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Under 21 Academy Review

2009-2010

The season started with a huge challenge. The change in age range meant that the task for the season would be to field two U21 teams.  The Academy team playing in the JP Flanagan and the Development Squad would play in the Pennant.  A new Coaching team headed by Gabriel Fulcher assisted by Aled Hughes and Peter O’Donnell and Richie ‘Twinkle Toes’ Ball worked tirelessly to develop the squad during the season. A new management team of Declan O’Dowda, Karl Croke and Michael Conway supported the coaches efforts throughout the season.

The challenges of running two teams with one large squad playing at different venues with overlapping times made this a very “interesting” season.

Both teams performed well in their respective leagues with the U21 Academy team having some excellent wins during the years, most notably against Lansdowne and Terenure. However, some unfortunate and ill-timed injuries left the Academy team with too much to do to make the super six.

The Development squad’s key aim was to develop and bring forward players who would be available for the 2010-2011 season. The new age range means that most players will be eligible for Under 21 rugby for two seasons after finishing school with many having three years at this age range. Physical development and the intensity of the games make it a big step up for school leavers to compete in the JP Flanagan Premier League. The plan for the season was for this development squad to grow in confidence and ability, skills and physical development and be prepared for the next season.

Huge highlights of the season saw the emergence and development of some excellent players all eligible for the new seasons’ U21 Campaign; Andrew Walsh, Ronan Croke and Colin Mallon to name but a few. It is very unfair to pick out any individuals because the whole squad made enormous strides and showed the benefit in the Academy approach developed by the club. Many seasoned campaigners have moved on from the Under 21s to the senior teams; Conor O’Sullivan, Karl Miller and Wayne Brennan again just to pick a few. Their commitment and efforts were huge in developing the squad for the future.

This Academy development approach leaves the Club in good shape for the new season and with a new season full of optimism.