The Academies

bilston · 10-04-2026 12:37PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124378954#Comment_124378954

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.

FtD v2 · 10-04-2026 12:46PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124379207#Comment_124379207

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.

FtD v2 · 10-04-2026 01:18PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124379403#Comment_124379403

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.

FtD v2 · 27-04-2026 09:50AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124378963#Comment_124378963

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.

FtD v2 · 29-04-2026 07:35PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124378954#Comment_124378954

Offers for Leinster’s sub-academy supposedly went out last week, and the following guys are going in per a post on Leinsterfans:

Luke Coffey (Scrum Half - Blackrock)
Bernard White (Centre - Blackrock)
Paul Neary (Out Half - Marys)
Joe Christie (Hooker - Mary’s)
Jonny Ginnety (Flanker - Castleknock)
James Browne (Centre - Blackrock)
Geoff Wall (Flanker - Blackrock)
Ben Guerin (Prop - Blackrock)
Cory O’Connor (Out Half - Castleknock)
Matthew Brennan (Centre - Castleknock)

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.

typhoony · 29-04-2026 11:22PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124424643#Comment_124424643

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

FtD v2 · 30-04-2026 07:44AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124431368#Comment_124431368

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.

big-al · 05-05-2026 11:12AM

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

FtD v2 · 05-05-2026 11:36AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124445082#Comment_124445082

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.

FtD v2 · 05-05-2026 10:33PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124378962#Comment_124378962

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:

Connor McVicker - Scrum Half / Belfast Royal Academy / Club TBC (U19)
Blake McClean - THP - RBAI / Instonians RFC
Tyrese Abolarin - LHP - Methody College / Queens Uni RFC
Tom Bell - Centre - Regent House School / Ards RFC (U19)
Charlie O'Connor - Out Half - RBAI

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.

big-al · 05-05-2026 10:48PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124446879#Comment_124446879

Tom bell and Charlie O’Connor also only out of school??

O’Connor certainly is and appears to be highly rated.

FtD v2 · 19-06-2026 03:12PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124378957#Comment_124378957

Munster have confirmed their Academy intake:

Joe Finn - Lock
Christian Foley - Prop
Chris Barrett - Scrum Half
Alex Lautsou - Back Row
Rob Carney - Centre
James O’Leary - Centre

FtD v2 · 19-06-2026 03:15PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124446879#Comment_124446879

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.

Jump_In_Jack · 20-06-2026 11:02PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124563634#Comment_124563634

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.

The Academies

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