John Poland Looks Ahead To Munster’s U20 Interprovincial Series

We catch up with Munster U20 scrum half John Poland as he prepares for the interprovincial series beginning in September.

Originally from Waterfall in Cork, John began his rugby career with Sunday’s Well RFC before playing schools rugby at Presentation College Cork (PBC) where he captained the senior side in the Munster Schools Senior Cup.

This will be John’s fourth interprovincial campaign having previously represented the province at Munster U18 Schools for two consecutive years and the Munster Under 19 side last season.

John also played on the Munster U19 team that took on Australia at Thomond Park in December 2013, and that season went on to earn two Ireland caps against France at U19 level.

John has been preparing for the interprovincial series along with the Munster Academy at two training centres in the Mardyke, Cork and Castletroy College, Limerick and acknowledges the hard work and discipline that is required to compete at representative level.

“The Academy players are raising the standard and really bring it up an extra level at training. In a way they’ve been there and done that and are helping out the guys that have just come into the 20’s, giving a lot of advice and tips.”

“We’re training four times a week and it’s pretty intense. Monday and Tuesday we’re in the Mardyke for pitch and speed sessions with gym in the afternoon. We’re off on Wednesday for rest and recovery and have pitch and gym sessions in Castletroy on Thursday. On Friday we’re back in the gym at our own centres so it’s pretty full on.”

“We also have lots of educational meetings and have had a few talks on the psychology of sport as well as the benefits of nutrition. I personally met up with Catherine Norton (Munster Rugby Performance Nutritionist) not too long ago and got some great advice on what I need to be eating, what to cut out and how much I should be eating a day.

“Nutrition is quite specific for sports people and it has been great for me to talk to an expert about
recommended allowances and eating the right kind of food when training full time.”

The Munster U20’s will take on a travelling Exiles U20 side on Sunday, 16th August in a warm up friendly and John said that the squad preparations are going well.

“We’re not at the final stages yet but training is coming along nicely. We’ve still got a bit to go so the Exiles game will be a good test for us and it will be great to get some match preparation before the interpros.”

Having undertaken a vigorous selection process that began early last season, John said he is very much looking forward to the upcoming interprovincial series and is confident the squad will be well prepared for their opening fixture away to Ulster.

“I’m very excited about facing Ulster and I think it will be a great game. I played in Belfast once before for the Munster U18 side and it’s a tough place to go.

“It will be a big challenge for us but we are really up for it and hopfully we will do Munster and the red jersey proud!”

Getting To Know John Poland

Favourite Food: Lasagne

Favourite TV programme: Impractical Jokers

Favourite Film: Django Unchained

Favourite Actor/Actress: Brad Pitt

Most enjoyable holiday location: Magaluf

Favourite sport other than rugby: Gaelic Football

The sport you least like: There isn’t a sport that I don’t like!

Person you would most like to meet: Aaron Smith

Sportsperson you admire most: Brian O’Driscoll

Hobbies: Playing guitar, playing football and socialising

Where and when did you first play rugby: Sunday’s Well RFC

Biggest influence on career: My Dad

Other sports that you played: Hurling, Football, Soccer and Basketball

Rugby player you admire most: Peter Stringer

Rugby team you admire most: Munster

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

Place in the province you most like be/chill out: Derrynane, Co. Kerry.

Munster U20 Interprovincial Fixtures

Fri., 4th Sept., Ulster v Munster, Queens University Belfast, Kick-off 5pm
Fri., 11th Sept., Munster v Leinster, The Mardyke, Cork, Kick-off 7.30 pm
Fri., 18th Sept., Connacht v Munster, venue and time TBC

Munster U20 Management Team

Manager: Graham Burns
Head Coach: Peter Malone
Assistant Coach: Greig Oliver
Assistant Coach: Conor Twomey
Strength & Conditioning: Feargal O’Callaghan