Your Most Promising Players 1-15

Size=everything

Heres an interesting thread, list one player for every position who you consider the most promising. The player must 21 or younger and not be a regular in a provincial side.

1. JACK MCGRATH (LEINSTER)
2. JASON HARRIS WRIGHT (LEINSTER)
3. JACK MCGRATH (LEINSTER) (covers the two sides and in my eyes is the most promising in both!)
4. CIARAN RUDDOCK (LEINSTER)
5. IAN NAGLE (MUNSTER)
6. DOMINIC RYAN (LEINSTER)
7. THOMAS FLANAGAN (LEINSTER)
8. PETER O'MAHONY (MUNSTER)
9. CONNOR MURRAY (MUNSTER)
10. IAN MCKINLEY (LEINSTER)
11. MICHEAL KEATING (LEINSTER)
12. NOEL REID (LEINSTER)
13. BRENDAN MACKEN (LEINSTER)
14. DAVE KEARNEY (LEINSTER)
15. ANDREW CONWAY (LEINSTER)


Whats yours?

thomond2006

Here comes another Munster vs Leinster academy debate.

Tim Robbins

Fair play to you for knowing so much. I wouldn't have an arse meself.

How many times on average have you seen those players play vis a vi other quality players in the same positions?

Statistically unlikely to be so many from the one team as well...

Size=everything

Tim Robbins wrote: »

Fair play to you for knowing so much. I wouldn't have an arse meself.

How many times on average have you seen those players play vis a vi other quality players in the same positions?

Statistically unlikely to be so many from the one team as well...

I tend to watch a lot of AIL games and the inter provincial youth matches. I also attend the Irish U20 games though their quite rare!

Size=everything

thomond2006 wrote: »

Here comes another Munster vs Leinster academy debate.

Why? Yes a disportionate amount of them happen to be from Leinster but that shouldn't take away from the thread thats just the way things are currently.

thomond2006

Size=everything wrote: »

Why? Yes a disportionate amount of them happen to be from Leinster but that shouldn't take away from the thread thats just the way things are currently.

I agree. It shouldn't.

chupacabra

Size=everything wrote: »

[/B]13. BRENDAN MACKEN (LEINSTER)
15. ANDREW CONWAY (LEINSTER)

These 2 lads are destined for greatness, Macken especially. He will be the long term replacement for BOD definatley. Murray is some scrum half too, probably the most skillful player for his age in Ireland right now.

Mine wouldnt be much different to yours only i would have Nevin Spence in for Noel Reid, McAllister at tight head and Tiernen O'Halloran in for Keating.

siltirocker

Size=everything wrote: »

Heres an interesting thread, list one player for every position who you consider the most promising. The player must 21 or younger and not be a regular in a provincial side.

1. JACK MCGRATH (LEINSTER)
2. JASON HARRIS WRIGHT (LEINSTER)
3. JACK MCGRATH (LEINSTER) (covers the two sides and in my eyes is the most promising in both!)
4. CIARAN RUDDOCK (LEINSTER)
5. IAN NAGLE (MUNSTER)
6. DOMINIC RYAN (LEINSTER)
7. THOMAS FLANAGAN (LEINSTER)
8. PETER O'MAHONY (MUNSTER)
9. CONNOR MURRAY (MUNSTER)
10. IAN MCKINLEY (LEINSTER)
11. MICHEAL KEATING (LEINSTER)
12. NOEL REID (LEINSTER)
13. BRENDAN MACKEN (LEINSTER)
14. DAVE KEARNEY (LEINSTER)
15. ANDREW CONWAY (LEINSTER)


Whats yours?

Not mad on Murray, Tiernan O'Halloran should probably get a look in too.
Macken is pure class though.

No real qualms with this one, there is probably some Ulster boys maybe in need of a look in but i don't know enough to comment.

Size=everything

chupacabra wrote: »

Mine wouldnt be much different to yours only i would have Nevin Spence in for Noel Reid, McAllister at tight head and Tiernen O'Halloran in for Keating.

Yeah the two headaches for me were Spence or Noel Reid and Tiernan or Keating.

I chose Noel Reid simply because this season he has been incredible for Leinster U20s.

