MUNSTER today announced that seven new recruits have been added to the Greencore Munster Rugby Academy for the 2016/17 season with Ireland U20 stars Vincent O’Brien, Sean O’Connor and Shane Daly included in the new intake.
As previously confirmed this season five of the current Academy group are advancing to senior Munster development contracts for 2016/17 – David Johnston, John Madigan, Sean McCarthy, Rory Scannell and Alex Wootton – while Gearoid Lyons and Jack Cullen have secured professional contracts with Nottingham Rugby and London Scottish respectively.
Fellow third year players Rory Burke and Greg O’Shea have had their time in the Academy extended by one year after a series of injuries hampered their development.
Shannon’s Niall Horan and Cork Con’s Ryan Foley, Darragh Moloney and Tomás Quinlan have completed their time with the programme.
As with previous seasons, should there be any further additions to the Academy, these will be announced in due course.
Year 3: Rory Burke (Prop/Cork Con), Greg O’Shea (Winger/Shannon), Stephen Fitzgerald (Fullback/Shannon), Dan Goggin (Centre/Young Munster), Brian Scott (Prop/Dolphin).
Year 2: Ned Hodson (Centre/Cork Con), Bill Johnston (Outhalf/Garryowen), Ben Kilkenny (Backrow/Young Munster), Ollie Lyons (Backrow/Shannon), Steven McMahon (Winger/Garryowen), Liam O’Connor (Prop/Cork Con), Conor Oliver (Backrow/Garryowen), JP Phelan (Prop/Garryowen).
Year 1: Gavin Coombes (Backrow/Bandon Grammar), Shane Daly (Centre/Cork Con), John Foley (Backrow/Shannon RFC), Calvin Nash (Centre/Crescent College Comprehensive), Vincent O’Brien (Hooker/Cork Con), Sean O’Connor (Lock/Cashel), Fineen Wycherley (Lock/Roscrea CC).
