The Leinster thread

[Leonormous Boozer]

First time I haven't recognised a single name on a u20 team from schools cup rugby hype... I'm getting old man!

 

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First time I haven't recognised a single name on a u20 team from schools cup rugby hype... I'm getting old man!

none of those listed would have had much hype in school..

Hernan captained Michaels to the Cup last season but that was his first season starting due to Scott Penny being a year ahead of him in school. This is his first summer playing for Leinster too.

Andrew Smith probably had the best schools career, but all the hype on that michaels team went toward Cosgrave.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Leinster U20 side that lost 15-12 to Ulster A last friday:

1. Marcus Hanan(Clane RFC)
2. Bobby Sheehan(Clongowes/UCD)
3. Charlie Ward(Tullow RFC/Clontarf)
4. Cormac Izuchukwu(CC Roscrea/Old Wesley)
5. Cian Prendergast(Newbridge/UCD)
6. Sean O'Brien(Blackrock)
7. Mark Hernan(St. Michaels)
8. Anthony Ryan(Clongowes/DUFC)
9. Jack Connolly(Gonzaga)
10. Paddy McKenzie(Wicklow RFC/Old Wesley)
11. Andrew Smith(St. Michaels)
12. Mick O'Gara(Pres Bray)
13. James Reynolds(CBC Monkstown)
14. Niall Comerford(Blackrock)
15. Max O'Reilly(St. Gerards/DUFC)

Who do you rate highest from that team?

From my limited knowledge of it, Charlie Ward seems an impressive prop, Cian Prendergast was highly rated in school, Cormac Izuchukwu has played Ireland 7s, Andrew Smith scored a wonder try against Australia (I think) and James Reynolds appeared to be a top prospect at fullback as a 4th year.

 

[irisht]

Who do you rate highest from that team?

From my limited knowledge of it, Charlie Ward seems an impressive prop, Cian Prendergast was highly rated in school, Cormac Izuchukwu has played Ireland 7s, Andrew Smith scored a wonder try against Australia (I think) and James Reynolds appeared to be a top prospect at fullback as a 4th year.

Ward is decent but undersized for a TH Prop and given Clarkson is the same age group I don't see him making it into Leinster academy.
Prendergast faces an uphill task also given Brian Deeny plays lock and is this age group and already in the academy.
Izuchukwu is very much a project given he played centre for Roscrea in 6th year, excellent athlete obviously..
Smith has a chance of making the academy, one to watch.
Reynolds looks the part physcially but again needs a big season to push for an academy place.

Really like the look of Hernan, Ryan, McKenzie and O'Gara. But it's very early and U19 age group is very strong so hard to forecast who will make academy setup.

O'Reilly will be interesting to keep an eye on, played irish 7 and u20's the past season after missing most of the season with injury. But again a lot of talent at 15 coming through with Jamie Osborne and potentially Chris Cosgrave playing there.

 

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Possible strongest XV for Leinster u19:

15. Chris Cosgrave(St. Michaels College)
14. Jamie Osborne(Naas RFC)
13. Marcus Kiely(Newbridge College)
12. Karl Martin(Boyne RFC)
11. Josh O'Connor(Wexford RFC)
10. Justin Leonard(Belvedere College)
9. Ben Murphy(Pres Bray)
8. Will Hickey(St. Michaels College)
7. Jack Barry(Gonzaga College)
6. Mark Boyle(Gorey RFC)
5. Joe McCarthy(Blackrock College)
4. Alex Soroka(Belvedere College)
3. Sam Illo(Wesley College)
2. Lee Barron(St. Michaels College)
1. Hugo O'Malley(Blackrock College)

 

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Leinster Rugby U18 Clubs Squad for interpros

Forwards
Daniel Adekunle (North Meath RFC)
Stephen Carroll (Tullow RFC)
Ruairi Clarke (Cill Dara RFC)
Paul Deeny (Wexford Wanderers RFC)
Conor Duffy (Tullow RFC)
Barry Gray (Carlow FC)
George Hadden (Gorey RFC) - u17
Sean Walsh (Seapoint RC)
Ben Popplewell (Wexford Wanderers RFC)
Josh O'Hare (Dundalk RFC)
Fionn McWey (Portlaoise RFC)
Oisin Michel (Cill Dara RFC)
Oscar King (Boyne RFC)
Abdul Olaskaban (Balbriggan RFC)

