Youths Rugby.

[busbi]

As rugby has now grown to phenomenal levels in this country, a far greater proportion of players are coming through the youths system. But are the structures in place to take full advantage of this? It seems that the the whole underage system is set up in a way to take the bulk from the schools and have the odd few from clubs. This despite, i presume, roughly the same numbers in both youths and schools.

The provincial youth sides give pretty much the same oportunities to players as a typical senior cup side does. This isin't just with regard to profile, but also training and preparation. That far too few oportunities for a large base of players.
One solution to help the situation would be for about 10 regional sides instead of the traditional provincial teams at youth level. Say a cork team, limerick team, rest of munster team, etc. This would provide a far greater amount of players out of the youths system, as playing at such a level of rugby would most likely keep a young lad focused soley on the sport.

Any thoughts?

[TheRedHurricane]

Don't think that would work Busbi. If there was just a Cork, Limerick and rest of Munster team there would be a lack of quality coaching. The point of it is that its a select group of players that train at a good standard, with decent coaches and train at a higher intensity that what you would be getting in atri regional group. Yet the 3 team idea is basically in place. The North(Limerick& Clare), South (Cork), East(Waterford & Tipp) and West (Kerrry) play their own competition, but it is regarded as a stepping stone to playing for Munster.
But that's another point. How many of these players are playing just so they can play for Munster? Would as many train as long or as hard without that being the immediate goal? It would be harder to develop the better players in the regions if they keep playing at the same level, the step up in intensity and skill can only improve them as players.
It is true though that they are getting a fantastic opportunity at the minute. I believe at the 1st Youths training session a month or 2 ago that Axel was there. Also that Ian Sherwin is their full time coach. There cant be a much bigger ask than that sort of coaching team.


Also, would it suit the other provinces either? Connacht is based largely in Galway and in Sligo grammar school. It would also increase the cost for each Provence to supply additional coaches, fitness trainers and physios.

[canine]

Hearing very good things about Axel,people in the know say he,s destined for the big time,(with a rugby brain like his its not in doubt)

[halftime]

Hearing very good things about Axel,people in the know say he,s destined for the big time,(with a rugby brain like his its not in doubt)

I agree with you on Axel - I hear that the senior players would perfer him to Fisher..!

[TokyoCrusaders92]

Leinster already do that to some degree, with regional teams at u-17 for Metro, North East, Midlands, South Midlands and South East. They compete in a league over the season, with training once a week during the season / pre-season work etc. The best players fro this then graduate to the Leinster u-18 setup the following year.

Ruairi

[ormond lad]

Munster also have regional teams with games taking place at the moment between teams representingNorth, East, West and South Munster.These games are played together at central venues and all munster youths coaches and the branch CDO's attend

[ormond lad]

From Munsterrugby.ie/domestic/news
Volunteer Roles Available
12 April 2010, 2:28 pm
By Cliona Quaid
Munster Rugby Volunteer Team Manager and Coaching roles are currently available for Regional Development Squads in North, South, East and West Munster.
Regional Development Coach
Please note the minimum criterion for appointment is IRFU Level 1 Accredited, with the appropriate experience of working toward Level 2 Accreditation.

Should you wish to view role description of:

Player Development Forwards Coach please click here
Player Development Backs Coach
Player Development Team Manager
To apply for any of the above positions please email your Curriculum Vitae to clionaquaid@munsterrugby.ie by Friday, 16th April

[Bokka]

Who has been coaching these teams up to now?

[ormond lad]

Who has been coaching these teams up to now?

In east munster until now severalcoaches of u17 & 19 teams in the region have been the coaches,for example pat fitzpatrick from nenagh who is now YDO in nenagh has been involved with the east for the last few years.


This year Noel O Meara with another 3 munster branch CDO's got involved with the 4 regions to help prepare them for the inter regional competition

[Daky]

Up to now the regions have been looking after the coaching/management themselves. My guess is that Munster rugby want to have a little more control/structure.

[Clubman]

As rugby has now grown to phenomenal levels in this country, a far greater proportion of players are coming through the youths system. But are the structures in place to take full advantage of this? It seems that the the whole underage system is set up in a way to take the bulk from the schools and have the odd few from clubs. This despite, i presume, roughly the same numbers in both youths and schools.

The provincial youth sides give pretty much the same oportunities to players as a typical senior cup side does. This isin't just with regard to profile, but also training and preparation. That far too few oportunities for a large base of players.
One solution to help the situation would be for about 10 regional sides instead of the traditional provincial teams at youth level. Say a cork team, limerick team, rest of munster team, etc. This would provide a far greater amount of players out of the youths system, as playing at such a level of rugby would most likely keep a young lad focused soley on the sport.

