U19s: Getting To Know Sean O’Connor

We catch up with Munster Under 19 second row Seán O’Connor who gives us an insight into the Munster Rugby Talent Camp five week programme at Rockwell College ahead of the Interprovincial series.

A Tipperary native and Rockwell College pupil, Seán played for the Munster Under 18 Schools side last season and this year takes part in the Talent Camp for his second consecutive year.

Comparing both years Seán said this summer there is more emphasis on recovery time and many of the squad have benefitted from having played together in last year’s Under 18 Interprovincial series.

“The main difference this year is we are getting more of a chance to recover after a tough session. Because most of the squad know each other from being together last year, it made it much easier to get into the first week.”

“We more or less know how each other plays and have a lot of trust in our team-mates. It gives you confidence knowing everybody else’s skill set around you and gives you a better understanding of the game plan.”

Seán is coached by former Munster player Colm McMahon (Head Coach) as well as his cousin, former Munster and Connacht forward Brendan O’Connor.

“I get a bit of stick about Brendan being my coach alright! But seriously, the coaching standard here, at all levels are very high. You do go up a notch once you go to the older age group but the intensity is more or less on a par from last year.”

Outlining his weekly schedule, which includes gym work every Monday and Friday at the players respective centres, Seán gives an overview of the Tuesday to Thursday Talent Camp.

Tuesday

“We arrive at Rockwell at about 9.30am, put our gear in the dorms and head over to do our markers, weigh-in, groin testing and stuff like that. We then have a collective squad meeting with our coaches before our first pitch session of the week for an hour or so. After lunch we have another squad meeting before heading out for our second pitch session.

“Mobility next in the evening which includes foam rolling, skipping and stretching which is great for recovery after a heavy session. Sometimes instead our recovery is a pool session – if we’ve been good! The rest of the evening is ours then.”

Wednesday

“You get up on a Wednesday morning at about 7.30am and go straight out to do skills on the astroturf. We (forwards) do line-outs or passing – that’s for about half an hour and then have breakfast. After breakfast we have a collective meeting that will prepare us for the mid-day session.

"The session takes over an hour before lunch. After lunch we have a little bit of free time, a squad meeting and a pool session in the evening before analysis on our previous two training sessions.

Thursday

Thursday is a half day so we spend most of our time on the pitch. A few of the reserves come in and train with us making it a tougher session because we’re all pushing for places. It’s a good thing I think because it drives you on and we all need that. After lunch its home time but we’re back to our centres on Friday for gym work. By the time the week-end comes you’re just wrecked – eat and sleep……………that’s all you can do!

Getting To Know Seán O’Connor

Date of Birth: 22nd August 1996 (age 17).

Position: 2nd Row.

Club/School: Started with Cashel U8’s and then Rockwell College.

Munster Honours: Munster Schools.

Ireland Honours: Ireland Schools.

School Year: 6th Year.

Favourite Food: Roast Beef.

Book you are currently reading or have just finished: Donncha O’Callaghan Autobiography.

Favourite TV programme: That 70’s Show.

Favourite Film: Shawshank Redemption.

Favourite Actor/Actress: Scarlett Johansson.

Favourite Song/Band: ‘Fancy’ by Iggy Azalea.

Most enjoyable holiday location: Alvor in Portugal.

Marooned on a desert island what could you not be without: Packet of Jaffa Cakes.

Favourite sport other than rugby: Surfing.

The sport you least like: Soccer.

Person you would most like to meet: Ronan O’Gara.

Sportsperson you admire most: Roy Keane.

Hobbies: Watching TV and going to the cinema.

Other sports that you played: Hurling and Gaelic Football.

Munster Rugby player you admire most: Paul O’Connell.

Rugby team you admire most: The Western Force.

Sporting event you would most like to attend: The Super Bowl.

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

Three people you would invite to a BBQ and why: Neven Maguire to cook, 50 Cent (rapper) – I’d just love to meet him and Scarlett Johansson!

To view Talent Camp training session video click here

Munster U19 Management Team

Manager – Niall Cowhey
Head Coach – Colm McMahon
Assistant Coach – Noel O'Meara
Assistant Coach – Brendan O'Connor
Scrum Coach – Marcus Horan
Strength and Conditioning – Gordon Brett

Munster U19 Interprovincial Fixtures

Sat, 6th Sept. 2014 Leinster v Munster (venue TBC)
Sat. 13th Sept. 2014 Munster v Connacht (venue TBC)
Sat. 20th Sept. 2014 Munster v Ulster (venue TBC)