Potential Ireland under-20 Squad – 2016

Below is a list of some of the standout under-19 players who will make up the majority of the Ireland under-20 team next season.

Loosehead Prop
Andrew Porter(UCD/Leinster)*
Vakhtang Abdaladze(Clontarf/Leinster)
Connor McIlmurray(Ulster)
Philip Poillot(UL Bohs/Munster)

Hooker
Adam McBurney(Ballymena/Ulster)*
Vincent O’Brien(Cork Con/Munster)
John Molony(Clongowes/Leinster)
Hugo Kean(Blackrock/Leinster)

Tighthead Prop
Conan O’Donnell(Sligo/Connacht)*
Ben Betts(Young Munster/Munster)
Conor Kenny(Garbally/Connacht)

Lock
James Ryan(St.Michaels/Leinster)
Sean O’Connor(Rockwell/Munster)
Peter Claffey(NUIG/Connacht)
Michael Melia(Terenure/Leinster)
Hugo Sloan(Queens/Ulster)

Backrow
Max Deegan(St.Michaels/Leinster)
Dan Trayers(Roscrea/Connacht)
Greg Jones(UCD/Leinster)
Kelvin Brown(Shannon/Munster)
Conall Boomer(Ulster)
Neil Reilly(Clontarf/Leinster)
Will Connors(Clongowes/Leinster)
Charlie Cregan(UCD/Leinster)

Scrumhalf
John Poland(PBC/Munster)
Liam Free(Exile)
Nick Peters(Gonzaga/Leinster)

Outhalf
Matthew Gilsenan(UCD/Leinster)
Andrew Magrath(Ballymena/Ulster)
Jimmy O’Brien(Newbridge/Leinster)
Brett Connon(Exile)

Centre
Sam Arnold(Ballynahinch/Ulster)*
Jacob Stockdale(Queens/Ulster)*
Conor O’Brien(Clontarf/Leinster)
Paul Kiernan(UCC/Munster)
Kieran Joyce(Malone/Ulster)

Back Three
David O’Mahony(Young Munster/Munster)
Matthew Byrne(Terenure/Leinster)
Jack Power(UCD/Leinster)
Joseph White(Cork Con/Munster)
Jonathan Rossborough(Ballymena/Ulster)
Hugo Keenan(UCD/Leinster)

Possible Team:

1. Andrew Porter(Leinster)
2. Adam McBurney(Ulster)
3. Conan O’Donnell(Connacht)
4. Sean O’Connor(Munster)
5. James Ryan(Leinster)
6. Dan Trayers(Connacht)
7. Will Connors(Leinster)
8. Max Deegan(Leinster)
9. John Poland(Munster)
10. Matthew Gilsenan(Leinster)
11. Jacob Stockdale(Ulster)
12. Paul Kiernan(Munster)
13. Sam Arnold(Ulster)
14. Matthew Byrne(Leinster)
15. Jack Power(Leinster)

Potential Contenders for Academy positions next season

Below is a list of players who will be strong contenders for provincial academy spots next season, this list is obviously incomplete as players will emerge over the course of the next few months who could push strongly for an academy position throughout the provinces. I have excluded under-18’s from this list as I have incomplete information regarding their eligibility for the academy systems next season.

Connacht
Loosehead Prop: Conor Kyne(under-20)
Hooker: Pat O’Toole(under-20)
Tighthead Prop: Conan O’Donnell(under-19)
Lock: Cian Romaine(under-20)
Lock: Peter Claffey(under-19)
Backrow: Steven McVeigh(under-20)
Backrow: Matthew Cosgrove(under-19)
Scrumhalf: Conor Lowndes(under-20)
Outhalf: Aidan Moynihan(under-20)
Centre: Dwayne Corcoran(under-20)
Wing: Cian O’Donoghue(under-20)

Leinster
Loosehead Prop: Andrew Porter(under-19)
Tighthead Prop: Oisin Heffernan(under-20)
Tighthead Prop: Jeremy Loughman(under-20)
Lock: David O’Connor(under-20)
Lock: Jack Dwan(under-20)
Lock: James Ryan(under-19)
Backrow: Josh Murphy(under-20)
Backrow: Nick Timoney(under-20)
Backrow: Conor Oliver(under-20)
Backrow: Max Deegan(under-19)
Scrumhalf: Charlie Rock(under-20)
Outhalf: Joey Carberry(under-20)
Centre: Fergal Cleary(under-20)
Centre: Conor O’Brien(under-19)
Back Three: Jack Power(under-19)

