Emerging School Programme Mid Season Review

The Emerging School Programme continues to be a success throughout the province with a number of new schools participating this season. The Emerging Schools Programme provides an opportunity for students to be exposed to the sport of rugby through their school. The aim of the programme is two-fold; to increase participation in age-grade rugby and also to support the clubs by encouraging new players to play rugby there also. It has also contributed to the development of players who are on the Munster Rugby and Irish Rugby pathway. Current Munster Rugby senior players Josh and Fineen Wycherley played Emerging Schools rugby with Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí. This is also the case for Michael O'Donovan who is in Level 2 of the National Talent Squad (NTS). Ihechi Oji, who recently lined out for Ireland U20s in a friendly against Italy, took part in the programme through Douglas Community School while David and Kamil Novak participated in the programme with St Colman's College in Midleton. Oji is Level 1 NTS while the Novaks are both Level 2 NTS. Numerous players, both boys and girls, have also gone on to represent Munster and Ireland at age-grade level who started their rugby careers in the Emerging Schools programme. Throughout the season, blitzes are held for 1st year students, in addition to players at U15 and U17 level. X7s and 11-a-side blitzes are also held. From October through to December of this year, the Rugby Development Department have held 40 Emerging School Blitzes for boys and girls in all areas of the province. Below is a list of schools which have taken part in blitzes so far this season.

Participating Emerging Schools 2022/23

Gaelscoil Luimnigh Salesian College. Pallaskenry Kilfinane Villiers Thomond Community College. St. Annes Newport College CBS Nenagh St. Marys, Newport Croom CS St John the Baptist Kilmallock - Colaiste Iosef CBS The Green Tralee Colaiste Phadraig Naofa Intermediate School Killorglin Pobalscoil Dingle Castleisland CC Newtown College CBS Carrig on Suir CBS Tramore De la Salle Clonmel High School Abbey CBS Cashel CC Dungarvan Friary Waterpark College Colaiste Mhuire Thurles St. Ailbes Midleton CBS MidletonCollege Carrigtwohill CS Crossahaven Ballincollig CS St Brogans Clonakilty College Bantry Mitchelstown CBS Patrician Acad Charleville CBS St Colman Fermoy Davis College Beara CS Youghal Carrigaline CS Colaiste Choilm Kinsale CS For more information on the Emerging Schools Programme and how your school can participate, please contact Participation Programme Co-Ordinator Ray Gadsden raygadsden@munsterrugby.ie