U18s: Getting To Know Shane Bushe

We catch up with Munster Under 18 Clubs hooker Shane Bushe who looks ahead to his first interprovincial warm up game against the Irish Exiles this Sunday in the Mardyke, Cork (kick-off 2.30pm).

A native of the coastal town of Crosshaven, Shane completed a five week Talent Camp programme yesterday, at Rockwell College along with his Munster Under 18 Schools, Munster Under 19 and Munster Under 20 counterparts.

In his first year involved in the Munster Talent Camp, Shane acknowledged the player selection process and highlighted the high intensity training his squad have endured to prepare for their representative campaign.

“I was selected to take part in the Talent Camp off the back of the Munster Cadets (U16s) and the Regional Development Squad (U17s) over the past couple of seasons. We had trial games against the North, East and West regions and thankfully I was named to take part in the summer programme.

“It’s been really tough and demands a lot of hard work. You train nearly six hours a day – early mornings with high intensity training building up to the interpros. Our first warm-up match is happening on Sunday so our work rate in particular over the past couple of weeks has been phenomenal.

“The standard of coaching we have been getting is excellent. You get a lot of feedback from your Strength & Conditioner, Head Coach and Forwards Coach, who are all focused on helping you to work on your game and advise you on how you can do things differently to improve.

“I have absolutely loved every minute of being here (Rockwell). It has been great meeting new people who have so much in common. I wouldn’t see myself doing anything else for the summer and for now I just want to concentrate on my own game and prove myself on the pitch.”

How confident are the Munster U18 Clubs going into the Exiles U18 game?

“As a squad we are feeling pretty good. Over the last couple of weeks we have ironed out a few set plays and I think we’ve gelled a lot as a team and are playing very well in training.

“The coaches are telling us to give it our all for Sunday and we’re really looking forward to the challenge.

Commenting on Munster's upcoming fixtures against Leinster, Ulster and Connacht, Shane says he will not be taking the momentous occasions for granted.

"The interpros will be my first time wearing the red jersey and I can’t wait– it’s a massive, massive deal for every one of us and we know it’s something we’ll never forget!”

Getting to know Shane Bushe

Date of Birth: 28th August 1997 – Age 16.

Position: Hooker.

Club: Crosshaven RFC.

School: Coláiste Mhuire, Crosshaven – 5th Year.

Favourite Food: Chicken Stir Fry.

Favourite TV programme: Breaking Bad.

Favourite Film: Forest Gump.

Favourite Actor/Actress: Johnny Depp.

Favourite Song/Band: The Fray – You Found Me.

Most enjoyable holiday location: Baltimore, West Cork.

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

Favourite sport other than rugby: Soccer.

The sport you least like: Cricket.

Person you would most like to meet: Barack Obama.

Sportsperson you admire most: Rory Best.

Hobbies: Long Boarding, Water Skiing.

Where and when did you first play rugby: Crosshaven RFC – Aged 7.

Best advice you have been given: Tony Daly (my cadets and RDS Coach) advised me to perfect the skill of throwing.

Other sports that you played: Golf/Tennis/Soccer/GAA.

Rugby team you admire most: Munster.

Sporting event you would most like to attend: Champions League Final.

How do you like to pass away the time in between training: Snapchat.

Three people you would invite to a BBQ and why: Selena Gomez, Victoria Beckham and my Mom to cook the BBQ.

Munster U18 Clubs Fixtures

Munster Under 18 Clubs Warm Up Matches
Sun, 17th August, Munster U18 Clubs v Exiles U18, Mardyke, Cork, 2.30pm.
Thurs, 21st August, Cymoedd v Munster U18 Clubs, Cardiff, kick-off TBC.
Sat, 23rd August, Cowbridge v Munster U18 Clubs, Arms Park, Cardiff, kick-off TBC.
Wed, 3rd September, Munster U18 Clubs v Munster U17 Development Squad, Limerick (venue TBC), kick-off TBC.

Munster U18 Clubs Interprovincial Fixtures
Sat., 13th Sept., Connacht v Munster (venue TBC).
Sat., 20th Sept., Ulster v Munster (venue TBC).
Sat., 27th Sept., Munster v Leinster (venue TBC).