As for Keating over Tiernan O'Halloran, Keatings form in the AIL (top try scorer) sealed it for me but I do think O'Halloran will be thereabouts by the end of the season.

ALH-06

chupacabra wrote: »

These 2 lads are destined for greatness, Macken especially. He will be the long term replacement for BOD definatley.

Both Conway and Macken are superb prospects. Both playing great rugby for Blackrock College RFC this season.

Interestingly - in the programme for the recent Blackrock Festival of Rugby, there was an article titled 'All-time Greatest Blackrock College XV in the Professional Era'. There were names like Scally, Fitz, Cullen and of course O'Driscoll etc. But fascinatingly, Andrew Conway was named at 15. He only left the school last June!

Goes some way to demonstrate what they think he's capable of. And they've seen a fair few quality players in their time....

Amazotheamazing

Lot of talent there, would drop Ciaran Ruddock for Dave Foley, and bring in Rhys Ruddock at 6, moving Ryan to 7. Would have Kilcoyne in at prop, Burke at outhalf. Would have Slattery ahead of Harris-Street-Fighting-Man-Wright, from what I've seen of them both.

Size=everything

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Lot of talent there, would drop Ciaran Ruddock for Dave Foley, and bring in Rhys Ruddock at 6, moving Ryan to 7. Would have Kilcoyne in at prop, Burke at outhalf. Would have Slattery ahead of Harris-Street-Fighting-Man-Wright, from what I've seen of them both.

Can't agree with Burke over McKinley having seen them both play. McKinley is an unbelievable prospect and has been been creating hype since he was 15 when Blackrock were determined to try sign him. He is an excellent player.

Ciaran Ruddock is definitely ahead of Foley in my eyes. Foley is good but Ruddock is another class. The WRU didnt try everything in their power to keep him for no reason.

Rhys Ruddock at 7 instead of Flanagan maybe a good option however I'll agree there.

I really dont think any prop in this country is deserving of being placed ahead of Jack McGrath. This guy is far and beyond the best prop in the country at his age.

Also Gerrard Slattery is 22 no?

Size=everything

ALH-06 wrote: »

Both Conway and Macken are superb prospects. Both playing great rugby for Blackrock College RFC this season.

These lads, without doubt will go on to be world class. Macken especially.

As an aside Blackrock RFC can field an all Leinster academy backline!

Amazotheamazing

Size=everything wrote: »

Can't agree with Burke over McKinley having seen them both play. McKinley is an unbelievable prospect and has been been creating hype since he was 15 when Blackrock were determined to try sign him. He is an excellent player.

Ciaran Ruddock is definitely ahead of Foley in my eyes. Foley is good but Ruddock is another class. The WRU didnt try everything in their power to keep him for no reason.

Rhys Ruddock at 7 instead of Flanagan maybe a good option however I'll agree there.

I really dont think any prop in this country is deserving of being placed ahead of Jack McGrath. This guy is far and beyond the best prop in the country at his age.

Also Gerrard Slattery is 22 no?

McGrath, Harris-Wright and Maquire got demolished by Archer, Sherry and Kilcoyne when they played each other last month. All three have a long way to go to be even ML standard, imo. Slattery is about 22 I guess, which is pretty young for a hooker, already captain of Young Munster's senior 22, which for 22 year old is pretty rare.

McKinley might be great, when I've seen him he hasn't been, whereas Burke looks to have all kinds of time on the ball.

I'm only going on what I've seen. C. Ruddock isn't anything special, whereas Foley could be. R. Ruddock is the real talent of the two Ruddocks.

siltirocker

Size=everything wrote: »

These lads, without doubt will go on to be world class. Macken especially.

As an aside Blackrock RFC can field an all Leinster academy backline!

Mental isn't it. :eek: Happy days.

Size=everything

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

McGrath,Harris-Wright and Maquire got demolished by Archer, Sherry and Kilcoyne when they played each other last month.