Munster
Loosehead Prop: Liam O’Connor(under-20)
Loosehead Prop: Philip Poillet(under-19)
Tighthead Prop: Mike O’Donnell(under-20)
Hooker: Sean McNulty(under-20)
Lock: Frank Ryan(under-20)
Lock: Sean O’Connor(under-19)
Backrow: Ben Kilkenny(under-20)
Outhalf: Tomas Quinlan(under-20)
Centre: Ned Hodson(under-21)
Centre: JJ O’Neill(under-20)
Centre: Paul Kiernan(under-19)
Back Three: Steve McMahon(under-20)

Ulster
Loosehead Prop: Conor McIlmurray(under-19)
Tighthead Prop: Angelo Marica(under-20)
Hooker: Zach McCall(under-20)
Hooker: Adam McBurney(under-19)
Lock: Josh Davidson(under-20)
Backrow: Ross Todd(under-20)
Backrow: Josh McIlroy(under-19)
Scrumhalf: Josh Fullerton(under-20)
Outhalf: Josh Bingham(under-20)
Centre: Conor McKee(under-20)

Ireland Under-18 Schools vs Clubs

There was recently a practice game between Ireland under-18 schools versus clubs, below is the 26 man schools and the 32 man clubs squad.

Schools

1. Ben O’Reilly(Ulster/Methody)
2. Mark O’Mara(Munster/Castletroy)
3. Peter Kelleher(Munster/CBC Cork)
4. Caelan Doris(Leinster/Blackrock)
5. Oisin Dowling(Leinster/St. Michaels)
6. Jonny Guy(Leinster/St. Andrews)
7. Johnny McKeown(Ulster/Ballymena)
8. John Foley(Munster/St. Munchins)
9. Jack Lyons(Munster/Crescent Comp)
10. Bill Johnston(Munster/Rockwell)
11. Tim Carroll(Leinster/Roscrea)
12. Alex McHenry(Munster/CBC Cork)
13. Jack Kelly(Leinster/St. Michaels)
14. Calvin Nash(Munster/Crescent Comp)
15. Rob Lyttle(Ulster/Methody)
16. Conor Johnson(Leinster/Newbridge)
17. Conor Leahy(Munster/CBC Cork)
18. Daniel Leahy(Ulster/Campbell)
19. Gavin Coombes(Munster/Bandon Grammar)
20. Jack O’Sullivan(Munster/PBC Cork)
21. Michael Casey(Munster/Rockwell)
22. Dave Duggan(Leinster/St Michaels)
23. Jonny Stewart(Ulster/Wallace)
24. Conor Dean(Leinster/Blackrock)
25. Tim Foley(Leinster/Roscrea)
26. Gavin Mullin(Leinster/Blackrock)

Club Team

1. Greg McGrath(Leinster/Wexford)
2. Tadgh McElroy(Leinster/Dundalk)
3. Ian McCarthy(Munster/Highfield)
4. Joe Carley(Leinster/Enniscorthy)
5. Jack Regan(Leinster/Birr)
6. Matthew Burke(Ballinrobe)
7. Conor Farrell(Leinster/Navan)
8. Paul Boyle(Leinster/Gorey)
9. Darragh Sweeney(Leinster/Malahide)
10. Ciaran Frawley(Leinster/Skerries)
11. Otta Gray(Exile)
12. Sean O’Brien(Leinster/Mullingar)
13. Darragh Cummins(Connacht/Sligo)
14. Peter Howard(Leinster/Cill Dara)
15. Conor Nash(Leinster/Navan)
16. Ben Devlin(Leinster/Kilkenny)
17. Eoin Corcoran(Leinster/Longford)
18. Blaze McKnight(Ulster/Newry)
19. Jack Auinger(Leinster/Suttonians)
20. Dylan Reeves Wasik(Munster/Bruff)
21. Conor Hand(Leinster/Navan)
22. Sean Masterson(Leinster/Portlaoise)
23. Robbie Walsh(Munster/Waterpark)
24. Jack Coombes(Exile)
25. Luke Carty(Connacht/Buccaneers)
26. Aiden McDonald(Leinster/Kilkenny)
27. Tobais Robinson(Exile)
28. Jack Quilter(Munster/Tralee)
29. Dom Gorrard(Exile)
30. Dave McCarthy(Munster/Skibbereen)
31. Conor Maguire(Leinster/Boyne)
32. Stephen McGivern(Leinster/Dundalk)

Ireland under-20 2015

The Irish under-20 squad was announced today for the 6 nations, below is a review of each player.

