Kidney names touring squads

Hamo

From Irish Times:
This years Senior and Churchill squads
Summer rugby international squads: With many frontline players having
little to prove after arguably the most successful ever year in Irish
rugby, the Irish management has expressed relief at the number of
established internationals unavailable for the summer tour test matches
against Canada and the USA.
With 13 players due to travel with the Lions to South Africa and the
Leinster squad involved in the Heineken Cup final against Leicester on
the day Ireland face Canada (May 23rd), Declan Kidney has looked to a
carefully blended mix of youth and experience for his first senior tour
in charge.
"When we confirmed the tour back in January, we were always hopeful some
of the provinces and players would be involved in the Heineken or
Challenge Cup finals and we would also be without any players selected
for the British & Irish Lions tour," said Kidney today.
"We felt that it would be a chance for the national management to work
closely with a larger pool of players than we would normally do during
the season and for players to come through at this level.
"We are continuing to try and build a squad and this tour is a real
chance for players to stake a claim for the November games and next
years championship."
There is plenty of young talent included, and the likes of Darren Cave,
Denis Hurley, Niall Ronan, and particularly the outhalf pairing of Niall
O'Connor and Ian Keatley, will be closely scrutinised by Kidney during
the tour.
In total there are 12 uncapped players in the squad, though some of
those - prop Mike Ross and secondrow Ryan Caldwell - have been involved
in senior squads before.
Ulster hooker Rory Best will captain the squad, while Denis Leamy, Peter
Stringer and Eoin Reddan add some top flight experience to the 25
selected for the senior tour.
"The number of experienced players we are bringing is important as we
will have two strong oppositions on consecutive weekends to deal with
and while there will be new caps during the tour, it is important that
they come through while making it a positive experience," added Kidney.
"We obviously want to win both games, but it is a balancing act trying
to do that while exposing players and new combinations to test match
level."
"This is our first tour together and with many players not available, it
does add another unknown element to it against the backdrop of starting
the tour off by playing a Canada side certainly looking to get one over
us after last year's game."
One addition will be made to the squad after the final games in the
Magners League.
The 27-man Churchill Cup squad will have the advantage of having a
number of established Leinster players among its ranks, with Cian Healy,
Jonathan Sexton, Devin Toner, Trevor Hogan, Fergus McFadden, Simon Keogh
and Sean O'Brien included.
Connacht's John Muldoon will captain the side, beginning with the game
against Canada on June 10th. There is experience there also, in the
shape of Neil Best and Isaac Boss, and a number of players that will
have taken part in the senior tour.
"The three games in the Churchill Cup tournament will increase the
opportunity for pitch time for players, so we felt that it would be
important to bring some on the senior tour and the Churchill Cup.
"I know that players such as Keith Earls and Darren Cave benefited
hugely from their Churchill Cup experience, so this will be a good
opportunity for many of the players who have not been involved before.
"We will be playing Canada for the third time in 12 months with our
third different team as well as playing Georgia, who we faced in the
last world cup, so it will be good exposure for the players to test
level rugby."
Ireland Tour Squad (25)
Rory Best (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) Captain
Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster)
Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon/Ulster)*
Bob Casey (London Irish)
Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)*
Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
Ian Dowling (Shannon/Munster)*
Gavin Duffy (Galwegians/Connacht)
Chris Henry (Ballymena/Ulster)*
Denis Hurley (Cork Constitution/Munster)*
Ian Keatley (Galwegians/Connacht)*
Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Keith Matthews (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
John Muldoon (Buccanneers/Connacht)*
Barry Murphy (U.L. Bohemians/Munster)
Niall O'Connor (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)*
Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Eoin Reddan (London Wasps)
Niall Ronan (Shannon/Munster)*
Mike Ross (Harlequins)*
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)
Bryan Young (Ballymena/Ulster)
A.N. Other**
Ireland A Churchill Cup Squad (27)
John Andress (Exeter Chiefs) *
Neil Best (Northampton Saints)
Isaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster)
Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster)
Fionn Carr (Galwegians/Connacht)*
Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
James Downey (Northampton Saints) *
Dennis Fogarty (Cork Constitution/Munster)*
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)*
Chris Henry (Ballymena/Ulster)*
Trevor Hogan (Blackrock College/Leinster)
Denis Hurley (Cork Constitution/Munster)*
Felix Jones (Old Belvedere/Leinster)*
Simon Keogh (Old Belvedere/Leinster)*
Keith Matthews (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
Fergus McFadden (UCD/Leinster)*
John Muldoon (Buccaneers/Connacht)* Captain
Frank Murphy (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
Johne Murphy (Leicester Tigers)*

Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)* (I'm suprised O'Brien not in senior squad...)