LOL WHAT? McGrath won 2 scrums against Archer! Some poster mentioned Archer held his own against McGrath in a different thead and another poster here rightly corrected him perhaps you read that post and were misled? I was at the game and McGrath did not get destroyed. I also dont think Harris-Wright got destroyed and Maguire didn't make my team

All three have a long way to go to be even ML standard, imo. Slattery is about 22 I guess, which is pretty young for a hooker, already captain of Young Munster's senior 22, which for 22 year old is pretty rare.

Read the opening line of the thread, thanks.

McKinley might be great, when I've seen him he hasn't been, whereas Burke looks to have all kinds of time on the ball.

Tell me what games you saw him in?

I'm only going on what I've seen. C. Ruddock isn't anything special, whereas Foley could be. R. Ruddock is the real talent of the two Ruddocks.

Well you obviously haven't seen to much! You are aware Ruddock was selected ahead of Foley for the Under 20 rugby world cup? Ditto for McKinley ahead of Burke who even went on to captain the side

Size=everything

siltirocker wrote: »

Mental isn't it. :eek: Happy days.

Not for me.

hiney

To be honest im not mad about Rhys Ruddock . Jordi Murphy is another good talent coming through the ranks . There are plenty of good Ulster players coming through like Michael Heaney and James McKinney who are both in the Ireland 20s training camp squad . Neill Annett in my opinion is an excellent talent.

Amazotheamazing

Size=everything wrote: »

LOL WHAT? McGrath won 2 scrums against Archer! Some poster mentioned Archer held his own against McGrath in a different thead and another poster here rightly corrected him perhaps you read that post and were misled? I was at the game and McGrath did not get destroyed. I also dont think Harris-Wright got destroyed and Maguire didn't make my team



Read the opening line of the thread, thanks.




Tell me what games you saw him in?



Well you obviously haven't seen to much! You are aware Ruddock was selected ahead of Foley for the Under 20 rugby world cup? Ditto for McKinley ahead of Burke who even went on to captain the side

The Munster scrum walked the Leinster scrum backwards several times in the first half. I was at the game and I was surprised how weak the Leinster scrum was. In the end they changed all three front row players to try and deal with Munster's scrum, iirc. By comparison, the Leinster backrow was immense, so don't think I'm against giving praise where it's due. The Ryan guy playing 7 is the player you should be hyping.

The only times I've seen McKinley is his one cap for Leinster last year, his Irish games and that Leinster A game. Thought he was ok last season, but thought he was very poor against Munster (I understand he's been injured? Is injured?).

I'm not bothered about Ruddock being ahead of Foley at the u-20's, again, I've seen Foley play several times and he looks like a guy who could go pro, C. Ruddock looks like a guy who'll plateau at AIL level. (Reminds me of Billy Holland for Munster, so again, it's not a provincial thing) He's just lacking that X factor his brother has.

Amazotheamazing

hiney wrote: »

To be honest im not mad about Rhys Ruddock . Jordi Murphy is another good talent coming through the ranks . There are plenty of good Ulster players coming through like Michael Heaney and James McKinney who are both in the Ireland 20s training camp squad . Neill Annett in my opinion is an excellent talent.

Really, I think Rhys Ruddock is an exceptional talent. One of the best and (afaik) underage for the u20's again this year.

Tim Robbins

Size=everything wrote: »

These lads, without doubt will go on to be world class. Macken especially.

As an aside Blackrock RFC can field an all Leinster academy backline!

Incredible. Leinster keeps churning out brilliant full backs:

Luke Fitz: has said 15 is his fav position, probably would be.
Kearny: Class
Felix Jones: Very good

And of course what about David Kearny!!

... and don't forget, Geordan Murphy and Dempsey and D'arc and Hickie both played 15 at schools.

Is it the case that schools rugby put their best back at FB? It' a pity we can't churn out the same number of SHs!!

Amazotheamazing

Tim Robbins wrote: »

... and don't forget, Geordan Murphy and Dempsey and D'arc and Hickie both played 15 at schools.

Thought Geordan Murphy was an outhalf in school?

Tim Robbins

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Thought Geordan Murphy was an outhalf in school?

Bad punctuation on my part.

Should have been a full stop there.

But you make a good point. GM should have been at 10, would have been good back up for ROG at the world cup.

chupacabra

As an aside, keep an eye out for Simon Zebo this season, he got a call up to the Ireland U20 squad and is looking like a really class winger. As clinical a finisher as you will see.