Props

Oisin Heffernan(Terenure/Roscrea/Leinster) – The only prop with experience at this level the big Tighthead’s scrummaging will be put to the test this season. Already has appearances for the Leinster A team despite not being in the full academy, yet.

Jeremy Loughman(UCD/Blackrock/Leinster) – Capable of playing Loosehead and Tighthead, Loughman’s versatility will be valuable. Expect him to play more loosehead but could easily see time on the other side of the scrum too.

Conan O’Donnell(Sligo/Summerhill/Connacht) – Eligible again next year, O’Donnell is a stout tighthead prop who reminds me of Marty Moore. Has started for the Connacht Eagles this season.

Michael Lagan(Ballymena/Methodist/Ulster) – Captain of the successful ulster under-20’s, Lagan is an athletic loosehead prop and a member of the Ulster Academy since this season.

Hookers

Sean McNulty(UCD/Rockwell/Munster) – McNulty who appeared last season during the 6 nations, is a physically imposing hooker at well over 6foot. In the odd situation of playing for both UCD and Munster underage. Brother of former Munster academy centre Harry McNulty.

Zach McCall(Ballynahinch/Wallace/Ulster) – This converted backrow has adapted well to his new position, he is also the younger brother of Ulster prop/hooker Kyle McCall. Played 7’s rugby last summer for Ireland under-19.

Locks

David O’Connor(St. Marys/Blackrock/Leinster) – O’Connor is an abrasive tough lock much like older brother Alan, he has featured heavily for St Mary’s in the AIL this season. Has been involved somewhat with Leinster A this season. Brother of Ulster lock Alan O’Connor.

Alex Thompson(Queens/Methodist/Ulster) – Thompson is a towering athletic lock who joined the Ulster academy this season after finishing up school with another ulster senior cup.

Jack Dwan(UCD/Blackrock/Leinster) – Dwan is much like his former Blackrock teammate O’Connor in that he fits the shorter powerful lock prototype.

Cian Romaine(Buccaneers/Exile/Connacht) – Romaine is a product of the exile system, he has progressed well at connacht over the past two years and has played a lot of A level rugby. Strong contender for an academy spot next season.

Backrow

Rory Moloney(/Roscrea/Connacht) – This openside flanker has experience from last years team, a natural at the breakdown, Moloney is in his 2nd year in the Connacht academy.

Josh Murphy(UCD/St Michaels/Leinster) – This tall blindside went to last year’s JWC and will look to cement his place in this team before pushing for a Leinster academy position next season.

Lorcan Dow(Queens/Exile/Ulster) – This number 8 joined the Ulster academy this season after impressing in the exile system. The hard carrying player will be called on a lot by the 20’s to provide go forward ball.

Stephen McVeigh(/Clongowes/Connacht) – This former schools number 8, looks more likely to play blindside at this level, a strong carrier, McVeigh has played some for the Connacht Eagles this year.

Nick Timoney(St. Marys/Blackrock/Leinster) – This former schools star for Blackrock has played mostly number 8 at this level but his future may be at openside. Not the most physically impressive number 8 but does a lot of things very well, has appeared for Leinster A this season.

Conor Oliver(St. Marys/Blackrock/Leinster) – This former youths player joined Blackrock last year, a natural openside flanker he has played some for St. Marys in the AIL.

Scrumhalf

Nick McCarthy(UCD/St Michaels/Leinster) – With a lot of experience gained last year, this combative scrumhalf will hope he can push on even further this season. Joined the Leinster academy this season and has played a major role in the B&I cup.

Jack Cullen(Shannon/Exile/Munster) – Cullen who joined the Munster Academy last season from the exile system is a small scrumhalf with a quick pass. He has some experience at this level from last season.

Outhalf

Ross Byrne(UCD/St Michaels/Leinster) – With a lot of experience from last years campaign, Byrne will hope to push on even more this year. Playmaking outhalf with good kicking game, hope to see more threat from him with ball in hand. Performing very well for UCD in AIL.

Joey Carberry(UCD/Blackrock/Leinster) – This former youths player, played fullback last season for Blackrock before lining out at outhalf for Leinster under-20 this season. He seem to have settled there but has a good deal of versatility.