Any thoughts?

Your first statement is true and from it comes a huge problem, that of insufficient qualified</span> coaches to bring potential forward. Entry level or level 1 coaching courses seem to be of insufficient quality to allow a newcomer to take charge of a decent sized under age squad. If the guy has rugby background as a player maybe he could get away with it, but a newcomer, not a chance. And there are many newcomers getting involved because of their own interest in Munster or whatever and then the fact a son has taken up the game.

I have seen a few under age games this year and almost universally, the skill levels are appalling. That's a shame as some of the kids have potential.

[Humpty Dumpty]

Speaking a a coach, and having coached from u6 to now coaching u17, I see loads of wannabe guys involved that never played the game, now coaching which is a worry, now to be fair to these guys they may have the basics but the technical side is beyond most of them.


If I had my way, all new coaches must do the mini level coaching course prior to coaching any team, they could come into the game at entry level u6 or 7 as an assistant coach, if they have come our sport from another sport. Or if they are a former player then the level entry could be u8 or 9.


No coach should be allowed to coach 15 a side rugby unless they have done the foundation or level 1 course.


I would also bring in people who can access each coach by going to a game to access them and point the good and bad to them.


What annoys me is the shouting and abuse some coaches give to the lads on the field, that is plain wrong, I don't neither does the other coach in our team, there is a guy in our club who seems to get enjoyment out of this.


A code of conduct is there but not enforced by any club.


These imo are the fundamentals that need to be addressed straight away.

[Ruginator]

I did both the foundation and mini course and found that they were overly concentrated at the very basics of the game, don't pass forward etc, the benfit of both is negligible at best. Have still to do level 1 course which i would hope would be of far greater benefit. Any player that has played rugby to any half standard at all will learn very little by doing the basic level course.


We were shown how the skill of passing was basically 9 steps, it was incrediblely broken down. Admitidtly it 6 years since i did the courses but both were at the time of little benefit. Maybe they have imrpoved? anyone at a course lately with an opinion of its benfits?

[Bokka]

Speaking a a coach, and
having coached from u6 to now coaching u17, I see loads
of wannabe guys involved that never played the game,
now coaching which is a worry, now to be fair to these guys
they may have the basics but the technical side is beyond
most of them.


If I had my way, all new coaches must do the mini level
coaching course prior to coaching any team, they could
come into the game at entry level u6 or 7 as an assistant
coach, if they have come our sport from another sport. Or
if they are a former player then the level entry could be u8
or 9.


No coach should be allowed to coach 15 a side rugby
unless they have done the foundation or level 1 course.


I would also bring in people who can access each coach
by going to a game to access them and point the good and
bad to them.


What annoys me is the shouting and abuse some
coaches give to the lads on the field, that is plain wrong, I
don't neither does the other coach in our team, there is a
guy in our club who seems to get enjoyment out of this.


A code of conduct is there but not enforced by any
club.


These imo are the fundamentals that need to be
addressed straight away.


*

I would agree with you about coaches doing the mini
course before coaching mini's
The problem for a lot of clubs is that they don't have the
volunteers to look after the amount of underage players
and are delighted that people do take an interest whether
they've played or not.

When you're being assessed it's on your coaching ability
not on your match day tactics and there's nothing wrong
with shouting instructions or positive feedback to players
on the field but abusing them is totally out of order.

If a coach hasn't got the respect of the players then they
are at nothing.

[Serge]

As rugby has now grown to phenomenal
levels in this country, a far greater proportion of players
are coming through the youths system. But are the
structures in place to take full advantage of this? It seems
that the the whole underage system is set up in a way to
take the bulk from the schools and have the odd few from
clubs. This despite, i presume, roughly the same numbers
in both youths and schools.The provincial youth sides give
pretty much the same oportunities to players as a typical
senior cup side does. This isin't just with regard to profile,
but also training and preparation. That far too few
oportunities for a large base of players.One solution to help
the situation would be for about 10 regional sides instead of
the traditional provincial teams at youth level. Say a cork
team, limerick team, rest of munster team, etc. This would
provide a far greater amount of players out of the youths
system, as playing at such a level of rugby would most
likely keep a young lad focused soley on the sport.Any
thoughts?

