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IRFU Coaching Positions

Ireland Rugby — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:28:00 +0000

The IRFU have confirmed the coaching and management positions for the coming internetational season.

IRELAND A

Connacht coach Michael Bradley will continue in charge of the A team, against Tonga and Argentina in November, the team will also play England Saxons and Scotland A next year – where they will be managed by Joey Miles.

IRELAND WOMEN

Ireland Women’s team will be managed by Rachael Reid and have new head coach Kevin West to build on last years success in the Six Nations where they qualified outright for the Women’s World Cup due to their success!

IRELAND YOUTH

U-20’s will continue to be coached by Allen Clarke, and be joined by new manager Michael Kearney. Clarke will also be working with the U-19 side (containing both clubs and schools players) in one of their fixtures against the Australian U-19 team.

U-19 Schools will also play Australia under the guidance of Terr McMaster. Both of the U-19’s will be under the management of former Ireland Schools team manager Barry McGonigle.

To ensure continuity Terr My McMaster will continue to coach the U-18 Schools team along with former internationals Kelly Gooks and Garbiel Fulcher. The U-18 Club side will also gain from continuity with Greg Lynch coaching and Willie Gribben managing.

The AIB Club International side which gives club players the change to represent Ireland in fixtures against England and Scotland will have a manager announced at a later date.

McKinley to captain U20s

Ireland Rugby — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:06:08 +0000

The Irish U20 side is to take on Samoa in the IRB Toshiba Junior World Championship and the coaching staff today announced the members of the team. There are a number of changes to the team and this is likely due to the fact that the team lost by a narrow margin to Wales.

The team to face Samoa will have Ian McKinley as captain. He was a veritable hero during the clash against Wales, kicking no less than four penalties. He steps up to fill the shoes of Peter O’Mahony who is out due to injury. Other changes include the replacement of Ian Madigan at full back by David Kearney and Ronan O’Mahony is to take up the right wing position.

This game is the fight for the seventh position in the tournament and while there are some who might scoff at being at this level, the important issue is that these young players gain match experience. This is the future of Irish rugby and every minute they spend on the field playing competitive rugby is time well spent. The game will take place on Sunday and will be another chance for the young team to prove its mettle.

IRELAND UNDER-20 TEAM & REPLACEMENTS

15 – David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster)
14 – Ronan O’Mahony (Garryowen/Munster)
13 – Danny Barnes (UCC/Munster)
12 – Eamonn Sheridan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 – Michael Keating (Clontarf/Leinster)
10 – Ian McKinley (UCD/Leinster) (capt)
9 – Matthew Healy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
1 – Jack McGrath (St.Mary’s College/Leinster)
2 – Thomas Sexton (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
3 – Adam Macklin (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
4 – Joe Moran (Galwegians/Connacht)
5 – Mark Flanagan (UCD/Leinster)
6 – David O’Callaghan (UCC/Munster)
7 – Dominic Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
8 – Rhys Ruddock (Millfield School/Exiles)

Replacements:

16 – David McGregor (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
17 – Paddy McAllister (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
18 – Jack O’Connell (Lansdowne/Leinster)
19 – Brian Hayes (CBC/Munster)
20 – Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)
21 – Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster)
22 – Shane Gahan (Lansdowne/Leinster)

Coach wills his U-20 team forward

Ireland Rugby — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:06:27 +0000

The Irish U-20 squad has had a tough time of it this season although they have showed some real heart. The coach Allen Clarke is now hoping that they can pull a great performance out of the bag when they take on Samoa in the 7th-8th place playoffs in the IRB Toshiba Junior World Cup.

This is a game of pride for the team and while they have perhaps not performed as well as they would have hoped for, the coach is still proud of the boys. The last game resulted in a close call against the Welsh thanks to late kicks by Ian McKinley. Unfortunately though it was too little too late and the Irish were narrowly defeated by 17-19.

The Irish faced the challenge of losing key players during the course of the game including their captain. While they did put up a good fight against Wales, it was the solo effort of Welshman Mathew Jarvis who was responsible for scoring 14 points.