Centre

Garry Ringrose(UCD/Blackrock/Leinster) – The biggest star of last season’s very successful JWC, much will be expected of him this year. Has been very impressive for UCD this year in the AIL.

Fergal Cleary(Lansdowne/Clongowes/Leinster) – Cleary who played outhalf in schools rugby, but the former youths player is viewed more at this level as a playmaking inside centre.

Sam Arnold(Queens/Exile/Ulster) – Eligible again next year, Arnold is a well developed centre who joined Ulster’s academy this season after impressing for the Irish exiles last season.

Jacob Stockdale(Queens/Wallace/Ulster) – Eligible again next year, Stockdale is a versatile big back who has experience in both centre spots and in the back three who joined the Ulster academy this season.

Harrison Brewer(Terenure/Terenure/Leinster) – Brewer who played sparingly last year during the JWC and 6 nations and has recently returned from injury joined the Leinster academy this season. This physically imposing centre will be hoping to stay injury free for the rest of the year.

Back Three

Jack Owens(Queens/Campbell/Ulster) – Owens is a big talented athlete, more likely to play wing but could play fullback too. Joined the Ulster academy this season and played a lot for the Ulster Ravens this year.

Billy Dardis(UCD/Terenure/Leinster) – Much was expected of him last season, but injury slowed his progress. He will be hoping to avoid the injury bug this season. Can play either wing or fullback but more likely to be seen at fullback. In his second season in the Leinster academy.

Stephen Fitzgerald(Shannon/Munchins/Munster) – Fitzgerald emerged as a significant talent last year during the Munster Senior Cup, this natural fullback could play wing aswell, he joined the Munster academy this season.

Ciaran Gaffney(Galwegians/Roscrea/Connacht) – After impressing at last year’s JWC, Gaffney joined the Connacht academy this season. He could see time at either fullback or on the wing.

Greg O’Shea(Shannon/Crescent Comp/Munster) – A small but very fast winger, O’Shea is already in his second season in the Munster Academy.

 

Some players not named to watch out for:

• Prop: Andrew Porter(Leinster)
• Prop: Liam O’Connor(Munster)
• Lock: Frank Ryan(Munster)
• Backrow: Ross Todd(Ulster)
• Backrow: Ben Kilkenny(Munster)
• Scrumhalf: Conor Lowndes(Connacht)
• Scrumhalf: Connor Young(Ulster)
• Outhalf: Sean O’Hagan(Ulster)
• Outhalf: Tomas Quinlan(Munster)

Academy Report from the weekend, 22nd/23rd of November

Prop
Ed Byrne – inactive.
Peter Dooley – bench for Leinster.

Niall Horan – started for Shannon at 1.
Brian Scott – inactive.
Rory Burke – inactive.

Jamie Dever – inactive.
Jacob Walshe – started for Buccaneers at 1, 1 try.
Saba Meunargia – started for Buccaneers at 3.

Craig Trenier – inactive.
Michael Lagan – benched for Ballymena.

Hooker
Bryan Byrne – bench for Leinster, 1 try.

Max Abbott – started for Cork Con at 2.

Shane Delahunt – benched for Buccaneers at 2.
Jack Dineen – started for Galwegians at 2.

Paul Jackson – started for Malone at 2.
Jonny Murphy – started for Ballynahinch at 2, 1 try.
John Andrew – bench for Ulster.

Lock
Tadhg Beirne – inactive.
Gavin Thornbury – bench for UCD.
Ross Molony – started for UCD at 4.

Sean McCarthy – inactive.
John Madigan – inactive.
Darragh Moloney – inactive.

Ultan Dillane – – started for Corinthians at 4.
Sean O’Brien – inactive.

Alan O’Connor – bench for Ulster.
John Donnan – started for Ballynahinch at 4.
Alex Thompson – no game.

Backrow
Jordan Coghlan – inactive.
Josh Van Der Flier – started for UCD at 7.
Dan Leavy – inactive
Peadar Timmins – started for UCD at 6.

Ryan Murphy – started for Dolphin at 7, 1 try.
Jack O’Donoghue – started for UL Bohs at 8.

Eoghan Masterson – inactive
James Connolly – inactive.
Rory Moloney – started for Buccaneers at 7.
Mark Kelly – started for Corinthians at 7.

Frankie Taggart – started for Belfast Harlequins at 6.
Josh Atkinson – no game.
Lorcan Dow – no game.

Scrumhalf
Nick McCarthy – inactive.

