MANY PROFESSIONAL RUGBY players have had to adapt to small home gyms during the the lockdown, but Munster man Shane Daly is blessed with his new set-up.
There’s a pitch for running sessions within 2km of his family home in Cork and Daly has also organised a makeshift gym for himself in the spacious surrounds of a nearby church belonging to Griffith College.
Daly’s uncle works for the college and with the church lying unused, he arranged for the Munster flyer to borrow the space, which he has partly filled with a barbell, various plates, a bike, and other bits of training equipment.
It’s a serene setting but it allows 23-year-old Daly to keep working hard in his day job, while he’s also been busy learning guitar and upholding his status as one of Munster’s leading TikTokers along with Calvin Nash – although this all started before the lockdown.
“We would have been on about it around training but hadn’t posted any videos,” explains Daly. “So Stephen Larkham asked me and Calvin to learn these three dances and we didn’t really know what was going on.
“We came into the training centre the next day and we had to do the dances in front of everyone. The next thing, Stephen Larkham’s two daughters walk in and they did a dance-off against us in front of the whole squad.
“We obviously got abused by everyone. But we said we’d keep going.”
Daly is convinced that older members of Munster’s squad are lurking behind faceless profiles on TikTok as they “somehow see everything but claim not to be on there.”
Like the rest of his team-mates, Daly understands that there are more important things at play in the world right now but he could be forgiven for feeling a hint of frustration at rugby being put on hold, pausing his own rise.
Having had a “mad few years” combining Munster academy training with playing for Ireland 7s and Cork Con, as well as finishing his degree in Finance, this season was the first time Daly had a chance to settle, moving to Limerick full-time and making an impact on the pitch as he moved onto a senior contract.
Daly started 10 times for Munster at fullback and on the wing in the Pro14, as well as getting his Champions Cup debut off the bench away to Racing 92 in Paris. Scoring four tries along the way, the Cork man has underlined his game-changing ability.
Though he was delayed in returning to pre-season last summer due to Ireland 7s involvement, Daly hit the ground running at the start of the campaign with two man-of-the-match awards for Johann van Graan’s side.
“I always knew that once I got onto the pitch, I could show what I can do,” says Daly. “It’s sometimes difficult to put yourself ahead of people in training but if you get games, you can show what you can do differently.”
He would likely have enjoyed a first European start when Munster played the Ospreys at Thomond Park in January, with Keith Earls having picked up an injury in training, only for Daly to get hurt in the same session.
“I got passed the ball and in freak accident really, broke my thumb,” says Daly, who also had a quad injury in February. But on the whole, “I couldn’t complain about the opportunities I got this season.”
While it remains unclear what Daly’s best position is – “I’m not fully sure myself,” he says – Munster evidently see him as a back three player, even if his history as a centre could come in handy at some point.
Interestingly, Daly didn’t fully commit himself to rugby until his last two years of secondary school in Presentation Brothers College, Cork.
Soccer was number one in his youth and he was part of a hugely successful College Corinthians team, playing from U8s up until his late teens and being coached by his father, Bill, for much of that time.
Daly also played Gaelic football with Bishopstown GAA, meaning his skillful touches with the boot for Munster are no accident.
“Rugby was definitely my third-choice back then, I barely even played,” recalls Daly. “I’d say I had 10 training sessions max with Highfield before I went to secondary school. It was all about soccer for me.”
That said, the family were huge Munster fans, regularly heading to Musgrave Park and on the province’s big European away trips. Pres is well known for its rugby too and Daly’s head was slowly turned. He missed out on the Junior Cup with injury but played in the Bowen Shield in fourth year. Watching his older brother, James – who now plays for Highfield – in action in the Senior Cup further piqued his interest.
“Just how intense it was, the training behind it, I thought it was unreal and that made me want to commit to it. Obviously, at the age of 16, opportunities with soccer are pretty much done. I was looking at rugby and knowing I had some talent even though I had so much to learn.”
Rugby took over as Daly’s talent became clear and he cites Pres and Cork Con coach Paul Barr as a major influence on his development.
Daly was soon in the Munster pipeline, playing U19s and U20s, then joining the province’s sub-academy after school while also linking up with Con. Helping the Cork club to two AIL trophies since has been an important part of Daly’s growth as a player.