Backs
Stefan Bors (Boyne RFC) - u17
Culann Carbery (Athy RFC) - u17
David Dooley (Tullamore RFC) - u17
Tadhg Finlay (DLSP FC)
Conor Gibney (Mullingar RFC)
Jack Hanlon (Tullow RFC)
Aitzol King (Balbriggan RFC)
Dylan Lynch (Boyne RFC)
Dylan McDermott (Tullamore RFC)
Fionn O'Hara (Mullingar RFC)
Andrew Osborne (Naas RFC) - u17
Adam Treanor (Mullingar RFC)

 

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Leinster Rugby U18 Schools Squad – 2019 Interprovincial Championship

Forwards
Prop: Jack Boyle (St Michael's College)
Prop: Rory McGuire (Blackrock College)
Prop: Jonathan Sargent (Belvedere College)
Prop: Luke McMahon (Clongowes Wood College)
Hooker: Scott Barron (Blackrock College)
Hooker: Freddy Happonen (St Gerard's College)
Lock: Diarmuid Mangan (Newbridge College)
Lock: Mark Morrissey (Blackrock College)
Lock/Blindside: Cameron Baird (St Michael's College)
Lock/Blindside: Stephen Woods (St Michael's College)
Openside: Conor Booth (St Michael's College)
Openside: Eoghan Rutledge (Belvedere College)
Backrow: Donough Lawlor (Newbridge College)
Backrow: David Walsh (Blackrock College)

Backs
Scrumhalf: Fintan Gunne (St Michael's College) - u17
Scrumhalf: Michael Moloney (Blackrock College)
Outhalf: Eoin Quinn (CBC Monkstown)
Outhalf: Charlie Tector (Kilkenny College)
Centre: Hugo McWade (St Michael's College)
Centre: Fionn Gibbons (Castleknock College)
Centre: Lucas Berti Newman (Newbridge College)
Outside Back: Shane Mallon (Cistercian College Roscrea)
Outside Back: Dylan O'Grady (Belvedere College)
Outside Back: Zach Harrison (St Michael's College)
Outside Back: Daniel Hawkshaw (Belvedere College)
Outside Back: Tom Henderson (Blackrock College)

 

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Leinster U19 team to face Ulster Rugby

15. Jamie Osborne (Naas RFC)
14. Chris Cosgrave (St Michael's College)
13. Marcus Kiely (Newbridge College)
12. Karl Martin (Boyne RFC) - u18
11. Matthew McGetrick (Terenure College)
10. Tim Corkery (Kilkenny RFC)
9. Ben Murphy (Presentation College Bray)
1. Hugo O'Malley (Blackrock College)
2. Ronan Loughnane (CC Roscrea)
3. Sam Illo (Wesley College)
4. Alex Soroka (Belvedere College)
5. Joe McCarthy (Blackrock College)
6. Jack Barry (Gonzaga College)
7. Aaron Coleman (Belvedere College)
8. Will Hickey (St Michael's College)

Replacements:
16. Levi Vaughan (Terenure College)
17. Temi Lasisi (Enniscorthy RFC)
18. Shane Connolly (CC Roscrea)
19. Jack Coolican (Gonzaga College)
20. Jack Guinane (St Michael's College)
21. Matthew Cullen (Blackrock College)
22. Justin Leonard (Belvedere College)
23. Donal Conroy (Newbridge College)

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Leinster Rugby Men v Coventry Rugby – Bank of Ireland Pre-season Friendly

15. Cian Kelleher (Lansdowne FC) 7 Leinster Rugby caps
14. Adam Byrne (UCD RFC) 52
13. Gavin Mullin (UCD RFC) 2
12. Conor O'Brien (Clontarf FC) 17
11. Barry Daly (UCD RFC) 36
10. Harry Byrne (Lansdowne FC) 0
9. Rowan Osborne (Dublin University FC) 0
1. Peter Dooley (Lansdowne FC) 61
2. Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne FC) 2
3. Vakh Abdaladze (Clontarf FC) 7
4. Ross Molony (UCD RFC) 82 CAPTAIN
5. Josh Murphy (UCD RFC) 21
6. Martin Moloney (Old Belvedere RFC) 0
7. Will Connors (UCD RFC) 5
8. Ronan Foley (UCD RFC) 0