Ryan Foley – inactive.
Jamie Glynn – bench for Garryowen.
Jack Cullen – started for Shannon at 9.

Caolin Blade – started for Galwegians at 9,

Dave Shanahan – inactive.
Connor Young – no game.

Outhalf
Cathal Marsh – bench for Leinster.
Ross Byrne – inactive.

David Johnston – inactive.
Gearoid Lyons – started for Young Munster at 12, 2 cons.

Conor McKeon – started for Lansdowne at 10,

Sean O’Hagan – inactive.

Centre
Steve Crosbie – inactive.
Tom Daly – inactive.
Tom Farrell – started for Lansdowne at 13, 1 try.
Rory O’Loughlin – started for Old Belvo at 13.
Gary Ringrose – started for UCD at 13, 1 con.
Harrison Brewer – inactive.

Dan Goggin – started for Young Munster at 13.
Rory Scannell – started for Dolphin at 12, 1 try.

Peter Robb – inactive.
Rory Parata – started for Galwegians at 12.

Sam Arnold – inactive.

Back Three
Adam Byrne – started for UCD at 11.
Ian Fitzpatrick – inactive.
Cian Kelleher – started for Lansdowne at 14.
Billy Dardis – started for UCD at 15, 1 try.

Darren Sweetnam – started for Cork Con at 15.
Stephen Fitzgerald – inactive.
Greg O’Shea – started for Shannon at 11.
Alex Wootton – started for Garryowen at 11, 1 try.

David Panter – started for Corinthians at 12.
Ciaran Gaffney – started for Galwegians at 15, 1 con.

David Busby – no game.
Jack Owens – no game.
Jacob Stockdale – no game.

Note – this is as accurate as information that I could find, some players were a lot harder to find info on than others, generally ulster players.

What the academy players did this weekend in the UBL.

Prop
Ed Byrne – inactive.
Peter Dooley – inactive.

Niall Horan – started for Shannon at 1, 1 try.
Brian Scott – inactive.
Rory Burke – inactive.

Jamie Dever – inactive.
Jacob Walshe – started for Buccaneers at 1.
Saba Meunargia – started for Buccaneers at 3.

Craig Trenier – inactive.
Michael Lagan – benched for Ballymena.

Hooker
Bryan Byrne – inactive.

Max Abbott – started for Cork Con at 2.

Shane Delahunt – benched for Buccaneers.
Jack Dineen – started for Galwegians at 2.

Paul Jackson – started for Malone at 2.
Jonny Murphy – started for Ballynahinch at 2.
John Andrew – inactive.

Lock
Tadhg Beirne – inactive.
Gavin Thornbury – started for UCD at 4.
Ross Molony – bench for UCD.

Sean McCarthy – started for Shannon at 4.
John Madigan – inactive.
Darragh Moloney – inactive.

Ultan Dillane – inactive.
Sean O’Brien – inactive.

Alan O’Connor – inactive.
John Donnan – inactive.
Alex Thompson – started for Queens at 4.

Backrow
Jordan Coghlan – started for UCD at 6.
Josh Van Der Flier – inactive.
Dan Leavy – inactive.
Peadar Timmins – started for UCD at 8

Ryan Murphy – started for Dolphin at 8, 1 try.
Jack O’Donoghue – started for UL Bohs at 8, yellow card.

Eoghan Masterson – started for Corinthians at 8.
James Connolly – inactive.
Rory Moloney – started for Buccaneers at 7, yellow card.
Mark Kelly – started for Corinthians at 7.

Frankie Taggart – started for Belfast Harlequins at 7, 1 try.
Josh Atkinson – started for Queens at 7, 1 try.
Lorcan Dow – started for Queens at 8.

Scrumhalf
Nick McCarthy – started for UCD at 9.

Ryan Foley – inactive.
Jamie Glynn – bench for Garryowen.
Jack Cullen – started for Shannon at 9.

Caolin Blade – inactive.

Dave Shanahan – inactive.
Connor Young – started for Queens at 9.

Outhalf
Cathal Marsh – started for St. Marys at 10, 7 pens.
Ross Byrne – started for UCD at 10, 2 pens, 1 con.

David Johnston – inactive.
Gearoid Lyons – started for Young Munster at 12, 1 pen, 1 con.

Conor McKeon – started for Lansdowne at 10,

Sean O’Hagan – started for Queens at 10, 2 pens.