He was a standout player for the Ireland U20s in 2016, excelling at outside centre as Nigel Carolan’s men beat New Zealand and went all the way to the final of that year’s World Rugby U20 Championship.
Along with his U20 team-mates Jimmy O’Brien, Will Connors, Hugo Keenan – all of whom are now excelling for Leinster – Daly was then identified for the Ireland 7s set-up.
He was an integral player throughout 2017/2018 and on into 2018/19, featuring at the World Cup Sevens and playing in World Series tournaments as Ireland rose through the ranks.
“For lots of the lads, their goal is to play on the World Series and that’s unreal. It’s such a great thing to do, travelling the world with your friends and playing rugby.
“For me, it was always about playing for Munster and it was almost a tool for my development as opposed to a career in sevens.
“It’s the focus on the core skills that’s the massive difference. It’s an unbelievable opportunity to develop your skills when you’re not getting the opportunity with your club in 15s.
“Every session, I’d say you’re doing 10 times as many passes, tackles, rucks, you’re just so involved all the time. It gives you massive exposure.”
That period with the Dublin-based 7s was challenging for Daly in many ways. He had joined Munster’s sub-academy when the province was still split between Cork and Limerick, starting his degree in Finance in UCC at the same time.
He couldn’t transfer his degree to UL when Munster decided on one centralised training base in Limerick and he advanced into the full academy, meaning he had to hop between the capital city, the ‘real capital,’ and Limerick.
Daly even managed to complete a six-month placement as a corporate tax consultant with EY in Dublin during that period.
“I was staying in hotels up in Dublin. I was never really back in Cork because the training was in Limerick and Dublin, so I was getting to maybe one day of lectures a week.
“That was incredibly stressful and took a lot of time management. I was constantly up the walls really, so this is the first season I’ve had the one thing to focus on.”
Daly – who made his debut against the Cheetahs in 2018 – is a player Munster fans are excited about and head coach van Graan is similarly enthusiastic about Daly’s talent, having previously said that the Cork Con man has the potential to play for Ireland.
“Johann has been huge for me,” says Daly, explaining how the Munster boss’ eye for detail encouraged him as he came in and out of senior training due to his 7s commitments.
“I could do one or two small things well in a session and Johann would talk to me afterwards and say, ‘I saw what you did there.’
“He was recognising talent in me even if I didn’t feel I was putting my hand up all that much. That motivated me, that gave me confidence.”
The addition of the “next level” Larkham as senior coach this season has been welcome, while Daly praises Munster’s back three elders, Keith Earls and Andrew Conway, for their mentoring influence, although he jokes that their presence is “a blessing and a curse!”
Daly is unsure when he’ll be back training and playing with Munster but he’s determined to continue his upward trajectory whenever rugby returns.
“It’s all about trying to break into that starting team. I want to be in the team even when the international lads are back. You’ve got to earn anything above that.
“International rugby is every player’s goal and it’s something I want to do down the line, but I’m just focused on breaking into the Munster team and trying to win trophies.”
Zebo is class.
King Zeebs
I remember seeing him early on in his career and thinking here was a player that Munster don’t normally produce. He was all skill on the pitch and he was brave enough to take on players and back himself. Since then he has gone through something similar as Earls. He has had to beef up and learn how to defend. Doing this without losing what made you special in the first place can be difficult but, if achieved, you can become a fantastic player. I dont know if he is there yet but he is on his way.
He’s well able to defend and no need for the beefing…
The best back three player Ireland have. He’s still got it when it comes to unexpected moments of skill (that don’t just look nice, but often lead to tries), but he’s improved so much when it comes to defence, he’s already made several try saving tackles, that he looks such a complete player now. He’s really growing into the fullback jersey, while he does all the things that one expects of a fullback, he’s putting his own spin on things there, often coming flat and becoming a key playmaker in attack. Has a cannon of a left boot, and gets a serious fizz on his passes. Zebo has come in for a ridiculous amount of stick over the years, probably one of the most unfairly criticised players in recent years imo, but he’s risen above it all and made himself into a serious player.
