The Academies

FellasFellas · 24-04-2014 11:57PM

Heard Jamie Glynn might be going into Munster Academy to replace Haugh from YM who also got dropped out of Academy as well as McNulty but could be Ryan Foley who goes in either.

The Lost Sheep · 25-04-2014 12:03AM

FellasFellas wrote: »

Heard Jamie Glynn might be going into Munster Academy to replace Haugh from YM who also got dropped out of Academy as well as McNulty but could be Ryan Foley who goes in either.

That could happen. Surprised at Haugh as really rated him underage and that he would have progressed more. Foley is a def potential addition.
Heard that some lads playing AIL with a few of the Limerick clubs have been in France/England sort of on trial with prod2/championship sides recently enough. Havent heard if any signed contracts though

ArmchairQB · 25-04-2014 02:43PM

Craig Trennie (excuse spelling) Ternure prop being looked at by Ulster, Conor McKeown Lansdowne 10 heading to Connacht

ArmchairQB · 25-04-2014 02:50PM

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

That could happen. Surprised at Haugh as really rated him underage and that he would have progressed more. Foley is a def potential addition.
Heard that some lads playing AIL with a few of the Limerick clubs have been in France/England sort of on trial with prod2/championship sides recently enough. Havent heard if any signed contracts though

Very suprised at Haugh very good player, he is one that might leave if no munster academy backing or support available

The Lost Sheep · 25-04-2014 03:26PM

ArmchairQB wrote: »

Craig Trennie (excuse spelling) Ternure prop being looked at by Ulster, Conor McKeown Lansdowne 10 heading to Connacht

Trenier. good move for him.
McKeon to Connacht been on cards for a while

ArmchairQB wrote: »

Very suprised at Haugh very good player, he is one that might leave if no munster academy backing or support available

Is good player but hasn't progressed as much as people thought he would have.

ArmchairQB · 25-04-2014 04:22PM

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Trenier. good move for him.
McKeon to Connacht been on cards for a while

Is good player but hasn't progressed as much as people thought he would have.

Haugh was an unbelivable goal kicker, is he still as accurate?

Not Playing Tiddlywinks Vinny · 26-04-2014 06:36PM

ArmchairQB wrote: »

Haugh was an unbelivable goal kicker, is he still as accurate?

Good goalkicker still, but his game at 9 hasn't really progressed a lot

tdeWires · 28-04-2014 10:32PM

This is Dempsey's first proper class in charge of the Leinster academy...

Loosehead and Hooker are deep on Leinster's roster, unless outstanding prospect on radar no need to take a player in this class.
Tighthead, no players in academy after this year. Must take a player.
Lock, 3 players in the academy but two with significant injury problems this season. If prospect emerges its worth the investment.
Backrow is deep especially at openside, no need to take a player there unless a very good prospect that covers 6/8.
Scrumhalf, no players in academy after this year. Must take a player.
Outhalf, strong depth in academy. No immediate need unless player is very good prospect.
Centre, some talent in academy but more needed to fulfill upcoming roster needs.
Back Three, some talent in academy but more needed especially at wing.

So a class like this makes sense to me:

Tighthead: Oisin Heffernan/Craig Trenier/Jeremy Loughman.
Lock: Josh Murphy/Stephen Gardiner.
Scrumhalf: Nick McCarthy
Outhalf: Ross Byrne
Centre: Peter Robb and one other from Gary Ringrose/Rory O'Loughlin/Harrison Brewer.
Back Three: Cian Kelleher and one other either Ian Fitzpatrick/Jack Power.

Hagz · 28-04-2014 10:50PM

tdeWires wrote: »

So a class like this makes sense to me:

Tighthead: Oisin Heffernan/Craig Trenier/Jeremy Loughman.
Lock: Josh Murphy/Stephen Gardiner.
Scrumhalf: Nick McCarthy
Outhalf: Ross Byrne
Centre: Peter Robb and one other from Gary Ringrose/Rory O'Loughlin/Harrison Brewer.
Back Three: Cian Kelleher and one other either Ian Fitzpatrick/Jack Power.

