Ireland squad named for training camp

Amazotheamazing

Ireland Squad Named For Training Camp
31 July 2008 - 10:53 am
By Editor


The first Ireland Rugby squad of the new season has been named to take part in a preseason get together under the stewardship of new Ireland coach Declan Kidney.

An extended 45 man squad has been named for the Ireland training camp

The 45 man squad includes the players who toured with the Ireland team to New Zealand and Australia as well as 11 players from the Churchill Cup squad. These include Donncha Ryan and Keith Earls, both of whom will be involved in their first Ireland camp.
Gordon D�Arcy, who missed the majority of the RBS Six Nations Championship and the remainder of the season after breaking his arm against Italy, makes a welcome return to the squad, as does Andrew Trimble and Leo Cullen, who both missed the June tour due to injury.
The four day camp will take place in Cork from Tuesday, 5th August and will be worked in as part of the player�s preseason fitness and conditioning programmes that they are currently undergoing with their provinces and clubs.
Ireland Coach Declan Kidney said, �The camp is an opportunity for the coaching staff to work with the players and set some foundations ahead of what is going to be an important November for us. We have a new blend of experience in the coaching staff and we felt that this camp would be key to getting the ideas of both the staff and players across ahead of the new season�.
�Once we get into September, it really is a short space of time before we will arrive at our first camp ahead of the November games, so it will be important to our preparation. It is an exciting time and both the coaching staff and myself are looking forward to getting down to business and working with what is a talented squad of players�.

Ireland Squad:

Neil Best (Northampton)
Rory Best (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Isaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster)
Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster)
Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon/Ulster)
Robert Casey (London Irish)
Tom Court (Ballymena/Ulster)
Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster)
Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Girvan Dempsey (Terenure College/Leinster)
Ian Dowling (Shannon/Munster)
Gavin Duffy (Galwegians/Connacht)
Keith Earls (Garryowen/Munster)
Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)
Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster)
Jerry Flannery (Shannon/Munster)
John Hayes (Shannon/Munster)
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
Jamie Heaslip (Clontarf/Leinster)
Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster)
Shane Horgan (Boyne/Leinster)
Bernard Jackman (Clontarf/Leinster)
Shane Jennings (St. Mary�s College/Leinster)
Robert Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Geordan Murphy (Leicester)
Donncha O' Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Paul O' Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
Ronan O' Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Malcolm O' Kelly (St. Mary�s College/Leinster)
Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster)
Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/Munster)
Alan Quinlan (Shannon/Munster)
Eoin Reddan (Wasps)
Michael Ross (Harlequins)
Donncha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary�s College/Leinster)
Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)
Roger Wilson (Northampton)
Bryan Young (Ballymena/Ulster)

Hansel

Isaac Boss can feel very lucky to be there. Frank Murphy should be ahead of him, and arguably Tomas O'Leary as well after the Churchill Cup.
No real complaints other than that, they're probably the best 45 people that could have been selected aside from the above. This time next year I reckon we'll see Darren Cave involved, he's unlucky not to be there as it is, but Earls is correctly (imo) just ahead of him, after a super CC.

Amazotheamazing

Boss and O'Leary are not up to International rugby. Hope Sexton got some kicking coaching in.

chris85

Definitly hope sexton can get going in there and show what hes made off. Hopefully they will have him working closely with O'Gara and he can learn alot off him

Pshan

chris85 wrote: »

Definitly hope sexton can get going in there and show what hes made off. Hopefully they will have him working closely with O'Gara and he can learn alot off him

True but why isn't he learning from his provincial collegue - Contepomi? It really is a pity that Sexton had such a poor boot over the summer.

Hansel

Pshan wrote: »

True but why isn't he learning from his provincial collegue - Contepomi? It really is a pity that Sexton had such a poor boot over the summer.

Sexton works very hard on his kicking, with Contepomi. He just hasn't gotten to the required level yet, most of it is in his head though. Interestingly, I believe that when O'Gara is in Dublin, all three of them practice their kicking together.

dub_skav

Hansel wrote: »

I believe that when O'Gara is in Dublin, all three of them practice their kicking together.

Am I the only one picturing a game of piggie in the middle with Sexton running all over the pitch trying to get the ball?

*What am I saying, of course I am*

Amazotheamazing

I think Sexton has the talent, but it wasn't just a few missed kicks. It was three games of utterly abysmal kicking, which to me indicates it's probably a mental block. The last superbly talented outhalf we had with a similar mental block was Staunton, hardly a good sign for Sexton's prospects.

