Ulster could do worse than have a look at McErlean if he is released. Think he is originally from Co. Antrim. He looked a good player at U20s level for Ireland.
I honestly don't watch enough of it (gaelic football) to have a view on him. I saw him play AIL for Buccs against Old Wesley back in around 2022, and he really caught the eye. Came off the bench and played brilliantly in a big Buccs win.
Buccs that day had Shane Jennings, Darragh Murray, Oisin McCormack and a few ex Connacht players (Shane Layden, Josh O'Connor) and it was a decent Wesley side. I thought he'd push on from there too tbh.
Hard to know how he'll end up - he missed months of this season, and is only back featuring in AIL in recent weeks. Coaches seemed to rate him in the past, but still tough to see if he's done enough to warrant a Development Contract.
He grew up in Cushendall in Antrim, and his family moved to Dublin subsequently when he was around 12.
His cousin is Connacht player Harry West, who was in the same Irish U20s squad as him back in 2023.
Gerry Thornley described Duinn Maguire (UCD hooker, played 3 times in the 6N for the U20s, starting v Scotland) as "Connacht-bound". He's a good player.
Offers for Leinster’s sub-academy supposedly went out last week, and the following guys are going in per a post on Leinsterfans:
Plus supposedly a back three from Terenure (most likely Geoff O’Sullivan IMO) and a prop from Roscrea (most likely Henry Maher IMO).
I had heard it rumoured Jonny Ginnety had full academy offers elsewhere, and would suspect Bernard White was similar.
Think it looks feasible the intake will be close to what I originally forecast.
Actually thought the other 2 hookers who played in the 6 nations were better. I'd be surprised if Rian Handley wasnt picked up by one of the other provinces
Yeah - well Lee Fitzpatrick is already in Leinster's Academy as an U19.
I agree though, I thought Rian Handley was the more impressive player during the U20 6 Nations, and wouldn't be surprised to see him signed elsewhere.
Conor Mcvicker joining the Ulster academy straight out of school.
He is a special talent.
every so often BRA develop an elite prospect, this guy hopefully follows in the footsteps of Stuart Olding, Iain Henderson and Tom Stewart since 2010 as a player of exceptional ability.
https://x.com/admckendry/status/2051596859341246546?s=46
He's looked top-tier every time I've seen him.
Quite a good panel of scrum halves there now - even without Matthew Devine coming into the mix (who is obviously a really exciting talent himself). I've been impressed by Conor McKee who's taken a step in his development this year too.
Seeing it rumoured elsewhere that Ulster have finalised their Academy intake.
It differs slightly from my predictions above. The 5 I've seen named are:
Not sure if that's the complete list as of yet. Bit surprised not to see Adam Boyd on the list given how highly he's rated. Equally, thought Owen O'Kane might be there - he was starting games for Ulster A while still in school.
Tom bell and Charlie O’Connor also only out of school??
O’Connor certainly is and appears to be highly rated.
Munster have confirmed their Academy intake:
Ulster have re-announced some Academy moves; adding Jed Findlay, a back who played for Scotland U20 (at full back) but who has been attached to Exeter. Other change is Mahon Ronan, a lock from Leinster, into Year 2.
Confirmation Aitzol King and Henry Walker onto Development deals.
missing two, Jamie Conway and Charlie O’Shea
Intake of 8 players: LHP Foley THP Conway LCK/BSF Finn OSF Lautsou SHF Barrett OHF O’Shea CEN O’Leary, Carney
Remains to be seen if a back 3 could be attracted, Derry Moloney was rumoured to have been approached.
