The Leinster Academy list for the 2012/13 season has been announced…
In all there will be 24 players in next year’s Academy.
Sixteen players have been retained while eight new players, amongst them Clongowes Wood College SJ front row duo brothers Brian and Edward Byrne as well as St. Michael’s College Senior Cup winning captain Dan Leavy, will begin the three-year Academy programme later this summer.
The Academy programme is set out over three years where all of the players will aim to ultimately earn a professional contract. Past graduates from the Leinster Academy system include recent Ireland internationals Fergus McFadden, Kevin McLaughlin, Sean O’Brien, Rhys Ruddock, Jonathan Sexton and Devin Toner.
In addition to each Academy player’s third level commitments, the players will complete a supplementary HETAC (Higher Education & Training Awards Council) course. Overseen by Academy Manager Colin McEntee, the HETAC programme encompasses a three-year supplementary course in modules such as Rugby Technical, Tactical, Generic, Fitness, Lifestyle, Media and Psychological skills supplementary to their third level commitments.
The entire Academy panel will also fulfil several hours of active community service in hospitals, community centres and special schools across the province over the season which will help develop the players’ core values in a practical sense, thus developing their real life skills.
Leinster Academy List 2012/13:
Edward Byrne (Loosehead Prop) 1
Brian Byrne (Hooker) 1
Gavin Thornbury (2nd Row) 1
Tadgh Beirne (2nd Row) 1
Dan Leavy (Flanker) 1
Josh Van Der Flier (Openside Flanker) 1
Jack Conan (Number Eight) 1
Cathal Marsh (Out-half) 1
James Tracey (Loosehead Prop) 2
Tadhg Furlong (Tighthead Prop) 2
Martin Moore (Tighthead Prop) 2
David Doyle (Hooker) 2
Conor Gilsenan (Openside) 2
Jordan Coughlan (Back-row) 2
Luke McGrath (Scrum-half) 2
Collie O’Shea (Centre) 2
Michael Sherlock (Full-back) 2
Andrew Boyle (Wing) 2
Jack O’Connell (Loosehead Prop) 3
Jordi Murphy (Back-row) 3
Ben Marshall (2nd Row) 3
Noel Reid (Out-half/Centre) 3
Darren Hudson (Wing) 3
Sam Coghlan Murray (Wing) 3
