re feeling confident. Last year both the Clubs and Schools sides came away with wins so hopefully we can do the same as a unit. It’s tough to play Ulster away – we know they’re going to be up for it so we have to do our best and give it everything we have on the day and hopefully put ourselves in a good position to claim the championship.”

Getting To Know Bailey Faloon

Age: 17

School: 6^th Year Student at Crescent College Comprehensive

Favourite Food: Bar-be-que

Book you are currently reading or have just finished: The Book Of Mormon

Favourite TV programme: Game of Thrones

Favourite Film: The Wedding Ringer

Favourite Actor/Actress: Johnny Depp

Most enjoyable holiday location: My Nan’s farm in Portland, Australia.

Marooned on a desert island what could you not be without: My mobile phone

Favourite sport other than rugby: Back yard cricket

The sport you least like: Golf

Person you would most like to meet: Quade Cooper

Sportsperson you admire most: Michael Hooper and David Pocock

Hobbies: Sleeping, Chilling-out and Roadtrips

Where and when did you first play rugby: Coomera Crushers Rugby Club, Australia

Biggest influence on career: My parents

Best career advice you were given: Never give up

Other sports that you played: Surfing, Cricket and Rugby League

Rugby team you admire most: Australia

Sporting event you would most like to attend: Rugby World Cup Final

Three people you would invite to dinner: Kevin Hart, The Queen and President Obama

Place in the province you most like be/chill out: Lahinch, Co Clare