The Academy players were on hand to assist in the Irish squad training session, acting as opposition during the different drills and defensive work.  For all the Academy members it was an enjoyable session as they got to run out against the in-form Irish side. 

The experience was of great benefit to the up and coming players of Munster Rugby and a very worthwhile exercise as they got to see firsthand the training and commitment that is required at senior representative level.

Running out against Brian O'Driscoll, Ronan O'Gara, Luke Fitzgerald and Tommy Bowe the backs in particular enjoyed a high paced intensive session led by Irish Backs coach Alan Gaffney and Defensive Coach Les Kiss.

Munster Rugby Academy Manager Ian Sherwin who was extremely thankful to the Irish management and squad for such an opportunity was very pleased with the way the Academy players performed.  More so with the fact that they recognised the necessity to replicate such intensity and pace in their own training sessions in order to progress to a higher level.  I hope to see it come into fruition now."

Its a busy time of year for the Academy staff and players as they are currently undergoing a booster period (increased training sessions at a higher intensity). 

All the Academy's hard work and commitment seems to be paying dividends at the moment with players involved in the Irish U20's side , two players returning from the senior session in Lanzarote and others contending for a place in the Munster A squad to take on Leinster A next week in Waterpark RFC. 

Check out some of the training pictures below:

The Munster Academy players warm-up for their session with the Irish squad

Providing the defence during training drills

The Academy come up against the Irish young guns Tomás O'Leary and Luke Fitzgerald

Game on....

The Academy players don't hold back

The forwards get stuck in

Academy Coaching Staff on hand at the session, l-r Feargal O'Callaghan, Ray Egan, Paudie Roche, Ian Sherwin and Ken O'Connell