Greencore Munster Academy Update

We catch up with Munster Elite Player Development Officer Greig Oliver on some of the happenings of the Greencore Munster Academy over the last month.

Nutrition Talk with Dr. Catherine Norton, Munster Rugby Performance Nutritionist….

“Catherine addressed the day to day lifestyle of the players and the importance of fuelling the body correctly. She made them aware of best practices when it comes to diet and in particular fluid intake across the week in preparation for training and matches.

“She also looked at post-match nutrition. We find that some players don’t like to eat after games, however it’s of extreme importance to replenish the fluids lost over a game. Proper food intake after training and matches also benefits the recovery process.

“The talk was very useful for the lads and it sets them on the right road from the outset of their rugby careers.”

The senior debut of Year Three Academy player Jack O’Donoghue against Zebre in the PRO12…

“It was fantastic for Jack. He was one of the players we identified from an early age at Waterpark and he’s continued to develop through UL Bohemian, the Academy and the various age levels for Munster and Ireland. It’s steady progression for the man who also captained Ireland U20 at last season’s Junior World Championship in New Zealand.

“Senior experience is something we actively encourage. You learn from those around you and Jack has picked up some great habits from the first team lads. That experience also encourages the likes of Jack to become a leader both on the pitch and in training with Bohs and the Academy.”

Looking ahead to the British & Irish Cup for Munster A…

“We’ve got a link there as I will be Assistant Coach under Mick O’Driscoll. A good number of the Academy players will feature in the A set-up. Obviously they will also be involved with their clubs across the season and that is invaluable – the lessons they learn in the AIL are massive.

“The A team represents another step up. We’re set to play some hard English opposition this year in Moseley, Worcester and Nottingham and you learn a lot on the road, especially when you visit some daunting and intimidating venues.

“It’s also good that there’s a mix of players from the senior team too. They set the standard and our Academy lads have to match it to win selection. Shane Buckley is a great example of an Academy player who impressed at A level last season and we were delighted to see him progress to the senior squad for 2014/15.

"Dan Goggin, David Johnston and Alex Wootton are just some of the lads who got A experience last season and they’ll hopefully they’ll add to that this season and shine on the B&I Cup stage."

Munster A face Leinster A as part of the interprovincial series on Saturday October 4^th in Donnybrook. KO: 1pm.

For a full list of Munster A’s B&I Cup fixtures please click here.