Ireland Team Talk XII: Farrell's First Fifteen

Leinster has a population of close to three million, Connacht has close to 600k.

So basically Connacht should have one player for every five from Leinster. We've had Bealham, Murray, Prendergast, Aki and Hansen playing for Ireland. Have Leinster had 25 different players in Ireland squads in recent times?

I'm not including players like Gavin and Bohan who've been part of larger squads, just those who've actually played.

Off the top of my head I would say yes they have.

In the last 2 years alone they’ve had 9 front rows, 2 second rows, 4 back rows,
4 half backs, 3 centres (I’m counting Osbourne as a centre) and 4 outside backs. That’s 26 I could name and I’ve surely left a few out as well.

But they’re a team of internationals that hardly ever play for Leinster due to their international commitments, return to play protocols etc.

Thats broadly not true.

They are available on the most part for all of the pool stages& knockouts of CC & URC.

Granted the return to play protocols will restrict their league games to a certain degree.

Thats understandable & reflective of the priority the CC takes.

I think its only now we are beginning to see the impact the Lions tour is having ( wouldnt change the UBB result imo) & as another poster stated it will show even more on the summer tests.

I made no reference to population, that was yourself.

If you do want to relate it to population then be realistic about the numbers too. The majority of foreign born or non Irish citizens in the country live in Leinster. The chances of any of them having ambitions of playing rugby for Leinster is as good as zero so eliminate them from your numbers. There are also far more Connacht, Munster and Ulster people who moved to Dublin and the surrounding for work etc. than there is vice versa so that’ll skew your figures too.

It has zero impact on Leinster, Leinster get to the knockout games where the national enforced rest periods don't exist.

Nice tributes to Slattery. Sad day for Irish rugby.

It was not uncommon for him to feature in club games the day after playing for Ireland. He continued playing for ‘Rock’s junior sides into the late 80s, long after his international career was over, and won a Fox Cup/7th Division medal, in a side featuring 19-year-olds. Even after that, he was a regular participant in weekly tag rugby in Stradbrook.

As a teammate and friend said on Thursday, Slats had time for everybody, whether they played for the firsts or the thirds. He was one of the last from an era when the gods of the game togged out with the mere mortals and shared a beer afterwards. And he was one of the game’s gods.

While a successful businessman in his own right, Slattery’s passionate belief in the values and spirit of amateur rugby would only have intensified after he retired, and he famously insisted that payment when working for BBC Radio would be made directly to Blackrock College RFC.

Though he never wanted a position or title within the club, few if any have done more for it. He committed himself to countless club fundraisers and charities, and his utter and entertaining command of auctioneering at lunches and gala dinners were exceptional. He was also loyal and renowned for his kindness, always willing to do favours or help people.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/06/04/fergus-slattery-a-colossus-of-irish-and-world-rugby-who-never-forgot-where-it-all-began/

Keane, Duggan, O'Driscoll & Slattery.

https://www.irishrugby.ie/2010/10/05/moss-keane-rip

https://www.irishrugby.ie/2017/08/28/willie-duggan-rip-1950-2017

IRFU President John O’Driscoll says,

“Fergus Slattery was a giant of Irish rugby and a player who defined excellence in his era. His leadership, skill and unwavering commitment to the jersey set standards that continue to inspire generations of players. Off the field, he carried himself with humility and integrity, embodying the very best values of our game. On behalf of the IRFU, I extend our deepest sympathies to Fergus’s beloved wife Margo, his daughter Nikki, son Cameron and all his family, friends and former teammates at Blackrock College RFC, Leinster, Ireland, British & Irish Lions and the Barbarians. He was a true friend whom I will miss greatly."

https://www.irishrugby.ie/news/irfu-statement-passing-fergus-slattery

They should be contributing on the basis of the ability of the players they have.

Fergus Slattery was a true great of Irish rugby. Ultra consistent, I don't remember him ever having a bad game. A friend told me he was suffering with dementia the last few years. 77 is a young age to pass away at these days. RIP Fergus.