Irish Provinces - Ins & Outs

[Big-al]

Leinster have confirmed their squad - Berne has been confirmed as well as Richard Strauss a hooker. They've also confirmed their Academy squad, with both of the Ruddock boys arriving (I thought only one was coming)..

By my count Munster & Leinster have 6 NIQs each (if you assume that Morland and JDV will 'cross over' in effect), and we have 4 (exc Diack). what was the last steer from the IRFU on this??

think its 6 or 7

[Ardglass2]

Its 6 but there was talk of 5 - maybe that doesn't kick in till next year

[darkside lightside]

Horua is up there now... full first team squad of 33, one less than Leinster, 5 less than Munster.

[Rooster]

Horua is up there now... full first team squad of 33, one less than Leinster, 5 less than Munster.

And an IRFU guidline of 32

[McPepper]

well i suppose if we bring in a new hooker and if McComb gets a contract then maybe our squad will increase in size

[darkside lightside]

I think actually that with Horua signed we look just about ok for squad cover, I still think a few of our Academy lads may get a run-out if there are injuries - but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

[mikerob]

Horua is up there now... full first team squad of 33, one less than Leinster, 5 less than Munster.

I also took a look at the academy squad sizes for 09/10. Munster has 13 players listed and Leinster has 20 players.

I don't think Ulster academy is finalised but it is currently showing 16 players including Faloon and Whitten who are actually in the senior squad.

[cjp]

The academy is finalised after the Under 20 inter pros although certain players like Niall Annett are already in. I would expect McAllister, Macklin and Sandford to train with the squad all year, Whitten and Falloon had to do it for near 18 months before they got their professional deals this year.

[bogboy]

I doubt if any Academy player would get a team place without spending a substancial period training with the squad

The size of the Munster squad I think could be a reflection of the the ageing nature of the first XV ie many could be but a season away from retirement and could be subject to frequent sidelining in the ML or before or after Internationals

And some may be just be seeing out their contracts before retirement but their experience adds to the effectness of the squad and the bench

[Munsterboy]

I guess if a team has more internationals they:
a) need more cover
b) have a bit more cash to pay said cover cos the IRFU picks up the tab for the internationals (I think)

Anyway, it is a big squad we have this year alright. Hard to see a lot of the lads getting games.