Podge_irl

Pshan wrote: »

True but why isn't he learning from his provincial collegue - Contepomi? It really is a pity that Sexton had such a poor boot over the summer.

Not kicking for Leinster probably doesn't do Sexton any favours. I imagine his kicking would improve if he was doing so consistently.

Also, I'm not entirely sure why Stringer is in the squad and O'Leary isn't considering TOL seemed to leapfrog Stringer at Munster.

chris85

Podge_irl wrote: »

Not kicking for Leinster probably doesn't do Sexton any favours. I imagine his kicking would improve if he was doing so consistently.

Also, I'm not entirely sure why Stringer is in the squad and O'Leary isn't considering TOL seemed to leapfrog Stringer at Munster.

TOL is in the squad

[Jackass]

Podge_irl wrote:

Not kicking for Leinster probably doesn't do Sexton any favours. I imagine his kicking would improve if he was doing so consistently.

Also, I'm not entirely sure why Stringer is in the squad and O'Leary isn't considering TOL seemed to leapfrog Stringer at Munster.

They're both in aren't they? EDIT: As chris pointed out...

Interesting to see Mike Ross in there, the Harlequins prop, a welcome fresh face in that department, along with Cian Healy.

To become a top-class kicker / out-half I think you have to be doing it game in game out, which would mean Sexton taking over the kicking responsability at Leinster (this is probably Contepomis last season at Leinster) however Isa Naewaca is a proven goal kicker. My hunch is that he has been brought in to replace Contepomi when he goes, which isn't good for Sexton.

The game has gone too competetive now that we can allow Sexton to get in there and lose games on the back of his kicking and let him learn to deliver under pressure, cause that's how you learn! I'm sure (although I can't remember) in the early days RO'G had some bad days with the boot, however now he's easily amongst the best goal kickers in the world, top 3 anyway (and possibly #1).

Stev_o

[Jackass] wrote: »

They're both in aren't they? EDIT: As chris pointed out...

Interesting to see Mike Ross in there, the Harlequins prop, a welcome fresh face in that department, along with Cian Healy.

To become a top-class kicker / out-half I think you have to be doing it game in game out, which would mean Sexton taking over the kicking responsability at Leinster (this is probably Contepomis last season at Leinster) however Isa Naewaca is a proven goal kicker. My hunch is that he has been brought in to replace Contepomi when he goes, which isn't good for Sexton.

The game has gone too competetive now that we can allow Sexton to get in there and lose games on the back of his kicking and let him learn to deliver under pressure, cause that's how you learn! I'm sure (although I can't remember) in the early days RO'G had some bad days with the boot, however now he's easily amongst the best goal kickers in the world, top 3 anyway (and possibly #1).

If the IRFU arent quick they are going to turn Sexton into a Ryan Lamb and will wasted a opportunity to get a new understudy to O'Gara

maddness

Sexton played great rugby all season for Leinster last year and has to be a shoe in for O'Gara's replacement. Who else is gonna do it.
I would not woory too much about a fw missed kicks in the CC.

Hansel

maddness wrote: »

I would not woory too much about a fw missed kicks in the CC.

I would. Who else is going to take the kicks? If he can't kick in a low pressure situation such as the Churchill Cup, there's something seriously wrong. For all the talent and potential he has, if he can't kick, somebody else will get there ahead of him.

Podge_irl

chris85 wrote: »

TOL is in the squad

Indeed he is. Forgive my stupidity.


I never understood why Sexton didn't start taking kicks when Leinster were well out in front in certain games. Hopefully he will start doing so more this year with a move towards becoming first/joint first choice goalkicker. Contempomi may well not be playing every game this year anyway (though it remains to be seen the extent of D'Arcy's injury).

accensi0n

Thought Frank Murphy was great whenever he got game time in the Churchhill Cup, sped everything up.

Would love to have seen him in the squad.

Stev_o

accensi0n wrote: »

Thought Frank Murphy was great whenever he got game time in the Churchhill Cup, sped everything up.

Would love to have seen him in the squad.

Should be in it he leaped frogged TOL and Stringer with his performances. He got unfair rep from Leicester just because he wasnt Ellis

[Jackass]

Yeah another really good signing for Connacht. They actually have a very decent backline for this coming season.

kingking85

We all have to remember that Rob Kearney is a terrific goal kicker - maybe when its Sextons time, we wont need him to kick as Kearney will be there. - Ok he'll have to work on his field kicking but if Kearney is keeping up his kicking like they way he was u20's,Ireland will have no problems.