Niall O'Connor (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)*
Ed O'Donoghue (Instonians/Ulster)*
Niall Ronan (Shannon/Munster)*
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary's College/Leinster)*
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)*
Bryan Young (Ballymena/Ulster)
*Denotes uncapped at full international level
**To be confirmed following medical report after final Magners League
games
Ireland Tour Schedule
Depart Sunday 17th May for Canada
Canada v Ireland, Saturday 23rd May, 14.00hrs (local time), Thunderbird
Stadium, Vancouver
USA v Ireland, Sunday 31st May, 14.00hrs (local rime), Buckshaw Stadium,
Santa Clara, California
Ireland Churchill Cup Schedule
Ireland A v Canada, Wednesday 10th June, 16.30hrs (local time), Infinity
Park, Glendale, Colorado
Georgia v Ireland A, Sunday 14th June, 15.30hrs (local time) Infinity
Park, Glendale, Colorado
Finals Day, Sunday 21st June, Dicks Sporting Goods park, Denver,
Colorado

Stev_o

Now who wants to digest that and show us who is available for what.

Hamo

Thanks for that I was hoping someone could tell ME...!!!

remus808

Sean O'Brien isn't available for the Senior Squad because he'll be in the Heineken Cup final

[Jackass]

IRELAND TOUR SQUAD (25):

Rory Best (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) CAPTAIN
Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster)
Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon/Ulster)*
Bob Casey (London Irish)
Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)*
Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
Ian Dowling (Shannon/Munster)*
Gavin Duffy (Galwegians/Connacht)
Chris Henry (Ballymena/Ulster)*
Denis Hurley (Cork Constitution/Munster)*
Ian Keatley (Galwegians/Connacht)*
Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Keith Matthews (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
John Muldoon (Buccanneers/Connacht)*
Barry Murphy (U.L. Bohemians/Munster)
Niall O'Connor (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)*
Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Eoin Reddan (London Wasps)
Niall Ronan (Shannon/Munster)*
Mike Ross (Harlequins)*
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)
Bryan Young (Ballymena/Ulster)


IRELAND 'A' Squad (Churchill Cup 2009):

John Andress (Exeter Chiefs) *
Neil Best (Northampton Saints)
Isaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster)
Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster)
Fionn Carr (Galwegians/Connacht)*
Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
James Downey (Northampton Saints) *
Denis Fogarty (Cork Constitution/Munster)*
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)*
Chris Henry (Ballymena/Ulster)*
Trevor Hogan (Blackrock College/Leinster)
Denis Hurley (Cork Constitution/Munster)*
Felix Jones (Seapoint)*
Simon Keogh (Old Belvedere/Leinster)*
Keith Matthews (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
Fergus McFadden (UCD/Leinster)*
John Muldoon (Buccaneers/Connacht)* CAPTAIN
Frank Murphy (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
Johne Murphy (Leicester Tigers)*
Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)*
Niall O'Connor (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)*
Ed O'Donoghue (Instonians/Ulster)*
Niall Ronan (Shannon/Munster)*
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary’s College/Leinster)*
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)*
Bryan Young (Ballymena/Ulster)

N.B. *Denotes uncapped at full international level

Diabhal Beag

OP no need to post the entire article just the squad names. Thanks though

d-gal

[Jackass] wrote: »

IRELAND TOUR SQUAD (25):

Rory Best (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) CAPTAIN
Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster)
Ryan Caldwell (Dungannon/Ulster)*
Bob Casey (London Irish)
Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)*
Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
Ian Dowling (Shannon/Munster)*
Gavin Duffy (Galwegians/Connacht)
Chris Henry (Ballymena/Ulster)*
Denis Hurley (Cork Constitution/Munster)*
Ian Keatley (Galwegians/Connacht)*
Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Keith Matthews (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
John Muldoon (Buccanneers/Connacht)*
Barry Murphy (U.L. Bohemians/Munster)
Niall O'Connor (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)*
Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Eoin Reddan (London Wasps)
Niall Ronan (Shannon/Munster)*
Mike Ross (Harlequins)*
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)
Bryan Young (Ballymena/Ulster)

1. Court
2. Best
3. Ross
4. Ryan
5. Casey
6. Muldoon
7. Ronan
8. Leamy
9. Stringer
10. Keatley
11. Dowling
12. Matthews
13. Cave
14. Murphy
15. Duffy

Not the worst side in the world considering the amount missing

Podge_irl

d-gal wrote: »

Not the worst side in the world considering the amount missing

Godawful backline though.

zAbbo

Niall O'Connor named in both squads?

d-gal

Podge_irl wrote: »

Godawful backline though.

ah with cave, murphy and matthew it should have a little pace and dowling and duffy are solid

Magic Eight Ball

Where's Trimble?