16. James Tracy (UCD RFC) 92
17. Michael Milne (UCD RFC) 0
18. Jack Aungier (Terenure College RFC) 0
19. Ryan Baird (Dublin University FC) 1
20. Max Deegan (Lansdowne FC) 46
21. Patrick Patterson (UCD RFC) 3
22. Jimmy O'Brien (UCD RFC) 7
23. Liam Turner (Dublin University FC) 0
24. Roman Salanoa (Old Belvedere RFC) 0
25. Ronan Watters (St Mary's College RFC) 0
26. Rory O'Loughlin (Old Belvedere RFC) 61
27. Jack Kelly (Dublin University FC) 1
28. Adam La Grue (Terenure College RFC) 0
29. Rob Russell (Dublin University FC) 0

 

[Leinster Fan]

Pretty exciting team. I'd guessed Kelleher was brought back to play fullback and this indicates that that's probably accurate. Other than Kearney and Larmour we didn't really have another genuine option at 15 past year and they're both fixtures in the Ireland squad, not to mention that Larmour spends half his time on the wing and that Kearney spends half his time injured (slight exaggeration) and is a Heineken Cup only guy at this stage. If Kelleher can cover most of the Pro14 campaign at fullback while still leaving space for the like of Keenan and O'Brien to develop he'll be a good signing.

Nice to see a lot of last years U20s in there as well.

 

[Leinster Fan]

Good start to the preseason, admittedly not against the greatest opposition. Harry Byrne and Ronan Kelleher were probably the pick of the backs and forwards respectively, you'd back them both to have big seasons next year.

 

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Leinster Rugby U18 Schools 34 Ulster Rugby U18 Schools 13

The Leinster Schools were too clinical for Ulster on the opening day of the U18 Schools Interprovincial Series at the University of Limerick on Saturday.

The ability of Leinster to harvest points from their pick-and-go was impressive, prop Rory McGuire going over as early as the third minute for out-half Charlie Tector to convert.

Ulster were undaunted and struck back from out-half Ross McKay penalty following good work by centre Ben Carson and wing Rory Telfer.

McGuire was back on the premises to steal over again after Tector's smart break for the latter to convert in the 10th minute.

Ulster captain James McCormick was on hand to deliver on his decision to go for the corner instead of the points from a kickable penalty with a much-needed try, given they had the backing of a strong wind.

Scrum-half James Wright and Carson probed without reward from stiff Leinster defence and centre Fionn Gibbons extended the lead to 19-8 at the break.

The support of the considerable elements paved the way for full-back Dylan O'Grady's try in the 40th minute to make it a foregone conclusion.

The Northern Province did persevere for Carson to benefit from wing Jamie McNeight's surge to make in 24-13 the 55th minute.

From there, Leinster loose-head Jack Boyle smashed over from short yards for Tector to convert before replacement Eoin Quinn kicked the final points near the end.

"It was a hard-fought game which he won because we were better in the opposition 22," said Leinster coach Andy Skehan.

"Our focus now will be on recovery, recovery, recovery. That would have taken a lot out of everyone involved.

"We will have to refuel for what will be another demanding test against IQ on Wednesday."

At the University of Limerick – Leinster Schools 34 (R McGuire 2 tries; J Boyle, F Gibbons, D O'Grady try each; C Tector 3 cons; E Quinn pen); Ulster Schools 13 (J McCormick, B Carson try each; R McKay pen).