Also i cant see ROG, Felipe and Sexton all kicking together in Dublin. Its a well known fact that ROG and the Munster backrow hate contepomi and they cant stand being around each other.

I dont think Tomas O'Leary should be in the loop, hes a very average player, Stringer was unlucky during the HC.

O'Leary had a shocker in the final! Its good to see Cian Healy in the mix. Its time to start developing props and second rows again, our current bunch have only a few years to go

zAbbo

maddness wrote: »

Sexton played great rugby all season for Leinster last year and has to be a shoe in for O'Gara's replacement. Who else is gonna do it.
I would not woory too much about a fw missed kicks in the CC.

Ian Keatley out shone Sexton in the CC, if he can put in a strong performance for Connacht, he'll get a call up.

toomevara

kingking85 wrote: »

Its a well known fact that ROG and the Munster backrow hate contepomi and they cant stand being around each other.

Ah d'oul 'well known fact', that staple of unsubstantiated ****e-hawkers...if it is so 'well-known' and 'factual' could you please provide the empirical basis behind this half based assertion....I'd love to see it...ta!

kingking85

On many occasions the Munster backrow have gone out to do Contepomi when he is either playing for leinster or Argentina - RWC 07 - Munster v Leinster 2006.

Theres no love loss there anyway. O'Gara and Leamy and co are no angels - and Felipe isnt one either!!

Hansel

toomevara wrote: »

Ah d'oul 'well known fact', that staple of unsubstantiated ****e-hawkers...if it is so 'well-known' and 'factual' could you please provide the empirical basis behind this half based assertion....I'd love to see it...ta!

It's all over the internet, so it must be true.

Amazotheamazing

It's also well known Contepomi only gets on with a handful of his Leinster team-mates. There's no law you have to like someone to train with them.

Agree about Frank Murphy, think he could be a great signing for Connacht.

toomevara

Hansel wrote: »

It's all over the internet, so it must be true.

of course! how could I have been so dull...end of really...;)

RuggieBear

back on topic people.

EdgarAllenPoo

Why do I have a bad feeling that all the promising young talent that was named in the squad will soon be weeded out in favour of the same old heads with a couple of new call ups to warm the bench.

I hope I'm wrong though.

Stev_o

kingking85 wrote: »

We all have to remember that Rob Kearney is a terrific goal kicker - maybe when its Sextons time, we wont need him to kick as Kearney will be there. - Ok he'll have to work on his field kicking but if Kearney is keeping up his kicking like they way he was u20's,Ireland will have no problems.

Your missing the point completely does Kearney kick for Leinster in any shape or form? No he doesnt so are you saying that somehow he ll be fine in a Grand Slam decider with a kick to win the match and he is told to kick it over??

Come on man think!!

Seriously if they are not kicking for their province they should NOT be kicking/playing for Ireland

d-gal

woohoo, 1 connacht player in the squad! Great for the 'developing province' :rolleyes:

how murphy didn't get in is beyond me and duffy is probably going to be an average back in the connacht line this season, keatley deserves a call later on but jesus give connacht at least 2 players out of 45!

jam_on_toast

GDM wrote: »

Why do I have a bad feeling that all the promising young talent that was named in the squad will soon be weeded out in favour of the same old heads with a couple of new call ups to warm the bench.

I hope I'm wrong though.

second you on that.

I'm hopin the pack gets a good shake up in particular. Unlikely though.

dorgal

does anybody have an update on the irish back coach

was under impression he would be announced before first squad training session

Jackz

dorgal wrote: »

does anybody have an update on the irish back coach

was under impression he would be announced before first squad training session

Eddie O' Sullivan :pac:

JWAD

dorgal wrote: »

does anybody have an update on the irish back coach

was under impression he would be announced before first squad training session

Its obvious who it will be.
Gaffney

[Jackass]

JWAD wrote: »

Its obvious who it will be.
Gaffney

Hope not.

I don't want all the other provincial sides getting insights into our backs moves and ideas

He wont be able to hold back some ideas for Leinster and not share them with Ireland or vice versa.

Can't think of many alternatives though...

cathaldinneen

Does anybody know where these pre-season training sessions in Cork are taking place or if they are open to the public ???

Worrytahs

No, its not open to public. No plans in place for any open sessions at the moment.