Tight-head: I agree a tight-head is a necessity. I know Loughman seems to be more of a loose-head, but I would bring him in and try develop him at tight-head. I think there's a bit of a backlog of loose-heads, and I think Loughman is a very promising player who has the ability to make the switch.

Lock: I would like to see Josh Murphy brought in, but I think it's more likely to happen next year.

Half-Backs: I agree.

Centres: I agree with Robb and O'Loughlin.

Back Three: I agree with Kelleher, but not with Fitzpatrick/Power. I think it's better to wait till next year for Power and I'd rather see Barry Daly or Max McFarland in over Fitzpatrick.

tdeWires · 28-04-2014 10:58PM

Hagz wrote: »

Tight-head: I agree a tight-head is a necessity. I know Loughman seems to be more of a loose-head, but I would bring him in and try develop him at tight-head. I think there's a bit of a backlog of loose-heads, and I think Loughman is a very promising player who has the ability to make the switch.

Lock: I would like to see Josh Murphy brought in, but I think it's more likely to happen next year.

Half-Backs: I agree.

Centres: I agree with Robb and O'Loughlin.

Back Three: I agree with Kelleher, but not with Fitzpatrick/Power. I think it's better to wait till next year for Power and I'd rather see Barry Daly or Max McFarland in over Fitzpatrick.

Loughman has been more of a loosehead to date but he has started to play more tighthead, played there off the bench last week for Ireland under-19. Both he and Heffernan will need time to develop at tighthead and luckily Leinster have that luxury.

Tend to agree on Murphy, if he had went to the JWC i think his chances would be improved. Still think they should take him in this years class, Beirne has been long term injured and Thornbury is also struggling with injury.

I dismissed both Daly/McFarland as Leinster seem to only consider players for the academy of they are still under-20.. best you could hope for is that they get a chance with Leinster A next season.

Bridge93 · 29-04-2014 12:14AM

I dont think Josh Murphy will get an academy contract. Two or three good locks in already and I would much rather see in the next two years David O Connor and James Ryan offered spots.

tdeWires · 29-04-2014 12:23AM

Bridge93 wrote: »

I dont think Josh Murphy will get an academy contract. Two or three good locks in already and I would much rather see in the next two years David O Connor and James Ryan offered spots.

Disagree, Murphy could end up in the academy as a lock or a 6, his move to lock makes it even more likely that he will get an academy contract in my eyes.

James Ryan getting a spot is almost a formality at this point, if he was leaving school this June he would get one.

O'Connor on the otherhand may fall into the same trap as his brother, not being tall enough in Leinster's eyes.

Also on the topic of three locks in the academy already, both Thornbury and Beirne graduate after next season. Beirne has missed all of this season with injury bar a few games early on. Thornbury has also missed the majority of this season with injuries. Neither are sure things and need to prove there bodies can handle professional rugby.

Hagz · 29-04-2014 12:28AM

If O'Connor isn't going to cut it height wise, then they should really experiment with him in the back-row. He's too good a player to simply dismiss due to height. He looked great at 8 this year, but I would personally like to see how he goes at 6.

Hagz · 29-04-2014 12:31AM

tdeWires wrote: »

O'Connor on the otherhand may fall into the same trap as his brother, not being tall enough in Leinster's eyes.

Alan O'Connor?

tdeWires · 29-04-2014 12:32AM

Hagz wrote: »

If O'Connor isn't going to cut it height wise, then they should really experiment with him in the back-row. He's too good a player to simply dismiss due to height. He looked great at 8 this year, but I would personally like to see how he goes at 6.

I agree, he is more athletic than his brother and 6 could be an option.

But he is noticeably shorter than both Murphy and Ryan, both who are at least 6'6.