Theus

Surprised to see that Paul O'Donohoe didnt get selected for either squad. I thought Kidney might have selected him for his performances for Clontarf and Leinster.

dreamer_ire

Trevor Coulahan wrote: »

Where's Trimble?

Knee op has put him out for the summer

2040

d-gal wrote: »

1. Court
2. Best
3. Ross
4. Ryan
5. Casey
6. Muldoon
7. Ronan
8. Leamy
9. Stringer
10. Keatley
11. Dowling
12. Matthews
13. Cave
14. Murphy
15. Duffy

Not the worst side in the world considering the amount missing

Could be a very effective pack.

[Jackass]

zAbbo wrote: »

Niall O'Connor named in both squads?

Meanwhile, Ireland coach Declan Kidney has named a 27 man Ireland 'A' Squad for the 2009 Churchill Cup.

The Churchill Cup squad will be captained by John Muldoon and will also be under the national management’s guidance this year to widen the pool of players that the coaches have experience of working with.

The tournament includes teams from Argentina, USA, Canada, Georgia and the England Saxons and will see Ireland A play pool games against Canada and Georgia as well as a final game in the tournament playoffs.

The 27 man squad will include players from Leinster following the Heineken Cup final and will also see several from the senior tour also taking part to further their game time experience.

Yup, some players are being sent on the tour and to the churchill cup - either wants to get a better look at them or there to boost the chrchill cup side and some are just "A" grade players and that's there level I guess.

damnyanks

whois Felix Jones, is it a typo that he has no club?

[Jackass]

No, he's a Leinster academy player, but is joining Munster at the end of the season - that squad is taken from the Leinster site, so presumably, we've just disowned him.

thomond2006

No Shane Horgan or Girvan Dempsey in either squad! That's their international careers over.

I think to name a guy like Felix Jones in a A squad instead of one of those two is really sticking the knife in.

zenmonk

I disagree. Nothing to prove here. Why send these two thirty somethings away when 2 new guys can get some experience. These guys will be judged on their form next year.
Horgan may get back in , Dempsey can't make the Leinster team.

uberwolf

Shane Jennings? or did I miss his name?

bamboozle

surprised Paul O'Donoghue didnt get the nod.

barnesd

uberwolf wrote: »

Shane Jennings? or did I miss his name?

There would be no point in sending him to the CC. He's already proved he's the form 7 in the country.

bamboozle wrote: »

surprised Paul O'Donoghue didnt get the nod.

As am I. I really can't see the point of Stringer anymore. Frank Murphy or POD all would have been better options. Kidney seems to favour what he knows though (i.e. Munster players).

anonymous_joe

barnesd wrote: »

As am I. I really can't see the point of Stringer anymore. Frank Murphy or POD all would have been better options. Kidney seems to favour what he knows though (i.e. Munster players).

He's had nothing to do with Leinster. Nothing. Ever. Nothing shall be spoken of.

>_>

I'd be curious as to the reasoning behind certain decisions, are guys like Jennings out in the cold, or too good for the CC, etc.

And where the fúck's Fionn Carr?

Zzippy

anonymous_joe wrote: »

And where the fúck's Fionn Carr?

He's in the CC squad.

anonymous_joe

Zzippy wrote: »

He's in the CC squad.

Cool.

But not the main one...?

Zzippy

anonymous_joe wrote: »

Cool.

But not the main one...?

Nope, apparently Barry Murphy/Denis Hurley are better...

Well maybe Murphy with his experience, but Hurley?? :rolleyes:

anonymous_joe

Zzippy wrote: »

Nope, apparently Barry Murphy/Denis Hurley are better...

Well maybe Murphy with his experience, but Hurley?? :rolleyes:

Odd choice...

I thought Murphy was a centre or something.

Podge_irl

thomond2006 wrote: »

No Shane Horgan or Girvan Dempsey in either squad! That's their international careers over.

There were never going to go to the Churchill Cup. It was either the full squad (which they couldn't go on now) or nothing. Ireland have never sent experienced players like that to the CC.

And where the fúck's Fionn Carr?

Its about the only thing worth complaining about in the squads. Murphy, Dowling and ****ing Hurley make it but not Carr. Ridiculous.

Zzippy

anonymous_joe wrote: »

Odd choice...

I thought Murphy was a centre or something.