The coach is therefore optimistic that the team can pull off a victory against Samoa and this comes even though he has acknowledge that the Pacific island nation is not one to underestimate. Perhaps knowing that they have their pride to play for will be a great enough incentive for the U-20 team as they go into their final match of the season.

Wales narrowly defeat Irish U-20s

Ireland Rugby — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:17:05 +0000

Both teams always knew that this game was going to be a clash of the Titans. But they were perhaps still not prepared for the intensity of the match up and as the final score line of 19-17 to Wales shows, there was certainly a lot of excitement on the park.

The Irish got off to a great start with winger Michael Keating scoring a try within the first six minutes. Unfortunately Ian McKinley missed the conversion and a further set back occurred when the team lost its captain Paul O’Mahony due to injury.

The Welsh immediately went on the offensive and kept up a battering ram style of play against the Irish. A solo effort by Mathew Jarvis resulted in 14 points for the Welsh and a try from Justin Tipuric sealed the deal.

Both teams proved their mettle in the match but at the end of the day it was simply that the Welsh had the greater advantage. According to the Irish players the Welsh were better on the day when it came to maximizing their opportunities and they made sure that Ireland paid for their mistakes.

This result means that the Irish U-20s will now face Samoa in the play off for 7th and 8th place on Sunday.

IRELAND U-20: Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster); David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster), Danny Barnes (UCC/Munster), Eamonn Sheridan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Michael Keating (Clontarf/Leinster); Ian McKinley (UCD/Leinster), Conor Murray (Garryowen Munster); Jack McGrath (St. Mary’s College/Leinster), Thomas Sexton (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Adam Macklin (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Dominic Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Mark Flanagan (UCD/Leinster), Rhys Ruddock (Millfield School/Exiles), Brian O’Hara (UL Bohemians/Munster), Peter O’Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) (capt).

Replacements used: David O’Callaghan (UCC/Munster) for O’Mahony (6 mins, inj), Joe Moran (Galwegians/Connacht) for O’Hara (41, inj), Andrew Burke (Garryowen/Munster) for Barnes (46), Matthew Healy (Lansdowne/Leinster) for Murray (56), Paddy McAllister (Ballynahinch/Ulster) for Macklin (61), Jonny Shiels (Queen’s University/Ulster) for Madigan (75).
Not used: David McGregor (Ballynahinch/Ulster).

WALES U-20: Daniel Newton; James Loxton, Jason Harries, Ashley Beck, Rhys Downes; Matthew Jarvis, Lloyd Williams; Aaron Coundley, Rhys Williams, Scott Andrews (capt), James King, Ashley Sweet, Justin Tipuric, Rhys Jenkins, James Thomas.

Replacements used: Scott Williams for Beck (17 mins), David Langdon for S Williams (58), Rory Pitman for Sweet (65), Josh Navidi for Jenkins (75).
Not used: Craig Attwell, Simon Gardiner, James Leadbeater.

Referee: Jerome Garces (France).

Changes made to U-20 squad

Ireland Rugby — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:20:19 +0000

The Irish U-20 team are set to face Wales in the IRB Toshiba Junior World Cup this week and today the team for the clash was announced. Several changes have been made to the team due to injury and the need to make some strategic alterations when taking on Wales.

Nevin Spence was injured in the last game and he will be replaced at center by Danny Barnes. Eamonn Sheridan is to accompany him. These are a couple of the changes that have been made to a team that looks very strong and should give the Welsh more than just a run for their money. The Irish would like to move on to play for 6th and 7th place against the winners of the clash between Samoa and France.

Ireland

15 – Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster)
14 – David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster)
13 – Danny Barnes (UCC/Munster)
12 – Eamonn Sheridan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 – Michael Keating (Clontarf/Leinster)
10 – Ian McKinley (UCD/Leinster)
9 – Conor Murray (Garryowen Munster)
1 – Jack McGrath (St. Mary’s College/Leinster)
2 – Thomas Sexton (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
3 – Adam Macklin (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
4 – Dominic Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
5 – Mark Flanagan (UCD/Leinster)
6 – Rhys Ruddock (Millfield School/Exiles)
7 – Brian O’Hara (UL Bohemians/Munster)
8 – Peter O’Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) (capt)

Replacements:

16 – David McGregor (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
17 – Paddy McAllister (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
18 – Joe Moran (Galwegians/Connacht)
19 – David O’Callaghan (UCC/Munster)
20 – Matthew Healy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
21 – Andrew Burke (Garryowen/Munster)
22 – Jonny Shiels (Queen’s University/Ulster)

Ireland U20 finish pool stages of IRB competition

Ireland Rugby — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 13:11:27 +0000

The Ireland U20 team is currently taking part in the IRB Toshiba Junior World Championship being held in Japan. The tournament has been an eye-opener for many of the players as this is their first experience of international rugby. The Irish officials present in Japan have stated that they were impressed with the level of depth that the country will have in terms of its rugby going forward.

Today saw the team complete the pool stages of the competition with a win against Uruguay. This South American team is new to the tournament and were essentially an unknown entity, match experience showed the Irish to be superior to their competition and this was their second win in the pool stages.

The humidity posed quite a challenge to the Irish and there were fears that this could serve to undermine their performance. But all worries were put to rest by 22 minutes into the game when the first try was scored by Jonny Shiels. This was to be the first of seven in a thoroughly impressive performance. Jonny Shiels went on to score a second try, while Andrew Burke, David McGregor and Michael Keating also added their names to the score sheet.

The entire game was just one of Irish domination and the U20 side eventually went on to defeat Uruguay by 45 – 0. This win means that Ireland is to face Wales in the first of their play off games. This is no doubt going to be a tough match but for now the Irish will have a bit of time to savour this great victory

Top finishes in 6 Nations

Ireland Rugby — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:04:30 +0000

We are all very much aware that the Ireland Senior team brought home Grand Slam glory this week as it won the RBS 6 Nations. But we must not forget that this was not the only 6 Nations tournament that was underway at the time and the country’s U-20 Squad and Women’s team have done just as well.

The U-20 squad proved their mettle by ending second in the championship as they narrowly missed out during the final.

The Women also took a podium position with their third place position. This is the highest that they have achieved to date.

All of these results prove that Irish rugby is growing ever stronger and the country is a force to be reckoned with.

Irish U20 team named for Welsh clash

Ireland Rugby — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 11:44:55 +0000

This weekend the Irish U-20 side is set to emulate their senior counterparts as they take on Wales in the final game of the U-20 6 Nations championship. The coaching staff under the leadership of Allen Clarke, has made three changes to the side that took on Scotland last week.

Adam Macklin has come in at tighthead prop and this means that Jack McGrath moves to loosehead prop while Paddy McAllister is a new addition to the replacements. The back line also has one change and that will see Shane Gahan selected to the position of center.

This is a big game to the Irish as they hope to gain a victory here and take the title.

IRELAND UNDER-20 TEAM & REPLACEMENTS (v Wales Under-20s, 2009 RBS U-20 6 Nations Championship, Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli, Friday, March 20, kick-off 7.10pm):

15 - David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster)
14 - Ronan O’Mahony (Garryowen/Munster)
13 - Shane Gahan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
12 - Eamonn Sheridan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Michael Keating (Clontarf/Leinster)
10 - Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster)
9 - Matthew Healy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
1 - Jack McGrath (St. Mary’s College/Leinster)
2 - Thomas Sexton (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
3 - Adam Macklin (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
4 - Ciaran Ruddock (Neath/Exiles)
5 - James Sandford (Queens University/Ulster)
6 - Rhys Ruddock (Millfield School/Exiles)
7 - Dominic Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
8 - Peter O’Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) (capt)

Replacements:

16 - David McGregor (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
17 - Paddy McAllister (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
18 - Mark Flanagan (UCD/Leinster)
19 - Michael Noone (Seapoint/Leinster)
20 - Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)
21 - Andrew Burke (Garryowen/Munster)
22 - Ian McKinley (UCD/Leinster)

U20 unbeaten no more

Ireland Rugby — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:27:08 +0000

The Irish U-20 side hoped to try and achieve a Grand Slam as the Senior side is trying to do in the Six Nations. While the senior side might still achieve this, the hopes of the Irish U-20 side were dashed when they took on an in-form Scotland this week.