Leinster

15. Dylan O'Grady (Belvedere)
14. Tom Henderson (Blackrock)
13. Fionn Gibbons (Castleknock) / Daniel Hawkshaw (Belvedere) 60 mins
12. Hugo McWade (St Michael's) / Lucas Berti Newman (Newbridge) 61 mins
11. Shane Mallon (Cistercian, Roscrea) / Zach Harrison (St Michael's) 58 mins
10. Charlie Tector (Kilkenny) / Eoin Quinn (CBC Monkstown) 57 mins
9. Michael Moloney (Blackrock) / Fintan Gunne (St Michael's) 65 mins
1. Jack Boyle (St Michael's)
2. Freddy Happonen (St Gerard's) / Scott Barron (Blackrock) 60 mins
3. Rory McGuire (Blackrock)
4. Mark Morrissey (Blackrock, Captain)
5. Diarmuid Mangan (Newbridge)
6. Stephen Woods (St Michael's)
7. Conor Booth (St Michael's) / Eoghan Rutledge (Belvedere) 50 mins
8. Donough Lawlor (Newbridge) / David Walsh (Blackrock) 50 mins

 

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LEINSTER U19S START INTERPROS WITH 46-24 WIN OVER ULSTER

The Leinster Rugby U19s put on a spectacular show in slipping six tries past Ulster in the Interprovincial Championship at Energia Park on Saturday night.

The feeling-out process didn't take too long as Ulster's Mathew Sands hammered into the tackles and Leinster's Alex Soroka made an impact on both sides of the ball.

Chris Cosgrave gave Ulster fair warning of his boot when lashing a penalty from halfway just wide with many metres to spare.

The next chance wasn't as difficult, Leinster's phase game causing problems for Cosgrave to strike for three in the 10th minute.

The speed of ball generated by Leinster's forwards was put to good use down the right and Karl Martin's chase of Ben Murphy's kick was rewarded with a turnover, the attack eventually leading to Cosgrave's second penalty in the 15th minute.

Ulster captain Reuben Crothers had an answer for that by getting on the end of a direct attack, going through the middle to expose Leinster's fringe defence for out-half Reece Malone to convert in the 17th minute.

This was not a time to reach for the panic button and the signs were there that Leinster could stretch their guests in the outside channels.

Sure enough, full-back Jamie Osborne's footwork bought enough time to put wing Matthew McGetrick-Stafford away for an excellent try to make it 11-7 in the 25th minute.

Referee Richard Horgan penalised Leinster twice in quick succession for Malone to pounce for a penalty.

Then, McGetrick-Stafford showed his strength in powering through Crothers tackle for a muscular finish in the left corner, Cosgrave converting from the touchline.

In a flash, McGetrick-Stafford was away again, spurning the temptation to take on the last man, putting Ben Murphy in for the third try, converted by Cosgrave, for 25-10 at the break.

Ulster had to have a brighter start to the second-half and centre Luke Pollock broke a tackle to go 40 metres for a fine try, converted by Malone in the 38th minute.

The home side countered with a patient, precise surge from deep with Jamie Osborne key for Alex Soroka to ground the ball, Cosgrave adding two from the right for 32-17 in the 42nd minute.

Ulster prop George Saunderson was binned for checking Cosgrave just before hooker Ronan Loughnane crashed over for another Cosgrave conversion.

The game was long gone when Osborne strolled over for the sixth try, even though Ulster captain Crothers snatched his second on the hour, Malone converting.

Leinster U19

15. Jamie Osborne (Naas RFC)
14. Chris Cosgrave (St Michael's)
13. Marcus Kiely (Newbridge)
12. Karl Martin (Boyne RFC)
11. Matthew McGetrick-Stafford (Terenure) / Donal Conroy (Newbridge) 50 mins.
10. Tim Corkery (Kilkenny RFC) / Justin Leonard (Belvedere) 50 mins.
9. Ben Murphy (Pres Bray) / Matthew Cullen ht.
1. Hugo O'Malley (Blackrock) / Temi Adewunmi-Lasisi (Enniscorthy RFC) 48 mins.
2. Ronan Loughnane (CC Roscrea) / Levi Vaughan 50 mins.
3. Sam Illo (Wesley) / Shane Connolly (CC Roscrea) 60 mins.
4. Alex Soroka (Belvedere)
5. Joe McCarthy (Blackrock) / Jack Coolican (Gonzaga) 60 mins.
6. Jack Barry (Gonzaga)
7. Aaron Coleman (Belvedere) / Jack Guinane (St Michael's 57).
8. Will Hickey (St Michael's).

 

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Leinster Rugby U18 Clubs 40 Munster Rugby U18 Clubs 10

Joe Carbery had to be happy with how the Leinster Clubs recovered from a shaky start to have 30 points to spare over Munster in the first of their three U18 Interprovincial matches at the University of Limerick on Saturday.

