John Madigan Looks Ahead To Interpros

We catch up with Munster U20 and Academy player John Madigan who is currently taking part in the Munster Rugby Talent Camp at Rockwell College as the Munster U20, U19, U18 Clubs and U18 Schools representative squads prepare for the Interprovincial Series.

DOB: 1st September 1994
Birthplace: Limerick
Height: 1.99 m (6’6”)
Weight: 119kg (18 st 10 Ib)
Position: Lock
Munster Rugby: Academy Year 1
Club: Dolphin
Honours: Ireland U18 2011 & 2012; Munster U18 2011 & Munster U20 2012

A native of Charleville, Co. Cork, John Madigan began his rugby career at age 8 in local club Charleville RFC before playing for Garryowen F.C. at U17 age grade. Educated at Charleville CBS, Madigan is in his second year at University College Cork studying Business Information Systems (B.I.S.) and plays 2nd row for AIL first division club Dolphin RFC.

Madigan, who also represented his province at U20’s last season is in his second consecutive year at the Munster Rugby Talent Camp. Comparing both seasons Madigan says this summer’s training modules have changed slightly for all squads with a huge emphasis on team building exercises. “The main difference I think is that there is a lot more buy into recovery and mobility this year. They have also introduced a weekly strong man competition this time around and I think that’s probably one of the best things we do all week. It’s great for team bonding and it makes us very competitive, it’s tough but we’re getting loads out of it. We’ve become very competitive around each other as well as fellow Munster squads which I think is great for Munster Rugby in general as it drives our own individual standards.”

Commenting on the recent position specific training session with the Munster senior players Madigan says the benefit for all players within their respective positions was invaluable. “Donncha O’Callaghan came in and worked on line-out jumping with all the second rows and talked us through the best way to jump along with many other hints that might benefit us in the set piece. We worked on the scrum as well with BJ Botha. He concentrated on players in the front row at the beginning but we came together at the very end of the session and he worked with all eight positions in the pack. He showed us lots of great techniques. He got the U19s to scrummage against the 20s giving us good advice as how to best use or heights and individual body shapes effectively.”

Coached by Greig Oliver who is assisted by former Munster players Denis Leamy, Colm McMahon and Mossy Lawler, the Munster U20’s will begin their Interprovincial Series on 6th September away to Ulster and Madigan is confident the side will be up for the challenge. “We have a very strong squad and we’re really coming together well now – we’re probably better than where we were last year in terms of mental preparation, team building and stuff like that so hopefully we can do it this year. One things for sure is we’ll definitely go out there and do our best for Munster and to be honest I can’t wait for the competition to get started”.

Munster U20 Pre-season friendlies 2013
Tues. 13th Aug. Munster Rugby v Connacht Rugby, University of Limerick 4G, ko 2.00pm
Tues. 20th Aug. Bristol Academy v Munster U20, Clifton RFC, ko 7.15pm
Thur. 22nd Aug. Hartpury College v Munster U20, Hartpury College, ko 7.30pm
Fri. 30th Aug. Munster U20 Vs UCC, The Mardyke, ko 7.30pm

Munster U20s Interprovincial Fixtures 2013:
Fri. 6th Sept. Ulster Rugby v Munster Rugby, venue TBC
Fri. 13th Sept. Munster Rugby v Leinster Rugby, venue TBC
Fri. 20th Sept. Connacht Rugby v Munster Rugby, venue TBC