Amazotheamazing

chupacabra wrote: »

As an aside, keep an eye out for Simon Zebo this season, he got a call up to the Ireland U20 squad and is looking like a really class winger. As clinical a finisher as you will see.

Fast but does he have the skills?

Amazotheamazing

Tim Robbins wrote: »

Bad punctuation on my part.

Should have been a full stop there.

But you make a good point. GM should have been at 10, would have been good back up for ROG at the world cup.

Speaking of outhalves who moved to fullback and vice versa, where's Madigan playing this season?

Size=everything

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

The Munster scrum walked the Leinster scrum backwards several times in the first half. I was at the game and I was surprised how weak the Leinster scrum was. In the end they changed all three front row players to try and deal with Munster's scrum, iirc.

Nope. Maguire was having difficulty in the initial stages but McGrath was responsible for winning 2 scrums against Archer. Leinster A always substitute McGrath and Harris Wright in the latter stages of the game as they want them to get game time for their AIL clubs as well whilst they are devoloping it was nothing to do with them 'struggling'
As an aside McGrath had an excellent game last night getting on the score sheet in the process!

By comparison, the Leinster backrow was immense, so don't think I'm against giving praise where it's due. The Ryan guy playing 7 is the player you should be hyping.

Hence why hes in my team....

The only times I've seen McKinley is his one cap for Leinster last year, his Irish games and that Leinster A game. Thought he was ok last season, but thought he was very poor against Munster (I understand he's been injured? Is injured?).

He played excellent for Ireland in RWC being rewarded with captaincy. For his Leinster start he made no mistakes and his kicking out of hand and distrubution was flawless, at just 18! McKinley was injured briefly though yes.

I'm not bothered about Ruddock being ahead of Foley at the u-20's, again, I've seen Foley play several times and he looks like a guy who could go pro, C. Ruddock looks like a guy who'll plateau at AIL level. (Reminds me of Billy Holland for Munster, so again, it's not a provincial thing) He's just lacking that X factor his brother has.

We'll see I suppose but even O'Hara of Munster was selected ahead of Foley...

Size=everything

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Speaking of outhalves who moved to fullback and vice versa, where's Madigan playing this season?

Hes injured but it would be Blackrock.

Size=everything

Tim Robbins wrote: »

Incredible. Leinster keeps churning out brilliant full backs:

Luke Fitz: has said 15 is his fav position, probably would be.
Kearny: Class
Felix Jones: Very good

And of course what about David Kearny!!

... and don't forget, Geordan Murphy and Dempsey and D'arc and Hickie both played 15 at schools.

Is it the case that schools rugby put their best back at FB? It' a pity we can't churn out the same number of SHs!!

I believe the 13 who started for Leinster A last night, 18 year old Darren Hudson played full back in school's rugby. Meant to be excellent he was featured in Rugby World

justtoby

15. Andrew Conway
14. Tiernan O'Halloran
13. Brendan Macken
12. Luke Marshall
11. Nevin Spence
10. Ian McKinley
9. ? nobody really stands out
1. Jack McGrath
2. Niall Annett
3. Stephen Archer or Adam Macklin
4. Brian Hayes
5. Jordi Murphy; I'm cheating a bit putting him here because he's more of a back row
6. Dominic Ryan
7. Brian O'Hara
8. Peter O'Mahony

Amazotheamazing

Size=everything wrote: »

Hes injured but it would be Blackrock.

Sorry, I wasn't clear. Is he playing 10 or 15?

Amazotheamazing

Size=everything wrote: »

We'll see I suppose but even O'Hara of Munster was selected ahead of Foley...

Not comparing like with like, O'Hara is not a second row, afaik.

bamboozle

from what i've seen last season and so far this season, Keating will be a future international, he is fast but not electric but is the same mazy type of runner like Luke Fitz, he just seems to waltz through teams, i've only seen him on the wing but i'd say he's more suited to 15 his schools position

Thomas29

Size=everything wrote: »

Ciaran Ruddock is definitely ahead of Foley in my eyes. Foley is good but Ruddock is another class. The WRU didnt try everything in their power to keep him for no reason.

