With the exclusion of the Ireland U20s representatives who are in action in the Junior World Cup in Argentina, 25 academy and sub academy players were in attendance today in the University of Limerick.

Today is the first day of a comprehensive two week preparation programme, after which the academy players will link up with the senior squad's pre-season training, commencing on June 28th.

The next two weeks will see all the players based in Limerick for week one and Cork for week two. Areas covered will include fitness testing; skill development; fitness, speed and strength development; team meetings; tutorials to include psychology, lifestyle management, video analysis and laws of the game.

Week two will culminate in a team bonding session with an overnight camp and hike up Carrauntuohil in Co. Kerry.

The two week programme is being facilitated by the Academy Strength and Conditioning coaches Feargal O’Callaghan and Paudie Roche, Elite Development Officers Ray Egan and Ken O’Connell, and aided by academy physios Damien Mordan and Colm Coakley.

Munster Rugby Academy Players 2010/11:
Year 3: Kieran Essex, Conor Murray, Eoghan Grace, Paul Rowley

Year 2: Pa O’Regan, Mike Sherry, Brian O’Hara, Dave O’Callaghan

Year 1: Cathal Sheridan, Gareth Quinn McDonagh, Simon Zebo, Ronan O’Mahony, Luke O’Dea, JJ Hanrahan, Corey Hircock, David Kilcoyne, Alan Cotter, Sean Henry, Brian Hayes

Linked article:  Munster Rugby Academy Taking Shape