Your first statement is true and from it comes a
huge problem, that of insufficient &lt;span style="font-
weight: bold;"&gt;qualified&lt;/span&gt; coaches to bring potential
forward. Entry level or level 1 coaching courses seem to be
of insufficient quality to allow a newcomer to take charge of
a decent sized under age squad. If the guy has rugby
background as a player maybe he could get away with it,
but a newcomer, not a chance. And there are many
newcomers getting involved because of their own interest
in Munster or whatever and then the fact a son has taken
up the game.I have seen a* few under age games this year
and almost universally, the skill levels are appalling. That's
a shame as some of the kids have potential.

[Serge]

As rugby has now grown to phenomenal
levels in this country, a far greater proportion of players
are coming through the youths system. But are the
structures in place to take full advantage of this? It seems
that the the whole underage system is set up in a way to
take the bulk from the schools and have the odd few from
clubs. This despite, i presume, roughly the same numbers
in both youths and schools.The provincial youth sides give
pretty much the same oportunities to players as a typical
senior cup side does. This isin't just with regard to profile,
but also training and preparation. That far too few
oportunities for a large base of players.One solution to help
the situation would be for about 10 regional sides instead of
the traditional provincial teams at youth level. Say a cork
team, limerick team, rest of munster team, etc. This would
provide a far greater amount of players out of the youths
system, as playing at such a level of rugby would most
likely keep a young lad focused soley on the sport.Any
thoughts?

Your first statement is true and from it comes a
huge problem, that of insufficient &lt;span style="font-
weight: bold;"&gt;qualified&lt;/span&gt; coaches to bring potential
forward. Entry level or level 1 coaching courses seem to be
of insufficient quality to allow a newcomer to take charge of
a decent sized under age squad. If the guy has rugby
background as a player maybe he could get away with it,
but a newcomer, not a chance. And there are many
newcomers getting involved because of their own interest
in Munster or whatever and then the fact a son has taken
up the game.I have seen a* few under age games this year
and almost universally, the skill levels are appalling. That's
a shame as some of the kids have potential.

I don't think you can blame coaches if the skill level of
players is appalling. At youths level a coach has to play the
hand he is dealt. A coach cannot go around the locality
picking the best footballers in the area. He can only coach
the players that want to play rugby. Some of these may be
excellent ball players and some of these may have poor
handling skills. A coach will do what he can, in the limited
training time available, to enhance the weaker players.
But he/she can only do so much. The weaker players must
practice at home. For example passing. In our team (U15)
we try do various passing drills and invariably I have to
take the same players out for 10 minutes to show them
how to pass. I get them to do it reasonably well after a few
minutes one to one. But then they go and play a game 5
minutes later and go back to their old frustrating habits.
For example, trying to get some players to remember hold
their hands up ready to receive a pass is well nigh
impossible despite having done it 5 minutes earlier one to
one. When you ask them if they have a rugby ball to
practice with at home at home, they scratch their heads
trying to remember where it is and if they remember very
quickly you will be told it's punctured.

It's very frustrating as a coach to watch teams not do as
well as they might because of poor technique of some
players, which despite all the help/advice you give them is
not being heeded. Look its probably the same for all levels
of coaching. I remember an recent intercounty senior
hurling coach telling me that these days its very hard to get
even the best senior players to take on board the advice
offered.

[Humpty Dumpty]

Having played senior rugby for many years, the skills I have required and now passing on to the lads, has a benefit to all players from the best to the least skillful, I to have to take guys aside to give them one on one coaching which is fine as we have a large coaching staff, but the smaller clubs may not have the staff to give one on one's which is to the detriment of the whole squad, so now that the season is nearly over, go out and recruit people for next season, get them to go on a coaching course, the more staff per team the better.

[ormond lad]

From munsterrugby.ie/domestic/news
Crosshaven Win Under 19 South Cup
15 April 2010, 10:39 am
By Leonard AllenC
rosshaven won the Maher's Sports South Munster Under 19 Cup and kept their aspirations of the double alive as they defeated Sunday's Well in a nail biting encounter at Musgrave Park with the lead changing hands on several occasions in a dramatic final quarter.
Crosshaven 29 Sunday's Well 28

Maher Sports Man of the Match Cian McGovern was the main architect of Crosshaven’s victory contributing nineteen points of his side’s total.


With the ‘Well leading 18-16 at the game approached the final ten minutes Crosshaven upped the ante and after great work by the Crosshaven pack lock Ben Crumplin got in for a second try which McGovern converted for a five point lead.
McGovern looked like he had sealed victory with his fourth penalty six minutes from time.