@Thomas Moroney: *He’s already made several try saving tackles this season.
Thomas, there are no negative comments on this article about Zebo and there haven’t been for along time. It’s a pity the same thing can’t be said about another player (J.Heaslip) that’s unfairly targeted in every article he’s mentioned in.
Oh come on Gary, plenty of anti cj posts too.. Let’s not start a provincial back and forth about who’s best players are not rated by the other side
@Gary: Just because he hasn’t gotten as much in recent times doesn’t mean that the sheer volume of vitriol directed at him never happened. I’m not denying that Heaslip has come in for a lot of (unfair imo) stick over the past while, but Zebo has gotten it pretty thick. It’s not even a wholly provincial thing, he seemed to rub some of the Munster fans the wrong way too.
@Thomas Moroney: I think the Zebo we see now is far better rounded player. There were times perhaps two years ago when his positioning and tackling were weaknesses in his game. However, he has vastly improved in both these aspects of his game. He was arguably the winning of the game for us against Australia in the Autumn off the back of his defence.
@PScald: any anti CJ posts are trolls, he is well liked by real rugby fans in Leinster. Heaslip is unfairly targeted by people who think they’re making a good point.
PScald, the only negativity CJ gets is form Airliss Loveliss (or something like that) and we all know he secretly fancies CJ.
Thomas, the difference is a while back when Zebo didn’t have the defence he has now, he was getting a fair bit of negativity just like the way Kearney is now. Zebo is now on fire and the negativity has stopped. Kearney is way off form and most Leinster fans including myself have said Kearney shouldn’t be at 15. Heaslip has never left the side down and has been constantly good but he still gets vitriolic comments posted. (It’s not provincial bs it’s just an observation.)
@Gary: Gary, I don’t think you understand, I’m not having a go at Kearney or Heaslip. Zebo may not have been in the form he was now forever and always, but he has been a serious player for a long time now, and it’s only now I feel that people are beginning to recognise it. I genuinely read someone only a few months ago claim that the only good thing that he’d done in his career was the heel flick against Wales. A lot of the stuff that gets used against players is nonsense, both Heaslip and Zebo get criticised for things like mannerisms and how they dress (admittedly I don’t like watching Heaslip’s interviews, but I don’t let it undermine my view of him as a hugely dependable servant on the field for Ireland). Kearney is in my view, out of form for quite a while, and it’s pointless pretending that his form is what gets him starts for Ireland at this stage. I don’t hate the guy, he’s contributed so much to Irish rugby and was on of the best fullbacks in the world once, I just think he needs a break from the Irish jersey and a chance to sort himself out at Leinster, it’s for his own good. The criticism that certain players get is, I feel, utterly unfair. Kearney and Heaslip have gotten their fair share in recent times, but while Zebo is getting praise now I feel that he’s gotten a huge amount of unmerited hatred, and the recent change of opinions doesn’t make that go away. I’m not saying that what others like Heaslip and Kearney get is okay, I’m merely stating that Zebo hasn’t been treated fairly until now.
The Kearney one is really interesting. He had a bad season last season, but after the way he played in Chicago and then on his return for Leinster before going off injured, it’s very difficult to question the guy’s form. People seem to have just written him off and cite form so it doesn’t sound personal.
I certainly haven’t written Kearney off. If he were to continue to improve and come any where near his best, I’d be as eager to have him starting for Ireland as anyone else. But I don’t feel he’s there yet, I still feel that the alternatives to him at full back (Payne, Zebo, TOH) all have form sheets that stack up better than his. He still has plenty of time to change that, hopefully we will see continued improvement. I have nothing personal against him, nor do I for any player who has represented Ireland.
@Conor Paddington: Kearney may have done a lot well in Chicago but was still at fault for two tries. The fact remains regardless of form that he’s a poor one on one tackler and an ineffective counter attacker. He is certainly improving on his performances last season and remains a decent player who can operate at international level but it certainly doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t desire to move him on for a more well rounded option at fullback.
