Shane Brosnahan Prepares For Interpro Series

We catch up with Munster Under 18 Clubs flanker Shane Brosnahan as he enters week four of the Bank of Ireland Munster Rugby Talent Camp at Rockwell College ahead of this year’s Interprovincial Series.

Limerick native Shane began playing rugby at Old Crescent RFC aged 8, before moving on to represent Young Munster RFC.

The Munster U18 Clubs squad, along with their U18 Schools counterparts, will complete their Talent Camp programme at Rockwell College in a fortnight’s time, and Shane said the experience has been invaluable as he looks forward to representing his province for the first time in September.

“The experience has been fantastic but really tough at the same time. We are in the College from Wednesday through to Friday and training is really intense while we are here. We also have gym training at our centres on Monday so we are continuously working on our fitness throughout the summer.

“Every Wednesday morning the Limerick guys from both squads get a bus from Castletroy and arrive in Rockwell at 9am. We then meet for an individual assessment in terms of our weight, how many hours sleep we’re getting etc., before our team meeting and then straight outside for training.

“It really gives you a great idea as to what professional rugby would be like. At our team meeting the coaches will tell you how much time you’ll be on each drill, what is expected of you and then you’re straight into it.”

Looking towards his first Interprovincial Series, Brosnahan said the squad are well aware of the challenges but is confident their preparations over the summer months will stand to them.

“Competition for places is quite fierce and everyone is fighting for starting positions. As a group we all get on really well off the pitch but at training things are very serious. When you’re trying to prove yourself you work harder and push yourself to the limit, which has been fantastic for our own self development.

“What we’ve learnt here over the past few weeks we will take with us throughout our whole rugby career. The coaches make everything more specific to your position and take you through everything step by step constantly improving your skills.

“We also get nutrition talks and great advice on what we should or shouldn’t be eating which I personally have found really beneficial. We know what foods we should be eating, in my case for putting weight on the healthy way, without the need for taking supplements which has been a great education.”

As part of the programme former Munster and Ireland lock Paul O’Connell recently paid a visit to the Talent Camp in his role as Academy Advisor which Shane said was a great experience for all the young players.

“He gave us some fantastic advice and, as you would expect, was excellent at the lineouts. He showed us how to improve on our jumping technique and make it easier for the lifters which we have all taken on board, and look forward to putting into practice in September.

Getting To Know Shane Brosnahan

Club: Young Munster RFC

Age: 16

Position: Flanker

Favourite Food: Chinese

Favourite TV programme: A League Of Their Own

Favourite Film: Transformers

Favourite Actor/Actress: Paul Walker

Most enjoyable holiday location: Portugal

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

Favourite sport other than rugby: Hurling

The sport you least like: Cricket

Person you would most like to meet: Brian O’Driscoll

Sportsperson you admire most: Richie McCaw

Hobbies: Going out with my friends

Where and when did you first play rugby: Old Crescent Under 8

School: St. Clements – Going into 5^th year

Biggest influence on rugby career: My father

Other sports that you played: Soccer, Hurling and Gaelic football

Best rugby memory: St. Clements School qualifying for the Munster Senior Cup

Rugby player you admire most: David Wallace

Rugby team you admire most: The All Blacks

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

Three people you would invite to dinner and why: Rhianna, Michael D. Higgins and Barrack Obama

Place in the province you most like be / chill out: Kilkee

Favourite Band: Kodaline

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