AFAIR he's a utility back and can play centre or wing.

Edit: He's listed on the Munster Rugby site as a Centre/Wing http://www.munsterrugby.ie/97_174.php

sickpuppy

Bad form with CARR NOT THERE in first squad scores trys in a poor team while been starved of the ball.

Seems even if you go to connacht play well in the circumstances your in still no recognition.

Waste of time sending Girv Horgan and Jennings we all know what they can do.

I wouldnt write off Horgan yet either if he shows the desire and hunger and some form as he has shown of late he can be a great addition for ireland.

anonymous_joe

Zzippy wrote: »

AFAIR he's a utility back and can play centre or wing.

Edit: He's listed on the Munster Rugby site as a Centre/Wing http://www.munsterrugby.ie/97_174.php

Ah cool. Thanks.

Podge_irl wrote: »

Its about the only thing worth complaining about in the squads. Murphy, Dowling and ****ing Hurley make it but not Carr. Ridiculous.

Out of idle curiosity, does anyone know whose scored more Magners League tries this season, Dowling, Hurley or Carr?

Robbo

anonymous_joe wrote: »

Ah cool. Thanks.


Out of idle curiosity, does anyone know whose scored more Magners League tries this season, Dowling, Hurley or Carr?

Carr by some distance.

8 tries in 16 starts.

anonymous_joe

Robbo wrote: »

Carr by some distance.

8 tries in 16 starts.

I thought as much.

Question 1: why did Leinster let him go?

Question 2: Can we have him back please?

Question 3: Ehm, 8 tries in 16 games for Connacht (no offence Connacht fans, not your fault) is insane. They're far and away the worst team in the league. How is that not good enough for a call up? If someone for WBA was the Premier League's top scorer people would be wetting themselves about it.

Podge_irl

anonymous_joe wrote: »

I thought as much.

Question 1: why did Leinster let him go?

Question 2: Can we have him back please?

Question 3: Ehm, 8 tries in 16 games for Connacht (no offence Connacht fans, not your fault) is insane. They're far and away the worst team in the league. How is that not good enough for a call up? If someone for WBA was the Premier League's top scorer people would be wetting themselves about it.

1. In fairness, someone of the quality of McFadden is struggling for gametime in Leinster and Kearney won't even make the starting XV for the final. There just wasn't room for him.

2. He signed a one-year extension, same as Keatley I think. Will be nice and ready to come back then though

3. He's from Connacht and "Can't catch, won't catch" Hurley is from Munster. Kidney obviously rates him considering the way he put faith in him in the HEC last year but I can't fathom how he is there ahead of Carr.

siltirocker

anonymous_joe wrote: »

Ah cool. Thanks.


Out of idle curiosity, does anyone know whose scored more Magners League tries this season, Dowling, Hurley or Carr?

Keeping in mind the sheer amount of scores Munster put on the board compared to the sheer lack Connacht do, i would still believe Fionn Carr gets more than either of them.

Actually just found the stats now:

FC 12 (9ML, 3CC)
ID 3 (2ML, 1HC)
DH 0
BM 5 (2ML, 3HC)

anonymous_joe

Podge_irl wrote: »

1. In fairness, someone of the quality of McFadden is struggling for gametime in Leinster and Kearney won't even make the starting XV for the final. There just wasn't room for him.

2. He signed a one-year extension, same as Keatley I think. Will be nice and ready to come back then though

3. He's from Connacht and "Can't catch, won't catch" Hurley is from Munster. Kidney obviously rates him considering the way he put faith in him in the HEC last year but I can't fathom how he is there ahead of Carr.

1. Yeah, fairly good point. McFadden's a quality player.

2. Let's hope so. Connacht did well for Jackman amongst others. Hope they benefit from Carr and he benefits from them.

3. Well no-one will deny Kidney's got a lot of trust in the Munster players. He coached them after all. But still, you'd wonder at the wisdom of a Hurley who most Munster fans don't seem to rate very highly over a youngster like Carr whose quality.

siltirocker wrote: »

Keeping in mind the sheer amount of scores Munster put on the board compared to the sheer lack Connacht do, i would still believe Fionn Carr gets more than either of them.

Actually just found the stats now:

FC 12 (9ML, 3CC)
ID 3 (2ML, 1HC)
DH 0
BM 5 (2ML, 3HC)

That's pretty damning... Any idea of the appearances they've made or is that asking for too much?

danthefan

Carr has scored about as many tries this season for Connacht as Dowling has in the last 4 seasons for Munster (i.e. his entire career).

zAbbo

It's a strange one, but I think this is Hurleys last chance, probably not good enough for a Munster contract in fairness.

anonymous_joe

zAbbo wrote: »

It's a strange one, but I think this is Hurleys last chance, probably not good enough for a Munster contract in fairness.