On Heaslip I would have been critical in the past. But over the last 2 years he is one of the most consistent work horses for Ireland. His tackle count, ruck clear outs, first up carries will be missed when he retires. As a Munster fan, I used to shudder at the thought of Zebo at fullback. Poor positioning and not the strongest tackler. He has worked hard at that and I would argue he is one of the most improved players. Long may his form continue;:)
Well Martin, there’s a few things other than form that often get players selected for tests. Schmidt may favor him due to how dependable he was in the past, or he may feel that his attributes fit into the game plan better than the others. I’m not sure as to the veracity of the latter possibility, but if it works, I won’t complain. I still feel that the alternatives offer more though.
Kearney is fine if you want to play a containing game. Solid under the high ball, sound boot, nothing too elaborate in attack. Simple yet effective. Zebo is also excellent under the high ball, a cannon of a left boot, but is a far superior open field runner, far more prolific try scorer, far better distributor. Yes his game is far more risk/reward than Kearney, but in my opinion a flashy player in a team that doesn’t give up too much anyway is a welcome threat. It boils down to the type of game you want to play.
That jump though.
It’s called “flashy”.
A more approriate word is called ‘brilliance’.
I can never understand why any article about Zeno attracts more trolls and negativity than any other
He is proving to be a valuable player with a little more spark than the auld reliables
That is what Ireland have been lacking the last year or two. The fact that he is growing aware of when to use his “flashiness” and when to stick to the protocols is encouraging and bodes well for the player.
I think a lot of people here form opinions and then are loath to change them.
It’s a good job our coaches give people a second chance…
Flashy is good. Entertainment in sport is good.
Absolutely fair point. The kearneys get dog abuse too. Really can’t understand it
Kearney’s form or lack of came down to him changing his style of rugby from having the ability to counter attack and kick long and accurate to run into the first player who wanted to tackle him. This was a moc tactic to allow Kearney’s team mates to know where the first tuck was going to be.
He was never a good last man defender never ever.
He has attributes that made him a top class international full back a few years ago and if he goes back to that style of rugby ( as he is showing signs off) then he has lots to offer both Ireland and Leinster.
He is not just a favourite of joes. He’s a favourite of every coach he’s ever played for maybe apart from gatland.
It bugs me that when ever any player gets praise on here ( Zebo’s well deserved turn today ) that we have to abuse another player to make a point.
Because Zebo is a fantastic back 3 player that doesn’t mean someone else playing for a different team is crap.
Pro 12 is like 3rd division football?
That comment is Sunday league so
@Adrianholland: What’s 3rd division football?
What’s this football thing of which you speak?
There is no doubting the class that Zebo possesses but in years gone by he was also a liability with his poor defence.
Has kept his off the cuff attack and improved his tackling beyond all recognition.
Now a first 15 player having progressed from a decent squad player.
As for Heathslip I really don’t care what attitude he has off the pitch or how he is arrogant or whatever I only concern myself with how he performs and on that point he is still more than worth his place
Gary and Conor, fair point regards cj..
However this garbage about zebo defence and tackling is just that.. he has always been a solid defender. The issue was his rucking and the coaches preference for Kearney. Let’s not kid ourselves here. No one selects zebo for his defence. It’s what he offers going forward with ball in hand. I think it more than a little disingenuous to suggest “now that he sorted the flaw we saw in his game he’s great”
Kearney still can’t tackle his way out of a paper bag and still gets selected ahead of him as recently as last month with no form to speak of..
Happy Christmas to you all by the way… Hope it’s a lovely time for you and your family’s.
Martin, first merry Christmas.. secondly lets remember he only started the November internationals because of injury to Kearney. Now all of a sudden on the back of a game and a bit he is the “full package”?
Get up the garden…. what he did was prove again his ability. He’s been an try scoring international since 2013 on the wing and at full back.
Joe isn’t the messiah, he a bloody good rugby coach who’s made mistakes and will continue to make mistakes as he’s only human.. ending your points with “well JS is the coach and that’s that” doesn’t validate your opinion. Quite the opposite in fact..
Oh and to answer your question, why did joe tell Kearney he needed a big one today before the all blacks match? Because he knew he had no form and was picking him because of loyalty.. it happens all the time with coaches. They have their favourites. He picked him because of his body of work.
Good man Martin, tis great to have the young ones around even if it means a silly o clock start to the day.. All the best bud