The Scottish proved that they are a force to be reckoned with and they continued to build on their great performance against Wales last weekend, proving that this was no fluke. The Scottish were motivated and organized and no doubt they enjoyed having the benefit of home ground advantage. Whatever the cause, they were too much for the Irish to handle and the final score was 35-20 to the Scottish.

It is difficult to understand why Ireland failed to perform as the team seemed as if they were definitely good enough to beat the Scottish. It is clear that BMT on the day is still crucial and certainly these young players will come to learn this with the more match experience they get.

SCOTLAND UNDER-20: Robbie McGowan (Stirling County); Paul Loudon (Durham University/Edinburgh Accies), Ashleah McCulloch (Aberdeen Grammar Rugby), Robbie Johnston (Leeds University/Leeds Carnegie), Grant Anderson (Ayr); Andrew White (Glasgow Hawks), Henry Pyrgos (Loughborough University); Gavin Cameron (Boroughmuir), Finlay Gilles (Heriot’s), David Morton (Bridgwater), Nick Campbell (Glasgow Hawks), Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) (capt), Struan Dewar (Heriot’s), Chris Fusaro (Heriot’s), Stuart McInally (Watsonians).

Replacements: Ryan McConnell (Peebles), Douglas Orr (Haddington), James Taylor (Loughborough University/Dundee HSFP), Tom Drennan (Edinburgh Academicals), Peter Jericevich (Glasgow Hawks), Peter Horne (West of Scotland), Adam McKenzie (Northumbria University).

IRELAND UNDER-20: David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster); Ronan O’Mahony (Garryowen/Munster), Ian McKinley (UCD/Leinster), Eamonn Sheridan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Michael Keating (Clontarf/Leinster); Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster), Matthew Healy (Lansdowne/Leinster); Paddy McAllister (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Thomas Sexton (Old Belvedere/Leinster), Jack McGrath (St. Mary’s College/Leinster), Ciaran Ruddock (Neath/Exiles), James Sandford (Queen’s University/Ulster), Rhys Ruddock (Millfield School/Exiles), Dominic Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster), Peter O’Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) (capt).

Replacements: David McGregor (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Adam Macklin (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Mark Flanagan (UCD/Leinster), Michael Noone (Seapoint/Leinster), Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster), Andrew Burke (Garryowen/Munster), Shane Gahan (Lansdowne/Leinster).

Referee: Andrew Small (England)

U-20 team announced for clash against Scotland

Ireland Rugby — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 11:08:34 +0000

Today saw the announcement of the U-20 Irish side that is set to take on Scotland this week in the 6 Nations. Given the team’s success against England last week, the coaches have decided to stick with the same starting line up. But there are a couple of changes to those on the bench.

Adam Macklin is to replace Jack O’Connell at number 22 and Gary Foley is to be replaced by Andrew Burke. Burke started against the French for Ireland but has been out due to injury. He is expected to have a run against the Scottish in the second half of the game.

Scotland’s win against the Welsh means that they are going to be confident going into this fixture and this is the same sort of attitude that the Irish have, so it should be a great game.

Irish Team

15 - David Kearney (Lansdowne/Leinster)
14 - Ronan O’Mahony (Garryowen/Munster)
13 - Ian McKinley (UCD/Leinster)
12 - Eamonn Sheridan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
11 - Michael Keating (Clontarf/Leinster)
10 - Ian Madigan (Blackrock College/Leinster)
9 - Matthew Healy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
1 - Paddy McAllister (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
2 - Thomas Sexton (Old Belvedere/Leinster)
3 - Jack McGrath (St. Mary’s College/Leinster)
4 - Ciaran Ruddock (Neath/Exiles)
5 - James Sandford (Queens University/Ulster)
6 - Rhys Ruddock (Millfield School/Exiles)
7 - Dominic Ryan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
8 - Peter O’Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster) (capt)

Replacements:

16 - David McGregor (Ballynahinch/Ulster)
17 - Adam Macklin (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
18 - Mark Flanagan (UCD/Leinster)
19 - Michael Noone (Seapoint/Leinster)
20 - Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)
21 - Andrew Burke (Garryowen/Munster)
22 - Shane Gahan (Lansdowne/Leinster)