U18s: Getting To Know Alex McHenry

We catch up with Munster U18 schools player Alex McHenry who is currently taking part in the Munster Rugby Talent Camp at Rockwell College, in preparation for the interprovincial series this September.

Alex attends Christian Brothers College in Cork and following impressive performances during last season’s Bowen Shield campaign, was part of the player selection process which incorporated a series of trial games and fitness testing to earn his place on the Munster U18 Schools final squad.

Acknowledging the long talent identification campaign Alex is delighted to be taking part in this year’s Talent Camp and said one of the benefits is getting to know the entire squad that have been selected from a number of schools throughout Munster.

“There’s one other lad here from Christians, Eoin Cahill (Hooker) and we’re rooming together. You’d have known the names of the other guys before coming here from playing against them but now it’s amazing to see how quickly the team has bonded together. I suppose we have a lot in common and by just hanging out in the evenings and training together – we have really clicked already.”

Speaking about his first year at the Munster Rugby Talent Camp Alex said the experience is invaluable.

"It’s unreal! You hear a lot throughout the year about how much of a tough journey it is to get here – it’s definitely tough but I’m loving it. The plus is you get to see what it’s like to become a professional player and all the great experiences you get from it. I know loads of lads that would love to be here and I know how lucky I am. I’m learning so much and pushing on with my game and I hope to continue to build from here.”

“Besides training we also have nutritional talks during our stay here which is very interesting. You’re doing as much work off the pitch as you are doing on the pitch which counts as much. It’s important to know how to treat your body, the importance of putting fuel into yourself and recovery is huge aswell.”

Looking ahead to the interprovincial series this summer Alex said he will be honoured to represent his province and stresses the importance of the squad’s values.

“We’ve had the meeting about our actions and values and targeting winning the interpro. The Under 18 schools haven’t won it in something like 10 years which is a long time, so that’s the main goal. It would be an unreal honour to do that for our province. We’re hearing from guys who have done it before like Ken O’Connell (Munster U18 Schools Assistant Coach) who talks to us about the pride in wearing a Munster jersey. Right now it’s like tunnel vision………..that’s all you want. To be able to put on the red and play for your province really is the ultimate!

Getting to know Alex McHenry

Date of Birth: 7th October 1997 (age 16).

Position: Centre.

School: CBC 5th Year.

Favourite Food: Chicken Curry.

Favourite TV programme: Suits.

Favourite Film: Rocky.

Favourite Actor/Actress: Tom Hardy.

Favourite Song/Singer: Ed Sheeran.

Most enjoyable holiday location: Derrynane in Kerry.

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

Favourite sport other than rugby: Golf is huge in my family so definitely golf.

The sport you least like: Soccer.

Person you would most like to meet: Dan Carter…..he’s been through it all.

Sportsperson you admire most: Probably Brian O’Driscoll, he’s had a great career and has topped everything he could possible do.

Hobbies: Hanging out with my friends and going down to Derrynane at the week-ends.

Where and when did you first play rugby: I lived in in Kildare when I was young and started at Newbridge RFC from around age 5 with my brother who was about two years older than me.

Best advice you have been given: My Dad is a past sportsman himself (pro. golfer John McHenry) so he’s really good on the psychological side of sport and he always said “if it has to be it’s up to me”.

Other sports that you played: I played a good bit of Gaelic football up to a year ago and as a kid I played tennis, soccer, swimming…….I did everything really.

Rugby team you admire most: The All Blacks.

Sporting event you would most like to attend: The Lions Tour in New Zealand.

How do you like to pass away the time in between training: Listening to music with my friends and just chilling out.

Three people you would invite to a BBQ and why: Barack Obama to get his opinion on everything, Usain Bolt and probably Megan Fox from back in her Transformer days……. before she had plastic surgery!

Munster U18 Schools Interprovincial Fixtures

10th Sept. 2014 Connacht v Munster (venue TBC)
20th Sept. 2014 Ulster v Munster (venue TBC)
27th Sept. 2014 Munster v Leinster (venue TBC

Munster U18 Schools Management Team

Manager – Kevin Long
Head Coach – Mark Butler
Assistant Coach – Ken O'Connell
Assistant Coach – Tony Trehy
Scrum Coach – Paul McCarthy
Strength and Conditioning- Sean McCarthy