Is Hurley going to Connacht next year?

thomond2006

anonymous_joe wrote: »

Is Hurley going to Connacht next year?

I hope so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Het-Field

At least it is a bit more progressive than Eddie's 2005 selection in Japan. Remember that where he brought Maggs, Dempsey, Foley, and a few others who had no business being on a development tour ?

I dont really want to see Stringer or Leamy play on these tours. We know what they can do, so there is no point is seeing them anymore. I would rather the likes of Boss get highler level caps. Ditto Sexton. It is only against the lower teams of the world that we can start lads who we are unsure of their ability

Het-Field

thomond2006 wrote: »

No Shane Horgan or Girvan Dempsey in either squad! That's their international careers over.

I think to name a guy like Felix Jones in a A squad instead of one of those two is really sticking the knife in.

As above ! Why bother with people who dont need development ?

Dev7

Ah here surely Paddy Wallace ahead of Keith Mathews? He's only about 3 yrs older anyway while Matthews wil never be an international centre. He also has a great partnership with Cave at Ulster. Even tho its a reduced squad, the likes of Henry, Hurley and Mathews aren't good enuf yet for this level. Is Pollock injured?

siltirocker

anonymous_joe wrote: »

That's pretty damning... Any idea of the appearances they've made or is that asking for too much?

FC 20app(16ML,4CC). 12tries(9ML,3CC)
ID 19app(11ML,8HC). 3tries(2ML,1HC)
DH 14app(6/4ML,0/4HC) 0tries
BM 24app(7/7ML,2/8HC) 5tries(2ML,3HC)

GROOVY.

finlma

anonymous_joe wrote: »

And where the fúck's Fionn Carr?

Probably off thinking about one of his many missed tackles. The lad is good with ball in hand but his defending is awful. He needs to improve before he is considered.

Podge_irl

Het-Field wrote: »

At least it is a bit more progressive than Eddie's 2005 selection in Japan. Remember that where he brought Maggs, Dempsey, Foley, and a few others who had no business being on a development tour ?

I dont really want to see Stringer or Leamy play on these tours. We know what they can do, so there is no point is seeing them anymore. I would rather the likes of Boss get highler level caps. Ditto Sexton. It is only against the lower teams of the world that we can start lads who we are unsure of their ability

They're still international tests. You need experienced players there or its just a glorified A game. Part of the process is the younger players learning from the experienced ones, i.e. how they train and approach games etc. Throwing in 15 youngsters tells you nothing about them really, there needs to be a spine of experience or its a pointless exercise. I'll be shocked if Best, Leamy and one of Casey/MOD don't start. They could do with a couple more experienced players to be honest.

Podge_irl

finlma wrote: »

Probably off thinking about one of his many missed tackles. The lad is good with ball in hand but his defending is awful. He needs to improve before he is considered.

Thankfully Hurley is a rock at fullback, with exceptional aerial skills to boot.

Diom

True enough about Carrs defense, luckily he's had Duffy with him this season.
He has improved though (although his rush out of the line against the Dragons away cost us a try!).

anonymous_joe

siltirocker wrote: »

FC 20app(16ML,4CC). 12tries(9ML,3CC)
ID 19app(11ML,8HC). 3tries(2ML,1HC)
DH 14app(6/4ML,0/4HC) 0tries
BM 24app(7/7ML,2/8HC) 5tries(2ML,3HC)

GROOVY.

One hell of a strike rate.

finlma wrote: »

Probably off thinking about one of his many missed tackles. The lad is good with ball in hand but his defending is awful. He needs to improve before he is considered.

I'd have said as much time in the hands of the Irish set up which includes Les Kiss would help him then.

Crash

Wallace got a bang on the head last week I think? apparently question marks on him cus of that. Also, I think I might cry a little to see Denis Hurley in a green shirt - i've seen people knock on a high ball, but he managed to knock on a middle ball against cardiff blues, under no pressure.

Podge_irl

Crash wrote: »

Wallace got a bang on the head last week I think? apparently question marks on him cus of that. Also, I think I might cry a little to see Denis Hurley in a green shirt - i've seen people knock on a high ball, but he managed to knock on a middle ball against cardiff blues, under no pressure.

Don't be ridiculous. A back three of Dowling, Hurley and Murphy is clearly of international standard :P

If Wallace really did get another bang on the head then there must be serious considerations about him having to retire at this stage. He's had a lot of head injuries this season...