Centre
Steve Crosbie -started for Old Belvo at 10, 1 drop goal.
Tom Daly – started for Lansdowne at 12.
Tom Farrell – started for Lansdowne at 13.
Rory O’Loughlin – started for Old Belvo at 13.
Gary Ringrose – started for UCD at 13.
Harrison Brewer – inactive.

Dan Goggin – started for Young Munster at 11.

Rory Scannell – bench for Dolphin.

Peter Robb – inactive.
Rory Parata – inactive.

Sam Arnold – inactive

Back Three
Adam Byrne – started for UCD at 11.
Ian Fitzpatrick – inactive.
Cian Kelleher – inactive.
Billy Dardis – started for UCD at 15.

Darren Sweetnam – started for Cork Con at 14.
Stephen Fitzgerald – started for Shannon at 14.
Greg O’Shea – inactive.
Alex Wootton – started for Garryowen at 11, 3 tries.

David Panter – started for Corinthians at 12.
Ciaran Gaffney – started for Galwegians at 15, 1 try.

David Busby – inactive.
Jack Owens – started for Queens at 15.
Jacob Stockdale – started for Queens at 11.

Note – this is as accurate as information that I could find, some players were a lot harder to find info on than others, generally ulster players.

A List of players in the Provincial Academy system.

Props

• Brian Scott(Munster)
• Niall Horan(Munster)
• Jamie Dever(Connacht)
• Ed Byrne(Leinster)
• Saba Meunargia(Connacht)
• Rory Burke(Munster)
• Craig Trenier(Ulster)
• Jacob Walshe(Connacht)
• Peter Dooley(Leinster)
• Michael Lagan(Ulster)

Hooker

• Jonny Murphy(Ulster)
• Paul Jackson(Ulster)
• John Andrew(Ulster)
• Bryan Byrne(Leinster)
• Max Abbott(Munster)
• Jack Dineen(Connacht)
• Shane Delahunt(Connacht)

Second Row

• Tadhg Beirne(Leinster)
• Alan O’Connor(Ulster)
• Gavin Thornbury(Leinster)
• Ultan Dillane(Connacht)
• John Donnan(Ulster)
• Sean McCarthy(Munster)
• Ross Molony(Leinster)
• John Madigan(Munster)
• Darragh Moloney(Munster)
• Sean O’Brien(Connacht)
• Alex Thompson(Ulster)

Backrow

• Jordan Coghlan(Leinster)
• Josh Van Der Flier(Leinster)
• Ryan Murphy(Munster)
• James Connolly(Connacht)
• Eoghan Masterson(Connacht)
• Dan Leavy(Leinster)
• Jack O’Donoghue(Munster)
• Peadar Timmins(Leinster)
• Frank Taggart(Ulster)
• Josh Atkinson(Ulster)
• Lorcan Dow(Ulster)
• Marc Kelly(Connacht)
• Rory Moloney(Connacht)

Scrumhalf

• Jamie Glynn(Munster)
• Dave Shanahan(Ulster)
• Ryan Foley(Munster)
• Caolin Blade(Connacht)
• Nick McCarthy(Leinster)
• Connor Young(Ulster)
• Jack Cullen(Munster)

Outhalf

• Cathal Marsh(Leinster)
• Conor McKeon(Connacht)
• David Johnston(Munster)
• Ross Byrne(Leinster)
• Sean O’Hagan(Ulster)
• Gearoid Lyons(Munster)

Centre

• Steve Crosbie(Leinster)
• Rory Scannell(Munster)
• Tom Daly(Leinster)
• Tom Farrell(Leinster)
• Peter Robb(Connacht)
• Rory Parata(Connacht)
• Rory O’Loughlin(Leinster)
• Dan Goggin(Munster)
• Gary Ringrose(Leinster)
• Harrison Brewer(Leinster)
• Sam Arnold(Ulster)

Back Three

• Darren Sweetnam(Munster)
• David Panter(Connacht)
• Alex Wootton(Munster)
• Adam Byrne(Leinster)
• Cian Kelleher(Leinster)
• Ian Fitzpatrick(Leinster)
• David Busby(Ulster)
• Stephen Fitzgerald(Munster)
• Ciaran Gaffney(Connacht)
• Greg O’Shea(Munster)
• Jack Owens(Ulster)
• Billy Dardis(Leinster)
• Jacob Stockdale(Ulster)

A list of players who may be involved with Ireland under-20 this year.

Below is a list of players that are in strong contention to be involved in some form during the under-20’s 6 nations. Some players may have been overlooked, but most of those with a good chance are listed.