I don't necessarily agree with dismissing a lock if he isn't 6'6 but Leinster have been very reluctant to take a lock into the academy that height since Ciaran Ruddock and Eoin Sheriff graduated.

tdeWires · 29-04-2014 12:33AM

Hagz wrote: »

Alan O'Connor?

yeah, David's older brother.

Hagz · 29-04-2014 12:34AM

tdeWires wrote: »

yeah, David's older brother.

I didn't know that. Come to think of it they are pretty similar players in terms of style.

tdeWires · 29-04-2014 01:20AM

Hagz wrote: »

I didn't know that. Come to think of it they are pretty similar players in terms of style.

similar in stature too, David's a bit more athletic though

FrannoFan · 29-04-2014 02:38PM

tdeWires wrote: »

This is Dempsey's first proper class in charge of the Leinster academy...

Loosehead and Hooker are deep on Leinster's roster, unless outstanding prospect on radar no need to take a player in this class.
Tighthead, no players in academy after this year. Must take a player.
Lock, 3 players in the academy but two with significant injury problems this season. If prospect emerges its worth the investment.
Backrow is deep especially at openside, no need to take a player there unless a very good prospect that covers 6/8.
Scrumhalf, no players in academy after this year. Must take a player.
Outhalf, strong depth in academy. No immediate need unless player is very good prospect.
Centre, some talent in academy but more needed to fulfill upcoming roster needs.
Back Three, some talent in academy but more needed especially at wing.

So a class like this makes sense to me:

Tighthead: Oisin Heffernan/Craig Trenier/Jeremy Loughman.
Lock: Josh Murphy/Stephen Gardiner.
Scrumhalf: Nick McCarthy
Outhalf: Ross Byrne
Centre: Peter Robb and one other from Gary Ringrose/Rory O'Loughlin/Harrison Brewer.
Back Three: Cian Kelleher and one other either Ian Fitzpatrick/Jack Power.

The Leinster academy doesn't operate on filling a team roster. They identify talent that they believe will go on and play for Ireland(that was the old requirements) or Leinster. If there is no candidate they think can make it they won't bring someone in. If there is a few in the same position they won't let that stop them either.

BaBaraccus · 29-04-2014 02:59PM

that true, but it's not like the players being talked about are not talented, all of the players listed are underage Ireland players and a vary from good prospects to excellent..

With no Tighthead or Scrumhalf in the academy after this season, you will be sure that they are targeting those positions..

FrannoFan · 29-04-2014 03:02PM

BaBaraccus wrote: »

that true, but it's not like the players being talked about are not talented, all of the players listed are underage Ireland players and a vary from good prospects to excellent..

With no Tighthead or Scrumhalf in the academy after this season, you will be sure that they are targeting those positions..

Agree they would look to fill them but if no one is deemed that good they won't fill it with just anybody. Agree there are opportunities for the guys in those positions though.

Morf · 30-04-2014 02:01AM

FrannoFan wrote: »

Agree they would look to fill them but if no one is deemed that good they won't fill it with just anybody. Agree there are opportunities for the guys in those positions though.

Would Nucifora have an input into academy contracts? Within his remit?

blackdog1 · 30-04-2014 10:16AM

tdeWires wrote: »

This is Dempsey's first proper class in charge of the Leinster academy...

Loosehead and Hooker are deep on Leinster's roster, unless outstanding prospect on radar no need to take a player in this class.
Tighthead, no players in academy after this year. Must take a player.
Lock, 3 players in the academy but two with significant injury problems this season. If prospect emerges its worth the investment.
Backrow is deep especially at openside, no need to take a player there unless a very good prospect that covers 6/8.
Scrumhalf, no players in academy after this year. Must take a player.
Outhalf, strong depth in academy. No immediate need unless player is very good prospect.
Centre, some talent in academy but more needed to fulfill upcoming roster needs.
Back Three, some talent in academy but more needed especially at wing.

