The Exiles are always looking for ways in which to expand and benefit their recruiting exercise. Two such events have been held this month.
Firstly, an Under-17/Under-18 North (including Scotland) v South (including Wales) match was held at Nottingham recently.
The host was Exiles coach and local resident Henry Diamond. His fellow organisers were the Exiles Branch development manager Mark Blair and head doach Peter Halsall.
Among the several coaches in action were former Ireland international full-back Simon Mason and the former Ireland Sevens coach Jon Skurr.
59 players attended and the match was run on 4×30 minute lines. Also in attendance were Ireland Under-18 Clubs coaches Greg Lynch and Jimmy Duffy who spotted at least two outstanding additional players for their squad.
Secondly, an Under-15 to Under-17 Development Day was held at the London Irish club on Wednesday of this week. It was organised by the London Irish coaching co-ordinator John Flynn and the Exiles Branch treasurer John Gilligan, wearing his practical rugby hat!
It being a six-hour day, with over 60 players involved, a number of coaches, including Peter Halsall again, were used to assess and develop the players. The day climaxed with 4×20 minute games on the first team pitch under floodlights.
The above ventures illustrate the fact that the Exiles Branch are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to uncover the next generation of exiled Irish-qualified talent to contribute to the national cause.
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