Props

• Oisin Heffernan(Leinster)*
• Jeremy Loughman(Leinster)
• Andrew Porter(Leinster)
• Michael Lagan(Ulster)
• Angelo Marica(Ulster)
• Liam O’Connor(Munster)
• Mike O’Donnell(Munster)
• Conan O’Donnell(Connacht)
• Conor Kyne(Connacht)

Hooker

• Sean McNulty(Munster)*
• Jack McKenna(Leinster)
• Zack McCall(Ulster)
• Pat O’Toole(Connacht)

Lock

• David O’Connor(Leinster)
• Alex Thompson(Ulster)
• Frank Bradshaw Ryan(Munster)
• Cian Romaine(Connacht)

Backrow

• Conor Oliver(Leinster)
• Josh Murphy(Leinster)*
• Nick Timoney(Leinster)
• Lorcan Dow(Ulster)
• Ross Todd(Ulster)
• Ben Kilkenny(Munster)
• Rory Moloney(Connacht)*
• Marc Kelly(Connacht)
• Stephen McVeigh(Connacht)

Scrumhalf

• Nick McCarthy(Leinster)*
• Charlie Rock(Leinster)
• Conor Young(Ulster)
• Jack Cullen(Munster)*
• Conor Lowndes(Connacht)

Outhalf

• Ross Byrne(Leinster)*
• Sean O’Hagan(Ulster)
• Thomas Quinlan(Munster)
• Gearoid Lyons(Munster)

Centre

• Gary Ringrose(Leinster)*
• Harrison Brewer(Leinster)*
• Fergal Cleary(Leinster)
• Conor McKee(Ulster)
• Sam Arnold(Ulster)
• Paul Kiernan(Munster)

Wing

• Cian O’Donoghue(Leinster)
• Jack Owens(Ulster)
• Jacob Stockdale(Ulster)
• Greg O’Shea(Munster)
• Ciaran Gaffney(Connacht)*

Fullback

• Billy Dardis(Leinster)*
• Jack Power(Leinster)
• Stephen Fitzgerald(Munster)

15 players to watch from this year’s Under-20 Interprovincals

Connacht

1. Stephen McVeigh – the former Leinster and Clongowes Wood College player who is a native of Athlone has moved to Connacht this season as  he attends college in Galway, the big physical number 8 was a standout player in last years Leinster Senior Cup. He is currently involved with Connacht’s sub-academy.
2. Conor Kyne – this loosehead prop is a member of Connacht’s sub-academy, the Galway native is a mobile prop who can scrummage aswell. He dealt with injuries last season but should push on and contend for Ireland u20 spot this season.
3. Conan O’Donnell – still eligible for under-19, this tighthead prop is a member of Connacht’s sub-academy. Very highly thought of and an excellent scrummager O’Donnell could push into Ireland under-20 contention this year.

Leinster

1. Jeremy Loughman – The former Athy RFC rugby player joined Blackrock for 5th year where he stood out in their cup run playing loosehead prop, last season he moved to tighthead and adapted well to the position. With Oisin Heffernan unavailable for Leinster, Loughman could emerge as a viable option for Ireland u20 this year and potentially the Leinster Academy.
2. Jack Power  – Still eligible for under-19, Power who joined UCD this year was an outstanding player for Blackrock at outside centre last season. He appears to be earmarked for fullback at underage level and his quick progress to under-20 level marks him as a player who has a bright future ahead of him.
3. Conor O’Brien – Still eligible for under-19, the Mullingar RFC player emerged for Leinster Youths in the past two seasons. This tall athletic centre could have a very bright future ahead of him at either inside or outside center. Also a former outhalf who is a very capable place kicker.
4. Josh Murphy – this tall backrow played some at last year’s Junior World Cup, he returns for Leinster this year and will look to continue to push towards a Leinster academy spot over the next couple of months. The rangy backrow is best suited at playing blindside and he could be Leinster’s main target in the lineout these interpro’s.

