THE WORLD CUP period is going to be a testing time for Leinster no doubt, but it also presents exciting possibilities for the province’s younger players and fringe squad members.
With the likes of Johnny Sexton, Sean O’Brien, Rob Kearney and a raft of other internationals away with Ireland, opportunity knocks in the coming months.
Wing Adam Byrne makes a break against Ulster last weekend. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
Last weekend’s pre-season win over Ulster was a case in point, as the likes of academy players Billy Dardis, Adam Byrne, Peter Dooley, Garry Ringrose and Nick McCarthy were involved and a procession of other youngsters such as Tadhg Beirne, Dan Leavy, Cathal Marsh, Luke McGrath and Gavin Thornbury featured.
New head coach Leo Cullen is likely to use several of the same players in Friday’s second friendly game against Moseley at Donnybrook (KO 19.30) and the former lock wants to see these young men deliver.
“I think it’s great for us as senior coaches to be able to work with those players, because you might not ordinarily get that opportunity,” said Cullen at the Guinness Pro12 launch in London on Monday.
“Every week you can see the progression and it’s been really, really good. Those guys will get an opportunity during this phase and it’s important that they capture the chance they have and get accustomed to being in the team.
Leinster’s academy players have been integrated with the senior squad – along with their manager Girvan Dempsey – during the summer months, and will continue to work under Cullen with the province’s frontliners away on World Cup duty as the Pro12 begins early next month.
Captain Kevin McLaughlin – who replaces Jamie Heaslip for the World Cup period – has been impressed with how the youngsters have adapted to the on-pitch demands, but points out that there have been learnings away from training.
“I think from a rugby point of view, they’ve integrated really well. I think it’s more the standards around the club and outside of rugby. We’ve had to chat to a few of them about lifestyle and what’s expected there.
Cathal Marsh started at 10 against Ulster. Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
“It’s maybe a slight lifestyle change when you step up from the academy to the senior squad, being the best professional you can be and learning that kind of stuff. From a rugby point of view, these guys are so talented and physically they’re freaks.
“It’s actually scary to us old fellas! It’s just teaching them what it’s about playing for Leinster.”
The importance of recovery strategies, consistent high-quality sleep and an intense focus on diet have been reinforced to the younger players in the Leinster group. These are things they learned in the academy, but their necessity is even greater in the senior game.