However the Well rallied and centre Ian Ryan got in at the corner for a ‘Well try which Dave O’Gorman converted. Back came the ‘Well and after great work by the forwards a drop goal by out half Eoin Philpott put the ‘Well in front by two points, but this lead did not last long.McGovern was off target with a drop goal effort but kicked his fifth penalty with the last kick of the game to ensure that his side had secured the first leg of the Double.


A try by Christian O’Donovan and a conversion and three penalties by McGovern gave Crossahven a 16-11 lead at half time. Paul Quill scored a try for the ‘Well and O’Gorman kicked two penalties.


The ‘Well took the lead three minutes after the restart when the ball was spread out to tight head prop Jack O’Connell for a try following a five-metre scrum, which was converted by O’Gorman to give the Musgrave Park side an 18-16 advantage.


But than came Crosshaven’s dramatic finish as they now look to beat Highfield in the League final next week.


Scorers: Crosshaven: Cian McGovern 5 penalties; 2 conversions; Christian O’Donovan; Ben Crumplin 1 try each.
Sunday’s Well: Dave O’Gorman 2 penalties; 2 conversions; Paul Quill, Jack O’Connell; Ian Ryan 1 try each; Eoin Philpott 1 drop goal.


Crosshaven: Stephen O’Mahony; Mark O’Mahony, Darren O’Keeffe, Christian O’Donovan, Martin O’Callaghan; Cian McGovern, Rob Keeley; Tom O’Donovan, Gary Fitzgibbon, James Rochford; Dan Kirby, Eoin Kavanagh; Darren O'Shea, Ryan Kiely, Ben Crumplin.
Replacements: Daire Fitzgerald, Killian O’Keeffe, Peter Dowling, Craig Fleming, Kieran Doran, Dave O’Donovan.

Sunday’s Well: Ronan Humphries; Gerry Roach, Ian Ryan, Oisin Cuddy, David Ring; Eoin Philpott, Peter Arigho; Cian Linehan, Dave O’Gorman, Jack O’Connell; Steve O’Callaghan, Cian O’Callaghan; Kieran O’Byrne, Paul Quill, Tony Mason.
Replacements: Jack Mackey, Barry Thompson, Stuart O’Riordan, Cormac Holland, Conor Dowling, Josh Sheehan, Adam Sheehan.
Referee: Shane Kierans (M.A.R.)

[Humpty Dumpty]

I was at the game, best game of rugby I have seen in a long time, super end to end stuff, and the penalty that won it for Crosser was superb, right on the half way line, Rog would have been proud of that kick, The Well were unlucky, but respect to both sides, and thanks for a great game.

[ormond lad]

From munsterrugby.ie/domestic/news

Voluntary Strength and Conditioning Roles Available
21 April 2010, 6:00 pm
By Cliona Quaid
Munster Rugby have four to six positions available for strength and conditioning coaches for the period beginning of June to the end of September.
These voluntary roles are in conjunction with the U19, U18, U17 and U16 Regional Squads North, South East and West Munster.


The candidate should be familiar with the structures of Irish Rugby and the Long Term Player Development pathway.Applicants must also be familiar with strength and conditioning programmes specific towards the young athlete and holdtheIRFU CertifiedConditioning accreditation.


For further information please click here.


To apply for any of the above roles please email your Curriculum Vitae to clionaquaid@munsterrugby.ie by Wednesday, 28th April

[ormond lad]

Its finals day in the south tomorrow with 4 competitions up for decision in musgrave park with Crosshaven playing Highfield in at 6pm in the south u19 league final,the u17 cup final between Highfield and Bandon at 4, the u17 development cup between crosshaven and mallow at 2.15 and the u15 cup final starting the day off with Cork Con playing Kanturk at 12.30

[ormond lad]

Its finals day in the south tomorrowwith 4competitions up for decision in musgrave park withCrosshavenplaying Highfield in at 6pm in the south u19 league final,the u17 cup final between Highfield and Bandon at 4, the u17development cup between crosshaven andmallow at 2.15 and the u15 cup final starting the day offwith Cork Conplaying Kanturk at 12.30

Highfield won the 17s cupand lost the 19s league final to crosshaven 29-28

[ormond lad]