Munster

1. Stephen Fitzgerald – this Munster academy player  has already made his debut for Munster during the preseason and has been mentioned by many as a future star for Munster. The big talented fullback will captain Munster u20 this year and will be a key player if Munster are to win the interpro’s.
2. Frank Bradshaw Ryan – the towering Ryan is a massive presence on the field for Munster, the second row’s season was slowed last year after a knee injury but now healthy he will make a strong push for a Munster Academy spot. He will be the tallest player on any pitch he runs out on this year.
3. Paul Kiernan – still eligible for under-19, the former PBC centre is a talented centre capable of playing both inside and outside. In the first game he lines up at 13 for Munster and will be part of a potent backline for Munster filled with academy talent. With a good interpro series Kiernan could join them next season.
4. Sean McNulty – this former Rockwell hooker has been playing his club rugby in Dublin since starting college at UCD. With some experience gained during the last 6 nations for Ireland under-20, he is in pole position for more appearances later in the year.

Ulster

1. Sean O’Hagan – this former exile and connacht u19 player joined Ulster’s academy this season and already appeared for Ulster in the preseason. This very talented outhalf is clearly highly thought of, if he can avoid injury he could push Ross Byrne very hard for his Ireland u20 starting position over the next months.
2. Jacob Stockdale – still eligible for under-19, this tall winger joined the Ulster academy this season and already appeared for Ulster in the preseason. A standout last year at under-18 level he could quickly be on the fast track at Ulster similar to players such as Stuart Olding and Paddy Jackson.
3. Jack Owens – this winger/fullback joined the Ulster academy this season and already appeared for Ulster in the preseason. He starts for Ulster at fullback against Connacht and will be part of a highly talented backline for Ulster u20 during these interpro’s.
4. Lorcan Dow – this former exile was a standout for Ulster u20 last year and joined the Ulster academy this season. With a handful of appearances for the Ulster Ravens this hard carrying number 8 will need to be a key member of Ulster’s squad if they are to win the interpro’s as they are tipped to do.

 

Leinster Under-20 2014/2015 (Part 1)

Leinster under-20 start the interpro’s tomorrow night with a home game to Munster under-20, the follow that up with a home game to Connacht under-20 and finally an away game to Ulster under-20.

Several of their top players are unavailable due to their prolonged participation with the Junior World Cup Squad last season these include: Oisin Heffernan(Tighthead), Nick McCarthy(Scrumhalf), Ross Byrne(Outhalf), Gary Ringrose(Centre) and Billy Dardis(Fullback).

While Harrison Brewer(Centre) and Josh Murphy(Backrow) are available for the under-20’s this September. Below is the squad announced for the Munster game tomorrow night:

Leinster U20 Squad:

15. Jack Power (UCD RFC)
14. Adam Leavy (St. Michael’s College)
13. Conor O’Brien (Mullingar RFC)
12. Harrison Brewer (Terenure College RFC)
11. Cormac Brennan (Old Belvedere RFC)/ Robert Vallejo (New Ross RFC)
10. Joseph Carbery (UCD RFC)
9. Charlie Rock (Old Belvedere RFC) CAPTAIN

1. Andrew Porter (St. Andrew’s College)
2. Jack McKenna (Lansdowne FC)
3. Jeremy Loughman (Blackrock College)
4. David O’Connor (Blackrock College)
5. Jack Dwan (Blackrock College)
6. Josh Murphy (UCD RFC)
7. Conor Oliver (St. Mary’s College RFC)
8. Nick Timoney (St. Mary’s College RFC)

REPLACEMENTS:

16. Andrew Roche (Terenure College RFC)
17. Eric O’Sullivan (Templeogue College)
18. Ntinga Mpiko (Lansdowne FC)
19. Greg Jones (St. Andrew’s College)
20. Samuel Pim (Kilkenny College)
21. Tim Schmidt (Terenure College RFC)
22. Sean Kearns (Blackrock College)
23. Fergal Cleary (Clongowes Wood College S.J.)

The squad consists of 4 players who are eligible for the under-19’s(Andrew Porter, Greg Jones, Conor O’Brien and Jack Power) and is captained by Charlie Rock who was a member of last years squad. The majority of the squad comes from a schools background, with 3 players coming from a club only background:

Jack McKenna(Wicklow), Robbie Vallejo(New Ross) & Conor O’Brien(Mullingar)

There are  however, 5 players who moved to schools from clubs these players are:

Jeremy Loughman(Athy), David O’Connor(Skerries), Conor Oliver(Skerries), Joesph Carberry(Athy) & Fergal Cleary(Navan)

The most noticeable absentee is Cian O’Donoghue who I assume is out due to an injury and the biggest surprise selection is that Joseph Carberry is starting at outhalf ahead of both Fergal Cleary and Sean Kearns.

I would consider Leinster favourites for this game but it will be a tight affair.