De Deraco

I know its a large training squad but do people really think dowling deserves to be in the squad......

Bounty Hunter

De Deraco wrote: »

I know its a large training squad but do people really think dowling deserves to be in the squad......

yes, he is very underrated IMO, brilliant at retaining possesion and was great last season.

Worrytahs

[Jackass] wrote: »

Hope not.

I don't want all the other provincial sides getting insights into our backs moves and ideas

He wont be able to hold back some ideas for Leinster and not share them with Ireland or vice versa.

Can't think of many alternatives though...

It will be announced in a little bit according to what I hear

slugger145

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

It's also well known Contepomi only gets on with a handful of his Leinster team-mates. There's no law you have to like someone to train with them.

Agree about Frank Murphy, think he could be a great signing for Connacht.

That is complete BS about contepomi getting on with only a handful of his leinster teammates. He is very popular within the camp

RuggieBear

this thread is not about Felipe Contepomi and i don't want another thread deceding into petty provincial ****e. Please stay on topic.

Amazotheamazing

RuggieBear wrote: »

this thread is not about Felipe Contepomi and i don't want another thread deceding into petty provincial ****e. Please stay on topic.

If i may answer the above. Contepomi has even mentioned it in newspaper articles he doesn't get along with the entire squad, he likened it to a job where you have to get the best results regardless of individual relationships.

That is, imo, true of any team. Do you think the Kilkenny hurlers are all best mates? Sure even in Manchester utd. some players don't get on with others. I have no doubt that everyone who has ever played on a team will know that it's an extremely rare thing for the entire team to be best mates.

It's not an anti-Leinster point, and it's a little sad anyone would think it is.

In other news, Gaffney has been appointed Ireland's backs coach.

Hansel

With Gaffney on board as backs coach, we're really putting together a very exciting back room team. Kidney has always done a good job of getting the right men working in the background. Between this and some of the talent that is coming through, I'm full of my usual baseless optimism again. I wonder how long it'll last this time. Grand Slam here we come.

themont85

Ian Dowling is a limited player but makes the most of his strenghts. He's a good defender and 'solid' everywhere else, he lacks pace and other attributes for the great winger, but would do a job and not let us down if called upon.

dub_skav

It is encouraging to see that Kidney is putting in forthright experts on his coaching team. He may be more of a Clive Woodward than an Eddie O' Sullivan in his approach, i.e. coordinating a quality team and making the big decisions rather than wanting to do too much himself.

Amazotheamazing

dub_skav wrote: »

It is encouraging to see that Kidney is putting in forthright experts on his coaching team. He may be more of a Clive Woodward than an Eddie O' Sullivan in his approach, i.e. coordinating a quality team and making the big decisions rather than wanting to do too much himself.

He always did, don't think he's ever been much of a hands on coach since the time he joined Munster. He's always worked on having a good team around him.

castie

With Gaffney as the new Backs Coach could it prove possible for Sexton to see more game time at 10?

themont85

castie wrote: »

With Gaffney as the new Backs Coach could it prove possible for Sexton to see more game time at 10?

Hopefully, EOS greatest failure as a coach was to not have a 2nd OH. Hopefully Sexton gets a few meaninful games and far greater time than a cameo appearance(as was afforded to Wallace) to develop. Niall O'Conner in Ulster should get a look in as well. With Gaffney at Leinster too Sexton will know the system and be comfortable to make a greater step up.

Hansel

castie wrote: »

With Gaffney as the new Backs Coach could it prove possible for Sexton to see more game time at 10?

Unless Paddy Wallace is playing at the same time, or he has improved on his kicking, no. Not yet anyway.

zAbbo

Sexton, O'Connor and Keatley - if these 3 get gametime for the provinces at 10 then our future is looking a lot better at outhalf.

I think we could end up with different types of 10's - giving us options to change the style of play, again it's important that all 3 are giving goal kicking duties!

Hansel

zAbbo wrote: »

Sexton, O'Connor and Keatley - if these 3 get gametime for the provinces at 10 then our future is looking a lot better at outhalf.

I think we could end up with different types of 10's - giving us options to change the style of play, again it's important that all 3 are giving goal kicking duties!

This is why I think that Keatley will move ahead of Sexton this coming season. Keatley, will most likely be the Connacht place kicker this season. Sexton is highly unlikely to receive much kicking duties during a match with Contepomi in the starting line up. That could be the clincher.