Sorry but this is absolute rubbish.

Ciaran made himself available for Wales U20 selection 2/3 years ago but was left out of the squad and it was that omission that led to him to declare for Ireland. The WRU didn't do "everything in their power" to keep him as he was deemed too small to play second row. Ciaran has always been an average talent and Rhys is a much better prospect.

Rhys was left out of the Wales U20 squad last year and as a result decided to join his brother. Phil Davies did try and convince him to stay but he wanted to play U20 last year and as he was only named in the reserve squad his chances would've been limited.

Size=everything

Thomas29 wrote: »

Sorry but this is absolute rubbish.

Ciaran made himself available for Wales U20 selection 2/3 years ago but was left out of the squad and it was that omission that led to him to declare for Ireland. The WRU didn't do "everything in their power" to keep him as he was deemed too small to play second row. Ciaran has always been an average talent and Rhys is a much better prospect.

Rhys was left out of the Wales U20 squad last year and as a result decided to join his brother. Phil Davies did try and convince him to stay but he wanted to play U20 last year and as he was only named in the reserve squad his chances would've been limited.

They left because of politics in the WRU that saw them treated differently. They were the 2 stand out players in the Under 20s Welsh pool but because of what was going on didn't get a look in. It was only when news broke they were considering leaving for Ireland did the WRU put that aside when the realization hit that they were about to lose the two Ruddocks.

gavkm27

I reckon that Nevin Spence lad from Ulster should be in there

Amazotheamazing

Size=everything wrote: »

They left because of politics in the WRU that saw them treated differently. They were the 2 stand out players in the Under 20s Welsh pool but because of what was going on didn't get a look in. It was only when news broke they were considering leaving for Ireland did the WRU put that aside when the realization hit that they were about to lose the two Ruddocks.

Not really, Rhys was highly valued, Ciaran wasn't really.
Here's an interesting article on them both, shows that Ciaran was never really in the picture with Wales.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2009/0318/1224243007362.html

Thomas29

Size=everything wrote: »

They left because of politics in the WRU that saw them treated differently. They were the 2 stand out players in the Under 20s Welsh pool but because of what was going on didn't get a look in. It was only when news broke they were considering leaving for Ireland did the WRU put that aside when the realization hit that they were about to lose the two Ruddocks.

Laughably inaccurate. Ciaran has never been a stand out player in Wales.

Treated differently? Rhys was always first choice for Wales through the age groups and captained Ospreys U18 the year before he was left out of the U20s.

He was injured for a while in the season before last and couldn't play for Wales U18 and Phil Davies left him out of the 1st tier U20 squad because he still had another two years at that age group and hadn't proven himself ahead of the other players. This wasn't good enough for him however and he left.

I don't know where you're getting your information from but it's rubbish.

Size=everything

Thomas29 wrote: »

Laughably inaccurate. Ciaran has never been a stand out player in Wales.

Treated differently? Rhys was always first choice for Wales through the age groups and captained Ospreys U18 the year before he was left out of the U20s.

He was injured for a while in the season before last and couldn't play for Wales U18 and Phil Davies left him out of the 1st tier U20 squad because he still had another two years at that age group and hadn't proven himself ahead of the other players. This wasn't good enough for him however and he left.

I don't know where you're getting your information from but it's rubbish.

I reckon I'll trust my source thanks.

Also has anyone ever told you your writting is extremely similiar to Amazotheamazing's?

And that every point you made was in Amazotheamazing's article?

And that your a new user who just signed up to post in this thread to defend amazotheamazing's point?

Thomas29

Size=everything wrote: »

I reckon I'll trust my source thanks.

Also has anyone ever told you your writting is extremely similiar to Amazotheamazing's?

And that every point you made was in Amazotheamazing's article?

And that your a new user who just signed up to post in this thread to defend amazotheamazing's point?

Your source is clearly your imagination.

As for being someone else - just because we're both stating the facts?

Grow up.

Size=everything

Thomas29 wrote: »

Your source is clearly your imagination.

As for being someone else - just because we're both stating the facts?

Grow up.