Report on south 19sleague final from the highfield youthswebsite, highfieldyouths.com
Seasons ends on a downer, but no shortage of heart from the boys who have done us proud.
<S&#079;NG>Highfield 10 - 16 Crosshaven.</S&#079;NG>
After what seemed like a summer of good weather, the punters at Musgrave Park were greeted to wind and rain for the league final between Highfield and Crosshaven on Saturday evening. Opting to play with the wind, Crosshaven kicked deep into the Highfield half and kept the ball there for most of the first 20 minutes. With the poor conditions, line-outs were difficult to control especially against a team with the tall men of Crosshaven, but when the first scrum was won by Highfield against the head, it gave a glimmer of hope that the Highfield boys could hold their own. Highfield gave away a number of penalties in this period allowing a lead of 0-6 to be racked up. Eventually though, the Highfield boys settled, and good chasing of some fine restart kicks gave the Highfield boys some time in the Crosshaven half of the pitch. Some quick thinking opened a gap on the left side and when Darren Walsh made a touchline break and offloaded to Kevin Foyle Highfield got the first try of the game. Scoring in the corner left the kick very tough in the conditions, but Billy Murphy just missed to the right of the posts. 5-6. Highfield could have had another but the final pass was adjudged to have been forward.
From the restart Crosshaven again pushed hard into the Highfield half and once again the defence was adjudged to have fouled and when the penalty was converted it looked like Highfield would be lucky to get to the interval at 5-9. Again the kick-off allowed the Highfield boys contest the ball, and having forced a poor clearance Highfield had the put in. A messy line out ensued, but some fine defensive lines pushing onto the oncoming Crosshaven boys led to a knock-on.
Pushing into the Highfield 22 a deft kick saw a Crosshaven defender knock the ball on, and Foyler touched down for what looked like a perfectly good try. The referee however decided that no advantage was to be played so Highfield had to be satisfied with a 5m scrum. A good solid scrum allowed Miah Cronin to re-score the try, but again the kick was just wide of the posts for the conversion. Half-time, playing against the conditions and the score at 10-9.
The second half saw a complete change of tactics from the Crosshaven boys. The conditions worsened and the Crosshaven pack held onto the ball and mauled like men possessed. In one drive, the Highfield boys retreated a full 40 yards, and this energy sapping stuff seemed to make the Crosshaven boys stronger and the Highfield boys weaker. No shortage of heart though, and every ball was fiercely contested. Only once was the Highfield line breached. Only early in the second half did the Highfield look like scoring, and at the end of the game it was clear enough that the stronger team had won.
Only one score between the teams again this time, and on a drier day the result might have been different. On this occasion the Highfield backs got very little clean ball but made it count when they did. Our boys played well in this game, but their best was not good enough to win. Friends, parents, coaches, manager and all at Highfield RFC are proud of your performance. Half of these lads will have had a successful season last year, and many will have next year to look forward to still at Under 19.
A special word of thanks to Frank and Fergus for the wonderful work they have put in this year with the U19s.
Thanks too to Brian for his sterling management of the team, and a special word of thanks for Robert Bogue for helping out at then end of the season and at the league final. Roll on next year...

[Humpty Dumpty]

Here is a question, if a 16 year old is playing for a local club, and gets ona munster development programme while attending secondary school, can the likes of Pres, Cbc, etc poach him to attend their school, would munster allow this?

[Don Pepe]

Here is a question, if a 16 year
old
is playing for a local club, and gets on*a munster
development
programme while attending secondary school, can the likes
of
Pres, Cbc, etc poach him to attend their school, would
munster allow this?

Yes they can approach him and Munster can't stop them.
However if he is on the Munster Development Squad
through his club then if he opts to go to Pres/CBC to play
rugby then he will also be automatically be omitted out of
the development squad as this is a pathway for club
players only and as far as i know if he's panelled at A
schools level it will also exclude him from playing club
rugby with the A & B schools rule regarding playing youths
club rugby.

[Humpty Dumpty]

Ah, ok thanks.

[clancyc06]

Know of 2 players off hand in the last 5 yrs or so who transfered from lesser grade schools to transfer including Keith Earls who went to St Nessans,a stone throw from Thomond Park,remember the controversy regarding Jeremy Staunton who played for the Irish Youths on the request of someone possibly the Irish Schools selectors?Still a sore point with some clubs I know!

[chocolat]

Know of 2 players off hand in the last 5 yrs or so who transfered from lesser grade schools to transfer including Keith Earls who went to St Nessans,a stone throw from Thomond Park,remember the controversy regarding Jeremy Staunton who played for the Irish Youths on the request of someone possibly the Irish Schools selectors?Still a sore point with some clubs I know!

Keith also went to same school in first year, moved to Nessan's and moved back again.

[locomotion]

quite anumber of players have beenoffered places in schools to bolster the senior cup squads and then the schools claim that they have developed these new players for Munster despite the fact that some of them only joined the school in transition year.

[Humpty Dumpty]

I know a lad who is a fine player what is the best way for him to get seen by the private schools?