FORMER SCHOOLS RUGBY sensation Diarmuid McCarthy has been training with Munster during the Six Nations period.
The former Castletroy College star has been called up to train alongside Anthony Foley’s senior squad with numbers down due to international commitments. At least four other club players have also been training with Munster, as is normal at this time of the season.
McCarthy is a particularly interesting case, having largely been off the radar since excelling in the 2008 Munster Schools Senior Cup.
The centre scored two excellent tries in Castletroy’s semi-final win over PBC that year, before delivering a stunning 40-metre solo try in a man-of-the-match performance during the 21-15 victory over CBC in the final.
McCarthy played for the Ireland U18s at a Six Nations Festival in Cork in 2008, and appeared to be destined for the professional game thanks to his remarkable footwork, pace, appreciation for space and power in contact.
However, the Limerick man opted to take a break from playing rugby rather than accept Munster’s offer to enter their academy system after school, before returning with club side Garryowen in 2009.
McCarthy’s involvement in the game has been intermittent ever since, but he joined Young Munster this season and has been impressing in midfield for their seconds team, as well as joining up with the Cookies senior squad.
Munster’s interest in the exceptional raw talent of the centre, who has also played on the wing, has never truly faded and his return to playing has piqued their interest again.
Foley’s coaching staff have invited McCarthy into the set-up during the Six Nations, although there is no certainty that any contractual interest will arise from the training stint.
Bringing club and academy players into the senior squad during the spring months is common across the provinces, but the sheer talent and underage playing history of McCarthy means he remains an intriguing prospect.
Out with the old, in with the new. Great chance for Conor. Pretty much guarantees him the Munster no 9 shirt too.
O gara shud be out half for his territorial kicking alone
Where’s Leo??
Savin’ him for the Aussies
Eh…Leo? You can’t seriously be insinuating that he should start ahead of the mighty duo from Munster?
well at the very least he’s head and shoulders above Ryan on the bench!
Ryan can play both lock and blindside flank, where as Leo is exclusively a lock. Not to prejudice Leo, his record peaks for itself, but Ryan is a rising talent and the utility element is hard to ignore for any coach.
I don’t know what a blindside flank is! I’ve just leapt onto the rugby bandwagon! Come on you boys in green come on you boys in green come on you boys come on you boys in green! What’s a scrum half?
Ryan can cover both back row and lock, that’s why he’s there.
dont worry about the yanks………italy will be after our scalp big time, they owe us one from the six nations!!!
I would expect that once the Italy game comes around both teams will be probably Won 2 lost 1 with progression hanging on the outcome of it. don’t expect it to be pretty!
I’ve heard several pundits/experts say that Ferris should play in 2nd row with O Connell against Aussies, with Jennings,Heaslip & O Brien in the back row. Think it would be a good move which would add extra dynamism to the pack.
This looks very much like the team with one or two possible exceptions (Healy for Court) and maybe some tinkering with the backrow that is going to be used for the 1st two games at least.