I don't think you know me so really dont think your qualified to say that. At all. Well done you listed all the points in a published article

Thomas29

Ruddock is another class. The WRU didnt try everything in their power to keep him for no reason.

You really know your stuff to be fair. Any more inside info from your source?

Size=everything

Thomas29 wrote: »

You really know your stuff to be fair. Any more inside info from your source?

Ruddock (starter for Irish U20s) is a much superior player to Foley. If you dont agree you might also want to also argue with the Irish Under 20s coaches who deemed Foley not even fit to make the 30 man squad.

Thomas29

Size=everything wrote: »

Ruddock (starter for Irish U20s) is a much superior player to Foley. If you dont agree you might also want to also argue with the Irish Under 20s coaches who deemed Foley not even fit to make the 30 man squad.

I'm not arguing with that and if that is the case then you're educating me.
I was just pulling you up on the other point you made about the WRU which is untrue.

I'm an Irishman based in Wales and I don't get to see any young Irish guys coming through unless they play over here. I come on here to read about the stuff I miss out on in Ireland.
I made my first post because Welsh rugby is something I probably know more about than a lot of people on here. If you choose not to believe it then fine.

Size=everything

Thomas29 wrote: »

I'm not arguing with that and if that is the case then you're educating me.
I was just pulling you up on the other point you made about the WRU which is untrue.

It is true. They made a huge effort to keep the Ruddocks in Wales.

I'm an Irishman based in Wales and I don't get to see any young Irish guys coming through unless they play over here. I come on here to read about the stuff I miss out on in Ireland.
I made my first post because Welsh rugby is something I probably know more about than a lot of people on here. If you choose not to believe it then fine.

Perhaps you know more about Welsh rugby but not this particular situation? Ruddock Senior wanted his sons playing in Ireland after the way the WRU treated him and them.

Thomas29

Size=everything wrote: »

It is true. They made a huge effort to keep the Ruddocks in Wales.

Perhaps you know more about Welsh rugby but not this particular situation? Ruddock Senior wanted his sons playing in Ireland after the way the WRU treated him and them.

I give up trying to educate you then. You're talking crap.

The only effort to keep Rhys Ruddock in Wales was made by the Ospreys as they invested more time than anyone in him as he came through their academy.

pappyodaniel

I used to train with Ger Slattery when he was a young fella. His dad was coaching our Junior team at the time. When it came time to doing our drill work (tackling for example) I was always paired with Ger, for the only reason that I was the smallest player on our team and Ger was 12 at the time!

He's a great talent, ex-Ireland U20, Munster Schools winning captain of Munchins(same team as Earls). He can also kick goals!

With Munster's front row injury problems he just needs a little luck and a chance to prove himself.

Size=everything

Thomas29 wrote: »

I give up trying to educate you then. You're talking crap.

The only effort to keep Rhys Ruddock in Wales was made by the Ospreys as they invested more time than anyone in him as he came through their academy.

Ah another direct quote from the article.

Believe what you want, we'll see whose right in a few years time

toomevara

Thomas29, Size=everything; End of discussion. Any more nonsense from either of you and I'll ban you both.

Amazotheamazing

pappyodaniel wrote: »

I used to train with Ger Slattery when he was a young fella. His dad was coaching our Junior team at the time. When it came time to doing our drill work (tackling for example) I was always paired with Ger, for the only reason that I was the smallest player on our team and Ger was 12 at the time!

He's a great talent, ex-Ireland U20, Munster Schools winning captain of Munchins(same team as Earls). He can also kick goals!

With Munster's front row injury problems he just needs a little luck and a chance to prove himself.

Slattery is very unlucky that he's around at the same time as guys like Fogarty, Cronin, Varley (all a little older) and Sherry and Head, (just a little younger), Connacht should sign him, imo. He's a guy who'll have to leave Munster to prove himself, just like Varley.

pappyodaniel

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Slattery is very unlucky that he's around at the same time as guys like Fogarty, Cronin, Varley (all a little older) and Sherry and Head, (just a little younger), Connacht should sign him, imo. He's a guy who'll have to leave Munster to prove himself, just like Varley.

I've been saying that for a while myself, Connacht is the making of a good hooker.