The Munster under-20s made a disappointing start to the campaign when suffering a 15-19 defeat to Connacht at the Sportsground on Saturday last. Although they went into a 15-7 lead early in the second half of the game and Connacht had a player yellow-carded soon after, Munster’s still ended up on the wrong end of the final scoreline.
Munster had tries from Michael Kelleher and Luke O’Dea, while Cormac O’Flynn kicked a penalty goal and a conversion.
Former Munster and Ireland star Anthony Foley is head coach with the Munster under-20s while Ian Costello is assistant/backs coach.
Munster will complete their programme of games in the under-20 inter-provincial series against Ulster in Ravenhill on September 25.
Meanwhile, the Munster under-19 combined squad completed their build up to the inter-provincial series with a final warm-up match against a UCC selection in the Mardyke on Friday night - UCC prevailed 27-24 in a closely fought contest. Munster’s scores came from a Ben Sargent try, four penalty goals and a conversion, while Kevin O’Byrne also crossed for a try.
Greig Oliver is head coach to the side, with assistant coaches Steve Ford and Ray Egan. Graham Burns is team manager. The under-19 side will face Ulster in their second inter-provincial fixture on Friday week, September 25.
Under-20s Squad: Ger Burke, Garth Quinn McDonagh, Duncan Casey, Brian Cagney, Brendan Cullinane, JP Cooney, Brian Hayes, Edward Kelly, Sean Duggan, Dave O’Callaghan, John Quill, Brian O’Hara, Patrick Butler, Dan Heffernan, David O’Driscoll, Brian Slater, Michael Kelliher, Cormac O’Flynn, Kevin Kidney, Joe Holland, Simon Zebo, Craig O’Hanlon, Gavin Nugent, Lukas Kunz, Darren Moroney, Luke O’Dea.
Combined under-19 squad: Derry O’Connor (Abbeyfeale), Jurgen Quinlivan (Ennis), Cian O’Shea, (Garryowen), Ben Sargant (Shannon), Stephen Collins (Ennis), Robin Healy (Garryowen), Adrian Doyle (Newcastle West), Cian Bohane (Dolphin), Jonathon Holland (Sunday’s Well), Andrew Kelleher (Cashel), Sean Upton (Young Munster), Ivan Sherlock, (Garryowen), Conail Murphy, (UCC), Dara Arthurs (Young Munster), Gearoid Crowe (Ennis), Brian Costigan (Clanwilliam), Kevin O’Byrne (Highfield), Michael Madden, (Shannon), Gavin Herbert (Old Crescent), Colm Considine (Ennis), Scott Hornibrooke (Waterpark), John Cleary (Bruff), Jack Flannery (ULBohemian), Jake Considine (Young Munster), Mark Corby (Clonmel), Aaron O’Brien (Shannon), Ian Mullarkey (Dolphin), Kieran Ryan, (Sundays Well), Kevin Doyle (Old Crescent).
Meanwhile Munster have confirmed that Jean de Villiers will join up with the Magners League champions this Thursday.
Following South Africa’s successful Tri-Nations campaign and having recently received clearance from Western Province and the South African Rugby Union, South African centre De Villiers is free to take up his Munster contract, subject to the regulatory medical and fitness examinations on his arrival in Ireland.
Munster coach Tony McGahan said: “Jean de Villiers is recognised as one of the top midfield rugby players in world rugby and I’m looking forward to having him in our squad. He brings a wealth of experience and a skill level that will benefit Munster on and off the field.”
Rob Wagner, MD Western Province Rugby (Pty) Ltd said: “We are obviously sad to be losing Jean. As a captain and a player he has contributed significantly both on and off the pitch. Whilst we did everything in our power to retain his services, Jean has made up his mind to join the great Irish Club Munster.
“Western Province Rugby is sorry he is departing, but we thank him for all that he has done for and meant to Western Province and the Stormers and hope to see him back in the future.
“We wish him all of the very best with Munster.”
Colm Kinsella
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