Munster meant business from the off and they moved well enough to create a try for flanker Conor Moloney, converted by out-half Tony Butler in the ninth minute.

This had all the physicality of your typical interprovincial rivalry and Leinster struck back from a try by left wing Jack Hanlon in the 20th minute.

The to-and-fro continued when Butler struck a penalty in the 26th minute.

However, Munster were unable to keep the advantage as Leinster bounced back with a try by centre David Dooley, converted by out-half Fionn O'Hara, to lead 12-10 at the break.

The next breakthrough did not come until Leinster were able to construct a third try for replacement full-back Aitzol King, converted by O'Hara, to make it a two-score game in the 52nd minute.

Left wing Hanlon was sharp enough to snatch his second score ahead of number eight Conor Duffy getting in on the act with the fifth and sixth, O'Hara connecting with five out of six conversions.

"Munster got off to a good start. But, the boys didn't panic behind the goal. They knew what they had to do, keep the patience and the openings would come," said Team Manager Robbie Mullen.

It means coach Carbery could be forgiven for looking at Connacht on Wednesday as the decisive round given the champions beat Ulster 36-14 in impressive fashion.

"We're not looking at it like a decider. It is just another game to the lads and they know they will get nothing easy against a very physical Connacht side."

At the University of Limerick – Leinster Clubs 40 (J Hanlon, C Duffy 2 tries each; A King, D Dooley try each; F O'Hara 5 cons); Munster Clubs 10 (C Moloney try; T Butler pen, con).

Leinster U18 Clubs

15. Tadhg Finlay (DLSP) / Aitzol King (Balbriggan) 10 mins
14. Andrew Osborne (Naas)(u17)
13. Dylan McDermott (Tullamore)
12. David Dooley (Tullamore)(u17)
11. Jack Hanlon (Tullow)
10. Fionn O'Hara (Mullingar)
9. Culann Carbery (Athy)(u17) / Adam Treanor (Mullingar) 40 mins
1. Oisin Michel (Cill Dara) / Ben Popplewell (Wexford Wanderers) 50 mins
2. Barry Gray (Carlow) / Stephen Carroll (Tullow) 67 mins
3. George Hadden (Gorey)(u17) / Daniel Adekunle (North Meath) 65 mins
4. Ruairi Clarke (Cill Dara) / Dylan Lynch (Boyne) 52 mins
5. Sean Walsh (Seapoint) / Josh O'Hare (Dundalk) 67 mins
6. Paul Deeny (Wexford Wanderers)
7. Abdul Olaskaban (Balbriggan) / John Ascough (Seapoint) 40 mins
8. Conor Duffy (Tullow)

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

There's some huge talent in those squads. Of the u18 schools and u19s, I'd pick around 12 who are really strong academy prospects. I'm less/not at all familiar with the u18 clubs but would have to assume the u17s in that squad are quality prospects. Any idea is Ben Popplewell is any relation to Nick Popplewell?

If he has half the talent of Nick, he'll be a serious talent.

 

[irisht]

highlights of leinster schools versus ulster schools:

 

[irisht]

There's some huge talent in those squads. Of the u18 schools and u19s, I'd pick around 12 who are really strong academy prospects. I'm less/not at all familiar with the u18 clubs but would have to assume the u17s in that squad are quality prospects. Any idea is Ben Popplewell is any relation to Nick Popplewell?

If he has half the talent of Nick, he'll be a serious talent.

His son.

 

[irisht]

A lot of talent in the 19's alright, squad is missing several players due to injury too.

Clubs look stronger than recent years, big game versus Connacht on wednesday.

Not sure what to make of schools teams, impressive result anyway.

 

[Leinster Fan]

Saw on Leinster's insta that the various teams won 6/6 games on Friday and they seem to have won another few over the rest of the weekend. Pretty good worm overall and a good sign of the strength at the province as a whole.

 

[irisht]

Saw on Leinster's insta that the various teams won 6/6 games on Friday and they seem to have won another few over the rest of the weekend. Pretty good worm overall and a good sign of the strength at the province as a whole.

Leinster 20s lost to Ulster A 26-24 on friday, otherwise leinster sides won all their games over weekend.