The team bonding exercise was a test of physical and mental endurance for the thirty three players and academy staff, as guides from the UL Outdoor Pursuits Club led the academy group over eight peaks, ranging from 650 to 1038 metres, starting out with the highest Carrauntuohill.

The day ended with a 5k walk across the moors as the group reached their finishing point “Kate Kearney’s Cottage” in the Gap of Dunloe, before retiring to Killarney for the night.

Academy manager Ian Sherwin commenting after the hike, “This was great for all involved, as the lads had to dig deep and work together in getting through the day. Overall it was a fantastic team building experience and it will no doubt stand to us for the season ahead.”

                                         Munster academy player Kieran Essex

Munster Rugby Academy Strength and Conditioning Coaches Feargal O'Callaghan and Paudie Roche, and Elite Development Officer Ray Egan