[thomond2006]

It's good to see the provinces scouting for IQ youngsters based abroad.

[CIARAN_BOYLE]

Originally Posted by emmet02

I guess we'll see him in 2 years, best of luck till then lad!

2 years? If he is any good we will see him in March when he goes for Ireland U20 in the 6 nations

[emmet02]

Originally Posted by CIARAN_BOYLE

2 years? If he is any good we will see him in March when he goes for Ireland U20 in the 6 nations

Though a massive fan of the U20s, I don't see it as a ready made comparison for the Pro12.

Especially certain positions...

[bilston]

Who is likely to be the Irish U20 10 next season?

At the moment I guess Stuart Olding has a decent chance but I'm only saying that because he was in the squad this year and even then played 13 and 15. Who is coming out of the U19s and U18s who could be a contender next season? Maybe this guy Ulster have signed will be a contender for the 20s come March.

[CIARAN_BOYLE]

Originally Posted by bilston

Who is likely to be the Irish U20 10 next season?

At the moment I guess Stuart Olding has a decent chance but I'm only saying that because he was in the squad this year and even then played 13 and 15. Who is coming out of the U19s and U18s who could be a contender next season? I'd say this guy Niall Martin will have a decent shout of getting into the U20s if he turns out half decent.

Marsh Jackson and Hanrahan played 10 this year and all are over age as is Jack Carthy who is the Connacht academy's 10

I think Niall Martin and Stuart Olding might actually be the only U20 outhalves in an academy at for next season.

[bilston]

Originally Posted by CIARAN_BOYLE

Marsh Jackson and Hanrahan played 10 this year and all are over age as is Jack Carthy who is the Connacht academy's 10

I think Niall Martin and Stuart Olding might actually be the only U20 outhalves in an academy at for next season.

From reading the Irishrugby website there the U19 out half this season seems to have a guy called Steve Crosbie and the U18 10 was a fella called Conor McKeon.

[Hagz]

I'd say either Stuart Olding or Steve Crosbie. Olding's a good 10, think he's made an appearance for Ulster there.

[ormond lad]

Originally Posted by bilston

Who is likely to be the Irish U20 10 next season?

At the moment I guess Stuart Olding has a decent chance but I'm only saying that because he was in the squad this year and even then played 13 and 15. Who is coming out of the U19s and U18s who could be a contender next season? Maybe this guy Ulster have signed will be a contender for the 20s come March.

think 1 of the munster 20s: kiersey, sweetnam or scannell will be irish 20s. Depends on which player actually gets the start at 10 in interpros.

Originally Posted by bilston

From reading the Irishrugby website there the U19 out half this season seems to have a guy called Steve Crosbie and the U18 schools 10 was a fella called Conor McKeon.

the u18 youths 10 fergal cleary is also a very good outhalf who may be involved.

[bamboozle]

Originally Posted by bilston

From reading the Irishrugby website there the U19 out half this season seems to have a guy called Steve Crosbie and the U18 10 was a fella called Conor McKeon.

Crosbie played 10 for Old belvo towards the end of last season as they pulled off their great escape from AIL 1A relegation, think he was Irish schools 10 playing with St Gerards.

Is Cathal Marsh not underage again next season? he was same year in school as Luke McGrath

[CIARAN_BOYLE]

Originally Posted by bamboozle

Crosbie played 10 for Old belvo towards the end of last season as they pulled off their great escape from AIL 1A relegation, think he was Irish schools 10 playing with St Gerards.

Is Cathal Marsh not underage again next season? he was same year in school as Luke McGrath

He will be 21 in January. That means he will be overage

[GerM]

Crosbie is a very skilled outhalf. He played on the Gerard's side with Jack Conan that had a big cup run there a couple of years ago. Lovely distributor and runner. He's the sort of outhalf that doesn't tend to get a lot of game time at this level though I find. Madigan, for example, got 2 years at the JWC. He spent one on the bench and the other at 15 with irregular appearances at 10 in the 6N. Even Hanrahan was always at centre to allow Jackson or McKinney to control proceedings from 10.

[GerM]

Originally Posted by emmet02

Though a massive fan of the U20s, I don't see it as a ready made comparison for the Pro12.

Especially certain positions...

Agreed. The Pro12 is way above the U20 side's level. This year we saw our best ever performance by an U20 side. Their match day 22 contained a number of players that were unable to secure contracts with a province and another several players will more than likely be released upon completion of their contract. A lower level side like the Dragons would pummel the U20 side. I've always maintained that if 5 players on an U20 side can make it as first choice players in a province, that's a fantastic return.The 2007 side has provided about 6 and was a superb side.

[jm08]

Originally Posted by GerM

Even Hanrahan was always at centre to allow Jackson or McKinney to control proceedings from 10.

Could also be to get all your best players on the pitch (and give a wide number of players experience at that level). When there isn't much preparation time, they also seem to go for provincial partnerships (like starting L. McGrath & C. Marshl together). Pity Marsh got injured for the world cup.

[bilston]

First game of the Anscombe era tomorrow era against Bayonne.

Apparently it will be rolling subs and Anscombe has said it's more of a fitness builder than anything else nevertheless it will be interesting to hear how it goes.

According to a reliable poster on UAFC the starting backline is:

9 McIlroy
10 Jackson
11 Cochrane
12 Farrell
13 Payne
14 Gilroy
15 Nelson

Payne excelled at 13 for Auckland and the Blues, I think Anscombe coached him at Auckland too, I wonder of we'll see a lot of Payne at 13 this season. That would leave us light at FB and would be bad news for Cave. Still I wouldn't read much into this selection.

[Podge_irl]

Who's McIlroy?