So a class like this makes sense to me:

Tighthead: Oisin Heffernan/Craig Trenier/Jeremy Loughman.
Lock: Josh Murphy/Stephen Gardiner.
Scrumhalf: Nick McCarthy
Outhalf: Ross Byrne
Centre: Peter Robb and one other from Gary Ringrose/Rory O'Loughlin/Harrison Brewer.
Back Three: Cian Kelleher and one other either Ian Fitzpatrick/Jack Power.

Props have been poor since furlong. Dooley looks good but thats it. We'll be ok for the next year or two in this position. Hooker is a concern , we have byrne but hes a little light would love a big hooker, young mcguigan in Newcastle is irish qualified and very impressive. Centres we have most of the u20 ones but none have stepped up yet. We also need to find 2nd rows asap

westsdiete · 30-04-2014 11:16AM

Since Furlong there has been Ed Byrne and Peter Dooley, both who are excellent prospects at LH.

This year Coulson has also looked decent as backup LH and will likely end up at another province's academy..

Heffernan scrummaging hasn't been as good as hoped but he is a recent convert to TH and still only under-19 and the top choice there at his age group. Loughman probably won't get an academy place straight from school but he is impressive. Trenier has gotten contact from other provinces already.

Let's not forget Furlong was the best prospect at TH in ages from any of the provinces..

FrannoFan · 30-04-2014 11:41AM

The Byrnes went straight into the academy due to pressure from other provinces trying to sign them based on their impressive schools pedigree. Neither is particularly big unfortunately and it would be a concern. The hooker should be better poised and hopefully the prop will bulk up.
Moore followed by Furlong was hardly a trend that was going to keep going in terms of tight heads. Lack of hooker is a worry. Leinster haven't produced a starting hooker since Shane Byrne! Liked the look of the Clongowes hooker in this years senior cup but way to early to tell.

TomNHarry · 30-04-2014 11:58AM

Neither are big but they don't really need to be, there size hasn't really limited there effectiveness yet... Both are bigger than Strauss anyway... If Ed can't make it at LH, a move to hooker could easily happen..

Molony on this year's Clongowes side is even smaller than Bryan Byrne.. in fact he is tiny..

FellasFellas · 04-05-2014 10:02PM

Niyi Adeolokun has signed for Connacht Academy I believe.

macslash · 04-05-2014 11:10PM

FellasFellas wrote: »

Niyi Adeolokun has signed for Connacht Academy I believe.

any good?

RuPi · 04-05-2014 11:36PM

Some academy and sub academy players involved in an Ireland U19 side that competed in the Carrick 7's on Friday evening, I believe a squad is to be selected to now travel to a tournament at the end of this week.

[Jackass] · 04-05-2014 11:37PM

FrannoFan wrote: »

The Byrnes went straight into the academy due to pressure from other provinces trying to sign them based on their impressive schools pedigree. Neither is particularly big unfortunately and it would be a concern. The hooker should be better poised and hopefully the prop will bulk up.
Moore followed by Furlong was hardly a trend that was going to keep going in terms of tight heads. Lack of hooker is a worry. Leinster haven't produced a starting hooker since Shane Byrne! Liked the look of the Clongowes hooker in this years senior cup but way to early to tell.

James Tracey is a very good prospect at hooker, converted from (but still covers) loosehead. He'll be in the senior team next season along with Furlong, he'll be 3rd / 4th choice hooker and 3rd / 4th choice loosehead (taking O'Connells loosehead spot, but Bent will now be considered loosehead first and foremost with Furlong becoming 3rd choice tighthead.)

Harris-Wright was coming along nicely too, prompting his move to Connacht as we've been lucky at Leinster, got a young SA hooker in Strauss who proved to be top class and became IQ as well as signing a similarly young IQ hooker in the shape of Cronin. With those two in the squad for the forseable future, it seems unlikely we'll be holding on to any promising hookers as they're behind two internationals. Dundon sourced from the AIL is the perfect 3rd choice hooker. Happy to warm the bench / miss out for most of the season, but still a really good Pro12 quality hooker when called upon, never lets the side down.

The Academies

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