Any word on the Academy?

[Bayern]

Regan is in NZ to play rugby.

[rumncoke]

Not to sure how much is given to Academy players I expect most are At University - not an environment to encourage the necessary attitude — then there is the fact many never get a lookin at international u20 level a dampener to any budding player looking to go professional.

Professional rugby is all about attitude as at that age there is little difference in skill levels in each position . There is also the physical development and fitness which to some extent maybe a product of attitude and discipline .

All the Academy is providing is opportunity it is then up to the player to make the most of that opportunity

[Bayern]

Dalton, Agnew, Hall, Dunleavy etc. all got chances at u20 level.

[UlsterNo9]

Anyone offered sub academy spots?

Thought Oscar Egan had potential to push his way in. Big injury against Leinster in Donnybrook has cost him dear.

McKee at scrum half also showed promise.

[Bayern]

They won't announce it but I'd say the following will be around the sub-academy:

Oscar Egan(Prop)
George Saunderson(Prop)
Paddt McAlpine(Prop)
Conor McMenamin(Lock)
Matthew Sands(Lock)
Harry Sheridan(Lock)
Will Hopes(Lock-Blindside)
Riley Westwood(Lock-Blindside)
Ryan O’Neill(Openside)
Conor McKee(Scrumhalf)
Charlie Worth(Scrumhalf)
Dara Gaskin(Scurmhalf)
Reece Malone(Outhalf)
Greg Hutley(Outhalf-Centre)
Jude Postlethwaite(Outside Back)
Luke Pollock(Outside Back)
Ben Moxham(Outside Back)

[Bobbievee]

Is Jude any relation to the belfast model Postletwaite of early 60s in a famously capable schools cup side in their day? Maybe went into CI?

[jackthelad]

Is Jude any relation to the belfast model Postletwaite of early 60s in a famously capable schools cup side in their day? Maybe went into CI?

Willie Postlethwaite.

[solidarity]

What do we know about Cormac Izuchukwu ? Did he fall just short of the Leinster Aademy or did he have a reason to come north?

[Bayern]

What do we know about Cormac Izuchukwu ? Did he fall just short of the Leinster Aademy or did he have a reason to come north?

didnt come close to making leinster academy, is a big time project as a lock.

[Setanta]

All round athlete who has played for the sevens and U20s; what's to question?

[solidarity]

No problems welcoming him, very happy to have the lad, just seemed odd that a Leinster shoolboy from Connaught, didn't get picked up by the Leinster or Connaught academy. He will have my 100% support. Lets hope he turns out to be a monster!

[rumncoke]

At 6 7 and 17 stone if he can carry and is fast enough to play 7s could be a future 8 in the making

[Bayern]

No problems welcoming him, very happy to have the lad, just seemed odd that a Leinster shoolboy from Connaught, didn't get picked up by the Leinster or Connaught academy. He will have my 100% support. Lets hope he turns out to be a monster!

He is from leinster not Connacht. The Leinster school he went to would have a lot of players who end up at Connacht aswell as Leinster. He was looked at by Leinster last summer but too much of a project at lock when compared to players Leinster had coming through at the position.

[Bayern]

All round athlete who has played for the sevens and U20s; what's to question?

Hasn't played for 20s. Didn't make that squad.

[Snipe Watson]

He may be a bit of a long term project. He seems to have the physical attributes so there's nothing to lose by taking a punt on him.